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This article has been written by the site owner Dan Cartwright – a mattress testing expert who has been testing products and writing online reviews since 2015 to help buyers make the best purchasing decisions for their needs.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Dimitar Marinov (M.D, Ph.D, RDN) to ensure maximum factual accuracy and reliability.
I have had insomnia in varying degrees since I was a child.
The main causes of my insomnia relate to anxiety but also extends to several physical injuries like shoulder pain and back pain (see the next section for a full list of personal testing criteria) so I have a lot of experience in sleeping in different mattresses in an attempt to cure my insomnia.
There are many medical causes of insomnia, but sleeping on an unsuitable mattress can cause insomnia by making you feel uncomfortable; whereas sleeping on a mattress that’s best suited to your individual body weight, body type, and preferred position can help combat insomnia.
In this comparison review, I have personally slept on two different mattresses – the Puffy Lux Hybrid and the DreamCloud Hybrid – to see how they compare in terms of both sleeping style suitability and their ability to combat specific conditions that cause insomnia.
So what is the best mattress for insomnia?
Our tests revealed that the best mattress for insomnia overall is the Puffy Lux Hybrid because it helps combat the widest range of conditions and suits nearly all sleeping styles. The DreamCloud is the best alternative mattress for insomnia caused by poor posture and sleeping hot.
The rest of this article provides much more detail in regards to the suitability of the Puffy Lux Hybrid and the DreamCloud for different sleeper types and insomnia-causing conditions, as well as a comparison table (see below) and video reviews.
However, if you want to know even more about each mattress, then have a look at my individual Puffy Lux Hybrid and DreamCloud mattress reviews.
Otherwise, you can click on the red buttons below to buy either mattress and save $100’s now.
Top 2 Best Mattresses to Combat Insomnia Tested
Condition | Puffy Lux Hybrid | DreamCloud Hybrid |
Pressure based back pain | Exceptional | Fair (front and back sleeping) |
Postural back pain | Good | Very good (front and back sleepers) |
Shoulder pain | Exceptional | Fair (poor <130 lbs side sleepers) |
Knee pain | Very good | Fair |
Neck pain | Very good | Fair |
Hip pain | Very good | Fair |
Sciatica | Very good | Fair |
Arthritis | Very good | Fair |
Fibromyalgia | Very good | Fair |
Osteoporosis | Very good | Fair |
Parkinson’s disease | Good (+ adjustable frame) | Good (+ adjustable frame) |
Restlessness | Very good | Good (easy to move in) |
Sleep apnea | Good (+ adjustable frame) | Good (+ adjustable frame) |
GERD/acid reflux | Good (+ adjustable frame) | Good (+ adjustable frame) |
Allergies | Good (better with adjustable frame for breathing) | Good (better with adjustable frame for breathing) |
COPD | Good (+ adjustable frame) | Good (+ adjustable frame) |
Sleeping hot | Fair | Exceptional |
I have NOT just picked the following two mattresses at random.
But rather, I have recommended them because I have personally slept on them first-hand so I know what they feel like and their qualities have helped me combat some of the conditions that cause my insomnia.
The criteria that I have tested these mattresses against based on my own conditions include:
- Pressure-point-based back pain – I have upper and lower back pain that’s connected to my shoulder issues that gets worse when I lie on a mattress that’s either too firm and/or doesn’t have enough pressure relief.
- Postural back pain – my lower back arches slightly (lordosis) and becomes painful when I sleep on a mattress that has poor support, is too soft, too firm, or otherwise doesn’t keep me in good posture.
- Shoulder pain – I have two bad shoulders from boxing and lifting weights (a complex condition involving winged scapula, frozen shoulder, and inflammation) that gets worse when I sleep on my side on a mattress that’s too firm and/or doesn’t provide enough pressure relief.
- Knee pain – I have had two keyhole meniscus surgeries on my right knee and torn cartilage in my left knee that can become painful if I sleep on a mattress that doesn’t support my joints adequately or provide enough pressure relief.
