- Best Mattress Overall: Amerisleep AS3
- Best Hybrid Mattress: Zoma Hybrid
- Best Budget Mattress: Vaya Mattress
- Best Innerspring Mattress: Saatva Classic
- Best Dual-Sided Mattress: Layla Hybrid
- Best Soft Mattress: Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
- Best Luxury Mattress: Purple Restore
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best Cooling Mattress: Aurora Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Athletes: Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment: Nolah Evolution 15
- Best Mattress for Couples: Nest Sparrow
- Best Latex Mattress: Avocado Green
Finding the best mattress can feel overwhelming, especially if your old bed is causing you to lose sleep or wake up with back pain. The need to find the right mattress becomes more urgent, and the seemingly limitless options only make the process more difficult.
But it doesn’t have to be! Once you’re armed with knowledge about mattress types, your sleep position, sleep disorders, and how all those things affect your mattress choice, you’ll feel more confident in your final selection.
In our article, we discuss our favorite mattresses for 2024, the best mattress types for every sleeping style, and how to find the perfect mattress even if you have budget or space limitations.
BEST MATTRESS OVERALL
AMERISLEEP AS3
- Price Range: See Price
- Mattress Type: Memory Foam
- Thickness: 12 inches
- Firmness: 5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)
- Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Warranty
20 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
- Breathable, cool, eco-friendly foam top
- Five zones of support from HIVE® technology
- Long-lasting structure from Bio-Core® base
- Side, back, and combination sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Couples
Amerisleep AS3 Overview
Amerisleep launched their bed in a box mattress brand over a decade ago, and since then their innovative mattress designs have made a good night’s sleep possible for every type of sleeper. Instead of utilizing traditional memory foam, Amerisleep mattresses contain plant-based foams, ensuring you sleep cool and feel supported—you’ll never feel stuck or trapped in an Amerisleep bed.
Their bestselling mattress, the AS3, has a perfectly balanced medium feel. The combination of softness and support appeals to couples, average-sized adults, combo sleepers, and side sleepers. Each layer works together to deliver restorative, healthy sleep.
- Plant-Based Memory Foam
Top layer is partly plant-based for a more breathable, responsive feel than standard memory foam.
- Restorative Mattress Cover
Refresh fabric takes body heat and transforms it into infrared energy.
- Five Zones of Targeted Support
Middle layer ensures the surface feels soft and firm as needed.
The medium feel of the AS3 isn’t quite uniform, as sections of the mattress have extra contouring for increased comfort. Under the shoulders and hips, cutouts in the transition foam help the mattress flex close to the body, easing more tension in a teen’s growing body. In the head, torso, and feet sections, the mattress remains focused on spine support.
The surface of the AS3 is quick to respond to movements, giving teenagers the easy freedom to change position and slide out of bed in the morning.
Furthermore, the Amerisleep AS3 was named the best mattress of the year by eachnight.com.
What Consumer Testers Are Saying
- Michelle notes that despite trying other mattresses, she’s returned again and again to the Amerisleep AS3. “I’m so happy with this mattress!”
- Kathy called the Amerisleep AS3 the most comfortable mattress she’s slept on. “I’m already planning on buying another.”
Comfort Layers
The comfort layer is a plant-based Bio-Pur® memory foam. The layer keeps your teen cooler than traditional memory foam by wicking away moisture and heat.
Transition Layers
Below the Bio-Pur® layer, the Affinity layer with HIVE® technology offers support and air circulation through hundreds of hexagon-shaped cut-outs. The cut-outs are grouped close together for firm support in the hips and shoulders and spaced out where the body needs pressure relief.
Support Layers
The bottom layer is Amerisleep’s high-density Bio-Core®, which produces a reliable structure for the above layers, keeping it sag-free and extending its life.
Best Hybrid mattress
Zoma Hybrid
- Price Range: See Price
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 12 inches
- Firmness: 5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)
- Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
- Stay-cool memory foam cushions the body
- Transition foam minimizes sinkage
- Wrapped coils provide bouncy support
- Hot sleepers
- Side, back, and combination sleepers
- Athletes and other active individuals
Zoma Hybrid Overview
The Zoma Hybrid is designed for active individuals who need rejuvenating sleep. It’s cooling surface minimizes the chances of waking up sweating and overheated, perfect for those with demanding lifestyles or those living in warmer climates.
Zoma offers a 100-night trial period and 10-year warranty, and the warranty covers up to an inch of sagging. The mattress comes with free shipping and returns, as well.
- Gel Memory Foam Top
Infused gels pull unwanted body heat away from the sleeper, while the foam relieves pressure.
- Responsive Transition
Bouncy Reactiv foam lives up to its name and increases the bed’s adaptability.
- Supportive Wrapped Coils
Base layer ensures the surface feels supportive for weightless comfort.
This mattress falls in the middle of our firmness scale, sitting around medium—though it does teeter slightly to the softer side. Despite its softness, the second foam layer is responsive enough to prevent you from sinking in, offering more comfort for most side, back, and combination sleepers.
“As a chiropractor, I know the importance of the relationship between sleep and spinal alignment,” says Dr. Jordan Burns. “Studies in ‘The Lancet Neurology’ underscore the critical role a mattress can play in maintaining spinal health.”
“Optimal spinal alignment during sleep promotes restorative rest and reduces the risk of musculoskeletal issues. I advise patients to focus on support, firmness, and how the mattress accommodates their body’s natural curves. The Zoma Hybrid is a great mattress for this.”
What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying
- Lewis found his sleep quality improved after buying the Zoma Hybrid. He and his wife enjoy it so much that they’re buying a second one for their guest room.
- Perry and his partner recently bought a Zoma Hybrid. They like that it’s comfortable and soft without sacrificing support.
Comfort Layers
The Zoma Hybrid has four layers, wrapped up in a cooling cover of AirCloth. The first layer of gel memory foam helps keep you cool while offering luxurious memory foam that your body can sink into. It offers pressure point relief as well.
Transition Layers
The next layer is made of reactive foam, which is more responsive and bounces back into place more easily while providing an extra layer of comfort.
Support Layers
The pocketed coil layer is designed to offer an additional response to movement while stopping you from sinking too far into the mattress. The wrappings also isolate motion well for increased comfort, particularly with partners.
Lastly, you reach the final layer, a foam support layer to provide structure and stability for the entire mattress.
Best Budget Mattress
Vaya Mattress
- Price Range: See Price
- Mattress Type: Foam
- Thickness: 12 Inches
- Firmness: 5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)
- Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
- Good motion isolation
- Above-average pressure point relief
- Open cell foam technology for cooler sleep
- All sleeping positions
- Budget shoppers and bargain hunters
- Couples
Vaya Mattress Overview
Vaya is a brand that has placed a lot of research into creating the ultimate mattress at an affordable price. The company’s original offering is the Vaya Mattress, and it offers more than budget-friendly comfort. Its design is likely to work for most sleepers, and its high-value durability and comfort mean you won’t need to buy a new mattress for quite some time.
With a low price tag and features designed to suit most sleep styles, the Vaya mattress is ideal for single sleepers, couples, and combination sleepers.
- Mattress Design Suits Most Sleepers
The pressure-relieving and supportive capabilities of the mattress keeps most sleepers comfy.
- Inexpensive Prices, Quality Materials
The affordable design doesn’t skimp on what’s needed for sleeper comfort.
- Airy and Cooling Materials
The open cell foam and ventilated cover keep heat from building up.
With a medium feel, ranging between soft-medium to medium, it’s likely that most sleepers will enjoy the overall comfort and support of Vaya. Since it leans slightly toward the soft side, side sleepers are the most likely to enjoy this, while stomach sleepers may find it too soft and unsupportive.
The mattress overall is soft and comfortable, with a bit less support than other, firmer models. Its pillowy feel ensures that it’s luxurious despite its highly affordable price.
What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying
- Nathan L. likes that he doesn’t feel like he’s sinking too deeply into this mattress. He also appreciates the support, especially as a side sleeper.
- Jack C. tried and returned many mattresses before settling on the Vaya. He enjoys the balance between comfort and support.
The Vaya Mattress is constructed of low-VOC materials and is CertiPUR-US® certified. The mattress is made of two layers.
Comfort Layers
A layer of Vaya Comfort Foam sits on top and helps keep air circulating while offering comfort you can sink into.
The mattress is wrapped in a plush cover that’s soft to the touch but also offers cooling properties.
Support Layers
The support layer of Vaya Base Foam is designed to help alleviate pressure point pain that can lead to a sore back, neck, or hips.
