The Ultimate Guide To Buy The Best Mattress for Athletes in 2020?

Posted on the 16 December 2019 by Charlene Farwell

Are you an athlete? We all know the job nature of athletes. It involves intense activities that drain their bodies completely. Moreover, they also need to show quick response under certain situations while holding their nerves. All these factors demand good sleep to function correctly. Check out our ultimate guide to Best Mattress for Athletes.

Mattresses contribute majorly in deciding the sleep quality of any person. Therefore, we should give them maximum importance while determining our bed’s items. Athletes have longer sleep latency and decreased sleep efficiency. Keeping in view their circumstances, here we have enlisted top 5 best mattresses for athletes.

Let’s find out the essential attributes of the mattress for athletes! 

The Ultimate Guide To Buy The Best Mattress for Athletes in 2020 Reviews :

Product Name Material Best for Firmness Comfort Layer Support Layer

Casper Mattress Memory foam + Latex foam + High Density base foam Targeted support 5.5 1″ Polyfoam, 1.5-inch Latex (Blended), 1.5-inch Memory Foam and 1.5-inch Polyfoam 5.5-inch HD Polyfoam

Ghostbed Mattress Aerated Latex + Memory + High-Density Support Foam Sleeping cool and heavy sleeper 5.5 1.5-inch aerated latex, 2-inch memory foam. 7.5-inch high-density foam.

Nectar Mattress Memory Foam + High-density base foam Preventing dust mites & adequate firmness 5.5-7.5 A 1-inch layer of gel memory foam, 3-inch layer of memory foam 2.2+ ILD base foam

Hive Mattress Latex + Memory Foam + Coil Motion Isolation 5.5 2-inch Latex and 2-inch Memory Foam 4 PCF 6-inch Pocketed Coils and 1-inch Polyfoam (HD)

Aviya Mattress Foam + Innerspring Coil Edge support and Comfort 6.5 1″ layer of high-density foam, a layer of foam with a 1.8 lb density 15-gauge steel Coils and 1″ thick stability layer

Why is sleep so essential for athletes?

Adequate sleep is necessary for everyone. However, the case of athletes is more demanding. Lack of sleep may result in their longer recoveries, slower reactions, and weak motor skills. All these problems can later end up in their poor performance in the field.

Athletes are affected by both sleep deprivation and sleep debt. Where sleep debt may cause slow recoveries and absence of quick reaction, sleep deprivation may elevate the levels of stress hormone named cortisol. This high level will then stop glycogen and carbohydrate production. In the result, athletes would not be able to get their energy boost for carrying out intense activities.

Because of these reasons, athletes need more sleeping hours as compared to ordinary sleeper. They also need a steady sleeping schedule containing both deep and light sleep periods.

Different researches have been conducted which focused on the importance of proper sleep for athletes. There is a linear relationship between fatigue and the length of playing career, says Fatigue Science.

Important considerations while choosing a mattress for athletes

Firmness

The firmness of the mattress is decided by its top layers referred to as the comfort layers. Unlike other aspects, the choice of firmness varies from one individual to another. Which firmness level would work better with athletes?

It depends on their body weight and sleeping position. Those people who weigh less than 130 pounds should opt (medium-firm) between 4 and 5. For heavy sleepers, those with body weight greater than 220 pounds are comfortable in the ranges between 6 and 8 (firm).

On getting the appropriate firmness range, athletes can expect to get sound sleep. In return, it works as their weapon and assists in their comprehensive win over the competitors.

Conformance

Conformance of the mattress means how closely it will contour your body curves. It helps in the two ways. Firstly, it aligns the spine and prevents backaches. Secondly, it reduces pressure points. It is essential for sensitive areas like shoulders, neck and pelvic region.

You need to look for a mattress made with memory foam because it tends to provide the best contouring. Besides getting a mattress with appropriate conformance, there are some other tips too that assist athletes in having a good sleep.

Support

The core layer of the mattress is responsible for providing support to your body and the upper layers as well. By support, it means the mattress shouldn't sag when you lay on it. Also, it should not even become flabby over the period by bearing body weight.

The mattress you select should offer enough support to act against your body weight and push it back towards an upward direction. On the whole, it is supposed to keep your spine well-aligned.

In Prevalence of Pain and Quality of Life in High-Performance Athletes, authors deduced that pain affects athletes’ quality of life, and results in poor performance.