- Neck pain – my neck pain stems from my bad shoulder that is also made worse by sitting at a desk all day; sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm or soft can throw my neck out of alignment and make the pain worse.
- Restlessness – I am a very restless sleeper that tosses and turns at night; sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm can make this worse, and I hate the feeling of a mattress that sinks in too far to the point where I can’t switch positions easily.
- Sleeping hot and sweaty – I tend to sleep hot and I also sweat a lot; so I can’t stand a mattress that makes me overheat any further.
- Snoring – I sometimes have to take medication at night (quetiapine) to combat my anxiety that causes my airways to constrict and induces snoring; sleeping on a mattress that’s too soft can make this worse by causing my head to sink too far backwards and thus make my snoring worse by impeding my airways.
- Acid reflux – if I eat too late at night I get acid reflux; sleeping on a mattress that is too soft can make this worse by putting me in bad posture and making digestion harder.
- Allergies (hay fever, dust mites, allergens) – I am very sensitive to pollen, dust, and chemicals; sleeping on a mattress that off-gasses, contains fiberglass, chemicals, or other allergens can cause me to have an allergic reaction (mostly sneezing, watery eyes, itchy skin).
- OCD, anxiety, and racing thoughts – the most prevalent cause of my insomnia is actually my anxious OCD thoughts; I take medication for this but sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress can trigger a negative and incessant stream of thinking that can make this worse.
As you can see, I have many conditions that affect my ability to get a sound night’s rest.
However, I (thankfully) don’t have every condition that can cause insomnia.
So to help those who suffer from other conditions like Parkinson’s disease, COPD, sciatica, and other conditions, I have used my in-depth knowledge of mattresses and research skills to help identify which of the two mattresses below are best suited to combat your condition.
I have linked to the more in-depth review for each mattress as appropriate so that you can find out more about that mattress.
Or you can click the red buttons to buy that mattress directly from the merchant’s website (and save money when you buy through those links today).
1: Puffy Lux Hybrid – Best Overall (Brilliant Pressure Relief)
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is 12 inches thick and has polyfoam and memory foam in the upper comfort layer, and individually wrapped pocket coils in the support core.
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is technically a medium firmness mattress, but I personally think that it feels much softer due to the slow response memory foam that allows you to sink more deeply into the materials.
Therefore, I recommend the Puffy Lux Hybrid for side sleepers, lighter weighted sleepers, and average weighted sleepers under 230 lbs that predominantly have insomnia caused by conditions like sciatica and others that are made worse by sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm and otherwise increases the pressure points on your body.
I would say that the Puffy Lux Hybrid is less suitable for heavier weighted sleepers (especially front sleepers) over 230 lbs or anyone that wants a bouncy/responsive mattress – go for the DreamCloud Hybrid instead if you have such needs.
The Puffy Lux is so exceptional in the amount of pressure relief that it provides, I personally won’t sleep on any other mattress at the moment – namely because it gives me the most amount of relief from my shoulder pain.
Click here to read my full Puffy Lux Hybrid review, or see the summary points below:
Combats Insomnia Caused By:
Based on my own personal experience and my knowledge of how mattresses perform based on their qualities, I would say that the Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress has the potential to help combat insomnia caused by the following conditions:
- Pressure-based back pain – I found that sleeping on the Puffy Lux Hybrid reduced my back pain significantly thanks to its highly adaptive memory foam comfort layer that reduces the pressure points that typically aggravate my condition when sleeping on a firmer and less responsive mattress.
- Sciatica – if you have sciatica then the adaptive memory foam may help to reduce the pressure being placed on the sciatic nerve and thus lessen the pain that you feel when lying down.
- Postural back pain – if you are a lighter-weighted sleeper that tends to sit more on top of the mattress, then the greater sinkage afforded by the softer memory foam can help you sleep in better posture.
