Best Mattresses for Pregnancy
Mattress Nerd consulted Julia LeBlanc, PT/DPT to ensure that this article met our editorial standards
The right mattress can make all the difference, especially for pregnant people who have extra strain on their bodies. We’ve compiled the best mattresses that can give expectant mothers the best night’s sleep possible.
When shopping for a mattress, you need to take into account various factors such as temperature regulation, back support, pressure relief, cooling abilities, sleeping position, and much more. When you’re shopping for a pregnancy mattress though, many other factors can come into play, and finding the best online mattress can feel overwhelming.
At this point, you not only have to take into consideration the hormonal changes your body is going through, but also the comfort and safety of your growing baby. While your choices in mattresses might become more limited, there are still numerous options out on the market.
We’ve created this buying guide to pinpoint the best pregnancy mattresses. Looking at the different factors such as cooling capabilities, pressure relief technology and firmness options, we’ve collected the eight best mattresses for pregnancy, and highlighted why they may be perfect for you.
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The Best Mattresses for Pregnancy of 2024
- WinkBed—Nerd’s Pick
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature—Best Value Mattress
- Saatva Classic—Best Cooling Mattress
- Loom & Leaf—Best Eco-Conscious Mattress
- Puffy—Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
- Helix Midnight—Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Birch Luxe – Best for Heavyweight Sleepers
Nerd’s Pick: The WinkBed
The WinkBed is available in four different firmness options. We particularly love it for hot sleepers because of its great temperature regulation, and it’s great for combination sleepers because of its responsiveness.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is available in four different firmness options. We particularly love it for hot sleepers because of its great temperature regulation, and it’s great for combination sleepers because of its responsiveness.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is available in four different firmness options. We particularly love it for hot sleepers because of its great temperature regulation, and it’s great for combination sleepers because of its responsiveness.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
The WinkBed luxury hybrid Mattress is a USA-made foam and coil mattress. The cushioning hug of the specialty foam works in tandem with the solid, firm support of the dual innerspring layers to make this mattress pressure relieving, breathable, and supportive. To find the right comfort level for your sleeping position and body type, you can choose from Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus versions. The Plus mattress is specially designed for heavyweight (>230 lbs) and plus-size (> 300 lbs) sleepers.
What our testers say: “Some of the WinkBed’s best features include temperature regulation, strong edge support, and responsive materials. In addition, the mattress is available in four different firmness options, making the WinkBed a good option for a wide variety of sleepers.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the WinkBed Mattress
- Hot sleepers as the gel-infused memory foam and breathable layering keeps you cool
- Combination sleepers as it can support a variety of sleeping positions
- All sizes of sleepers with its support and firmness
Who Might Not Like the WinkBed Mattress
- Memory foam purists as it has coils in the mattress to promote airflow
- Light sleepers due to its low performance in motion isolation
Other User Reviews
On the WinkBeds site, this mattress received a 4.8 out of 5 stars, from 8,414 reviews. The areas to note were the customer service and the mattress’s ability to support all types of sleeping positions. However, there were complaints that it was either “too soft” or “too firm,” resulting in pain in some customers.
Read our full WinkBeds mattress review to learn more.
Best Value Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Signature
The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding knows their mattresses.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding knows their mattresses.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding knows their mattresses.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
The Brooklyn Signature hybrid mattress is designed with a combination of TitanFlex foam and hundreds of individually wrapped Ascension coils. This construction gives the Signature a comfy blend of back support, spinal alignment, and body contouring. Pregnant sleepers in particular will enjoy the infused cooling TitaniumGel, which moderates your body temperature throughout the night, and helps to combat hot flashes.
What our testers say: “Right off the bat, we love the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid mattress because it’s affordable and it comes in three firmness options. We tested the “medium” firmness level in our sleep lab and found that it worked well for back sleepers and heavier side sleepers, but not as well for stomach sleepers.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress
- Those who want the most bang for their buck
- Combination sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Back sleepers
Who Might Not Like the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress
- Memory foam mattress purists
- Stomach sleepers with heavier body types
- Side sleepers with sensitive joints
Other User Reviews
On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Signature has 4.7 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews mention the bed feels too soft for them or mention an unpleasant smell upon unboxing the bed. Positive reviews say the bed is comfortable and many say it has relieved troublesome pain.
