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Finding the right mattress requires more consideration than many people realize. Most of today’s top mattresses feature complex designs intended to serve sleepers in a number of ways. There’s no such thing as a perfect or universally comfortable mattress, but some models perform better than others in areas like durability, pressure relief, temperature control, and overall support.
The mattress you choose can have a major impact on your sleep. The best mattress should cushion your body without feeling too soft, support your spine to promote even alignment, and minimize pressure buildup in your shoulders, back, and hips. This is why you should choose a mattress based on your body weight, preferred sleep position, and personal preference when it comes to soft or firm surfaces. If you share a bed with someone else, you should also take their considerations into account.
Our guide covers everything you need to know about finding, buying, and enjoying a new mattress. We’ll cover mattress types, performance areas, prices, sizes, and frequently asked questions. First, you’ll find our picks for the best mattresses sold today. These selections are based on hands-on tests conducted by our mattress expert team.
The Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall
Luxury Firm WinkBed
Details
Type: Innerspring
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,149 – $2,049
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Thick foam layers contour evenly while maintaining even support
- Perimeter feels exceptionally sturdy thanks to a zoned coil system
- Great cooling from the breathable cover and steady airflow in the coil layer
Ideal For
- People who weigh 130 to 230 pounds
- Hot sleepers
- Those who carry extra weight around the midsection
The WinkBed is a Euro-top hybrid mattress available in four firmness levels. After testing these different designs, we’ve found that the Luxury Firm – a medium firm (6) model – offers the most comfortable combination of cushioning and support for your body. The versatile, balanced feel made this mattress popular with our testers across different body types and preferred sleep positions.
This mattress is designed with two layers of adaptive foam over a pocketed coil support core. Most of our testers found that the foam layers conform to the body without too much give or sinkage. We also noticed extra pushback around the midsection, where the coils are zoned to feel stronger. This pushback kept the back and stomach sleepers on our team from sinking too much around our lower back and hips – a common source of discomfort for people who use these positions. Another area where the Luxury WinkBed excels is cooling. Thanks to the cooling Tencel cover and a good amount of airflow through the coils, our sensors picked up very little heat buildup during our temperature control tests.
We also found that the Luxury Firm WinkBed performs well in areas where hybrids often fall short. One example is motion isolation, which we test by having two people lie side by side on each mattress. Neither tester noticed much motion transfer across the surface when the other person moved around on their side of the bed, so the mattress is a good option if you are easily awakened by your sleep partner’s movements at night. At the same time, the coils are responsive enough to create some bounce on the surface. Most of us were able to move across the mattress without sinking or feeling trapped.
While our team gave this mattress strong ratings across the board, the Luxury Firm WinkBed might be too soft or too firm for some people. WinkBeds backs each order with a 120-night sleep trial that includes free exchanges. If you aren’t happy with your initial choice, you can swap in the Luxury Firm for another WinkBed model with a different firmness. All mattresses come with a lifetime warranty, as well.
We enjoyed the Luxury Firm WinkBed’s well-rounded design, which combines the cushioning of adaptive foam with an ultra-supportive coil base. Three additional firmness options for the WinkBed broaden the appeal of this mattress even further.
“The Luxury Firm WinkBed is one of the most well-rounded beds we've tested. The surface has all the bounce that you'd expect from a hybrid, but it also isolates motion better than many other hybrids.”
Best Value
Nectar Mattress
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Price Range: $399 – $1,138
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Medium firm feel ensures gentle contouring and above-average support
- All-foam design excels at motion isolation and pressure relief
- You can test out the mattress for up to one year
Ideal For
- Side sleepers up to 230 pounds
- Couples
- Shoppers on a budget looking for a mattress with a long trial period
Memory foam mattresses that are both high-quality and affordable are somewhat rare in today’s market, but the Nectar Mattress is a notable exception. One of its standout qualities is even support. Memory foam tends to sink beneath the body, sometimes to an uncomfortable extent. Our testers found the Nectar Mattress to be a true medium firm (6) that offers adequate support without sacrificing the deep cradling akin to sleeping “in” the mattress that many people enjoy about memory foam.
The bed’s balanced design was most evident during our tests for pressure relief, where we use sensors to monitor pressure buildup in different areas of each tester’s body. The side sleepers on our team enjoyed the mattress across the board, which is typical for side sleepers on memory foam beds. Interestingly, the Nectar also rated well with our back and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. We’ve noticed that sleepers in these weight and position categories tend to sink too far on memory foam mattresses and feel pressure around the midsection as a result. The positive ratings for the Nectar from testers who sleep on their back and stomach are thanks to the sturdier-than-average construction of this mattress.
Like other memory foam models, the Nectar excels at motion isolation. Our evaluations for this category showed little to no motion transfer when one of the testers moved on the mattress. The memory foam is infused with gel intended to keep the mattress cool, though our thermal-mapping tools picked up some heat buildup during temperature control tests. That said, surface airflow was decent – thanks in part to the relatively firm feel – and no one on the team felt too warm on the Nectar.
One major perk of ordering from Nectar is a long sleep trial for your new mattress. The company lets you test out the bed and return it up to 365 days after it’s delivered to your doorstep. Shipping is free if you live in the contiguous U.S. and all orders include a lifetime warranty.
The Nectar is a classic memory foam mattress that hugs the body, reduces pressure, and isolates motion. Affordable pricing and a generous trial make the mattress a great option if you’re on a budget.
“Many memory foam beds are great at cushioning but not so great at support, but the Nectar Mattress is an exception. This bed offers great support for a foam model, so we recommend it for sleepers who enjoy the feel of foam but also need a sturdy base for the lower back.”
