Choosing the right mattress is crucial for a good night’s sleep. There are hundreds—if not thousands—of mattresses to choose from. Navigating the sea of options can be overwhelming. That’s why Fortune Recommends™ has undertaken an extensive testing and research process to bring you a curated list of the top nine mattresses available.
Our team includes certified sleep science coaches, industry experts, expert product reviewers, and consumers. We’ve spent countless hours studying the science of sleep and mattress design, enabling us to provide informed and unbiased recommendations.
The approach we take is simple but effective. We’ve rigorously evaluated mattresses from the industry’s top brands, considering various preferences such as price, sleep style, and comfort levels. By narrowing down our selection based on these key factors, we’ve ensured that our recommendations cater to diverse needs and preferences.
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Best mattress overall
We chose the Helix Midnight mattress as our best overall. It delivers on all the key points—comfort, support, and versatility—making it an attractive option for various sleep preferences. This hybrid mattress combines high-quality materials for an affordable price, ensuring years of restful sleep.
Our picks for the best mattresses in 2024
- Best overall: Helix Midnight
Best mattresses by material
- Best memory foam: Nectar Premier
- Best hybrid: Nolah Evolution
- Best innerspring: DreamCloud The DreamCloud
- Best organic: Birch Natural
- Best latex: Nolah Natural
Best mattresses by price
- Best cheap mattress: Emma Mattress Original
- Best mattress under $1,000: Nectar The Nectar
- Best luxury mattress: Saatva Classic
Best mattresses by feel
- Best cooling: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Best soft mattress: Helix Sunset
- Best firm mattress: Plank Mattress Firm
Best mattresses by position
- Best for side sleepers: Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best for back sleepers: WinkBeds The GravityLux
- Best for stomach sleepers: Helix Dawn
- Best for combination sleepers: Saatva RX
Best additional mattresses
- Best for back pain: WinkBeds Original
- Best for heavy people: Titan Plus
- Best mattress in a box: DreamCloud The DreamCloud Premier
- Best hotel mattress: Saatva Loom & Leaf
- Best mattresses for couples: Nectar Premier Copper
- Best that won’t sag: Emma Hybrid Comfort
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| Helix Midnight | Nectar Premier | Nolah Evolution | DreamCloud The DreamCloud | Birch Natural | Nolah Natural | Emma Mattress Original | Nectar The Nectar | Saatva Classic | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Helix Sunset | Plank Mattress Firm | Bear Elite Hybrid | WinkBeds The GravityLux | Helix Dawn | Saatva RX | Winkbeds Original | Titan Plus | DreamCloud the DreamCloud Premier | Saatva Loom & Leaf | Nectar Premier Copper | Emma Hybrid Comfort | |
| Rating | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best for | Best overall | Memory foam | Hybrid | Innerspring | Organic | Latex | Cheap | Under $1,000 | Affordable luxury | Cooling | Soft | Firm | Side sleepers | Back sleepers | Stomach sleepers | Combination sleepers | Back pain | Heavy people | Mattress in a box | Hotel mattress | Couples | No sagging |
| Material | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam or hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (latex and coils) | Foam | Foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) |
| Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights (optional) | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free | Free | Free (mattress removal and setup available for additional cost) | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free in-room delivery, set-up, and removal of your old mattress | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free in-room delivery, set-up, and removal of your old mattress | Free | Free | Free | Free in-room delivery, set-up, and removal of your old mattress | Free | Free (mattress removal available for additional cost) |
| Firmness | Medium | Medium | Plush, luxury firm, firm | Medium-firm | Medium-firm | Medium | Medium | Medium-firm | Plush soft, luxury firm, firm | Soft, medium, firm | Soft | Firm | Soft, medium, firm | Soft, medium, firm | Firm | Medium-firm | Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus | Firm | Medium-firm | Relaxed firm, firm | Medium-firm | Medium |
| Warranty | 10 years | Forever | Lifetime | Forever | 25 years | Lifetime | 10 years | Forever | Lifetime | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | Lifetime | Forever | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | Forever | Lifetime | Forever | 10 years |
| Price range (Queen) | $1,373.80-$1,747.50 (with mattress upgrades) | $1,499 (foam)-$1,799 (hybrid) | $2,499 | $1,332 | $1,873.80 | $2,099 | $1,159 | $1,099 | $1,995 | $2,265 | $1,332 | $1,332 | $2,305 | $1,799 | $1,332 | $3,295 | $1,799-$1,999 | $1,249 | $1,832 | $2,395 | $1,949 | $1,319 |
*Prices do not include sales or promotions
Best mattress overall: Helix Midnight
Key product features
What you should know
Our research and testing reveal that the Helix Mattress stands out as the best overall choice, offering a perfect balance of comfort, support, and versatility of sleep styles and body types. Its hybrid design provides excellent pressure relief and spinal alignment, particularly benefiting side sleepers, and features like motion isolation and customizable cooling options enhance sleep quality significantly.
- Not suitable for people who prefer a soft or firm mattress
- Great option for couples due to exceptional motion isolation characteristics
- Suitable for a variety of sleep styles, especially side sleepers
- Breathable cover and coil core promote airflow and temperature regulation
Why we like Helix Midnight as the best mattress overall
The Helix Midnight mattress earns its spot as the best overall mattress due to its exceptional combination of comfort, support, and versatility. Helix has established a strong reputation for its customizable approach to mattress design, and the Midnight model is no exception. This mattress can cater to a wide range of sleepers, making it an excellent choice for various sleep styles and body types.
One standout feature of the Helix Midnight is its remarkable balance between support and pressure relief. “The mattress needs to distribute weight evenly to prevent having too much pressure in one area of the mattress,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. “It should also be supportive enough to keep your body properly aligned while sleeping, which will also help to reduce the likelihood of pressure points that can contribute to ulcers.” Its hybrid construction combines memory foam comfort layers with individually pocketed coils. This design effectively reduces pressure points while maintaining proper spinal alignment. While the Helix Midnight is suitable for back and some stomach sleepers, it’s especially ideal for side sleepers. Side sleepers benefit from more pressure points like the shoulders and hips.
Additionally, the Helix Midnight excels in motion isolation. Its high-grade polyfoam layer ensures minimal disturbance from partner movements during the night. The responsive memory foam contours to your body, further reducing motion transfer and promoting undisturbed sleep.
The Helix Midnight comes with a breathable knit mattress cover. You can customize your mattress with a cooling cover or cooling pillow top for an additional $200 or $300, respectively.
To learn more, visit our full Helix mattress review.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial Period | 100 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 95 lbs |
| Height | 11.5″ tall |
Best mattresses by material
Mattresses are made of various materials, each with unique properties designed to create a comfortable, supportive, and healthy sleep environment. Choosing which material is best for you depends on several factors, including your sleep needs, personal preferences, and budget. We tested countless mattresses to help you understand which mattress may be the best fit for you based on vital criteria such as pressure relief, lumbar support, motion isolation, cooling, and cost. Ultimately, we narrowed it down to the best-performing mattress in each category for memory foam, hybrid, innerspring, organic, and latex. Read on to discover our top picks.
Best memory foam mattress: Nectar Premier
Key product features
What you should know
The Nectar Premier mattress combines medium-firm memory foam support with advanced cooling technology, providing optimal comfort and pressure relief for a restful night’s sleep, particularly for side sleepers and couples. Our testers highlight its exceptional ability to maintain spinal alignment and minimize sleep disturbances.
- Medium firmness provides ideal pressure point relief
- Generous year-long sleep trial and “forever” warranty
- Ideal for side sleepers
- Enough support to keep the spine in alignment to minimize back strain (1)
Why we like Nectar Premier as the best memory foam mattress
For individuals wanting a cozy night’s sleep without aches and pains, a supportive yet cushioned memory foam mattress like the Nectar Premier can help relieve pressure on the shoulders, hips, and joints.
The Nectar Premier has a medium-firm feel, which strikes an excellent balance between plush comfort and ample support. The mattress incorporates multiple layers of premium memory foam, each designed to conform to the body’s contours, cradling side sleepers and alleviating pressure points effectively. This targeted pressure relief promotes proper spinal alignment and minimizes discomfort, ensuring a restful and pain-free night’s sleep.
Furthermore, the Nectar Premier excels in motion isolation. Partner movements are absorbed and isolated, reducing disturbances for couples who share the bed.
The mattress also provides temperature regulation through various technologies. One example is its phase-change material, called ActiveCool HD. This material reacts to the body’s temperature and help you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. However, this technology may not provide enough cooling for extra-hot sleepers.
Check out our best memory foam mattresses or Nectar Premier mattress review to see more options for you.
Specs
| Material | Foam or Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial Period | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 83lbs |
| Height | 13″ Tall |
Best hybrid mattress: Nolah Evolution
Key product features
What you should know
The Nolah Evolution mattress offers an ideal blend of innerspring support and comfort, featuring a luxurious 15-inch profile with multiple firmness options and advanced cooling technology. It caters to a wide range of sleep preferences while ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
- Ideal combination of foam cushioning with supportive innerspring coils
- Cooling technology helps dissipate body heat for a cooler night’s sleep
- Good option for side sleepers who benefit from pressure relief and spinal alignment features
- Three firmness options
Why we like Nolah Evolution as the best hybrid mattress
The Nolah Evolution mattress blends the best of both worlds—the supportive structure of innerspring coils with the contouring comfort of premium foam layers. This hybrid design offers a sleep experience that caters to a wide range of sleep preferences and needs.
The Nolah Evolution features an innovative construction inside a luxurious 15-inch-thick mattress. The mattress incorporates multiple layers of high-density memory foam and latex-like air foam. The foam materials conform to the body’s contours, providing excellent pressure relief and support.
