Nolah is a popular mattress-in-a-box mattress company. Unlike mattress companies that cater to all sleep styles, Nolah primarily focuses on the specific needs of side sleepers. The brand’s collection includes eight mattresses, all offering medium firmness that works especially well for people who sleep on their sides and benefit from cushioning in the hips and shoulders that helps relieve pressure and reduces the likelihood of pain. (1, 2) Back and stomach sleepers don’t need to look elsewhere—some Nolah mattresses, including the premium Nolah Evolution, come in a wider range of firmness options to accommodate your needs, too.
We tested four of Nolah’s mattresses to see whether side sleepers can enjoy sweet dreams on these beds. Our team of certified sleep science coaches assessed individual features that speak to mattress performance. Keep reading for our detailed review of Nolah mattresses—including our favorite and why.
Our picks for the best Nolah mattresses
Compare Nolah mattresses
Nolah Signature | Nolah Evolution | Nolah Original | Nolah Natural | |
Rating | ||||
Price (queen) | $1,799 | $2,499 | $1,449 | $2,099 |
Material | Foam or hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Foam | Hybrid (coils and latex) |
Sleep style | Side sleepers | All sleep styles, hot sleepers, couples | Side sleepers | Side sleepers, combination sleepers, back sleepers, hot sleepers |
Firmness | Medium | Plush, Luxury Firm, Firm | Medium to Medium-firm | Medium-firm |
Cooling | Organic cotton, copper-infused foam, optional coil layer | Organic cotton, cooling topper, breathable border gusset, coil layer | TENCEL™ cover, copper-infused foam | Organic cotton, latex, wool, coil layer |
Key product features
What you should know
The Nolah Signature is the brand’s most pressure-relieving mattress, thanks to Zoned AirFoam™ perforated around the shoulders for flexibility and firmer in the lumbar zone to properly support the spine. The upgraded hybrid model has a zoned coil layer for bonus tension relief.
- The Nolah Signature is designed for pressure relief, and our testing confirms that its gentle contouring effectively cradles the body to ease pressure point pain.
- Before Nolah’s frequent sales, a queen-size, all-foam Signature mattress is $1,799, which puts it in the middle of the pack compared to competitors. Sales pricing, however, brings the cost down to a reasonable $1,169, which is great value for the money. A hybrid model adds $195 to the total after discounts.
- While the Signature is marketed as a mattress for side sleepers, our team also found it a good fit for back sleepers. Based on our testing, the Signature offers slightly better pressure relief for back sleepers than it does for side sleepers.
Nolah Signature Mattress overview
The Signature Mattress comes standard as a 12.5-inch, all-foam model designed to meet the specific needs of side sleepers. However, after testing, our team also found the mattress to be a good fit for back sleepers. Nolah’s proprietary foam is zoned for softness around the shoulders and firmness beneath the hips and lower back. Our testers reported moderate sinkage into the Nolah Signature, plus ample cushioning support for excellent pressure relief while sleeping on their backs or sides.
Mattress construction
The construction of the Nolah Signature varies depending on the model you choose. Our team tested the standard foam model, which is 12.5 inches tall and made with five layers. Here’s the breakdown:
- Cover: The cover is made with organic cotton, adding softness and breathability.
- Comfort layer: Nolah uses a proprietary polyfoam in its mattresses. According to the company, AirFoam™ is pressure-relieving and resilient, but it’s more breathable than memory foam. In the Signature mattress, the foam is perforated for a plusher, more flexible feel around the shoulders. It maintains its firmness elsewhere to support the spine properly. It’s also infused with copper to draw heat away from the body actively. Plus, copper has antimicrobial properties, which can help keep the mattress fresher. (3)
- Transition layer: Two inches of CertiPUR-US®-certified foam adds additional pressure relief and serves as a transition to the firmer foam below.
- Support layer: This firm, responsive layer helps promote a neutral spine.
- Foundation: Eight inches of stabilizing foam in the base layer adds support and structure to the materials above and improves durability.
Those who prefer more support can upgrade to the coil hybrid model for an additional $299 before discounts. The addition adds nearly two inches and two additional layers, including one of the individually wrapped coils arranged in three targeted support zones. The hybrid model is designed to boost support in areas of high tension but also improves airflow and adds durability. We recommend upgrading to the coil hybrid if you’re interested in longevity.
