After a hard workout, race, or game, many athletes need nothing more than a good night’s rest, and they should do so on a bed that suits their needs. Finding that right mattress can mean the difference between a quick recovery and many days of aches and pains. But there are a lot of bed-in-a-box mattresses out there to choose from, which is why we put together a list of the best mattresses for athletes. We’ve included a variety of firmnesses and constructions, so hopefully there’s something here for all manner of people who live an active lifestyle.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress for Athletes?
Our expert reviewers chose the Bear Star Hybrid as the best mattress for athletes due to its Celliant cover and graphite-infused materials for cooling as well as excellent edge support.
Best Mattresses For Athletes: Our Top Picks
- Best Mattress For Weightlifters – Bear Star Hybrid
- Best Mattress For Heavy Athletes – Helix Midnight
- Best Flippable Mattress For Athletes – Brooklyn Bedding Propel
- Best Cooling Mattress For Athletes – Nectar Premier Copper
- Best Supportive Mattress For Athletes – Zoma
Video Review: Best Mattresses for Athletes 2023
Compare the Best Mattresses for Athletes
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| Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid | Nectar Premier Copper Mattress | Zoma Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 5.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Foam |
| Cooling | ✓ | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back & Side | Back & Side | Side | Back & Side | Back & Side |
How We Chose the Best Mattresses For Athletes
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 140 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
When choosing the best mattresses for athletes, we took both durability and support into special consideration, as athletic types tend to need a solid foundation for their musculature. With the exception of the Zoma (which scored a 3.5), every one of these beds scored at least a 4 out of 5 in these two categories. The Bear Star Hybrid scored the highest on support with a 4.5, while the Nectar Premier Copper scored the highest on durability with the same number.
Best Mattress For Weightlifters: Bear Star Hybrid
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
Bear has outfitted its hybrid mattress with several features that should appeal to weightlifters, including a Celliant cover that may promote recovery and a layer of ultra-supportive coils.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
Bear has outfitted its hybrid mattress with several features that should appeal to weightlifters, including a Celliant cover that may promote recovery and a layer of ultra-supportive coils.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
All of Bear’s mattresses stand out for their Celliant covers, which offer some exceptional benefits for athletes and active sleepers. Namely, studies have shown that Celliant can improve blood flow and also speed up muscle recovery. This is especially good news for weightlifters looking to get rest between workouts.
What our testers say: “The soft pillow top on the Bear Star makes me feel a great amount of pressure relief, while the coils at the bottom provide support. It should work for back sleepers of all body types, as well as combination sleepers since it’s easy to move around on.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of The Bear Star Hybrid
- Celliant has cooling properties that should be attractive to all types of sleepers. There’s also an infusion of graphite in the Bear Star Hybrid’s top comfort layer.
- Back sleepers, side sleepers, and combination sleepers — especially any athletes who struggle with back pain — should also be comfortable on the Bear Star Hybrid.
- The coils give the Bear Star Hybrid fantastic edge support, so you should feel safe when sleeping near the edge of the bed.
Cons of The Bear Star Hybrid
- Unless you’re a back sleeper, heavyweight sleepers probably won’t find enough support on this mattress.
Read our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses 2023 for more great options.
Best Mattress For Heavy Athletes: Helix Midnight
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
With a layer of supportive coils at the bottom, the Helix Midnight should have enough support for larger athletes, especially if they sleep on their back or side.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
With a layer of supportive coils at the bottom, the Helix Midnight should have enough support for larger athletes, especially if they sleep on their back or side.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Larger athletes need mattresses that offer plenty of support, just like the Helix Midnight. On our firmness scale, this bed feels like a 7/10 — a half point higher than the industry standard. This means the mattress works well for heavier back and side sleepers. And if they want a more customized recommendation, they can always take the sleep quiz on Helix’s website.