- Arthritis – I’m fairly sure I have early onset of arthritis in my knees from the large amount of cartilage that’s been surgically removed, and the further damage/inflammation caused by the torn cartilage that still remains in my left knee. But the pain and stiffness that I often experience upon waking when sleeping on a firmer mattress were significantly reduced after sleeping on the Puffy Lux Hybrid; likely due to the better pressure relief afforded by the adaptive memory foam.
- Osteoporosis – sleeping on a softer and more adaptive mattress like the Puffy Lux Hybrid may be better for you if you have osteoporosis because it can help to dissipate the pressure on your bones and joints to make it more comfortable when you lie down.
- Hip pain – the hip pain that I experience when sleeping on my side after training with leg weights in the gym (especially squats and deadlifts) was significantly reduced when sleeping on the Puffy Lux Hybrid due to the greater sinkage afforded by the adaptive memory foam comfort layer.
- Shoulder pain – I have very bad shoulder pain at night when sleeping on my side due to my complex shoulder issues (winged scapula and inflammation of the muscles and connective tissues); but this was significantly reduced when sleeping on the Puffy Lux Hybrid so much so that I now refuse to sleep in any other mattress.
- Knee pain – my knee pain caused by torn cartilage and inflammation was reduced upon sleeping in the Puffy Lux Hybrid due to the reduction in pressure points and the way in which the memory foam wraps around my knees to dissipate the pressure in my joints.
- Neck pain – whilst adjusting the pillow loft has the best impact on alleviating my neck pain, I found that I could get away with sleeping on a shallower pillow on the Puffy Lux Hybrid because the softer material allows me to sink more into the materials. So no need for two pillows anymore.
- Fibromyalgia – the widespread musculoskeletal pain that you experience due to your fibromyalgia may be reduced significantly thanks to the better pressure relief provided by the memory foam comfort layer when compared to a firmer mattress without memory foam.
- Restlessness – I personally found myself to be much less restless in the Puffy Lux Hybrid when compared to cheaper mattresses like the Argos Home Mattress that I previously slept in because the memory foam dissipated the pressure points I felt on my body; meaning that I didn’t constantly need to switch positions all the time to get comfortable. However, I did find it a little bit harder to turn over due to the lack of bounce.
- Allergies – I didn’t experience any allergic reactions when sleeping in the Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress, even after I cut open the side of the mattress to look inside at the materials. This means that there wasn’t a large release of allergens or fiberglass.
Combine With the Puffy Adjustable Base for Relief From:
If you combine the Puffy Lux Hybrid with the compatible Puffy Adjustable Base (click the button below to buy the frame from Puffy alongside your Puffy mattress) then you can potentially get relief from the following conditions that may cause insomnia:
- Sleep apnea/snoring/COPD – raising the upper portion of the adjustable bed can help to open up your airways that may in turn make it easier to sleep with sleep apnea, COPD, and reduce snoring.
- Acid reflux – elevating the upper portion of the bed may help to prevent stomach acid from going too far up your esophagus and thus reduce heartburn.
- Parkinson’s disease – if you have Parkinson’s disease, then an adjustable frame may help you to get in and out of bed more easily by elevating the upper and lower portions of the frame so that you don’t have as far to move.
Most Suitable Sleeping Positions and Body Types
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is also a good buy if you fit the following sleeper profiles:
- Side sleepers – the Puffy Lux Hybrid is exceptional if you are a side sleeper due to the pressure relief it provides on your hips and shoulders. I’ve never slept in a mattress on my side that’s this comfortable before.
- Front and back sleepers – even though the Puffy Lux Hybrid is quite soft and allows for a greater degree of sinkage, I was still able to sleep comfortably on my front and back in it (I weigh 180 lbs). I think that the upper weight range to remain well supported (especially if you sleep on your stomach) is around 230 lbs.
- Couples – me and my partner did not feel each other moving around during the night or even sitting on the edge of the bed in the Puffy Lux Hybrid. This is thanks to the deep layers of foam and individually wrapped pocket coils that absorb movements and shock waves very well. I highly recommend this mattress for couples.
