What are the best mattresses for the elderly?

Finding the best mattresses for the elderly is much more than a question of comfort, it's a necessity for maintaining mobility, autonomy and quality of life.

With advancing age, sleep becomes lighter, pain increases and even simple movements, such as changing position, can be difficult and painful. When the mattress doesn't offer the right support, these problems intensify, leading to bad nights, stiffness on waking and even a greater risk of falls or loss of autonomy.

The good news?

The right mattress can reduce pain, improve sleep quality and facilitate mobility.

This article will help you choose the best mattress for each type of elderly person.

 

Why does the right mattress make such a difference in old age?

As we get older, it's common for them to appear:

• Back, hip, knee and shoulder pain;
• Greater sensitivity to pressure;
• Difficulty moving in bed;
• Shorter and more fragmented sleep.

A mattress that is too soft causes the elderly person to sink, making it difficult to sit down or stand up. On the other hand, an excessively hard mattress increases pressure on the joints and aggravates existing pain.

Ideally, you should opt for a mattress that offers firm, stable support to keep your spine aligned, relief at pressure points, medium to high firmness and good breathability.

Types of mattresses for the elderly

1. High-density foam mattresses

Foam mattresses are an excellent choice for those looking for firmness, lateral stability and postural support.

Benefits:

• They keep the spine aligned;
• Medium to high firmness;
• Ideal for elderly people who need support when sitting up in bed.

In our store, you'll find options such as the Energy II Mattress and the Royal Deluxe Foam Mattress or the Fresh Gel Mattress with high density and firm support.

2. Viscoelastic mattresses: pressure relief and comfort

The viscoelastic foam adapts to the body, reducing pressure on weakened joints.

Benefits:

• Relieves pressure on shoulders, hips and lower back;
• Reduces awakenings caused by discomfort;
• Provides greater envelopment and deep rest.

Recommended for: elderly people with joint pain, arthritis or increased sensitivity to pressure.

3. Box spring mattresses: firm support and excellent ventilation

A modern solution that combines support with breathability.

Advantages:

• Low motion transfer (perfect for co-sleepers);
• Excellent internal ventilation;
• Firm but comfortable support.

Recommended for: elderly people who perspire a lot, sleep with others or need greater stability.

Models such as the Luxury Topper Mattress and the Noble Deluxe Mattress combine pocket springs with viscoelastic, offering the ideal balance between comfort and support.

Mattress toppers: extra comfort without changing mattresses

Toppers increase comfort when the mattress is too firm or has already worn out.

Our mattress topper includes:

• 4 elastic bands for fastening;
• HD foam block for greater firmness and stability.

Recommended for: elderly people who need more softness without losing support.

What is the ideal firmness/density for the elderly?

For most profiles:

• Medium or medium/high firmness;
• Stable core to keep the spine aligned;
• Comfort layer that relieves pressure.

For older people with more weight, high firmness is recommended.

Elderly profiles and the most suitable mattress

1. autonomous elderly person with back pain

Recommended:

• Foam mattress or pocket springs with medium/high firmness;
• Viscoelastic layer for pressure relief;
• Good lateral stability.

2. Elderly with low back pain or back problems

In these cases, the choice of mattress has a direct impact on quality of life.

Recommended:

• Medium/high firmness;
• Reinforced postural support;
• Topper option to enhance comfort.

The Deluxe orthopaedic pocket spring mattress is an excellent solution for its versatility and cost-effectiveness.

3. Elderly who feel very hot at night

In that case, it makes sense to look:

• Breathable fabrics;
• Thermoregulatory technology (e.g. gel foam).
• Ventilated core.

The Fresh Gel Mattress - Foam or the Air Graph Mattress - Foam are a good choice for maintaining a balanced temperature during the night.

4. Elderly with reduced mobility or bedridden

In these cases, it is essential:

• Consult a health professional;
• Assess the need for specific mattresses;
• Prioritize stable edges to make it easier to get up and sit down;
• Ensure regular changes of position.

Pressure-reducing surfaces can help prevent bedsores.

For these situations, when there is a need for greater support, comfort and ease of movement, it is also recommended to consider articulated beds.

In combination with this type of structure, the Intense mattress, developed specifically for articulated beds, is a suitable solution, offering adjustable support and greater safety for the user.

Bed for the elderly: ideal height

The bed must allow it:

• Feet fully on the floor;
• Knees at 90º;
• Easy sitting and standing.

Recommended height: 50 to 58 cm, depending on the senior's height.

 

Explore our categories of mattresses, beds and sommiers and use the filters to choose the firmness, size and type of mattress.

If you need personalized support, our team is available every day until 10pm.