Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
Editor’s note: While there are several types of sleep apnea, we will focus on mattresses to help with obstructive sleep apnea specifically.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that can cause your breathing to start and stop uncontrollably as you sleep. Of course, that sounds quite scary, but many people find obstructive sleep apnea manageable once they’ve settled on a treatment plan to address the stoppage of airflow that occurs due to the repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction.
The best beds for obstructive sleep apnea are supportive and foster easy breathing. They should work in tandem with OSA treatments such as CPAP machines, similar non-invasive positive pressure airway devices, and alternative FDA approved treatments for OSA. The treatment you and your healthcare provider decide on should leave you feeling well-rested rather than foggy. Here, we’ve chosen our top 8 mattresses for obstructive sleep apnea and sorted them based on preferred sleeping position and other needs.
Our Pick for The Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea
The Saatva Solaire earned our top pick for the best mattress for sleep apnea due to its adjustable firmness settings and its adjustable base compatibility.
8 Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea
- Saatva Solaire – Best Adjustable Base Bed for Sleep Apnea
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
- Bear Star Hybrid– Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
- Nolah Original – Best Mattress for Light Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
- WinkBeds Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy People with Sleep Apnea
- Layla Memory Foam – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Couples with Sleep Apnea
Compare the Best Beds for Sleep Apnea
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| Saatva Solaire Mattress | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Original 10″ Mattress | WinkBed Plus Mattress | Layla Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Other | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling |
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| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 15-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights |
| Best For | Couples, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Couples | Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. We look at features that are valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation.
We then take all the information we’ve gathered to rate the bed in specific categories. These results allow us to help those with sleep apnea find a great mattress.
Top 8 Beds for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Reviewed
Saatva Solaire Mattress
Zoned latex foam in the Saatva Solaire allows sleepers up to 50 customizations, making it easy to adjust the firmness so that it fits most sleeping positions.
Save 15% off order of $1k+
Material
Other
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Solaire Mattress
Zoned latex foam in the Saatva Solaire allows sleepers up to 50 customizations, making it easy to adjust the firmness so that it fits most sleeping positions.
Material
Other
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Solaire Mattress
Zoned latex foam in the Saatva Solaire allows sleepers up to 50 customizations, making it easy to adjust the firmness so that it fits most sleeping positions.
Material
Other
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Saatva Solaire Earned Best Adjustable Bed for Sleep Apnea
An adjustable base is a helpful way to alleviate OSA symptoms because it can elevate the head to keep the airways open for easier breathing. But if you plan to use an adjustable base, you’ll need the right mattress to go with it. Saatva’s Solaire model features a unique design, most notably its 6-inch thick air chamber made from vulcanized latex.
The air chamber allows the sleeper to adjust the bed’s firmness through air pressure. Users can alter the pressure in this layer in units between 1 and 50 to reach their preferred firmness. This customized design means the Solaire is a viable mattress for all kinds of sleepers.
What’s the Saatva Solaire Made Of?
The construction of the Saatva Solaire begins with a 3-inch Euro pillow top; it has an organic cotton cover, specialized quilting in the center for lumbar support, and an antimicrobial treatment for a healthy sleep surface.
Underneath is an inch of natural latex, zoned in five unique areas to both lift and cushion the lower back. Then come 2 inches of CertiPUR-US® certified gel memory foam for cool contouring. Built-in moisture barriers also protect from unwanted bacteria growth.
The vulcanized air chambers are 6 inches thick and can be adjusted to 50 different firmness settings for your desired feel. The pressure should be maintained throughout for even distribution and no sinkage. These chambers and the air inflator are contained within a sturdy enclosure that hides the equipment from view.
Our Take: “Here’s the wonderful thing about this bed: Whatever sleeping position or firmness you like, you can adjust the mattress to achieve it … I liked playing around with the remotes to find what works for me.” – Michael, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Couples should love it – The Solaire is a dynamite mattress for couples, especially if you spring for an Upper-Flex or split model. These versions of the bed have a separate air chamber for each side, enabling partners to adjust their respective sides to their liking. Our reviewers also noted that the Solaire isolates motion very well.
- Free white glove delivery – Saatva delivers their mattresses to your door and sets them up—for free! They’ll even take your old mattress away too.
Potential Drawbacks
- Expensive – Saatva is considered a luxury brand and this bed could be called a “smart bed.” Both of these factors drive up the price of this mattress, which will run you about $3,800 for a queen.
- Set up time – The first time you use the Solaire, you’ll have to wait up to 48 hours for it to expand completely. For the next week, you may experience some fluctuations in pressure as the bed learns to maintain certain comfort levels, but these can be easily adjusted with the remote.
Customer Reviews of the Saatva Solaire
On Saatva’s website, the reviews for the Saatva Solaire are overwhelmingly positive, coming in at 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Saatva Solaire mattress for its adjustable firmness settings but may find its price point to be higher than expected.