“An unsuitable mattress can make your pressure point discomfort worse if it doesn’t offer the proper support, is made of low-quality materials or isn’t the right firmness level,” states Dr. Raj Dasgupta. “If you’d like your mattress to help mitigate pressure points, make sure it’s medium-firm to medium-soft and keeps your spine properly aligned throughout the night.”
A support core complements these comfort layers. The core features individually wrapped coils that promote proper spinal alignment and minimize motion transfer. This combination of materials makes the Nolah Evolution an excellent choice for those who seek the comfort of foam without sacrificing the support and responsiveness of coils.
The Nolah Evolution also offers three firmness levels: plush, luxury, and firm. All three incorporate cooling technology, including breathable foam and a cooling organic cotton cover. The mattress’s excellent motion isolation ensures that partner movements don’t disrupt your sleep, which is particularly valuable for couples.
However, it has limited edge support. If you sleep close to the edge, you may feel like sliding off the bed.
If this mattress isn’t the right fit for you, see our best hybrid mattresses for more excellent options.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Firmness | Plush and firm |
| Trial Period | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 115 lbs |
| Height | 15″ tall |
Best innerspring mattress: DreamCloud The DreamCloud
Key product features
What you should know
DreamCloud’s The DreamCloud offers eight layers of high-quality materials that provide balanced comfort and support. While the hybrid design includes comfort foam layers, the innerspring coil system is where this mattress shines for its supportive, durable design.
- Back and combination sleepers will appreciate the firm feel of this mattress.
- While it’s over $1,000 at full price, holiday sales often reduce the cost by as much as 50% to $665.
- This mattress performs well in motion isolation and is an excellent choice for sleepers with a restless bed-sharing partner or pet.
- The cashmere cover adds a plush feel while staying breathable to help keep sleepers cool.
Why we like The DreamCloud as best innerspring mattress
The DreamCloud mattress stands out for its ability to deliver superior comfort through a hybrid design of comfort foams blended with supportive innerspring coils. For a mattress-in-a-box, it delivers a surprising hotel-like comfort level that appeals to many sleep styles and body types.
Thanks to the light, breathable cashmere cover, we noticed a dreamy, plush feel as soon as we climbed into bed. Its purpose goes beyond comfort by allowing airflow that helps reduce heat and prevent moisture buildup. Below the cover, we found seven more layers of comfort and stability. Multiple foam layers combine to offer optimal cushioning and body contouring. With pressure relief in the neck, shoulders, and hips, individuals can experience reduced pain while sleeping.
In addition to the breathable cover, the DreamCloud boasts cooling features with gel-infused memory foam that helps disperse heat and pocketed coils that allow airflow. Unfortunately, memory foam is known to trap heat, and our expert testers noticed this mattress didn’t sleep as cool as some competitors.
Below the foam is where this mattress truly distinguishes itself. Individually wrapped coils extend throughout for a supportive core that adds firmness and durability. As the coils move independently from one another, they contour to the body’s shape and provide targeted support for reduced pressure and proper spinal alignment. The pocketed design also helps with motion isolation so you can rest undisturbed, regardless of how restless your partner is.
The innerspring highlights don’t end there. We found the coils extend to the perimeter of the mattress, with thicker coils lying along the edge for reinforced support. Solid edge support can help you sleep comfortably along the entire bed width and sit on the edge without feeling like you’ll slip off.
The combination of foams and innerspring coils creates a medium-firm feel, the only firmness level offered for this mattress. While that can be ideal for back and combination sleepers, side sleepers may find it too firm to provide the pressure relief needed for their hips and shoulders.
Check other top picks for the best innerspring mattresses or our full DreamCloud mattress review.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial Period | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 78 lbs |
| Height | 12” tall |
Best organic mattress: Birch Natural
Key product features
What you should know
Birch Natural features certified organic materials that are responsibly sourced through sustainable production processes. With its combination of cotton, wool, natural latex, and recycled coils, this mattress creates a comfortable, healthy sleep environment—for you and the planet.
- Natural and organic materials can help health-conscious individuals sleep well, knowing their mattress is free from harmful chemicals.
- For a mattress made with latex foam and organic materials, the $1,873.80 price tag feels fair.
- The natural cooling properties of latex combine with breathable, moisture-wicking cotton and wool to produce a cooling effect that helps prevent overheating at night.
- While it’s only offered in one firmness level, this mattress’s medium-firm feel appeals to multiple sleep positions and body types.
Why we like Birch Natural as the best organic mattress
As an organization, Birch sets itself apart from many competitors for its dedication to protecting the health of the environment and its customers through its use of high-quality organic materials and responsible manufacturing processes. While many products claim to be natural and organic, Birch earns various globally recognized certifications that validate its claims. (14)
With a soft, luxurious feel, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton cover delivers an early glimpse of what this mattress offers. (10) The material is breathable and airy, helping keep the surface cool and moisture-free. Two layers of organic wool follow, serving a dual purpose. The natural fire protection wool allows Birch to skip the traditional synthetic materials used in other mattresses. Additionally, the wool’s natural elasticity helps the mattress retain its shape for enhanced durability.
As a hybrid mattress, Birch’s foam and innerspring coil combination is not unique. However, its use of natural latex in place of synthetic foams is a distinguishing feature. The latex foam is made from the sap of rubber trees harvested from sustainable plantations recognized by the Forest Stewardship Council. (9) Latex foam offers incredible benefits, including excellent pressure relief, responsiveness, and superior durability. Our testers noted the mattress provided a cradling feeling without the sinkage that often comes with traditional memory foam.
Recycled steel coils lie beneath the comfort foam layers, adding support and breathability. As the individually wrapped coils contour your body, they offer proper spinal alignment and reduce motion transfer. Birch took it one step further by adding a row of reinforced coils along each side of the mattress that proved resilient in helping to prevent sagging when lying or sitting near the edge.
The medium-firm feel of the mattress can accommodate many sleep styles, especially combination sleepers who can benefit from the buoyant, responsive feel that makes position changes easy. However, if you prefer a softer feel, you can add a plush mattress topper for an additional $350 to $625, depending on the mattress size.
Delivery and setup are essential factors for many sleepers, especially with a mattress that weighs over 100 pounds. While it will increase the overall cost, you can opt for in-home setup and mattress removal if the added white-glove delivery fee is within your budget.
To learn more, visit our full Birch mattress review.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 25 years |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial Period | 100 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 120 lbs |
| Height | 11” tall |
Best latex mattress: Nolah Natural
Key product features
What you should know
Nolah Natural’s combination of natural, organic, and recycled materials offers exceptional pressure relief and impressive cooling properties, keeping sleepers comfortable for a cozy night of sleep. The durability of latex and steel coils ensures this mattress is built to last.
- Nolah’s use of Talalay latex makes this mattress an environmentally friendly option for eco-conscious buyers.
- It’s not the most expensive latex mattress on the market, but it gets into the luxury pricing end of the scale compared to competitors.
- This mattress’s luxury firm feel hits the sweet between soft and supportive, making it ideal for many sleep positions.
- Hot sleepers will find relief with the naturally cool materials that allow the mattress to breathe and prevent heat buildup.
Why we like Nolah Natural as the best latex mattress
The Nolah Natural sets the benchmark for latex mattresses for delivering luxury comfort and support, allowing users to sleep peacefully while helping reduce aches and pains. Its hybrid design unites organic cotton and wool, natural latex, and recycled steel coils for a hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly sleep surface.
Of the two main types of latex commonly used in mattresses, Nolah opts for the Talalay variety over Dunlop to ensure sleepers experience consistent comfort throughout the mattress. Two latex layers add up to three total inches of cushion and buoyancy, helping sleepers feel comfortable without sinking deep into the mattress. The gentle cradling effect offers targeted pressure relief in the shoulders, hips, and back that is optimal for side and back sleepers. If you’re a sleeper who often switches between these positions throughout the night, you’ll appreciate how easy the responsive latex makes it to move around and change positions.
At the heart of the mattress, we found eight-inch coils made from recycled steel that align with Nolah’s commitment to sustainability. The pocketed coils provide additional pressure relief through three targeted support zones that help ensure proper spinal alignment.
Nolah describes this mattress as having a luxury firm feel, which we would translate as a medium firmness level based on where it fell on our firmness scale during testing. Adding organic cotton and wool layers helps soften the mattress for a plusher feel on top. The cotton cover offers a breathable surface that helps keep sleepers cool, while the wool layer below keeps moisture at bay and acts as a natural fire retardant.
Alongside this mattress’s exceptional features, we found some potential limitations. The springy nature of the latex foam doesn’t perform well at reducing motion transfer, which can disturb sleep in individuals who wake easily to their partner’s movements. Stomach sleepers may also struggle to find comfort in this bed as the softness likely won’t keep their hips and back lifted enough to prevent pain and discomfort.
Because latex foam is more expensive to make than traditional memory foam, this mattress is on the higher end of our list’s price range. However, the durable combination of latex and innerspring coils makes this mattress feel sturdy and resilient, so we’re confident you’ll get your money’s worth throughout the many years it lasts.
Visit our best latex mattresses list to shop for other great options.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial Period | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 108 lbs |
| Height | 11” tall |
Best mattresses by price
For many sleepers, the cost is one of the most significant factors driving their mattress search process, and it’s an area we weigh heavily during our review process. However, we don’t simply look for the mattress with the lowest price. While the price tag is significant and needs to fit within a buyer’s budget, we’re also looking at what value mattresses bring.
For less expensive mattresses, we evaluate the mattress for how well it delivers a restful sleep experience while also offering durability, so you don’t ultimately spend more by having to buy a new mattress more frequently. On the flip side, our assessment of luxury mattresses ensures that the mattress is living up to its premium price tag in performance, bonus features, warranties, and other critical areas. Check out which mattresses made our list based on price and value.
