7 Best Mattresses for Multiple Sclerosis Patients (According to Our Testers)
Buyer’s Guide: 7 Best Mattresses for Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Our team has personally tested every major mattress from every major manufacturer and chosen our favorites specifically for Multiple Sclerosis patients.
Navigating the challenges of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) demands a holistic approach to wellness, and a key component of that is quality sleep.
A chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, MS can disrupt sleep due to a myriad of symptoms like pain, muscle spasms, and the frequent need to urinate. Compromised sleep can intensify the fatigue often associated with MS, making daily tasks even more challenging.
However, the right sleep environment, especially a well-chosen mattress, can drastically improve sleep quality and, by extension, the overall well-being of those battling MS.
Quick Picks (7 Best Mattresses for MS)
- BEST OVERALL (EDITOR’S PICK) – Puffy LUX
- BEST LUXURY HYBRID – Bear Elite Hybrid
- BEST PRESSURE RELIEF – Dusk LUXE
- BEST VALUE – Puffy
- BEST BUDGET FRIENDLY – Dreamfoam Essential
- BEST NATURAL OPTION – Birch Natural
- BEST FOR SIDE SLEEPERS – Midnight LUXE
In this article, we delve into the world of mattresses, focusing on the unique needs of individuals living with MS.
We’ll explore key considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress, discuss the types of mattresses that might be best suited for those with MS, and provide a comprehensive guide to some of the best mattresses available in the market.
Whether you’re an MS patient or a caregiver, our aim is to assist you in finding the perfect mattress to help create a sleep sanctuary that supports restful nights and healthier days.
What is MS and How Can it Effect Sleep
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers (myelin), causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty moving, numbness or tingling, and problems with coordination and balance.
Sleep can often be a challenge for people with MS. Factors such as pain, muscle spasms, and the frequent need to urinate can disrupt sleep. Additionally, the fatigue common in MS can be exacerbated by poor sleep, creating a challenging cycle.
Finding the right mattress can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep for someone with MS. A good mattress can provide the necessary support and pressure relief, aligning the spine properly and reducing discomfort that might wake a person up during the night. It can also regulate temperature, critical for many with MS who are sensitive to heat. By contributing to a better night’s sleep, the right mattress can help manage fatigue and improve the overall quality of life for people with MS.
Editor’s Quick Pick:
#1 Recommended Sleep Set Up for Multiple Sclerosis Patients
- Unbeatable value
- Heavy duty support from wrapped coil system
- Luxury pressure relief
- Removable and washable cover
- Made in the USA
“We highly recommend using an adjustable bed frame and to use the zero gravity feature”
- Adjustable height options
- UBS ports
- LED lighting
- "Zero Gravity" position for back pain relief
- Vibrating massage feature
- Much More
7 Best Mattresses for Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Personally Tested by Our Experts
1. The Puffy LUX Hybrid
LUXURY HYBRID MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS
The Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress measures 12″ in thickness and is a great all around hybrid mattress for any sleeper. The combination of wrapped coils and memory foam offer superior adaptability and pressure relief for side, back and stomach sleepers. If you are looking for a quality mattress at a great price that will be your every-night mattress, the Puffy Lux is hard to beat.
- Unbeatable value
- Heavy duty support from wrapped coil system
- Luxury pressure relief
- Removable and washable cover
- Made in the USA
Why its good for MS Patients:
The Puffy Lux Hybrid stands out as our favorite mattress for MS patients due to its combination of comfort and support features tailored to meet their unique needs. This mattress utilizes a hybrid design, combining the pressure relief of foam with the solid support of coils, offering a well-rounded sleep experience.
The top layers of the Puffy Lux Hybrid are made up of specialized memory foam that contours to the body, reducing pressure points and providing pain relief, crucial for MS patients. The mattress also features a climate-adaptive regulation layer that aids in temperature control, a beneficial feature for individuals with MS who are often sensitive to heat.
Additionally, the base layer consists of individually wrapped coils that provide excellent support and spinal alignment. The coils also aid in motion isolation, making it a good choice for those sharing the bed. Overall, the Puffy Lux Hybrid’s combination of pressure relief, temperature regulation, support, and motion isolation makes it an excellent choice for individuals with MS.
What our testers are saying:
The coil innerspring base in the LUX offers heavy duty support that doesn’t give or sag under pressure and leaves your body and spine very supported even on the edge of the mattress. The memory foam top layers allow for pressure relief when sleeping on your side, back or stomach and hug the hips and shoulders. The medium-firm feel is a great comfort level for the vast majority of sleepers and is a comfortable mix of support and comfort.
