- We spent over 1,000 hours researching the top mattresses on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated over 130 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
- We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 1,200 mattress owners. This includes price, features, and the set-up process.
- We included mattresses with different levels of firmness, pressure relief, and support to ensure everyone has options.
- We regularly update our content and are constantly testing new platforms to keep pricing and services up to date.
- Learn more about how we tested the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
Key takeaways
- The Saatva Rx is our pick for the best mattress overall for combination sleepers because it’s responsive to their movements and supports a variety of sleep styles and body types.
- Through our testing and surveys we’ve found that combination sleepers need a mattress with good bounce or responsive material, preventing them from being stuck in any one position.
- Mattresses for combination sleepers can cost between $699–$3,795, depending on size, construction, and materials.
Getting a good night’s rest is critical for your mental health and cognitive function. While you might toss and turn at night for many reasons, sometimes your comfort is the culprit. Understanding your own sleep habits and needs can be a good place to start.
In a survey of recent mattress consumers, the Handbook Team found that side sleepers were the most common type of sleeper (47 percent). But the second most common type of sleeper was the combination sleeper, with 22 percent of respondents saying they change positions throughout the night. Combination sleepers typically sleep in a mixture of any two positions. The third most popular position was back sleepers at 17 percent.
If you’re a combination sleeper, the best mattress should be ideal for your preferred sleep positions and responsive or bouncy so you can switch positions easily.
“Unlike those who stick to one position, combination sleepers need a mattress that’s versatile enough to handle their various movements,” says Matthew O’Brien, a sleep specialist at OrderYourSupplies.com. “They’ll want to be on the lookout for a medium-firm mattress that’s not too soft or not too firm. This balance keeps the spine in a neutral position while offering comfort and support for side, back, and stomach sleeping positions. They’ll also want a mattress that responds to their every move. Hybrid mattresses that use foam and coils, or bouncy latex are very helpful and will keep them from feeling stuck in their mattress.”
To help you find the right bed for your unique needs, our Handbook Team researched the most important qualities combination sleepers need to look for in a mattress and chose our top six. Read on to see if there’s a mattress for combination sleeping that’s right for you.
6 best mattresses for combination sleepers of 2024
- Saatva Rx: Best mattress for combination sleepers overall
- Helix Dusk Luxe: Best mattress for back and stomach combination sleepers
- Nolah Signature 12”: Best all-foam mattress for combination sleepers
- The WinkBed: Best mattress for side and back combination sleepers
- Birch Natural: Best organic mattress for combination sleepers
- Titan Plus: Best mattress for higher-weight combination sleepers
Firmness
Mattress brands designate each mattress with a firmness rating. While many use a number system out of 10, some brands do not assign numbers to their mattresses and instead assign firmness ratings that align with soft, medium, or firm. Our testers also give each mattress a firmness rating out of 10, but our firmness ratings may not always align perfectly with the brand’s, as firmness is subjective to body type and preference.
Saatva Rx: Best mattress for combination sleepers overall
Why the Saatva RX is our pick for best mattress for combination sleepers overall
We chose the Saatva Rx as the best mattress overall because it performed well across the board and caters to all body types and sleep positions. The mattress contains several zoned support layers Support zones mean different sections of the mattress provide different levels of firmness and support. that offer additional reinforcement while helping alleviate pressure buildup. Finally, this mattress offers a responsive bounce that aids in movement.
Who may want to use the Saatva Rx: Back, side, and stomach sleepers of all body types.
Who may want to avoid the Saatva Rx: Sleepers on a budget may want to look for something more budget-friendly.
From one of our Saatva Rx testers:
“When I change positions, the mattress pushes against my body making it easy to switch positions.
On a budget and experiencing back pain?
If you want a mattress for back pain but are on a budget, the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid is a more affordable option that’s worth considering.
Read our in-depth Saatva mattress review for more information about this brand.
Helix Dusk Luxe: Best mattress for back and stomach combination sleepers
Why Helix Dusk Luxe is our pick for best mattress for back and stomach combination sleepers
We chose the Helix Dusk Luxe as our pick for best mattress for back and stomach combination sleepers because it’s a highly responsive Good responsiveness means the mattress has a bouncier surface that responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and switch positions. mattress that offers extra lumbar support for back sleepers, which also helps elevate the hips and align the spine for stomach sleepers.