Temperature regulation

This attribute is especially important for athletes who sleep hot naturally. Their bodies emit heat while they sleep on the mattress. Few types of foam have a natural tendency to retain body heat. With the passing hours, this heat accumulates and starts irritating the sleeper. In return, lack of quality sleep becomes fate.

You need to look for latex foams or if you prefer memory foam then go for cooling gel-infused memory foam. They keep sleepers cool throughout the night.

Motion transferability

This attribute is particularly important for those athletes who sleep with their partners. Few mattresses make the whole surface to move or disturb when any one person changes its position. It can cause disturbance to the other sleeper as well.

However, to handle this issue, few brands minimized the motion effects. It isolates motion and prevents another person from getting disturbed.

Cover fabric

Many athletes don’t pay attention, but the mattress cover can also impact the quality of sleep. For athletes, there are few covers available that are made up of Celliant fabric. This fabric is also used in their outfit.

This material absorbs the energy released by their bodies and infuses it back with the help of infrared lights. This whole procedure, in the end, makes athlete efficient by improving temperature regulation, circulation, and muscles recovery.

Few covers are also made up of PCM (phase-changing material) that retains body heat to a certain level. After that, it starts managing it to keep sleeper cool throughout the night.

Size

Though all mattresses, especially king size or bigger, provide enough width and length to sleep comfortably. However, we should remember exceptionally tall athletes. They may need a customized length for them.

You may be like to read more about Top 10 Rated Mattress Brands in 2020.

Different types of mattress and their pros and cons for athletes

We can see a variety of mattresses types available in the market. All these types come with their specific benefits and shortcomings.

In this section, we will highlight the pros and cons concerning athletes' requirements. We will discuss these points for four top-selling foams these days.

Types of mattress Benefits for athletes Detriments for athletes

Memory Foam

  • Body contouring
  • Spinal alignment
  • Reduced pressure points
  • Firmness ranges available
  • Good motion isolation
  • Noise-free
  • Sagging with time
  • Body heat retention

Innerspring/coil Ample firmness ranges available

Adequate air circulation

  • Low contouring (in the absence of comfort material)
  • Some noise production

Latex

  • Reduced pressure points
  • Body curves contouring
  • Appropriate for all sleepers
  • Good motion isolation
  • Noise-free
  • Long lifespan
  • Heat retention (it contains other foam layers too)

Hybrid

  • Good pressure relief
  • Adequate contouring
  • Variety of firmness available
  • Good motions isolation
  • Heat retention (if bulky memory foam layer used)
  • Early sagging in Low firmness hybrids

Compare & Review – Best Mattress For Athletes

PRODUCT REVIEWS

1. The Casper Mattress- Best for Targeted support

Features

  • Velvety softcover
  • Open-cell structure foam
  • Sleeps Cool
  • Targeted Support
  • OEKO-TEX & Certi-PUR US Certified
  • 100 Night free trial
  • 10 years warranty

Its foam contains an open-cell structure with tiny holes. It works on conduction convection principal and makes hot air move out of the mattress. In this way, it prevents a sleeper from overheating. This feature can be productive for athletes who sleep naturally hot.

Beneath its open-cell foam layer is thick memory foam with high density. It conforms to the sleeper body and supports pressure points. In the result, it helps in reduces aches that are very common for athletes after any contest. Its third layer is Zoned transition layer that provides support differently for different body parts. You will feel the mattress firmer under your pelvic area and considerably softer under shoulder part. This feature makes spine alignment a sure thing and prevents any pain and discomfort.

The bottom layer of Casper Mattress is the support system that provides firmness and well-maintained structure to your mattress. It also adds durability for long-lasting use.

Besides reliable and remarkable construction, this USA made product offers 10 years warranty and worry-free 100 nights trial with free shipping.

However, its edge support is not very good. You would feel a bit uncomfortable while sitting on its edges.

This adorable looking Casper Mattress makes sure to provide every attribute that can ensure a peaceful sleep. It comprises four unique layers to provide different benefits to the sleeper.

Why we like it :

  • Its top cover comes zipped that makes cleaning it an easier task.
  • With its breathability, it will prevent you from dunking in your sweat while sleeping.
  • With its comfort layer, it contours every curve of your body.
  • The mattress is durable and resilient.
  • It comes with Certi-PUR US certification

Why we hate it :

  • Due to its being bed-in-a-box, its corner might not retain their original flat position.
  • It might give strong off-gassing smell in its initial few days.

