Best Mattress for Arthritis in Canada: Expert Picks (2026)

If you have arthritis, you already know how much a bad night's sleep can make joint pain worse. According to the Arthritis Foundation, sleep problems affect more than half of people living with arthritis—and the wrong mattress often makes chronic pain harder to manage. This guide will help you find the best mattress for arthritis that actually relieves joint pain.

Quick Summary

• Soft isn't always better. Too-soft mattresses can cause poor spinal alignment, worsening back and joint pain. You need pressure relief and support.
• Latex outperforms memory foam for arthritis. Memory foam mattresses have a slow response, making it harder to reposition at night—a real problem when you need to shift frequently to relieve pressure.
• Your arthritis type matters. Osteoarthritis (joint wear) and rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation) have different sleep needs.
• Think long-term. Arthritis is progressive. Choose a mattress for arthritis that can adapt over time, or that maintains support for 15–20 years.
• Customization beats generic labels. There's no medical certification for arthritis mattresses—what matters is personalized firmness for your specific joints and sleeping position.
• Consider the "worst day" test. Don't choose based on good days. Ask: Can I turn over easily? Will this mattress help during a flare?

Top 4 Mattress Picks for Arthritis in Canada

1. Fawcett Sombrio

What makes it stand out: The Sombrio is our most popular latex mattress—and it's fully flippable. For people living with arthritis, this means four sleeping surfaces to rotate through, extending mattress life and allowing you to adjust the feel as your needs change. The 100% Natural Talalay Latex responds quickly to movement, making it much easier to reposition at night compared to memory foam. This responsiveness helps side sleepers and back sleepers find pain relief without feeling stuck in foam layers.

Key specs:

• 7" height
• 6" core of 100% Natural Talalay Latex
• Organic cotton ticking with Joma Wool® quilting.
• Four firmness options: soft, medium firm, firm, extra firm
• Fully reversible

Price range: Starting at $1,399 (Queen)

Best for: People with hip pain or knee osteoarthritis who need consistent support and easy repositioning. The lower 7" profile also makes getting in and out of bed easier if mobility is a concern. This is the best mattress for people living with arthritis who want excellent pressure relief without memory foam layers.

Limitations: At 7", it's our thinnest model. If you prefer a taller supportive mattress or use a low bed frame, consider the Galiano or Cumberland.

2. Fawcett Galiano

What makes it stand out: The Galiano is our most customizable mattress for arthritis—and that's exactly what people living with arthritis need. It's a two-component system: a 6" latex base with a separate 3" latex topper. Each component can be configured independently, allowing us to dial in the exact balance of cushioning and support to relieve pressure on your specific painful joints.

For couples where one partner has arthritis and joint pain, we can customize each side to different firmness levels at no extra cost. This also provides motion isolation so one partner's movement doesn't disturb the other.

Key specs:

• 9" height (10.5" finished)
• 6" Natural Talalay Latex base + 3" floating latex layer
• Organic cotton ticking with Joma Wool® quilting
• Fully customizable firmness (both components, both sides)
• Both layers flippable

Price range: $1,899–$2,799 (Queen)

Best for: People with rheumatoid arthritis or progressive conditions where needs change over time. If your arthritis worsens, you can swap the topper firmness without replacing the entire mattress. Also ideal for couples with different firmness needs who want better sleep without motion transfer issues.

Limitations: The two-component design requires more maintenance when flipping and rotating—higher price point than the Sombrio.

3. Fawcett Cumberland

What makes it stand out: The Cumberland is our premium plush hybrid mattress—3" of Natural Talalay Latex over 8" of individually wrapped pocket coils. For people living with arthritis who want the cushioning of a latex mattress with the traditional feel of springs, this is the best hybrid mattress choice. The latex layer provides pressure relief for sore joints, while the pocket coils offer sturdy spinal support and strong edge support.

