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Best Mattress for Menopause
Night Sweats, Hot Flashes, and Back Pain
The symptoms of menopause can make getting quality sleep more difficult. The National Institute on Aging lists an array of symptoms women might experience as their estrogen levels fluctuate. Hot flashes, night sweats, and aches and pains may be the most impactful on the sleep experience.
If you’re suffering from menopause symptoms, you may want to consult your doctor for advice and guidance. A mattress cannot completely eliminate menopause symptoms, but the right mattress could help promote a better night’s sleep by allowing cooling airflow and relieving aches and pains.
In this guide, we’ll share our picks for the best mattress for menopause. We’ll also detail the best type of mattress for menopause and explain what shoppers should consider when selecting the right mattress for them.
The Best Mattresses for Menopause
- Best Overall – Luxury Firm WinkBed
- Most Comfortable – Helix Midnight
- Best Cooling – Leesa Sapira Hybrid
- Best Value – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best for Side Sleepers – Nolah Evolution 15
- Best Luxury – Saatva Classic
- Best for Back Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Pressure Relief – Layla Memory Foam Mattress
- Best Organic – Birch Luxe
In-Depth Reviews
Best Mattress Overall
Luxury Firm WinkBed
Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds
$1,499 at WinkBedsThe Luxury Firm WinkBed excels at pain relief and temperature control, making it ideal for many people experiencing menopause symptoms. Plush foam layers over multi-zone coils deliver a soothing balance of close cushioning and targeted support with a light bounce to help you move on the surface.
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Pros
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Strong airflow thanks to coil support core
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Breathable Tencel cover enhances cooling
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Euro-top promotes pressure relief
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Cons
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May be too firm for side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds
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Strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights
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Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,149 – $2,049
Trial Period
120 nights (30 night requirement)
Product Details
The Luxury Firm WinkBed has a foam and coil design that balances support and plushness, in addition to promoting breathability. This careful construction can help those experiencing menopause symptoms sleep cool while enjoying a robust but comfortable surface to sleep on.
The WinkBed comes in four firmness options, but the Luxury Firm has a medium firm feel that rates 6 on a 10-point firmness scale. A Tencel cover encases the mattress, allowing ample airflow while wicking away heat. A pocketed coil core gives bounce and breathability. Zoning in this layer adds support to the midsection of the bed to reduce sinkage around the sleeper’s hips. The perimeter is also reinforced to create a sturdier edge. The Euro-top is quilted with gel-infused polyfoam, which contours to the sleeper’s body to relieve pressure while the gel infusion redistributes heat.
Temperature neutrality, edge support, and durability are some of the Luxury Firm WinkBed’s biggest strengths. Back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds will benefit from the mix of pressure relief and support, as should side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. Heavier individuals may prefer a firmer model for adequate support.
Customers get a 120-night trial period to sleep on the mattress in their homes. The WinkBed also comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
The Helix Midnight’s strengths lie in its balanced medium firm construction, ensuring a cushy surface that soothes sore spots and a strong support core to limit sinkage beneath the midsection. Strong internal airflow adds to the quintessential hybrid design.
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Pros
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Balanced hybrid construction offers gentle cushioning and sturdy support
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Optional cooling cover dissipates body heat on contact
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Inexpensive pricing for a hybrid and free shipping to all 50 states
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Cons
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May lack support for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
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Standard-issue cover may not prevent heat buildup
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$749 – $1,399
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
Helix offers a wide range of hybrid mattresses, each model designed for a specific type of individual based on body type and sleep position. The Helix Midnight was created for side sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds, but our hands-on tests show the mattress offers a balance of cushioning and support that appeals to a wide range of people. Affordable pricing also makes the Midnight suitable for shoppers with tight budgets.
