Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea

If you struggle with sleep apnea, then you know how difficult it can be to get a good night’s sleep. From constantly waking up gasping for air to feeling fatigued during the day, sleep apnea can significantly impact your quality of life. While essential treatments like CPAP machines are commonly prescribed to help with breathing during the night, many people overlook the importance of their mattress in managing this condition. 

We’ll tell you right off the bat — there is not one single best mattress for sleep apnea. Other mattress brands may try to sell you a “sleep apnea mattress” or a smart bed with a sleep-tracking app to help minimize your symptoms, but we can tell you now that those are one-size-fits-all solutions that do not work for everyone’s individual needs. 

Every sleeper will require something different in order to help manage and alleviate their sleep apnea symptoms. If you want to promote better breathing as you sleep, you need to find the right mattress for your unique needs. 

What is sleep apnea and how does it affect your sleep?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. Aside from being one of the more common causes of waking up in the middle of the night, this disorder can be potentially dangerous if the symptoms are not managed. When you have sleep apnea, you may find yourself gasping for air in the middle of the night due to the lack of airflow to your lungs. Sleep disturbances like this, aside from the potential dangers of not having enough oxygen at night, can make it difficult to get the restful sleep your body needs to function properly. 

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Persistent, loud snoring
• Gasping for air as you sleep
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Headaches
• Difficulty sleeping
• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue 

If you believe that you may have sleep apnea, it’s best to consult with a medical professional to create a treatment or symptom management plan. There are, however, other steps you can take at home to improve your sleep quality in the meantime — starting with your mattress.

Keep reading: What to do if your partner snores

Can your mattress affect sleep apnea?

Yes, the quality of your mattress can affect your sleep apnea symptoms. How? If you’re sleeping on an unsupportive or uncomfortable mattress, your spine can easily come out of alignment which can restrict your airflow, making it harder to breathe. Therefore, the best mattress for sleep apnea is a mattress that supports proper sleep posture and helps maintain open airways, two crucial elements in mitigating sleep apnea symptoms. 

So, how do you know if your mattress is only making the problem worse? The following signs you need a new mattress will help you determine when it’s time to upgrade your mattress to a high-quality one:

• You’re waking up tired every morning
• You’re tossing and turning throughout the night
• You wake up with aches and pains
• Your mattress is sagging or has a dent 
• Your allergies flare up when you’re in bed
• Your body has gone through significant changes

What is the best mattress for people with sleep apnea?

If you have decided that your old mattress isn’t cutting it, what should you look for in a new mattress? As we mentioned earlier, the “best mattress for sleep apnea” will vary from person to person due to individual preferences and needs. However, there are certain features to look for that can help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea.

1. Mattress firmness

Does mattress firmness affect sleep apnea? In some cases, it can. Although comfort levels are typically a personal preference, when you have sleep apnea, you do need to think about how your body is positioned on the mattress as you sleep. 

Is a soft or firm mattress better for sleep apnea? When it comes to sleep apnea, it’s all about balance. A mattress that’s too soft could lead to the body sinking, potentially constricting airways, whereas an overly firm mattress may not support natural spinal alignment and cause discomfort. For this reason, many people opt for a medium mattress feel. However, factors such as body type and your preferred sleep position can influence what mattress firmness would suit your needs best. If you’re unsure, be sure to speak with any of our mattress experts who can help you find a comfort level that is just right.

2. Mattress materials 

When battling sleep apnea, the materials of your mattress play a vital role in getting the quality sleep that you need. When you’re shopping for a mattress, look at what components make up the mattress, as these will determine how the mattress will perform and its overall quality. If you’re looking for a mattress that will help you combat your sleep apnea symptoms, you need to find a mattress that has the right supportive and comfort components for your unique needs. 

In short, a supportive mattress made with durable materials such as our Quantum™ Coil component will promote healthy spine alignment to keep your airways open for easier breathing. On top of that support layer, you want the right comfort components — some examples include latex, memory foam, and high-resilience foam — at the right firmness level to ensure that your joints have enough cushion to keep you comfortable all night. The comfier you are, the less likely you are to toss and turn which can restrict your airways.

3. Adjustability

When you lie flat on a mattress it is much easier for your airways to get blocked, which can result in the loud snoring sounds or inability to breathe easily. A great way to combat that problem is by investing in an adjustable mattress base! 

Is an adjustable bed worth it? When you have sleep apnea, investing in an adjustable mattress base is absolutely worth it. Adjustable beds offer a unique solution for individuals with sleep apnea by allowing them to customize their sleeping position for optimal comfort and respiratory function. These beds feature adjustable bases that can elevate the head and upper body, helping to alleviate symptoms like snoring and breathing interruptions. 

While adjustable beds are seen as a luxury to most, they can be a great investment for not only your sleep quality but for your daily life. We can offer you the best adjustable beds for sleep apnea for a better price than what you’ll find at other retailers.

Customizable Sleep Solutions

Shop Adjustable Bases

Find Your Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea at Texas Mattress Makers

When it comes to finding the best mattress for sleep apnea, we take an individualized approach to help you find the right mattress for you. Our experts get to know you and your unique needs to provide mattress suggestions that will improve your sleep quality and keep your sleep apnea symptoms at bay. Pairing your mattress with an adjustable mattress base can further enhance your sleep quality and alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea with its custom capabilities. 

Investing in a high-quality mattress and speaking with a sleep health professional is the best way to get the quality rest you deserve every night. If you’re ready to take that step, our experts are waiting to help you. 

Visit any of our mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, or Baybrook, TX, or shop online to view our handmade mattresses crafted right here in Houston. Better sleep starts at Texas Mattress Makers.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Benefits of an Adjustable Mattress Base
• The Importance of Proper Spine Alignment While Sleeping
• Expert Guide to Mattress Firmness
• How Stress Affects Sleep: What You Need to Know
• 5 Reasons Why You’re Waking Up Tired