Best Mattresses for Athletes (Review) in 2024

Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Sandra Allens

It cannot be overstated how important it is to sleep well. You can’t perform at your best when you don’t sleep well. It’s risky to get up stiff, sore, or unrested if your life depends on your body.

Layla Mattress

• Affordability
• Budget Friendly
• Constructed with three layers of luxury

Overall Best

Mattresses from Bear

• Cools and comforts at the same time
• Supports every body type

Best Luxury

Brooklyn Mattresses

• Hybrid Design for Luxury
• Unlike memory foam, it sleeps cooler

Sleeping on the wrong mattress can result in something like this happening to you every day.

The importance of choosing the right mattress is often underestimated. Finding a mattress to support your body and your spine during the night is more important than just choosing the softest mattress. A properly aligned spine can reduce joint pain while you sleep, and help your muscles to relax and recover.

Some mattresses are designed specifically for athletes and others are not. In order to relieve pain and muscle aches, they are specially engineered without compromising on support.

It is important to know what to look for before you go mattress shopping. During this presentation, we will provide tips and information regarding the essential features of a mattress for athletes. We also tell you which are the best mattresses for athletes.

In What Ways Does Sleep Help Athletes?

Sleep improves your cognitive function; it is no secret. On those days when you just can’t focus or get anything done at work because of a bad night’s sleep, we’ve all been there.

In addition to being much more stressed than athletes, people also average a greater degree of body strain. Additionally, they need more sleep to keep energy levels up. The average person requires less sleep than a person who is an athlete. Athletes may need one more hour of sleep each day during training.

What is the impact of sleep on athletic performance? Sleeping in REM is linked to this. The rapid movement of the eyelids during sleep is referred to as REM sleep or rapid eye movement. Within 90 minutes of falling asleep, you will begin to experience REM sleep, and it will last the entire night. A significant portion of adult sleep is REM sleep. Sleeping in this manner induces dreams and is associated with enhanced memory and learning.

The time between waking and sleeping is a period when your body releases hormones that aid metabolism and regulate vital processes. Stress hormone cortisol is produced in large amounts by sleep deprivation. During prolonged exercise, athletes often depend on glycogen stored in their muscles as a source of energy.

In many sports, an athlete’s energy level is lowered, their concentration suffers, and they are fatigued as a result of a lack of sleep. Even your recovery after a workout or after a game can be slowed down by excessive alcohol consumption.

After learning why sleep is so vital to athletic performance, you may wonder what you can do to improve your sleep quality. If you don’t sleep on the right mattress, there are plenty of easy ways to improve your sleep quality. Read this article for tips on choosing an athlete-friendly mattress.

Mattress Buying Tips

Because of the abundance of choices available in the mattress market, it can be tricky to find a new mattress that suits your needs. There are still a lot of options to choose from no matter what mattress or firmness level you select. Special attention should be given to other factors that can help athletes find a better fit more quickly.

When Buying a New Mattress, Consider These General Tips:  

• There are low-profile and high-profile mattresses available, as well as mattresses that range from 10 to 12 inches thick. The thickness of a mattress can also affect the level of support, and it’s largely a matter of preference. Mattresses should be thicker if you are heavier.
• Firmness. Sleeping style and bodyweight strongly influence the firmness level you choose. For most sleepers, a medium-firm mattress is recommended while you are particularly light, a softer mattress may suit you better than one for heavier people. Sleeping on your side means that a firmer mattress will not contour to your body as well.
• Materials. Foam, latex, and springs are the three most common materials used for mattresses. Latex and foam mattresses are today typically layered and contoured to relieve pressure. Generally, spring mattresses provide better support. Various materials are combined to create hybrid mattresses.
• Support. You can keep your spine in proper alignment with a supportive mattress that keeps your body on a flat plane and minimizes sagging. A supportive base is necessary for the best comfort and support.
• Pressure Relief. Get as much support as you can from the mattress by sinking into it. How much pressure relief is delivered by a mattress depends on its materials and firmness. Pressure relief is generally provided by memory foam.

To find the right mattress, you must find one that suits your needs. For some athletes, the “perfect” mattress may not be the best choice. Your body type, sleeping style, and personal preferences must all be taken into account. We urge you to consider the factors listed above when choosing a mattress.

You can Consider Your Options Once you Better Understand Your Needs; Let Me Give you 11 Ideas!

Athletes’ Most Trusted Mattresses

It is very common for people to wake up feeling groggy because of a mattress that isn’t comfortable. You can sleep well, depending on how well you rest and recover your muscles. It’s crucial for athletes to perform at their best, which means sleeping well, feeling well, and performing well. All three of those categories can be significantly improved with a new mattress.

In order to help you narrow down your mattress selection, we’ve provided you with a wide range of options. We have selected the following top mattresses for athletes:

Bear Hybrid

Best Overall. Every person should sleep well, but people who have worked their bodies all day are particularly in need of it. An athlete must make sure to rest and recover well at night, and Bear does so. The Bear Hybrid mattress provides the perfect balance of luxurious comfort and cooling technology so that you wake up feeling refreshed, relaxed, and pain free.

