But no mattress for athletes would be complete without support, and this memory foam mattress actually has plenty of it. Our testers said they felt lifted on top of the bed instead of sinking into it—rare for memory foam—and that it provided impressive spinal alignment. Our testers were a bit conflicted on its firmness: Some felt like it felt softer than its rating, while others said it was a bit firmer than average, but either way, it excelled, especially for back sleepers. The only downside? The heat retention is pretty serious, so it isn’t the best choice for couples or solo sleepers prone to overheating.
If you like your recovery routine high-tech, the Brooklyn Bedding Spartan uses far infrared rays (FIR) tech in the top fabric to promote blood flow, ultimately helping your muscles repair faster so you can get back in the gym.
Our Tester’s Take
If the name is any indication, the Brooklyn Bedding Spartan was designed for athletes (and if you’ve completed a Spartan race, even better.) It’s packed with high-tech features that make it a standout for anyone looking to level up their recovery. Namely, far-infrared rays (FIR) tech woven into the top fabric, which is thought to increase blood flow, speeding up recovery. While we can’t say for sure if this mattress will give you an extra edge for your next event, we can almost guarantee that it will provide pressure relief. When our tester used a pressure-mapping mat, there was very little pressure buildup, even when they rolled onto their side (a sleeping position in which all of your body weight rests on a relatively small surface).
The Spartan also has pretty impressive cooling properties; it stayed cool to the touch even after hours of use because of the Copperflex foam which is designed to dissipate heat. Where the mattress lost some points was for motion transfer (you can feel it when your sleeping partner gets out of bed), and edge support, as it collapsed underneath our tester’s weight. This means it may not be the best choice for couples (as edge support is critical if you’ll be pushed toward the sides of the bed) but it is a worthwhile pick for solo athletes looking for a good night’s rest.
More Mattresses for Athletes We Love
For athletes looking for a no-fuss, firm foundation, the Helix Dawn delivers big. Our testers found that it’s pretty darn firm (definitely too firm for sleepers under 130 pounds) so if you’re a heavy lifter or athlete over 250 pounds, this is your mattress. It gives solid support you need for your back or stomach sleeping without you sinking too far into the coils that you wake up with more aches and pains than when you fell asleep. But this doesn’t mean it’s not comfy: The Helix Dawn has a soft, knit cover and layer of dynamic latex foam that contours the body while providing a lifted sensation.
The Nolah Evolution brings a little bit of everything to the table—responsive foam that cradles your pressure points, cooling tech that actually works, and targeted support. Our testers found that it helped them achieve a perfectly straight spine and great alignment. Another tester, who tends to overheat at night, has owned the mattress for a year and found that it transformed her sleep quality so she no longer wakes up frantically kicking off the covers. The tall height looks super luxurious (and expensive, even though it’s not over the top) and the quilted Euro cover is lofty and plush. For those under 130 pounds or who sleep on their side, the soft version is best, but for those over 130 who sleep on their back or stomach, the “luxury firm” model is where it’s at.
The Bear Original is a no-brainer for athletes who want a recovery-focused mattress without the premium pricetag. (Seriously, it’s at least a thousand cheaper than most other mattresses on this list.) The team at Bear has designed this with recovery in mind, and it uses a combo of cooling gel foam and responsive foam to prevent feeling swallowed by the memory foam. Compared to other foam options, our testers found that it was easy to change positions and offered decent cooling. It’s best for sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds; otherwise, it may either feel too stiff or not supportive enough.
The Puffy Cloud is a solid pick for athletes who need a versatile mattress that can adapt to any sleep position. Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, it offers excellent spinal alignment (which, again, is key for recovery). We found it accommodating and comfy, whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, because of its balanced combination of pressure relief and support.
Let’s Compare the Costs of These Mattresses
Here’s a quick look at how these athlete-approved mattresses stack up in terms of price. Heads up: prices shown are for queen-sized mattresses before any discounts or codes are applied.
How We Tested the Best Mattress for Athletes
These days, buying a mattress is as simple as clicking ‘add to cart’ and twiddling your thumbs until it arrives at your doorstep. But that means you haven’t tested it first, and do you really want to suffer through a night of tossing and turning because you bought the wrong one?
To find the best mattresses for athletes, we based our testing processes on real-world scenarios to try out over 500 popular mattresses that are available online. Our goal was to evaluate how well these mattresses support active bodies, enhance recovery, and promote spinal alignment.
We used a combination of hands-on testing and objective measurements to see how well each mattress holds up to their claims (and admittedly got a little geeky about it.) For cooling, we aimed a heat gun to monitor heat retention over time. We also evaluated pressure relief and body support using a heat map, taking note of how well each mattress cradled key areas like the hips, shoulders, and lower back—areas that take the brunt of impact during your activities. We also measured motion transfer and edge support so you can feel confident that whichever bed you choose, it’s been thoroughly vetted.
Mattress Types for Athletes
Our list includes different types of mattresses because, as our experts stress, there is no one-size-fits-all mattress. Here are the types of mattresses you’ll commonly encounter in your search for the one.
This is great for pressure relief and contouring, making it ideal for athletes dealing with joint pain or muscle soreness. However, memory foam tends to trap heat, which can be pretty uncomfortable if you run toasty.