Best cheap mattress: Emma Mattress Original
Key product features
What you should know
The Emma Original integrates traditional memory foam with its proprietary Airogocell™ and Halo Memory™ foams to create a mattress with remarkable cooling and pressure-relieving qualities.
- This mattress offers incredible support and pressure relief, which may reduce pain for stomach and back sleepers.
- When on sale, this mattress often drops as low as $579.
- The use of CertiPUR-US® certified foams helps ensure that this mattress is free from chemicals that can be harmful to both you and the environment.
- A removable and washable mattress cover makes it easier to keep your mattress clean and fresh.
Why we like Emma Mattress Original as the best cheap mattress
The Emma Mattress Original delivers the conforming comfort you expect from a memory foam mattress while maintaining an affordable price that keeps it within reach of many budget-conscious shoppers. As it supports your body’s natural curves, it helps maintain proper spinal alignment and alleviate pressure in critical body areas.
In true all-foam mattress fashion, the Emma Original boasts several foam layers that extend from the top to the bottom, each serving a unique purpose. Designed for hot sleepers, the Airgocell™ foam technology rests just below the mattress cover to help create a breathable surface that dissipates excess heat and moisture. Even without significant cooling technologies, our testers found this mattress did remarkably well at regulating body temperature compared to other memory foam mattresses that tend to hold onto body heat.
Moving deeper into the mattress, we found the next layer of proprietary foam, a thin Halo Memory Foam™. This adaptive foam provides pressure relief and targeted support that works well with the layer below to align the spine. As the thickest foam in the mattress, the final layer of highly resilient foam molds to the body’s contours for personalized support.
While we didn’t expect a bouncy feel without coils or latex, it was surprisingly responsive for a memory foam mattress. If you toss and turn often, you’ll find it easy to change positions without feeling stuck. Moreover, as you move around, you won’t have to worry about disturbing your partner as the foam absorbs your motion and prevents it from spreading across the bed.
It’s common to find that memory foam mattresses lose support as you near the outer edge. However, that’s not the case with the Emma Original. It demonstrates structural integrity with minimal sinkage while lying or sitting along the outside edge.
While Emma rates this mattress as a medium on the firmness scale, our testers noted it felt firmer than that. This added firmness helps keep the body lifted and the spine aligned. With minimal pressure build-up in the lower back, this mattress would be ideal for back and stomach sleepers.
Finally, Emma proves you don’t have to compromise on quality materials to find a cheap price tag. The CertiPUR-US® foams used in its mattresses ensure they’re free from ozone-depleting chemicals and additional harmful compounds that can be dangerous to your health.
If you are looking for more budget-friendly options, check out our best cheap mattresses list. Or, see our full Emma mattress review for more insights.
Specs
| Material | Foam |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial Period | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 65 lbs |
| Height | 10” tall |
Best mattress under $1,000: Nectar The Nectar
Key product features
What you should know
The Nectar offers a balanced feel of comfort and support as multiple layers of memory foam work together to provide unparalleled pressure relief and spinal support. An innovative transition layer rests on a thick support base, delivering superb motion isolation.
- Nectar’s adaptive foams relieve pressure in the shoulders, hips, and back, so all sleep styles can feel comfortable resting in this bed.
- This mattress is affordable whether on sale or not, but the frequently discounted price of $649 is nearly unbeatable for the quality.
- Its impressive ability to isolate motion makes this mattress an excellent choice for couples.
- It’s also available in a hybrid model for sleepers who want the comfort of the memory foam with additional support from innerspring coils.
Why we like the Nectar as the best mattress under $1,000
The Nectar shines in the budget-friendly mattress category for its ability to bring together comfort and affordability in this classic memory foam mattress. Its blend of support and pressure relief creates a sleep surface ideal for many sleep positions while providing much-needed relief for shoulder and back pain sufferers.
Three high-quality layers of CertiPUR US® certified foam each bring unique qualities and serve vital roles throughout the mattress’s construction. The gel-infused memory foam offers a plush, sinking feel as it gently contours your curves. Our testers noted they felt cool laying in this bed as the breathable cover allowed for adequate airflow while the gel foam effectively absorbed their heat and transferred it away from the body.
Deeper into the mattress, we found the middle foam layer added support and adapted well to movements. Its ability to minimize motion transfer can help you sleep well even when sharing a bed with a restless partner or pet. Finally, a thick, durable layer creates a stable base that provides structure and support for the comfort layers above.
The Nectar only comes in one firmness option, but its medium-firm feel offers balanced comfort and support that accommodates various sleep styles and has been proven to help reduce back pain. (2) While the plush foam layers at the top effectively relieve pressure in the joints, the denser foam base maintains support in the lumbar region to help keep the spine aligned.
While this mattress’s cushiony, sinking feel is often a highlight for many sleepers, it does have one pivotal downfall. Unfortunately, our testing showed it missed the mark in providing adequate edge support. If you sleep toward the outer edge of the bed, you may feel like you’ll roll off, which could make the bed feel smaller than it truly is.
Overall, this mattress provides a high-quality sleep experience at a price that won’t break the bank. While it’s affordable at full cost, Nectar is known for launching huge sales and year-round discounts that reduce the price by hundreds of dollars. You can often find the queen-sized mattress for only $649.
Check out our best mattresses under $1,000 to see more affordable options. Or, visit our full Nectar mattress review to learn more.
Specs
| Material | Foam |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial Period | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 66 lbs |
| Height | 12” tall |
Best affordable luxury mattress: Saatva Classic
Key product features
What you should know
The Saatva Classic stands out as an affordable luxury option, blending premium eco-friendly materials to deliver superior support, contouring comfort, and exceptional durability, all backed by a generous sleep trial and lifetime warranty.
- Three firmness options to choose from
- Luxury materials at an affordable price point
- May help with healthy spinal alignment in any sleep position
- Complimentary in-room delivery, setup, and removal of your old mattress
- One of the best-in-industry sleep trials and warranties
Why we like Saatva Classic as the best affordable luxury mattress
The Saatva Classic mattress shines as the best affordable luxury mattress due to its exceptional combination of high-quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship. Saatva has earned a strong reputation for delivering a luxury sleep experience (5) without the premium price tag. The Saatva Classic embodies this philosophy perfectly.
The mattress boasts eco-friendly, high-density memory foam and individually wrapped coils. Together, these materials provide superior support and contouring comfort. Incorporating a Euro-style pillow-top layer gives it a plush and luxurious feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking indulgent comfort.
The Saatva Classic also excels in durability, ensuring long-lasting value for your investment. The mattress’s exceptional edge support prevents sagging and maintains a stable sleep surface. Meanwhile, the top-notch materials should be able to hold up for years.
Additionally, Saatva offers a generous year-long sleep trial, allowing you ample time to evaluate the mattress’s suitability. They also provide a lifetime warranty, showcasing the company’s confidence in the mattress’s lasting performance.
However, a queen-size mattress rings in at nearly $2,000. It’s cheaper than other luxury mattresses, which can cost $2,500 or more, but still on the expensive side for a mattress in general.
Check out our guide on the best luxury mattresses if you are looking for more options. Or, see our full Saatva mattress review to learn more.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Firmness | Plush and firm |
| Trial Period | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | Up to 120 lbs |
| Height | Up to 14.5″ tall |
Best mattresses by feel
It might seem obvious that how a mattress feels is an important consideration to make when buying one. After all, how comfortable you feel when you lie in bed directly impacts your quality of sleep, but there’s a lot more to consider than simply whether or not the mattress feels soft or firm. Understanding how your preferred sleeping position, body type, and nighttime body temperature influence which mattress will provide the best night’s sleep is crucial. If you typically sleep hot, check out our review of the mattress with the best cooling features. For side sleepers and lightweight body types, our pick for the best soft mattress may suit you best. On the other hand, heavier body types, stomach, and back sleepers may benefit more from a high-quality firm mattress.
Best cooling mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Key product features
What you should know
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is our top choice for the best cooling mattress, featuring innovative CopperFlex foam and a phase change material cover to ensure optimal sleep temperature. It also offers three firmness options to cater to various sleep positions.
- Various cooling technologies make the mattress feel cool to the touch
- Excellent motion isolation makes this mattress ideal for couples
- Three firmness levels to choose from
- Responsive mattress, meaning it allows you to change positions easily during the night
Why we like Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe as the best cooling mattress
We chose the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress as the best cooling mattress because it’s designed to promote a consistently cool and comfortable rest.
The mattress incorporates a proprietary CopperFlex foam with both copper and gel infusions. Copper is known for its heat-conducting properties, dissipating excess heat from the body. The cooling gel further aids in temperature regulation. Additionally, the phase change material cover actively absorbs and releases heat. This allows you to maintain a more stable sleeping temperature throughout the night.
Furthermore, the Aurora Luxe offers three firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm. These options suit a broad range of sleepers, including those who shift positions or share a bed with a partner. Its exceptional motion isolation ensures that partner movements don’t disturb your sleep.
One consideration is the price tag. At over $2,000, it’s one of the most expensive on our list and pricey for an all-foam mattress.
See more of the best cooling mattresses for additional great options, or visit our complete Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe review.
Specs
| Material | Foam & Coils |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Firmness | Soft, medium, firm |
| Trial Period | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 105lbs |
| Height | 13.25″ tall |
Best soft mattress: Helix Sunset
Key product features
What you should know
The Helix Sunset incorporates comfort memory foam layers that provide a soft feel and optimal pressure relief that can benefit many sleepers, especially those who spend the majority of the night on their side. The addition of innerspring coils provides support, durability, and airflow.
- Targeted support and pressure relief help reduce joint pain in the shoulders and hips for side sleepers. (15)
- You can opt for in-home setup and mattress removal for added convenience at an additional cost.
- The mattress sleeps cool as it is, but you can add an upgraded cooling pillow top if you are an overly hot sleeper.
- Stomach sleepers won’t find the support they need to keep their spine aligned on this soft mattress.