What Customers love: Luxury memory foam mattress. Fits majority of sleep preferences. Over 6000 5-star reviews.
2. Bear Elite Hybrid
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a luxury hybrid mattress with a supportive wrapped coil innerspring unit and pressure relieving comfort layers. This mattress is available in a variety of firmness levels from luxury-plush to Extra-Firm. Bear is known for their memory foam mattresses and this mattress combines their memory foam design with the support of a traditional mattress. The mattress sleeps very cool and is built to last for years.
- Luxury materials and build
- Choose firmness level: Luxury-Plush to Extra-Firm
- Made in the USA
- Sleeps Cool
- Supportive Wrapped Coils System
Why its good for MS:
The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is good for people with MS due to its unique combination of support and pressure relief. This mattress features a hybrid construction, which combines the contouring properties of memory foam with the responsive support of individually encased coils. This combination helps to alleviate pressure points and maintain proper spinal alignment, which is essential for individuals with MS. Additionally, the mattress is designed with targeted support zones to ensure optimal support for different body parts, further enhancing its suitability for people with MS
What our testers are saying:
Bear has taken their original memory foam mattress to the next level and provided a luxury Hybrid mattress that incorporates heavy duty pocketed coils for a traditional mattress feel with extra support. Their mattress comes in a variety of firmnesses. If you want a well made luxury mattress then you can’t go wrong with the Bear Elite Hybrid.
WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE: Luxury heavy duty support.
3. The Helix Dusk LUXE
The Helix Dusk is a quality hybrid mattress with a medium-firm comfort level that is great for the vast majority of sleep preferences and styles. The Dusk utilizes zoned support within its pocketed coil system to adapt to pressure points and offer spinal alignment for combination sleepers. This mattress was awarded best mattress for sciatica by Medical News and is a great all around option for pressure and pain relief. Helix is a trusted brand within the mattress industry and makes all of their mattresses 100% in the USA.
- Spinal alignment with zoned support system
- Pressure Relief
- Made in the USA
- Sleeps Cool
- Great for combination sleepers or couples
- Pain relief benefits
Why its good for MS:
The Helix Dusk Luxe earns top marks as our favorite pressure-relieving mattress for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, thanks to its exceptional combination of support and comfort. Constructed with several layers of high-quality memory foam and a robust coil system, this hybrid mattress is designed to provide a medium-firm feel that offers an optimal balance of softness and support.
The standout feature of the Helix Dusk Luxe is its pressure-relieving capabilities. The memory foam layers contour to the body, evenly distributing weight and reducing pressure points, essential for MS patients who may struggle with pain and discomfort. In addition, the zoned support system offers enhanced support for the heavier areas of the body, promoting spinal alignment. Combined with its premium quilted pillow-top that adds a layer of plush comfort, the Helix Dusk Luxe is a top-notch choice for providing pressure relief for those managing MS symptoms.
What our testers are saying:
The Helix Dusk is a great all around mattress if you are suffering from MS or back pain of any kind. It offers quality comfort and support with a medium feel that allows for the natural curvature of your spine whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach. The pocketed coil support system has zoned layers that support the hips and shoulders differently than the legs, head and torso in order to keep your spine aligned properly. This mattress is also compatible with an adjustable base.
High quality pressure relief and support
Luxurious tufted cover with quality stitching
Great all-around hybrid design
4. The Puffy Mattress by Puffy
GREAT VALUE MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS
The Puffy Original Mattress is a luxurious memory foam mattress at a great price. It has a medium-firm feel and is a perfect comfort level for the majority of sleepers. Puffy’s memory foam design conforms to your body and is great for kids or adults. Puffy is a reputable brand name in the industry and has won a variety of awards for the quality of their US made sleep products.
- Medium-firm feel fits all sleep types
- Multiple awards for best all around mattress
- 100% made in the USA!
- Breathable and cooling
- Firm supportive base foam
- Stain-resistant cover
- Donates beds to children in need
Why its good for MS:
The Puffy Original mattress is good for people with MS because it offers a balanced combination of support, pressure relief, and comfort. Its memory foam layers adapt to the body’s shape, providing cushioning for pressure points like hips and shoulders, while also maintaining proper spinal alignment. This helps to reduce stress on joints and ligaments, which is crucial for those with MS. Additionally, the mattress has a medium-firm feel, which is generally recommended for the vast majority of sleep styles, as it offers the right balance between support and contouring.
