HSA/FSA
Save on Sleep: Are Mattresses HSA or FSA Eligible?
Poor sleep is associated with all kinds of medical conditions. A new mattress can help.
October 7, 2024
Sam O'Keefe
Co-founder & CEO of Flex
Overview
Overview
Overview
Overview
All humans need sleep. Full stop.
Sure some can get by with less while others may need more, but sleep is a biological necessity. In fact, a good night’s worth improves cognitive function, mood, and mental, cardiovascular, and metabolic health.
On the flip side (of the bed), poor sleep has been linked to all sorts of issues, such as hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, impaired immune and motor function — in the United States, drowsiness is estimated to contribute to 21% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.
In other words, sleep matters and we spend about a third of our lives doing it… don’t you think that makes where we choose to lay our head — our bed — one of the most important decisions we can make?
For the health-minded health savings account holder, the question is, are mattresses HSA or FSA eligible? Read on to find out.
Everybody has a preferred sleeping position, favored mattress firmness, and ideal ambient conditions, which makes an adjustable bed a great way to dial-in your sleep environment. Source: Sven & Son
The Health Benefits of Sleep
Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. If you want to dive a little deeper, here are some key benefits of sleep:
Cognitive function and mental health: Sleep is vital for a range of cognitive processes, such as allowing you to be alert, problem-solve, learn and establish memory, and also helps with mood regulation.
Physical restoration: During sleep, the body repairs muscles, tissues, and cells, while also boosting your immune system by producing cytokines, which help fight infections.
Cardiovascular health: Good sleep helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke.
Longevity: Getting adequate sleep has been shown to help you live longer, meanwhile persistent poor sleep is linked to various chronic illnesses, reducing life expectancy.
There is much more that we could talk about, but we think you get the idea. Let’s explore another domain of dozing: The mattress.
A Good Night’s Sleep Starts With a Good Mattress
In the United States, more than 70 million people are estimated to have trouble sleeping. And a majority of U.S. adults say they would feel better if they got more sleep, according to a 2024 Gallup Poll.
While sleep quality is affected by a variety of factors, you can think of your mattress as a (very comfortable) foundation.
What should you look for in a mattress?
Mattresses are an investment, especially the more advanced ones you see these days with functions such as internal cooling, variable firmness, and adjustability. So you’ll want to choose well.
What’s your sleeping style?: Front, back, side, toss and turn? How you naturally sleep will determine what you want to look for in a mattress. In general, lighter side sleepers should go with softer mattresses, while heavier back and side sleepers should look for firmer options.
Firmness: While you might be tempted to go with soft and plushy, research suggests that a medium-firm mattress can improve sleep quality by 55% and help reduce chronic back pain. If you find your bed is too firm, you can always add a cushioned mattress topper, but it’s difficult to make a soft mattress more stiff.
Materials: Innersprings used to rule the lay of the land, but in recent years other options have cropped up, including foam, latex, hybrid and airbeds. Foam tends to contour to the body, reduce pressure points and isolates motion which makes it good for side sleepers and couples. Innersprings tend to be bouncier, offer stronger support but less pressure relief. Hybrids are a mix of foam and innerspring, with a much wider range of firmness options, and they tend to have lower heat retention for those who run hot. Airbeds are the most customizable.
Durability and longevity: As with any major purchase, you want to make sure it will last. Under normal conditions, typical mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years, but certain models and materials — such as latex — can last much longer.
In general, it’s best to try a mattress first to see what works for your body type, sleep style, and any pain or conditions you may be experiencing. For a deeper understanding of firmness and materials to consider, Sleep Foundation has a useful breakdown.
Temperature is one of the most important conditions for sleep. Specialized temperature control systems can offer adjustments for heat or cold, humidity, and even airflow. Source: BedJet
Other environmental factors that affect sleep
Beyond the bed, factors such as ambient temperature, noise, and your bedtime routine can affect quality of sleep. Here are a few major things to consider:
Diet and exercise: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can positively impact sleep (and vice versa); exercise reduces stress and anxiety while boosting the bodies need for sleep, and certain diets have been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms. Meanwhile, inadequate sleep may make you crave more sugar and eat more overall which can negatively affect sleep.
Caffeine and alcohol: Commonly known sleep disruptors, it is best to avoid caffeine intake after 12:00 pm as it can keep you stimulated. Alcohol on the other hand can help you fall asleep, but it typically leads to a lower quality sleep.
Temperature: One of the most important factors for sleep. In general, a temperature range of between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit helps you to not only fall asleep but stay asleep. Heat tends to have a wakefulness effect. Consider opening a window or using a fan to keep things cool, use lighter bedding, or even look at cooling beds or pillows.
