Nolah recognizes that comfort varies by sleep style, and no single mattress can provide the optimal sleep surface for everyone. Instead of appealing to the masses, the brand specializes in mattresses for side sleepers. The Nolah Evolution is an excellent example of this and the brand’s top seller. It’s a robust hybrid mattress offering exceptional pressure relief in the joints while maintaining sturdy support through the lower back.
Experts frequently recommend side sleeping for the potential health benefits, including reducing snoring, improving sleep apnea, and maintaining proper spinal alignment. (1, 2) “Sleeping on the left side can reduce gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms,” notes Dr. Nishi Bhopal, a board-certified sleep medicine physician. Finding a mattress that supports this position is critical, and we were excited to see if the Nolah Evolution would live up to the hype in this category. We evaluated it across several performance categories, such as pressure relief, support, motion isolation, and overall customer experience. Is this the best mattress for you? Continue reading to find out.
Key product features
What you should know
The Nolah Evolution blends three comfort foam layers with zoned innerspring coils to balance pressure relief and support. The advanced cooling features enhance the experience by helping regulate body temperature.
- The plush Euro topper, cushioning foams, and full-body support offer hotel-like comfort.
- Although the original price of $2,499 is higher for a hybrid mattress, the materials feel high-quality and durable.
- Three firmness options make this a versatile mattress that accommodates most sleep styles and body types.
- It features high-tech cooling properties, including a border gusset and a cooling cover with organic cotton and ArcticTex™ fibers.
- It’s bouncy and responsive, yet the mattress does an excellent job of isolating motion.
Nolah Evolution Mattress overview
The Nolah Evolution delivers a high-quality hybrid design that relieves pressure points and keeps the body supported and aligned. It’s a luxury mattress option that boasts higher-end features, including a plush Euro topper and advanced cooling technology. With three firmness options, sleepers can customize the overall feel to accommodate their preferred sleeping style and unique body type.
This robust 15-inch mattress comprises seven layers, each critical to overall sleep performance. Depending on how soft or firm you want your bed, you can choose between Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm models. While Nolah uses the same materials in each model, it creates a difference in the firmness models by varying the level of support in each foam layer to achieve a softer or firmer feel.
When you climb into bed, the first layer you’ll encounter is the plush Euro topper. This two-inch thick cover features organic cotton and ArcticTex™ fibers for comfort and cooling. The ArcticTex’s™ phase-changing properties offer high thermal conductivity to help draw heat away from the body for better temperature regulation. (3)
Beneath the cover, Nolah stacks three proprietary foam layers designed to provide pressure relief and support. The Zoned AirFoam™, with perforations in the areas near the shoulders and hips, helps prevent tension buildup under these critical joints. Meanwhile, its firmer build through the lumbar zone helps maintain spinal alignment and proper sleep posture. (4) A thick layer of CertiPUR-US®-certified foam lies below, followed by a transition foam. (5) Besides enhancing pressure relief and support, these layers also help absorb motion and add responsiveness.
The mattress core features eight-inch HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ coils. Nolah crafts the three support zones with thinner coils in the upper and lower thirds and thicker coils through the middle third. This design allows the mattress to flex more under the shoulders and hips while remaining firm under the lower back. Additionally, the pocketed coils move independently from each other to help minimize motion transfer across the mattress.
A unique feature worth highlighting in this mattress is the border gusset. Wrapped around the upper foam layers, it helps enhance the mattress’s cooling abilities. It promotes air exchange by allowing hot air to escape the mattress while drawing in cooler air.
“A reduction in core body temperature is important to stay and fall asleep and is influenced by environmental factors, including the ambient temperature,” says Dr. Bhopal. “Because the body’s process of thermoregulation is highly sensitive to the environmental temperature, a cooler mattress improves sleep by keeping the body cool.”
The cost may be a drawback for some shoppers. Compared to many of the best hybrid mattresses we’ve evaluated, it is one of the most expensive, at $2,499, for a queen-sized bed. However, it’s often on sale for closer to $1,600. Moreover, the premium materials and luxuriously plush feel help justify the higher price tag and make it worth the investment.
We’ve featured Nolah Evolution in:
- Best Black Friday mattress deals
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- Best mattresses for couples
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- Best firm mattresses
- Best luxury mattresses
- Best mattresses for side sleepers
- Best queen mattresses
- Best mattresses for sex
Specs
| Price (queen) | $2,499 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Plush, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Trial period | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (queen) | 115 lbs |
| Height | 15” tall |
Our Nolah Evolution Mattress experience
The Nolah Evolution offers several firmness options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. For this review, we focused on the Luxury Firm model. Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches collected objective data and subjective feedback through various hands-on testing methods. Below, we’ll share our findings in several categories, including pressure relief, support, cooling, and motion isolation.