Interested in more details? Read our full Saatva Solaire mattress review or explore our top picks for the best mattresses for adjustable beds.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
With the Ultra-Cool phase-changing cover and gel-infused foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who also need pressure relief and zoned support.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
With the Ultra-Cool phase-changing cover and gel-infused foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who also need pressure relief and zoned support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
With the Ultra-Cool phase-changing cover and gel-infused foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who also need pressure relief and zoned support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Helix Midnight Luxe Earned Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
If you have OSA, sleeping on your side is considered one of the best positions because it can help with symptoms like snoring. Lying on your side, however, means you’re more susceptible to pressure buildup around your joints. The Midnight Luxe, a luxurious upgrade to Helix’s Midnight model, features plush comfort layers that should ease pressure points so you can rest comfortably in this position.
The Midnight Luxe has a cozy pillow top made with Tencel™ so that you not only get an initial cushion as you lie down, but you’ll also feel some cooling effects from the breathable material. Below the pillow top is a layer of Memory Plush Foam, which is great for side sleepers because it cradles the sleeper’s body so well, melting away pressure in the process.
What’s the Helix Midnight Luxe Made Of?
The Helix Midnight Luxe is 13.5 inches tall and composed of 6 layers. All foams used in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified.
The top of the mattress cushions and cools. Choose between two covers: a breathable Tencel™ cover or a temperature-regulating GlacioTex™ cover (for an extra fee). Underneath the pillow top is a layer of contouring responsive foam, then a layer of copper gel memory foam for pressure relief. The transition layer is up next, a dense memory foam that gives support to the above layers while dampening the feel of the innerspring unit below.
Up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils make up the coil layer, zoned to lift the lower back and hips while relieving pressure buildup in the shoulders. They’re reinforced along the edges for a solid perimeter. All of this sits atop a dense foam base layer.
Our Take: “After trying out several of these beds over the years, I really appreciate the versatility of them. I particularly love how this one, the Midnight, feels when I’m sleeping on my side. The pillow top adds just a bit more cushioning than the standard Midnight does, and the zoned support also seems to help with my overall alignment.” – Emma Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Soft and supportive – The Helix Midnight Luxe’s hybrid construction has a mix of plush foams and springy coils for a medium-firm sleep surface that effortlessly balances cushioning and lift.
- Cooling capability – Emma noted that the Midnight Luxe “won’t heat up in the way that an all-foam bed would.” Coils, gel-infused foam, and a breathable cover all work to keep air flowing through the mattress.
Potential Drawbacks
- Hard to move – This bed has plenty of layers and an innerspring unit that gives it some weight. It doesn’t have handles, either, so moving it by yourself could be difficult.
- Too soft for heavy folks – Sleepers who weigh more than 200 pounds may find the plusher top of the Helix Midnight Luxe too soft to support them. Stomach sleepers, too, may need something firmer to lift their hips.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight Luxe
On Helix’s website, the mattress scores 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress for its customized support but have reported that it may not be the best option for those who prefer an exceptionally soft sleep surface.
Want to read more? See our complete Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review or discover the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Bear Star Hybrid Earned Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
Combination sleepers who struggle with OSA may find it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. Sleep apnea can also cause you to toss and turn, so it’s important to have a comfortable mattress. These folks should appreciate how the Bear Star Hybrid adapts regardless of the way you sleep.
The Bear Star Hybrid is rated 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which should be a middle ground suitable for combination sleepers. This mid-range firmness should also fit a wide variety of sleepers as it supports the body and provides proper spine alignment.
What’s the Bear Star Hybrid Made Of?
The Bear Star Hybrid is 13 inches high and has a total of five layers. Its construction starts with a Celliant® cover, which reportedly helps to rejuvenate tired muscles by transforming excess body heat into infrared energy.
The cover is followed by a cooling, pressure-relieving layer of copper-infused memory foam. Next is a comfort foam for added responsiveness, followed by the coil unit that supports the foam layers and gives the bed some bounce.
Stronger coils line the perimeter of the bed for enhanced edge support. The final layer is a base of a high-density foam.
Our Take: “The responsive comfort foam offers exceptional pressure relief and support, adapting to all sleeping positions.” – Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Feels cool – The Bear Star Hybrid should please plenty of hot sleepers, thanks to its cooling cover, gel-infused foam, and individually wrapped coils allowing for temperature regulation and airflow.
- Enhanced recovery – Celliant® is a unique feature of the Bear Star Hybrid, a fiber designed with athletes or active sleepers in mind. It purportedly works by absorbing body heat and converting it into infrared energy, which then encourages circulation and tissue oxygenation. This may help rejuvenate strained muscles so you wake up feeling refreshed.
Potential Drawbacks
- Firm for some – The Bear Star Hybrid does have cushy foams on top, but it’s still firmer than one might expect. If you’re on the lighter side or prefer to sleep on your side, you might not get the right amount of sink to feel comfortable.
