While sadly we cannot offer a cure for fibromyalgia, we can share our list of mattresses that could suit the needs of people living with fibromyalgia and provide them enough information and useful tips on how they can enhance their sleep experience. So, keep reading to see our top picks for best mattresses for fibromyalgia and buyer’s guide.
Were you aware that there exist several ancient enigmas that remain unresolved to this day, including specific medical puzzles that even Hippocrates could not unravel? If someone of his acclaim was at a loss, where does that leave us? Fibromyalgia, first documented by Hippocrates in ancient Greece, remains one of the most enduring medical mysteries to this day.
How many of you consider themselves sleepyheads? Well, I do, and bedtime is probably my favorite part of the day. I take my sleep time pretty seriously, and I hate when someone or something disrupts it. Since we were kids, we listened and learned that it is essential to have a healthy sleep routine, to sleep a specific number of hours, etc. But, what if for some people that is just not possible anymore? Chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia are one of the conditions that don’t allow you to have a proper night of good sleep. What to do, when your time for rest, turns into a struggle and leaves you sleepless?
For sleepers who suffer from chronic conditions that affect their sleep routine, a new mattress is not just an investment in a piece of furniture, but an investment in their health, in something that should be a pain-free place to rest. And we are aware that those people have to be extra careful and picky when it comes to mattress shopping.
While sadly we cannot offer a cure for fibromyalgia, we can share our list of mattresses that should suit the needs of people living with fibromyalgia and provide them enough information and useful tips on how they can enhance their sleep experience, in order to get some rest. So, keep reading to see our top picks with reviews and buyer’s guide.
It is estimated that around 5 million Americans suffers from this chronic condition and has to live with it, the majority of them are women. Fibromyalgia is also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS); unfortunately, this complex disorder is common today, and it causes chronic, widespread pain, tenderness to touch, which varies in its intensity but can become severe. The newest researches have shown that fibromyalgia impacts the brain and the way how it processes painful sensations, meaning that people with this syndrome will feel pain more intensely. Besides musculoskeletal aches, people living with fibromyalgia can also experience fatigue, headaches, sleep deprivation, mood swings, so it also affects everyday life and activities. Not much can be done to soothe these symptoms, the cure does not exist, so it all comes down to individual approach and treatment. But when it comes to sleep, you can help yourself by choosing the mattress that will cradle your body and alleviate aches, because that is the time when your body should recover, rest, and not to be in a state of prolonged struggle, which can be caused by a wrong choice of mattress.
A long list of symptoms can be associated with fibromyalgia, but we are going to point out the most common ones:
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As our first proposition, we would like to represent you a flippable mattress, with two sides of different firmness and many other features that can work well for people with fibromyalgia. One side is Medium Soft (4), and the other is Firm (7), so it can fit different needs and be an easy change from time to time. The mattress is lightweight, so it is easy to turn it around and try out the more supportive or softer side of it. Also, thanks to its dual firmness it is an excellent choice for all positions and weight groups of sleepers.
The Layla Mattress is completely made from foam, and its core consists of a 4.5 inches thick foam base which provides excellent motion transfer control and reduces bounciness, which are favorite bed features of couples. Besides that, underneath the 3 inches thick medium soft side, there is one layer of 2 inches thick convoluted air-flow-foam which helps with airflow and temperature regulation, keeping the mattress cool enough. On the other side is 1-inch thick memory foam topper. Both memory foam top layers are infused with cooling copper gel, although copper is not a material you would typically expect to find in a mattress, it is actually a great multitasker, as it is structurally supportive, antimicrobial, helps with blood circulation and it keeps you cool during the night by pulling away from the surface the excess body heat.
Many people with fibromyalgia symptoms suffer from pressure points, inflammations, hot sleep, but it does not matter at which area your pain presents, because the Layla mattress offers a high level of pressure relief. Memory foam contours to your body and alleviates the aches, on this mattress you will be sleeping without being woken up in the middle of the night due to severe pains.
With a 2 in 1 mattress that has dual firmness, you cannot go wrong, but when it comes with a lifetime warranty, then there should be no doubt to purchase it because you can be sure that you are investing your money in the right item. In addition, you can check out why is Layla mattress on our list of best mattresses in 2018. If it turns out that it does not suit you, we are sure that you will realize that during the 120-nights of free sleep trial period.
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This foam based mattress is designed to provide relief from muscle and back pain, with its therapeutic support and contouring comfort it hugs the body ensuring proper spinal alignment and pressure relief.
The base layer of this mattress is high-density support foam which guarantees durability, above it is a thinner layer of transitional performance foam in charge of unparalleled pressure relief. The third layer is responsive comfort foam, and the last and most important, top memory foam layer infused with cooling graphite-gel to neutralize body heat. Usage of CertiPUR-US certified foams bonded with a water-based solution makes this mattress environmentally friendly and odor free.