- Sleepers under 150 lbs – if you’re a lighter weighted sleeper under 150 lbs then I think the Puffy Lux Hybrid is ideal for you (especially if you’re a side sleeper) because the softer feel allows you to sink more deeply into the materials to reduce pressure points that can cause discomfort and insomnia.
- Sleepers with a low body fat percentage – if you have a lower body fat percentage under 15% then the adaptive memory foam comfort layer can help to reduce the pressure that you feel on the more angular regions of your body to increase comfort.
Not Recommended For
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a great mattress for most sleepers, but based on its qualities, I’d recommend that the following sleeper types avoid the Puffy and consider the DreamCloud instead:
- Sleepers over 230 lbs – if you weigh more than 230 lbs (especially if you’re a front sleeper) then I think that you may find the Puffy Lux Hybrid to be too soft. I recommend the DreamCloud instead because it is firmer and sinks in less for better support around your hips to prevent back pain.
- Combination sleepers – if you tend to switch positions often during the night, then you may be ok in the Puffy Lux Hybrid if you are on the lighter side, but if you weigh more than 200-230lbs then I’d recommend the DreamCloud Hybrid instead because the firmer feel and greater amount of bounce will allow you to switch positions more easily.
Additional Benefits
- Sleeps relatively cool – whilst not the most cooling mattress on the market (try the DreamCloud instead if you’re a warmer sleeper) it does sleep relatively cool for a memory foam containing mattress (I didn’t overheat in the Puffy even though I tend to sleep hot).
- Get your money back – the Puffy Lux Hybrid comes with a 101-night sleep trial which means that you can return the mattress for a full refund if you’re not totally comfortable.
- Spread the cost – you can buy the Puffy Lux Hybrid via Klarna or Split It so that you can spread the cost at 0% APR to increase affordability (click the button below to learn more):
2: DreamCloud – Best For Postural Support and Bounce
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that has memory foam and polyfoam in the upper layers and individually wrapped pocket coils in the support core – the US version is 14 inches thick and the UK version is 10 inches thick.
The DreamCloud is a medium-firm mattress that has excellent support and feels very bouncy.
Because of this, I recommend the DreamCloud over the Puffy Lux Hybrid for front sleepers, back sleepers, heavier weighted sleepers over 200 lbs and combination sleepers with posture-related back pain, allergies, and/or who sleep hot/have night sweats due to medication, the menopause, or other medical conditions.
However, I would still recommend the Puffy Lux Hybrid over the DreamCloud for side sleepers and lighter weighted sleepers with conditions triggered by a firmer mattress due to the exceptional pressure relief provided by the Puffy.
I really enjoyed sleeping on the DreamCloud because it is very responsive and provided great support, but the pain in my shoulders means that I switched back to the Puffy Lux Hybrid after 30 nights on the DreamCloud.
Learn more in my full DreamCloud review here.
Or check out the summary below and click the red buttons to buy the DreamCloud now.
Combats Insomnia Caused By:
The qualities of the DreamCloud mattress can help to combat the following conditions that may cause insomnia:
- Postural back pain – if you have back pain that’s caused by bad posture and/or sleeping on a mattress that’s sagging or too soft for you, then the medium-firm feel of the DreamCloud can help to keep you in better posture to alleviate pain. This may be especially helpful for heavier weighted sleepers over 200 lbs that typically sink too far into softer mattresses.
- Sleeping too hot (including menopause) – the DreamCloud is the most breathable and cooling mattress that I’ve ever slept on. The textured cover helps to wick away sweat and dissipate my body heat, which combines with the breathable foams and spacious pocket coil core to create a mattress that sleeps cool. This means the DreamCloud is ideal if you sleep hot/sweaty due to medication, the menopause, or other medical conditions.
- Allergies – the DreamCloud is free from fiberglass and other allergens that can potentially cause an allergic reaction. I experienced no adverse effects, even after I cut the side of the mattress open to get a closer look at the materials inside.