Check Price and Availability

The Casper manufacturers understand crucial requirements for an athlete sleeper. Being an athlete, you should get proper support, spine alignment, contouring, and breathable sleeping place. Therefore, this mattress provides you with an incredible amalgamation of support with comfort.

See our in-depth Saatva Luxury Mattress overview here.

2. The GhostBed Mattress – Best for Sleeping Cool and heavyweight sleeper

Features

  • Plush cover
  • Aerated Latex foam
  • Breathability
  • High-Density Base
  • Pressure-relieving comfort
  • Certi-PUR US Certified
  • 101 Night free trial
  • 20 years warranty

The top cover is made of blending of viscose and polyester. In this way, it provides durability, stretch-ability, and plush feel. Moreover, it contains a zipper for easy removal.

Beneath the top cover is 1.5 inches thick Continuous Aerated Latex Foam layer that not only gives bouncy effect and plush feel but also provides breathability. The second layer is two inches thick memory foam layer to provide comforting effects by supporting pressure points and contouring various curves. However, here one thing is distinguishing about GhostBed mattress. It is the comparatively larger cells of memory foam. It assists in regulating airflow and keeping sleeper cool throughout the night. The 7.5 inches thick support layer is made up of high-density base foam that adds support and endurance to the mattress.

With all its benefits there are a few drawbacks of Ghostbed mattress too. It doesn’t come equipped with Edge support. You will probably slide off if you try to sit at its corner.

The GhostBed is also designed and manufactured in the USA. Therefore, you can expect high-quality standards and durability from it. Furthermore, it comes certified by Certi-PUR US that means it is free from dangerous chemicals and contains environment-friendly elements. Regarding its construction, it contains three layers and a plush top cover.

Why we like it :

  • With its aerated latex foam layer, it gives breathability.
  • Its dense base foam provides its durability and long life.
  • Because of its removable cover, you can clean it quickly.
  • Its 25 years warranty period with 100 nights’ trial is enough to give you peace of mind.

Why we hate it :

  • It might not feel too good to light sleepers.
  • In the start, it might not feel as comfortable as you expected.

Check Price and Availability

In the world full of expensive high profile mattresses, it is a low-priced product. With its pressure relief features, contouring comfort, firm support, and breathability, it is one of the best mattress options for athletes.

You can learn more about materials and comfort levels in our in-depth overview here.

3. The NectarSleep Mattress – Best Hypoallergenic and adequate firmness

Features

  • Tencel Cooling cover
  • Gel and Adaptive Hi Core Memory Foam
  • Breathable base layer
  • Dust Mite Protection
  • No, TDCPP, PBDEs, mercury or lead, Certi-PUR US Certified
  • 365 Night free trial
  • Lifetime warranty

Under the top layer is Gel Memory Foam layer that distributes your bodyweight all over the surface while providing contouring effect and support to your body. The next layer is the Adaptive Hi Core Memory Foam layer to give contouring effects to your pressure points. It also provides a bounce effect and prevents you from sinking inside the mattress.

The base layer made of high-density thick foam integrates all upper layers in one mattress unit. The molded channels allow proper air circulation thus make it breathable.

Tencel cooling cover is custom-milled. The purpose is to make it able to wick away moisture and provide cooling effects. Besides its high-quality mattress, NectarSleep also gives forever warranty along with 365 days of the trial period.

Though it provides edge support, it could be made better.

The NectarSleep Mattress is made uniquely using multiple layers of memory foam to provide contouring and cooling effect to athletes’ body. The topmost quilted gel-infused memory foam layer provides additional comfort, plush, and breathability to your mattress.

Why we like it :

  • It provides remarkable breathability and helps you sleep cool.
  • Though it is super comfy, yet provide adequate firmness.
  • Its forever warranty is something that companies don’t offer.
  • Its whole-year trial period makes it easy for hesitant customers to purchase it
  • With its adorable cover, it gives a classy look in your bedroom.

Why we hate it :

  • It is not suitable for people who don't want memory foam on their bed.

Check Price and Availability

This NectarSleep mattress provides the plush feel to the body of an athlete and relieve pressure from joints with its multiple memory foam layers. It is comfortable, yet it doesn’t compromise on firmness. You can expect medium level firmness from it. Moreover, its top cover besides providing breathability adds more to the looks of this mattress.

