3 Best Mattresses and Beds for Autism – Adults and Children

Article medically reviewed and fact-checked by Dr. Dimitar Marinov (M.D, Ph.D)

I was told by a doctor that I had autism when I was 29.

And to be honest, I didn’t really agree with the diagnosis initially because I was ignorant to the fact that autism exists on a spectrum and that those with ‘high functioning’ autism-like myself may exhibit very subtle symptoms that might not be noticed in childhood (although I was definitely considered ‘different’ at school – but autism was never mentioned).

In my case, I’m very sensitive to certain sounds, lights, and smells, whilst I also have highly focused interests and I can be very rigid in my thinking – with temper issues flaring up when I encounter problems or when someone/something disturbs my routine.

I later found out that my lifelong issues with insomnia, night time anxiety, frequent waking, early waking, and taking around 2-4 hours to drop off to sleep each night could very well be related to my autism (see the buying guide in the second half of this article for links to the exact studies).

Now, I’ve slept on a huge range of mattresses over the years, and I would often find that slight changes in the foam, cover texture, or even the odor that the materials gave off could make or break my night’s sleep.

So I’ve decided to use my experience of reviewing mattresses and first-hand experience with autism-related sleep problems to put together this list of the 3 best mattresses for autistic adults and children.

And whilst I strongly recommend that you talk to your doctor or a qualified medical professional before buying any sleep product to help with your condition, I think that you might find this list useful for narrowing down your options once you’ve decided to get a new mattress.

I’ve considered the specific nuances that tend to affect us autistic sleepers – such as how quiet the mattress is, the capacity for motion transfer, and the level of odors given off by the materials.

Autism and Sleep Q&A – With Dr. Dimitar Marinov (M.D, Ph.D)

Although I have autism, I wanted to get some medically correct answers in regards to how autism affects sleep.

So I spoke with our resident chief medical advisor Dr. Dimitar Marinov (M.D, Ph.D) who has provided the following evidence-based answers to the following autism and sleep questions:

How can autism affect sleep?

‘Autism is often related to sleep disturbances such as difficulties falling asleep, poor sleep quality, waking frequently, and inconsistent sleep routine. Studies in children show that these problems are much more common for patients with ASD when compared to controls [1].

Scientists consider multiple factors that might result in these sleep disturbances. One of them is hypersensitivity to stimuli such as touch, noise, vibration, and light. For example, evidence suggests that hypersensitivity to touch has a strong relationship with sleep problems in children with ASD [2].

Increased levels of anxiety, which are common in ASD, can also disturb sleep quality. Furthermore, some studies have found a relationship between reduced and irregular melatonin production and sleep in children with ASD [3]’.

How can you help a child with autism to sleep?

‘You can help an autistic child to sleep by addressing the factors that can lead to sleep disturbances. The problems due to hypersensitivity can be addressed by improving overall sleep hygiene. This involves the bedroom environment as well as a bedtime schedule. Following a regular bedtime and creating a pre-bed ritual can help a child’s brain and body get ready for sleep.

Problems with melatonin levels can be addressed by supplementation. Large trials have revealed that melatonin supplements can improve most of the sleep parameters in ASD [4]’.

What’s the best sleep hygiene if you have autism?

‘Sleep hygiene can be improved by optimizing the bedroom environment and creating a regular sleeping routine.

The optimal bedroom temperature for sleep when using typical bedding is 65-67°F (18-20°C) [5]. Hypersensitivity to touch and sound can be managed by a mattress that does not create noise or pressure points. Hypersensitivity to light can be reduced by using blackout curtains. Unfortunately, we currently lack studies that compare the effects of different mattresses on sleep quality in ASD’.

What is the best bedroom color for autism and sleep?

Studies show that certain colors can reduce anxiety [6]. These are the darker colors like blue and green. Soft blue, navy, or sage green might be the best colors to use in your bedroom to help an autistic person calm down and sleep better. Considering the prevalence of anxiety amongst ASD patients and its effect on sleep, using these colors for the bedroom might be beneficial for overall sleep quality.

Can a weighted blanket help an autistic person to sleep better?