Combine With the DreamCloud Adjustable Base for Relief From:
You can click the button below to order the compatible DreamCloud adjustable base with the mattress (and save up to $249) to help you get additional relief from the following conditions:
- Lower back pain – the ‘zero gravity’ setting puts you in a position that can help to dissipate the pressure on your lower back for instant pain relief.
- Breathing issues – elevating the upper portion of the DreamCloud adjustable frame and mattress can open up your airways so that you can breathe more easily. This may help with conditions like COPD, sleep apnea, snoring, and breathing difficulties when you have hay fever or asthma.
- GERD/acid reflux – increasing the angle of the adjustable frame can help to stop digestion issues related to the backflow of stomach acid.
- Mobility issues – if you find it difficult to sit up in bed due to conditions like Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or sciatica then the DreamCloud adjustable frame can help by allowing you to elevate both the upper and lower portions of the frame to decrease your own range of motion and reduce the stress on your body.
Most Suitable Sleeping Positions and Body Types
The sleeping positions and body types best suited to the DreamCloud are as follows:
- Front and back sleepers – the firmer feel and responsiveness means that front and back sleepers are best suited to the DreamCloud because of the excellent support that it provides.
- Heavier weighted sleepers over 200 lbs – in addition to average weighted sleepers, the DreamCloud is ideal for heavier weighted sleepers over 200 lbs because the firmer feel and responsive support stops you from sinking too far into the mattress materials and therefore keeps you in good posture to guard against aches and pains that can cause insomnia.
- Combination sleepers – I found it very easy to turn over in the DreamCloud due to its bounce and responsiveness; making it a great choice if you tend to switch positions often during the night.
Not Recommended For
I’d caution against buying the DreamCloud (and recommend the Puffy Lux Hybrid instead) if you fit the following sleeper profiles:
- Lighter weighted side sleepers under 130 lbs – although average and heavier weighted side sleepers may feel comfortable in the DreamCloud, I personally think that the mattress will feel a bit too firm if you are a side sleeper under 130 lbs.
- Sleepers with a lower body fat percentage – if you have a body fat percentage under 15% then you may find that the pressure relief isn’t enough on the more angular regions of your body.
Additional Benefits
- Fiberglass free – I checked inside the DreamCloud mattress for myself and looked at the label to ensure that there was no fiberglass inside the DreamCloud mattress (which was confirmed by customer support). This means that you don’t have to worry about this substance causing allergic reactions.
- 365-night trial – you can try the DreamCloud for up to 1 year and return it for a full refund if you aren’t totally happy with it.
- Get $200 OFF – click the button below to buy your DreamCloud mattress now and get $200 off the regular sale price now.
How to Buy a Mattress to Combat Insomnia
To buy a mattress to help with your insomnia, consult with your doctor for advice, then consider pairing the qualities of the mattress to your condition, and ensuring that the mattress has the right firmness level for you.
The buyer’s guide below shows you how to do this:
1: Identify the Cause of Your Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep – which may last for as little as a single night (acute) or be persistent over many months or even years (chronic) [1].
The symptoms of insomnia typically manifest as daytime sleepiness, poor memory, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Insomnia can be primary or secondary, with the differences being as follows:
- Primary insomnia – the insomnia isn’t due to another medical condition and is often caused by stress related to life events like a death in the family, job loss, jet lag, or a change in circumstances like working irregular shifts.
- Secondary insomnia – the insomnia is related to another medical condition like OCD, depression, GERD, acid reflux, sleep apnea, joint pain, muscle pain, and others.
So before you buy anything, the first thing that you should do is to book an appointment with your doctor so you can find out exactly what’s causing your insomnia.
This is a crucial step because it ensures that you’ll get the correct treatment for your condition.
Upon discussing your issue with your doctor, sleep therapist, or another qualified medical condition, you may be told that your insomnia is being caused by one or more of the following conditions:
Back Pain
Back pain is a very common cause of insomnia because the discomfort can make it difficult to get into a position where you are able to fall asleep.
Some back pain is caused by joint and bone issues, whilst others are due to muscular problems – a mixture of both is also possible.