Key specs:

• 12.5" height
• 3" Natural Talalay Latex comfort layer
• 8" premium pocket coil springs
• Organic cotton ticking with Joma Wool® quilting
• Four firmness options, including medium firm

Price range: $2,199–$3,499 (Queen to King)

Best for: People with arthritis pain in load-bearing joints (hips, knees, spine) who need strong support plus cushioning. Hot sleepers appreciate that this hybrid mattress doesn't trap body heat like memory foam mattresses do. The taller profile works well with standard bed frames.

Limitations: Not flippable due to hybrid mattress construction. If you prefer the feel of an all-latex mattress, the Galiano or Sombrio may suit you better.

4. Fawcett Goldstream

What makes it stand out: The Goldstream offers hybrid mattress construction at our most accessible price point. It combines 2" of Natural Talalay Latex with pocket coil springs—giving you the responsiveness of latex and the support of coils without the premium price. This is a solid choice for people living with arthritis who want to avoid memory foam but prefer a firmer mattress feel.

Key specs:

• 9" height
• 2" Natural Talalay Latex comfort layer
• Pocket coil spring support
• Organic cotton ticking with Joma Wool® quilting
• Four firmness options, including medium firm

Price range: Starting at $1,399 (Queen)

Best for: People with mild to moderate arthritis and joint pain who want natural materials and hybrid mattress support at a value price. A good entry point if you're not sure whether you prefer a latex or hybrid mattress.

Limitations: Less latex cushioning than the Cumberland. Not flippable.

What Type of Mattress Is Best for Arthritis?

There's no single best mattress type for arthritis—it depends on your specific joints, sleeping position, and whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form. Here's how the main mattress types compare for joint pain and pain relief:

Natural Latex

Pros:

• Quick response makes repositioning easier (critical when you need to shift frequently)
• Excellent pressure relief without sacrificing spinal support
• Naturally temperature-regulating—no body heat buildup or pressure buildup
• Lasts 15–20 years with consistent support
• Hypoallergenic and naturally antimicrobial
• Best mattress choice for side sleepers with hip pain or shoulder pain

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost than a foam mattress
• Heavier than memory foam mattresses

Memory Foam

Pros:

• Good pressure relief and contouring for pressure points
• Widely available at various price points
• Motion isolation for couples—reduces motion transfer

Cons:

• Slow response makes turning over difficult—a real problem for people living with arthritis, with chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Memory foam retains more body heat than latex, which can be uncomfortable for some sleepers
• Memory foam mattresses lose support faster (typically 7–10 years)
• Some people with joint pain report difficulty changing positions on memory foam surfaces

Hybrid Mattress (Latex or Foam + Coils)

Pros:

• Combines cushioning with traditional support for better spinal alignment
• Better edge support than all foam mattress options
• More breathable than memory foam—helps dissipate body heat so you sleep cool.

Cons:

• Quality varies widely—it depends on whether foam layers use memory foam or latex
• Foam-based hybrids have the same heat and response issues as all foam mattress options
• Not flippable (one-sided)

Innerspring Mattresses

Pros:

• Familiar, traditional feel
• Good airflow helps hot sleepers sleep cool
• Lower price points available

Cons:

• Less pressure relief for painful joints and pressure points
• This can lead to pressure buildup in the hips and shoulders, a common problem among side sleepers.
• Shorter lifespan than a latex mattress

What Makes the Best Mattress for Arthritis?

Pressure Relief vs. Support Balance

This is where most "best mattress for arthritis" articles get it wrong. While a softer mattress is commonly recommended to reduce pressure, excessive softness may lead to hip sinkage and unnatural spinal curvature. Many people living with arthritis end up with back and joint pain on top of their existing arthritis pain.

You need both: enough cushioning to relieve pressure on painful joints and pressure points, and enough support to keep your spine aligned. This balance is highly individual, which is why we customize firmness based on your specific needs.

Responsiveness

How quickly does the mattress respond when you move? This matters more than you think. Memory foam's slow response means you have to work harder to turn over—using your arms to push yourself, which can strain already-sore joints.