Studies show that weighted blankets are generally well tolerated by both children with ASD and their parents. However, they do not improve any of the common sleep disturbances in ASD such as trouble falling asleep, waking up too often, or reduced sleeping quality/length [7]’.

3 Best Mattresses and Beds for Autism Reviewed

Below are my top 3 picks for the best mattresses for autistic adults and children.

For adults and older teens with autism, the versatility and range of comprehensive features of the Botanical Bliss mattress from PlushBeds should make this the ideal choice for many affected sleepers.

For kids and older children, the Naturepedic Verse may be more suitable, whilst the Naturepedic 2-in-1 mattress might be the best choice for toddlers and young children.

Check out my individual reviews below to learn more, then click the buttons and links to take advantage of some limited-time discounts when you buy today.

1: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss – Best Overall (Adults and Teens)

I have chosen the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss as the best mattress for adult and teen autistic sleepers because it’s very quiet, softens motion transfer, is low in odors, is toxin-free, can regulate your temperature, is strong and durable, and is able to provide soothing pressure relief to help combat the heightened sensitivities that typically make it difficult for us autistic sleepers to fall asleep and avoid waking up throughout the night.

And if like me, you’re really sensitive to sounds and movement, then I recommend adding the compatible PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation and Quiet Balance Bed Frame to your order to make your bed practically silent.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to combat additional conditions like sleep apnea, acid reflux, snoring, or back pain then you might be better off going for the PlushBeds M555 Adjustable Base because you can manipulate the frame to facilitate your ideal sleeping/relaxation position.

Read my PlushBeds bed frame/foundation and Botanical Bliss mattress reviews below to learn more.

Or click the red button below to buy your Botanical Bliss mattress now and save a massive $1,100 for a limited time only.

Specs

• Type: certified organic latex mattress (all foam – no springs).

• Thickness options: 9, 10, or 12 inch profiles.

• Firmness options: medium or firm.

• Cover materials: knitted organic cotton and organic wool (GOTS certified).

• Comfort layer: GOLS certified organic latex foam.

• Support layer: GOLS certified organic latex foam.

• Size options: twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, Cal. king, split king, split queen, split Cal. king.

• Place of manufacture: handcrafted in the USA.

Specific Benefits For Sleepers With Autism

• Silent – the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattress doesn’t contain any springs and is instead made entirely from latex foam that doesn’t make any noise when exposed to movement. This can be beneficial if (like me) you are hypersensitive to sounds and can’t stand the aggravation caused by creaking springs.

• Dampens movements – if you sleep as a couple and one (or both of you) are highly sensitive to the shock waves that transfer through the mattress as your partner shuffles around at night or sits on the mattress, then this should be less of a problem when compared to a regular spring mattress because the all-foam design soaks up movements very well.

• Low in odors – if you’re also hypersensitive to smells (again, one of my more prominent autistic traits), then this mattress shouldn’t cause an olfactory overload because the natural organic latex is virtually odorless and doesn’t contain the offensive chemicals that many memory foam mattresses do. The GreenGuard Gold certification means that the mattress has passed stricter criteria to ensure that the level of odor-causing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are kept to a minimum so that the mattress is suitable for more sensitive individuals (including the elderly and children too).

• No toxins – the Botanical Bliss is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified, which means that the mattress is ‘harmless to human health’ and doesn’t contain toxins, allergens, and irritants like mercury, lead, or PBDE flame retardants.

• Cooling – the organic latex is highly breathable which means that if you’re very sensitive to overheating or sweating at night then you should be able to experience a more stable temperature because the pinhole design of the latex foam means that the warmer air inside the mattress is replaced with cooler ambient air as you switch positions.

• Strong and durable – organic latex is one of the strongest and most durable foams that you can find in a mattress, meaning that it can withstand more friction and wear and tear than cheaper polyfoams.

• Soothing pressure relief – getting to and staying asleep are the biggest problems faced by autistic sleepers; which is where the adaptive latex foam could help because by adapting to your unique contours, it can help to dissipate the pressure on the more angular regions of your body that may be contributing to delayed sleep onset and night time waking.