Firmness
After spending several minutes testing various sleeping positions, our team gives each mattress a firmness rating on a scale of one to 10; the higher the rating, the firmer the mattress. Our testers described this mattress as offering hotel-like comfort with a plush top and full-body support. Overall, they rated it 6.5 on the firmness scale, which falls under medium-firm.
Remember that firmness is subjective and varies depending on sleep style, preferences, and body type. You may experience this mattress differently than our testing team. That’s why the sleep trial is vital: it allows you to try it out firsthand and exchange it for a softer or firmer option if needed.
Support and pressure relief
Pressure relief is paramount when considering how comfortable a mattress is for side sleepers. “Too much pressure under the shoulders and hips can cause discomfort or heighten existing pain and lead to spinal misalignment,” according to Dr. Bhopal. Fortunately, we felt minimal pressure building up through these areas, which is good considering side sleepers are Nolah’s target customers. Though we tested the Luxury Firm model, the Plush option could be excellent if you’re concerned about aggravating shoulder pain.
The pressure relief is balanced well with optimal support. Our testing team noted perfect alignment through the spine while sleeping in every position, commenting that they felt cushioned but lifted. One tester commented how impressed they were while lying on their stomach, saying, “We rarely experience light pressure relief in the hips while also feeling adequate lumbar support.”
Cooling
Since overheating at night can significantly impact your sleep quality, cooling qualities are a vital component of any bed. (6) The cooling cover, border gusset, and coils are strong features within the Nolah Evolution, and we could tell they were functioning effectively. The surface felt breathable, and we stayed comfortable and cool after spending several minutes on the bed. We consider this an exceptional pick for a cooling mattress.
Responsiveness
A responsive mattress adapts quickly to body movements, making it easier to change sleeping positions, which can be crucial for combination sleepers. We evaluate this through a series of tests that record how quickly the mattress rebounds after applying pressure, how many times a weight bounces when dropped on the bed, and what it feels like to toss and turn on it. It performed well through all three tests, regaining its shape quickly and displaying good bounce. Moreover, moving around on this mattress was effortless. You should be able to switch positions without feeling stuck.
Motion isolation
A mattress with ample motion isolation effectively prevents movement from transferring from one side of the bed to the other. This is vital when considering a good mattress for couples, especially when one or both sleepers move around a lot at night. Thanks to the memory foam and individually wrapped coils, this mattress absorbs a lot of motion. We were undisturbed by our partner’s movements as they changed positions and got in and out of bed.
Edge support
Edge support refers to how well a mattress stays stable and firm along the edge. Strong support along the perimeter can help prevent sagging, make it easier to get in and out of bed, and allow you to use the entire surface area. Nolah adds two rows of firmer coils around the perimeter of the mattress to help reinforce the edge. We experienced no visible sinkage when lying near the side, which indicates fantastic support. You should be able to sprawl out as much as you want on this mattress without feeling like you’ll fall off.
Who we recommend the Nolah Evolution for:
- All sleep styles can find comfort in at least one of the firmness options.
- The elite cooling features in this mattress should help keep hot sleepers plenty cool throughout the night.
- The motion isolation can help couples sleep soundly with fewer disturbances, while the responsiveness makes it an excellent mattress for sex.
- The combination of cushioning foams and zoned support can help reduce pressure points and maintain optimal alignment throughout the body for back and joint pain relief.
How we test mattresses
We rely on firsthand experience and evidence-based research to guide our insightful mattress reviews. Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches perform various hands-on testing procedures to gather objective data and subjective feedback regarding support, pressure relief, cooling, responsiveness, and more. Medical experts and fact-checkers thoroughly review all information to ensure reliability. To learn more, you can read our full mattress testing methodology.
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
A high-quality mattress should deliver an exceptional sleep experience. Its craftsmanship should be aimed at offering you a fantastic night of sleep every night. Our sleep science experts evaluate several aspects that impact mattress performance and sleep quality. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Temperature regulation
- Motion isolation
- Edge support
- Technology
Comfort and support—30%
As critical elements of the sleep experience, comfort and support are vital for getting a good night’s rest. You should experience relief from sleep-associated aches and pains and wake up feeling refreshed and rested when sleeping on a high-quality mattress. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Firmness
- Pressure relief
- Spinal alignment support
- Customization
Value—20%
A mattress’s worth is more than simply displaying a low price tag. Its cost should fit within the budgets of its target audience members, while its performance in various categories outshines its competitors. We assess several key components that impact a mattress’s value, looking for a balance between cost and benefits.