Why we like Helix Sunset as the best soft mattress
The Helix Sunset utilizes plush memory foam layers atop an innerspring coil system to offer the cloud-like comfort that many sleepers dream of. While Helix is known for offering many high-quality mattresses, the Sunset is the brand’s softest model. It balances a comfortable sinking feeling with pressure relief that helps reduce common sleep-associated aches and pains.
The comfort kicks off in the first two memory foam layers, which consist of copper gel memory foam and responsive foam. The copper gel is a naturally cooling, high density foam that offers best-in-class pressure relief. The responsive foam below deepens the hugging feeling of the mattress as it cradles and cushions your body.
To round out this mattress’s memory foam profile, one final layer helps transition sleepers onto the innerspring support layer below. While transition layers often consist of higher density foam with a firmer feeling to help prevent sinkage, the Helix Sunset uses a softer foam to help maintain it’s plush feel.
After sinking into the memory foam surface, we were met with supportive innersprings below. With their individually wrapped design, we found they excelled at shaping the body while adding a more durable feel than we often experience with all-foam mattresses. The air can flow freely between the pocketed coils, which helps reduce heat buildup and keeps sleepers cool through the night.
Altogether, the softer materials used in this mattress provide the classic sinking feeling expected from a memory foam mattress with added lumbar support thanks to the coils below. Our testers highlighted that they found minimal pressure build-up throughout the body as they laid in various positions. Most notably, the Sunset offers unmatched pressure relief in the shoulders and hips, making this an excellent mattress for side sleepers, back sleepers, and those who suffer from joint pain.
However, this mattress isn’t for everyone. For those who suffer from back pain, our team recommends a firmer mattress that can help keep the body lifted for better spinal alignment. Similarly, stomach sleepers and heavier body types may find the sinkage in this mattress is too much and may prefer a higher firmness level. If you’re not sure which mattress is right for you, you can take Helix’s sleep quiz to be matched with one that fits your needs.
Typically, memory foam mattresses perform well in reducing motion transfer as sleepers move about in the bed. Unfortunately, we found this mattress fell short in this category. However, if you upgrade to the Sunset Luxe, the quilted top layer helps enhance motion isolation, which may make it ideal for couples.
For more options, see our complete guide on the best soft mattresses to find the one that will feel best to you. Or, see our full Helix mattress review for more insights.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Firmness | Soft |
| Trial Period | 100 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 100 lbs |
| Height | 11” tall |
Best firm mattress: Plank Mattress Firm
Key product features
What you should know
The Plank Mattress Firm model utilizes thick, high-density foams to create a supremely firm mattress that maintains a flat, supportive sleeping surface. The high-quality materials ensure durability and prevent sagging for long-lasting and regenerative sleep.
- This mattress’s flippable nature makes it unique, allowing users to customize their firmness level between firm and ultra-firm.
- You can find this all-foam mattress for under $1,000 during holiday sales events.
- The firm support makes this mattress best for back and stomach sleepers and individuals who experience back pain issues.
- Adding the GlacioTex™ cooling cover can help enhance body temperature regulation to help you stay cool in summer and warm through winter.
Why we like Plank Mattress Firm as the best firm mattress
It’s not often you find the words “plank” and “comfortable” used in the same description, but the Plank Mattress is specifically designed for sleepers who benefit from the increased support offered by a firm bed. Brooklyn Bedding is the mastermind brand behind the Plank bedding line, and its commitment to high-quality products continues to shine through in this mattress.
Two high-density foam layers provide eight inches of support and structure, helping deliver the incredibly firm feel this mattress provides. Individuals who suffer from back pain can benefit wonderfully from the way this mattress keeps their back lifted and their spine in a neutral position.
We often see good responsiveness in firmer mattresses, and the Plank Firm is no exception. We felt virtually zero sinkage, making changing positions and moving around on the mattress easy and quick. Additionally, the all-foam construction helps absorb movement, so you can expect minimal disruptions as you or your partner tosses and turns.
While dense memory foam materials often result in higher sleep temperatures, the open-cell technology in this mattress allows it to breathe and release some of the trapped body heat. However, we feel overly hot sleepers would be most comfortable with the optional GlacioTex™ cooling cover for better body temperature regulation.
The flippable capability of this mattress differentiates it from any other mattress on this list. It allows you to switch between a firm and ultra-firm feel as you determine which level of support is ideal for you. You’ll experience the same comfort foams at the mattress’s core regardless of which side you choose. Instead, the firmness level on each side is determined by which layer is on top and which is acting as the base layer.
With the Plank Firm nearing the far end of the firmness scale, it’s ideal for stomach and back sleepers who benefit from the extra support in the lumbar region. Body type is another critical factor in firmness selection, and this mattress best suits heavier-weight sleepers who will appreciate the lack of sagging. However, if you’re looking for the sinking feeling of a memory foam mattress, you won’t find it here. Additionally, side sleepers will likely experience discomfort in their shoulders and hips due to the lack of pressure relief in these areas.
Visit our list of the best firm mattresses to discover more firm options. Or, discover more insights in our full Plank mattress review.
Specs
| Material | Foam |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Trial Period | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 95 lbs |
| Height | 10.25” tall |
Best mattresses by position
Your preferred sleep position is arguably one of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a mattress. Your bed should help create a healthy sleep posture by supporting the position you spend most of the night in. It should promote proper spinal alignment, offer pressure relief in critical areas, and provide adequate support. In our rigorous testing, we evaluated varying firmness levels, materials, and features to find which mattresses help cater to specific positions and provide overall comfort.
Best mattress for side sleepers: Bear Elite Hybrid
Key product features
What you should know
The Bear Elite Hybrid stands out as the ideal mattress for side sleepers, offering a unique combination of gel memory foam and responsive foam for deep pressure relief and supportive comfort, tailored specifically to cushion the shoulders and hips.
- Combination of foam and coils provides a luxurious cushioning feel
- Lower price point makes this mattress accessible to more consumers
- Cushioning softness helps alleviate pressure and relieve joint pain
- Three cushy firmness levels provide softness and customized support
Why we like Bear Elite Hybrid as the best for side sleepers
The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress rightfully earns its place as the best mattress for side sleepers because it offers a blend of firm support and cushioning for the shoulders and hips. Those who enjoy sinking into their mattress and feeling cradled in softness will find the Bear Elite Hybrid an exceptional choice.
A combination of memory foam and responsive foam, delivers a luxurious and cushioning feel. These layers conform to the body’s contours, providing exceptional pressure relief and a gentle, cradling sensation. This plushness is especially valuable for those who experience discomfort or joint pain, as it helps alleviate pressure points and promotes a cozy and restful night’s sleep.
Furthermore, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress effortlessly balances softness and support. Beneath its plush comfort layers, the mattress incorporates a support core of individually wrapped coils. These coils maintain proper spinal alignment and ensure you don’t sink too deeply into the mattress, preventing the “stuck” feeling often associated with very soft mattresses.
However, sleepers who prefer firmer beds may find the bear hug from the Bear Elite Hybrid too soft.
Check out our best mattresses for side sleepers to see more options that suit your sleeping style. Or, visit our comprehensive Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Firmness | Soft, medium, firm |
| Trial Period | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 110 lbs |
| Height | 14″ tall |
Best mattress for back sleepers: WinkBeds The GravityLux
Key product features
What you should know
The WinkBeds GravityLux combines contouring memory foam with a durable base to help create a firm feel that resists sinking and sagging. The thick foam layers offer deep pressure relief, excellent responsiveness, and sound motion isolation.
- The firm support is ideal for back and stomach sleepers, while side sleepers may need a softer option.
- For a luxury mattress, it proves its value at $1,799.
- The GravityLux stands out among memory foam mattresses for its ability to help keep sleepers cool.
- The materials in this mattress offer durability that will help it outlive many of its other memory foam mattress counterparts.
Why we like WinkBeds The GravityLux as the best mattress for back sleepers
The firm, durable design of the WinkBeds GravityLux creates a supportive sleep surface that can help promote proper sleep posture and maintain spinal alignment in back sleepers. While firmer mattresses aren’t for everyone, the GravityLux pairs firmness with excellent pressure relief and body contouring that can appeal to many sleepers.
The various proprietary foams used throughout the GravityLux’s construction create a memory foam mattress with a unique feel. The shock-absorbing air capsules throughout the AirCell™ foam provide pressure relief while helping reduce motion transfer. Further differentiating itself, this comfort layer strays from the usual sinking sensation offered by traditional memory foam. Instead, it provides a more responsive feel that helps it bounce back and adapt quickly to the body’s movements.
As you get deeper into the mattress, you’ll find two foam layers that tackle the hard work of providing the heavy-duty support this mattress is known for. The zoned lumbar support offered by the Progression Foam is critical for supporting the back, but it also maintains softness in the shoulder area to help relieve pressure and prevent joint pain. Rounding out the mattress is the thick ATLAS Core™ foam layer that delivers phenomenal sag-proof durability. This final layer ensures the mattress stays firm and provides long-lasting support.
If you’ve ever slept on an all-foam mattress, you may have experienced a warmer night’s sleep due to the heat-trapping qualities of the memory foam. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find that was untrue of the GravityLux. Made from eco-friendly materials, the TENCEL™ cover includes cooling gel foam that helps maximize airflow and prevent moisture buildup. Furthermore, the AirCell™ foam’s open-cell structure promotes air circulation that helps dissipate excess body heat. While it sleeps cool compared to other memory foam mattresses, overly hot sleepers may still need the additional cooling features offered by hybrid or innerspring mattresses to avoid overheating at night.
It’s critical to note that we based our evaluation on our thorough testing of the firm option for this mattress. However, WinkBeds also offers the GravityLux in soft and medium firmness levels. While the firm option provided optimal support and pressure relief for back and stomach sleepers, side sleepers may experience pressure buildup in their shoulders due to the firmer feel. The medium or soft models may be more appropriate for those sleepers.