Recommended For

• Side sleepers – if you weigh more than 130 lbs and sleep on your side then the medium firmness option should be the best choice for you because the surface tension of the mattress will be relaxed enough to allow your shoulders and hips to sink into the foam, but also provide enough pushback so that you will remain in good posture.

• Front sleepers – if you sleep on your front/stomach and weigh between 130 lbs and 230 lbs then the medium option should be fine. However, you may prefer the firm option if you are heavier than 230 lbs because the increased surface tension may do a better job at stopping you from sinking too far into the mattress and experiencing back pain.

• Back sleepers – if you sleep on your back then the medium selection should provide you with enough support and pressure relief if you weigh between 130 and 230 lbs, whilst the firmer option could be the better choice if you’re heavier to guard against unwanted sinkage.

• Restless/combination sleepers – if you toss and turn at night then the medium firmness should provide the right amount of surface tension to allow for a smooth transition between sleeping positions without getting bogged down in the foam. However, you might want to consider the firm feel if you weigh more than 230 lbs for even greater buoyancy.

Considerations

• Let the mattress air – even though this mattress should be low in odors, I would still recommend allowing the mattress to air out for at least 24 hours in a well-ventilated room before sleeping on it to allow any VOCs (volatile organic compounds) to disperse.

• Side sleepers under 130 lbs – if you’re a lightweight side sleeper under 130 lbs (especially if you have a low body fat percentage too) then you may find the medium level of firmness to be a touch too firm. In which case I recommend the soft version of the Natural Bliss because it can allow you to sink more deeply into the materials for deeper comfort.

• Wool sensitivities – if you are sensitive to wool then I recommend the Natural Bliss because it’s a vegan mattress that’s wool-free and doesn’t contain any animal by-products.

More Benefits

• 100-night sleep trial – you can try out the Botanical Bliss mattress for 100 nights and return it if you’re not happy when you buy directly from the PlushBeds website using the button below.

• 25-year warranty – you’re covered against qualifying defects for up to a quarter of a century.

• Free shipping and returns – comes as standard.

• Spread the cost – choose to pay with Klarna at the checkout to spread your cost over several months at 0% APR to increase affordability without paying more.

• Save $1,100 – click the button below to buy the Botanical Bliss and save a staggering $1,100 on ALL sizes now for a limited time only.

Compatible Orthopedic Foundation

If you’re very sensitive to sounds and movement then you’ll need to ensure that your Botanical Bliss mattress is placed upon a solid bed frame to minimize creaks and noises as you move around.

In which case I recommend adding the PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation to your order because this is a sturdy foundation that can support up to 1200 lbs of weight and can offer more stability and less noise than a traditional box spring.

A strong foundation is also important when buying a bed for someone with autism that is prone to aggressive ‘meltdowns’ that may put the bed under a lot of strain.

Click here to learn more about the PlushBeds Orthopedic Foundation now.

Compatible ‘Quiet Balance’ Bed Frame

If you want to take sound minimization to the next level and eliminate motion isolation whilst warding off back pain via head-to-toe support then I recommend pairing the PlushBeds Quiet Balance Bed Frame with the Orthopedic Foundation (a foundation or box spring is required) to go with your Botanical Bliss mattress.

Because the advanced polymer resin absorbs the sound between the mattress, foundation, and frame whilst also providing edge-to-edge support.

Click here to learn more about the PlushBeds Quiet Balance Bed Frame.

Compatible Adjustable Bed Frame

If you’re in need of an adjustable bed frame to help make getting in and out of bed easier, and manage conditions like back pain, acid reflux, COPD, sleep apnea, and/or snoring then the addition of the PlushBeds M555 Adjustable Base could be the ideal frame to go with your Botanical Bliss mattress.

Because in addition to being able to elevate your head and/or feet through the preset zero gravity, anti-snore, lounge, and TV settings there’s also a relaxing massage feature that may help to calm you down, and soft under-bed lighting so that you can get back to your bed at night without switching on the glaring room lights or a bright lamp.

Click here to learn more about the PlushBeds M555 Adjustable Base now.