Who may want to use the Helix Dusk Luxe: Back and stomach sleepers of all body types and average-weight (130–250 pounds) and higher-weight (over 250 pounds) side sleepers.
Who may want to avoid the Helix Dusk Luxe: Lighter-weight (under 130 pounds) side sleepers may need something softer.
For lighter-weight side sleepers
For lighter-weight side sleepers looking for something softer, we recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe in our roundup of best mattresses for side sleepers.
Helix Dusk Luxe tester insights
Our testers rate the Helix Dusk Luxe highly for combination sleepers due to its responsive foam layer and innerspring layer, which help promote movement. Despite its plush pillow top, those two layers work together to help ensure sleepers can shift positions easily without feeling stuck on the top of the mattress. While lighter-weight side sleepers may need something softer, our testers say this pillow top mattress provides great pressure relief for most sleepers, giving it a 4 out of 5 for side pressure relief and a 5 out of 5 for back pressure relief. Back sleepers should feel well-supported because of the reinforced coils in the hip area, which lend added support. Our testers of all body types also feel supported while on their stomach, with their hips elevated and their spine aligned. It’s hard to find a bed that caters to all body types in all positions, but the Helix Dusk Luxe only falls short for lighter-weight side sleepers.
We gave the Helix Dusk Luxe an average score in motion isolation The containment of movement on one area of a mattress so it doesn’t impact other areas. , which means couples may feel their partner moving around as they change positions.
From one of our Helix Dusk Luxe testers:
“Even with the plush top, moving is easy and natural. It’s very responsive.”
Read our in-depth Helix mattress review for more information.
Nolah Signature 12″: Best all-foam mattress for combination sleepers
Why the Nolah Signature 12″ is our pick for best all-foam mattress for combination sleepers
We chose the Nolah Signature 12″ as our best all-foam mattress for combination sleepers because it’s made with layers of copper-infused Copper is known for its thermal conductivity and is often added to mattresses to help regulate temperature. zoned AirFoam Air foam contains little air pockets, making it more breathable and responsive. designed to provide contouring for side sleepers. It also has Certi-PUR-US CertiPUR-US is a certification that shows the foam in the mattress has been crafted with no ozone depleters. certified foam and additional foam layers for a firm, yet responsive feel. Combination sleepers who like mattresses with contouring may enjoy how the layers of foam provide a good amount of pressure relief.
Who may want to use the Nolah Signature 12″: Back and stomach sleepers of all body types and average-weight (130–250 pounds) and higher-weight (over 250 pounds) side sleepers.
Who may want to avoid the Nolah Signature 12″: Lighter-weight side sleepers may need something softer.
Nolah Signature 12″ tester insights
The Nolah Signature 12″ is an all-foam mattress with four layers of foam. Our testers feel the mattress is firmer than expected (we rated it significantly firmer than the brand at 7.5 out of 10). However, they like how much pressure relief it offers in the side and back sleeping positions while offering good support for stomach sleepers.
Despite being all foam, the Nolah Signature 12″ is a highly responsive mattress, making it easy for combination sleepers to change positions. While it doesn’t offer a lot of bounce, its firm surface and dense foam make it easy to move around. Although our testers add it takes a couple of seconds to settle into a new position, which is natural for an all-foam mattress.
Most back and side sleepers should feel comfortable because of the layer of zoned AirFoam, which provides additional support in the lumbar region and more contouring in the shoulder area. When testing the stomach-sleeping position, our testers say their hips are well-supported and their spine stays neutral. Edge support earned a high score of 4 out of 5, which is good for couples who like to spread out and sleepers who need to use the edge of the bed for mobility purposes.
From one of our Nolah Signature 12″ testers
“I found it pretty easy to move and roll around because the material responds well, although it takes a couple of seconds to settle into a new position.”
Read our in-depth Nolah mattress review for more information.
The WinkBed: Best mattress for side and back combination sleepers
Why The WinkBed is our pick for best mattress for side and back combination sleepers
We chose The WinkBed (luxury firm model) as the best mattress for side and back combination sleepers because our testing showed it caters to back and side sleepers of all body types and offers great pressure relief, support, and a good balance of motion isolation and bounce.
Who may want to use The WinkBed: Back and side sleepers of all body types and lighter-weight (under 130 pounds) and average-weight (130–250 pounds) stomach sleepers.
Who may want to avoid The WinkBed: Higher-weight (over 250 pounds) stomach sleepers may need something firmer.