What our testers say: The Helix Midnight was a fantastic match for back sleeping since the top layer of Memory Plus Foam conformed to my body and let me sink a bit while the individually-wrapped coils held me up. -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of The Helix Midnight
- The individually wrapped coils promote airflow, and the soft cover feels especially breathable.
- It was named one of the best mattresses for joint pain and best mattresses for fibromyalgia. This bed should help you get the recovery you need.
- Athletes 230 lb or slightly over should get the proper amount of support from the coils. However, folks closer to 300 lb should look at some of the other mattresses on the Helix site.
Cons of The Helix Midnight
- Since the Helix Midnight features coils, it may make noise as you move around on it.
Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Heavy People for more great options.
Best Flippable Mattress For Athletes: Brooklyn Bedding Propel
Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid
With both a soft side and a firm side, the Brooklyn Bedding Propel gives athletes two options to choose from, depending on the workout and what's hurting.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid
With both a soft side and a firm side, the Brooklyn Bedding Propel gives athletes two options to choose from, depending on the workout and what's hurting.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The benefit of a flippable mattress is that you get two different beds in one, which could be especially beneficial for athletes. For instance, one workout may put you in need of pressure relief and softness, while another might make you long for a supportive lift. You can find both on the Brooklyn Bedding Propel. This hybrid mattress has both a soft side (perfect for side sleepers) and a firm side (a better fit for back sleepers). No matter which one you choose, there’s a core of 1,032 individually encased Ascension Coils.
What our testers say: The Propel has a balanced foam feel that is simultaneously soft and responsive. I sank into the soft foam and enjoyed body contouring and pressure relief, but the responsive coils underneath the foam layers made it to where I didn’t feel stuck.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of The Brooklyn Bedding Propel
- The Propel contains proprietary Upcycle technology, which is designed to improve recovery time for athletes and active people.
- Although the thickness of the material varies depending on which side you’re sleeping on, the comfort layer consists of proprietary CopperFlex foam.
- The Propel features TitanCool in its construction that will help with heat dissipation and cooling.
Cons of The Brooklyn Bedding Propel
- Due to the thick comfort layers, the Brooklyn Bedding Propel may not be the best mattress for sex.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Propel mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Flippable Mattresses for more great options.
Best Cooling Mattress For Athletes: Nectar Premier Copper
Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
While memory foam tends to sleep hot, this mattress keeps a low temperature with cooling technology such as gel infusions and a copper-infused cover.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
While memory foam tends to sleep hot, this mattress keeps a low temperature with cooling technology such as gel infusions and a copper-infused cover.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Nectar Premier Copper not only promotes deep sleep for athletes — it helps them stay cool all night long with advanced cooling features. Its soft, copper-infused cover helps pull heat away from the body during post-workout slumbers. Plus, its memory foam comfort layer has gel running throughout it, which also helps sleepers stay cool.
What our testers say: “I felt fantastic while back sleeping on the Nectar Premier Copper. I enjoyed a good balance of pressure relief and spinal support. I also felt great while side-sleeping on the Nectar Premier Copper since thick layers of memory foam on top offer good pressure relief around the shoulder and hip.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of The Nectar Premier Copper
- It’s slightly softer than average, coming in at 6/10 on our firmness scale. For reference, we consider 6.5/10 medium-firm.
- Its softness offers a ton of pressure relief, which makes it appealing to side-sleeping athletes, especially if they experience joint pain.
- The Nectar Premier Copper isolates motion well and works great for couples.
Cons of The Nectar Premier Copper
- If you don’t need the extra cooling features, you can probably opt for the Nectar Premier instead.
Read our full Nectar Premier Copper mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Cooling Mattresses for more great options.