2: Naturepedic Verse – Best For Children

I have chosen the Naturepedic Verse as the best mattress for autistic children because it’s made from organic materials to help eliminate toxins and reduce smells, whilst the individually encased coils minimize sounds, and the upper comfort layer is able to reduce irritating pressure points – plus the cover is waterproof to help guard against spills.

This means that your more sensitive autistic child will be better protected from the stimuli that can often trigger meltdowns and cause sensory irritation that could interfere with their sleep.

The Naturepedic Verse is suitable for both younger and older children, whilst the MADE SAFE®, GreenGuard, and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certifications add external reassurance that the mattress is indeed safe and free from toxins.

If you’re also looking for a strong foundation then the Naturepedic Organic Deluxe Foundation is compatible – click here to see the specifications and learn more.

Alternatively, you can click the button below to see the specs, warranty, and shipping information for the Verse Kids Mattress and get 10% off your entire order (limited time offer).

3: Naturepedic 2-in-1 – Best Waterproof Mattress For Toddlers

The best mattress for autistic toddlers and young children is the Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress because the waterproof side can help if your child wets the bed, whilst the quilted side can be used for more developed children that require more pressure relief.

The mattress is also made from organic materials, and is MADE SAFE®, GreenGuard, and GOTS certified for quality assurance.

You can also use the Organic Deluxe Foundation as a compatible and sturdy base.

Click the button below to learn more about the Naturepedic 2-in-1 mattress and get 10% off your entire order for a limited time only.

How to Buy a Mattress For Autistic Adults and Kids

Before I explain how to buy a mattress and bed for an autistic adult or child, it’s first helpful to understand how autism affects sleep in these populations.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that typically manifests in early childhood and can impede a person’s social skills, speech, and non-verbal communication abilities.

ASD is an umbrella term that now encompasses several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately, such as Asperger’s syndrome, autistic disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) [8].

As such, someone with ‘high functioning’ autism may present as having no immediately apparent symptoms; with subtle nuances in their manner of communication, thinking, problem-solving skills, and have a tendency to be hyperfocused in their interests.

Whilst someone who is ‘further along the spectrum’ may have severe difficulty communicating, maintaining a conversation, processing stimuli (hypersensitivity to sounds (misophonia), lights, and odors); may exhibit repetitive movements, have extremely rigid thinking, and have emotional ‘meltdowns’ when their routine is interrupted.

Individuals with both mild and severe levels of autism are susceptible to experiencing difficulties with their sleep, which I’ll now explore in more detail.

Sleep Disturbances in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

A 2005 study by P. Gail Williams MD et al. from the Weisskopf Center for the Evaluation of Children (University of Louisville) states that an estimated 44-83% of children with autism display sleep problems [9].

To better understand sleep in autistic children, the parents of 210 children were questioned and the findings revealed that the most frequently reported sleep problems in this affected population included:

• Difficulty falling asleep.

• Restless sleep.

• Inability to fall asleep in their own bed.

• Frequent night time waking.

Some other less prevalent sleep disturbances reported in the same group included sleep-walking, crying during sleep, sleep apnea, and nightmares.

Sleep Disturbances in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

A 2005 study by Élyse Limoges et al. [10] revealed that adults with the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) phenotype displayed the following sleep disturbances:

• Taking longer to get to sleep.

• Waking up during the night.

• Increased duration of stage 1 sleep.

• Decreased non-REM sleep.

• Decreased slow wave sleep.

The study also stated that the subjects displayed higher ‘trait anxiety scores on the Spielberger Anxiety Scale’.

Practical Implications

The studies above indicate that both autistic adults and autistic children are very likely to experience problems with sleep.

With the most common issues being that of difficulty getting to and staying asleep.

These issues could have practical implications in regards to the type of mattress and bed that you should buy for an autistic child or adult – the details of which I’ll now discuss below.

1: Consider Your Specific Needs

When choosing a mattress and bed frame for an autistic adult or child, here are the specific qualities that you should look out for.