- Lackluster edges – We thought the edges weren’t anything special when it came to supporting weight, something to consider if you sleep or sit near the perimeter of the mattress.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Star Hybrid
Coming in at approximately 4.5 out of 5 stars on Bear’s site, a potential downside customers noted of the Bear Star Hybrid mattress is that some users may find it too firm, but it is praised for its strong support and cooling properties, promoting a comfortable sleep environment.
Want more details? Read our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review or browse our picks for the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
Nolah Original 10″ Mattress
Nolah delivers ultimate pressure-relieving features in this all-foam mattress specifically designed for side sleepers.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original 10″ Mattress
Nolah delivers ultimate pressure-relieving features in this all-foam mattress specifically designed for side sleepers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original 10″ Mattress
Nolah delivers ultimate pressure-relieving features in this all-foam mattress specifically designed for side sleepers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the Nolah Original Earned Best Mattress for Light Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
Lightweight sleepers typically enjoy plush beds so that they don’t feel as though they’re sleeping on a rock. For someone with OSA, finding a mattress that delivers optimal comfort for their body frame should help them get better rest.
The Nolah Original has a medium plush feel, which should be a good match for light sleepers. This all-foam mattress features proprietary Nolah AirFoam™, an exclusive material made to sleep cooler than regular memory foam while still delivering plush comfort.
What’s the Nolah Original Made Of?
The Nolah Original is 10 inches tall but packs a lot into its four layers. First up is a soft and breathable Tencel™ cover.
At the surface, 2 inches of AirFoam™ provide pressure relief in a more cooling and durable construction than traditional memory foam. The bed’s third layer is an inch of latex-like foam that helps ease the sleeper into the dense foam base below. Nolah’s bottom layer is a 7-inch thick high-density polyfoam designed to support the individual’s weight and provide the mattress with structure.
Our Take: “[Nolah’s] foams really take the strain off my hips and my shoulders. I can also feel myself transitioning nicely into the stabilized base layer.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Cool for foam – Nolah’s proprietary cooling foam is ideal if you tend to overheat at night. The cooling capabilities provide a comfortable environment for uninterrupted rest.
- Boasts some bounce – These foams are also fairly responsive. Stuart claimed that “Repositioning should be fairly simple, as your body doesn’t leave an impression in the foams.”
Potential Drawbacks
- Can feel too soft – The Nolah Original is pretty dang soft, which can be a boon for sleepers seeking pressure relief and cradling, but a drawback for those who prefer to sleep on their stomach or weigh over 200 pounds. It may not be supportive enough to prevent these folks from sinking in too far.
- Low profile – This mattress is only 10 inches thick, something to consider if you like a bed with a lot of loft.
Customer Reviews of the Nolah mattress
The Nolah Signature gets a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website. One potential drawback of the Nolah Signature mattress is its limited firmness options, but it excels in providing exceptional pressure relief and a cooling sleep experience.
Want to read more? See our complete Nolah Original mattress review.
WinkBed Plus Mattress
WinkBed’s quality design and support make the Plus an exceptional option for heavier folks.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Plus Mattress
WinkBed’s quality design and support make the Plus an exceptional option for heavier folks.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Plus Mattress
WinkBed’s quality design and support make the Plus an exceptional option for heavier folks.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the WinkBed Plus Earned Best Mattress for Heavy People with Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition among heavier individuals, and mattresses that aren’t built to accommodate their weight may develop sagging spots that can exacerbate the condition. The WinkBed Plus, a reimagining of WinkBeds’ flagship mattress, was designed to meet the specific needs of people who weigh over 300 pounds.
Our tester Sean, who self-describes as a heavyweight sleeper, recommends this bed wholeheartedly: “WinkBed Plus is an excellent choice for heavier sleepers looking for support and pressure relief.” Both of these are important for plus-size sleepers looking to combat OSA symptoms by sleeping on their sides.
What’s the WinkBed Plus Made Of?
The WinkBed Plus stands 13.5 inches tall. The mattress is topped off with a Tencel™ cover that’s moisture-wicking and soft to the touch.
The cushioning Euro pillow top is bolstered by a dense foam layer underneath that resists sagging. Next up is a 2.5-inch latex support layer with seven unique zones for customized responsiveness in different areas.
In the innerspring unit, the individually wrapped coils are also zoned for specialized support and reinforced for a higher weight capacity. The coils around the perimeter of the mattress are also strengthened for better edge support.
Our Take: “The WinkBed Plus uses a hybrid construction that should help heavier sleepers feel well supported while also relieving muscle tension and pressure… Overall, this is an excellent mattress, especially if you’re a heavier sleeper like myself. ” – Sean, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- For all sleep positions – This mattress was designed to deliver a versatile Medium-Firm feel for heavier sleepers. This versatility allows the bed to feel comfortable on your side, back, or stomach, depending on your personal preference. The top layers of gel foam and latex over a zoned support system should help your spine remain well-aligned.