The Nolah Signature mattress has several third-party certifications. It’s certified by GREENGUARD Gold, which indicates that it meets stringent criteria for low emissions. (4) All the foams in the Signature are certified by CertiPUR-US®, which means they meet industry standards for content, emissions, and durability. (5)
Like all Nolah mattresses, the Signature is free of fiberglass while meeting federal flammability standards. Fiberglass is a synthetic fire retardant composed of glass fibers and resin. (6) It’s not inherently dangerous when sealed inside a mattress, but it can be harmful if you’re directly exposed. (7) Since that can happen in a tear or rip or if a mattress cover is removed, some people prefer to look for mattresses without fiberglass to be safe.
Firmness
Both models have a medium firmness, and Nolah ranks a five out of 10 on the firmness scale. Based on our testing, however, we found the all-foam mattress a touch firmer and scored it a six out of 10. (According to the brand, the hybrid model is also slightly firmer). Our team found it a comfortable firmness for both back and side sleeping. Both sleep positions require adequate support to ensure the hips stay properly aligned with the spine, which helps reduce aches and pains that could disrupt sleep. (8) However, side sleepers also need enough cushioning to cradle the hips and shoulders, which supports most of the body’s weight in this position. With its zoned foam, the Nolah Signature does a good job of meeting both needs nicely.
“Side sleepers often experience pain in the hips and shoulders if the mattress is too firm or lacks contouring, so they should look for a softer or medium-firm mattress with pressure support” says Dr. Nishi Bhopal. “This provides better alignment and cushioning to distribute body weight more evenly and reduce strain on the hips and shoulders.”
Unfortunately, stomach sleepers should look elsewhere. Our team found that the Nolah Signature lacks sufficient hip support for all but lightweight stomach sleepers. The best mattress for stomach sleepers keeps their hips lifted and supported to aid in proper spinal alignment.
Cooling
All-foam mattresses tend to trap heat and aren’t as breathable as their hybrid counterparts. Still, our team found the Signature slept much cooler than many other foam mattresses. Thanks to the copper-infused foam, which actively draws away body heat to help you stay more comfortable. (9) High mattress temperatures are associated with poor sleep quality, so it’s important to consider when looking for a mattress. (10)
Price
Price is a driving factor for many shoppers, and the Nolah Signature should be accessible to many people. The brand runs frequent sales that bring the $1,799 price tag for a queen down to as low as $1,169, which is an excellent value for the quality of the mattress. Remember that the coil hybrid is an upgrade that adds $299 to the price, but sales discount that to $195.
We’ve featured the Nolah Signature Mattress in:
- The best memory foam mattresses of 2024
- The best mattresses without fiberglass in 2024
- The best mattresses for stomach sleepers
- The best mattresses for fibromyalgia in 2024
Who the Nolah Signature Mattress is recommended for:
- Side sleepers should fare quite well on the Signature, which is no surprise. With its zoned foam and medium feel, it was designed to meet the needs of this kind of sleeper.
- Back sleepers should also find the Signature comfortable and supportive. Our team found it had the right amount of contouring to fill the gap in the lower back for comfortable pressure relief.
- Combination sleepers, particularly those who flip from their sides to the back, should find the Signature comfortable and supportive. Our team also found the mattress surprisingly responsive for an all-foam bed, so it’s easy to move from one position to the other.
- Couples will benefit from the Signature’s foam layers’ motion-isolating properties, so they shouldn’t disturb one another if they move during the night.
Who the Nolah Signature Mattress is not recommended for:
- Stomach sleepers, except for those in the lightweight category, probably won’t get the hip support they need on the Signature.
- Despite its copper-infused foam and breathable cotton cover, very hot sleepers will likely find the Signature sleeps too warm. Consider the Nolah Evolution if you fall into this sleep category.
- Heavyweight sleepers are another group that won’t get the support they need for restful sleep. Nolah has a mattress specifically for plus-size sleepers—The Evolution Comfort+–that’s worth a look.
Expert opinion
Dr. Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine, commented on what side sleepers need in a mattress. “Side sleepers need pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, which means they’ll typically want to stick with a softer mattress that will contour to their body and help prevent too much pressure on their joints throughout the night. They should look for a mattress that has great pressure relief. Side sleepers should opt for memory foam mattresses known for their deep body contouring, sinkage, and pressure relief. A lot of soft hybrid mattresses work well for them, too.”