The Mattress

In order to combat the most common traits of autism that are likely to interfere with you or your child’s sleep, you should look for a mattress with the following qualities:

• Quiet (spring free) – hypersensitivity to sounds is a common trait associated with autistic adults and children (it’s probably my own most prolific symptom). In such a case, it might be best for you to avoid mattresses with springs. ‘All-foam’ mattresses made from memory foam, latex foam, and/or polyfoam may be more suitable because they are typically silent due to their absence of springs. However, take note that you should NOT allow a baby/very young child to sleep on a regular memory foam mattress or overly soft mattress because this could cause suffocation according to the Official Journal of the American Pediatrics [11].

• Motion isolation – if you and/or your partner have ASD then you may find that the feeling of the other person shuffling around at night disturbs you. In which case you should again consider an all-foam mattress because, in addition to the absence of noisy springs, foam (especially high-density memory foam over 4-5 PCF) is excellent at absorbing the feelings of movement. Hybrid spring mattresses with individually wrapped pocket coils are typically much quieter and better at absorbing movements than regular Bonnell coiled mattresses.

• Low in odors – in addition to being sensitive to sounds, being bothered by certain odors can be a trait of ASD (again, it’s one of the more noticeable traits for me). So if you’re sensitive to smells, then you’ll want to go for either a spring mattress with an upholstered top layer or a natural latex mattress instead of a cheap memory foam or polyfoam mattress because they are the most likely to ‘off-gas’. At the very least, make sure that your foam mattress has the CertiPUR-US® label to ensure that the odor-causing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are kept to a minimum (less than 0.5 parts per million).

• Toxin-free – mattresses that contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde are not only harmful to your health, but they could also cause annoying odors too. Look for the CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX®, and/or MADE SAFE® label to ensure that the mattress is free from toxic chemicals.

• Fiberglass free – fiberglass is sometimes used by mattress manufacturers as part of the fire barrier to meet flammability standards. The problem with fiberglass is that it can irritate your skin if it breaks through the cover and can potentially cost $1,000s to professionally remove from your home if large quantities escape. So whether you have autism or not, buying a fiberglass-free mattress is worth it.

• Durable – if your child is prone to aggressive ‘meltdowns’ or otherwise tends to pull at the surface of the mattress then you’ll need a durable top layer and cover. Natural/organic latex foam is widely considered to be one of the most durable mattress foams and is part of some of the best anti-sag mattresses.

• Adaptive top layer – difficulty falling and staying asleep are the biggest issues related to sleep in autistic children and adults. Therefore it can be useful to buy a mattress that’s topped with adaptive memory foam or latex foam because it can help to soothe the pressure points that you may typically feel more prominently on a spring mattress with a thin upholstered top layer and thus potentially make dropping off to sleep easier whilst also combating frequent waking. Latex and memory foam topped mattresses make for some of the best mattresses for restless sleepers that you can buy.

• Temperature regulation – if you’re an autistic sleeper that also tends to sleep warm and/or can’t stand fluctuations in temperature, then a latex topped hybrid spring mattress can help to dissipate heat better than any other type of mattress. But if you do want to avoid springs so that your mattress is quiet, then an all-foam natural latex mattress is the next best choice because the pinhole design of the foam allows air to circulate freely as you switch positions.

• Waterproof (optional) – if your child also has bedwetting issues then it may be beneficial to buy a mattress that also has a waterproof cover to make maintenance easier.

• Overall comfort – beyond the specifics, you’ll also want to choose a mattress that’s comfortable relative to you/your child’s sleeping style and ambient sensitivity. This can include your most favored sleeping position relative to your body weight and the design of the mattress (discussed in upcoming sections), but also more subtle things like how well the details of the mattress complement your bedroom decor, wall colors, headboard, furniture, and bedding.

The Bed Frame

In addition to choosing a suitable mattress, you should also look for a compatible bed frame with the following criteria:

• Strong – a strong frame is critical for all sleeper types but especially so in children and adults with autism that are prone to strong physical outbursts. A solid platform base may be preferable to a slatted wooden frame since there’s less chance of a part coming loose. You might also like to consider side rails if falling is a concern (but beware of the risk of limb entanglement) or even solid, molded sides for a more robust design.

• Quiet – a well put together solid platform base may produce less noise than a metal frame that could be more liable to creak and cause irritation.