The mattress begins with a memory foam comfort layer, followed by a transitional polyfoam layer. These components provide deep, even contouring to distribute your weight, promote proper alignment, and reduce pressure along the spine. Although the Midnight is medium firm (6), the foam layers create an invitingly plush feel when you get into bed. Pocketed coils and dense base foam push back against your weight as your body settles to help keep you aloft and minimize sinkage.
Our tests show people weighing up to 230 pounds should receive adequate support from the Midnight regardless of their sleep position. The coils are thick enough to generate responsiveness and help you move across the surface with ease. Temperature control was another testing highlight. The topmost layers are composed of open-cell foam engineered for breathability and the coils promote steady airflow.
The Midnight is reasonably priced compared to the average hybrid, and each order includes two Helix pillows at no extra cost. Standard ground delivery is free for customers throughout the contiguous U.S. Your mattress comes with a trial period that spans 100 nights in length. If you decide to keep the Midnight, it’s also backed by a 10-year warranty against structural and material defects.
Best Cooling Mattress
Leesa Sapira Hybrid
20% off mattresses + free pillows at Leesa
$1,599 at LeesaThe Leesa Sapira Hybrid’s breathable construction delivers plenty of cooling for sleepers with menopause symptoms. The channeled comfort layer and open coil system both promote steady airflow to maintain a comfortable temperature, so the top foam layers shouldn’t retain too much heat.
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Pros
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Aerated top layer promotes airflow directly beneath the surface
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Above-average motion isolation for a hybrid
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Reinforced perimeter coils ensure sturdy edge support
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Cons
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Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may not receive enough support
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Strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,349 – $2,299
Trial Period
100 nights (30 night requirement)
Product Details
Temperature control is key for quality sleep for people undergoing menopause, and a cooling mattress can be essential during hotter times of the year. The Sapira Chill Hybrid lives up to its name thanks to its breathable knit cover, gel-infused top foam layer, and steady airflow throughout the pocketed coil support core. Our tests show most people can lie comfortably on the mattress without excessive heat retention.
For optimal thermoregulation, you can choose from three firmness levels based on your body type and sleep position. We found the medium (5) model contours closely, making it ideal for side sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Heavier individuals may need a firmer surface — otherwise they’ll sink deeply into the mattress and feel overly warm. The medium firm (6) and firm (7) designs offer more support and won’t compress as deeply beneath your body.
The Chill Hybrid’s comfort system consists of three individual layers beginning with gel-infused polyfoam quilted into the cover. Secondary polyfoam and memory foam layers add to the bed’s cradling feel while pushing back against your weight to keep your body on an even plane. Pocketed coils and dense base foam make up the support system. The coils are reinforced along the perimeter to stabilize the edges when you get in and out of bed.
Leesa offers free ground shipping to customers in all 50 states, and each order includes two complimentary pillows. The company’s sleep trial runs for 100 nights. You may return or exchange the mattress during this time frame at no extra charge. If you decide to keep the Sapira Hybrid, your purchase is further backed by a 10-year warranty.
Best Value Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Save 25% sitewide at Brooklyn Bedding
$999 at Brooklyn BeddingBrooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid boasts a thoughtful design and strong performance in key areas like pain relief and temperature control, but its sticker price falls well below average. You can choose from three firmness levels based on your body type and preferred sleep position.
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Pros
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High-quality hybrid with an accessible sticker price
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Available in three firmness levels and more than a dozen sizes
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Optional “Cloud Pillow Top” adds cooling and cushioning to the surface
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Cons
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Firmer designs may be too responsive for couples
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Returns incur a $99 fee
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$499 – $1,199
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
Most mattresses represent a significant financial investment, but some offer better long-term value than others without being too expensive. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a prime example of a relatively affordable mattress with strong performance and great lasting power.
Customers choose between three firmness levels. During our hands-on tests, side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds felt most comfortable on the medium soft (4), while heavier side sleepers preferred the medium firm (6). Back and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds also awarded favorable ratings to the medium firm design, whereas those who weigh more received the support they needed from the firm (8) model.
