1. Mattress Firmness If your care receiver has been sleeping on a soft mattress for years, a new "firm" mattress may be too hard, especially if the person has arthritis or back or hip problems. Consider a medium or medium- firm mattress instead. Since mattress comfort depends upon the individual, make sure the care receiver accompanies you to the bedding store and lies on the mattress. If this isn't convenient, see if the store has a 30-day exchange policy. If the person is frail or spends a lot of time in bed, talk to the person's health care provider about a pressure-reducing mattress or overlay. 2. Mattress Type Standard Innerspring A padded pillow top may increase comfort, especially if the person has arthritis, but be careful of "luxury" mattresses because of increased height (see below) Various firmnesses available Memory Foam/ "Viscoelastic" Comfortable for some; for others, hot and/or difficulty turning over on Strong odor for initial few weeks (Room should be aired out, if possible) Pressure-reducing properties Various firmnesses available Expensive Memory Foam/Latex Pressure-reducing properties Does not sleep hot Easier to turn over on Various firmnesses available Expensive Standard Foam No pressure reducing properties Inexpensive to moderate Can be uncomfortable to sleep on, especially if person has arthritis A padded pillow top may increase comfort, especially if the person has arthritis, but be careful of "luxury" mattresses because of increased height (see below) 3. Height One of the biggest concerns with today's mattresses is the increased height. Many new mattresses are 14 inches high, up 5 inches from 20 years ago. This higher height can be dangerously unsafe, especially if the care receiver is short of stature. And a new mattress shouldn't require the use of a step stool, especially at night when visibility is reduced. If you do choose a higher height mattress, here are two things you can do: Buy a shorter three-inch metal frame from a bedding company – standard frames are seven inches. Buy a "low profile" box spring, typically five inches high (standard is nine inches).