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My mom can drift off pretty much anywhere, from a packed bus to a hotel by London's busiest tube station. But there's one place she refuses to sleep: on a mattress with poor edge support.
This isn't my mom being a prima donna. She has bad knees and needs a stable base to press against when getting on and off a mattress. That's what edge support provides.
On a mattress with weak edges, pushing out of bed in the morning can feel like trying to get up from a bean bag balanced at the top of a slide.
Edge support is a key performance factor we test for when reviewing the best mattresses online in 2025. We use both objective weight tests and subjective experience to determine a score out of five for each mattress — only the very best get full marks.
And, of course, I weigh edge support against the most important metric: what would my mom think?
Edge support can be an overlooked feature when shopping for a new bed but if you plan on browsing the Memorial Day mattress sales, here's why strong edges should be a top priority (plus the mattresses even my mom would agree have sturdy sides.)
Our favorite mattress for edge support
What is edge support (and why does it matter?)
Edge support refers to how supportive a mattress is around the perimeter. Most mattresses are stronger in the center than they are at the sides — a mattress with good edge support will deliver similar sturdiness across the bed.
It's an area where the best hybrid mattresses tend to excel, using foam railings and reinforced springs to create strong sides.
Latex foam mattresses often deliver strong edges due to the resistant strength of the material but memory foam mattresses tend to lag behind, unless they're a firm build.
My mom needs strong edges as it helps her get on and off the bed without putting excess pressure on her bad knee — we recommend those with limited mobility prioritize edge support.
But good edge support can help the overall durability of the mattress, as it can reduce sag around the sides of the mattress as it ages.
It's also allows you to sit on the edge of the bed more comfortably. When you sit on the side of a mattress with bad edge support, you can often feel the materials collapsing beneath you. That gets awkward when you're trying to tie your shoelaces.
Couples should also prioritize edge support. Good mattresses for couples are supportive up to the sides, so you can use as much of the surface as possible.
Other mattresses with excellent edge support
More top sales to consider
- Saatva: Get $400 off our top-rated bed
- DreamCloud: our top Saatva rival from $399
- Helix Sleep: 27% off with code TOMS27
- Leesa: 30% off mattresses + free bedding
- Casper: up to 30% off cooling mattresses
- Avocado: 10% off organic mattresses
- Emma: 60% off clearance mattresses
- Tempur-Pedic: up to $500 off adjustable mattress sets
- Purple: up to $400 off mattresses
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