Read our full Brooklyn Signature mattress review to learn more.
Best Cooling Mattress: Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress delivered to your home by white glove professionals. It's made with luxury materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, and durable coils. Choose from Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress delivered to your home by white glove professionals. It's made with luxury materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, and durable coils. Choose from Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress delivered to your home by white glove professionals. It's made with luxury materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, and durable coils. Choose from Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
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 Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
The Saatva Classic innerspring mattress specializes in back support pressure relief, and temperature regulation. The pillowtop-and-coils construction is designed to reduce back and joint pain by delivering cushioning support to your hips, shoulders, and back. It’s also incredibly breathable, which keeps body heat moving out and away from the bulk of the mattress. All new mattresses from Saatva come with free white glove delivery, so you won’t have to lift a finger during setup.
What our testers say: “The two layers of lumbar support make the Saatva Classic a great mattress for people with back pain. With three firmness options, it can accommodate almost every sleeping position and body type, too.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Saatva Classic Mattress
- Hot sleepers as it has temperature regulation technology and materials to keep you cool
- People with back pain due to its firmness and ability to help align neck and spine
Who Might Not Like the Saatva Classic Mattress
- Couples easily disturbed by movement because this mattress is not the best at motion isolation
- Shoppers on a tight budget as this mattress is not the cheapest
Other User Reviews
According to Saatva’s website, the Classic comes in at 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviews are generally positive, praising the bed’s high-quality construction and comfort. Some customers complained about issues with delivery or felt the bed didn’t hold up as long as they would’ve liked.
Read our full Saatva mattress review to learn more.
Best Eco-Conscious Mattress: Loom & Leaf
The Loom & Leaf by Saatva focused squarely at dethroning Tempur-Pedic as the main name in memory foam mattresses. Of all of the direct-to-consumer mattresses we’ve tried, the Loom & Leaf feels the most like Tempur-Pedic and at a fraction of the price.
The Loom & Leaf by Saatva focused squarely at dethroning Tempur-Pedic as the main name in memory foam mattresses. Of all of the direct-to-consumer mattresses we’ve tried, the Loom & Leaf feels the most like Tempur-Pedic and at a fraction of the price.
The Loom & Leaf by Saatva focused squarely at dethroning Tempur-Pedic as the main name in memory foam mattresses. Of all of the direct-to-consumer mattresses we’ve tried, the Loom & Leaf feels the most like Tempur-Pedic and at a fraction of the price.
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Loom & Leaf is a premium memory foam mattress by one of our favorite luxury mattress brands, Saatva. It’s made with eco-conscious materials like organic cotton and long-lasting foams made with renewable oils and less greenhouse gases. The Loom & Leaf combines conforming memory foam with high-density support foam for a classic, cradling memory foam feel. Cooling gel-infused foam keeps you temperature-neutral and supports good sleeping posture. This mattress should help clear up back pain and reduce temperature spikes typically associated with memory foam.
What our testers say: “The Loom & Leaf feels like a traditional memory foam mattress: it conforms closely to your body and cushions pressure points (especially in the Relaxed Firm model).” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Loom & Leaf by Saatva Mattress
- Back sleepers of all body types—lightweight (< 130 lbs), average-weight (130–230 lbs) or heavyweight (> 230 lbs)
- Side sleepers over 130 lbs
- Stomach sleepers under 230 lbs
- Those looking for a lower-cost Tempur-Pedic alternative
Who Might Not Like the Loom & Leaf by Saatva Mattress
- People looking for easy mobility or a lot of bounce
- Lightweight side sleepers
- Heavyweight stomach sleepers
Other User Reviews
On the Saatva website, this mattress scored a 4.9 out of 5 stars, from over 500 reviews. Customers love the helpful customer service and easy delivery process. Some reviewers, though, said it ended up not being the right fit for their needs.