Best Supportive Mattress For Athletes: Zoma
Zoma Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Zoma Mattress
There's a ton of support and responsiveness in the Zoma's Triangulex technology and Reactiv foams, allowing athletic sleepers to easily switch positions.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Zoma Mattress
There's a ton of support and responsiveness in the Zoma's Triangulex technology and Reactiv foams, allowing athletic sleepers to easily switch positions.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Zoma’s main feature that should be enticing to athletes is its Triangulex technology — a zoned system found in the comfort layer where the center of the mattress is firmer than the head and foot. This makes the Zoma an excellent match for athletes who switch positions at night. They should feel good support when they’re back-sleeping and stomach-sleeping, and great pressure relief while on their side.
What our testers say: “When laying on the Zoma, the memory foam layer on top was quite soft, and it is easy to press in before hitting the firmer transition and support layers. These layers combine to give the Zoma a medium firmness.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of The Zoma
- A layer of the Zoma’s layer of proprietary Reactiv foam adds some bounce to the mattress, which also helps combination sleepers change positions.
- The mattress has a breathable cover and other temperature-regulating materials that shouldn’t trap too much heat.
- The Zoma is competitively-priced when compared with other mattresses that are marketed toward athletes.
Cons of The Zoma
- Heavier people may find this mattress too thin and they may sink through the comfort layers of this mattress.
Read our full Zoma mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Memory Foam Mattresses for more great options.
Jump To
Type of Mattress | Mattress Thickness | Mattress Firmness | Mattress Features | Sleep for Athletes| Heavyweight Sleepers
Best Mattress Type for Athletes
- Memory foam mattresses have great pressure-relieving properties that can benefit athletes.
- Innerspring mattresses circulate air well and create a cooler sleep surface. However, without a top comfort layer, innersprings may not be as comfortable or pressure-relieving as memory foam.
- Hybrid mattresses combine the best qualities of foam and spring mattresses, balancing a comfortable top layer of foam, wool, latex, or other materials with the support of a coil layer. Hybrids can be a good fit for athletes looking for restorative sleep.
- Latex mattresses are bouncy, cooling, pressure-relieving, and come in a wide range of firmnesses. It’s likely that athletes can find a great latex mattress that will work for them.
Best Mattress Thickness for Athletes
There are several factors to consider when you’re thinking about the thickness of your mattress. For example, your weight and sleeping position will play a huge role in what mattress thickness is best for you.
In general, though, medium-profile mattresses, or mattresses that measure between 10 and 12 inches are likely going to give you the most support and cushioning. Mattresses above 12 inches may also offer a great deal of softness and comfort.
Mattresses lower than 10 inches may be a great option for lightweight sleepers, but likely will sink in too much for a heavyweight sleeper.
Best Mattress Firmness for Athletes
Most people have a particular firmness they prefer when it comes to mattresses, and this applies to athletes as well.
Again, it’s important that athletes consider their sleeping position and whether they’re getting the necessary support or comfort. An athlete who sleeps on their side won’t want something extremely firm because they could wake up with pain on their joints, shoulders, and hips. But if they sleep on their stomach, a soft mattress could let their hips sink in too far and cause significant lower back pain.
Everyone needs a mattress that will keep their spine in neutral alignment, but this is even more important for athletes who put more strain on their bodies during workouts, races, meets, and other sporting events.
What Features Should Athletes Look For In A Mattress?
When shopping for a mattress, athletes should remember that there’s not one perfect mattress for everyone, so it really does depend on one’s preferences.
Cooling
Whether someone is an athlete or not, it never feels good to sleep hot at night, and some mattress types — especially those that contain memory foam — can trap body heat and make sleepers overheat.
Athletes should find a mattress that promotes cooling so that they can recover quickly and sleep deeply. They might want to consider something without memory foam that also contains cooling features such as Phase Change Material (PCM). However, if they prefer memory foam, they should make sure that it’s at least infused with gel, graphite, or some other cooling material.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is important for athletes who value their sleep as a time for healing and restoration. If a mattress isn’t made with pressure relief in mind, people may wake up with pain at the pressure points like the hips, shoulders, and knees.
If a mattress is too firm or too soft, it likely won’t have good pressure relief. Materials like high-density foam and latex offer nice pressure relief to help aid muscle recovery during sleep.
