Certain qualities make a mattress better for snoring than others. We talked with sleep pros and chose five that fit the bill.
Snoring has many causes — including obstructive sleep apnea and obesity, to name a couple — and environmental factors like mold, dry air, or an unsupportive mattress.
But in any case, can a mattress help with snoring woes?
Before you start shopping, it’s wise to visit a healthcare professional first. They can help rule out any underlying conditions like sleep apnea and design a treatment plan if necessary.
If health issues aren’t a cause, there are products you can try. These include adjustable bed foundations and bases, neck support pillows, certain types of nasal devices, and yes, a new mattress.
If the snorting and snuffling sounds of snoring are making you bleary eyed in the morning, read on. We have the scoop on the best mattresses for snorers and their co-sleepers.
To choose the best mattresses for people who snore, we consulted with two sleep experts: Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, a sleep consultant and neuroscientist, and Dr. Chester Wu, who is double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. They helped us define the mattress attributes that may reduce snoring, and then we looked for mattresses that match those qualities.
We also considered specific criteria, including:
- Customer reviews: We read through hundreds of customer and expert reviews on dozens of websites to vet each mattress on this list, paying special attention to whether a review mentioned snoring, sleep apnea, or temperature control.
- Claims: We considered what each mattress claims it can do versus what customers and science have to say, and we skipped the hype. Companies that market their mattresses as miracle cures for back pain, sleep apnea, or snoring are red flags.
- Company policies: Free shipping, high customer satisfaction ratings, easy returns, generous trial periods, and long warranties may be indicators that you’ll be happy with your purchase.
- Certifications and safety: We made sure that each mattress on the list meets or exceeds industry standards for off-gassing, manufacturing, materials, and consumer safety.
When you’re looking for a supportive mattress for snoring, there are a few things to consider:
- Don’t hold on to an old mattress: The average mattress lifespan of a mattress is 7 to 10 years, but many people keep their old mattresses for way longer than that. Mattresses are expensive, but holding on to a lumpy, sagging, or stained mattress can be detrimental to health. This may be especially true if you snore, or have back problems.
- Firmness matters: A mattress that’s too soft for you or that you sink into can worsen snoring. Choose a mattress with at least a medium firmness level. For many people, medium firm is best.
- Look for an antimicrobial mattress: Mattresses with an antimicrobial treatment might be better if you snore, as they can stave off mold, mildew, and dust mites that can make snoring and allergies worse.
- Buy from a trusted manufacturer: A reputable manufacturer will provide and honor a risk-free trial and warranty. Only buy your mattresses from a company known for good customer service and a transparent manufacturing process.
Mattress attributes to consider for snoring include:
Firmness
A mattress that supports your spine may curb snoring by helping align your throat and neck. According to Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, a sleep consultant and neuroscientist, snoring tends to be worse when you sleep on your back.
If you’re a back sleeper who snores, changing your current mattress to one that supports side sleeping may be enough to alleviate snoring.
“A medium to firm mattress which distributes pressure evenly across your body is the best option for side-sleeping because it reduces pressure on your joints. Most people find that a firm memory foam mattress is the most comfortable type for maintaining side sleeping,” she said.
Adjustability
“Adjustable beds can benefit snorers by elevating their head to help open airways and reduce snoring,” said Chester Wu, MD, who is double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine.
Wu recommends adjusting the bed incrementally upward from a starting angle of about 30 degrees, and after observing the effects on your snoring, increasing the elevation as needed until you find the most effective position.
Temperature
Wu also recommends sleeping in a cool space. “Some people snore more in warmer environments. Mattresses with built-in cooling technologies or breathable materials can help maintain a cooler sleep environment, potentially reducing snoring,” he said.
Allergens
In addition, a mattress made of hypoallergenic materials may help deter dust mites and prevent mold and mildew, which can all trigger snoring.
What else can I do for snoring?
Snoring that doesn’t dissipate with at-home solutions should be assessed by a healthcare professional. In addition to buying a new mattress, you can also try these home remedies as a first step:
- Stop sleeping on your back.
- Elevate your head while you sleep.
- Try a new pillow that offers cervical spine support.
- Use nasal strips meant to widen your air passageways.
- If you have allergies, use over-the-counter or prescription allergy medication.
- Avoid drinking alcohol, taking sedatives, and eating right before bed.
- Speak with your dentist about using an oral appliance to reduce snoring.
This may vary based on how firm of a mattress your body needs to stay supported and aligned, but a medium-firm mattresses may be best.
Side sleeping is usually considered the best sleeping position for snoring. Back sleeping is good for the spine, but it typically worsens snoring. If you must sleep on your back, make sure to elevate your head or your entire upper body.
If you’re shopping for a mattress and you snore, consider back support and cooling and quality materials. Getting a mattress that’s compatible with an adjustable base is also a good idea.
It’s unlikely that any mattress will magically stop you from snoring on the very first night, but a mattress can be part of addressing your snoring and figuring out what works for you.