Best Mattresses for Athletes – Ultimate Guide and Top Picks

Athletes need enough quality sleep so that they can perform well. When they get insufficient rest at night, their performance can suffer. Luckily, the right mattress can help improve their athletic performance. Take a look at Counting Sheep’s buying gude for choosing the best mattress for athletes, based on extensive analysis, research, and verified customer experiences.

Written by:

Renata

Last Updated: Thu, July 18, 2019

Athletes need to get enough quality sleep so that they can perform well. When athletes get insufficient rest their performance can suffer, and it can take them longer to recover from physical activity. Luckily, the right mattress can improve their sleep quality, duration, and performance. An ideal bed for athletes offers exceptional relief from pain and pressure, the right level of support and comfort, sleeps cool and improves blood circulation. We have done extensive research and analysis to come up with the list of best mattresses for athletes. Our top models for this category are: 

 

Bear Hybrid Mattress 

The primary reason why Bear Hybrid is an excellent choice for athletes is its Celliant fabric cover. This fabric improves the breathability of the mattress, helps it stay cool, regulates body temperature and offers exceptional relief from pain and pressure. All of these things help speed up the physical recovery process of athletes. Additionally, the price of this hybrid mattress is below average compared to other hybrid models, and it is a smart investment. 

source: bearmattress.com

The cover of this mattress is made of Celliant fabric responsible for cooling, improved blood circulation, and increased tissue oxygenation. It is an ideal solution for athletes. The first layer of the Bear Hybrid is made of Bear’s signature performance foam, and it provides bounce and close conforming. The second layer consists of memory foam infused with gel and it has cooling benefits. The next layer adds responsiveness and bounce to the mattress, and it has pocketed coils. Finally, the base layer supports the bed, and it is made of high-density poly foam. 

Bear Hybrid mattress provides close conforming to the sleeper’s body and improved spinal alignment. Motion isolation is excellent on this model, and it doesn’t produce noise. Additionally, it offers fantastic pressure and pain relief, and it sleeps cool thanks to the proper air circulation and cooling materials. This hybrid mattress has enough bounce, strong edge support and quick response to pressure, and it is the best Celliant mattress. 

Bear Hybrid has a warranty of 20 years, and a sleep trial period that lasts 100 nights. It comes with free shipping anywhere in the continental United States. 

Recommended for: 

 

Saatva Mattress 

This mattress offers fantastic relief from pain and pressure, and it is a very comfortable model for athletes. It provides close conforming and improved alignment of the spine, pelvis, and neck. Three different firmness levels of this model are available – medium soft, medium firm, and firm, as well as two loft options – 11.5 inches and 14.5 inches. Saatva mattress can accommodate different thickness and firmness preferences of athletes, and it is one of the best mattresses 2018. 

Source: saatvamattress.com

The cover of this mattress is very comfortable and breathable, and it is made of 100% organic cotton. It is the right choice for those who prefer buying natural sleeping surfaces. The Euro pillow top adds cushioning and provides relief from pressure. The top layer keeps the mattress cool, whereas the layer of individually wrapped coils adds bounce to the mattress. The support core is made with steel coils, and it makes the entire mattress responsive. The base layer contains high-density poly foam, and it provides support to the layers above it. 

This mattress offers amazing pressure relief, targeted support, has minimal sagging, and the right responsiveness and bounce. Also, it has good motion isolation, excellent breathability, and it doesn’t produce noise. 

The Saatva comes with a sleep trial period that lasts 120 nights, warranty of 15 years, and free White Glove delivery to customers in the continental U.S. 

Recommended for: 

 

Layla Mattress 

Another excellent sleep solution for athletes is the Layla mattress. What makes this model an ideal option for these people is its flippable design. Many athletes have changing firmness preferences, and they prefer mattresses with two different firmness levels instead of one-sided models. The Layla is a perfect option for those whose firmness preferences vary. One side of this mattress is medium soft, at around 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest, while the other side is firm, at about 7 out of 10 on the same scale. 

Source: laylasleep.com

The cover of this model is made with 66% polyester, 30% viscose, and 4% lycra. The top layer of the Layla mattress is made of high-density memory foam which is infused with gel, and it has excellent cooling features. The second layer provides support to the bed, it is 2 inches thick and made of convoluted support foam. The third layer is 4.5 inches thick and made of base support foam. The last layer is also made with copper-infused memory foam, and it is firm. 

This mattress offers fantastic pressure relief, close conforming to the sleeper’s body, and has minimal  motion transfer. It is a very comfortable model that provides the right level of support and sleeps cool, which makes it an ideal option for hot sleepers. Additionally, it improves blood circulation thanks to its layers infused with copper.  

The Layla mattress is backed by a lifetime warranty and sleep trial period that lasts 120 nights. Shipping is free to buyers within the continental United States. 

Recommended for: 

 

Bear Mattress 

The Bear mattress is another excellent choice for athletes as it sleeps much cooler compared to most of the other foam mattresses. Also, it has a Celliant fabric cover which absorbs body heat, stays cool, and improves blood circulation. The Bear offers targeted relief from pain and pressure, and it is a perfect model for athletes who suffer from back pain and hip pain. Also, it is medium firm, at around 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale. 

Source: bearmattress.com

The cover of the mattress is very thin, breathable and soft, and it is made with Celliant fabric. This fabric turns body heat into infrared light which improves oxygenation and blood flow and keeps the entire mattress cool. The top layer of this model is made of graphite-infused memory foam, and it provides pressure relief benefits and stays cool. The second and the third layer are 1 inch thick and made of Bear’s proprietary foam. It is very responsive, provides bounce, and prevents sleepers from feeling stuck. The last is the base layer which is 6.5 inches thick and made with poly foam. This layer provides support and durability to the entire mattress. 