How we rated the Nolah Signature Mattress
We assessed the Nolah Signature Mattress in multiple categories. Our hands-on testing includes a deep dive into features like motion isolation, support, cooling, edge support, responsiveness, and more. Hover over the icons below for a description of each category, or read more about our mattress testing methodology.
Overall, the mattress performed quite well, with high scores across all categories except cooling. That’s to be expected for an all-foam mattress, though our team did find it slept cooler than many other all-foam mattresses we’ve tested. We also appreciate the reasonable price tag and lifetime warranty.
Nolah Signature Mattress pricing and sizing
The table below reflects standard pricing, with no discounts or offers.
Size | All-Foam | Hybrid |
Twin | $1,299 | $1,599 |
Twin XL | $1,399 | $1,699 |
Full | $1,649 | $1,949 |
Queen | $1,799 | $2,099 |
King | $2,049 | $2,349 |
Cal king | $2,049 | $2,349 |
Split king | $2,798 | $3,398 |
Warranties and policies
A limited lifetime warranty backs Nolah mattresses for the original purchaser. Though generous, there are several caveats to this warranty. Typically, if your Nolah mattress is found to be defective, it will be replaced or repaired with the same or a comparable model. Defective mattresses will be replaced under warranty in the first two years. From years three to 10, Nolah repairs and re-covers defective mattresses, but $99 transportation costs apply each way. From years 11 to 25, a prorated replacement charge of 50% of the original purchase price applies to replacing a defective mattress. In years 25 and beyond, the prorated replacement charge is 60%.
The company also offers a “Don’t Lose Sleep” alternative to its warranty that begins three years after a mattress purchase. In the event of a defect, instead of submitting a warranty claim, you can pay 50% of the original price to deliver a brand-new Nolah mattress of the same or comparable model. In years 6 to 10, the price is 60% of the original price paid. After 10 years, it’s 80% of the original price paid. Note that the “Don’t Lose Sleep” option can only be used once and doesn’t include a 120-night sleep trial.
While 120 nights, or about four months, is a reasonable time to test a mattress, Nolah’s sleep trial isn’t as generous as some competitors. If you don’t like the mattress, it can be returned for a full refund, but you’ll need to pay a $99 return fee. Nolah asks that you test the mattress for at least 30 nights before initiating a return since it can take about a month to adjust to a new mattress fully. If you want to save $100, you can remove this trial window at the time of purchase.
Shipping is free to the 48 contiguous U.S. states, and Nolah mattresses arrive compressed, rolled, and packed into a box. However, you can upgrade to white glove mattress removal and setup. Nolah partners with a third-party logistics company to offer three services: mattress removal, mattress setup, or removal and setup. These services start at $125.
Specs
Price (queen) | $1,799 (foam); $2,099 (hybrid) |
Material | All foam or hybrid (foam and coils) |
Firmness | Medium |
Trial period | 120 days |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Height (queen) | 12.5 inches (foam); 14 inches (hybrid) |
Layers | 5 (foam); 7 (hybrid) |
Additional models from Nolah
Key product features
What you should know
The Nolah Evolution is the brand’s most premium offering. The seven-layer mattress is designed with a quilted Euro topper, giving it what our team describes as a “hotel bed feel.” Almost across the board, the Evolution scored top marks from our testers, who reported exceptional support and spinal alignment in all sleep positions, impressive cooling ability, excellent ease of movement, and standout edge support. We were, however, a little surprised by a touch of pressure on the shoulders.
The Evolution comes in three firmness options (we tested the Luxury-Firm model), which makes it a good fit for different sleep styles. It’s also designed for cooler nights, with a breathable gusset around the Euro topper and cooling technology in the foam.
You might expect upgraded features like these to be evident in the price tag. While the full retail price of a queen-size Evolution mattress is $2,499, frequent sales bring that down to a reasonable $1,624.
We recommend the Nolah Evolution for:
- Combination sleepers will find it very easy to move around on this mattress, thanks to its hybrid construction.
- Stomach sleepers will also fare very well, especially those in the lightweight and average-weight categories. It’s rare that you find light pressure relief in the hips and ample lumbar support, but the Evolution delivers. Heavyweight stomach sleepers should opt for the firmer model.
- Thanks to the elite cooling technology in this mattress, hot sleepers should be quite comfortable.