To fix back pain at night that causes insomnia, your doctor may give you painkillers for short term relief; suggest that you sleep on an adjustable bed to help you find a comfortable sleeping position; sleep on a firmer or softer mattress, sleep with pillows between your knees/under your lower back, and/or switch sleeping positions.
Hip Pain
Hip pain can make it difficult to fall asleep because much of your body weight is centered around this region and therefore increases the pressure on your hip joints.
Your doctor may advise that you sleep on a mattress that’s firmer around your hip region to help keep you in good posture, as well as treating the condition that underpins your hip pain.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can cause insomnia – especially in side sleepers because this position increases the pressure on your shoulder joints and surrounding muscles directly.
I suffer badly from shoulder pain caused by impingement and winging scapula.
In addition to treating the condition that’s causing your shoulder pain, your doctor may advise that you sleep on your back to take away the pressure and reduce the pain.
Neck Pain
Neck pain can cause insomnia and in addition to treating the underlying cause, your doctor may advise that you sleep with a pillow loft that best suited to your body type (a pillow loft of 4-6 inches is recommended for most individuals) [2].
Restlessness
Tossing and turning at night can be a consequence of not being able to sleep, but it can also be the cause of your insomnia too.
For example, sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm can cause uncomfortable pressure points on your body, whilst sleeping on a mattress that’s too soft may result in you sleeping in bad posture.
Both instances may result in you turning over throughout the night as your body tries to find a comfortable position.
To prevent restlessness, you should get a mattress that has the right type of firmness for your body type, dominant sleeping position, and body weight, and consider a mattress with a cushioned top layer to alleviate pressure points (such as memory foam or natural latex).
Sleep Apnea
If you wake up feeling exhausted the next day, you might have sleep apnea – where you wake up multiple times throughout the night (often without your conscious knowledge) due to breathing issues.
Your doctor may advise that you use a CPAP machine to ensure that you get enough oxygen.
Sleeping on an adjustable bed may also help to lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea in some individuals when the top of the bed is elevated because this can help to open up your airways.
More specifically, a scientific study concluded that elevating the head of the bed by 7.5° can improve the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
GERD/Acid Reflux
GERD and acid reflux can cause insomnia by causing chest pain (heartburn) and discomfort in your esophagus that typically gets worse when you lie down [3].
Therefore, in addition to providing medication and/or lifestyle changes, your doctor may advise you to sleep on an adjustable bed to help inhibit the back-flow of stomach acid that is causing your discomfort.
Allergies and Asthma
Breathing difficulties caused by asthma and/or allergies can result in insomnia – I personally have hayfever and a dust allergy so I know just how annoying it can be when you can’t get to sleep (or get woken up by) an allergic reaction.
Therefore, in addition to treating your allergy and/or asthma, your doctor may advise that you buy a hypoallergenic mattress and bedding set so that your airways aren’t irritated by particles that could trigger an episode.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a potentially very painful condition that causes discomfort in the lower back, buttocks, and legs that can get worse at night and cause insomnia due to pressure being placed on the sciatic nerve [4].
For many sciatica sufferers, investing in a mattress with a memory foam or latex foam top layer in the correct firmness can provide some relief at night because the materials can conform to your body and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve to some extent.
Arthritis
Arthritis is characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints that can take on more than 100 types of related arthritic conditions and cause insomnia – meaning that you will certainly need to talk to your doctor to find the best treatment plan for your needs [5].
However, many people with arthritis report that sleeping on a mattress that’s of the correct firmness, is able to support their spine, maintains good posture, and is able to adapt to the contours of their body can help to reduce pressure in and around the joints in order to alleviate discomfort.
An adjustable bed may also be useful to help you find a comfortable sleeping position that distributes your body weight so that the pressure is reduced on the affected joints, whilst the incline and decline feature can make getting in and out of bed easier.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by inflammation of the lungs that can make it difficult to breathe and lead to insomnia [6].