Visit our best mattresses for back sleepers to find the most supportive option for you. Or, see our WinkBeds mattress review to discover what else this brand has to offer.
Specs
| Material | Foam |
| Warranty | Forever |
| Firmness | Soft, medium, firm |
| Trial Period | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 77 lbs |
| Height | 11” tall |
Best mattress for stomach sleepers: Helix Dawn
Key product features
What you should know
The Helix Dawn offers a sleep surface tailored to the unique needs of stomach sleepers who require a firmer mattress to maintain a neutral spine. The resilient foam layers help keep sleepers on top of the mattress and prevent excess sinking.
- Back and stomach sleepers can sleep comfortably with optimal support and targeted pressure relief that helps reduce back pain.
- You get two free Dream Pillows with your mattress purchase.
- The breathable cover, latex-alternative foam, and airy pocketed coils help sleepers stay cool on this mattress.
- Helix uses CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold-certified materials to ensure your mattress is free from chemicals that can harm your health and the environment.
Why we like Helix Dawn as the best mattress for stomach sleepers
As the firmest mattress model in Helix Sleep’s extensive line, the Helix Dawn provides solid support that keeps the body lifted through the hips and back to help maintain spinal alignment in stomach sleepers. The robust hybrid design also provides light cushioning that offers a comfortable yet solid sleep environment.
The firmness of this mattress was apparent as soon as we crawled into bed. The comfort layer, which includes dynamic and cradling foam varieties, helps provide ergonomic support and targeted pressure relief. Using a latex-foam hybrid alternative, Helix replicates the springy feel of genuine latex foam, allowing for a responsive surface. Complementing the dynamic foam’s support, the cradling foam lightly contours the body to help relieve pressure in critical areas like the shoulders and hips.
A firm transition foam layer maintains support as your body weight transfers onto the innerspring coils below. Designed to move independently from each other, the individually wrapped coils adapt to your body’s shape and respond quickly to movements. With reinforced steel coils running lengthwise along the mattress, sleepers will find optimal support up to the edge. Our testers were impressed with the lack of sinkage, especially as they sat on the edge, which can help make it easier for individuals with mobility issues to get in and out of bed.
Regarding overall mattress performance, the Helix Dawn stands out in several vital areas in the firm mattress category. Throughout testing, our reviewers noted they consistently felt their body was lifted on top of the mattress instead of sinking into the memory foam. This is vital for maintaining proper spinal alignment and reducing back pain in stomach sleepers. We also found the Breathe Knit cover and innerspring coils helped offer an airy feel to the mattress that kept us cool and dry. If you’re an overly hot sleeper, you may elect to add the GlacioTex™ pillow top for additional cooling.
Additionally, the latex-like foam and coils provide a good amount of bounce and responsiveness that makes changing sleeping positions effortless. On the other hand, the springy nature does limit the mattress’s ability to reduce motion transfer. If you’re a light sleeper, you may experience more sleep disturbances if you share your bed with a partner, child, or pet.
If you are looking to learn more, visit our best mattresses for stomach sleepers list. Or, dive into our detailed Helix mattress review for more information.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Trial Period | 100 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 100 lbs |
| Height | 11.5” tall |
Best mattress for combination sleepers: Saatva RX
Key product features
What you should know
The Saatva RX offers the perfect balance of comfort and support, making it a versatile choice suitable for any sleep position and body type. Its hybrid design features unique characteristics, including a micro-coil layer, zoned lower back support, and foam caps on top of the coils.
- The blend of pressure relief and zoned support offers a comfortable sleep experience for most sleep styles.
- This mattress is one of the most expensive models we tested at $3,295.
- Saatva claims this is the first mattress designed to target chronic back and joint pain issues directly.
- The high-quality materials create a durable mattress that can help you get your money’s worth over time.
Why we like Saatva RX as the best mattress for combination sleepers
Saatva is well known for delivering high-quality luxury mattresses, and the RX model goes above and beyond with its exceptional pressure relief, zoned lumbar support, and overall comfort that conforms to most sleep positions. If you’re a combination sleeper, you won’t have to worry about which position you end up in each time you move about because you’ll find comfort regardless.
Saatva claims this mattress is the first of its kind to target chronic back and joint pain directly, specifically noting relief for those suffering from sciatica, arthritis, herniated discs, and scoliosis. With these declarations, we were very curious to start testing and dissecting it to see what specific characteristics would make it stand out in comparison to other brands and models.
The organic cotton cover is a staple for most Saatva luxury mattresses. It provides a plush feel while offering zoned lumbar support that helps maintain healthy spinal alignment. Beyond that, it boasts a Guardin™ antimicrobial treatment and natural fire-protectant materials that help keep the mattress clean and free from fiberglass or chemical flame retardants.
Below the cover, this mattress starts to show its unique qualities. A thin but mighty gel-infused memory foam layer offers support and pressure relief in the lower back area and helps prevent body impressions from forming over time. Then, we discovered a layer we hadn’t encountered before: micro-coils encased in high-density foam layers above and below. This novel design felt comfortable yet supportive as it contoured the body and provided relief in common pressure points.
Another distinctive design emerged below the comfort foam layers—individually wrapped recycled steel coils. While coils are typical of hybrid mattresses, Saatva adds an Rx Foam Module to the top, which looks like small, cylindrical foam caps. These modules aim to improve motion isolation and enhance contouring, while the infusion of graphite and phase change material into the foam offers a cooling experience.
When these extraordinary layers come together, they create a medium-firm mattress that feels comfortable in every position we lay in, making it ideal for combination sleepers who rotate between multiple positions throughout the night.
The biggest drawback of the Saatva RX is the high cost. A mattress over $3,000 may be out of reach for many shoppers looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Check out our best mattresses for combination sleepers to see more options for you. Or, see our full Saatva Rx mattress review for more insights.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial Period | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 124 lbs |
| Height | 15” tall |
Best additional mattress picks
While the major categories we’ve already covered in this review can help many sleepers determine their ideal mattress, everyone’s buying process is unique based on diverse preferences, needs, and circumstances. In this final category, we round up mattresses that help address some of the additional variables that can directly impact mattress comfort and overall sleep quality, such as back pain, mattress delivery, and bed-sharing.
Best mattress for back pain: WinkBeds Original
Key product features
What you should know
The WinkBeds Original mattress is our top pick for alleviating back pain, thanks to its hybrid construction that promotes spinal alignment and offers targeted lumbar support, available in four firmness options to suit various sleep positions.
- Body weight distribution features further help alleviate back pain
- Four firmness options to cater to different sleep positions and preferences
- Extra edge support is ideal for edge-of-bed sleepers
- Lumbar support features that specifically target spinal alignment
Why we like WinkBeds Original as the best mattress for back pain
The WinkBeds Original mattress earns its position as the best mattress for back pain by offering a combination of support, comfort, and spinal alignment. For individuals with back pain, finding a mattress that provides the necessary support to maintain proper spinal alignment is paramount. The WinkBeds Original excels in this regard.
One key feature that makes the WinkBeds Original ideal for back pain sufferers is its advanced hybrid construction. The mattress combines individually wrapped coils with multiple layers of foam, including a lumbar support pad. Together, these features provide targeted support to the lower back. This strategic support minimizes the risk of developing or exacerbating back pain by ensuring the spine remains neutral (6) and well-aligned throughout the night.
Furthermore, the WinkBeds Original has four firmness options: softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus. These firmness levels can cater to a variety of sleep styles and preferences. The mattress alleviates pressure points and helps distribute body weight evenly. This helps reduce strain on the back.
Its quality foams and proprietary Extra-Edge System further enhance its suitability for individuals with back pain. The mattress’s durability and edge support also ensure a consistent and comfortable sleep surface night after night. However, with a starting price of $1,799 (not including sales or promos), this mattress may not be suitable for budget shoppers.
See more of the best mattresses for back pain or best mattresses for fibromyalgia to find the right pick for you. Or, check out our full WinkBeds review to learn more.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Firmness | Soft and firm |
| Trial Period | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 135 lbs |
| Height | 13.5″ tall |
Best mattress for heavy people: Titan Plus
Key product features
What you should know
The Titan Plus mattress is heralded as the best option for heavy sleepers because it’s designed with a durable high-density foam support core and reinforced with heavy-duty steel coils. This ensures long-term support and structural integrity for a reliable sleep surface.
- Exceptional pressure relief
- Attractive price point, especially for a hybrid built to last
- Robust design focused on durability and support to prevent sagging over time
- Combines firm mattress features with comfort layers
Why we like Titan Plus as the best mattress for heavy people
The Titan Plus mattress rightfully earns its recognition as the best mattress for heavy sleepers by offering an innovative and robust design focused on firm support and long-term durability. These features make it an ideal choice for sleepers over 230 pounds (13).
“Heavyweight people should look for a mattress that uses thick and durable materials,” notes Dr. Raj Dasgupta. “ A mattress for heavier sleepers should offer strong support throughout, with medium to firm thickness and reinforced edges to prevent sagging.”
The Titan Plus mattress features a high-density foam support core reinforced with up to 900 durable, heavy-duty coils made from 100% steel. This combination effectively reduces the risk of developing pressure points and discomfort, which are common issues for heavier people.
This robust support system ensures the mattress maintains its structural integrity and provides consistent support over the years. It’s ideal for those who prioritize a long-lasting and reliable sleep surface.
Furthermore, the Titan Plus mattress offers a firm feel that is well-suited for heavier sleepers, who will experience a mattress’s feel as much softer than a lighter-weight person. This firmness level provides the necessary support to maintain proper spinal alignment. This is crucial for preventing back pain (6) and ensuring a restful night’s sleep (8,3).