Best Innerspring Mattress
Saatva Classic
- Price Range: See Price
- Mattress Type: Innerspring
- Thickness: 11.5 or 14.5 Inches
- Firmness: 3 (Plush), 5 to 7 (Luxury Firm), and 8 (Firm) out of 10
- Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, Split California King
Warranty
Lifetime
Sleep Trial
365 Nights
Shipping
Free
- Surface offers targeted lumbar support
- Pocketed coils for motion isolation
- Tempered steel springs resist sagging
- Most sleeping styles
- Hot sleepers
- Shoppers prone to back pain
Saatva Classic Review
Innerspring mattresses have become less common as other mattress types have taken the spotlight. However, there are still many high-quality options available, such as the Saatva Classic. Despite what the name suggests, the Saatva Classic is quite modern, with numerous features that provide more comfort than a traditional innerspring bed would.
The Saatva Classic mattress has a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. However, there is a caveat to the Saatva’s lengthy sleep trial, as Saatva charges a nominal fee to pick up a returned mattress.
- Plant-Based Flame Barrier
Instead of fiberglass, the mattress relies on thistle pulp for flame protection.
- Botanical Antimicrobial Protection
The compound of Guardin® ensures microbes won’t settle in the mattress.
- Twice the Usual Coil Layers
Instead of only wrapped or unwrapped coils, the mattress contains each for support.
The Saatva Classic comes in three distinct firmnesses, each of which can suit a different set of sleep needs. The plush option is quick to cushion and cradle the body, while the firm option gives those who enjoy sleeping on top of the mattress a supportive surface.
The luxury firm option provides an excellent middle ground, perfect for those who are uncertain about what they want or who share the bed with a partner.
What Consumer Testers Are Saying
- One consumer reviewer noted they spent thousands of dollars on unsatisfactory mattresses, hampered by a medical condition that left them reacting to most materials. Eventually, they were recommended the Saatva Classic, and it provided all that they needed for a comfortable sleep.
- Another consumer reviewer said that they led quite the athletic life with their partner, working out five days a week. The Saatva Classic provided the support and cushion needed to prevent the back pain they experienced on other mattresses.
Comfort Layers
The top of the Saatva Classic is a 3-inch pillow top with a hypoallergenic, airy organic cotton to promote cool, undisturbed sleep. This top is treated with Guardin®, a botanical compound that restricts the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Underneath the pillow top is CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam with Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire. The memory foam is dense enough to resist sagging and permanent compression, capable of providing support for years and years.
Transition Layers
Next is a layer of pocketed coils, creating a secondary support layer. These short coils increase the surface’s responsiveness, helping the Saatva Classic better adapt to movements. These coils are also zoned to provide extra support in the middle of the mattress.
Support Layers
The base of the mattress is tempered steel coils, left unwrapped for greater airflow. These coils are ringed by stiff foam that creates edge support on all sides.
Best Dual-Sided Mattress
Layla Hybrid
- Price Range: See Price
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 13 Inches
- Firmness: 4 or 7 out of 10 (Soft or Firm)
- Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Shipping
Free
- Two sides of memory foam comfort
- Infused copper repels microbes
- Core of pocketed coils for support
- Hot sleepers
- Side sleepers (soft)
- Stomach sleepers (firm)
Layla Hybrid Overview
Dual-sided mattresses offer the advantage of two firmness options in one bed. With Layla Hybrid, you can easily flip the mattress to choose between a firm side and a soft side, allowing you to customize your sleeping experience. This versatility is particularly desirable for those who may have changing sleep needs. As it’s an excellent choice for a wide range of sleepers, the Layla Hybrid is also good as a guest room mattress.
The Layla Hybrid ships free and comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
- Two Feels, Plush & Firm Sides
The mattress can be flipped and allow sleepers to swiftly switch between firmnesses.
- Refreshing Copper Infusion
Copper keeps the mattress feeling clean and cool.
- Targeted Support Foam & Coils
Transition establishes zoned support while the coil core enables easy movements.
The Layla Hybrid mattress offers a unique feature of being dual-sided, providing you with two firmness options in one mattress. One side is designed to be medium-soft, while the other side is firm. This allows you to choose the firmness level that suits your preferences by simply flipping the mattress.
“This was the other option that my wife and I were debating between,” notes Dr. Burns. “For couples, sleep quality can impact not only individual well-being but also relationship satisfaction. To ensure harmonious sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends open communication about sleep needs and preferences.”
“A dual-sided mattress, like the Layla Hybrid, allows couples to customize their sleep surface. Practicing mindful bedtime routines and sleep environment adjustments can also contribute to a peaceful night’s rest for both partners.”
What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying
- Shannon first encountered the Layla Hybrid in an AirBNB and slept so well she asked the host for details on the mattress and bought one for home. “Love this mattress. Could not recommend more.”
- Elizabeth highlighted the freedom to choose between soft and firm sides. They find both sides comfortable and well-made but prefer the firmer option.
Comfort Layers
Both sides include copper-infused memory foam that provides pressure relief and helps regulate body temperature. The foam layers are designed to contour to your body shape, relieving pressure points and promoting a comfortable sleep surface.
Copper is known for its antimicrobial properties, helping to keep the mattress clean and hygienic. It also aids in cooling by dissipating heat and promoting a cooler sleep environment.
The mattress features a cover made with a super breathable material that works in conjunction with the copper foam to deepen the cooling effect. In addition to its cooling benefits, the Layla Hybrid cover offers practicality and convenience. It is equipped with a zip-off design, allowing you to easily remove the cover for cleaning.
Furthermore, the Layla Hybrid cover is designed with the user in mind. It features well-crafted handles that make flipping the mattress easier. Flipping a hybrid mattress can be a challenging task due to its weight and size, but Layla has taken care of that by providing sturdy handles. These handles provide a secure grip, allowing you to flip the mattress with ease and without straining yourself.
Transition Layers
The two sides of the hybrid mattress rely on Max Airflow Support Foam for transition. These foam layers provide targeted support to different areas of your body with cutouts, and as a bonus, these deep channels deepen the mattress’s breathability.
Support Layers
The mattress incorporates individually wrapped coils as its support system. The combination of memory foam and individually wrapped coils in the Layla Hybrid mattress provides excellent motion isolation.
This means that any movement from one side of the mattress is less likely to disturb your partner, allowing for more uninterrupted sleep. The coils also enhance the mattress’s durability and stability.
Best Soft Mattress
Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
- Price Range: See Price
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 14 Inches
- Firmness: 3 out of 10 (Soft)
- Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Warranty
20 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
- Eco-friendly plant-based memory foam
- Active Flex increases surface reactivity
- Pocketed coils support the body
- Side sleepers
- Sleepers with joint pain
- Petite sleepers seeking soft relief
Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid Overview
The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid is a luxurious mattress that combines the benefits of memory foam and pocketed coils to provide exceptional comfort and support. Designed with a plush feel, this mattress is ideal for those who prefer a softer sleep surface that gently cradles the body.
Like other Amerisleep mattresses, your purchase of the AS5 includes free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.
- Plush Bio-Pur® Memory Foam
The comfort layer for luxurious and pressure-relieving support
- Individually Pocketed Coils
Supportive wrapped coils enable weightless comfort
- Flexible Foam Secondary Layer
Active Flex keeps the top layer from feeling too soft
The AS5 Hybrid features a plush Bio-Pur® memory foam comfort layer that conforms to your body’s shape, relieving pressure points and promoting proper spinal alignment. This layer is designed to offer a soft and luxurious feel.
The plush comfort layer conforms to your body’s shape, relieving pressure points and promoting proper spinal alignment. This layer is designed to offer a soft and luxurious feel and to maintain coolness, along with the cover fabric. The underlying layers enable a sensation of floating support for cloud-like comfort.
What Consumer Testers Are Saying
- Andrea has slept on the Amerisleep AS5 for half a decade and still finds that it delivers soft support, with no sagging or loss of shape. “Still fantastic and the best one I have owed.”
- Jen & Steve noted the AS5’s cushion eliminated pain in their shoulders and hips. “We love this mattress. It is both supportive and soft at the same time.”
Comfort Layers
At the top, you’ll find a plush cover made from a blend of soft, breathable fibers. This cover enhances airflow and promotes a cool and refreshing sleep experience.
Beneath the cover, the first layer is a 3-inch Bio-Pur® memory foam. This advanced memory foam is designed to conform to your body’s shape, providing pressure relief and contouring support. It is also more breathable compared to traditional memory foam, allowing for better airflow and temperature regulation.