Buying an adjustable bed can help with COPD because by sleeping with the top of the bed inclined, this can help to open up your airways and make breathing easier so that you can get to sleep.
Based on his professional experience as a doctor, Dr. Marinov also recommends that COPD patients sleep with their knees slightly elevated on the adjustable bed as this can also help to improve your posture and breathing.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that’s characterized by weakness that can lead to bone breaks and pain that can cause insomnia [7].
If you have osteoporosis, then in addition to treating the condition directly, your doctor may suggest opting for a mattress with a more adaptive comfort layer made of memory foam or latex foam to ease the pressure being placed on your bones.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition where there is widespread pain in the body that can lead to insomnia [8].
In addition to medication and lifestyle changes, your doctor may suggest that you invest in a new mattress that’s able to keep you in good posture and has an adaptive memory foam or latex foam surface to help reduce pressure points on your body and lessen pain.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects motor control and is known for causing insomnia and sleep problems [9].
An adjustable bed may be very beneficial if you have Parkinson’s disease because it can allow you to get in and out of bed more easily.
Menopause
Women who are going through the menopause may experience insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, and anxious thoughts that can impact sleep significantly [10].
In addition to sleeping on a mattress that supports you properly and provides pressure relief, you should consider a breathable latex foam, spring, or hybrid spring/latex foam mattress instead of cheap memory foam to help you stay cool.
Buying a set of cooling bed sheets can also help when you have hot flashes at night, and cooling bamboo bed sheets can also help to wick away moisture if you sweat too much in bed.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (Willis-Ekbom disease) can cause insomnia because the constant urge to move your feet and legs can make it difficult to fall asleep [11].
Your doctor may treat your restless leg syndrome with medication, iron supplements, or suggesting lifestyle changes.
You should ensure that your mattress and bedding is breathable, cooling, and able to wick away moisture to ensure that you have the best chance of being comfortable and your condition isn’t aggravated.
2: Choose a Mattress That Helps Your Condition
Certain types of mattresses and beds lend themselves to combating conditions that may be causing your insomnia – see the table below for a quick overview and the full descriptions beneath for more detailed information:
Condition | Best Mattress/Bed Types |
Allergies | Hypoallergenic, adjustable bed |
Arthritis | Memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, adjustable bed |
Asthma | Hypoallergenic, adjustable bed |
Back pain | Memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, adjustable bed |
COPD | Adjustable bed |
Fibromyalgia | Memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, adjustable bed |
GERD/acid reflux | Adjustable bed |
Hip pain | Memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, adjustable bed |
Menopause | Latex foam, hybrid spring-latex foam |
Neck pain | Memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, adjustable bed |
Osteoporosis | Memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, adjustable bed |
Parkinson’s disease | Memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, adjustable bed |
Restlessness | Memory foam, latex foam, hybrid |
Restless leg syndrome | Memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, adjustable bed |
Sciatica | Memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, adjustable bed |
Shoulder pain | Memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, adjustable bed |
Sleep apnea | Adjustable bed |
Hybrid Mattresses Offer the Best Balance of Support and Pressure Relief
A hybrid mattress features a spring support core that’s topped with either memory foam, latex foam, regular foam, or an upholstered top layer.
High-quality hybrid mattresses topped with memory foam or latex foam offer excellent postural support and pressure relief that can be beneficial if you have insomnia related to arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, hip pain, neck pain, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, restlessness, restless leg syndrome, sciatica, and shoulder pain.
Hybrid mattresses topped with latex foam typically are more breathable than memory foam so they can be a better choice if you have insomnia related to the menopause, night sweats, and/or sleeping hot in general.
Memory Foam Mattresses Maximize Pressure Relief and Pain Reduction
Mattresses made entirely from memory foam can still provide good support and excellent pressure relief but tend to be favored by average weighted and lighter weighted sleepers under 230 lbs because too much weight on all-foam mattresses can cause sinkage and discomfort – although a firmer mattress can often help to mitigate this somewhat.