- Durable – The WinkBeds company prides itself on its handcrafted designs and tested durability. In the company’s research, their beds only lost around 1% of loft during a simulation of 1 year of consistent use.
Potential Drawbacks
- Too firm for some – As this bed was specifically designed for heavier people, if you share the bed with someone who’s more petite, they may find the bed too firm for their comfort.
- Pricier – The WinkBed Plus costs more than its predecessor because of its sturdier construction. It’s not the best choice if you’re on a budget.
Customer Reviews of the WinkBed Plus
With a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars the WinkBed Plus is a hit with sleepers seeking a firm and supportive mattress. Customers appreciate the WinkBed Plus mattress for its exceptional support for heavier individuals, but some have mentioned that it may be too firm for those seeking a softer sleep surface.
Interested in learning more? Head over to our WinkBed Plus mattress review or discover our top picks for the best mattresses for heavy people.
Layla Mattress
Soft on one side, firm on the other: this memory bed gives you a choice of feels.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Mattress
Soft on one side, firm on the other: this memory bed gives you a choice of feels.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Mattress
Soft on one side, firm on the other: this memory bed gives you a choice of feels.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Layla Memory Foam Earned Best Memory Foam Mattress for Sleep Apnea
If you have OSA and like the idea of memory foam, but aren’t sure how much cradling you prefer, you might want a dual-sided mattress like the Layla. You can try both sides of the bed to compare how soundly you sleep and determine which firmness level best accommodates your obstructive sleep apnea. The softer side will offer a deeper hug with excellent pressure relief, while the firmer side provides a more buoyant feel. Both sides are designed to keep you well-supported.
The Layla mattress also helps with temperature control by incorporating an infusion of copper, which has excellent heat conduction and antimicrobial properties that may help you breathe (and sleep) easier.
What’s the Layla Memory Foam Made Of?
At just 10.5 inches thick, the Layla fits a lot into its six layers–including cooling covers on the soft and firm sides.
Beneath the cover on the soft side, a plush layer of copper-gel memory foam balances pressure relief and cooling. Then, a layer of Max Airflow foam supports the body with specialized zones and transitions into the motion-isolating core layer of foam.
On the firm side, there’s only one layer of firmer, cooling copper-gel memory foam between the cover and the core of the mattress for a stiffer, more supportive feel.
Our Take: “The Layla is infused with copper, which makes the foam in the mattress even more responsive. So it really feels like the mattress is adapting to your body.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- No motion transfer – Stuart found the motion isolation on this bed to be top-notch. He says that you can “jump up and down, dance a little, feel free to wiggle all you want” without worrying about disturbing any co-sleepers.
- Flippable – If you can’t choose between a soft or a firm mattress, the Layla is a great option. Easily flip between the two based on your preference for the month, week, or night!
Potential Drawbacks
- No edge support – There’s no special reinforcement around the Layla’s edges, so they’re likely to buckle or sag when you sit or lay near them.
- Not for stomach sleepers – Even the firm side of this mattress doesn’t feel bracing enough to support folks who prefer to sleep on their stomachs. They may find their hips sink too far into the foam layers.
Customer Reviews of the Layla
On the Layla site, the Layla has an overall 4.5 out of 5 stars. One potential drawback of the Layla Original mattress is that its flippable design might not be as convenient for customers who prefer a fixed firmness, but it provides versatile comfort options with both soft and firm sides to choose from.
Looking for more info? See our in-depth Layla mattress review or our picks for the best memory foam mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the Plank Firm Earned Best Firm Mattress for Sleep Apnea
Stomach sleeping is often recommended for those with OSA to help open up their airways. Whether you already lie on your stomach or are transitioning to this sleep style, a firmer mattress will be your best bet since most stomach sleepers enjoy harder beds that keep their hips and midsection level.
The Plank Firm has a flippable design with two different firmness levels on each side, one Firm and the other Extra-Firm. This gives you the convenience of seeing which side you like best. The Plank is also an all-foam model, so you can expect good motion isolation from this mattress.
What’s the Plank Firm Made Of?
The Plank is 9.5 inches thick with four total layers in its flippable construction. It has an extra-firm side and a traditional firm side.
The extra-firm side only has a 0.75-inch quilted top with continuous stitching to allow absolutely no loft—a truly firm sleep surface. The traditional firm side has a 0.75-inch quilted top that allows for some loft, as well as 2 inches of firm TitanFlex™ beneath for responsive support.
The core of the mattress between these two sides is a 6-inch durable and dense foam layer.
My Take: In my opinion, the Plank Firm is one of the hardest mattresses available. Plus, you get two different feels to pick from to find your perfect side.