• Adjustable (optional) – whilst an adjustable bed may not be ideal for an autistic adult or child due to the sound that the motors make and the higher number of moving parts, the ability to manipulate the surface of the mattress may be beneficial if the autistic sleeper also has conditions like back pain, acid reflux, COPD, sleep apnea, or mobility issues.

• Under-bed lighting (optional) – some adjustable beds come with under-bed lighting which can be both soothing and make it easier to get back to bed at night without switching on the main room light that may otherwise cause sensory overload.

2: Choose the Mattress Design

Buying a mattress online is a great way to save money when compared to shopping in-store due to the reduced overheads.

However, it can also be quite confusing because you’ll be bombarded with an array of different mattress types such as hybrid, memory foam, and latex foam.

Here’s an explanation of each type of mattress and how suitable they are likely to be for children and adults on the autism spectrum.

2.1: All-Foam (Latex Foam)

An all-foam (natural or organic) latex foam mattress is likely the best type of mattresses for autistic sleepers because the absence of springs makes the mattress silent and good at dampening movements, whilst the breathable materials can help to dissipate heat – plus the natural latex is free from toxins, low in odors, and highly durable to resist damage.

However, it’s important to make sure that the mattress doesn’t contain high quantities of synthetic SBR rubber because this ‘synthetic latex’ can smell and is less durable.

The best way to avoid SBR rubber is to ensure that the mattress is GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certified to ensure that at least 95% of the materials used are organic [12].

Hybrid latex mattresses make for some of the most breathable mattresses on the market and could be a good choice if you have no issues with springs – look for individually wrapped pocket coils to minimize noise and motion transfer.

2.2: All-Foam (Memory Foam + Polyfoam)

‘All-foam’ memory foam mattresses typically have an adaptive layer of memory foam in the top of the mattress to help reduce pressure points, whilst the lower support core is comprised of high-density polyfoam to keep your spine and joints neutrally aligned.

These types of mattresses are typically the quietest because they have no springs and the foam absorbs movements very well – potentially making it an ideal choice for autistic sleepers that can’t stand the sound of the springs as they move around.

However, memory foam mattresses tend to sleep warmer than spring and latex foam mattresses because the foam works by absorbing your body heat so that it can reconfigure the molecules of the foam for better adaptive comfort; which can result in your own body heat being reflected back to you [13].

So for autistic sleepers that sleep warm, you should either opt for a more breathable natural latex foam mattress, or a latex topped or memory foam topped hybrid mattress if springs aren’t a problem.

Alternatively, you might be able to get away with an all-foam memory foam mattress if the foam is open-celled and has other cooling features like gel foam, gel beads, or breathable foams to help dissipate heat, regulate your temperature, and reduce sweating.

Just make sure that your memory foam mattress is fiberglass free – since this irritant is often found tucked away beneath the cover to act as a cheap fire barrier in some memory foam mattresses.

However, you should NEVER let a baby or young child sleep on a memory foam mattress because the American Academy of Pediatrics says that this could cause suffocation and SIDS – only use safety-approved crib mattresses for babies and toddlers [14].

2.3: Hybrid Spring + Foam

Hybrid mattresses are like a modern upgrade on the traditional spring mattresses – since they usually contain individually wrapped pocket coils for a quieter mattress and improved motion isolation, whilst the upper comfort layer contains either latex, memory foam, or polyfoam (or a mixture) instead of a thinner upholstered top layer for enhanced comfort.

Generally speaking, high-quality hybrid mattresses are some of the best mattresses that you can buy and excel at providing adaptive support, contoured pressure relief, and outstanding cooling capabilities.

The main thing to watch out for if you’re an autistic sleeper that’s sensitive to sounds is if the mattress contains springs.

However, if you go for individually wrapped pocket coils then the mattress may be almost silent in some cases to combat that annoying ‘pinging’ sound that you can hear when you turn over.

2.4: Traditional Spring

Traditional spring mattresses typically have a basic spring core (with either a Bonnell, offset, or continuous coil arrangement), a thin upholstered top layer made from synthetic fiber, and an inexpensive cover.