Customer experience—10%
Even if it’s the best mattress you’ve ever slept on, a poor customer experience can leave a bad overall impression. We invest our time by walking through every step of the buying process to determine if it lives up to users’ expectations and how issues are handled when they arise.
- Shipping
- Warranty
- Customer service
- Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%
A mattress isn’t simply a place to lie down at night—it’s an essential part of your health and wellness. We carefully evaluate vital mattress components that affect your safety and well-being.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure
- Safety certifications
Compare the Nolah Evolution Mattress
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| Nolah Evolution | DreamCloud Hybrid | Saatva Classic | WinkBeds The WinkBed | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling | |
| Rating | |||||
| Best for | All sleep styles | Side and back sleepers | All sleep styles, back pain | All sleep styles | Hot sleepers |
| Price | $2,499 | $1,613 | $2,095 | $1,799 | $2,265 |
| Material | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Innerspring | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) |
| Trial period | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights |
What is the difference between the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm and Plush models?
The overall feel is the biggest difference between the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm and Plush. While the Luxury Firm offers a medium-firm feel at 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the brand lists the Plush version as a softer, four to five.
To adjust the firmness level of each mattress, Nolah uses varying foam densities and Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) ratings. The ILD rating is an industry-standard measurement for foam firmness and refers to how much weight it takes to compress the foam. (7) The higher the ILD, the firmer the foam. The Plush version’s transition foam has a 2.5-lb density and 30 ILD. Meanwhile, the Luxury Firm’s density is 1.5 lbs, and it has an ILD of 52. The rest of the materials remain identical between the two models.
The softer foams in the Plush model provide deeper contouring and cushioning. The enhanced pressure relief around the shoulders and hips can be ideal for strict side sleepers and those with chronic joint pain. We recommend this mattress if you prefer more sinkage and a body-hugging experience. On the other hand, it may lack adequate support for heavyweight sleepers who typically need a firmer mattress to avoid sinking excessively into the bed and throwing the body out of alignment. (8)
Nolah Evolution Mattress pricing
The below pricing reflects standard pricing and includes no discounts or other offers.
| Size | Dimension | Price |
| Twin | 38″W x 74″L x 15″H | $1,499 |
| Twin XL | 38″W x 80″L x 15″H | $1,599 |
| Full | 53″W x 75″L x 15″H | $2,299 |
| Queen | 60″W x 80″L x 15″H | $2,499 |
| King | 76″W x 80″L x 15″H | $2,699 |
| California king | 72″W x 84″L x 15″H | $2,699 |
| Split king (x2) | 38″W x 80″L x 15″H | $3,198 |
Nolah Evolution Mattress trial and warranty
Warranty
Nolah displays its confidence in its products by offering a lifetime warranty. We appreciate this extended policy, which helps ease any worries about the mattress breaking down early after spending over $2,000. However, reading the full terms upfront is essential to understand what’s covered. Nolah’s response when you file a claim varies depending on how long you’ve owned the mattress.
If you find a manufacturing defect within the first two years, the brand will send a replacement at no additional cost. From years three to 10, Nolah will send a team to repair and re-cover the mattress for free, but you’ll owe a $99 transportation fee. After that, most experts agree it’s time to replace your mattress, no matter how high-quality it is. (9) However, Nolah offers some excellent options to help reduce the cost of your new bed. During years 11 to 25, if the original mattress you bought is defective, you can buy a new mattress for 50% of the original purchase price. After 25 years, you can buy a new one for 60% of the original cost.
Nolah also recognizes that the warranty claim process may feel cumbersome when communicating back and forth to describe the issue, provide proof, and get approval. Therefore, they offer the “Don’t Lose Sleep” option starting in year three after your purchase. If you feel your mattress didn’t hold up and need a new one, you can skip the warranty process and use this policy to get a discounted mattress. You’ll keep your original mattress and order a new one for a fraction of the cost, which we’ve outlined below.
- Years three to five: Purchase a new mattress (similar or comparable model) for 50% of the original price you paid
- Years six to 10: Purchase a new mattress (similar or comparable model) for 60% of the original price you paid
- After 10 years: Purchase a new mattress (similar or comparable model) for 80% of the original price you paid
Trial period
Choosing a new mattress is a big decision. Ideally, it’s where you’ll sleep for potentially the next decade, and it can significantly impact the quality of your rest. (10) That can feel like a lot of pressure to get the right one, which can be tricky when you’re shopping online and unable to try it before you buy it. Thankfully, Nolah offers a 120-night sleep trial with mattress purchases. This means you can sleep on it for up to four months before deciding if it feels comfortable and meets your sleep needs. If not, you can return it for a full refund, minus a $99 fee to cover gas and labor for a team to pick up the mattress.