Read our full Loom and Leaf mattress review to learn more.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief: Puffy
The Original Puffy is a three-layer foam mattress made with cooling gel-infused memory foam and motion isolating base foams. It has a medium-firm feel that blends contouring support with cushioning comfort.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Original Puffy is a three-layer foam mattress made with cooling gel-infused memory foam and motion isolating base foams. It has a medium-firm feel that blends contouring support with cushioning comfort.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Original Puffy is a three-layer foam mattress made with cooling gel-infused memory foam and motion isolating base foams. It has a medium-firm feel that blends contouring support with cushioning comfort.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Puffy Cloud Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
101 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Puffy Cloud Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
101 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Puffy Cloud Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
101 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
The original Puffy Mattress is an all-foam mattress made of three pressure-relieving foam layers. Up top is a total of 4″ of plush foam with cooling infusions. These layers are meant to cradle your body, keeping strain off of your hips, lower back, and shoulders. The base of the Puffy is 6″ of durable support foam. The combination of comfort and support foams keeps you lifted in alignment without compromising on the pressure relief needed for a comfortable night’s sleep during pregnancy.
What Our Testers Say: With cooling gel memory foam and excellent motion isolation, the Puffy is a great option for many couples and body types. Side sleepers will enjoy the contouring foam layers, and average-weight back sleepers benefit from full-body support. We don’t recommend the Puffy to stomach sleepers or hot sleepers. – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Puffy Mattress
- Lightweight side sleepers
- Combination sleepers
- Sleepers wanting a conforming mattress
Who Might Not Like the Puffy Mattress
- Stomach sleepers
- Heavyweight sleepers
- Hot sleepers
Other User Reviews
On Puffy’s site, the Puffy mattress ranks 5 out of 5 stars. With overwhelmingly positive reviews, customers repeatedly say that the bed lives up to its “Cloud” name when it comes to comfort. A few negative reviews mention that they found it a bit too firm for sleeping on their side.
Read our full Puffy Mattress review to learn more.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight provides tailored support and a medium-firm feel geared toward side and back sleepers. The hybrid construction promotes airflow to keep you cool, while the foam layers provide cradling and support where you need it.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Helix Midnight provides tailored support and a medium-firm feel geared toward side and back sleepers. The hybrid construction promotes airflow to keep you cool, while the foam layers provide cradling and support where you need it.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Helix Midnight provides tailored support and a medium-firm feel geared toward side and back sleepers. The hybrid construction promotes airflow to keep you cool, while the foam layers provide cradling and support where you need it.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix mattresses are designed to accommodate a wide range of sleepers, which is why there are various options to choose from in this mattress line. The Helix Midnight mattress is specifically designed with side sleepers in mind. It has a medium feel that cradles pressure points, plus a temperature-regulating cover. Additionally, the Helix Midnight supports you all the way to the edges of the bed, so you don’t need to worry about rolling off the side of the bed mid-REM cycle.
What our testers say: “The Helix Midnight mattress works best for lightweight to average-weight back and side sleepers. Some stomach sleepers may crave a firmer feel, but it should adequately support those under 230 lbs. Heavyweight sleepers should try the Helix Plus. Couples are likely to appreciate the excellent edge support and motion isolation.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Helix Midnight Mattress
- Side sleepers of all body types—lightweight (< 130 lbs), average-weight (130–230 lbs), and heavyweight (> 230 lbs)
- Couples
- Memory foam lovers concerned about overheating
- Value shoppers
Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight Mattress
- Heavyweight back sleepers and stomach sleepers
- Combination sleepers
- Fans of extra soft or extra firm mattresses
Other User Reviews
The Helix Midnight rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Helix website. The main negative is that reviewers tend to find it too soft for their liking and feel as though they’re sinking. But overall, users say they’re getting a great nights’ sleep and some pain relief.
Read our Helix Midnight mattress review to learn more about this mattress line.
Best for Heavyweight Sleepers: Birch Luxe
The Birch Luxe combines durable, natural, and luxurious materials into a firm and cool mattress that is ideal for side sleepers and back sleepers.
The Birch Luxe combines durable, natural, and luxurious materials into a firm and cool mattress that is ideal for side sleepers and back sleepers.
The Birch Luxe combines durable, natural, and luxurious materials into a firm and cool mattress that is ideal for side sleepers and back sleepers.
Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Trial Period
100 Nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
If you’re looking for a firm luxury mattress, the Birch Luxe delivers. This bed has plenty of support for back sleepers of all sizes, but will work best for side sleepers over 130 lbs. For combination sleepers, its good bounce from the steel coils means shouldn’t have much trouble changing positions during the night. Its solid edge support also provides a sturdy surface to lean on while getting in and out of bed.
What our testers say: “As a solid and heavier mattress, the Birch Luxe provides strong edge support and decent motion isolation. This makes it easier to move around, get off and on, and share the bed without any sinking or waking your partner up.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Birch Luxe Mattress
- Back sleepers of all body types
- People looking for a firm bed
Who Might Not Like the Birch Luxe Mattress
- Side sleepers under 130 lbs
- Shoppers on a tight budget
Other User Reviews
Birch mattresses have a 4.6 rating out of 5 stars on their site. Negative reviews of the Luxe find the bed too soft or too firm for their specific preference. The mostly positive reviews say this bed has changed their sleep habits for the better!
Mattresses for Pregnancy Buying Guide
Finding the right mattress can be tough, especially when shopping for a pregnancy mattress. During pregnancy, you want to find a mattress that’s comfortable and delivers exceptional support for your changing body. Pregnant people are more likely to face issues with back pain, joint aches, and overheating, and thus must find a bed that helps to alleviate these problems. Read on to see what types of beds are best-suited for pregnant sleepers, or take a look about our review process to learn more.
There are four primary mattress types: foam, coil, hybrid, and latex. Each mattress type comes with its own strengths and weaknesses, but it’s important to carefully review each type when shopping while pregnant. Below, we break down each mattress type and how it works for pregnant sleepers.
Foam Mattress
The best memory foam mattresses are softer and tend to hug the body. These types of mattresses are best suited for those who sleep on their sides, because memory foam cradles the hips and shoulders and keeps the spine aligned. Pregnant sleepers should keep in mind that memory foam mattresses may retain more heat than average, and the “hugging” sensation can be uncomfortable and stifling, especially during warmer months.
Coil Mattress
Mattresses consisting of coil or innerspring interiors tend to be firmer, making them better options for back or stomach sleepers who need support for their necks, shoulders, hips, and legs. Pure innerspring mattresses can be a little too firm for most people’s liking, but during pregnancy, the added bounce and support can be a good fit, depending on your specific needs. In fact, in the first trimester of pregnancy, you can sleep on your stomach as long as it’s comfortable, so the firmness of coil mattresses is great for keeping your hips from sinking in and throwing off your spinal alignment.
Hybrid Mattress
The hybrid mattress is a combination of coils and foam, and brings together the best of both worlds. This blend gives most hybrid mattresses a medium-firm feel that’s ideal for back sleepers who want extra cushion or side sleepers who want more support. Hybrid mattresses are also much more breathable than all-foam beds, which helps to combat temperature spikes at night.
Natural Latex Mattress
Natural latex mattresses are considered the most eco-friendly option for sleepers. Natural latex is derived from rubber trees, and is guaranteed to have minimal off-gassing and no harmful chemicals. You’ll notice that many latex mattresses are springy and bouncy, and great for combination sleepers who frequently change positions at night. Unfortunately, they can be on the more costly side, so you have to decide if these factors are worth the high price tag.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Mattress
During pregnancy, your body goes through various changes that will impact how you sleep. As you’re shopping for mattresses, take the following factors into consideration.
Body Weight Support
As mentioned above, there are four primary types of mattresses: foam, innerspring, hybrid, and latex. During pregnancy, weight gain can cause you to have issues with back pain and joint aches, especially if you find yourself getting in and out of bed frequently (urination, morning sickness, and heartburn can cause this). To avoid back pain, we recommend shopping for mattresses that hover around the medium-firm area of the mattress firmness scale. Hybrid mattresses are usually medium-firm, but extra-thick memory foam mattresses can be comfortable as well, depending on your sleep position.
Sleeping Position
Typically, side sleepers want softer beds, while back and stomach sleepers need firmer beds. During pregnancy, you may be prone to changing positions a lot throughout the night, and you won’t spend as much time on your stomach as the pregnancy progresses. As such, it’s best to get a medium-firm mattress to keep your spine aligned and cushion your pressure points.