Like the sound of Nectar mattress? Click here to read our full review.

4. The Hive Mattress – Best for Motion isolation

Features

  • Springs Moving Independently
  • Luxurious Feel
  • Cooling performance
  • Natural spinal alignment
  • Even Pressure distribution
  • Certi-PUR US Certified
  • 100 Night free trial
  • 10-year warranty

Below top cover is a 1.5 inches thick latex foam layer equipped with 7-Zoned structure punched holes design. This layer reduces pressure points while cradling your body. Its holes also make sure to allow proper airflow through the mattress. Beneath latex layer is 1-inch thick nano pocket coil layer that offers support and comfort to the sleeper. The third layer of this mattress is made up of 1-inch thick high-density memory foam layer that provides support to your body.

The innerspring layer is 6 inches thick with 1000 pocketed coils that give support to the mattress and also offers a bounce effect. Moreover, it also provides incredible motion isolation and firm edge support too.

Though the Hive Mattress provides everything that a good mattress should offer, it is heavy. Its five-layered construction is something you would rarely find in other competitive mattresses. This feature also makes it comparatively an expensive option too. As it contains coils in it, there are chances of having some noise too.

The Hive Mattress is the high-profile hybrid mattress that contains five layers other than its top cover. The cover is made up of 4 way stretch knit fabric that works to wick away moisture. Moreover, it is constructed in a way to make small openings, the purpose is to keep the sleeper cool and dry.

Why we like it :

  • With its numerous coils, it provides incredible motion isolation.
  • It allows people to sleep cool and sweat-free.
  • The mattress gives maximum support and reduces pressure from critical points.
  • It comes with ten years warranty and trial period too.

Why we hate it :

  • It might feel too heavy to move around.
  • It doesn’t come with reversible

Check Price and Availability

The Hive Mattress is offering what any athlete could ask for. It provides cradling effect, bounce, support, pressure points reduction, and breathability. These features work together to make this mattress as one of the best options for athletes.

5. The Aviya Mattress – Best Edge support and comfort

Features

  • Supportive Innersprings
  • 3 Firmness Options To Choose
  • Cool Sleeping Experience With Airflow
  • 3 Layers Of High-Density Foam
  • Sag-Less Sleep
  • 15% Increased Bed Spae
  • Certi-Pur US Certified
  • 100 Night Free Trial
  • 10 Year Warranty

The 3 layers combination provide comfort and support to your tired body. They also prevent sagging and deterioration of mattress shape with adequate lumbar support and alignment of your spine.

The bottom layer of these three foam layers covers the edges of the mattress. In this way, it provides support and strength to edges. It then results in almost 15% increment in the mattress space, as other mattresses don’t support sitting at edges.

Below these three foam layers is an innerspring core layer. All coils are made using 15-gauge steel and individually wrapped for improved performance. They have also kept the strength of coils differently at various parts of the mattress surface. In the middle region where more strength is required, a robust coil set is placed.

Beneath this coil layer is one-inch thick stability layer that distributes weight evenly and provides additional support and maintenance to the mattress.

However, its six layers make it super hard to move around.

The Aviya Mattress comes with variable firmness option. You can opt between three firmness options Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm according to your choice. The mattress is also unique in the regard it contains three layers of high-density upholstery foams.

Why we like it :

  • With its unique edge support, it provides more surface area as compared to other mattresses.
  • Its 100 night’s trial period makes online purchase a worry-free
  • With its top layer, it helps sleeper in staying cool.
  • It provides motion isolation.

Why we hate it :

  • Lifting this mattress is tough.

Check Price and Availability

The Aviya mattress provides core support to your body using an innerspring system. The innerspring and foam combination gives lumbar support to athletes’ body to wake up refreshed. You can also choose between three firmness levels.

Find out more about this bed in our complete review here.

Conclusion

No athlete can perform well while being sleep deprived because their profession needs them to be vigilant, responsive, and super active. The lacking in any of these constraints may end up in their failure.

It is the reason athletes are supposed to have a perfect sleep to triumph the battle. As we have already mentioned, mattresses play an essential role in providing quality sleep. Keeping this aspect in mind, they should be selected carefully.

In this write-up, we have provided a list of top 5 best mattresses for athletes. There brief reviews and buying guide is also provided. The sole reason behind is to assist athletes in making a right decision while purchasing their mattresses.

Please leave your suggestion, comments or experience related to the mattress for athletes.