Avoid electronics and blue light: Exposure to blue light may affect your circadian rhythm, though the research is mixed. It is also possible that engaging with electronics before bed has a stimulating effect that makes it harder to get to sleep.
We’ve covered the bedding basics, now let’s pull back the covers on the big question.
Are Mattresses HSA/FSA Eligible?
So, can you buy a mattress with your HSA or FSA? Unfortunately, mattresses intended for general use are not eligible for Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) spending.
This is because HSAs and FSAs are designed to be used for qualified medical expenses which the IRS stipulates “must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness” and includes costs associated with diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention.
With that said, if you need a specialized mattress to help address a specific medical condition, you can use your HSA or FSA. In this case, you will first need to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity from a healthcare professional.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?
A Letter of Medical Necessity, or LOMN, is like a doctor’s note that allows doctors to make determinations on behalf of patients, to qualify certain purchases for HSA or FSA spending. The LOMN must outline why a specific purchase is medically necessary for an individual and how it addresses a specific condition.
What medical conditions may qualify a mattress as being HSA/FSA eligible?
In the case of mattresses, you must be able to show that it was designed to help alleviate symptoms for a specific medical condition. These may include:
Spinal conditions such as sciatica, scoliosis or herniated discs
Multiple sclerosis
Chronic back pain
Arthritis or fibromyalgia
Circulatory disorders or nerve impingement
Sleep conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome
Mobility issues
The mattresses should provide additional support or comfort, minimize pressure points, and promote better sleep posture, among other variables that address the medical condition.
Bed lifts that assist the elderly and mobility impaired, whether to stand or sit, are one example of specialized bed frames and mattresses that may qualify for HSA and FSA spending. Source: EzLift Bed
Bed Down for Beauty Sleep With These HSA and FSA Eligible Mattresses
Sven & Son: Adjustable beds for ultimate comfort
You’ve probably heard of Sven & Son, for good reason. Makers of adjustable bed frames (including head, back, and leg tilt) and specialty mattresses, their sleep packages include a range of features, from dual adjustable beds to tech hubs to massage. By customizing the fit to meet your body, the beds can help reduce back pain, improve breathing (cutting down on snoring), and minimize acid reflux for years to come — the beds are covered by a 25-year warranty.
EzLift Bed: Bed lift for mobility support
The EzLift Bed is designed to help eliminate the risk of falls when entering or exiting the bed. It starts with a focus on safety features, including stable rails and sleep-to-stand assistance. For seniors and mobility-impaired, the bed lift assist makes getting out of bed safer — if you can use a lift chair by yourself, you likely can do the same with the EZ Lift Bed — and helps maintain movement independence at home.
BedJet: Temperature control system for better sleep
Some like it hot while others like it cold, especially when it comes sleep — in fact, 55% of couples disagree on sleep temperature. But, quality sleep isn’t something you should compromise on, and thanks to BedJet’s heating and cooling system, which works with any mattress, you can dial in your side of the bed to your ideal sleeping conditions without disrupting your hubby’s harmonious Zs.
How Flex Can Help You Use Your HSA/FSA to Purchase Mattresses
Want to pay for your speciality mattress with your HSA/FSA? We can help with that.
Step 1: Add the HSA/FSA-eligible mattress you want to your cart
Companies like Sven & Son, EZLift Bed, and BedJet have partnered with Flex to make purchasing their products with HSA/FSA much easier.
Step 2: Select “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" at checkout
You can buy these items directly from the companies by selecting “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" as your payment option at checkout. You can then use either your HSA/FSA card or pay out-of-pocket with a regular credit or debit card (and receive the required documents to submit for reimbursement via email).
It’s as simple as that.
Step 3: Keep Documentation
Keep all documentation, including receipts and the letter of medical necessity, for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
Note that mattresses are a bit of a gray area when it comes to using your HSA or FSA, so you’ll want to double check eligibility with your plan provider.
How it typically works to pay for mattresses with your HSA/FSA
If you want to purchase from a company not partnered with Flex, you may be able to pay with your HSA or FSA debit card if they are able to accept that as a payment option (not always the case) or you will have to pay out-of-pocket first and submit a claim for reimbursement. Be sure to include your receipt and the letter of medical necessity when filing the claim. As always, keep all documentation for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
With a New Mattress, You Can Become the King or Queen of Sleep
You don’t need to dream of better sleep, you can make it happen by investing in a high-quality mattress — and potentially pay for it with your HSA or FSA.