Key product features
What you should know
For budget shoppers, the four-layer Nolah Original is worth a look. This 10-inch all-foam mattress combines Zoned AirFoam™ infused with copper for potentially cooler sleep. It’s similar to the Signature mattress, but the Original has fewer layers.
There are other similarities between the Signature and the Original. Both are available with an optional hybrid upgrade, which adds a breathable coil layer for more support. Our team found the Original has a traditional medium-firm feel and excellent support. It performed very well for edge support, which is unusual for all-foam mattresses but relates to the low height. Since you immediately hit high-density foam, which holds you quite securely, the Original scored high marks in this category. It didn’t fare as well for cooling ability—our team found it trapped heat just like memory foam—but offered excellent pressure relief.
The responsive Original Mattress is an excellent fit for combination sleepers, and we think it should accommodate just about all light and average-weight sleepers as well. If you fall into those categories and debate between the Original and the Signature, you’ll save money going with the former; a queen-size Original mattress is under $1,000 after discounts.
We recommend the Nolah Original for:
- Combination sleepers in light and average-weight classes will easily move around comfortably. Heavyweight sleepers should upgrade to the hybrid model for the best responsiveness performance.
- Lightweight sleepers of every sleep style should also be comfortable. The mattress has plenty of lift and contouring to keep you comfortable.
- Budget-minded shoppers who are looking to save will find this a wallet-friendly choice, especially compared to competitors.
Key product features
What you should know
The Nolah Natural is a latex hybrid and a good choice for those who prefer natural materials and an eco-minded approach. It’s crafted from cotton, organic wool, two layers of latex, and a recycled steel coil layer, making for a responsive, supportive sleep surface. Natural latex has an open-cell structure that allows for better air circulation. It doesn’t contour as closely to the body as other materials, leaving more room for airflow and making it a good fit for hot sleepers. It gives the mattress a gently buoyant feel and excellent pressure relief, and it doesn’t trap heat the way traditional foam can. Plus, it promotes healthy spinal alignment.
The latex used in the Natural is organically grown and meets the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). (11) While natural latex tends to add to the price tag, the Nolah Natural is affordable. Before discounts, a queen size is $2,099. But with the brand’s regular sales, it’s around $1,360.
We recommend the Nolah Natural for:
- Eco-conscious shoppers can rest easy knowing this mattress is made with organic materials.
- Hot sleepers in search of a temperature-natural mattress that won’t trap heat.
- Combination sleepers who prefer a responsive mattress that makes it easy to change position.
Nolah Signature Mattress vs. competitors
There are many options in the bed-in-a-box category. For mattress shoppers on a budget, Nectar and Bear have popular beds that check many of the same boxes as Nolah. The GravityLux from WinkBeds is an all-foam mattress with similar features, and it’s priced comparably to the Signature. Dedicated stomach sleepers should consider the Plank Firm, a flippable mattress with firm and firmer sides.
Nolah Evolution | Nectar Classic Memory Foam | Bear Original | WinkBeds GravityLux | Plank Firm | |
Rating | |||||
Price (queen) | $2,499 | $599 | $998 | $1,799 | $1,332 |
Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Memory foam | Foam | Foam | Foam |
Sleep style | All sleep styles, hot sleepers, couples | Couples, back sleepers | Couples, hot sleepers, back sleepers, side sleepers | All sleep styles | Back sleepers, stomach sleepers |
Firmness | Plush, Luxury Firm, Firm | Medium-firm | Medium to Medium-firm | Soft, Medium, Firm | Firm and Extra-Firm |
Cooling | Gusset, coil layer, thermal conductive fibers | Gel-infused foam | Optional cooling cover upgrade, gel-infused memory foam | TENCEL™ cover, gel foam, coils | Breathable cover, open-cell foam, optional cooling cover upgrade |
Nolah vs. Nectar
There are a few similarities between Nolah and Nectar, one of the most well-known mattress brands in the sleep space. Nectar has three mattresses, all available in all-foam and hybrid models. They share a medium-firm feel that accommodates many back and side sleepers. The gel-infused foam minimizes heat retention and offers impression motion isolation and excellent pressure relief. Plus, they’re affordably priced, with many Nectar mattresses available for less than $1,000.
On the downside, Nectar mattresses don’t have an option for choosing a firmness level, and edge support on these mattresses is lacking. They aren’t a good mattress for heavyweight sleepers, though the same is true of Nolah (except for its plus-size mattress, the Evo Comfort+). Like some Nolah mattresses, Nectar mattresses aren’t generally suitable for many stomach sleepers.