All versions of the mattress feature comfort systems with top layers of TitanFlex, a proprietary polyfoam material that molds gently to your body without the hug of memory foam. VariFlex transitional foam adds to the cushioning feel while forming a buffer between your body and the support core. Robust pocketed coils and dense base foam provide excellent overall stability. You’ll notice more bounce on the firm model, while the medium soft and medium firm designs absorb movement and isolate motion better.
You can upgrade your order to include the “Cloud Pillow Top,” an additional foam layer that rests on the surface. This foam makes the mattress feel noticeably plusher without sacrificing overall support, and a heat-dissipating fabric also ensures consistent cooling. The Signature Hybrid demonstrated very good temperature control during our tests, but people who are exceptionally hot sleepers should consider the Cloud Pillow Top add-on.
The mattress is available in 14 different sizes. These include standard mattress dimensions, a split California king for couples with adjustable beds, and several RV options. Below-average pricing for a hybrid model and free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. further sweetens the deal for budget-conscious shoppers. Your sleep trial runs for 120 nights, and Brooklyn Bedding backs your purchase with a 10-year warranty if you decide to keep the mattress.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nolah Evolution 15
35% off mattresses + 2 free pillows at Nolah
$1,624 at Nolah SleepIf you’re a side sleeper experiencing menopause symptoms, the Nolah Evolution 15 delivers much-needed cushioning for your shoulders and hips without trapping excess heat. The mattress is available in medium, medium firm, and firm designs to accommodate different sleepers based on how much they weigh and which sleep position they primarily use.
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Pros
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Open-cell foams cradle and contour to the body without trapping excess heat
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Mattress is sold in three firmness levels
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Zoned coils provide targeted support to the torso and hips
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Cons
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Strong initial off-gassing smells for the first couple nights
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Thick 15-inch profile requires a fitted sheet with deep pockets
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,004 – $2,143
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
We always recommend taking your sleep position into account when picking out a new mattress. If you’re primarily a side sleeper, the Nolah Evolution 15 is designed with four individual foam layers to cushion your shoulders and hips — two common areas of pressure buildup for people who utilize this sleep position. Three firmness levels further expand your options, allowing you to choose a design based on your body type and how much contouring you need to sleep comfortably.
Our tests indicate the medium (5) design is a good match for side sleepers in the range of 230 pounds or less. This model conforms closely to distribute your weight, align the spine, and alleviate pressure in your most sensitive areas. Back sleepers under 130 pounds also thoroughly enjoyed this design. Side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds should consider the medium firm (6), which offers sturdy support without feeling too stiff. Back and stomach sleepers of at least 130 pounds should find the firm (8) design sufficiently supportive.
Each of the Evolution 15’s four comfort layers is composed of open-cell foam, a material engineered to promote airflow and resist heat buildup. Steady circulation through the pocketed coil support core and a moisture-wicking Tencel cover add to the thermoregulating design. The coils are divided into three zones with more robust springs beneath your torso and hips, ensuring strong pushback for the heaviest areas of your body and gentler cradling elsewhere.
Nolah offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. The company’s sleep trial runs for 120 nights, but you can opt out of the trial and reduce your up-front costs by as much as $150. A standard lifetime warranty backs your purchase as long as you retain original ownership. For added security, you can purchase an accident protection plan covering stains and other types of physical damage for up to 10 years.
Saatva’s luxurious flagship innerspring pairs targeted lumbar support with a coil-over-coil support core, creating a surface that alleviates lower back pain without hindering movement. Both coil layers promote plenty of air circulation to keep you cool, as well.
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Pros
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Innovative coil-on-coil construction feels very responsive to movement
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Available in three firmness levels and two profiles
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All orders include free White Glove delivery
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Cons
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Couples may notice extra motion transfer due to the springy design
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Returns incur a $99 processing fee
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Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$995 – $2,710
Trial Period
365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Product Details
Saatva has introduced roughly a dozen mattresses over the past decade, but the brand’s flagship Saatva Classic innerspring remains an enduring favorite among sleepers. A coil-on-coil design makes the Classic very responsive, resulting in a noticeable bounce that can help you get into bed with ease and move across the surface without feeling stuck. Both coil layers promote airflow to keep the mattress cool, and you can choose from three firmness levels for optimal comfort and support.