Transition Layers
The next layer is a 2-inch Active Flex layer, which adds a touch of responsiveness and bounce to the mattress. This layer helps to prevent the feeling of being stuck in the foam and allows for easier movement during the night.
Support Layers
The support core of the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid features a layer of individually wrapped pocketed coils. The pocketed coil system also enhances the mattress’s durability and helps to maintain its shape over time.
To further enhance the support and stability of the mattress, Amerisleep has included a 1-inch layer of base foam at the bottom. This layer acts as a foundation, providing a solid base for the entire mattress.
- Plant-based memory foam is breathable and swift to adapt
- Active Flex deepens the mattress’s responsiveness
- Individually wrapped coils limit motion transfer
- Softer doesn’t suit all sleep styles and comfort preferences
Best Luxury Mattress:
Purple Restore
- Price Range: See Price
- Thickness: Hybrid
- Thickness: 11.5 Inches
- Firmness: 4 to 5 or 6 to 7 (Soft or Firm)
- Available In: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
- Antimicrobial mattress cover fabric
- Edge-to-edge coil support
- Bouncy but yielding GelFlex Grid
- Hot sleepers
- Stomach or back sleepers (firm)
- Combination or side sleepers (soft)
Purple Restore Overview
With their unique GelFlex grid for comfort, conforming and bouncy foam layers, and innovative pocketed coils for a weightless feel, Purple is staking their claim as one of the top luxury mattress manufacturers. One of their best deals is the Purple Restore mattress, a model that doesn’t skimp on comfort but still keeps its design simple and easy to understand.
The Purple Restore ships free and comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
- Specialized GelFlex Grid
The cushioning grid material embraces the body’s curves for pressure relief.
- Mattress Edge Support Foam
Sleepers can easily slide out of bed with this all-over support.
- Responsive Pocketed Coils
Supportive coils with separate wrappings for motion isolation.
One notable feature of the Purple Restore is the availability of soft or firm options in all sizes, allowing individuals to choose the feel that best suits their comfort preferences. Whether you prefer a softer or firmer mattress, the Purple Restore is engineered to deliver exceptional comfort and all the benefits associated with Purple’s innovative technologies.
Comfort Layers
The Purple Restore mattress features a SoftFlex cover with an antimicrobial finish. This breathable, stretch material not only flexes seamlessly but also helps optimize the performance of the GelFlex® Grid and keeps the mattress fresh for longer.
The 2″ GelFlex® Grid + Comfort Foam Layer cradles pressure points and isolates motion, reducing aches and pains while minimizing sleep disturbances. The GelFlex® Grid is specially designed to dissipate heat and relieve pressure, promoting faster sleep onset and deeper sleep.
Transition Layers
Next, edge support foam increases the overall support of the mattress and enhances its durability, making it easy to get in and out of bed. Underneath is a layer of comfort foam to adapt and conform to the body and boost relaxation.
Support Layers
The mattress also incorporates edge-to-edge responsive coils, which offer enhanced support and help maintain an optimal sleep temperature. These coils provide dynamic support, promote proper body alignment, and facilitate airflow for a refreshing sleep experience.
- Grid adapts to your body’s shape, cradling pressure points and reducing discomfort
- Breathable design with open-air channels in the GelFlex Grid
- Responsive and individually wrapped coils effectively isolate motion transfer
- Soft and firm feels only, no medium offered
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight Luxe
- Price Range: See Price
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 14 Inches
- Firmness: 5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)
- Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Warranty
15 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
- Pillow top mattress with cooling covers
- Upgraded memory foam comfort layer
- Zoned support under shoulders + hips
- Side and combo sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Couples sharing a mattress
Helix Midnight Luxe Overview
Side sleepers can struggle to find a comfortable mattress, as their position creates a need for a softer cushion and specialized support along the body. Many find a medium mattress is the best compromise between needed support and comfort. The Helix Midnight Luxe goes beyond just a medium feel, offering cooling materials and targeted support for sensitive areas.
The Helix Midnight Luxe comes with a 100-night sleep trial period and a 15-year warranty.
- Balanced Feel for Side Sleepers
The medium feel combines support with cushion, designed for side sleepers.
- Pocketed Coil Target Support
The coils are arranged in three sections to better support a side sleeper’s body.
- Cooling Cover Choices & Materials
One of two cooling fabric materials and conducive copper infusions.
The Helix Midnight Luxe has a medium feel with customized support for the shoulders and the hips. Underneath the shoulders, there’s more give, making space for one of the heavier parts of the body to sink in and enjoy pressure relief. The hips are similarly targeted, only the feel is mildly firmer to buoy the area and maintain a healthy spine alignment.
What Consumer Testers Are Saying
- One consumer reviewer described the Helix Midnight Luxe as “thick and luxurious,” though they also noted the chemical smell from the VOCs off-gassing took a while to fade.
- Another customer reviewer noted the Helix Midnight Luxe “holds [its] form comfortably while providing support.” They also credited the hybrid mattress with their improved sleep and reduced back pain.
Comfort Layers
The mattress features a premium quilted pillow top, and one facet that customers can customize is the mattress cover. The standard cover fabric is Tencel™, a material made from eucalyptus fibers for natural cooling comfort. However, for an added charge, shoppers can upgrade to the GlacioTex Cooling Cover, woven for a deeper coolness.
The top layers of the mattress include Helix Responsive Foam, which offers a medium feel and molds to the body for superior support and pressure point relief, particularly beneficial for side sleepers. The mattress also incorporates Copper Gel Memory Foam for full-body comfort.
Transition Layers
Then, a transition layer of Memory Plus Foam for added stability and support.
Support Layers
The core of the mattress consists of up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils, strategically placed to provide reinforced support under the hips, promote proper spinal alignment, and offer advanced lumbar and edge support. In other words, the coils are arranged to create a “softer,” more flexible feel under the shoulders, while the hip area has minimal sinkage for better support.
The base foam is aptly named DuraDense material, a self-explanatory name that describes the material’s durability and dense structure. With DuraDense underneath them, the coils are likely to stand strong for years of use.
- Breathable cover and gel-infused foam layers promote airflow and heat dissipation
- Durable wrapped coils and high-density foam layers
- Designed to maximize comfort for side sleepers
- As a luxury mattress, it may come at a higher price point compared to other mattresses
Best Cooling Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid
- Price Range: See Price
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 13.5 Inches
- Firmness: 3, 5, or 7 out of 10 (Soft, Medium, or Firm)
- Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King, RV Bunk, Short Queen, RV King
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Shipping
Free
- Smooth weave cover fabric comfort
- CopperFlex foam in all firmnesses
- Pocketed coils support the sleeper
- Hot sleepers
- Most sleeping styles
- Sleepers seeking a camping size mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid Overview
In the realm of mattresses, finding one that effectively dissipates heat is essential for achieving comfy and uninterrupted sleep. A cooling mattress like the Aurora Hybrid offers a range of benefits, such as regulating body temperature throughout the night and preventing the overheating and excessive sweating that can disrupt sleep. By reducing the frequency of sleep disturbances, it can promote deeper, more restorative sleep.
Like other Brooklyn Bedding mattresses, the Aurora Hybrid comes with free delivery, a 120-night sleep trial period, and a 10-year warranty.
- Structure Tailored to Firmness
Brooklyn Bedding doesn’t have just one design, as the mattress changes with your chosen firmness.
- Made to Combat Heat Retention
The cooling cover fabric and breathable foams and coils ensure heat doesn’t linger at night.
- Responsive Coil Support
The coils work with the transition foams for an adaptable surface.
The hybrid airflow design of the mattress incorporates open cell technology in both the foam layers and the inner coils. This design promotes airflow and breathability, preventing heat retention and allowing for efficient heat dissipation. The combination of these features ensures that the Aurora Hybrid mattress remains cool and comfortable, even during warmer nights or for individuals who tend to sleep hot.
What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying
- Heather P., a full-time RVer, highly recommends the Aurora Hybrid as an upgrade. With the mattress, Heather went from needing medication to fall asleep to sleeping well throughout the night. “We waited too long once we made the change we regretted not doing it sooner.”
- Cheryl W. describes the Aurora Hybrid as a “Goldilocks bed,” implying that it is just right. They appreciate the bed’s ability to keep them cool at night, as well as its minimal motion transfer.
