5 Best Mattresses for Athletes

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Sleep is easily one of the most important aspects for recovery. And if you are an athlete trying to perform at your best you can’t sleep on your recovery routine…no pun intended. Recovery routines are just as vital as the training itself and it’s all built on a good night’s rest. Sleep is one of the most anabolic fat-burning states your body can be in and is important for flushing out inflammation and repairing muscle. With so many benefits gained from a good night’s rest it’s crucial as an athlete to get good sleep and it all starts with your mattress. The 5 mattresses below our picks for the best mattresses for athletes and cover all price ranges and uses. Check them out to take your recovery to the next level!

What are the best mattresses for athletes?

Best Overall: Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress

Our best overall mattress for athletes is also the best cooling mattress on the market and that is the Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max. The Pod 3 Max is likely, unlike any mattress you’ve ever owned. This high-tech mattress has some incredible features. The bed is built with sensors that track your temperature, heart rate, sleep stage, and various other metrics. It then will use the cooling water pod connected to it to adjust the temperature of the bed throughout the night to help you stay in deep sleep. It does this with two different zones so your side of the bed will differ from your partners. Another really cool feature is it can wake you up using vibrations rather than an alarm. It’s no wonder why some of the best athletes and entrepreneurs in the world like Sidney Crosby and Elon Musk use Eight Sleep.

Best Memory Foam: Nectar Foam Mattress

Memory foam is all about that super soft, almost airy texture that makes you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud that contours to your body. Nectar gives you that feeling at a fraction of the cost compared to many name-brand staples in the memory foam mattress game. They offer a 1 year trial period where you can return the mattress for a refund if you are not satisfied, making this a next-to-no-risk purchase. It also comes in many different sizes making it the perfect memory foam mattress for athletes of all sports.

Best Firm Mattress: Plank Firm

True to its name, Plank, is certainly a firm mattress. Not the bad firm though, more like the firm that leaves you waking up refreshed with less back pain and helps make you feel great every morning. Although their trial period is less at only 120 nights, it is still more than enough time to determine how you feel about the mattress. It is also the only mattress on our list that is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, ACA, meaning it doesn’t just feel great for your back, it actually is!

Best Adjustable Mattress: Saatva Solaire

Adjustability is crucial when it comes to considering a luxury mattress and this Saatva mattress has lots of it. Unlike other adjustable mattresses, the Saatva Solaire can adjust its firmness as well as its position. This means that you always get the perfect sleep catered to you. It is unfortunate that you have to purchase the adjustable base separately but it is only a $100 upcharge and is certainly worth it. It also ships free and has a lifetime warranty, a must when you are dealing with any tech-based home item.

Best Affordable Mattress: Cocoon Chill Mattress

Although this doesn’t have the cooling capabilities of the Eight Sleep Pod 3, mentioned at the beginning of this article, it’s a fraction of the cost. It comes in tons of sizes and is available as a memory foam mattress or a hybrid mix depending on your preferred firmness. The cooling blend helps the material from heating up to create optimal sleeping conditions. It also offers a 100-night trial so you can determine if it’s the right option for you at no risk.

Mattresses for Athletes FAQS

Which mattresses do athletes use?

Top athletes use mattresses like the Eight Sleep Pod 3, mentioned at the top of our list. This is because similar mattresses don’t have all the tools necessary to track and improve their sleep for optimal recovery. 

Is a hard or soft mattress better for athletes?

The Plank Firm on our list is ACA endorsed and is the firmest mattress on the list. This may lead you to believe that firm mattresses are better, but the truth is that whatever helps you get the most quality sleep is the best and that is different for every athlete.

Is memory foam good for athletes?

This is an entirely personal decision but if it helps you sleep better then absolutely. Memory foam can also be a great way to alleviate back and joint pain making it a great option for older athletes or intense trainers.

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