What our testers are saying:
The Puffy mattress is a great memory foam mattress for the price. It is a medium-firm feel and is a perfect comfort level for the majority of sleepers. If you don’t like the mattress after 101 days they will refund you and come and it pick up for you. Puffy’s memory foam design conforms to your body and is great for any style or size sleeper.
5. The Dreamfoam Essential by Brooklyn Bedding
BUDGET FRIENDLY
This may be the best budget friendly mattress on the market. The combination of high density support foam and memory foam comfort layers makes for a supportive, pressure relieving sleep experience. If you like the feel of memory foam and are looking for an affordable sleeping option then this is the best mattress you will find. Brooklyn Bedding makes all of their mattresses in their own factories in Arizona and are able to cut out the middle man and offer customers factory direct prices.
- Budget friendly price point
- High quality, supportive memory foam design
- Made in the USA (Arizona Factory)
- Available in custom sizes and thicknesses
Why its good for MS:
The DreamFoam Essential Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is a good budget-friendly option for people with MS due to the following reasons:
- Affordable Price: The mattress is designed to offer quality sleep solutions at a competitive price, making it accessible for those on a tight budget.
- Pressure Relief: The mattress features a combination of memory foam and high-density base foam, which provides pressure relief to the sensitive joints. This helps reduce discomfort and pain during sleep.
- Medium Firmness: With a medium firmness level, the DreamFoam Essential Mattress offers a balance of support and comfort, catering to the needs of those with MS who require additional support without sacrificing comfort.
- CertiPUR-US Certified: The foam materials used in the mattress are CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring they are made without harmful chemicals and have low VOC emissions, contributing to a healthier sleep environment.
- Trial and Warranty: The mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, providing reassurance to customers about the quality and durability of the product.
What our testers are saying:
The Dreamfoam essential is a quality memory foam mattress at an affordable price. Brooklyn Bedding makes all of their product at their own factory in Arizona, which allows them to cut out the middleman and pass savings along to you. The Dreamfoam is available in a variety of different thicknesses to accommodate a variety of preferences. In general we recommend anyone purchasing this mattress for an every night sleeping option goes with at least a 10″ thickness for proper support.
6. The Birch Mattress
The Birch Natural mattress is a high quality natural mattress at a highly competitive price point. The wrapped coils provide a luxuriously supportive base that offers industry leading spinal alignment and cradles the natural curves of the body. Birch has built this mattress around optimizing pressure relief with the use of natural latex and wool comfort layers. Latex is one of the best foams on the market for providing pressure relief while still being supportive. The wool adds comfort while naturally wicking moisture and sleeping cool. Birch then has topped the mattress off with an organic cotton cover, making is naturally hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. This mattress is a great all-around natural option for anyone looking for a medium-firm hybrid mattress that is chemical free.
- 100% Made in the USA
- Non-Toxic
- Supportive, hybrid wrapped coil design
- Luxury pressure relief
- Natural and Organic Materials (Latex, Organic Wool & Cotton)
- Universal "Medium-Firm" Feel
Why its good for MS:
The Birch Mattress stands out as a fantastic natural mattress option for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. This mattress is made with eco-friendly, organic materials that not only ensure a healthier sleep environment but also provide the comfort and support needed for a restful night’s sleep.
At the core of the Birch Mattress is a layer of individually wrapped coils that provide excellent support and spinal alignment, crucial for MS patients. Above this is a layer of natural Talalay latex, which offers a responsive, pressure-relieving surface that contours to the body, reducing discomfort and pain. The mattress is topped with an organic cotton cover and a comfort layer of organic wool, which not only adds plushness but also naturally regulates temperature, a significant benefit for heat-sensitive MS patients.
The Birch Mattress’s commitment to natural, non-toxic materials, coupled with its balanced support and comfort features, make it an excellent choice for MS patients seeking a healthier, more organic sleep environment.
What our testers are saying:
Birch is a well built, medium-firm natural latex mattress that has the perfect level of support and pressure relief for the spine. Birch is known throughout the industry for their high quality natural latex mattress options. The Birch is their most budget friendly latex mattress and provides all the healthy benefits of a latex with the benefits of a pocketed coil innerspring unit. The Birch comes in a medium-firm comfort level to suit the vast majority of comfort levels and preferences and is perfect for a side sleeper. This mattress also has an organic cotton cove for any individuals with allergies or who are sensitive to non-organic fabrics.