It starts with a high-density foam base layer and has six layers in total. This system allows for optimal spinal alignment and excellent edge support. Sleep comfortably throughout the night using this memory foam mattress. Made from three layers of memory foam, it conforms to your body, wicking moisture away while you sleep. It comes with a 100-night risk-free trial and a hand-quilted fiber top.

• Pros. While sleeping on the mattress, you will experience comfort, relaxation, and comfort from sore muscles to cooling.
• Cons. Some people who sleep on their stomachs or with heavy weights may not find this bed comfortable

Memory Foam Layla

The Most Budget-Friendly. In Layla’s opinion, sleeping well shouldn’t be expensive. Buying a memory foam mattress for athletes is an excellent move because of its reasonable price and features that you require. We highly recommend the Layla memory foam mattress. Due to its dual-sided nature, this mattress has a soft and plush feel on the inside and a firm, supportive outside. You can also test the mattress for 120 nights before you decide whether you like it or not.

Besides providing maximum longevity for the mattress, a layer of support foam in the middle ensures minimal bounce. There is something attractive about the outside and something special about the inside of this sleep product. Also included is Max Airflow foam, which is designed to maintain body temperature while you sleep. On either side, copper-gel memory foam helps to relieve heat while supporting deep compression. Regardless of the side you sleep on, you’ll have the most comfortable sleep of your life.

• Pros. Its main advantages are its comfort and support.
• Cons. You may have difficulty changing positions if the foam has a slow response time

Spartan Bedding Brooklyn

Best Luxury. In order to get the most from your sleep, you should invest substantially in it. Among the best luxury mattresses for athletes, we found the Spartan hybrid mattress by Brooklyn Bedding. Far Infrared Rays (FIR) technology is used on this mattress to restore your body through sleep, while combining it with cooling material which helps you wake up refreshed and ready for the next day.

The Spartan hybrid mattress from Brooklyn Bedding includes a layer of premium memory foam to help relieve pressure. There are three layers of premium foam atop the coils of the mattress, a foam base with a high density. In addition to titanium-foam hyper-elastic layers that conform to your body and provide cloud-like comfort, the swirl visco-elastic memory foam provides deep compression and contouring. Providing targeted pressure relief, CopperFlex foam ensures a sleeping experience like no other.

• Pros. This mattress combines dual layers, pressure relief contouring, and far infrared rays for an especially cozy sleep.
• Cons. Not the best choice for stomach sleepers, since it is fairly expensive in comparison to other models

Zoma

A Good Memory Foam. After a hard workout, memory foam is the best mattress to wake up feeling refreshed and rested. You will feel supported, relieved of pressure, and not stiff or sore after sleeping on memory foam. It comes with an affordable price under $1,000, making it our top choice for memory foam mattresses. The Zoma mattress combines coils and memory foam.

Performance is the key to the Zoma mattress. Three layers of research, design, and testing have gone into making this mattress, which is ideal for athletes. An upper layer of responsive Reactiv foam is layered over a durable layer of support foam. A cover made of ventilated AirCloth performance fabric provides the next layer of cooling comfort. Sleep in comfort and with support with this mattress. Additionally, a 10-year warranty is included with a 100-night risk-free trial.

• Pros. With three layers of foam and cooling materials, this mattress is designed for athletes.
• Cons. Users sometimes feel trapped by the mattress’ edges because of the lack of edge support

Saatva Classic

Best Innerspring. Sleeping comfortably is key for athletes. You may look for something comfortable if you’re used to innerspring mattresses. Saatva Classic innersprings are recommended. Its coil-on-coil construction ensures a comfortable and refreshing waking up experience with the ideal balance of support and pressure relief. The best part is that everything is delivered also set up for free.

A Saatva Classic innerspring mattress is constructed by layering coils on coils. To ensure peak performance, our units start with triple-tempered steel coils and are oven baked for maximum durability. A second layer of over 800 individually wrapped coils sits on top of these coils, along with the Dual Perimeter edge support system. Featuring Spinal Zone Tech as well as a Euro pillow top and a luxurious cover, this mattress also provides lumbar support where you need it the most.

• Pros. Besides being breathable and supportive, there are three firmness options.
• Cons. Hybrid mattresses are generally lighter and contour less than foam mattresses

Casper Wave

Best Hybrid. Consider a hybrid mattress when you’re unable to decide between two types. You can customize your sleep experience with hybrid mattresses by combining two or more materials. Because hybrid mattresses can be customized to fit your needs, we recommend them for athletes. Casper Wave hybrids are one you should think about. These three layers of soft foam come with two layers of perforated foam and an ergonomic zone with gel pods designed to ease pressure points.

Casper Wave mattresses are hybrid mattresses with foam and springs. So you can perform well on the field, this mattress makes you feel cool and refreshed as you awaken. There is also an edge border that prevents sagging on Casper Wave mattresses. The springs provide extra support and lift. Next, Zoned Support Max is applied for continuous zones of support across the waist and lower back, to help align your spine. Furthermore, you’re kept cool and comfortable by the airscape foam cover, which is made from recycled materials.