Sleeping Position
Athletes sleep in all different positions, and this will really determine what type of mattress is best.
- A soft mattress is the best mattress for side sleeping athletes because they require pressure relief for their shoulders and hips.
- Athletes who just sleep on their backs will want to find a mattress that’s closer to medium-firm with an excellent balance of comfort and support. This will allow their hips to sink in the right amount while still providing them with the requisite amount of support.
- Finally, athletes who need the best mattress for stomach sleepers should choose something firmer to provide more support under their hips. Otherwise, their hips could bow into the mattress.
Extra Features for Athletes
There are a few mattresses on the market marketed specifically toward athletes (all of the Bear models come to mind). Some of these contain materials like Celliant, which can improve blood flow and assist with muscle recovery. Athletes who want a mattress made just for them should just do their research, as there are more and more options hitting the market.
The Importance Of Sleep For Athletes
Getting restorative and comfortable sleep is important for everyone, but it’s especially important to athletes who put extra strain on their bodies. Sleep is a key time for the body to heal, and without it, athletes may feel their workouts suffering.
While we sleep, the body releases the human growth hormone (HGH) to prompt the restoration of muscles. These healing processes occur during the deep stages of sleep, so not getting enough deep sleep can be harmful for athletes.
This is why it’s so important for an athlete or active person to carefully consider their mattress choice, as a supportive and comfortable bed is one of the key tools to restorative sleep.
Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230 lb
Whenever someone is shopping for a mattress, they should definitely consider their size and body weight. Of course, this applies to athletes as well. I’m 5’9” and weigh 160 lb so, to get the perspective of a larger person, I asked Marten, the largest member of our team, to try out some of these mattresses. He’s 6’7” and weighs 250 lb, so he can really talk about how these mattresses will perform for heavier athletes:
I found the Helix Midnight to be an incredible fit for back-sleeping because of its very supportive coils. I definitely feel them holding up my weight while the comfort layer lets my hips sink in just the right amount.
The Zoma is an interesting mattress because it features a zoned construction. This makes it so that the center of the mattress is firmer than the head and the foot. When I’m on my back, I get some great lumbar support from that zoning. When side-sleeping, the pressure relief is pretty nice on my shoulder.
In general, larger athletes should find a mattress with coils that will support their heavier weight. If they sleep on their side, they should also choose a mattress with a thicker comfort layer that will prevent them from bottoming out and hitting the firmer support layers.
Summary
Here’s a recap of our top picks for the best mattresses for athletes:
| Mattress | Best For |
| Bear Star Hybrid | Best Mattress For Weightlifters |
| Helix Midnight | Best Mattress For Heavy Athletes |
| Brooklyn Bedding Propel | Best Flippable Mattress For Athletes |
| Nectar Premier Copper | Best Cooling Mattress For Athletes |
| Zoma | Best Supportive Mattress For Athletes |
Mattresses for Athletes FAQs
What type of mattress is best for athletes?
Pretty much any type of mattress can work for athletes, and it just depends on what firmness and feel they prefer. That being said, a hybrid mattress can be an especially good fit. Hybrid mattresses offer a balance of comfort and support that can help prevent pain issues, especially in the lumbar area. They’re also generally better with cooling, and can be more durable and last longer than other types of mattresses.
Are memory foam mattresses good for athletes?
Memory foam mattresses can be a fantastic match for athletes, depending on personal preference. Simply put, some people like the slow-moving feel of memory foam, and some don’t. Memory foam can be great with joint pain relief, and it can also alleviate back pain. However, the material is known for trapping heat, so it’s not the best with cooling, especially if you’ve just had a strenuous workout.
What firmness is good for athletes?
A mattress with any firmness can work for athletes; it just depends on their sleeping position and firmness preferences. However, a medium-firm mattress is usually the best match for all three sleeping positions, and it can also help with the back pain that some athletes struggle with.