Our tests show the soft (3) Classic provides ample cushioning and contouring, making this model a great option for side sleepers under 130 pounds. At the other end of the spectrum, the firm (8) design feels exceptionally robust and supportive. Back and stomach sleepers weighing 130 pounds or more should receive the reinforcement they need to lie comfortably without sinking into the mattress. The medium firm (6) model is the most balanced option. You’ll notice light conforming when you get into bed and great overall stability as your body settles. The mattress is also available in profiles of 11.5 and 14.5 inches — we recommend the latter if you want more coil support.
The Classic begins with a Euro-top containing adaptive foam and fiber fill, followed by a dense memory foam pad intended to cushion and alleviate pressure in your lumbar region. The pocketed minicoil transitional layer adds extra contouring while maintaining an even surface for your body. Hourglass support coils made from recycled steel add to the springy feel and stabilize the mattress very well. A breathable organic cotton cover helps the surface stay cool.
The Classic is reasonably priced compared to other luxury models on the market today. To further incentivize shoppers, Saatva offers free White Glove delivery for all orders in the U.S. This service includes full setup in a room of your choice and removal of your old mattress and box spring upon request. A generous sleep trial allows you to test the Classic in your bedroom for up to 365 nights with exchange options if you aren’t satisfied with your initial selection. The mattress you ultimately choose to keep is protected under a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid
35% off + 2 free pillows at Bear. Code: SF35
$1,499 at BearThe Bear Elite Hybrid is a solid choice for people experiencing menopause-related back pain. Plush foam layers cushion sore spots in the shoulders, lumbar region, and hips, while the zoned support system provides extra pushback to prevent your midsection from sinking too much.
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Pros
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HydroCool cover fabric helps the surface maintain a comfortable temperature
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Available in three firmness levels to accommodate different sleep positions and body types
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Zoned transitional and coil layers provide enhanced midsection support
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Cons
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Coils may produce motion transfer that disrupts sleep for couples
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Foam layers produce unpleasant off-gassing smells after the mattress is unboxed
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,231 – $2,548
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night break-in period)
Product Details
A comfortable mattress is important for everyone, but especially crucial if menopause symptoms are keeping you up at night. The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in three firmness levels, allowing you to choose a design based on your preferred sleep position and body type, and you can exchange your initial selection for a different firmness if you aren’t completely satisfied at first. A cooling cover, adaptive memory foam beneath the surface, and zoned support layers further elevate the Elite Hybrid above many of its similarly priced competitors.
Our team tested all three firmness levels, and found that the medium (5) design offers the closest contouring. Side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds enjoyed this model the most. At the other end of the spectrum, the firm (8) design should provide adequate support for side sleepers over 230 pounds and back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds. If you’re looking for a balance of cushioning and reinforcement, the medium firm (6) model is a solid option. This design earned favorable ratings across the board.
A memory foam comfort layer and polyfoam transitional layer make up the Elite Hybrid’s comfort system. The memory foam is adaptive and responds slowly to movement, but dense enough to keep your body aloft. The transitional foam is divided into five firmness zones to ensure extra pushback around the chest, stomach, and hips. In the support core, thicker coils beneath your lumbar region deliver extra reinforcement for heavier areas of your body. Robust coils along the perimeter also prevent deep sinkage when you sit or lie along the edges of the mattress.
Our tests show the Elite Hybrid sleeps quite cool. This is largely due to the HydroCool cover woven with Celliant fibers intended to capture and dissipate heat on contact. The coils also play a role in temperature control by promoting airflow throughout the interior. During testing, the two firmer models performed quite well during our edge support and ease of movement tests. The medium design earned higher marks in categories like motion isolation and pressure relief.