• Pros. This 3 layer breathable foam mattress provides consistent support and relieves pain.
• Cons. The mattress is particularly expensive, and many people find it too soft

Molecule 2

Best Cooling. If you’re tossing and turning trying to find a position that is comfortable, you’re not going to get a good night’s sleep. The wrong mattress makes matters worse for people who have trouble staying cool at night. Molecule 2 was designed to cool you down while you sleep. You can enjoy the most comfortable, temperature-controlled sleep of your life on this mattress, which is air-engineered for comfort and cooling.

With a geometric zoned reflex layer to target and adapt support, the Molecule 2 mattress is designed for recovery and sleep. The Precision-contoured, 5-zone dynamic response layer of RecoveryFlo provides specific support to specific body parts. If you add a moisture-wicking and heat-wicking cover, you will notice that comfort is enhanced. In our Molecule 2 mattress, AEGIS Microbe Shield technology prevents microbe growth and keeps you cool and safe at nighttime. You can try the mattress for 100 nights without risk thanks to the free shipping and risk-free trial.

• Pros. Featuring supportive contours, moisture-wicking innovation, and a premium cover.
• Cons. Some sleepers may not like the bounce

Avocado

Best Organic. You should take care of your body since it is your most valuable asset. Mattresses play an important role in your body’s overnight healing and regeneration, since they determine how well it heals. For those looking for natural materials of high quality, we recommend Avocado mattresses. A natural organic mattress made from certified organic latex, certified organic wool, certified organic cotton, and pocketed coils, the Avocado Mattress is available from Amazon.

You can make a positive impact on the environment while also sleeping well with the Avocado Green mattress. The mattress features hand-tufted organic luxury at an affordable price. Based on your level of comfort, you can choose between standard models or pillow-top options. In addition to athletes, the pillow top is highly recommended for athletes that need pressure relief. A 25-year warranty and free shipping are included with your purchase.

• Pros. A pillow-top option is available, and it is made of organic materials.
• Cons. Possibly too firm for people who are petite or sleep on their sides

Purple

Best Innovative. Your body is used to being pushed to its limit as an athlete. Purple mattresses are designed with performance in mind. Purple mattresses have patent pending Purple Grids that allow for optimal airflow as well as pressure relief. It comes with a 10-year warranty and can be tested for 100 nights.

As a result, you wake up feeling refreshed no matter what position you sleep in on the Purple mattress. It features temperature-neutral materials that sleep cool and are designed to adapt to your position while you sleep. Adding a touch of comfort and luxury to your mattress is a SoftFlex cover, which isolates motion. You’ve never seen a mattress like this before.

• Pros. Adapts to body type and position due to Purple Grid and temperature-neutral material
• Cons: Not firm enough for heavy sleepers and could use more edge support

3-in-1 Luxi

Best Adjustable. Athletes are always changing their workout routines to improve their performance. As such, you need a mattress that allows you to adhere to your own specific needs when you sleep. Easily customize its size to fit your preferences with its foam construction that is adjustable. On either side of the bed, you can adjust the firmness at any time.

With three-in-one comfort featuring a pressure-relieving grid column, this memory foam mattress guarantees maximum airflow and breathability. It offers low motion transfer and built-in edge support, so it’s ideal for couples. There are three levels of firmness to choose from with each side being independently adjustable. Furthermore, it comes with a free shipping policy and a trial of 100 nights and a pledge for 1,000 nights.

• Pros. Comfortable memory foam construction, breathable material, and advanced firmness adjustments makes it ideal for sleeping. 
• Cons. Some people may not like the extra bounce of the bed because of the limited warranty

Sleep Pods Eight

Smartest Bed on the Market. We recommend the Eight Sleep Pod if you want the best. You will sleep better than ever on this smart bed featuring more than just a mattress. A combination of advanced technology and premium materials will make it easier than ever for you to sleep deeply and wake up refreshed. This 8 Sleep Pod is rated at a medium level of firmness to ensure comfort and pressure relief while sleeping. It is composed of five layers of premium foam.

The Active Grid cover, made from Comfort Blend, is what makes the Eight Sleep Pod so effective. Water is pumped from the Hub into the thin layer to keep you cool. A biometric sensor tracks your sleep and adjusts the temperature accordingly. Smart beds can be completely customized, and they can also be automated. Featuring mild, gradual awakenings, you won’t wake your partner up because Gentle Rise technology.

• Pros. An Active Grid cover and Comfort Blend cover add to the product’s five layers of premium foam.
• Cons. The bounce is generally lower than other models, and it is significantly more expensive

Each athlete is different, so there is no such thing as the “best” mattress. It is essential that your mattress relieves pressure at the right places while supporting your body.

A sound sleep is essential for athletes. They also need to understand the effect a good mattress has on how well they sleep.

Do some research on the different kinds of mattresses available to you so that you can choose the right one for you. You have hundreds of choices to choose from after all! We’ve reviewed and recommended some potential starting points in our above reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Mattresses for Athletes

Note: Choosing the best mattresses for athletes can be challenging owing to a wide range of fake mattresses in guise of quality. That is why we have we picked the quality mattresses to make it easier for you. Good Luck!