Nectar offers a more generous sleep trial at 365 nights, and both brands have a lifetime warranty. Both brands offer frequent gifts with purchase or bedding bundles at a discounted price when you buy a mattress.
How to choose the right mattress for you
Finding the right mattress can feel daunting, but it’s important to remember that there is no single best mattress for everyone. The right mattress meets your unique sleep needs, supports your body types, and addresses specific concerns like pain relief or overheating. Sleep is a key factor in our mental and physical health, so it’s essential to take some time to identify your needs and preferences. (12, 13)
Mattress type
Mattresses are generally divided into four categories: all-foam, hybrid, innerspring, and adjustable air. All-foam mattresses use foam layers for support and comfort, while hybrid mattresses have a coil layer in addition to latex or foam. Innerspring beds are more traditional, with the primary construction being steel coils in the center of the bed. On the other hand, adjustable air mattresses are constructed with chambers that can be inflated or deflated to adjust how the mattress feels.
Personal preferences and body type can steer you toward a specific mattress type. Heavyweight sleepers, for example, benefit from the extra support of coils. Coil layers promote airflow better than all-foam mattresses, so they may also be a better pick if you tend to sleep warm at night. Those with joint pain may appreciate the contouring of an all-foam bed, while the best mattress for couples with different firmness preferences may be an adjustable air mattress.
Firmness and sleep style
Body weight plays a role in how soft or firm a mattress feels, and your preferred sleeping position can also play a role. If you’re a back sleeper, a medium to medium-firm feel is often best for maintaining a neutral spine. Side sleepers need a softer mattress that cushions the hips and shoulders without letting the spine sag, while the best mattresses for stomach sleepers tend to be firmer to promote proper hip elevation.
Specific considerations
Beyond mattress type and firmness, it’s important to consider other considerations. Do you share your bed with a partner? Do you struggle with neck, back, or hip pain? Do you routinely wake up hot and sweaty during the night? Looking for a mattress that addresses these issues can help improve your sleep quality. A good mattress for neck pain can make a world of difference. Check out our reviews for the best mattress for back pain and the best mattress for hip pain for more beds designed for pain relief.
FAQs
Do Nolah mattresses have fiberglass?
No. According to the brand, all of their mattresses are fiberglass-free. They also meet third-party safety standards and hold a certification from CertiPUR-US®, which indicates the mattresses meet health and environmental standards for low emissions. Nolah’s latex mattresses are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified and made with latex certified by OEKO-TEX® 100.
Do Nolah mattresses sag?
Nolah mattresses are made with high-quality mattresses that resist premature sagging. It’s reasonable to expect it to last about a decade, depending on body type and mattress use. If your Nolah mattress is sagging, contacting the company is important to see whether the issue is related to a manufacturer defect.
Are Nolah mattresses flippable?
Nolah mattresses are designed with a distinct top and bottom, so they aren’t intended to be flipped. The only exception is the Nolah Nurture, a children’s mattress with a firm and soft side. This is intended to meet the needs of growing children.
Our experts
Nishi Bhopal, MD
Nishi Bhopal, MD, is board-certified in Psychiatry, Sleep Medicine, and Integrative Holistic Medicine. She graduated from the University College Cork School of Medicine, completed her Psychiatric residency at Henry Ford Health System, and completed a fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She is the founder and medical director of Pacific Integrative Psychiatry, an online practice in California that offers a whole-person approach to anxiety and sleep disorders, including nutrition, psychotherapy, sleep coaching, and integrative and functional medicine.
Shelby Harris PsyD, DBSM
Dr. Harris is board-certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (BSM) by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and treats various sleep disorders (insomnia, nightmares, circadian rhythm disorders, narcolepsy, apnea treatment, noncompliance) using evidence-based non-pharmacological treatments. Dr. Harris is in private practice, seeing patients in her office in White Plains, NY, and over telehealth, where she specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Jessica Timmons
Fortune Recommends Sleep Writer
About Author
Jessica Timmons is a freelance writer who has written extensively about health, wellness, fitness, sleep, beauty, and parenting, among other topics. Her work has appeared on Forbes, Healthline, mindbodygreen, Everyday Health, and more. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four active kids, lifting weights, and getting better at rock climbing one route at a time.
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