Bear offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your Elite Hybrid purchase comes with a trial period of 120 nights, during which you may return the mattress if you aren’t satisfied or exchange it for a different model at no extra cost. A lifetime warranty covers structural and material defects. You can purchase an additional protection plan covering stains and other physical damage for up to 10 years.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
$160 off + 2 free pillows at Layla. Use code: Sleepy10
$949 at LaylaThe dual-sided Layla Memory Foam Mattress allows you to choose between two firmness levels. One surface is plush and pressure-relieving, the other feels quite firm and supportive, and both feature breathable foams that shouldn’t absorb an excessive amount of body heat.
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Pros
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Flippable design with a unique feel on each side
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Adaptive foam layers cushion the body to alleviate pressure
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Value seekersExcellent motion isolation for couples
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Cons
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People who prefer a true medium firm feel may not find either side comfortable
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Weak edge support can cause sinkage when you get in and out of bed
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Mattress Type
Foam
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Price Range
$749 – $1,249
Trial Period
120 nights
Product Details
Few all-foam mattresses sold today offer the value of Layla’s flagship model, which features a flippable design with a different firmness level on each side. You essentially get two mattresses in one, but the sticker price falls well below average compared to the average memory foam model.
One side is constructed with a 3-inch memory foam comfort layer over 2 inches of transitional polyfoam. This surface has a medium soft (4) feel and contours closely to cushion your body, promote even alignment, and reduce pressure along the spine. However, the transitional polyfoam is zoned to prevent excessive sinkage around the midsection. On the other side, 1 inch of memory foam creates a firm (7) feel that conforms very little and offers excellent overall support.
Copper gel infused into the memory foam layers helps the mattress sleep cool on each surface. A layer of high-density foam located between the comfort systems acts as a shared support for both sides. The cover is a stretch blend of polyester, rayon, and viscose, and can be removed and machine washed whenever a cleaning is needed.
Our tests show the medium soft side is best suited to side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. If you fall into one of these groups, you should be able to enjoy deep cradling from the thick foam layers without experiencing too much compression. Our back sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds preferred the most supportive firm side instead.
Each surface performed well in different areas. Motion isolation and pressure relief were key strengths of the softer side due to its plush, adaptive feel. Alternatively, the firm side earned higher ratings for temperature control, edge support, and ease of movement. At 69 pounds in a queen size, the mattress is relatively lightweight and easy to flip — though we recommend lifting with a partner to avoid back strain.
In addition to its approachable price-point, the Memory Foam Mattress qualifies for free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 120-night sleep trial without a break-in requirement, so you can return the mattress at any point of the trial for a full refund. If you decide to keep it, Layla backs your purchase with a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
The Birch Luxe contains responsive latex, so this mattress is a solid option if you dislike the deep hug of foam. Gentle contouring helps ensure relief for your pressure points and sensitive areas, and breathable materials keep you cool and comfortable throughout the year.
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Pros
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Exceptional breathability and moisture control from wool batting
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Pulse latex cushions the body while pushing back against your weight
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Zoned coils support the lower back and minimize perimeter sinkage
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Cons
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Couples may notice motion transfer due to movements and position changes
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Potentially too firm for people who weigh less than 130 pounds
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,299 – $2,499
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
The term “luxury mattress” is typically associated with expensive costs, but the Birch Luxe offers high-quality materials and a premium design at a relatively affordable price-point. Our hands-on tests show the mattress is particularly effective at maintaining a cool, comfortable temperature throughout the night — a major benefit to anyone who sleeps hot due to menopause.
The Luxe begins with a blended layer of wool and rayon fibers, which acts as a natural fire barrier while wicking moisture away from your body. Three additional layers of wool add to the exceptionally breathable surface, while the Pulse latex comfort layer is ventilated to promote airflow beneath your body. The Luxe’s coils also generate plenty of circulation, and the organic cotton cover is exceptionally breathable. Not surprisingly, the Luxe earned stellar ratings across the board during our temperature control tests.