All four of these foam coats are encased in a breathable Celliant textile woven cover. The Celliant fabric is highly beneficial, and it has been clinically tested and proven that this technology can transform body’s heat into infrared energy which contributes to a faster recovery, restful night, increased energy, better blood flow, and pain relief. Infrared light is today commonly used by doctors and hospitals in therapeutically treatments for many conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, muscle tears, etc. So it is clear that it can also be beneficial for fibromyalgia sufferers’ pain recovery during the night.
Advanced Celliant technology and contouring foam layers should provide you cradling support of medium firmness, which suits the needs of the majority when it comes to weight and sleep positions. This bed also has a high level of motion transfer isolation and produces almost no noise, so that it can be a great deal for couples too.
The Bear Mattress comes with a below average price for its category, 100-nights sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty, so if you are into innovative technology and want to feel its benefits, then this should be your ideal pick, if not, shipping and returns are free of charge.
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Among mattresses with the innerspring coil support system, we seclude the Saatva mattress. It comes in three different firmness options: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6) and Firm (7.5), as well as with two profile options: 11.5 and 14.5 inches. With such a range of possibilities, this mattress can fit the needs of people with fibromyalgia regardless of their sleep position, weight or mattress preferences.
This mattress has a solid base with a high-quality coil-on-coil system, the first layer of Bonnell coils is either 7 or 4 inches thick, depending on the mattress profile. On top of them is a layer of 4 inches thick individually wrapped coils, which contours to the body for support and comfort. Above them is a 3 inches thick memory foam layer which gives better lumbar support, and then a 7 inches thick regular foam for softness and pressure points relief. These layers are wrapped up in a Euro-pad cover, made from 100% organic cotton with hypoallergenic fibers. Edges of the mattress are encased in foam to prevent sagging and prolong the durability and support.
High-quality construction and durability are not its only top features, this environmentally friendly company uses recycled steel for their inner springs, and eco-friendly CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. Saatva company does its business entirely online, which means that they do not have a physical store in which you can walk in and buy a mattress. So, we recommend checking out our guide for online mattress shopping, which will help you go through all the steps to ensure you have made the right choice. By eliminating the costs of the physical store, the company created a high-quality luxury mattress that is sold at a reasonable price. Shipping and in-home assembly are free of charge.
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Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is an all-foam mattress of somewhat universal medium firmness level which suits the comfort needs of a vast majority of sleepers. It provides close conforming and pain relief which is essential for people with fibromyalgia.
The base of this mattress consists of a high-density foam layer which is durable and 5 inches thick, and it also reinforces the edges, so there is not much sinkage around them where people tend to sit. Above the base there is a layer of 2 inches thick comfort foam which serves as a transition between the firm base, and 3 inches thick, soft Energex foam. Patented Energex foam has open cell construction, so it is highly breathable, and it also bridges the gap between latex and visco by combining their top features. Pressure point relief of visco memory foam and the quick recovery of latex are combined here resulting in a more responsive contouring and targeted pressure point relief. As a final touch, the luxury cotton blend smooth weave is used for its cover.
Each of the three distinctive foam layers of this mattress is beneficial, and all together they provide solid 10 inches of pure comfort. Although the transitional layer provides firm support, the Energex foam makes this mattress somewhat softer, so it may not be ideal for sleepers who are overweight because they will probably sink in. Back, and especially side sleepers, will feel increased pain alleviation particularly in their hips and shoulders. Due to the Energex foam, this mattress is a bit bouncy, but it produces no noise while bearing weight. The overall comfort and body-cradling are on a high level, and you can be sure that this bed would not develop any formations of new pressure points.
The company recommends that this mattress should be rotated (not flipped!) every six to eight months. The 10-year warranty covers any defects and indentations that are 1 inch or more. Within the 120-night sleep trial period, the first 30 nights are a mandatory minimum for you to try out the mattress properly. It comes with below than average price for all-foam mattresses, and we highly recommend it for anyone with fibromyalgia symptoms.
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This mattress is made from 100% natural latex, and chiropractors and orthopedic specialists widely recommended it. To adapt to the needs of most sleepers, Plushbeds Botanical Bliss comes in three different thickness options, 9, 10, and 12 inches, and with adjustable firmness system.
It is constructed with three layers of organic Dunlop latex from Arpico, each of them has different firmness, and they cradle the body gently while promoting deep sleep and alleviate aches. Above them, there is a layer of organic wool from New Zealand that is responsible for temperature regulation, it breathes naturally and keeps your body cool during the night. Up to 10 lbs. of certified wool can be found in these latex mattresses. On top of all is a soft, organic cotton cover which provides unrestricted airflow.
Organic latex is not only extra comfortable but it is also dust mite resistant, antimicrobial, mold, and mildew proof, it contains no toxins and does not have an odor, making it perfect for everyone who deals with allergies. In the chart below we want to represent you how latex layers are arranged to provide mattresses with different thickness.
| 9 inches | 10 inches | 12 inches |
| Two layers of 3 inches thick organic latex, and above them additional 2 inches thick layer | Three layers of 3 inches thick natural latex | Three layers of 3 inches thick organic latex, and an extra 4th layer which is 2 inches thick |
When it comes to firmness, the mattress comes in two primary firmness categories, medium, and firm, but both of them can be customized. Around 80% of their customers orders “Medium” mattress, which comes with such arrangement that the bottom latex layer is firm, the second layer is medium-firm, and the third one is medium. You can easily swap the top two layers if you feel like you need medium-firm support. Their King and Cal King size models are designed so that they offer even better customization options, due to their split layers, so that you can adjust firmness on each side of your mattress. That is perfect for couples, but also sleepers with aches because this way they can achieve better conform and fulfill their needs.