Comfort Layers
The mattress begins with a Premium Smooth Top Weave, which not only provides a luxurious feel but also delivers the cooling benefits of GlacioTex™ technology, ensuring a cool and comfortable sleep surface. The GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover utilizes cool tech fibers to dissipate excess heat, providing a comfortable sleep surface throughout the night.
Transition Layers
The Aurora Hybrid offers different transition layers depending on the firmness option chosen. In the soft or medium option, there is a 2-inch layer of Supreme Response Comfort Foam, which provides cloud-like comfort. This foam is designed with immediate response technology, allowing it to adjust to your body every time you move. Additionally, a 1-inch layer of Gel Swirl Memory Foam is included to provide extra pressure point relief.
On the other hand, in the firm option, there is a 1.5-inch layer of Firm Supreme Response Comfort Foam. This foam offers a supportive feel and also utilizes immediate response technology for enhanced comfort and responsiveness. To provide a more traditional firm sleep experience, a 1.5-inch layer of VariFlex™ transition foam is added.
Support Layers
Beneath the top weave is a 1.5-inch layer of CopperFlex™. This patented material is infused with a phase change material treatment, which has high conductivity properties to draw excess heat away from the body. This helps maintain an optimal temperature for each individual sleeper. Additionally, the infusion of copper promotes an antibacterial sleeping environment, promoting a cleaner and healthier sleep experience.
The core of the Aurora Hybrid mattress consists of an 8-inch Zoned Coil Core. This layer features up to 1,032 individually encased Ascension® coils, which are strategically arranged to provide targeted support to different areas of the body.
The zoned design ensures that each part of the body receives the appropriate level of support where it is needed most, promoting proper spinal alignment and relieving pressure points.
To enhance durability and reinforce the individually encased coils, the Aurora Hybrid mattress includes a 0.75-inch base foam. This high-density foam base adds stability and longevity to the mattress, ensuring that it maintains its supportive structure over time.
Best Mattress for Athletes
Bear Elite Hybrid
- Price Range: See Price
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 14 Inches
- Firmness: 5, 6, or 7 out of 10 (Soft, Medium, Firm)
- Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California, and Split King
Warranty
Lifetime
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Shipping
Free
- Copper-infused memory foam
- Advanced cover fabric for coolness
- Pocketed coils with edge support
- Hot sleepers
- Most sleeping styles
- Athletes and active individuals
Bear Elite Hybrid Overview
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a great mattress for athletes, heavy sleepers, and most sleepers, regardless of sleeping preference. It offers excellent pressure point relief that athletes, active individuals, and anyone with back pain will enjoy while also offering cooling features and customizable firmness options.
Bear ships the mattress for free and includes a 120-night trial period and a lifetime warranty.
- Greenguard Gold & CertiPUR-US®
These two certifications ensure the mattress is built with safe, comfy materials.
- Reinforced Edge Support
The individually wrapped coils include enduring mattress edge support for easy morning movements out of bed.
- Cooling Sleeping Space
Phase Change Material cover fabric and copper-infused memory foam deters heat build-up, along with other benefits.
There are three different mattress firmness options:
- Luxury Plus (best for side sleepers)
- Luxury Firm (good for side and back sleepers)
- Extra Firm (good for stomach sleepers and plus-sized individuals)
What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying
- Brian T. says he no longer wakes up in the middle of the night with this mattress. His stiffness and soreness have also decreased.
- Noel F. tried the Bear Pro first but opted to switch to the Bear Elite Hybrid when his back pain persisted. Since switching mattresses, his pain has reduced while still offering the comfort he was looking for.
Comfort Layers
The breathable Celliant®, polyester, and phase change cover further promotes cooling while offering additional plushness. The copper-infused memory foam layer helps disperse heat, offers pressure point relief, and helps cushion your body.
Transition Layers
Next, is a layer of zoned polyfoam. This layer provides contour support to further help with pressure points and provide a transition to the coil layer.
Support Layers
Then, individually wrapped coils. This layer offers a slight bounce and great support for sleepers of all weights.
Last, the high-density polyfoam layer helps support the coils and stabilizes the entire mattress.
- Great support for athletes
- Customizable firmness options
- Cooling technology designed for hot sleepers
- On the expensive side
Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment
Nolah Evolution 15
- Price Range: See Price
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 15 Inches
- Firmness: 5, 6 to 7, or 8 out of 10 (Plush, Luxury-Firm, Firm)
- Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Warranty
Lifetime
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Shipping
Free
- AirFoamICE™ & heat-release gusset
- Multiple foam comfort & transition layers
- Pocketed coils offer three support zones
- Hot sleepers
- Most sleeping styles
- Sleepers prone to back pain
Nolah Evolution 15 Overview
When it comes to selecting a mattress, ensuring proper spinal alignment is of utmost importance for overall sleep quality and health. The Nolah Evolution 15 goes above and beyond in providing exceptional support to promote a neutral spine position during sleep. By conforming to the body’s natural curves and distributing weight evenly, this mattress helps to alleviate pressure and keeps the spine from being strained.
The Nolah Evolution 15 ships free and comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. The sleep trial can be removed at checkout for additional savings.
- Luxurious Coolness
The mattress features a quilted surface with multiple cooling materials
- Dense Foams for Durability
The high-density foam used in the mattress strengthens its longevity.
- Spine Support from Zoned Coils
The pocketed coils are divided into three sections for shoulder, back, and hip comfort.
One of the standout features of the Nolah Evolution 15 is its ability to cater to different sleeping positions. The versatile luxury-firm feel of the mattress provides a balance of comfort and support, making it suitable for all types of sleepers. Whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, the Nolah Evolution 15 offers the right level of contouring and pressure relief.
What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying
- Hannah Merrifield raves about the Nolah Evolution 15 mattress, stating that even after a year of use, she and her husband continue to adore it. As combination sleepers, they appreciate the perfect balance between softness and firmness. Notably, the mattress has alleviated their back and neck pain.
- Thomas Tebo shares his positive experience with Nolah, starting with the Evolution 15 and eventually exploring their bedding products. He also highlights the excellent customer service he received when he had an issue with the comforter. Nolah promptly refunded him without requiring a return and showed genuine concern and appreciation for their customers.
Comfort Layers
Starting with its breathable cover, which features a blend of soft organic cotton fibers and heat-dissipating ArcticTex™ fibers, it not only keeps sleepers cool and dry but also safeguards the mattress from damage and germs.
The mattress boasts a luxurious HTC™ Cooling Quilted Euro Topper, providing 2 inches of breathable foam and high thermal conductivity (HTC) quilting. This Euro topper not only offers exceptional cushioning for the body’s curves but also draws away excess heat, promoting a cooler and more comfortable sleep.
Enhancing its cooling capabilities, the Nolah Evolution 15 incorporates the AirBreath™ Heat Escape Gusset. This 2-inch border gusset allows excess heat to dissipate instead of accumulating inside the mattress, ensuring enhanced breathability throughout the night.
The mattress features a standout layer of Cooling Nolah AirFoamICE™, which is 2 inches thick. This advanced foam, infused with graphite, efficiently pulls heat away from the body even faster than the original AirFoam™. It offers superior pressure relief, comfort, and accelerated cooling.
Transition Layers
To provide comprehensive support, the Nolah Evolution 15 includes 2 inches of deep and supportive high-resilience foam. This layer ensures optimal alignment for the entire body, including the crucial spinal and lumbar areas.
Furthermore, the mattress incorporates a 1-inch high-density transition foam that acts as a responsive and extra-supportive layer, surpassing the durability of latex.
Support Layers
The foundation of the Nolah Evolution 15 is reinforced with HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ coils. These coils offer 25 percent more support compared to traditional coil systems. They work in tandem with the AirFoamICE™ layer to provide targeted pressure relief. Additionally, the reinforced perimeter coils enhance edge support and overall mattress durability. The coils rest on a base of recycled plant fibers.
The Nolah Evolution 15 is designed with excellent edge support. The reinforced edges provide stability and prevent sagging, allowing you to use the full surface area of the mattress without feeling like you might roll off.
Best Mattress for Couples
Nest Sparrow
- Price Range: See Price
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 12 Inches
- Firmness: 3, 5, or 7 to 8 out of 10 (Plush, Medium, or Firm)
- Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King
Warranty
Lifetime
Sleep Trial
365 Nights
Shipping
Free
- Internal split firmnesses for bed partners
- Adaptable, memory foam-like Energex
- Motion-isolating pocketed coil core
- Couples who don't share bed preferences
- Hot sleepers
- Most sleeping positions
Nest Sparrow Overview
If you and your partner have been searching for the perfect mattress that caters to both of your sleep preferences, look no further. The Nest Sparrow offers an innovative solution, providing exceptional comfort and personalized support for couples sharing a bed. With its unique features and thoughtful design, this mattress ensures that both partners can enjoy restful rejuvenation, individually tailored to their needs.