All foams used in the Bear mattress are CertiPUR-US certified and made in the United States. This model provides excellent pressure relief and support and has very good motion isolation. It conforms closely to the sleeper’s body, aids physical recovery, and sleeps cool.  

Bear mattress comes with a sleep trial period of 100 nights, warranty of 10 years, and the shipping is free to shoppers in the continental U.S. 

Recommended for: 

 

Casper Wave Mattress 

Casper Wave mattress is a luxury version of the Casper mattress. Features of these two models are the same, but the Wave has a more deluxe design and a higher price. However, it is worth it. The Wave mattress is medium, at around 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, and it is excellent for every type of sleeper. It is a fantastic model for athletes thanks to its amazing pressure-relieving benefits and deep conforming. 

source: casper.com

The cover of the mattress is made with a combination of wool, polyester, and rayon, and it has moisture-wicking properties. Also, it is very comfortable, breathable, and allows the proper air circulation. The top layer of this model is made with airy and light poly foam which is responsive to pressure. The second is the latex foam layer that provides bounce and has a quick pressure response. The third layer is made of memory foam and offers pressure relief and body contouring. The next is the transition layer made of poly foam, and it adds support to the mattress. Finally, the last is the base layer made of high-density poly foam.  

Casper Wave mattress has excellent pressure relieving benefits, and it sleeps cool. It provides the right level of support and bounce and has a quick response to pressure. You will feel comfortable on this mattress without worrying about feeling stuck. Motion transfer is minimal on the Wave, and it doesn’t produce noise when the pressure is applied. 

The Wave comes with a warranty of 10 years and a trial period of 100 nights. Additionally, it qualified for free White Glove delivery to shoppers in the continental United States. 

Recommended for: 

 

The New Purple Mattress 

The New Purple is a very popular choice of athletes because of its exceptional pressure relief and close conforming. This mattress provides relief from pain and pressure on sensitive body areas including hips, back, and shoulders, and it alleviates discomfort. It is very durable and has a long lifespan. Additionally, it is available in three different firmness options, and each of them has different thickness. The medium soft option is 13 inches thick, the medium model is 12 inches thick, and finally, the medium firm New Purple has a thickness of 11 inches. 

Source: purple.com

The cover of the mattress is made with a combination of polyester and spandex, and it is breathable and stretchy. The first layer is made up of the Purple’s Smart Comfort Grid which adapts to the sleeper’s body, offers fantastic relief from pressure, and pleasant body contouring. The second is the transition layer made of poly foam, and its primary function is the transition between different materials. The third is the 7.5 inches thick support layer that contains individually wrapped coils. It is responsive, provides bounce, and prevents sleepers from feeling stuck on the mattress. Finally, the base layer of this mattress is made of high-density poly foam. 

New Purple mattress for athletes sleeps cool, which is ideal for hot sleepers and offers excellent relief from pressure. It is excellent for athletes in all weight groups thanks to multiple firmness options and every sleep position. This mattress has close conforming, minimal motion transfer, excellent support and durability, and it is very comfortable. 

The New Purple mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty and sleep trial period of 100 nights. Shipping is free to customers in the continental U.S. 

Recommended for: 

 

Factors to Consider in a Mattress for Athletes 

Healthy sleep is essential to outstanding athletic performance. When they are well-rested, athletes are stronger, more focused, and they have a quicker reaction compared to those who lack rest. If you want to improve your sleep quality and habits, you need to buy the right mattress to help you achieve this goal. Some of the essential factors that you should take into consideration include: 

Support 

If you are shopping for a mattress, one of the primary things that you should consider is the level of support. It is crucial to choose the right model that will withstand the weight of the sleeper’s body and keep the spine straight. Unsupportive mattresses will sag over time and cause pain in sensitive body areas. 

Conforming Ability 

The best choice for athletes is a mattress that offers close conforming. These models help keep the spine, hips, and shoulders aligned, and provide relief from pain and pressure on these areas. When mattresses don’t conform closely, they don’t alleviate much pressure and can cause pain. 

Firmness 

The choice of firmness varies from person to person, and it mostly depends on the sleeper’s weight and favorite sleep position. Lightweight people who have less than 130 pounds usually prefer soft or medium mattresses, and they don’t feel comfortable on firm surfaces. Sleepers with average weight can sleep on any mattress, from firm to soft, depending on their preferences. Heavier individuals who have more than 230 pounds prefer medium firm to firm models, as they tend to sink too deeply on soft mattresses. When it comes to sleep position, back sleepers choose models that keep their spine aligned, and the right choice depends on their weight; side sleepers want mattresses that offer close conforming and that are on the softer side; and finally, stomach sleepers prefer firmer models. 

Noise 

Athletes need to avoid sleep disruptions if they want to perform well. One of these disruptions can be noise from the mattress that is produced when the mattress is bearing weight. If you want to enjoy the night of uninterrupted rest, you should opt for models that produce little to no noise when the pressure is applied. 

Motion Transfer 

Motion transfer is another possible disruption and it affects athletes who sleep with a significant other. If you are a part of a couple who shares a bed, it is wise to choose mattresses with excellent motion isolation, especially if you awaken easily. These models absorb motion and isolate it, instead of transferring it to the rest of the mattress. 

 

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Renata is an economist who has always had a passion for writing. She is a dog lover, Netflix addict and a sleepaholic. When she is not busy doing sleep research, she spends her time reading books, hiking and playing video games.

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