What I Liked
- Supports heavier sleepers – A super-firm feel is great for heavyweight folks, since it should give the right support without allowing too much sink. The Plank should accommodate heavy sleepers in all positions, even stomach sleeping.
- Great for spinal alignment – The American Chiropractic Association endorsed the Plank Firm for its ability to evenly distribute weight and promote healthy spinal alignment.
Potential Drawbacks
- Cooling costs extra – The Plank Firm is an all-foam bed and thus prone to overheating, so hot sleepers will have to pay for temperature regulation. For an extra fee at checkout, you can add a cooling panel top onto both sides of the bed.
- Thin profile – The Plank firm is under 10 inches tall, making it the shortest and thinnest mattress on this list. Without a platform frame, this bed will feel pretty low to the ground.
Customer Reviews of the Plank Firm
On Plank’s website, the Plank Firm gets 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm mattress for its exceptional firmness, but some have found it to be too rigid for their comfort preferences.
Curious about this bed? See our Plank Firm mattress review or browse our picks for the best firm mattresses.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Luxurious hybrid at a great price with a lifetime warranty.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Luxurious hybrid at a great price with a lifetime warranty.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Luxurious hybrid at a great price with a lifetime warranty.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the DreamCloud Earned Best Mattress for Couples with Sleep Apnea
The DreamCloud has a true medium firmness combined with memory foam that should complement anyone seeking pressure relief—especially those who sleep on their sides to reduce OSA symptoms.
When it comes to sharing the bed, DreamCloud is furbished with gel memory foam, poly foams, and individually wrapped coils to help with motion isolation. Good motion isolation is helpful for couples because it reduces the chances of one partner disturbing the other with movements.
What’s the DreamCloud Made Of?
The DreamCloud is a beefy bed at 14 inches thick with seven layers (including a top and bottom cover). All of its foams are also CertiPUR-US® certified.
The cover is made from a breathable and luxurious cashmere blend. Underneath are three layers of foam: a 1.5-inch plush foam for cushioning, a 1-inch gel memory foam for cooling pressure relief, and a 2-inch transitional layer that promotes alignment while mitigating the feel of the springs beneath.
The innerspring unit is 8.5 inches thick and made up of individually wrapped coils. The perimeter is reinforced with thicker coils to bolster the edges of the bed.
All of the bed’s layers sit atop an inch-thick base layer of foam. Finally, the lower cover keeps the bed from sliding around and is equipped with four handles for easy transportation.
My Take: The DreamCloud is one of my all-time favorites, and it definitely fits the bill for couples. This bed excels at absorbing the feeling of motion and responding quickly to movement on the top of the bed.
What I Liked
- Supports a variety of positions – When I tested this bed, I tried out every position—back, side, stomach—and I felt supported in every single one. The DreamCloud is truly a jack-of-all-trades in that regard.
- Responsive lift – Not only is this bed bouncy, it’s got crazy support. You’re going to feel boosted on top of this mattress with no chance of unwanted sinkage.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not for foam fans – The aforementioned lifted feeling is not the same as the swaddling comfort of memory foam. This bed has a hybrid feel overall, so check out an all-foam bed if you want to feel “hugged” by your mattress.
- So-so edge support – Despite having reinforcement along the perimeter of the bed, I didn’t think the DreamCloud’s edges were super supportive when sitting on them. Size up to a king if you’re a couple who likes to use the full surface area of the mattress.
Customer Reviews of the DreamCloud
The DreamCloud Original scores a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars among customers on its site. One potential downside of the DreamCloud Original mattress is its weight, making it challenging to move or rotate, but it offers excellent support and comfort for those who prefer a medium-firm feel.
Want to read more? See our complete DreamCloud mattress review or check out our best mattresses for couples.
What to Look for In A Mattress for Sleep Apnea
If you’re experiencing OSA on a nightly basis, you’re probably wondering if there’s a perfect mattress to ease your symptoms. The good news is that there are many mattress options out there to choose from, each with their own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Type of Mattress
Innerspring Mattresses
You can think of innerspring mattresses as the classic mattress. The bulk of this mattress consists of steel innerspring coils, with a softer comfort layer on top. These mattresses provide a lot of bounce and support and can be a great option for those who weigh more, which is common among people living with OSA.
The downside to innerspring mattresses is that they don’t provide as much pressure relief or motion isolation, which could be drawbacks for those also dealing with achy joints, side sleepers, and couples.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine an innerspring base or core with multiple foam layers, including a memory foam or latex surface. Hybrids are useful because they give you the extra pressure relief and motion isolation that many traditional innerspring mattresses lack. However, they are typically more expensive and keep in mind that not all hybrids can be used on an adjustable base.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattress is popular because of its superior pressure point relief. When you lie down, especially on your side, the weight of your shoulders and hips sink more deeply into the bed than your other body parts. As such, you need a bed that absorbs the weight and provides comfort.