The Nest Sparrow Signature Hybrid ships free and comes with a 365-night trial period and a lifetime warranty.
- Dual Splits for Couples’ Comfort
Medium, firm, or plush feels on either side of a king bed.
Cooling Surface Materials
Quilted surface with gel foam and phase change materials
- Reinforced Edge Support
Mattress edge support makes it easier to use the whole mattress surface.
The Nest Sparrow offers a unique solution for couples who have different firmness preferences with an internal split construction in king sizes. By selecting the dual split option, the mattress is divided internally into two distinct halves with different firmness levels.
With the “dual split” option, you and your partner can enjoy personalized firmness levels without compromising on the quality of your sleep. If one person prefers a softer feel, while the other prefers a firmer surface, this mattress can accommodate both preferences in a single bed.
What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying
- Nathan K. describes the Nest Sparrow as incredibly comfortable. Opting for the medium firmness option, he found that it prevented him from tossing and turning throughout the night. With the help of a sleep tracker, Nathan noticed a decrease in “awake” instances during his sleep.
- Emily D. purchased the mattress a few months ago and has been enjoying it. Emily and her partner have slightly different firmness preferences, so the option to change the insert if needed was a positive feature for them. Despite the mattress sinking a bit more than expected, they find it very comfortable and would recommend it to others.
Comfort Layers
The top layer of the mattress features a quilted THERMIC® phase change cover and memory foam. This plush and cool layer offers added softness without compromising the underlying support.
The THERMIC® technology helps regulate temperature by absorbing and storing excess heat when the environment or body temperature rises, and releasing it as heat when the temperature cools down, ensuring a comfortable sleep experience.
The second layer consists of Energex™ temperature-responsive foam. This innovative foam provides a dynamic alternative to traditional visco memory foam, combining the benefits of memory foam with a faster recovery time. Its open and responsive polymer structure offers excellent pressure relief and cooling properties, providing a superior alternative to latex or springs.
Transition Layers
A SmartFlow support foam layer is included to facilitate a smooth transition from the comfort layer to the individually pocketed coils. This high-density foam helps ensure proper support and alignment of the body.
Support Layers
The core of the mattress consists of pocketed coils. These individually wrapped coils, manufactured in the USA, offer reinforced edge support and come with a 20-year warranty. The precise coil count varies depending on the mattress size.
Finally, a base support foam layer completes the construction, acting as a structural buffer between the coil system and the foundation. This foam layer enhances the overall durability and stability of the mattress.
Best Latex Mattress:
Avocado Green Mattress
- Price Range: See Price
- Mattress Type: Latex Hybrid
- Thickness: 11 or 13 Inches
- Firmness: 6 or 7 out of 10 (Gentle Firm Medium-Firm)
- Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California
Warranty
25 Years
Sleep Trial
1 Year
Shipping
Free
- GOLS organic certified Dunlop latex
- GOTS organic cotton and wool batting
- Wrapped coils for targeted support
- Hot sleepers
- Back, combo, and stomach sleepers
- Sleepers with non-latex allergies
Avocado Green Overview
The Avocado Green Mattress is a premium eco-friendly mattress that combines natural and organic materials with exceptional craftsmanship. With its thoughtfully designed construction, the Avocado Green Mattress offers a luxurious sleep experience while prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The Avocado Green ships free and comes with an extensive year-long sleep trial period and a 25-year mattress warranty.
- Natural Latex Foam Comfort
The organic certified latex foam eases away tension as you sleep.
- Upcycled Steel Coils
The eco-friendly steel coils are wrapped to keep your movements from disturbing a partner.
- Five Support Zones Target the Body
The pocketed coils are arranged to provide the support each part of the body needs.
The mattress has a responsive feel, meaning it quickly adapts to your body’s movements and provides contouring support. The natural latex layer in the mattress allows for a gentle bounce and responsiveness, making it easier to change positions during the night.
We can’t neglect to mention the soft and cooling feel of the combined wool and cotton cover, either. Along with the latex foam, these organic textiles maintain a cool and dry surface as you sleep.
What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying
- After being curious about the Avocado Green for a few years, Talia B. took the plunge to try it out. Talia notes that even after lounging about on the bed all day, “I don’t get tired of how the mattress feels. With my old coil mattress, my body would feel tired of the bed by the time it was time for sleep.”
- Alessandra C. found the mattress without a pillow top was just right, not too hard or otherwise uncomfortable for side sleeping. “I love my new mattress and I didn’t wake up one single morning with pain in my back since I have it.”
Comfort Layers
The mattress is encased in a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover, which is soft, breathable, and free from synthetic materials or harmful chemicals. This cover contributes to a healthier sleep environment.
A layer of GOTS-certified organic wool acts as a natural flame retardant and temperature regulator. This wool is breathable, moisture-wicking, and helps to maintain a comfortable sleep temperature throughout the night.
The comfort layer is made of 100% GOLS organic certified latex, sourced from sustainably harvested rubber trees. This latex provides responsive and contouring support while ensuring excellent breathability and temperature regulation. If you choose the softer pillow top, Avocado will add on two extra inches of conforming latex foam.
Support Layers
The mattress incorporates a layer of individually pocketed support coils that are arranged in five zones to provide targeted support to different areas of the body. This zoned support helps maintain proper spinal alignment and minimizes motion transfer. These upcycled steel coils also enhance airflow and promote a cool sleep environment.
The Avocado Green Mattress is held together through a unique and environmentally friendly method. Rather than relying on chemical solvents or water-based adhesives, the layers of the mattress are bound together using a meticulous process. In up to 32 locations, ribbons are carefully pulled through the entire mattress to secure the layers in place.
This innovative approach not only ensures the structural integrity of the mattress but also aligns with Avocado’s commitment to using sustainable and non-toxic materials. By avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and adhesives, the Avocado Green Mattress creates a healthier sleeping environment free from off-gassing or potential toxins.
What Should You Know Before Buying a Mattress?
Buying a mattress is a big investment, and even if you’re getting a good deal, you want your bed to last a long time. After all, you spend one-third of your life sleeping in it. If it loses support or cushioning within a few years, that can set you back in your budget and your sleep.
Some people mistakenly believe the universal “best mattress” is soft. Indeed, when we try out mattresses in showrooms, many of us gravitate to a softer mattress. However, after sleeping on one for a few nights, you might find it doesn’t work for you and you wake up with aches and pains. On the other hand, some people who are used to sleeping on a firm bed their whole lives might realize a soft bed is indeed the ideal choice.
How can you tell which mattress is best? Besides thinking about mattress firmness, you should consider mattress type, your sleeping position, your budget, and the company’s policies (including sleep trials and warranties).
Preferred Mattress Type
The traditional mattress, also known as the innerspring, is quite popular despite the fact that it ranks fairly low in customer satisfaction. Older innerspring models are made with a base layer of steel coils and a thin layer of cotton or foam called the pillow top. The coils are bouncy and responsive, but they tend to create sags on the surface of the mattress after only a few years, disrupting your sleep.
Modern mattress innovations have provided more comfortable and versatile options each with a different firmness level for all sleeping styles. Let’s go over the different mattress types and what they offer.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses were invented in the early 1800s, and they’ve come a long way since then. Steel coils make up the base of every innerspring bed and give them that signature “bounce.” Above the coils are one or two layers of foam or fabric (or both). These layers prevent the sleeper from feeling the coils and act as a cushion. When it comes to innersprings on the market today, this top layer is either a pillow top or a Euro-top.
Euro tops are usually softer and higher quality than pillow tops and they are sewn directly onto the top of the mattress. Pillow tops are usually thinner and they sit “on top” of the mattress instead of being flush with it as a Euro-top.
Innersprings are popular in dorm rooms, hotel rooms, and in homes across the United States. But their popularity is being surpassed by the rise of memory foam beds, which relieve pressure points better than innersprings.
Coil beds tend to circulate air fairly well, so they’re great mattresses for hot sleepers. But the same coils that make innersprings breathable also cause them to develop sags, leading to back pain, feeling “stuck,” and just poor sleep overall.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is also known as viscoelastic foam—viscous because it’s soft and squishy, and elastic because it springs back quickly under pressure. Although memory foam feels naturally soft, it’s available in different firmnesses to accommodate plenty of sleep styles and preferences. That means everyone can enjoy the pressure relief, motion isolation, and noiselessness of memory foam.