Natural latex responds almost instantly. You roll, and the mattress adjusts with you. For people living with arthritis who need to reposition frequently during the night, this difference is significant for pain relief.

Firmness Considerations

Forget generic advice like "medium firm is best for everyone." The right mattress firmness depends on:

• Which joints are affected: Hip pain often needs softer cushioning to relieve pressure; spine arthritis typically needs a firmer mattress for spinal support.
• Your sleeping position: Side sleepers need greater pressure relief at key contact points, while back and stomach sleepers rely on added firmness for proper alignment.
• Your body weight: Heavier sleepers need a firmer mattress to prevent sinking

A softer mattress isn't always better for joint pain. Many people living with arthritis find medium firm provides just the right amount of pressure relief and support.

Temperature Regulation

Inflammation and temperature are connected. Many arthritis medications can cause night sweats. Memory foam traps body heat; natural latex and wool naturally regulate temperature, dissipating it without synthetic cooling gels.

If you're dealing with rheumatoid arthritis flares or medication-induced sweating, a cooling mattress that doesn't sleep hot matters more than you might expect. Hot sleepers should avoid dense memory foam layers.

Edge Support

Getting in and out of bed is a daily challenge with arthritis and joint pain. Strong edge support means you can sit on the edge without sinking—making it easier to stand up. Hybrid mattresses with pocket coils generally offer stronger edge support than all-foam or memory foam mattresses.

How to Choose the Best Mattress for Arthritis: Key Factors

Pressure Relief

Look for materials that conform to your body without creating pressure points or pressure buildup. Natural latex provides excellent pressure relief while maintaining support for proper spinal alignment. If your arthritis primarily affects surface joints (shoulders and elbows), prioritize cushioning to reduce pressure on those joints. If it affects load-bearing joints (hips, knees, spine), prioritize support with adequate cushioning on top.

Support and Spinal Alignment

Here's a simple test: Have someone look at your spine while you lie on your side. Is it straight? If your hips sink too far, the mattress is too soft. If there's a gap under your waist, you need a softer mattress. A supportive mattress maintains proper spinal alignment regardless of your sleeping position.

For back sleeping, slide your hand under your lower back. A huge gap means too firm; if you can't slide your hand at all, it's too soft. Proper spinal alignment and spinal support are essential for reducing chronic pain.

Ease of Movement

Think about your worst days, not your best. On a flare day:

• Can you turn over without using your arms to push?
• Can you get to the edge and stand up without struggling?
• Does the mattress "release" you, or do you feel stuck like on memory foam?

This is why we recommend testing mattresses in person if possible—or at minimum, having a detailed consultation about your specific mobility needs. A medical professional may also have recommendations based on your arthritis type.

Temperature Regulation

Natural materials breathe better than synthetic foams. Joma Wool® wicks moisture and regulates temperature naturally. If you're dealing with night sweats or temperature sensitivity, avoid mattresses that rely on synthetic cooling gels, which often lose effectiveness over time. Hot sleepers and those with rheumatoid arthritis should look for materials that naturally dissipate body heat—memory foam mattresses often cause people to sleep hot.

Edge Support

If getting in and out of bed is difficult, edge support matters. Sit on the edge of any mattress you're considering. Do you sink dramatically, or does it hold firm? Hybrid mattresses with pocket coils generally offer better edge support than memory foam or all-foam mattresses.

Durability

Arthritis is a long-term condition. You need a new mattress that maintains its support for years, not one that sags after three to five years. A latex mattress typically lasts 15–20 years—roughly twice as long as a memory foam mattress. That's one or two mattresses over 20 years instead of three or four.

This matters more than just cost. Every time a foam mattress loses support, you may not notice right away—but your painful joints will. Many people attribute increased morning stiffness to their arthritis worsening when the real culprit is a mattress that's quietly degrading. Flippable mattresses, like our Sombrio and Galiano, extend lifespan further by distributing wear across multiple surfaces.