Higher-weight back and stomach sleepers
Higher-weight back and stomach sleepers may want to check out the Titan Plus below because it offers firm support to keep the spine aligned in both positions.
The WinkBed tester insights
The WinkBed (luxury firm model) is a hybrid mattress that features layers of gel-infused foam Memory foam that contains small gel pods designed to draw heat away from the body. foam and innersprings for a responsive, contouring, and medium-firm feel. Sleepers who like a pillow top may appreciate the mattress’s first layer of foam helping to support them in side and back sleeping positions. Our testers also say the mattress keeps up with them while they change positions, with the mattress popping back up quickly after they shift into a new position.
The WinkBed earns high scores in both support (4 out of 5) and pressure relief (4.5 out of 5), which makes our testers feel it’s good for a variety of sleep positions. While evaluating the mattress for motion isolation, we notice very little movement as we roll a ball, have other testers move around, and add multiple people to the bed. This means couples are less likely to be disturbed by each other’s movements.
From one of The WinkBed testers:
“My weight feels evenly distributed on my back and my spine is neutral in both back and side positions. I also like how the mattress pops back into shape after I move.”
Birch Natural: Best organic mattress for combination sleepers
Why the Birch Natural is our pick for best organic mattress for combination sleepers
We chose the Birch Natural as the best organic mattress for combination sleepers due to its construction of natural latex, organic cotton, and organic wool. Sleepers with allergies will be happy to know the Birch Natural is also hypoallergenic.
Who may want to use the Birch Natural: Back sleepers of all body types, higher-weight (over 250 pounds) side sleepers, and lighter-weight (under 130 pounds) and average-weight (130–250 pounds) stomach sleepers.
Who may want to avoid the Birch Natural: Lighter-weight and average-weight side sleepers and higher-weight stomach sleepers.
Birch Natural tester insights
The Birch Natural is a medium-firm hybrid mattress made with all-natural and GOTS-certified The leading textile processing standard for organic fibers worldwide. This means it has been ethically sourced and monitored during the production process. organic materials, including organic cotton, wool, and natural latex. While testing specifically for combination sleepers, we love how springy the mattress feels and how easily it guides us from one sleep position to the next. Because the mattress is made with naturally bouncy latex as well as steel coils, it’s highly responsive and promotes movement.
Our testers feel comfortable sleeping on their back and say the mattress contours their lower back while keeping their spine aligned, earning it 5 out of 5 for back pressure relief. While we think this mattress is good for higher-weight side sleepers, lighter-weight and average-weight side sleepers may need something softer for better pressure relief. We also think this mattress provides good support for most stomach sleepers, but higher-weight stomach sleepers may feel some dipping in the hip area.
We give the Birch Natural a 5 out of 5 for edge support, which is important for people who use the full surface area of the bed or may use the edge of the bed for mobility purposes.
From one of our Birch Natural testers:
“I like the amount of pressure relief for back sleepers, and I found it easy to move from one position to the next because it’s so responsive.”
Learn more in our Birch mattress review.
Titan Plus: Best mattress for higher-weight combination sleepers
Why the Titan Plus is our pick for best for higher-weight combination sleepers
We chose the Titan Plus as the best pick for higher-weight combination sleepers because it was designed specifically for sleepers weighing over 250 pounds and caters to all sleeping positions. The mattress is made with eight-inch reinforced steel coils and high-density foam that make it durable and highly supportive.
Who may want to use the Titan Plus: Higher-weight back, side, and stomach sleepers who want a durable mattress that can support their weight without dipping or sagging. This may also work for average-weight back and stomach sleepers and lighter-weight stomach sleepers.
Who may want to avoid the Titan Plus: Average-weight and lighter-weight side sleepers may need something softer.
If you’re looking for a mattress
If you’re looking for a mattress for higher-weight sleepers that’s a bit softer, you may want to check out the Titan Plus Luxe.
Titan Plus tester insights
The Titan Plus is a hybrid mattress designed for higher-weight sleepers who weigh 250 pounds or more. Although the brand rated it 9 out of 10, we thought it was a little bit softer and gave it a firmness score of 8 out of 10. Layers of high-density foam and an eight-inch layer of recycled steel coils provide a high level of support. Our testers say the back-sleeping position is comfortable, and they feel well-supported with a neutral spine. Overall, we gave this mattress a 4.5 out of 5 for pressure relief (5 out of 5 for the back and 4 out of 5 for the side). Stomach sleepers of all weights should feel relatively comfortable on the Titan Plus since these sleepers typically need a firmer mattress with more support to keep their spines neutral. Because it’s designed with higher-weight sleepers in mind, most lighter-weight and some average-weight sleepers may experience the Titan Plus as too firm.