However, with only one firmness level—firm—this bed may be too firm for some sleepers.
Visit our guide on the best mattresses for heavy people or our complete Titan mattress review if you are looking to learn more.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Trial Period | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 95 lbs |
| Height | 11.25″ tall |
Best mattress in a box: DreamCloud The DreamCloud Premier
Key product features
What you should know
The DreamCloud Premier provides luxury comfort with a plush, cashmere cover, contouring foams, and supportive coils. It’s eight layers of high-quality materials compacted and tucked into a box delivered to your doorstep.
- The medium-firm mattress can help provide optimal support for reduced back pain.
- During holiday sales events, we’ve found this mattress on sale for up to 50%, making it a luxury mattress for less than $1,000.
- The gel foam and breathable innerspring coils contribute to the mattress’s cooling abilities.
- Firm edge support enables sleepers to utilize the entire length and width of the mattress.
Why we like The DreamCloud Premier as the best mattress in a box
The DreamCloud Premier’s hybrid design offers the benefits of memory foam and pocketed coils with the added convenience of being shipped to your door in a compact box. With online ordering, you can have a new mattress delivered quickly without ever having to leave your home. While that seems easy, you might also feel unsure about making a higher-cost purchase without getting to try it first. That’s why we appreciate DreamCloud offering a full year to trial the mattress, and if it doesn’t work, you can return it for free.
While the DreamCloud Premier is available in both a hybrid and memory foam model, our evaluation focused on the hybrid mattress. We instantly felt the support of this medium-firm mattress, which created an on-top-of-the-bed feel with minimal sinking. Overall, this mattress’s firmer cushioning makes it a prime choice for back and combination sleepers.
The cashmere cover’s lightweight, moisture-resistant design creates a cool-to-the-touch surface. While it doesn’t soften the mattress much, it does offer subtle plushness that helps craft a luxurious feel. Below the surface, four layers of CertiPUR-US® certified foam provide body contouring, pressure relief, and adaptive support.
During our motion isolation testing, we also found the memory foam layers did an excellent job absorbing motion as we moved around and got in and out of bed. This can be a significant advantage for couples who want to experience fewer sleep disturbances caused by their partner’s movements.
Like other hybrid mattresses, the DreamCloud Premier doubles down on support by integrating an innerspring layer. The individually wrapped coils help evenly distribute your body weight and conform precisely to your unique body shape to alleviate pressure at critical points. That said, we still found a significant amount of pressure buildup in the shoulders while lying on our side, indicating that side sleepers may feel more comfortable on a softer mattress.
DreamCloud boasts that thicker coils placed near the mattress’s edge provide better edge support, and those claims held up through our testing. We could comfortably lie and sit on the edge of the bed without feeling like we’d slip off.
While we noticed a cool feel at the surface and breathability within the coils, we feel this mattress could boost its cooling technologies throughout the foam layers to help prevent heat from becoming trapped. If you’re known to sleep excessively hot, you may be better off with a more advanced cooling mattress.
Check out our best mattresses in a box to see more options for you. Or, see our complete DreamCloud mattress review to read more.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial Period | 365 days |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 86 lbs |
| Height | 13” tall |
Best hotel mattress: Saatva Loom & Leaf
Key product features
What you should know
The Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress features layers of premium, high-density foams that provide a luxurious sensation. These foams offer excellent contouring for pressure relief and supportive cushioning.
- The luxury feel of this mattress provides a comfortable sleep experience that rivals any five-star resort.
- The Loom & Leaf premium materials come with a steeper price tag of $2,395.
- Cooling gel layers and breathable organic cotton help regulate body temperature and promote airflow.
- Saatva offers free white glove delivery, which includes in-home setup and removal of your old mattress if you wish.
Why we like Saatva Loom & Leaf as the best hotel mattress
The Saatva Loom & Leaf gave us luxury hotel vibes with high-quality materials offering first-class comfort and support. While many hotel mattresses have a hybrid design, Saatva goes against the grain by creating a lavish sleep environment with an all-foam mattress.
The top of the mattress is covered with thick, quilted organic cotton, which offers a plush feel in place of the traditional spongy sensation that memory foam mattresses often give. The cotton’s naturally breathable and hypoallergenic properties help keep the mattress surface cool and moisture-free. Additionally, it’s treated with an antimicrobial solution that helps stave off bacteria, mold, and mildew.
The lumbar zone support starts in the quilted cover and continues into the gel-infused memory foam layers below. The enhanced support and durability in the middle third of the bed ensures your spine can stay properly aligned for reduced lower back discomfort while sleeping. As the mattress shapes and hugs your body, it helps relieve pressure in critical areas while improving circulation to promote restorative sleep.
To ensure you don’t continue to sink further and further into the mattress, Saatva builds a sturdy, durable base using multiple layers of high-density foam. These layers help balance the deep contouring comfort with exceptional support and stability.
We were amazed by how cool it sleeps for an all-memory foam mattress. Cooling technologies are infused throughout the mattress, from the breathable cover to the gel-infused foam layers. It can be a fantastic choice for sleepers who want to enjoy the contouring feel of memory foam without overheating.
When purchasing the Loom & Leaf, you can choose between two firmness levels. The relaxed firm option offers a medium-firm feel suitable for side, back, and combination sleepers. If you’re a stomach sleeper or prefer a mattress with a bit more pushback and responsiveness, we recommend opting for the firm comfort level.
Saatva’s complimentary white glove delivery service offers a luxury experience before you even lie down on the mattress. You can sit back and relax while the delivery team handles everything—from setting your new mattress up in your room to removing the old one—so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
If you’re interested in Saatva, check out our full Saatva mattress review or see the best hotel mattresses to find more options that will give you that 5-star feel.
Specs
| Material | Foam |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Firmness | Relaxed firm, firm |
| Trial Period | 365 days |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 93 lbs |
| Height | 12” tall |
Best mattress for couples: Nectar Premier Copper
Key product features
What you should know
The Nectar Premier Copper is an all-foam mattress that delivers targeted support and alleviates pressure points. The copper cover, gel-infused foam, and phase change materials provide a cooling experience that outperforms most memory foam mattresses.
- Couples can find comfort on this supportive mattress despite their differing sleep needs and preferences.
- The premium comfort and cooling features are reasonably priced: outside of sales events, the mattress costs $1,949.
- This mattress’s cooling properties distinguish it from other memory foam mattresses that typically trap heat and sleep hot.
- Its ability to reduce motion transfer can help you sleep soundly, no matter how often your partner tosses and turns.
Why we like Nectar Premier Copper as the best mattress for couples
The Nectar Premier Copper excels at accommodating the needs and preferences of both partners by offering top-notch pressure relief, superior cooling technologies, and excellent motion isolation. Its medium-firm feel caters to various sleep styles, so you and your partner can find comfort even when you differ in your preferred sleep position.
At 14” tall, this is Nectar’s tallest mattress, packed with several layers of CertiPUR-US® certified foams. Memory foam is known for providing excellent pressure relief, and the foams used in this mattress live up to those expectations. We found minimal pressure buildup in the shoulders, hips, and back during our testing. The thick stability base layer also offers solid support and ensures mattress durability. The support extends to the bed’s perimeter, where we found the edge remained firm when lying or sitting near the outside. This ensures you can spread out and utilize the entire bed’s surface area.
When sharing a bed with a partner or pet, getting a good night’s rest can often be challenging if you’re frequently disturbed by their movements. The memory foam layers in the Nectar Premier Copper do an excellent job of absorbing motion and preventing it from spreading across the mattress. We could sleep peacefully on our side of the bed while unaffected by our partner’s movements as they tossed and turned or got in and out of bed.
For couples, a mattress’s ability to regulate body temperature becomes more critical since more bodies in the bed means more heat. With advanced cooling technologies infused throughout the mattress, we were amazed at how cool it sleeps compared to other all-memory foam mattresses. The mattress cover contains copper and polyethylene fibers that dissipate heat and promote good airflow, creating a cool-to-touch feel on the surface. The foam layers below are infused with gel and phase change material (PCM) that respond to your body’s changing temperature to help prevent excess heat from becoming trapped in the foam.
The Nectar Premier Copper suits many sleep styles and preferences, including couples, back and side sleepers, and those who tend to sleep hot. However, stomach sleepers and those with heavier body types should seek a firmer mattress to ensure they’re well-supported.
To learn more about this model, see our comprehensive Nectar Premier mattress review. Or, check out more of the best mattresses for couples that you and your partner will love.
Specs
| Material | Foam |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial Period | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 92 lbs |
| Height | 14” tall |
Best mattress that won’t sag: Emma Hybrid Comfort
Key product features
What you should know
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress excels in providing robust support and durability, specifically designed to prevent sagging, with a unique combination of pocketed coils and high-density foam to ensure optimal comfort and alleviate pressure points.
- Effectively distributes body weight to help alleviate pressure points
- Lower price point makes it an affordable option for budget-conscious shoppers
- A combination of support, durability, and comfort make this bed ideal for heavier people
- Cooling features help ensure a sweat-free night
Why we like Emma Hybrid Comfort as the best mattress that won’t sag
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress offers a robust combination of support, durability, and comfort to ensure this mattress stays firm for years to come. Sagging is a common concern with mattresses, particularly over time, and the Emma Hybrid Comfort addresses this issue effectively.
The mattress features a strong support core. It has a layer of pocketed coils that provide exceptional support and weight distribution. These coils withstand heavier loads—up to 300 pounds per person instead of the 250 limit of most beds. This coil layer is specifically engineered to withstand heavy use, making the mattress highly resistant to sagging and indentations. This sturdiness ensures that the mattress maintains its structural integrity over time.
Furthermore, the Emma Hybrid Comfort incorporates multiple layers of foam, including a comfort layer and a contouring layer between the coils and the foam layers. These layers offer a comfortable and supportive sleep experience while distributing weight evenly. This balanced design minimizes the risk of sagging and provides exceptional pressure relief.