All memory foam contains petrochemicals—they are the key to memory foam’s springy feel. But these same petrochemicals, while not harmful, can release an off-gassing smell when you open your new mattress. The smell should dissipate within a few days, but you can open a window or turn on a fan to speed up the process.
Because of its dense structure, memory foam can also trap heat, presenting a problem for sleepers with night sweats or other temperature control issues. However, many of the best mattress brands have begun releasing mattresses with cooling technologies and foams, such as gel memory foam, graphite-infused foam, or plant-based foam.
Latex Foam
Latex conforms closely and contours to the body just like memory foam, but it’s a little bit more responsive and its lifespan is slightly longer (about 5-10 years, give or take). Latex foam is made from rubber tree sap. The harvesting and manufacturing process is very eco-friendly and sustainable, making latex a viable “green” alternative to memory foam. And latex foam mattresses have been known to last up to 15 years.
The main downside to latex foam is the cost. A queen-size latex foam mattress may run $3,000 or more. If you love the feel of latex mattrsses but don’t have the budget for it right now, you can try blended latex (a mixture of natural and synthetic latex) or 100% synthetic latex, a hypoallergenic option. Both of these materials have the same feel as latex, but they’re more affordable. However, because they are not 100% latex, they won’t last as long.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of both foam and innerspring coils. To be a true hybrid, a mattress must contain at least 2-3 inches of foam. Most hybrids have even more than that to offset the bounce of the coils with pressure-relieving foam. The purpose of the hybrid is to bring you all the benefits of both memory foam and innersprings without their downsides.
Another unique thing about hybrids is the coil layer. Like innersprings, the coils in a hybrid are usually made of steel. But in a hybrid, each coil is wrapped or “pocketed” in a piece of fabric or foam (hence the name “pocket coils”). This enables the coils to react individually to movement on the surface of the mattress, so you won’t feel stuck or trapped, and sags won’t develop.
The lifespan of a high-quality hybrid is about 6-7 years, but if well-maintained, a good hybrid could last 10 years or longer.
What is the Difference Between Hybrid Mattresses and Memory Foam Mattresses?
When it comes to affordable and comfortable mattresses, many shoppers debate between a memory foam or a hybrid mattress? If you find yourself at this impasse, what’s the right call for your needs?
Memory foam mattresses are close-contouring and pressure-relieving. Memory foam springs back quickly and ensures you won’t sink down too far and injure your back or misalign your spine.
Since memory foam beds contain no springs, they’re also virtually silent. The soft, responsive foam isolates motion transfer, so you never feel your restless partner moving in the night.
Hybrid mattresses are great for those who want extra bounce along with pressure relief. If you’re used to an innerspring, a hybrid is a good option because the memory foam and wrapped coils ensure the bed won’t lose support or make you feel trapped.
Hybrids contain 2-3 inches of memory foam in the top 1-2 layers, followed by a coil support base. This layer is breathable because air can easily flow through the coils. Each pocketed coil responds individually to movement, so there’s no motion transfer.
Dominant Sleeping Position
The way you sleep has a big impact on your overall health, though you might not realize it. Most of us are combination sleepers—we move a lot during the night to avoid numbness or cut-off circulation. But many of us have a “dominant” sleeping position we spend the most time in. If you’re not sure what your favorite position is, pay attention to how you wake up every morning.
Side Sleeping
Side sleeping is the most popular position, with 40 percent of sleepers choosing to sleep this way every night. It’s also the healthiest way to sleep because it can reduce the effects of acid reflux, snoring, and back pain. Since side sleepers carry all their weight to one side while sleeping, they’re at risk for numbness or pressure build-up. To avoid this, side sleepers should choose a mattress with a balance of cushioning and support.
A favorite mattress among side sleepers is the memory foam mattress. It contours closely to the body while being incredibly responsive, so it alleviates those pesky pressure points. Hybrid mattresses can work well, too, as long as they have a strong support layer to prevent sagging on the surface. We don’t recommend innersprings for side-sleepers because the coils can develop sags quickly, leading to a “stuck” feeling.
As for firmness, side sleepers will rest most comfortably on a medium, medium-soft, or soft mattress.
Back Sleeping
Sleeping on the back is great for spinal alignment and waking up pain-free, but it has some downsides, too. If you’re prone to snoring or other breathing problems while you sleep, lying on your back can make those issues worse. Snoring is caused by the soft tissues of the throat collapsing and blocking the airway. This obstruction causes a vibrating sound—snoring.
Snoring is also a sign of sleep apnea, a more serious sleep disorder that can cause long-term health problems like cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re a back sleeper with snoring or sleep apnea problems, practice sleeping on your side. You can start by using a body pillow on one side to get used to sleeping on your side.
Back sleeping keeps your spine neutral, so you don’t usually wake up feeling sore because of bad posture. But if back sleepers choose a too-soft mattress, their hips could sink down, causing misalignment and, potentially, pain. To avoid this, back sleepers should choose a medium-firm or firm mattress. In some cases, a medium mattress could work as long as the support core is quite firm.
Back sleepers can sleep comfortably on a firmer mattress made of memory foam, latex foam, or hybrid materials, but we don’t recommend innersprings because they sag very quickly.
Stomach Sleeping
Sleeping on the stomach is almost as popular as back sleeping; about 7 percent of people sleep on their stomachs, while 8 percent sleep on their backs. However, it’s not as healthy—stomach sleepers are at risk for back pain or even injury because the weight of their midsection pulls the body downward, misaligning the spine, hips, and pelvis.
If you’re not ready to switch to side sleeping just yet, you need the right mattress. The best mattress for stomach sleepers is firm or medium-firm. Anything softer can lead to sinkage and eventual pain or stiffness. Stomach sleepers also need to choose the right pillow since one that’s too soft or thick can hurt the neck. Some stomach sleepers find they don’t need a pillow at all.
Combination Sleeping
Combination sleeping is when you frequently change positions throughout the night. It’s common for many people to shift positions to avoid discomfort and improve circulation. While you may have a dominant sleeping position, it’s important to find a mattress that accommodates your movements and provides support in all positions.
One of the advantages of combination sleeping is that it helps distribute the pressure on different parts of the body, reducing the likelihood of developing pressure points and discomfort. It also promotes better circulation as the body is not consistently pressed against one specific area for an extended period. Additionally, changing positions throughout the night can prevent stiffness and improve overall sleep quality.
To ensure a comfortable sleep experience for combination sleepers, it’s important to choose a mattress that caters to different sleeping positions. Look for a mattress that provides adequate support and contouring for the various parts of the body, allowing for smooth transitions between positions. Memory foam or hybrid mattresses with responsive foam layers can be particularly suitable for combination sleepers, as they adapt to the body’s movements and relieve pressure points effectively.
Mattress and Bed Budget
Of course, when you’re investing in something like a mattress, you want to get your money’s worth. The fear is that if you spend too little, your mattress won’t last, and if you spend too much, you might realize the features that made it expensive don’t help your sleep at all.
So how do you determine what is a “good” deal? And how can you be sure the money you invest in your new mattress will be worth it? First, know what contributes to the cost, including materials, warranties, and special features. Second, set your budget parameters, considering non-negotiable things you need from your mattress versus things you don’t. Third, know when a “deal” is actually just a marketing tactic.
What Affects a Mattress’s Price?
Before you can answer this question, you need to figure out where you want to buy your mattress: in a brick and mortar store, or online. If you buy in a mattress store, your dream mattress may come with quite a markup to account for overhead costs. And buying in-store usually doesn’t come with free home delivery or even a sleep trial, allowing you to try out the mattress in your own home for up to 3 months. Instead, most mattress store policies only come with a 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee, and despite that, you can’t always return the mattress for a full refund if you end up disliking it.
Buying a mattress online may seem risky because most of the time, you can’t try out the bed before you buy it. But with the sleep trials, you can sleep on the bed for a month or longer and return it for a full refund if you decide you find it’s not a perfect fit. What’s more, most online mattress brands will pick up the mattress and recycle or donate it for you, so it’s hassle-free and risk-free. Since online brands don’t have to account for in-store costs, they can offer high-quality mattresses at a more affordable price point. Mattress stores less likely to mark up their beds are direct-to-consumer shops that cut out distributors, wholesalers, and middlemen.