The mattress has a medium firm (6) feel best suited to people who weigh 130 to 230 pounds. Our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds also felt comfortable and adequately supported on the mattress. Latex is naturally responsive and the springs deliver ample pushback, allowing you to move across the mattress without feeling stuck or restricted. We also enjoyed the zoned support of thicker coils beneath the lower back.
The Birch Luxe holds a handful of certifications indicating the materials are sustainably and ethically sourced. In addition to its approachable sticker price, the mattress qualifies for free shipping to all 50 states and each order includes two pillows at no extra cost. Your sleep trial runs for 100 nights. If you decide to keep the Luxe, you’ll also receive a 25-year warranty against structural defects.
Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides
If you’re still unsure which mattress is right for you, check out our guides broken down by mattresses that relieve specific pain points.
Best Mattress by Specific Purpose
- Best Mattress for Allergies
- Best Mattress for Arthritis
- Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Best Mattress for Pregnancy
- Best Mattress for Acid Reflux
- Best Mattress for Scoliosis
- Best Mattress for Fibromyalgia
- Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds
- Best Custom Mattress
- Best Mattress for Snoring
- Best Mattress That Won’t Sag
- Best Mattress for Guest Room
How to Choose a Mattress for Menopause
For women going through menopause, the right mattress could make a major difference in the overall comfort and quality of a night’s sleep.
What to Look for in a Mattress
Each individual may prioritize different features in a mattress, but the symptoms associated with menopause may make some features more important than others. Considering the following factors may help you find the best mattress for you.
- Price: Mattress prices vary a great deal. Budget-friendly options start around a few hundred dollars, while luxury models may be several thousand dollars. High-end options may have more advanced materials and durable constructions, but affordable models can also be comfortable. Women going through menopause may also wish to leave room in their budgets for additional sleep accessories, like a cooling pillow and breathable sheets.
- Quality Materials: The materials used in a mattress affect its durability and performance. High-quality materials tend to last longer, which can extend the usable lifespan of the mattress. Some materials are also specially engineered to improve the mattress’s performance. Menopause sufferers may be particularly interested in mattresses that use components designed for temperature regulation and/or pressure relief.
- Firmness Level: Firmness preferences tend to vary based on a person’s weight and favored sleep position. Heavier individuals, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers frequently prefer a firmer model, while lighter-weight individuals and side sleepers often like a plusher surface. Firmer models tend to retain less heat, so they may be a good option for women suffering from hot flashes. Softer models frequently provide more pressure relief and motion isolation, so they might appeal to women who experience aches and pains during the night or who wake up easily when their partner moves.
- Pressure Relief: Some parts of the body naturally put more force on the mattress, which can lead to pressure points. Because a person’s hips and shoulders are usually wider and heavier than the rest of their bodies, these regions are particularly prone to pressure buildup. To relieve pressure, some mattresses redistribute the sleeper’s weight more evenly across the mattress surface. Women experiencing menopause-related aches and pains may appreciate a mattress with strong pressure relief.
- Edge Support: Some mattresses have reinforced edges to make the perimeter of the bed feel more secure. This can make it easier to sit or sleep near the perimeter of the bed, expanding the usable mattress surface. This extra surface area could give menopause sufferers the space they need to cool off during a hot flash and/or reposition to accommodate aches and pains.
- Contouring: Contouring occurs when a mattress shapes to the sleeper’s body. This can help promote better spinal alignment and relieve pressure buildup. Women suffering from aches and pains associated with menopause may appreciate mattresses that contour to their bodies. However, it is important to note that some close-conforming mattresses could trap heat if the materials aren’t breathable enough.