A word of caution about memory foam, though. It should be high-quality to prevent you from sagging into the surface of the bed. If you get a bargain bed at a rock-bottom price, it’ll likely start sagging within a year or two, throwing off your body’s alignment and exacerbating your condition. We also recommend memory foam beds with cooling properties added in since this foam can otherwise overheat.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position can have a big impact on OSA. The three primary sleeping positions are side, back, and stomach sleeping. According to experts, sleeping on your back is the worst posture1 for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring because it can allow your upper airways to collapse more easily during sleep.
Conversely, side or stomach sleeping is better for those with OSA because it helps the upper airways remain more open.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
Weight and body type can play a major role in obstructive sleep apnea. The prevalence of OSA is increasing globally due to the growing occurrence of obesity in society. In overweight and obese people, the fat deposits in the upper respiratory tract making breathing difficult during sleep thus causing OSA. It is important to remember that being overweight or obese is not a necessary feature for OSA, anything that could narrow your upper airway such as obesity, large tonsils, or changes in your hormone levels can increase your risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
However, because of the strong association between body mass index (BMI) and OSA, weight loss is often recommended as part of the initial management.
Firmness
As mentioned, side sleeping is a good option for those with OSA1. However, this position requires a mattress that offers ample support as well as enough contouring to relieve pressure points at the hips and shoulders.
We typically recommend something softer to right in the middle for firmness. The bed should be firm enough to cushion you and prevent you from sinking too deeply into the mattress but soft enough to keep you comfortable.
For those who’d prefer to try out stomach sleeping to help with their OSA, firmer beds are the way to go to prevent the hips from dipping too much as this can create lower back issues.
Need help? Check out our complete mattress firmness scale.
Cooling
If you tend to get hot during the night or have night sweats, you’ll want a bed that is cooling. This is also important for those with OSA since research points to an association2 between night sweats and hot flashes and obstructive sleep apnea, specifically in middle-aged women.
Some beds come with advanced cooling technology, including cooling gel or perforated memory foam.
Other beds are naturally cool, like innerspring beds, which allow for more airflow, or latex beds, which are naturally cooling. If you get a memory foam bed, do know that they tend to run hotter, and you may want one with added cooling features.
Read more about cooling mattresses here.
Motion Isolation
If you sleep next to somebody, you’ll want to keep motion isolation in mind. Motion isolation is how well the bed can isolate motion from one side of the bed to the other. In a bed with good motion isolation, you shouldn’t be too disturbed by your partner’s movements at night.
Some beds with the best motion isolation are memory foam or all-foam mattresses. Innerspring beds tend to be bouncier and have worse motion isolation.
Sex
Some couples prefer beds with more bounce for sex. This would include innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses, and perhaps some latex beds. Memory foam mattresses tend to have less bounce, which makes them better for sleeping next to somebody but perhaps not as good for sex.
Pressure Relief
If you live with aching joints or lower back pain, you need a mattress with a good amount of pressure relief. A pressure-relieving mattress will contour your body, gently cradling your joints or the parts of your body that need more support.
Memory foam beds tend to have excellent pressure relief but may not be the most supportive mattresses for heavier-weight sleepers unless they include durable coils such as hybrid options.
Edge Support
When we talk about edge support, we’re talking about how well the edges of the mattress can support your weight, either when you sit on the edge of the bed or stretch out and use the mattress’s full surface.
Many beds these days come with increased edge support – extra coils or foam around the perimeter of the bed, to make sure the edges won’t sink in. If you are a heavier sleeper or you share a bed, edge support should be on your list of qualities in your next mattress.
Budget
We try to recommend mattresses of all price ranges for a variety of budgets, but we will say generally, it’s best not to buy the very cheapest mattress. These tend to be less durable and less supportive. If you live with OSA, you’ll want a quality mattress to get the best possible sleep you can get.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a quality mattress (on average): For foam, 1,000 dollars; for an innerspring, 900 dollars; Hybrid, 1,000 dollars; and for a latex bed, 1,500 dollars.
Read more about budget mattresses here.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
According to Cleveland Clinic, sleep apnea3 is caused by either an obstruction of breathing (obstructive sleep apnea) or a failure of the brain to send signals to your breathing muscles (central sleep apnea.) Most people have obstructive sleep apnea, and a small minority of people have central sleep apnea.
With any form of sleep apnea, the inability to breathe while you sleep causes your body’s blood oxygen levels to drop. This then alerts your body to wake up suddenly, often multiple times throughout the night, in order to breathe normally and replenish your body’s oxygen levels4. This inability to sleep well can lead to complications4 such as daytime fatigue, high blood pressure or heart problems, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, liver problems, and more.