If all you need is a basic mattress, don’t feel obligated to spend extra money on special features like edge support or White Glove Delivery (when the company sets up your new mattress and removes your old one). But maybe you suffer from back pain or your sleep hot—if so, opting for a mattress with cooling gel memory foam or zoned support could be worth the extra cost.
Here are some of the more common mattress features and company policies that can influence the price:
- White glove delivery
- Cooling foam (popular infusions include gel, charcoal, graphite, or copper)
- Zoned support (usually in the form of extra layers or wrapped coils)
- Edge support
- Hand-sewn buttons
- A Euro-top (usually only found in innersprings)
- A longer than average warranty (the industry standard is a 10-year warranty)
- Pocketed coils (often found in hybrids)
Besides added features, mattress type and firmness also play a big part in the overall cost. Generally, softer mattresses cost more because they contain more materials. And latex beds are spendier than memory foam because they’re made with organic materials that last a long time.
When it comes to value, compare the cost with the average lifespan of your mattress. If it only costs you $300, that’s clearly a cheap price for a mattress, but what if it only lasts for 2-3 years? Then you’ll be out a mattress again and have to buy a new one.
| Mattress Type | Average Cost for Queen Size | Average Lifespan |
| Innerspring | $700-$1,200 | 5-6 years |
| Memory Foam | $600-$1,500 | 7-10 years |
| Hybrid | $1,200-$2,500 | 7-8 years |
| Latex | $2,000-$3,000 | 10-15 years |
| Polyfoam | $500-$1,000 | 3-5 years |
Company Policies
Brand transparency is huge when you’re buying a mattress. You want to trust that the company you’re buying from will back your purchase with a generous warranty, a simple return process, and of course, good customer service.
First, read mattress reviews written by other customers. Check for reviews from customers that have tried out their bed for a good while—at least for the length of the sleep trial—and look for mentions of sleeping issues similar to your own.
For example, if you deal with back pain, look for reviews from other back pain sufferers to see how the mattress alleviated their pain (or made it worse). Some reviews might not mention the mattress at all but instead, focus on the customer service or ease of the return process. Take all of these things into consideration before you buy.
Sleep Trial
What’s the difference between a sleep trial and a return policy? Well, a sleep trial usually lasts anywhere from 30-100 days (sometimes even up to a year). With a sleep trial, you get to try the bed out in your own home with your own bedding, and if you don’t like it, you can return the mattress within the sleep trial period for a complete refund.
A return policy comes with more risk than a sleep trial. Instead, you only have 30 days to return the mattress, and some companies won’t allow you to return it if you’ve already slept on it. What’s more, they usually won’t pick up the mattress either, so you have to figure out a way to get rid of it on your own.
Mattress Warranty
Finally, look at the warranty. A standard mattress warranty lasts 10 years, which happens to coincide with the lifespan of most high-quality beds. If the mattress you’ve got your eye on doesn’t have a warranty, look elsewhere. A warranty protects you from having to repair or replace a mattress with manufacturer defects or other problems that can affect your sleep quality, such as deep sagging.
Most mattress warranties cover the following (with variation from brand to brand):
- Sags below a certain depth (usually 1 inch or deeper)
- Broken or burst coils
- Broken zippers
- Bunched or torn foam
Warranties do not cover damage from poor use, such as deep sags from using your bed on the wrong foundation. Always use a mattress protector. It will shield your mattress from dust mites, bed bugs, and stains that can ruin your bed and void your warranty.
Protectors are affordable, too, and buying one can save you from having to purchase a new mattress when the one you have is irreparably damaged. Read the fine print of your warranty so you can understand the mattress foundations to avoid and any other issues for which you may be responsible.
Mattress Sizes
Choosing the perfect mattress size for you is probably the first thing you thought about when you decided to buy a new bed. If you live in a small apartment with limited walking space or room for other furniture, you’ll probably have to opt for a queen size bed or smaller. Queen beds are the most popular mattress size, thanks in part to the fact that they work well for couples, and they’re usually offered at a pretty standard, affordable price.
Besides the popular queen mattress, you can choose from twins, full size, kings, and other less common variations. You can find a mattress for every space and every budget.
| Mattress Size Name | Mattress Dimensions (Inches) |
| Twin | 38 inches wide and 74 inches long |
| Twin XL | 38 inches wide and 80 inches long |
| Full | 54 inches wide and 75 inches long |
| Full XL | 54 inches wide and 80 inches long |
| Queen | 60 inches wide and 80 inches long |
| Olympic Queen | 66 inches wide and 80 inches long |
| Split Queen | 30 inches wide and 80 inches long each |
| King | 76 inches wide and 80 inches long |
| Split King | 38 inches wide and 80 inches long each |
| California King | 72 inches wide and 84 inches long |
| Texas King | 80 inches wide and 98 inches long |
| Wyoming King | 84 inches wide and 84 inches long |
| Alberta King | 96 inches wide and 96 inches long |
| Alaskan King | 108 inches wide and 108 inches long |
| Family Bed | 144 inches wide and 84 inches long |
Twin and Twin XL size mattresses
Twins are the perfect match for kids transitioning out of a crib or toddler bed for the first time. A Twin XL is a good option for growth since they can fit a growing child through their teenage years. Twins are also a popular choice for dorm rooms, small apartments, and vacation homes.
Full size mattresses
Full size mattresses are a compromise for those who need a little more space than twin size mattresses offer, but don’t need as much room as a queen size bed has. Full XLs are for taller people who need a little more legroom than a standard full.
Queen size mattresses
Queen size beds are the gold standard for couples. Each person has about 30 x 80 inches of personal space. For restless sleepers, an Olympic Queen may be the better fit since it offers an extra six inches of width.
King and California King size mattresses
King mattresses need a bedroom that’s at least 12 feet by 12 feet. For couples with this amount of space (or even singles), a king size mattress is the ultimate in luxury. California Kings are actually narrower than standard king beds but longer, so they work well for tall people.
Split size mattresses
Split mattresses are the perfect compromise for couples with different sleep preferences. With split queens or kings, you can customize the bed to your firmness preference and comfort level. Split mattresses work well with adjustable bases, too.
Oversized mattresses
Oversized mattresses go beyond the spacious breadth of even a standard king mattress, with notable options including the family bed and the Alberta King, Texas King, Wyoming King, and Alaskan King.
Oversized mattresses can be advantageous for co-sleeping with children or pets, allowing everyone to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. The generous surface area of oversized mattresses promotes better motion isolation, reducing disturbances caused by partner movements, which can result in improved sleep quality.
Additional Considerations When Shopping for the Best Mattress
After you set your budget and determine the best mattress type for your specific needs, you need to think beyond the basics. If you have sleep disorders keeping you awake, your mattress can affect them—for better or worse. And you need to consider where you want to keep your mattress, as well as how many people will be using it.
Do You Have Any Sleep-Related Health Issues?
If you struggle to fall asleep or staying asleep, the problem could be exacerbated by a bad mattress. Of course, not all the risk factors of sleep deprivation can be linked to your bed, but a few of the most common sleep disorders can be alleviated when you find the right bed.
“Sleep quality is key for overall well-being, and the choice of mattress plays a significant role,” says Dr. Burns. “Research published in ‘The Journal of Sleep Research’ consistently highlights the importance of personalized sleep solutions.”
“To find the best mattress, start with a comprehensive sleep assessment. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends considering your sleep position, firmness preferences, and potential health conditions. A customized approach to mattress selection can lead to improved sleep and better health outcomes.”
According to a survey published on Statista, 34% of 18-29-year-old respondents said they experienced back pain when sleeping, while 28% of the 30-59-year-old age group also dealt with back pain issues at bedtime. Other common issues impeding participants’ sleep quality included insomnia, neck pain, trouble sleeping through the night, and room temperature.
Lower back pain affects millions of Americans and it’s the #1 reason they miss work. A good mattress certainly can’t cure any illness or disorder, including back pain, but it may alleviate the symptoms. If your mattress is 7-10 years old, has developed deep sags, or leaves you waking up achy and sore, it could be time for a new one.
Since sleep-related health issues can affect your sleep, finding a mattress that won’t make them worse is key. Here’s a selection of common ailments and our recommended remedies.
Back Pain
Recommended Mattress Type: Memory foam, hybrid, latex foam
Recommended Mattress Firmness: Medium-firm or firm
It used to be that people assumed a soft mattress was best for back pain, but studies have shown a medium-firm or firm bed is actually best. That’s because a bed that sinks down too far, like a soft mattress, can cause spinal misalignment, joint pain, neck pain, and yes, back pain.
