Quick answer: the best mattress for arthritis in our testing is the LuxeOrganic Hybrid Latex (about £471): latex is the easiest surface to turn over on, and its medium feel cushions sore joints. Choose the Emma Original Pro (£699) for medium-firm support with a 200-night trial, or the Tempure Velure Pillow-Top (£449) if painful hips and shoulders need a plusher top.

How arthritis affects sleep#

Arthritis, whether osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), involves painful, inflamed joints that become stiff with inactivity. Sleep is difficult for several reasons: lying still in the same position allows joints to stiffen; getting up to change position is painful; and the inflammatory process in RA is often worse at night, when cortisol levels are low and can't suppress inflammation as effectively.

Approximately two-thirds of people with arthritis report that pain disrupts their sleep. A mattress that minimises pressure on affected joints and makes position changes easier can meaningfully improve sleep quality for arthritis sufferers.

Key mattress features for arthritis sufferers#

Pressure relief#

For OA of the hip, shoulder or knee, the most important feature is pressure relief at the affected joint. Memory foam excels here, as it distributes weight away from pressure points. A soft to medium-soft mattress is often more comfortable for arthritis than a firm one, which can create direct pressure on inflamed joint surfaces.

Ease of movement#

Paradoxically, while memory foam is good for pressure relief, its slow response can make position changes difficult, and arthritis sufferers need to move position frequently to prevent stiffness. Latex and hybrid mattresses with more responsive feel make turning over significantly easier than deep-sinking memory foam.

Temperature regulation#

Inflammation and warmth are closely linked. Many arthritis sufferers find joint pain worse when they're too warm in bed. A hybrid or latex mattress that sleeps cooler can reduce night-time inflammation intensity.

Getting in and out of bed#

Strong edge support is essential for arthritis sufferers who use the bed edge to push themselves upright. A mattress with poor edge support makes this more difficult and painful. Also consider the height of your bed, a higher bed (45–55 cm from floor) is generally easier to get in and out of than a low platform bed.

For most arthritis sufferers, medium to medium-soft is the right range, firm enough for spinal support but soft enough to cushion painful joints. The specific choice depends on which joints are most affected and your sleeping position.

RA vs OA considerations#

  • Osteoarthritis: Focus on pressure relief at the most affected joints. Softer comfort layer is generally preferred.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: Systemic inflammation means multiple joints are affected. Also prioritise ease of movement and temperature regulation. An adjustable bed can allow position changes with minimal effort.

Our picks for arthritis#

Every mattress below is responsive enough to turn over on without effort, cushions the joints without swallowing them, and comes with a home trial long enough for a flare-up to come and go.

ModelTypeDepthFeelSupportComfortPrice (double)Why it is here
LuxeOrganic Hybrid LatexLatex hybrid30cmMedium8.68.8£471 (sale)Latex is the easiest surface to move on; medium
Emma Original ProHybrid25cmMedium-firm9.08.8£699Zoned springs, medium-firm, 200-night trial
Luxe Velour HybridHybrid28cmMedium8.28.4£399Cheapest sprung medium with a trial
Tempure Velure Pillow-TopFoam25cmMedium-soft7.98.6£449Plush pillow top for painful hips and shoulders
Emma Original EliteHybrid28cmMedium-firm9.38.9£1,159Plusher top over the highest support score we list

Prices are for a double at the time of writing (September 2026), using the sale price where the brand runs a permanent one. Full scores are on each review page. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you; it never affects a score.

If getting out of bed is the hardest moment, pair any of these with a taller base or an adjustable one; our adjustable beds guide explains which mattresses flex. If your arthritis is in the spine, read our spondylosis guide instead.

Frequently asked questions#

What firmness is best for arthritis?#

Medium to medium-firm. Painful joints need cushioning at the surface, but a mattress that is too soft makes turning over harder and rounds the spine. A responsive medium hybrid or latex mattress is the usual sweet spot.

Is memory foam good for arthritis?#

It relieves pressure well, which helps painful hips and shoulders, but slow-recovery foam is hard to move on, and stiffness makes that worse. If you want foam, keep it medium-firm and shallow; otherwise choose latex or a hybrid.

Does an adjustable bed help with arthritis?#

Often. Raising the head or knees takes load off the hips and lower back and turns getting up into a slide rather than a push. It needs a mattress that bends, which most pocket-spring builds do not.

Should I buy a firmer mattress for arthritis?#

Not automatically. Very firm surfaces increase pressure on already painful joints. Prioritise a supportive core with a cushioned top, and a trial long enough to judge it through a flare-up.