What Customers love: Medium-firm, natural latex mattress at an affordable price.
7. The Midnight LUXE
The Helix Midnight LUXE is their most awarded mattress and is a great all around mattress in our opinion. This mattress is going to have a medium-firm feel which is perfect for most sleep preferences and styles. The individually wrapped coil support system provides the support and bounce of a traditional innerspring unit but has the bonus of "zoned" support which means it perfectly supports and gives to the natural curvature of your body, allowing for industry leading spinal alignment and pressure relief. Helix also offers a softer and firmer option in their LUXE lineup if you prefer something on one of the other ends of the firmness spectrum. Overall, our team loves this mattress and many of our employees choose this exact mattress in their own homes at night.
- Medium-firm feel
- Made in the USA
- Cooling/Breathable cover
- Highly awarded and reviewed
- "Zoned" lumbar support coils for luxury support and pressure relief
- Premium quilted pillow top
- Hypoallergenic cover
Why its good for MS:
The Helix Midnight Luxe earns our top recommendation as the best mattress for side sleepers with Multiple Sclerosis due to its unique design that caters specifically to the needs of this group. Side sleepers require a mattress that can cushion their shoulders and hips while maintaining proper spinal alignment, and the Helix Midnight Luxe does just that.
The mattress features a combination of memory foam and a dynamic coil system, which together provide a perfect balance of support and pressure relief. The memory plus foam and gel visco layers contour to the body, providing targeted pressure relief to the shoulders and hips – the areas side sleepers often feel pressure the most. Additionally, the zoned lumbar support system offers enhanced support in the middle of the mattress where the heaviest part of the body lies, promoting proper spinal alignment. The Tencel cooling cover is an added advantage, helping to regulate temperature and provide a cool sleep surface, crucial for individuals with MS who often have heat sensitivity. In essence, the Helix Midnight Luxe is specifically designed to provide side sleepers with MS the comfort and support they need for a restful night’s sleep.
What our testers are saying:
The Midnight LUXE is our testers favorite all around mattress for side sleepers and is the one many of our team choose to sleep on every night. This is one of the most universally liked and recommended mattresses in the industry. It is supportive while still being comfortable and has a mix of pocketed coils and a memory foam pillow top, to give support and pressure relief. This mattress was made specifically for side sleepers who prefer a medium firmness, giving them the best of both worlds in terms of support and pressure relief. The zoned pocketed coil system works to add extra support under the hips and shoulders to keep a flat and straight spine.
What Customers love: Luxury pillow-top comfort. Great for all sleeping types
What to Consider When Buying a Mattress for MS Patients
1. Support:
MS can cause issues with movement and sensation, so a supportive mattress is essential. It should maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night, reducing the risk of waking up with aches and pains. A mattress with zoned support can be especially beneficial, as it offers increased support for heavier areas of the body like the hips and lighter support for the head and legs.
2. Pressure Relief:
Pressure relief is paramount for individuals with MS. Memory foam and latex mattresses excel at this, as they contour closely to the body, evenly distributing weight, and reducing pressure points that can cause discomfort and exacerbate MS symptoms.
3. Temperature Regulation:
Many individuals with MS are sensitive to heat and may experience temporary worsening of symptoms in warm conditions. Therefore, a mattress with good temperature regulation is crucial. Look for mattresses with cooling properties, such as gel-infused memory foam or latex mattresses with open-cell technology.
4. Ease of Movement:
Due to the motor function difficulties often associated with MS, a mattress that facilitates easy movement is beneficial. Latex and hybrid mattresses often provide a more responsive sleep surface, making it easier to move around and get in and out of bed.
5. Firmness Level:
Firmness is a subjective preference but also impacts support and comfort. Generally, a medium-firm mattress offers a good balance of support and softness. However, personal comfort, body weight, and sleep position should guide this choice.
6. Durability:
A high-quality, durable mattress is a smart long-term investment. Durable mattresses maintain their support and comfort qualities over time, providing consistent performance despite regular use.
7. Trial Periods and Warranties:
Many mattress companies offer sleep trials, which allow customers to try the mattress for a certain period (usually around 100 nights) with the option to return it for a full refund if it’s not suitable. Warranties, which cover manufacturing defects, also typically come with mattresses and can range from 10 years to a lifetime.
Top Mattress Types for MS Patients
While individual preferences and needs vary, here are some mattresses that generally meet the needs of individuals with MS:
Memory Foam Mattress:
Memory foam mattresses provide excellent pressure relief and can contour closely to the body. Look for one with cooling properties for temperature regulation.