All humans need sleep. Full stop.
Sure some can get by with less while others may need more, but sleep is a biological necessity. In fact, a good night’s worth improves cognitive function, mood, and mental, cardiovascular, and metabolic health.
On the flip side (of the bed), poor sleep has been linked to all sorts of issues, such as hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, impaired immune and motor function — in the United States, drowsiness is estimated to contribute to 21% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.
In other words, sleep matters and we spend about a third of our lives doing it… don’t you think that makes where we choose to lay our head — our bed — one of the most important decisions we can make?
For the health-minded health savings account holder, the question is, are mattresses HSA or FSA eligible? Read on to find out.
Everybody has a preferred sleeping position, favored mattress firmness, and ideal ambient conditions, which makes an adjustable bed a great way to dial-in your sleep environment. Source: Sven & Son
The Health Benefits of Sleep
Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. If you want to dive a little deeper, here are some key benefits of sleep:
Cognitive function and mental health: Sleep is vital for a range of cognitive processes, such as allowing you to be alert, problem-solve, learn and establish memory, and also helps with mood regulation.
Physical restoration: During sleep, the body repairs muscles, tissues, and cells, while also boosting your immune system by producing cytokines, which help fight infections.
Cardiovascular health: Good sleep helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke.
Longevity: Getting adequate sleep has been shown to help you live longer, meanwhile persistent poor sleep is linked to various chronic illnesses, reducing life expectancy.
There is much more that we could talk about, but we think you get the idea. Let’s explore another domain of dozing: The mattress.
A Good Night’s Sleep Starts With a Good Mattress
In the United States, more than 70 million people are estimated to have trouble sleeping. And a majority of U.S. adults say they would feel better if they got more sleep, according to a 2024 Gallup Poll.
While sleep quality is affected by a variety of factors, you can think of your mattress as a (very comfortable) foundation.
What should you look for in a mattress?
Mattresses are an investment, especially the more advanced ones you see these days with functions such as internal cooling, variable firmness, and adjustability. So you’ll want to choose well.
What’s your sleeping style?: Front, back, side, toss and turn? How you naturally sleep will determine what you want to look for in a mattress. In general, lighter side sleepers should go with softer mattresses, while heavier back and side sleepers should look for firmer options.
Firmness: While you might be tempted to go with soft and plushy, research suggests that a medium-firm mattress can improve sleep quality by 55% and help reduce chronic back pain. If you find your bed is too firm, you can always add a cushioned mattress topper, but it’s difficult to make a soft mattress more stiff.
Materials: Innersprings used to rule the lay of the land, but in recent years other options have cropped up, including foam, latex, hybrid and airbeds. Foam tends to contour to the body, reduce pressure points and isolates motion which makes it good for side sleepers and couples. Innersprings tend to be bouncier, offer stronger support but less pressure relief. Hybrids are a mix of foam and innerspring, with a much wider range of firmness options, and they tend to have lower heat retention for those who run hot. Airbeds are the most customizable.
Durability and longevity: As with any major purchase, you want to make sure it will last. Under normal conditions, typical mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years, but certain models and materials — such as latex — can last much longer.
In general, it’s best to try a mattress first to see what works for your body type, sleep style, and any pain or conditions you may be experiencing. For a deeper understanding of firmness and materials to consider, Sleep Foundation has a useful breakdown.
Temperature is one of the most important conditions for sleep. Specialized temperature control systems can offer adjustments for heat or cold, humidity, and even airflow. Source: BedJet
Other environmental factors that affect sleep
Beyond the bed, factors such as ambient temperature, noise, and your bedtime routine can affect quality of sleep. Here are a few major things to consider:
Diet and exercise: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can positively impact sleep (and vice versa); exercise reduces stress and anxiety while boosting the bodies need for sleep, and certain diets have been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms. Meanwhile, inadequate sleep may make you crave more sugar and eat more overall which can negatively affect sleep.
Caffeine and alcohol: Commonly known sleep disruptors, it is best to avoid caffeine intake after 12:00 pm as it can keep you stimulated. Alcohol on the other hand can help you fall asleep, but it typically leads to a lower quality sleep.
Temperature: One of the most important factors for sleep. In general, a temperature range of between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit helps you to not only fall asleep but stay asleep. Heat tends to have a wakefulness effect. Consider opening a window or using a fan to keep things cool, use lighter bedding, or even look at cooling beds or pillows.
Avoid electronics and blue light: Exposure to blue light may affect your circadian rhythm, though the research is mixed. It is also possible that engaging with electronics before bed has a stimulating effect that makes it harder to get to sleep.