Back pain sufferers should look for mattresses with zoned support and avoid mattresses with coils unless they are wrapped coils.
Neck Pain
Recommended Mattress Type: Memory foam, hybrid, latex foam
Recommended Mattress Firmness: Medium, medium-firm, or firm
Those with neck pain need a mattress that keeps the spine neutral; avoid too-soft mattresses and pillows that are too thick (“high loft” pillows).
Hip Pain
Recommended Mattress Type: Memory foam, hybrid, or latex foam
Recommended Mattress Firmness: Medium, medium-firm, or firm
If you have hip pain, look for a mattress with a strong support core to keep from sinking down too far and misaligning the hips.
Insomnia
Recommended Mattress Type: Memory foam, hybrid, or latex foam
Recommended Mattress Firmness: Medium
While insomnia is not necessarily a physical problem, the wrong mattress can still make it worse. Choose one with a balance of softness and support, like a medium-feel mattress.
Acid Reflux
Recommended Mattress Type: Memory foam, hybrid, or latex foam
Recommended Mattress Firmness: Medium, medium-firm, or firm
Acid reflux affects the sleep quality of many, and fixing it requires more than a good mattress. But avoiding spicy or heavy meals before bed and even trying an adjustable bed, which allows you to elevate your head, can make the symptoms less disruptive.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Recommended Mattress Type: Memory foam, latex, or hybrid
Recommended Mattress Firmness: Medium or medium-firm
If you experience any breathing issues while you sleep, elevating your head is key. Besides choosing a supportive pillow, your mattress should not sink down so far that your throat tissues collapse inward, causing the breathing obstruction that leads to snoring. Some snorers find comfort by using an adjustable base.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Recommended Mattress Type: Memory foam, latex, or hybrid
Recommended Mattress Firmness: Medium, medium-soft, or soft
If you suffer from RLS, an adjustable base could help because it allows you to lift your legs, easing pressure and improving circulation.
Night Sweats
Recommended Mattress Type: Memory foam, latex, or hybrid
Recommended Mattress Firmness: Any Firmness
When it comes to temperature control while sleeping, the firmness of your mattress is not as important as the mattress type. If you choose memory foam, choose one that’s plant-based or infused with cooling materials like gel, to dissipate trapped body heat. Coil beds are naturally cooler than traditional memory foam, but they sag, so choose a hybrid if you want the bounce of coils.
Will You Be Sharing Your Bed?
If you’re a single sleeper, a twin or full size mattress works for most body types. And even the smallest of apartments can usually fit a twin or full size bed. However, if you sleep with a partner, and each of you have different sleep preferences, you will have more to think about.
Many couples prefer a medium mattress because it’s equal parts soft and firm, which suits most sleeping styles. If you’re both average weight, a medium should be supportive enough. However, if you, your partner, or both of you are on the heavier side (230 pounds or more), choose a firm or medium-firm mattress that won’t sink too much under the weight, leading to premature sagging.
Sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or less can be comfortable on a softer bed since they won’t compress the layers very deeply and therefore, don’t run the risk of hitting the firm support core layer.
Some couples need more sleeping space than a queen size mattress can provide, but there are plenty of other size options available. See our mattress sizes section above for more info.
Where Will You Put Your New Mattress?
Technically you could put your new mattress on the floor, but we don’t recommend it. The floor will prevent easy airflow through the bottom of the mattress, leading to potential mildew or mold build-up.
Instead, check with the mattress company and the warranty so you know which mattress foundations to avoid. Remember, using the mattress on the incorrect foundation can void your warranty.
A note about adjustable beds: it’s not recommended that you use an adjustable base with an innerspring mattress because the coils can’t really flex as the mattress moves up and down. Also, pay attention to mattress thickness. A mattress thicker than 14 inches might have difficulty bending on an adjustable base, too.
| Mattress Type | Best Mattress Foundation |
| Innerspring | Boxspring |
| Memory Foam | Platform, slatted (slats no more than 3 inches apart), adjustable base |
| Latex | Platform, slatted, adjustable base |
| Hybrid | Platform, slatted, boxspring, some adjustable bases |
What is the Local Climate Like?
Yes, even your climate can affect what the best mattress is. Perhaps the simplest point concerns how hot your local area gets in the warmer months.
In hot and humid climates, individuals tend to sleep hotter, leading to discomfort and interrupted sleep. Mattresses with cooling features such as breathable materials, gel-infused foams, or advanced cooling technologies can help dissipate heat and regulate body temperature, promoting a cooler sleep environment.
The environment can also affect how long a mattress lasts. Temperature fluctuations may cause materials to contract or expand, leading to potential wear and tear over time. Opting for a mattress made from durable and resilient materials can help withstand the effects of climate variations.
High humidity levels can contribute to increased moisture and the potential for mold or mildew growth. It’s important to pick a mold-resistant mattress that has moisture-wicking properties and good airflow to prevent the accumulation of moisture and maintain a dry sleeping surface.
Some climates also have higher allergen levels, such as pollen or dust mites, which can trigger allergies or sensitivities. Choosing a mattress with hypoallergenic properties, such as natural latex or antimicrobial treatments, can help reduce allergen exposure and provide a healthier sleep environment.
What Should You Look for in the Best Mattress?
- Pay attention to the warranty, sleep trial, and return policy. The sleep trial should last at least 30 days and the mattress warranty should be at least 10 years. If the return policy stipulates you have to return the bed yourself, it might not be worth the hassle.
- Choose a mattress type and firmness based on your sleeping position.
- Do you have any sleep disorders or other health problems affecting your sleep? Take that into consideration as you shop.
- Don’t forget size! Most people don’t think twice about the best mattress size, but the amount of personal space you have while you rest can affect your sleep quality.
Select your best mattress based on your sleep style, material preference, health needs, room size, and budget. Then, evaluate options that at least have an extended sleep trial and warranty so you can test your new mattress at home with a money-back guarantee.
FAQs
How do I know it’s time to replace my mattress?
If your mattress is around 7-10 years old and you’re noticing you have a lot of pain upon waking, it’s probably time to replace your bed. Other signs of an old mattress include sagging, a musty smell that’s hard to get rid of, squeaky coils, or bunched foam. A simple test to see if it’s time for a new bed is to try sleeping anywhere else. If you get better sleep there, it’s probably time to go mattress shopping.
How much should I budget for a new mattress?
The best mattresses cost between $500-2,500. Although that’s a wide range, it’s important for you to consider your needs to see if you require any of the extra features that would justify a higher price. However, we recommend making your next mattress a long-term investment, so aim to budget between $1,000-1,500.
Are there mattresses suitable for different sleeping positions?
Yes, there are mattresses designed to cater to different sleeping positions. Side sleepers need mattresses with a medium to soft firmness to alleviate pressure on the hips and shoulders. Back sleepers may find medium-firm to firm mattresses more suitable for maintaining spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers typically benefit from firmer mattresses to prevent excessive sinking and maintain proper support.
It’s important to consider your sleeping position and choose a mattress that provides the necessary comfort and support for a restful sleep.
How can I determine the right mattress size for my needs?
To determine the right mattress size for your needs, consider factors such as the available space in your bedroom, your sleeping preferences, and any shared sleeping arrangements. If you sleep alone and prefer more space, a queen or king size mattress may be suitable. For couples, a queen or king size mattress is typically recommended to allow for comfortable movement during sleep.
However, if space is limited, a full-size mattress may be a good compromise. It’s essential to measure your bedroom and take into account your individual preferences to ensure you choose a mattress size that meets your needs.
Do higher-priced mattresses offer better quality and durability?
While higher-priced mattresses often come with advanced features and premium materials, it’s not always a guarantee that they offer better quality and durability. The price of a mattress can be influenced by factors such as brand reputation, marketing expenses, and additional features.
It’s important to consider the overall construction, materials, and customer reviews when assessing the quality and durability of a mattress. Many mid-range mattresses offer excellent comfort and durability without the high price tag. Ultimately, prioritize your personal comfort and choose a mattress that suits your specific needs and preferences, rather than solely relying on the price as an indicator of quality.
Conclusion
Shopping for a new mattress takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it if you can find the best mattress for your needs, comfort level, and preferences (and your partner’s!). Bed in a box brands have made mattress shopping easier than ever, and more affordable, too. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort and quality for cost anymore. Just do your research, including reading mattress reviews and taking advantage of sleep trials, and you’ll be on your way to better sleep in no time.