Our testers say the Titan Plus responds quickly to their movement, earning it a 4 out of 5 for bounce. We gave this mattress a 3 out of 5 for edge support, so sleepers who need to use the edge of the bed may also want to explore options that provide more support.
From one of our Titan Plus testers:
“I think higher-weight combo sleepers will like this mattress, but lighter-weight and average-weight sleepers may not be able to find as many comfortable positions.”
Find out more about the Titan Plus in our best mattress for heavy people round-up and our in-depth Titan mattress review.
How we test and choose the best mattresses for combination sleepers
The Handbook Team has researched many mattresses online and in person and hand-selected about 130 (and counting) of the best models to test. We’ve also surveyed 1,200 total shoppers (in two different 600-people surveys) and interviewed recent mattress customers to understand the buying process and how their new bed has impacted their sleep quality, physical health, and mental wellness.
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite “family” scores.
First-hand testing experience
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress. For combination sleepers, we evaluate factors such as bounce and responsiveness to ensure these sleepers can move around easily on their mattress.
Mattress surveys and interviews
We pay close attention to specific considerations that combination sleepers seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This includes price, features like bounce, responsiveness, how well-suited the mattress is for different sleeping positions, and the setup process. We also interview real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress as well as the benefits of purchasing one.
Objective and honest ratings
We use information from our surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews to determine the most important features in our brand- and mattress-testing scorecards.
To make our list, every model in this review needed to score at least 4 out of 5 in responsiveness to ensure combination sleepers can move around easily on their bed and accommodate more than one sleeping position and multiple body types. Our roundups cater to different needs, so we filter the best mattresses uniquely to fit each review.
We also weigh the following factors to determine an overall rating for each brand we recommend.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15 percent | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10 percent | Years in business, lawsuits, and class actions against this company |
| Features | 20 percent | Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, add-ons included (free sleep accessories) |
| User Experience | 35 percent | White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials |
| Affordability | 20 percent | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology.
How to choose a mattress for combination sleepers
Responsiveness
Combination sleepers will want a highly responsive mattress, which means the mattress responds easily to movement. This helps prevent sleepers from feeling stuck in one position, which can make it hard to move into another one. Responsive mattresses usually include coils, which are naturally springy, and they may also include latex, which is naturally bouncy.
Hybrid materials
Combination sleepers may want to stay away from 100 percent memory foam mattresses as you may sink into their surface and find it hard to move around. Hybrid mattresses usually are best for combination sleepers. However, denser, firmer foam can also provide a higher level of responsiveness, like with the Nolah Signature 12″.
Our final verdict
Our overall pick for the best mattress for combination sleepers is the Saatva Rx for its high-quality construction, comfort, and versatility. Our testers also find the Helix Dusk Luxe easy to move around on and the plush pillow top is comfortable without prohibiting movement. Following our top two, we chose the Nolah Signature 12″, The WinkBed, Birch Natural, and Titan Plus, which we think can be good choices for combination sleepers for different reasons.
Compare the best mattresses for combination sleepers of 2024
| Price range | $1,995–$3,795 | $1,374 –$2,874 | $1,299–$2,798 | $1,149–$2,049 | $1,374–$2,249 | $699–$1,598 |
| Our firmness rating* | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 15 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | 25 years | 10 years |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights |
| Recommended for | All positions | All positions | Back and stomach sleepers | Back and side sleepers | Back and stomach sleepers | Higher-weight sleepers in all positions |
*Our firmness rating is based on hands-on testing
Frequently asked questions
The best mattress for combination sleepers is one that is highly responsive and made with innersprings or a hybrid mattress with innersprings, foam, and latex. These mattress materials offer the best bounce to easily change sleep positions throughout the night. Since many combination sleepers also sleep on their back and side, the best mattress for side and back sleepers may also appeal to their needs, which includes features like contouring and extra support in the lumbar region. Firmer, dense foams can also provide a responsive surface that makes movement easier.
Combination sleepers should do well with a medium-firm mattress that is responsive enough to allow them to change positions. A middle-ground fitness can offer a good balance between pressure relief and support.
A combination sleeper is someone who sleeps in more than one position, most typically they sleep in two positions.