The mattress’s durability ensures it can resist breaking down and sagging over time. Its reinforced edge support helps maintain the mattress’s shape, preventing it from becoming uneven near the outer perimeter.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort’s exceptional motion isolation also helps stabilize the bed, enhancing its suitability for heavier individuals. While it provides excellent support for heavier people, it may feel too firm for lighter-weight folks.
For more insights, read our comprehensive Emma mattress review.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial Period | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 87 lbs |
| Height | 13’’ Tall |
How to choose the best mattress for you
Choosing the perfect mattress to suit your unique needs and preferences is a crucial decision that can help you avoid sleep problems and improve your overall well-being. To navigate the vast selection of mattresses successfully, consider key factors such as the ones we explore below.
Mattress size
Size is a vital component of choosing the most suitable mattress for you, and it depends on various factors. You should consider your height, whether you share a bed with someone or a pet, and how much space your bedroom offers. To learn more about how to choose the right mattress size for you, you can explore our guide to mattress sizes and bed dimensions.
Firmness
Comfort comes down to personal preference, and your mattress’s firmness level is a significant element in how comfortable it feels for you. Some mattresses offer many firmness levels to choose from, while others only offer one option. Identifying your preferred firmness level is pivotal in ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Sleeping position
Your sleep style can help you narrow down your options. Individuals who sleep primarily on their side often prefer softer mattresses that help cushion and reduce pressure buildup in critical areas like the shoulders and hips. If you’re a back sleeper or tend to change positions frequently throughout the night, you may find that medium to medium-firm mattresses offer the best balance of comfort and support. On the other hand, stomach sleepers usually benefit most from mattresses on the firmer end of the scale to help keep their back lifted and spine aligned.
Body type
Body size is another important consideration when choosing mattress type and firmness. Heavier sleepers can benefit from the added support of firmer mattresses, which can often come from the coils in hybrid and innerspring mattresses. In contrast, lightweight sleepers often perceive mattresses as being firmer so they typically prefer a softer mattress that offers more body contouring, which may come from memory foam layers in a hybrid mattress or an all-foam bed.
Material
Explore the mattress’s materials and construction, such as memory foam, latex, innerspring, or hybrid designs. Each type offers unique benefits to help align with your comfort and support needs.
Memory foam
Memory foam mattresses are known for their softer feel, which helps cradle the body and relieve pressure. They are also excellent at reducing motion transfer, which can be ideal for couples. However, the sinking feeling isn’t favored by everyone, especially those who change positions frequently throughout the night.
Latex
Latex mattresses are similar to memory foam mattresses in their pressure-relieving properties but offer more bounce. Their increased responsiveness can make them ideal for combination sleepers. Because they’re more eco-friendly, they also appeal heavily to environmentally-conscious buyers.
Innerspring
For maximum support, you may opt for an innerspring mattress over foam. These mattresses often give users a bouncier, firmer sleep experience that can be ideal for back support, heavier sleepers, and those who toss and turn. Mattress toppers can be an excellent addition to help soften innerspring mattresses. Still, they aren’t as plush as some sleepers prefer.
Hybrid
To get the best of both worlds, you can opt for a hybrid mattress, which combines foam and innerspring coils. The upper memory foam or latex layers provide comfort, while the innerspring system below adds support and responsiveness. If you’re unsure which mattress is best for you,
Cooling technology
If you sleep hot, prioritize mattresses with cooling technologies that can help regulate body temperature effectively for higher-quality sleep. (9) For example, many mattresses include cooling features, like gel-infused foam or breathable covers that can help dissipate heat and prevent moisture build-up. In general, hybrid, latex, and innerspring mattresses tend to sleep cooler as they allow for better airflow than memory foam mattresses, which are known for trapping heat.
Motion isolation and edge support
During our mattress evaluations, we test each mattress for its performance in isolating motion and providing edge support. A mattress that excels at preventing motion transfer can be vital for individuals who share their bed with a partner or pet, especially if they move around frequently. Your sleep quality can improve significantly when you’re not disturbed by your sleep partner’s restlessness. On the other hand, some individuals need to ensure they can lie and sit comfortably all the way up to the bed’s edge without feeling like they’ll roll or slip off. This can help you make use of the bed’s full width while also ensuring it’s easy for those with mobility issues to get in and out of bed.
Sleep trial and warranty
When buying a mattress, it’s hard to know which one truly meets all your sleep needs until you get into your sleep environment and can test it for a while. Your first pick isn’t always going to be the best fit, and that’s ok! Many brands offer trial periods that allow you to test the mattress at home for a set amount of time with the option of returning it if it doesn’t work out. The trial times can vary from just a couple of months up to a full year. Additionally, some allow you to return it for free, while others charge return fees. Familiarize yourself with the return policy and any associated fees upfront.
Furthermore, you should be sure you understand the mattress warranty before purchasing, including what’s covered and for how long. A solid warranty can indicate the mattress brand’s confidence in the product, as they’re willing to back it up for years to come.
Budget
Determining a budget that aligns with your needs can help direct your search and narrow your choices. Mattress prices can vary greatly depending on brand, materials, and extra features. Fortunately, you can find excellent budget-friendly options that deliver a comfortable and supportive sleep experience.
How to save money on a mattress
We understand that buying a new mattress is a significant financial investment. However, you can save considerable money by planning ahead and doing your research.
Time it right
Shopping sales events can save you hundreds of dollars on your new mattress purchase. The good news is that mattresses are on sale more often than they’re not, so unless you need one immediately, you should be able to time out your purchase to align with one of the many sales events. These often happen around major U.S. holidays, such as President’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. Our guide to the best time to buy a mattress has everything you need to know about saving big on beds.
Compare prices
Don’t be afraid to shop around to make sure you find the best deal. Some mattresses are sold through third-party retailers, like Amazon or Costco. You may be able to find a discount or sale price offered by one seller that isn’t offered by the others. Moreover, some mattress models are very similar in design and sleep experience, so we encourage you to browse and compare different brands to find the one that best fits your sleep needs and budget.
Find coupons
Many websites offer coupons and promo codes that can knock a specific dollar amount or percentage off the price of a mattress. This includes Fortune Recommends™ articles—like this one—that often provide exclusive savings by shopping through the direct links here.
How to know when it is time to replace your mattress
Replacing your mattress in a timely fashion can ensure you continue to get quality sleep on a bed that provides consistent support and comfort. While many high-quality mattresses can last longer, most experts agree that you should replace your mattress every seven to 10 years. However, you shouldn’t rely solely on this timeline to determine when it’s time for a new one.
You should watch for other clues that may indicate your mattress no longer provides what you need or has reached the end of its life. If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to start your search for a new bed:
- Waking up with aches, pains, or soreness
- Having trouble sleeping or not feeling well-rested when you wake up
- Noticeable sagging, lumps, or body indentations
- Experiencing worsening allergy symptoms
- Hearing creaking noises in a mattress with springs
In some circumstances, you may need to replace your mattress before it has completed it’s life cycle. For example, you may consider a new mattress if you’ve developed chronic pain, your body type changes significantly, or you begin sharing your bed with a partner.
How we chose the best mattresses
Our team of sleep experts and reviewers choose the best mattresses based on consumer-focused criteria. These factors include how well the bed isolates motion, regulates body temperature, relieves pressure points, and keeps the spine aligned. We also consider firmness levels, as the ideal mattress firmness is usually dictated not only by preference but also by the consumer’s sleep position.
We also consider how the bed is constructed, and the materials that are used, which indicate a mattress’s expected lifespan. (Generally, a mattress should last seven to 10 years.) (16) Other important factors include the cost and time of shipping, the length of the sleep trial, and the bed’s warranty.
Following this assessment, we are better able to provide consumers with a detailed review of our picks for the best mattresses for specific consumer-focused needs currently on the market.
How we tested the best mattresses
Sure, we pour over trustworthy clinical research and science-based data. But we don’t spend all our time on the desktop. Our professional review team is made up of certified sleep science coaches, industry experts, and consumers who put each mattress through the test by physically testing each product—and we have the custom images to prove it. We scrutinize each product with the same laser focus so you can trust in the accuracy of our results. Check out our full mattress testing methodology for more information.
Sleep experience—30%
A high-quality mattress should feel like it’s designed to provide you with the best sleep of your life. They should also deliver on the promise of a great sleep experience. Our sleep science coaches assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the mattress as well as the user’s sleep experience. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Temperature regulation: A lot of people think how hot or cold they get at night has more to do with their mattress than it actually does. Your sleep temperature (1) has more to do with your personal physiology, sleep attire, and bedding than it does with how your mattress is constructed. But your mattress does play a role in temperature regulation. We test mattresses over a range of conditions so you can figure out for yourself if your sleep routine will have you sleeping hot, cold, or just right.
- Motion isolation: If you have a sleeping partner, especially one who sleeps lighter than you, knowing if you’ll disturb them when moving in or getting out of bed is critically important. We test for motion transfer and motion isolation at various distances from edge to center to give you the intel you need to understand if your movement will disturb your partner.
- Edge support: Everyone wants a comfortable mattress that helps them sleep well and doesn’t cause additional discomfort or aches and pains. This often means using materials that form your body and reduce friction points. But when getting in/out of bed, getting ready, or even working, having a mattress with edges that give too much or are too soft can be a real problem. We test mattress edges to find the ones that offer the greatest support.
- Technology: This may come as a surprise, but some mattresses come equipped with a range of technological features to enhance sleep quality and comfort such as sleep tracking, temperature control via mobile app, smart home integration, and even vibration features.