Latex mattresses have a long lifespan, and this one has a 25-year warranty which is fantastic, and it comes with free shipping. Such range of thickness and firmness options leaves enough space for everybody to find their match, which is why this is the best mattress for chronic pain sufferers, and we cannot recommend enough this luxury bed.
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Another mattress that is highly recommended by chiropractors and doctors is Level Sleep TriSupport, and it is probably the best for reducing pain and stiffness. It’s designed with three zones of different firmness, the soft one cushions the head, neck, and shoulders. The firm zone is in the middle, to provide back and spinal support, while the medium zone goes from hips to the foot, supporting the hips to not sink in too much. This Level’s design allows optimal support for different body areas, and it can be very beneficial for people who have fibromyalgia. Regardless of the sleep position, this mattress provides improved spinal alignment, lumbar support, and conform for shoulders and hips.
Its base is made from 7 inches thick sturdy, dense foam, and above the base there is a 3 inches thick layer of open-cell foam which is non-toxic, highly breathable, and zoned. The thick cover wraps up this 10-inch bed into a comfortable, premium fabric.
While we always gamble with too firm or too soft mattresses, this one is designed to meet the different support needs of different body types, primarily focused on alleviating aches and soothing the hips and shoulders while keeping the spine in neutral position. Its lifetime warranty proves that this is a mattress with high-quality construction.
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Fibromyalgia has not been an official disorder until the beginning of the 1980s, and it is sometimes misdiagnosed even today. It can be considered an autoimmune disorder caused by the way our brain and spinal cord are processing pain signals coming from the nerves. Apparently, when the level of certain chemicals in our brain increases significantly, the brain’s pain receptors are memorizing it and becoming more sensitive and starting to overreact to pain signals. Although some of its symptoms may resemble arthritis, fibromyalgia affects soft tissue, not the joints. Some people may develop fibromyalgia due to the genes which they inherited from their parents, but it can also be triggered by some diseases and physical or emotional stress. It is important to notice that some people can develop this syndrome without experiencing any specific triggering point, that is why it is so tricky to diagnose this condition.
While the universal cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, there are certain reasons and risk factors that contribute to the development of this condition.
Leading causes of fibromyalgia include:
Primary risk factors for fibromyalgia include:
So-called “tender point exam” was until recently the only way to diagnose fibromyalgia. During this test, 18 body points were pressed firmly to check for the pain. Those tender points occur in symmetrical pairs on the body, such as inner knees, hips, back of the head. But nowadays if the patient is having widespread chronic pain for three months or more, he will be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Doctors will usually do some blood tests, but that is only to eliminate other illnesses because there is no lab test for fibromyalgia.
Like we mentioned before, there is no cure, no magic pill or treatments that can make these symptoms go away. That is why the individual approach is necessary, and everybody has to find out what works best for them. For example, you can turn to medications or try a more active lifestyle and light exercises.
Some medications that can alleviate aches:
Besides medications, we strongly advise you to try some self-care practices that will not only reduce the painful symptoms but improve your overall wellbeing.
Chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia often does not go away when we go to bed, and that is the problem we want to help you with. The widespread pain usually wakes up people during the night, several times, and it does not allow their mind and body to take a rest. Average adult experiences around five hours of deep sleep each night, while the fibromyalgia sufferers fail to achieve deep sleep and they generally rarely get the chance to experience it. Poor sleep may affect the quality of our everyday functions, and constant tiredness may lead to low life quality.
This syndrome may lead to the development of sensitivity on hot or cold surfaces, which also affects the sleep, so the optimal sleeping temperature is another consideration for sleepers. At the same time, these people can experience higher noise sensitivity as well, which will force them to wake up even more often during the night, so the mattress needs to produce little to no noise.
Sleep disorders that can be caused by fibromyalgia are:
Sleep position is usually a personal preference, but for people with pains, we have some recommendations which will hopefully enhance their sleep experience and soothe the aches.
After we have checked what all the possible problems and disruptions that may occur while you are trying to fall asleep are, now it is time to summarize all those mattress features that you should focus on.
On that many features to pay attention, we are going to add different types of mattresses based on their construction and composition, and to shortly point out what are their pros and cons.
When it comes to sleepers with any type of chronic pain, we are aware that sometimes they are going to need something extra, they have to make a more significant effort to provide themselves a perfect sleep experience. That is why we have some more suggestions that can help them enhance their sleep.
She would be a morning person if mornings started at noon. Art historian, taurus, coffee lover, traveler, F1 fan who hates to drive, and well experienced insomniac with one life goal, to sleep like a coala for up to 20 hours per day.
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