If you want firm support and responsiveness, this is a good choice. The downside? Innerspring mattresses often lack the deep contouring and pressure relief that some athletes need.
The most versatile type of mattress, hybrids combine the best of both worlds with supportive coils and the comfort of foam layers. If we had to recommend one type of mattress without any other information, it would be this one.
Naturally cooling, bouncy, and durable, latex foam is great for athletes who don’t want to feel like they’re sinking into a mattress. On the flip side, it can be on the firmer side and typically comes with a higher price tag.
What Mattress Firmness is Best for Athletes?
Medium-firm may be the most versatile mattress type, appealing to all sleeping positions, but this comes with some caveats. In general, “for back and stomach sleepers, a medium-firm to firm mattress is crucial as it provides the support needed to keep the spine in alignment, preventing lower back strain,” Wulke explains. “Side sleepers, on the other hand, benefit from a softer mattress that cushions the hips and shoulders, reducing pressure points and ensuring proper alignment throughout the night.” Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds will want to go firmer, and side sleepers under 130 will want to go softer. Want to learn more? Check out our mattress firmness guide for the full scoop.
What to Look for in a Mattress for Athletes
“A mattress impacts your comfort, spinal alignment, and temperature regulation,” Dr. Petkus says. “If it’s not supportive or cooling enough, you’re more likely to turn and toss, which means lower-quality sleep.” TLDR; the mattress you choose is super important to your sleep (and therefore, your quality of life.). Here are some key considerations.
When choosing a mattress, your sleeping position—side, stomach, or back—should be your starting point. This will help you narrow down the right mattress type to support proper spinal alignment throughout the night. For example, side sleepers benefit from a softer mattress that contours to their shoulders and hips, while stomach and back sleepers need something firmer to keep their spine aligned and avoid discomfort.
Body weight also plays a role in determining the ideal mattress firmness. Athletes over 230 pounds may require a firmer mattress for additional support, while individuals under 130 might find softer mattresses more comfortable. Some mattresses offer “zoned support”, which means they add layers where you need it most, like the lumbar spine.
The thickness of the mattress can also influence how well it supports your body. Athletes who are above 230 pounds may want to consider thicker mattresses, as they have more layers of foam on top to ensure sufficient support and prevent you from sinking too deep into the bed and hitting the coils.
Athletes often deal with muscle soreness and joint pain, so pressure relief and contouring will make a huge difference in how fast you can fall asleep—and stay asleep. A mattress that effectively contours to your body will help distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on sensitive areas. This helps with recovery and prevents waking up with stiffness or pain, Wulke says. Features like memory foam, latex, or zoned support systems can enhance contouring.
For athletes, staying cool is a top priority—intense workouts can raise body temperature, making it harder to sleep if your mattress traps heat. Look for mattresses with built-in cooling technology, like gel-infused memory foam, breathable latex, or hybrid designs with coils that allow for airflow. Some mattresses also come with moisture-wicking covers or fabrics designed to disperse heat, and many actually feel cool to the touch, which can be refreshing when you lay down.
FAQ
What kind of mattresses do professional athletes use?
There’s no one-size-fits all mattress for athletes, and the pros use mattresses that align with their unique needs. “When athletes choose a mattress based on factors like sleeping position preference and body weight, they can better maintain spinal alignment, reducing unnecessary strain on the muscles and ligaments of the spine, hips, and shoulders,” Wulke says. “This alignment is vital for minimizing discomfort and movement during sleep, ultimately improving sleep quality.”
Is memory foam good for athletes?
Memory foam can be a great option for athletes because its ability to mold to your shape reduces strain on pressure points. However, it often lacks the support of mattresses with coils, like hybrid or innerspring. This support is essential as it is what will keep your body in proper alignment. Plus, traditional memory foam has a tendency to trap heat, which may not be ideal.
What is the best mattress for muscle recovery?
The best mattress for muscle recovery is one that aligns with your sleep position and body weight. “This ensures that the spine remains in alignment throughout the night, which is crucial for muscle recovery and overall sleep quality,” Wulke says.
What type of mattress is most supportive?
For support, a hybrid mattress, which has both foam and coils, is a good place to start. It is a “good compromise between support and comfort. You get a firm base with a little extra cushion, which is fantastic for alignment and muscle recovery,” Dr. Petkus says. Hybrid mattresses come in soft, medium, and firm. Innerspring mattresses are also known for their firm support, but may be uncomfortable for some.
About the Experts
This article was medically reviewed by Andre Panagos, M.D., M.Sc. Dr. Panagos is double board-certified in physical medicine & rehabilitation and pain medicine with fellowship training in interventional spine/orthopedic surgery. He has also had additional training in regenerative medicine, functional medicine, and acupuncture.
Jessica Wulke, DPT, is a clinical implementation manager at Academy Medtech Ventures, a digital health company that focuses on optimizing rehabilitation and wellness outcomes. She is also a dual board-certified specialist physical therapist in orthopedics and sports, and works with players in the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders organization.
Dylan Petkus, MD, MPH, founder of Optimal Circadian Health, is a medical doctor and sleep specialist who focuses on educating individuals about sleep issues like sleep apnea, snoring, and insomia. He runs a podcast and YouTube channel about all things sleep, and also has a background in public health and family medicine.
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