What Can You Do to Sleep Better with Arthritis?

The best mattress helps relieve pressure and reduce joint pain, but it's not the only factor for better sleep:

• Use a body pillow. A pillow placed between the knees for side sleepers, or beneath the knees for back sleepers, can relieve strain on the hips and spinal alignment. Side sleepers and back sleepers both benefit from this targeted support.
• Try a mattress topper first. Before replacing your mattress entirely, a 2–3" latex topper ($200–$400) can significantly change the feel. It's a lower-risk way to test whether a softer mattress or a firmer mattress works better for your joint pain.
• Consider an adjustable base. Many people living with arthritis find pain relief from elevating their legs or upper body. An adjustable base can work with your existing mattress to improve sleep quality.
• Pre-warm your bed. For morning stiffness, heat helps. A heating pad under the covers before bed (removed before sleeping) can make a real difference for chronic pain and help you fall asleep more easily.
• Choose the right pillow. Joint pain often requires more support than a standard pillow provides. Unlike down or synthetic fill, natural latex pillows maintain their structure and support over time, and stomach sleepers should choose a thinner design for spinal alignment.

FAQs

Can a new mattress help with arthritis pain?

Yes—but only if it's the right mattress for your specific needs. A supportive mattress that provides proper spinal alignment and pressure relief can reduce arthritis pain and improve sleep quality. Research shows that poor sleep independently increases pain sensitivity the following day, creating a cycle in which poor sleep worsens arthritis and joint pain. Breaking that cycle with better sleep can meaningfully relieve pain and reduce chronic pain symptoms. A medical professional may recommend specific firmness levels based on your condition.

How often should you replace a mattress if you have arthritis?

It depends on the mattress type. A memory foam mattress typically lasts 7–10 years before losing significant support. A latex mattress maintains its firmness for 15–20 years. Since people living with arthritis are more sensitive to mattress degradation—even small changes in support can affect joint pain—replacing a foam mattress sooner (every 5–7 years) may be necessary. With a latex mattress, you can often go the full 15–20 years.

Are adjustable beds good for arthritis?

They can be excellent for arthritis and joint pain, especially for arthritis in the lower back, hips, or knees. Supporting the legs in an elevated position reduces stress on the lower back, while lifting the upper body can help manage acid reflux and improve sleep onset. That said, an adjustable base works with your mattress—it doesn't replace the need for proper support and pressure relief from the mattress itself.

What sleeping position is best for arthritis?

There's no single best sleeping position—it depends on which joints are affected:

• Back sleeping distributes body weight evenly and keeps the spine neutral. Place a pillow under your knees to reduce pressure on your lower back. Back sleepers generally do well on medium-firm options.
• Side sleeping is effective for hip pain and knee arthritis when you use a pillow between your knees. Side sleepers need adequate cushioning at the shoulders and hips to prevent pressure points. A pressure-relieving mattress helps cradle sensitive joints.
• Stomach sleeping is generally not recommended for arthritis, as it strains the neck and lower back. Stomach sleepers should consider transitioning to side and back sleepers' positions.

On a Final Note

Choosing the best mattress for arthritis isn't about finding a product labelled "mattress for arthritis"—it's about finding the right mattress with the right balance of support and pressure relief for your specific joints, sleeping position, and body weight. Generic recommendations don't account for whether you have OA or rheumatoid arthritis, which joints hurt most, or how your needs might change over time.

We build every mattress to order, customized to your firmness needs—including different firmness on each side for couples. If you're not sure where to start, reach out to our team. We'll ask about your arthritis and joint pain, your sleeping position, and any mobility considerations, then configure your mattress accordingly.

Visit our showrooms in Victoria or Nanaimo to try our mattresses in person, or contact us for a personalized consultation. Find the best mattress for your arthritis today.

Citations

[1] https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/fatigue-sleep/sleep-and-pain
[2] https://www.jneurosci.org/content/39/12/2291