Low-quality spring mattresses that come in a compressed box are typically the worst types of mattresses for autistic sleepers because they can be noisy, smell of chemicals when removed from the packaging, are poor at impeding motion isolation, and are not very durable or long-lasting.

3: Select the Firmness

Once you’ve selected your ideal mattress type and design, you should decide on the firmness level since this will influence how hard or soft the mattress feels when you lie down on it.

For front, back, and side sleepers in the 130 – 230 lbs weight range, a medium level of firmness is typically ideal.

However, you may prefer a medium-soft or a soft level of firmness if you’re a lighter weighted side sleeper under 150 lbs because the reduced surface tension can help to allow your shoulders to sink more into the materials for greater comfort.

If you weigh more than 200 lbs and you’re mainly a front or back sleeper then you might prefer a medium-firm or firm mattress because the increased surface tension can help to stop you from sinking too far into the materials and getting back pain.

Conclusion: Consider Your Specific Needs

Since autism is such a wide-ranging condition that encompasses different traits with varying intensities, you should spend some time considering what elements of a mattress you value the most – such as the mattress being very quiet.

Broadly speaking, however, I feel that the Botanical Bliss mattress from PlushBeds covers many of the qualities that autistic sleepers need and is suitable for a wide range of sleeping positions and styles.

Click the button below to learn more about this autism-friendly mattress now.

Sources and References

[1] PubMed – Parental Perception of Sleep Problems in Children of Normal Intelligence with Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Prevalence, Severity, and Pattern. Accessed 15/10/20.

[2] NCBI – Sleep Disturbances Are Associated With Specific Sensory Sensitivities In Children With Autism. Accessed 15/10/20.

[3] Springer – Relation of Melatonin to Sleep Architecture in Children with Autism. Accessed 15/10/20.

[4] Wiley Online Library – Melatonin In Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review And Meta‐Analysis. Accessed 15/10/20.

[5] Science Direct – The Importance Of Temperature And Thermoregulation For Optimal Human Sleep. Accessed 15/10/20.

[6] Sage Journals – Effects of Four Psychological Primary Colors on Anxiety State. Accessed 15/10/20.

[7] Pediatrics – Weighted Blankets and Sleep in Autistic Children—A Randomized Controlled Trial. Accessed 15/10/20.

[8] CDC – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Accessed 8/10/20.

[9] Wiley Online Library – Sleep Problems in Children With Autism. Accessed 8/10/20.

[10] Oxford Academic (Brain – A Journal of Neurology): Atypical Sleep Architecture and the Autism Phenotype. Accessed 8/10/20.

[11], [14] American Academy of Pediatrics – SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. Accessed 8/10/20.

[13] GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) – Certification. Accessed 9/10/20.

[12] Wikipedia – Memory Foam. Accessed 9/10/20.

Image Attribution and Licencing

Main image: ‘Girl Sleeping in the Bed’ by Choreograph (Getty Images Pro). Used with permission as per the terms of the Canva One Design Use License Agreement.

Medical Disclaimer

No part of this article is intended to diagnose or provide medical advice – please consult with a qualified medical professional for such guidance.

Dan

Dan is the founder and head content creator at Bedroom Style Reviews.

He has been working as a professional online product reviewer since 2015 and was inspired to start this website when he ended up sleeping on a memory foam mattress that was too soft and gave him backache.

Through in-depth research and analysis, Dan’s goal with this website is to help others avoid such pitfalls by creating the best online resource for helping you find your ideal mattress, bedding, and bedroom furniture.

Dan is a qualified NVQ Level 2 Fitness Instructor with 6 years’ experience helping clients improve their health through diet, exercise, and proper sleep hygiene.

He also holds several college and university-level qualifications in health sciences, psychology, mathematics, art, and digital media creation – which helps him to publish well researched and informative product reviews as well as articles on sleep, health, wellbeing, and home decor.

Dan also has direct personal experience with insomnia, anxiety, misophonia (hypersensitivity to sounds), and pain from both acute and long-standing sporting injuries – he enjoys writing insightful articles around these subjects to help fellow sufferers of such conditions.

Learn more about Dan here.