Latex Mattress:
Latex mattresses offer a combination of support, pressure relief, and temperature regulation. They’re also naturally hypoallergenic.
Hybrid Mattress:
Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring coils with comfort layers of foam or latex. They often provide a balance of support, pressure relief, and ease of movement.
Adjustable Bed:
Adjustable mattresses can be particularly beneficial for MS patients, as they allow for customized positioning, which can alleviate symptoms and enhance comfort.
All foam vs Innerspring Mattresses for MS
When choosing a mattress for someone with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), it’s crucial to consider their specific needs and symptoms. All-foam mattresses and innerspring mattresses offer different advantages and disadvantages that can impact comfort, support, and overall sleep quality.
All-Foam Mattresses
All-foam mattresses, typically made from memory foam or latex, are known for their superior pressure relief. They contour to the body, distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure points, which can be especially beneficial for individuals with MS who may experience pain and discomfort.
Memory foam mattresses also tend to isolate motion well, which means that movement on one side of the bed doesn’t transfer to the other side. This feature can be valuable if the person with MS shares the bed with a partner and doesn’t want their sleep to be disturbed by movement.
On the downside, all-foam mattresses, particularly memory foam ones, can retain heat. This can be an issue for individuals with MS, who may be sensitive to heat. However, many modern foam mattresses come with cooling properties, such as gel infusions or open-cell technology, to mitigate this problem.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses, on the other hand, generally offer strong support and good temperature regulation. The coil layers promote airflow, which can keep the sleeper cool throughout the night. This might be a significant advantage for people with MS who are heat-sensitive.
However, traditional innerspring mattresses may not provide the same level of pressure relief as all-foam mattresses. They can potentially exacerbate pain and discomfort by creating pressure points. Hybrid mattresses, which combine innersprings with a comfort layer of foam or latex, can be a good compromise, offering the support of coils and the pressure relief of foam.
In conclusion, the choice between an all-foam and innerspring mattress for someone with MS will depend on their individual needs and preferences. Factors such as pain levels, heat sensitivity, and whether they share the bed with a partner can all influence the best choice. As always, it’s recommended to take advantage of sleep trials offered by many mattress companies to find the most comfortable and supportive option.
FAQs
1. What type of mattress is best for someone with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
The best type of mattress for someone with MS depends on their specific needs and symptoms. However, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are often recommended due to their pressure-relieving properties and support. Adjustable mattresses can also be a good choice for customizable comfort and positioning.
2. What firmness level is most suitable for MS patients?
Firmness is a personal preference that also depends on an individual’s sleep position and body weight. Generally, a medium-firm mattress is a good starting point as it offers a balance of support and comfort. It’s essential to have a mattress that supports spinal alignment and reduces pressure points to help with MS symptoms.
3. How important is temperature regulation for MS patients?
Temperature regulation is very important for individuals with MS. Many people with MS are sensitive to heat and may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms in warm conditions. Therefore, a mattress with good temperature regulation, such as ones with cooling gel-infused memory foam or latex with open-cell technology, can be beneficial.
4. How can an adjustable mattress benefit someone with MS?
An adjustable mattress allows for customizable positioning, which can help alleviate symptoms and enhance comfort for individuals with MS. They can raise or lower the head or foot of the bed to find the most comfortable position, which can also assist with getting in and out of bed.
5. How often should an MS patient replace their mattress?
The lifespan of a mattress varies depending on the type and quality, but generally, it should be replaced every 7-10 years. However, if an individual with MS notices increased discomfort, worsening of symptoms, or a decrease in the mattress’s support and comfort, it might be time for a replacement sooner.
6. Do companies offer trial periods or warranties for mattresses?
Yes, many mattress companies offer sleep trials, which allow customers to try the mattress for a certain period (usually around 100 nights) with the option to return it for a full refund if it’s not suitable. Warranties, which cover manufacturing defects, also typically come with mattresses and can range from 10 years to a lifetime. Always check with the retailer or manufacturer for specifics.
In conclusion, choosing the right mattress for an MS patient involves careful consideration of their specific needs and symptoms. It’s essential to prioritize support, pressure relief, temperature regulation, ease of movement, and durability when making a choice. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of sleep trials to find the best fit, and always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice. Sleep is a critical part of managing MS symptoms, and the right mattress can play a significant role in improving sleep