- Temperature Regulation: For women going through menopause, temperature regulation may be one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a mattress. The right mattress can allow the sleeper’s body heat to dissipate rather than trapping it against their body. Some mattresses can also help wick away moisture to keep the sleeper cool, dry, and comfortable. Mattresses that use coils and/or latex tend to sleep cool. Foam models are often more associated with heat retention, but many now have special features to allow more air circulation.
- Ease of Movement: Some mattresses are easier to move on than others, which can affect the sleeper’s ability to change positions. Mattresses that are soft, close-conforming, and/or slow to respond to changes in pressure could restrict movement since sleepers may feel like they have to escape their own body impressions. Women who tend to change positions during the night due to menopause symptoms may prefer a mattress that doesn’t limit their movement.
- Mattress Type: A mattress’s construction and materials influence its overall performance. Each type of mattress has certain common characteristics that may make it appropriate for women going through menopause. Below, we’ll discuss each common type of mattress in more detail.
What Type of Mattress is Best for Menopause?
Mattresses can use a wide array of materials, but most models can be classified as one of the five main types. Individual mattress models may have some variations, but most mattresses in the same category share some similar traits.
Hybrid
Definition: Hybrid mattresses use a mixture of materials. While the core is made up of coils, the comfort system may contain memory foam, polyfoam, latex, microcoils, wool, or a combination of materials. This design aims to fuse the benefits of multiple types of mattresses without as many potential drawbacks.
Highlight: Balanced Pressure Relief and Temperature Regulation. Hybrid models usually have significant comfort layers that provide contouring and pressure relief that could help relieve aches and pains associated with menopause. Their coil cores tend to allow enough airflow to regulate the temperature of the sleep surface, which may be beneficial for women experiencing hot flashes or night sweats.
Innerspring
Definition: Innerspring models are made up primarily of springs. They may also contain thin comfort layers, but the bulk of an innerspring mattress is its coil core. Innerspring mattresses are usually considered more traditional than other designs. Since they have been on the market for a long time, they also tend to be more affordable.
Highlight: Breathability. Air flows through coil systems, so innerspring models tend to be quite breathable, and menopause sufferers might be able to enjoy a cooler night’s sleep. Additionally, innerspring models usually have thin comfort layers that are unlikely to conform closely enough to trap much heat or create a “trapped in the bed” feel.
Latex
Definition: Latex foam is generally made using the sap of rubber trees, but synthetic and blended versions are also available. Talalay latex has a bouncier feel and is generally more breathable, making it a popular choice for comfort layers. Dunlop latex is usually denser and more durable. It may be used in a comfort layer or support core.
Highlight: Contouring Without Much Sinkage. Latex has low point elasticity, which means it tends to compress over a wider area when weight is applied. It usually contours enough for good pressure relief, but the way it compresses limits the sinking sensation sometimes associated with all-foam models. Many sleepers liken this to a floating sensation.
Airbed
Definition: Airbeds get their name from the air chambers that serve as their support system. Depending on the model, a crank, an app, or a remote may be used to fill and empty the chambers. Some airbeds also contain thin comfort layers for extra cushioning on the surface of the bed.
Highlight: Adjustability. The chambers of an airbed are usually easy to fill or empty, and doing so adjusts the firmness of the bed. Women who are going through physical changes that could affect their firmness preferences may appreciate this flexibility. Since many airbeds use separate air chambers on either side of the bed, they might also accommodate partners with different firmness preferences.
Foam
Definition: Memory foam and polyfoam are the most common materials used in all-foam models. Models can be constructed entirely of polyfoam, though many use memory foam in their comfort systems for closer conforming.
Highlight: Pressure-Relieving Hug. Foam mattresses, especially those that use memory foam, tend to have more hug than most types of mattresses. This close contouring can help redistribute the sleeper’s weight to ward off pressure buildup, so a foam mattress may appeal to women with a lot of aches and pains. Some sleepers also find the hug of foam comforting.
How Does Menopause Affect Sleep?