How Can A Mattress Help with Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Research5 has shown that lying at an incline can be helpful for those with OSA. It’s also clear that OSA is worse for those who sleep on their backs than on their sides, so side or stomach sleeping is advised instead. This means that choosing a mattress that facilitates these sleeping positions could improve your obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
- Adjustable bed – Choosing a mattress that’s compatible with adjustable bases in which you can elevate your head and torso could improve obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
- The right firmness – Choosing a mattress that is soft to medium in firmness will help make side sleeping more comfortable by allowing the shoulder and hip to be comfortably cradled. cradles the shoulder and hip. For stomach sleeping, a firmer mattress will make this position more comfortable by keeping the pelvis lifted for good spine alignment.
- Good support – You’ll want to make sure your mattress is supporting you well. Support refers to how well your mattress keeps your spine aligned. Abnormal spinal curvature6 can be associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
- Find hypoallergenic products – Sometimes allergies7 can worsen snoring and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. You can get a hypoallergenic mattress that is resistant to things like molds and dust mites to help nasal breathing, which could also improve your snoring and mouth breathing.
What is the Best Sleeping Position for Sleep Apnea
Back Sleeping
While back sleeping has some health benefits, even people without OSA can wake up from breathing problems or their own snoring when they lie in that position.
Read More: Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Side Sleeping
Sleeping on your side is beneficial even if you don’t have a sleep disorder. However, it’s especially helpful for decreasing your chances of snoring or OSA, as well as acid reflux.
Read More: How to Properly Sleep On Your Side and Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Combination Sleeping
Combination sleeping means that you’re changing between two or more positions throughout the night. This could be side and back sleeping, side and stomach sleeping, or any other combination of side, stomach, and back sleeping.
For obstructive sleep apnea, some combination of side and stomach sleeping is okay, though stomach sleeping is usually uncomfortable for most individuals, but be sure to avoid sleeping on your back as much as possible during the night.
Stomach Sleeping
In general, stomach sleeping is not the best posture for your neck or spine. That said, experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine note that stomach sleeping is also an option for obstructive sleep apnea in order to keep the airways more open1.
Read more about mattresses for stomach sleepers here.
Tips for Better Sleeping with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Use CPAP Therapy – CPAP stands for “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.” Basically, that means that the patient wears a mask that delivers the ideal amount of air pressure that splints open the collapsed upper airway in OSA patients. To determine this setting, the patient has to have a CPAP titration study that is done during and over night sleep study in a lab, or more commonly, the healthcare provider orders an APAP (auto-titrating positive airway pressure) machine that will find the optimal airway pressure that is delivered in a breath to breath basis based upon the APAP machine’s algorithm.
In summary, non-invasive positive airway pressure machines such as CPAP works by helping to keep your airway open, since the most common type of apnea is OSA, which is the relaxing of the throat muscles, causing a collapse of the airway. By delivering a stream of air at an ideal pressure for the patient, the force of the air keeps the pathway open.
Learn More: Best CPAP Machines and Best CPAP Masks
Use an adjustable base – While it’s generally recommended to sleep on your side or stomach if you have any breathing difficulties, some people strongly prefer to lie on their backs. As you can imagine, this position can be problematic. However, an adjustable bed frame helps make this position doable.
By elevating your head and upper body, you allow for your air pathways to remain open throughout the night. If you don’t have an adjustable bed frame, and you’re resistant to investing in one, a wedge pillow propped underneath your shoulders can also help.
Make some lifestyle changes – Mayo Clinic8 recommends making some lifestyle changes to improve obstructive sleep apnea, including: exercising regularly, drinking less (if you drink), losing weight if you’re overweight, quitting smoking, and adjusting your sleep position if you’re a back sleeper.
More Info: Exercises for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Use nasal decongestants or allergy medications – Since allergies can make obstructive sleep apnea worse, it might be helpful to use decongestants or allergy medications to help reduce OSA symptoms. Only do this if you have allergies and they’re contributing to your snoring and OSA symptoms.
Avoid taking sedatives at night – Sedatives like sleeping pills, opioid-based pain meds, and certain anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines can increase the likelihood9 of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.
Explore alternative sleep aids: Best Melatonin Supplements for Sleep
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
| Saatva Solaire | Adjustable Base | $3,745 | Saatva Solaire Mattress Review |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Side Sleepers | $2,049 | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Review |
| Bear Star Hybrid | Combination Sleepers | $1,998 | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Nolah Original | Light Sleepers | $1,149 | Nolah Original Mattress Review |
| WinkBeds Plus | Heavy People | $1,999 | Winkbed Plus Mattress Review |
| Layla Memory Foam | Memory Foam | $1,099 | Layla Mattress Review |
| Plank Firm | Firm | $1,249 | Plank Firm Mattress Review |
| DreamCloud | Couples | $1,332 | DreamCloud Mattress Review |
Best Bed for Sleep Apnea FAQs
Will an adjustable bed help with obstructive sleep apnea?
Yes, an adjustable bed can help because it keeps your upper body elevated. Having your upper body raised reduces the chances of your throat muscles relaxing and obstructing airflow.