We’ve covered the bedding basics, now let’s pull back the covers on the big question.
Are Mattresses HSA/FSA Eligible?
So, can you buy a mattress with your HSA or FSA? Unfortunately, mattresses intended for general use are not eligible for Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) spending.
This is because HSAs and FSAs are designed to be used for qualified medical expenses which the IRS stipulates “must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness” and includes costs associated with diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention.
With that said, if you need a specialized mattress to help address a specific medical condition, you can use your HSA or FSA. In this case, you will first need to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity from a healthcare professional.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?
A Letter of Medical Necessity, or LOMN, is like a doctor’s note that allows doctors to make determinations on behalf of patients, to qualify certain purchases for HSA or FSA spending. The LOMN must outline why a specific purchase is medically necessary for an individual and how it addresses a specific condition.
What medical conditions may qualify a mattress as being HSA/FSA eligible?
In the case of mattresses, you must be able to show that it was designed to help alleviate symptoms for a specific medical condition. These may include:
Spinal conditions such as sciatica, scoliosis or herniated discs
Multiple sclerosis
Chronic back pain
Arthritis or fibromyalgia
Circulatory disorders or nerve impingement
Sleep conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome
Mobility issues
The mattresses should provide additional support or comfort, minimize pressure points, and promote better sleep posture, among other variables that address the medical condition.
Bed lifts that assist the elderly and mobility impaired, whether to stand or sit, are one example of specialized bed frames and mattresses that may qualify for HSA and FSA spending. Source: EzLift Bed
Bed Down for Beauty Sleep With These HSA and FSA Eligible Mattresses
Sven & Son: Adjustable beds for ultimate comfort
You’ve probably heard of Sven & Son, for good reason. Makers of adjustable bed frames (including head, back, and leg tilt) and specialty mattresses, their sleep packages include a range of features, from dual adjustable beds to tech hubs to massage. By customizing the fit to meet your body, the beds can help reduce back pain, improve breathing (cutting down on snoring), and minimize acid reflux for years to come — the beds are covered by a 25-year warranty.
EzLift Bed: Bed lift for mobility support
The EzLift Bed is designed to help eliminate the risk of falls when entering or exiting the bed. It starts with a focus on safety features, including stable rails and sleep-to-stand assistance. For seniors and mobility-impaired, the bed lift assist makes getting out of bed safer — if you can use a lift chair by yourself, you likely can do the same with the EZ Lift Bed — and helps maintain movement independence at home.
BedJet: Temperature control system for better sleep
Some like it hot while others like it cold, especially when it comes sleep — in fact, 55% of couples disagree on sleep temperature. But, quality sleep isn’t something you should compromise on, and thanks to BedJet’s heating and cooling system, which works with any mattress, you can dial in your side of the bed to your ideal sleeping conditions without disrupting your hubby’s harmonious Zs.
How Flex Can Help You Use Your HSA/FSA to Purchase Mattresses
Want to pay for your speciality mattress with your HSA/FSA? We can help with that.
Step 1: Add the HSA/FSA-eligible mattress you want to your cart
Companies like Sven & Son, EZLift Bed, and BedJet have partnered with Flex to make purchasing their products with HSA/FSA much easier.
Step 2: Select “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" at checkout
You can buy these items directly from the companies by selecting “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" as your payment option at checkout. You can then use either your HSA/FSA card or pay out-of-pocket with a regular credit or debit card (and receive the required documents to submit for reimbursement via email).
It’s as simple as that.
Step 3: Keep Documentation
Keep all documentation, including receipts and the letter of medical necessity, for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
Note that mattresses are a bit of a gray area when it comes to using your HSA or FSA, so you’ll want to double check eligibility with your plan provider.
How it typically works to pay for mattresses with your HSA/FSA
If you want to purchase from a company not partnered with Flex, you may be able to pay with your HSA or FSA debit card if they are able to accept that as a payment option (not always the case) or you will have to pay out-of-pocket first and submit a claim for reimbursement. Be sure to include your receipt and the letter of medical necessity when filing the claim. As always, keep all documentation for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
With a New Mattress, You Can Become the King or Queen of Sleep
You don’t need to dream of better sleep, you can make it happen by investing in a high-quality mattress — and potentially pay for it with your HSA or FSA.
Flex is the easiest way for direct to consumer brands and retailers to accept HSA/FSA for their products. From fitness and nutrition, to sleep and mental health, Flex takes a holistic view of healthcare and enables consumers to use their pre-tax money to do the same.