A unique feature of Nolah’s sleep trial policy is that it’s optional. If you feel absolutely confident this is the mattress for you, you can choose to remove it before checkout and save $100 on the cost of the mattress.
Shipping
You don’t have to worry about added fees at checkout. Nolah provides free shipping on all mattresses within the contiguous U.S. After placing your order, you’ll receive a tracking number from FedEx to follow your package and know when to expect your delivery. Unfortunately, Nolah currently doesn’t ship products to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, or anywhere else internationally.
If you don’t want to do the heavy lifting to get the mattress into your bedroom and set it up on your frame, you can pay extra for someone else to do it. Nolah partners with a third-party service, Load Up, to offer white glove delivery. You can choose mattress setup only, mattress removal only, or both. Depending on which level of service you go with, it costs between $125 and $225.
FAQs
How firm is the Nolah Evolution Mattress?
The Nolah Evolution mattress is available in three different firmness levels. The Plush model provides the softest feel and is ideal for strict side sleepers of lightweight and average-weight body types. The most popular model is the Luxury Firm, which offers a balanced medium-firm feel that can accommodate many sleep styles. The Firm mattress can be ideal for sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress, spend more time on their stomach, or have a larger body type.
Do Nolah mattresses sag?
Thanks to the high-quality materials in the Nolah Evolution, you shouldn’t experience issues with the mattress sagging. It feels durable and should last at least seven to 10 years before it’s time to replace your bed. Nolah also offers a lifetime warranty if you notice sagging or large indentations due to manufacturing defects.
Where are Nolah mattresses made?
Nolah mattresses are designed and assembled in the USA as part of the extensive 3Z Brands mattress portfolio. The company fabricates many of its own components within its Arizona manufacturing facility, including coiling, foam pouring and cutting, and sewing. Nolah uses high-quality materials that meet various health and safety standards, such as being fiberglass-free and earning CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold certifications. (11)
Our experts
Nishi Bhopal, MD
Nishi Bhopal, MD, is board-certified in Psychiatry, Sleep Medicine, and Integrative Holistic Medicine. She graduated from the University College Cork School of Medicine, completed her Psychiatric residency at Henry Ford Health System, and completed a fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Corey Jungwirth, NBC-HWC
Fortune Recommends Staff Writer
About Author
Corey Jungwirth is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach with over 11 years of experience working in health and wellness. Additionally, she has earned certifications as a Behavioral Health Coach and Lifestyle Medicine Coach. For over five years, Corey has enjoyed combining her wellness knowledge with her passion for writing. When she’s not writing about it, Corey enjoys engaging in her own health by running, taking Peloton classes, and playing soccer and volleyball. She also enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and being outdoors as often as possible. Corey lives in a cozy home in the woods in Wisconsin with her two kids, husband, and dog, Kona.
References
- Srijithesh, P. R., Aghoram, R., Goel, A., & Dhanya, J. (2019). Positional therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea. Cochrane Library, 2019(11). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd010990.pub2
- Cary, D., Briffa, K., & McKenna, L. (2019). Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review. BMJ Open, 9(6), e027633. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027633
- Quesada, J. I. P., Gil-Calvo, M., Lucas-Cuevas, A. G., Aparicio, I., & Pérez-Soriano, P. (2017). Assessment of a mattress with phase change materials using a thermal and perception test. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 81, 358–363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2016.10.024
- Good sleeping posture helps your back – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4460
- CertiPUR-US®. (2024, April 23). Home – CertiPUR-US. https://certipur.us/
- Troynikov, O., Watson, C. G., & Nawaz, N. (2018). Sleep environments and sleep physiology: A review. Journal of thermal biology, 78, 192–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2018.09.012
- Foam Performance – Polyurethane Foam Association. (2022, July 13). Polyurethane Foam Association. https://www.pfa.org/foam-performance/
- Farmer, J. (2018, February 5). The right bed for your BMI. Better Sleep Council | Start Every Day With a Good Night’s Sleep. https://bettersleep.org/blog/the-right-bed-for-your-bmi/
- Farmer, J. (2017, April 14). Replacing a mattress. Better Sleep Council | Start Every Day With a Good Night’s Sleep. https://bettersleep.org/mattress-education/replacing-a-mattress/
- Radwan, A., Fess, P., James, D., Murphy, J., Myers, J., Rooney, M., Taylor, J., & Torii, A. (2015). Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials. Sleep health, 1 (4), 257–267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- UL GREENGUARD Certification | UL Solutions. (n.d.). UL Solutions. https://www.ul.com/services/ul-greenguard-certification