Poor sleep is a frequent symptom of menopause. However, rather than this being just one symptom, its root cause may actually be a combination of several symptoms.
“Sleep disturbances often begin during perimenopause, even for women who may have never experienced sleep issues. It’s estimated that most women will experience some form of insomnia during perimenopause and/or menopause. The risk of developing sleep apnea also increases during this time. Decreasing/changing progesterone levels may disrupt respiratory tone, associated with an increased risk for apneic episodes (i.e., more arousal and lighter sleep). It’s also common for decreasing/changing estrogen levels to disrupt thermoregulation or your body’s ability to regulate your core temperature, often leading to hot flashes, more arousal, and lighter sleep. The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone may also dysregulate morning cortisol patterns, leading to an additional spike in cortisol between 2-4 a.m. This is a common time for women to wake up during the night ‘like clockwork’ due to this spike. These changes in sleep quality can also affect your mood during the day (e.g., more irritability), worsening your sleep quality at night.”
– Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida.
During menopause, many women experience hot flashes and/or night sweats. Overheating during the night may lead to discomfort and sleep disruptions. Some mattresses trap heat near the sleeper’s body, which could exacerbate this problem. More breathable mattress models can help the sleeper stay cooler and drier throughout the night, which may be particularly important for women during menopause.
Menopause can also trigger aches and pains, including muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches. While a mattress may not relieve these symptoms, the right mattress may be less likely to exacerbate them. Mattresses can relieve pressure points and promote proper spinal alignment, so while women going through menopause may experience discomfort, the right mattress shouldn’t contribute to it.
Women may also be more likely to snore or develop sleep apnea as they age, which could interrupt sleep. Many people snore less when sleeping on their sides, so a mattress that is comfortable for side sleeping may be a good option for women during menopause. Sleeping on the back may lead to more snoring, so some back sleepers choose to use a wedge pillow to prop up their upper bodies.
Since many women gain weight during menopause, they may sink into their mattresses more deeply than they used to. If their mattress was the ideal firmness before, this extra sinkage could contribute to pressure buildup and/or make it more difficult to maintain proper spinal alignment.
Anxiety and depression are also associated with menopause. Psychology Today notes that these symptoms could both contribute to sleep issues and be the result of sleep problems, so it may be paramount to find the right mattress that helps the sleeper get the best rest possible.
Last Things to Consider with a Mattress for Menopause
While we’ve detailed some of the main factors that could come into play when purchasing a mattress, you may still have a few more questions. Here are a few final things to consider as you select the best mattress for your menopause symptoms.
How Can I Get Relief On a Budget?
Methods for getting relief on a budget are likely to vary based on your symptoms. If your primary concern is sleeping hot, investing in breathable sheets, a cooling pillow, and/or a good fan may be an effective way to modify your sleep surface without spending much money. If your mattress is still supportive but you want extra cushioning and pressure relief, a mattress topper may also be useful.
How Much of an Investment Do I Need to Make?
Mattresses are available at a wide range of price points, so customers can choose how much of an investment they’re comfortable making. A cheap mattress oftens perform well, but it may wear out faster. Higher-end mattresses often use advanced materials that can help improve their performance and longevity. Which option is best for you may depend on your goals, needs, and budget.
Mattress Warranty and Other Policies
While many customers don’t look closely at company policies, they may be important to consider as you purchase your mattress.
Many direct-to-consumer mattress companies ship the compressed mattress in a box, so if you think your menopause symptoms could make it difficult for you to set up your mattress, you may want to look for a company with White Glove delivery. Additionally, the length and conditions of a company’s in-home trial may be influential, particularly if you’re unsure whether the mattress will meet your needs.
A company’s warranty policy may also be important to consider. Warranty policies vary a great deal in length, terms, and conditions, so looking at the warranty ahead of time can give you a better idea of what defects are covered. Plus, understanding your responsibilities can help you ensure you maintain the necessary documentation and avoid violating terms that could lead to voiding the warranty.
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