Temperature Control
Hot flashes and temperature spikes are common symptoms that can occur during pregnancy. You’ll want to find a mattress that can absorb environmental heat and wick away your body’s natural heat to keep you cool and refreshed throughout the night. Newer foam technology is capable of reducing the amount of heat sleepers feel, but in softer mattresses, you can still experience that “sinking” or “hugging” feeling, which can be stifling. Firmer mattresses allow you to sleep on the mattress rather than in it, so you can stay properly cooled while you sleep.
Edge Support
Edge support is the amount of firmness found along the edges of the mattress. The less a mattress sags when you sit on the edge, the higher the level of edge support. You will find great edge support in firmer mattresses and those that incorporate springs and coils into their design. When you get out or in a bed, you want a firm mattress to prevent you from straining your back or knees. For pregnant sleepers, having great edge support can result in a massive difference in terms of comfort and pain relief.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation is a mattress’s ability to reduce the amount of movement that is transmitted when a sleeper changes a position or gets in or out of bed. Mattresses with coil and innerspring interiors, along with a higher firmness rating, generally have significantly more motion transfer than their softer, foam counterparts. For pregnant sleepers who share a bed, we recommend making motion isolation one of your top considerations while mattress shopping.
Delivery
When pregnant, especially during the third trimester, you do not want to put excess strain on your body. The closer you get to birth, the more important it is to keep yourself safe, and believe it or not, the mattress delivery experience can factor into this. When ordering your mattress online, we highly recommend finding a company that offers white glove delivery. This typically means that the company will bring the mattress into your home, help set it up, dispose of the packaging, and take away your old mattress. While a lot of mattress companies offer white glove delivery at an extra cost, there are some that provide it for free. Regardless, we think it’s a good idea to spend the extra money for the added convenience of having someone else handle the heavy lifting while you’re pregnant.
Safety
Most mattresses abide by standard safety protocols for manufacturing their products. However, if you want extra peace of mind, we advise you to look for a CertiPUR certification, which means that the mattress is certified against containing harmful chemicals, additives, or materials that can affect you, your baby, or the environment.
How to Pick the Right One
Everyone has their own comfort preferences, and every woman’s body goes through pregnancy uniquely, so it’s difficult to pinpoint the “right” mattress for all. Our suggestion is to carefully review the considerations above and see which of them are the most important for you and your baby.
The Nerd’s Take
Pregnancy can be an overwhelming time, but you don’t need to make it harder by sleeping on a poor mattress. Mattress purchases should never be rushed or taken lightly, since the wrong mattress can have a painful impact on not just your quality of sleep, but your overall health and wellness. As you shop for your mattress, make sure you are taking into account the most important factors for resting well while pregnant, and don’t settle for a mattress with subpar support for you and your baby.
FAQs on the Best Mattresses for Pregnancy
Is memory foam safe during pregnancy?
Generally, yes, memory foam is safe during pregnancy. If you're extra cautious, we recommend ensuring that the foam used in your mattress is certified safe when it comes to materials and emissions. Perhaps the most famous certification is CertiPUR-US.
What is the most comfortable way to sleep during pregnancy?
For the best circulation and the best comfort for you and your baby, many recommend sleeping on your left side.
Is a firm or soft mattress better for pregnancy?
The ideal mattress firmness for pregnancy truly depends on your sleeping position and body type. Since side-sleeping is highly recommended for pregnancy, a medium-soft mattress should provide the best balance of comfort and support.
Recap of the Top Rated Mattresses for Pregnancy
| Mattress Model | Award | Firmness |
| WinkBed | Nerd’s Pick | Varies |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature | Best Value | Varies |
| Saatva Classic | Best Cooling | Varies |
| Loom & Leaf | Best Eco-Conscious | Varies |
| Puffy | Best Pressure Relief | 6/10 |
| Helix Midnight | Best for Side Sleepers | 6/10 |
| Birch Luxe | Best for Heavyweight Sleepers | 8/10 |
Julia LeBlanc is part of our panel of medical expert contributors on the subject of sleep health. They provide important perspectives on the topics we discuss to help make our content as accurate and dependable as possible. They do not personally endorse any products, nor are they associated with any brands featured in our review content.