Memory foam tends to excel at providing pressure relief and pain reduction because it adapts to the contours of your body to provide a custom comfort fit – making it ideal if your insomnia is being caused by conditions like sciatica, muscle, and joint discomfort that is made worse by sleeping on an inflexible surface.
All-foam memory foam mattresses are excellent at dampening movements, so if your insomnia is being caused by a restless bed partner then this could be a great solution because the shock waves won’t transfer like they do on a spring mattress.
However, memory foam tends to retain heat more when compared to latex foam so it’s not the best option if you have insomnia due to the menopause or overheating – choose latex foam instead, or at least go for a hybrid option so that air can circulate through the spring support core.
Latex Foam Mattresses Offer Breathable Pressure Relief
Mattresses made entirely from latex foam offer excellent pressure relief whilst also offering more breathability and airflow than memory foam – making them a great choice if your sleeplessness is being caused by overheating and/or night sweats.
3: Select the Correct Firmness
Aside from the materials and construction of the mattress, choosing the correct level of firmness is also crucial in ensuring that the mattress will be comfortable for you.
For most sleepers in the 130 – 230 lbs weight category, a ‘medium’ level of firmness will feel just fine.
However, softer and firmer variations may be more suitable for you depending on your body weight and dominant sleeping position, as summarized in the table below:
Firmness | Best For |
Extra-soft | Side sleepers, lighter weighted sleepers under 130 lbs, sleepers with a lower body fat percentage. |
Soft | Side sleepers, lighter weighted sleepers under 150 lbs, sleepers with a lower body fat percentage. |
Medium-soft | Side sleepers, those who prefer a softer feel. |
Medium | Front, back, side, and combination sleepers in the 130 – 230 lbs range. |
Medium-firm | Front, back, and combination sleepers – plus anyone that likes a firmer feel. |
Firm | Heavier weighted sleepers over 230 lbs and/or front, back, and combination sleepers. |
Extra-firm | Heavier weighted sleepers over 250 lbs and/or front, back, and combination sleepers. |
4: Consider Buying an Adjustable Bed
If you have insomnia then buying an adjustable bed could be an excellent investment because being able to adjust the angle of the bed can help to improve breathing, weight distribution, and mobility – useful if you have specific conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, back pain, COPD, fibromyalgia, GERD/acid reflux, hip pain, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, restless leg syndrome, sciatica, shoulder pain, or sleep apnea.
And whilst you can attempt to build your own adjustable bed, it’s far safer and more convenient to buy an adjustable bed frame and compatible mattress – click the button below to see the best options now.
Conclusion: The Puffy Lux Hybrid is the Best Overall
Based on our tests, the best mattress for insomnia overall is the Puffy Lux Hybrid because it combats the most amount of conditions that contribute to insomnia whilst also appealing to the widest range of sleeping styles – heavy weighted sleepers over 230 lbs, warmer sleepers, and combination sleepers should consider the DreamCloud hybrid instead.
Sources and References
[1] WebMD – Insomnia. Accessed 21/4/21.
[2] Spine Health – Pillow Support and Comfort. Accessed 21/4/21.
[3] Mayo Clinic – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Accessed 21/4/21.
[4] Mayo Clinic – Sciatica. Accessed 22/4/21.
[5] Arthritis – What is Arthritis? Accessed 22/4/21.
[6] Mayo Clinic – COPD. Accessed 22/4/21.
[7] NOF.org – What is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? Accessed 23/4/21.
[8] NHS – Fibromyalgia. Accessed 23/4/21.
[9] National Institute on Aging – Parkinson’s Disease. Accessed 23/4/21.
[10] NHS – Menopause. Accessed 23/4/21.
[11] NHS – Restless Leg Syndrome. Accessed 23/4/21.
Medical Disclaimer
No part of this article or website offers medical advice – always consult with a qualified professional for such guidance.
Image Attribution and Licencing
Main image: Provided by Puffy.com and used with permission under the terms of a private affiliate agreement.

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.