If you decide to get an adjustable bed, make sure that the mattress collapsing and frame are compatible.
Follow Our Guide: Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds
Is sleeping upright good for obstructive sleep apnea?
Yes, sleeping upright is good for OSA. A study looked at the effect of mattress elevation at the head of the bed on obstructive sleep apnea. They found that there was a significant improvement in the amount of oxygen saturation in the patients studied along with increased sleeping efficiency and a decrease in the number of apneas (pauses in breathing) in a given night5.
Find Out More: Benefits of Sleeping Elevated
Is a firm mattress better for obstructive sleep apnea?
This will depend on whether you choose to sleep on your side or stomach to help with your sleep apnea symptoms. If the mattress is too firm, it’ll cause discomfort, especially when you lie on your side, and if the surface is too soft, this creates poor posture for stomach sleeping.
View Our Comparison: Firm vs. Soft Mattress
Are there different types of sleep apnea?
Yes, there are two different types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive (OSA): OSA is more common and is characterized by the muscles in the throat relaxing to a point where it physically obstructs breathing.
Central (CSA): Instead of a physical or mechanical issue going on with the body, central has to do with your nervous system and it’s the effect of the brain not signaling the body’s muscles that control breathing.
Is insomnia connected to obstructive sleep apnea?
Roughly 30 million Americans10 have obstructive sleep apnea, but just 6 million people are formally diagnosed with this sleep disorder. Though many of the symptoms of this condition occur while you’re sleeping, one possible indicator is chronic insomnia, or consistent difficulty falling asleep at night.
Making small corrections to your sleeping space to best suit your body and condition can definitely go a long way toward alleviating the symptoms. Adjustable mattresses can hold your head up and make it less likely that a pause in your breathing wakes you up at night. Beds better able to accommodate side or stomach sleeping may also be a direction you might consider to help improve your rest as back sleeping is worse for OSA.
For More Info: Best Mattresses for Insomnia
Can a herniated disc cause sleep apnea?
While excess soft tissue in the mouth and throat often is the culprit behind obstructive sleep apnea, the less common central sleep apnea11(CSA) may originate in spinal trauma or injury, which can include herniated discs, though this is very rare. When a spinal disc shifts out of place because of stress or acute injury, it can impinge nearby spinal nerves resulting in a disconnect between the muscles you use to breathe and the brain, which is one mechanism of developing central sleep apnea.
Find Out More: Top Rated Beds for Herniated Disc
Is snoring a potential symptom?
Do all snorers have obstructive sleep apnea? In short, no. Not all people who snore have this condition, but those that do almost always snore.
Research indicates that roughly half of snorers have a more serious condition that may require medical intervention. If your snoring is loud enough to disturb your partner’s sleep, it may be indicative of a much larger problem, and you might want to speak with your healthcare provider to receive a more thorough evaluation to exclude OSA .
Need more details? Check out the most common signs of sleep apnea here.
Is obstructive sleep apnea connected to allergies?
When your nasal passages are inflamed due to allergies, you may experience difficulty breathing naturally, which is through your nose. However, if your nasal breathing is consistently and repeatedly obstructed while you sleep, you may be forced to breathe through your mouth, which can worsen snoring and the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
Research shows a link between the two conditions and that allergy treatments and addressing nasal obstruction could decrease your risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
Julia Forbes
Lead Product Tester
About Author
Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
References:
- “Choosing the Best Sleep Position”. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Webpage accessed May 9, 2024.
- Reller, Kelly. “Research finds hot flashes, night sweats connected to obstructive sleep apnea risk in middle-aged women”. Mayo Clinic. 2017.
- “Sleep Apnea”. Cleveland Clinic. Last modified November 15, 2022.
- “Sleep Apnea”. Mayo Clinic. Last modified April 6, 2024.
- Fabrício de Barros Souza, Fábio José., et al. “The influence of head-of-bed elevation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea” National Library of Medicine. 2017.
- Clavel, Louis., et al. “Cervical Spine Hyperextension and Altered Posturo-Respiratory Coupling in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome”. Frontiers in Medicine. 2020.
- Chirakalwasan, Naricha., Ruxrungtham, Kiat. “The linkage of allergic rhinitis and obstructive sleep apnea”. National Library of Medicine. 2014.
- “Obstructive sleep apnea”. Mayo Clinic. Last modified July 27, 2021.
- Zagaria, Mary Ann E. “Central Sleep Apnea: Potential Impact of Benzodiazepines, Opioids, and CYP3A4 Inhibitors”. U.S. Pharmacist. 2015.
- Berg, Sara. “What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea”. American Medical Association. 2022.
- Alexander, Tyler D., et al. “Sleep apnea and unilateral upper and lower extremity allodynia as a result of a large thoracic disc herniation: a case report”. Sleep Science and Practice. 2021.