Comfort and support—30%
Alongside the sleep experience, comfort and support are just as important for a healthy and restful sleep. A high-quality mattress should assist in providing relief with certain aches and pains a user may experience when sleeping. It should also help users wake up feeling energized and rested. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Firmness: How firm you prefer the mattress is unique to you, but knowing if a mattress firmness rating matches your preference can be a bit trickier. Different manufacturers have different factors for determining firmness ratings. So, we’re measuring all mattresses with one central protocol to take out the guesswork.
- Pressure relief: Your unique body and sleep position(s) can determine if/how a mattress causes pressure or relieves it. Our range of testers try out each mattress to give you the best information possible.
- Spinal alignment support: Spinal alignment is crucial for preventing back pain and ensuring a great night’s sleep. Our testers have a detailed process to examine how well a mattress maintains the spine in a natural position across various sleeping positions.
- Customization: Does the mattress offer adjustable firmness, removable cooling layers, split configurations, or removable covers?
Value—20%
Assessing value involves a meticulous examination of several key factors that contribute to a mattress’s worth. A mattress that is priced just within reach of its target audience yet surpasses competitors in terms of materials, performance, and support presents a compelling value proposition. However, value is not solely determined by the lowest price point. We also determine it by finding the balance between cost and the tangible benefits a mattress provides.
Customer experience—10%
Sometimes, the mattress can be great, but if the overall shopping experience wasn’t, that could easily put a sour taste in a user’s mouth about the mattress they just purchased. We put in the hours to determine how well the entire process of buying a mattress matches users’ expectations and what options are available when something goes wrong.
- Shipping: Mattresses are big and heavy, making shipping especially more challenging. We rate mattresses by factors such as shipping times/speeds, delivery service, mattress haulaway and setup, and more.
- Warranty: If the company offers generous warranty policies, if something goes wrong, that’s a good sign. We’ll read every line and see if it’s worth it.
- Customer service: Companies that offer multiple contact methods and have helpful, knowledgeable customer service reps earn higher marks.
- Sleep trial: We favor mattress companies that offer free trials and give you some time to, quite literally, sleep on it.
Health and safety—10%
It’s important to understand that a mattress is more than just a sleeping surface—it’s an environment where you spend a significant portion of your life. We meticulously assess critical aspects of mattresses that may directly impact your well-being and peace of mind.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Hypoallergenic materials: With their ability to deter allergies, it’s obvious why some users would find this an important factor when choosing a mattress if they have allergies or sensitivities. This factor ensures your sleeping environment is conducive to health rather than a source of irritation.
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure: There is a concern that the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from mattress materials, such as polyurethane foam (used in memory foam mattresses), may affect air quality. We evaluate the extent of off-gassing and the safety of materials used, aiming for mattresses that minimize chemical exposure.
- Safety certifications: These serve as a benchmark for quality and safety, verifying that a mattress has met vigorous health and environmental standards. Our testers look for certifications such as CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, and Made Safe®.
FAQs
How much does a good mattress cost?
The cost of a good mattress can vary considerably depending on several factors, including the brand, type, size, and materials used. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more for a quality mattress. Inexpensive mattresses may provide decent comfort for a limited time. However, they may not offer the durability and long-term support a more expensive option can deliver.
Mid-range mattresses, typically priced between $800 to $1,500, often balance quality and affordability. They offer good value for your investment. High-end or luxury mattresses over $1,500 frequently feature premium materials, advanced technologies, and exceptional comfort. They’re a worthwhile choice for those seeking the utmost in sleep quality.
What is the most highly recommended mattress?
The “best” mattress is a subjective concept. What makes a mattress ideal varies from person to person. It largely depends on individual preferences, sleep style, body type, and specific needs.
However, our experts and reviewers assess mattresses for quality and recommend the best options. We consider factors such as comfort, support, durability, and value for money. Memory foam, hybrid, and latex mattresses often receive high ratings for their ability to offer contouring support and minimize pressure points. The Fortune Recommends team also favors brands known for innovation, customer satisfaction, and excellent warranties.
Ultimately, the best mattress should align with your unique sleep requirements and provide a restful night’s sleep. It’s essential to consider your preferences and needs when selecting.
Which type of mattress is best?
The best mattress is subjective and depends on individual preferences, sleep needs, and body types. Different types of mattresses offer distinct advantages.
- Memory foam mattresses: They are renowned for their exceptional contouring abilities. They conform to your body’s shape, providing personalized support and pressure relief. They are an excellent choice for those with joint pain or those who prefer a plush, cradling feel. Gel-infused or open-cell memory foam options also help regulate temperature for cooler sleep.
- Innerspring mattresses: They are known for their sturdy support and breathability. They are a good choice for individuals who prefer a bouncier surface and enjoy the traditional feel of coils. Modern innerspring mattresses often incorporate advanced coil designs for improved motion isolation and comfort.
- Latex mattresses: Latex mattresses are prized for their durability, natural materials, and responsiveness. They provide a comfortable balance between support and cushioning. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and allergens.
- Hybrid mattresses: Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds. They typically feature a combination of memory foam or latex layers atop an innerspring support system. This offers the benefits of contouring foam and the support and breathability of coils. Hybrid mattresses are suitable for a wide range of sleep preferences.
The “best” mattress type depends on your sleep style, body, and comfort preferences. It’s crucial to try different types and models to determine which one suits you best and provides the most restful and comfortable sleep experience.
Which brand is best for mattresses?
Several mattress brands earn respect for consistently providing high-quality mattresses while also offering affordability and convenience. After vigorous testing, we stand by all of the mattress brands on our list for their ability to provide top-notch mattresses and user-friendly buying experiences. However, one of our top recommended brands is Helix, with its Midnight model earning the best overall mattress title on this list.
How long does a mattress last?
The lifespan of a mattress can vary widely depending on factors such as its quality, materials, usage, and care. On average, a good-quality mattress can last between seven to 10 years. However, some mattresses can last for more than a decade. Others may begin to show signs of wear after just a few years.
Several factors can impact a mattress’s longevity. Higher-quality materials and construction techniques often result in a longer-lasting mattress. Additionally, the weight and sleeping habits of the individuals using the mattress can affect its durability. Proper care, such as rotating the mattress regularly and using a mattress protector, can extend its lifespan.
Ultimately, assessing your mattress’s condition periodically and replacing it when you notice sagging, discomfort, or decreased sleep quality is essential. Using an old and worn-out mattress can lead to sleep-related issues.
When is the best time to buy a mattress?
Federal holidays are popular times when most mattress brands launch huge sales events. Starting your search ahead of President’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day can help you find the biggest savings. Alongside many other big-ticket items, mattresses are also often deeply discounted on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Stay alert to when mattress warehouses are turning over inventory to bring in new models, which usually happens in late winter and early spring. That would be an excellent time to snag an older model for significantly cheaper.
How do you clean a mattress?
Cleaning your mattress can be critical for expanding its lifespan and ensuring a safe and healthy sleep environment. While it may feel like a big task to add to your ever-growing to-do list, it doesn’t have to be a complicated process.
Your first step should be to remove and wash all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and removable toppers. Washing sheets weekly can be an optimal cadence to help keep your mattress clean. (17) Once the bedding is stripped off, you can assess what materials you need based on how soiled your mattress is. Your vacuum can be a great tool to help remove dust and debris. If you notice any unwanted odors, simply sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the affected spots and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming your mattress again.
For stains or discoloration, you can apply a gentle cleaning solution to a clean rag and spot-clean the areas, avoiding oversaturating the mattress. While some stains, like bodily fluids, wine, or other liquids may require an upholstery cleaner or enzyme-based solution, basic dirt and other stains can often be treated with mild dish detergent and warm water.
Is it best to buy a mattress in-store or online?
Whether you buy your mattress online or in-store will depend on many factors, including personal preference. Online shopping offers convenience, and you can find excellent prices on mattresses since they come directly from the manufacturers, cutting out the middleman. However, you also won’t have the opportunity to test the mattress before purchasing. That can leave some shoppers feeling uneasy, but most online retailers address this by offering sleep trials that allow you to try your mattress for a few months with the option to return it.
You should also factor in delivery methods and customer service when deciding how to shop for your mattress. Online stores deliver your mattress directly to your door, which may take a week or more. While some provide in-home setup, most often, you’ll be responsible for getting it to your room and onto the bed frame. On the other hand, in-person retailers may be able to deliver your mattress within a day or two, and you can often add white-glove delivery so someone from the company does all the setup work for you.
Our experts
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine. An active clinical researcher, Dr. Raj currently practices at the University of Southern California, where he’s been awarded the Excellence in Teaching award six years in a row. He’s also an associate professor of clinical medicine, assistant program director of the internal medicine residency program, and the associate program director of the sleep medicine fellowship at USC.
Dr. Swathi Varanasi
Dr. Swathi Varanasi, or Dr. Swathi for short, is a pharmacist passionate about the intersection of personalized medicine and innovation. With experience spanning patient care, biotech, CRO, academia, and CPG, Dr. Swathi Varanasi has paved the way for healthcare professionals to pursue non-traditional career paths through creating postdoctoral training programs, industry internships, and online educational programs. She co-founded and serves as Chief Scientific Officer of the Life Sciences Division at botanical biotech, Element Apothec, and serves as a Principal Investigator at contract research organization, Citruslabs.
Krista Manning
Krista is an experienced medical copy editor and fact checker with a Bachelors degree in Psychology, Health/Medical Psychology, and Substance Abuse Counseling.
Jennifer Walker-Journey
Fortune Recommends Writer
About Author
Jennifer writes on a variety of topics from law, healthcare, eldercare, and pharmaceutical products to food, travel, and consumer products. Her clients include law firms, healthcare systems, financial corporations, public health entities, and digital marketing firms. Her work has been featured online at USA Today, WebMD, HowStuffWorks, Psychedelic Spotlight, Health, AARP, Everyday Health, Women, Aging in Place, and in magazines such as Sea Island Life, Salamander and Omni.