Best Luxury
Saatva Classic
Details
Type: Innerspring
Firmness: Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
Price Range: $995 – $2,710
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Coil-on-coil design ensures exceptional responsiveness and support
- Mattress is available in three firmness levels and two profiles
- Free White Glove delivery for all orders
Ideal For
- Sleepers who enjoy the feel of exceptionally bouncy mattresses
- Hot sleepers
- Shoppers who need assistance setting up their new mattress
Saatva is a luxury mattress brand that has been in business for more than a decade. The company’s flagship model – the Saatva Classic – has proven enduringly popular with different types of sleepers. The Classic is sold in three firmness levels and two profiles, all of which our team has personally tested. We’ve found each option for the mattress performs well for certain types of sleepers.
The Saatva Classic has a Euro-top padded with two foam layers, followed by a transitional layer of pocketed microcoils and a support core of robust, low-gauge hourglass coils made from recycled steel. Thanks to this “coil-on-coil” design, most of our testers noticed a fair amount of bounce that prevented them from sinking or feeling stuck as they moved across the mattress. We also noticed very little roll-off when testing the bed for perimeter support by lying and sitting along the edges. This was especially true for the Classic’s firmest, tallest design.
Each firmness level feels distinct from the others. Our testers felt the closest contouring from the soft (3) model, gentler cushioning from the medium firm (6), and very little padding from the firm (8). There was also some variability between the 11.5-inch and 14.5-inch profiles, the latter of which has base coils that are 4 inches thicker than the former’s. The taller profile feels bouncier and sturdier, but most of our testers weighing up to 230 pounds still received adequate support from the 11.5-inch model.
White Glove delivery is free of charge for all Saatva customers. Couriers drive the mattress directly to your residence, assemble it in a room of your choice, and remove your old mattress or box spring upon request. This type of delivery service usually starts at $150, so you may want to go this route if you live alone – the Saatva Classic is pretty heavy. Saatva’s sleep trial lasts 365 nights, and the mattress is also backed by a lifetime warranty.
Thanks to its innovative coil-on-coil construction, the Saatva Classic is well suited to people looking for a bouncy, supportive mattress that won’t sink too much beneath their weight. Free White Glove delivery should also incentivize those who would rather not set up a new mattress on their own.
“The Saatva Classic is a perfect mattress for sleepers who enjoy a bit of bounce in their beds. The unique coil-on-coil design creates a robust surface with strong edges.”
Best for Back Pain
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Custom Sizes
Price Range: $699 – $1,499
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Affordable hybrid with three firmness options
- Proprietary foams contour to the body without excessive sink
- Stellar ratings for temperature control and edge support
Ideal For
- Couples who normally find hybrids too bouncy and disruptive
- People who tend to overheat while they sleep
- Shoppers with limited budgets
If you frequently wake up with soreness in the upper or lower back, your mattress might be a major factor. Excessive sinkage – especially around the torso and hips – can contribute to back pain. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a model from this company with multiple firmness options to suit sleepers with different needs.
The mattress does not contain any memory foam, but instead features a comfort system with proprietary TitanFlex and VariFlex polyfoam layers. Our tests show these materials cushion the body without a deep “hug,” making the Signature Hybrid a good option for anyone who prefers a plush sleep surface but sinks too much on memory foam. The foams are also more breathable, and our heat sensors showed minimal heat buildup on the surface. Pocketed coils make up the support core. Extra reinforcement around the perimeter allowed most of us to lie near the edges of the mattress without feeling unstable, and get in and out of bed with relative ease.
The Signature Hybrid’s medium soft (4) feel was most popular among side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. This model contours closely to cradle your spine and reduce pressure. Back and stomach sleepers on our testing team who weigh 130 pounds or more received great support from the firm (8) model. When testing these mattresses, we noticed very little conforming and strong push-back from the coils. Lastly, the medium firm (6) feel earned its highest ratings from our testers in the range of 130 to 230 pounds.
The Signature Hybrid’s price-point falls well below that of the average hybrid model. Brooklyn Bedding sells the mattress in 14 different sizes, including a split California king for couples who use adjustable beds and a handful of RV-friendly options. Each order comes with a 120-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a well-made, affordable mattress that earns high marks for pressure relief, cooling, and overall support.
“The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid uses polyfoam layers with a slightly firmer feel than beds with memory foam, so we highly recommend this model if you enjoy the feel of foam but aren't crazy about excessive cradling.”
Best Cooling
Eight Sleep Pod Pro
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium (5)
Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $2795 – $3495
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Active thermoregulating cover can be programmed for specific temperatures
- Smart design lets owners track sleep data
- All-foam design excels at motion isolation and pressure relief
Ideal For
- People who want to customize the temperature of their sleep surface
- Sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds
- High-end shoppers
There are many mattresses on the market that sleep cool thanks to breathable components. This is known as passive cooling. The Eight Sleep Pod Pro, on the other hand, uses active cooling and heating to maintain a comfortable temperature for sleeping. The cover is engineered with small tubes that connect to a device known as the Hub, which contains water. The Hub will either heat or cool the water, depending on the current setting, and then disperse water through the tubes.
You can program the Hub for any temperature between 55 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. In our mattress testing experience, this level of customized temperature regulation is simply unparalleled. We adjusted the settings to see how the mattress felt at various temperatures. While the changes weren’t immediate, our testers noticed distinct levels of heating and cooling between the different settings.
The Pod Pro is also advanced in other areas. The cover is embedded with sensors that track heart rate, movements in bed, and other sleep metrics. You can access personal data using the Eight Sleep app. Another sleek feature is the gradual wake-up alarm, which issues a gentle vibration to arouse you from sleep. We found this feature to be rather pleasant compared to conventional alarm clocks, yet just as effective.
The mattress itself is an all-polyfoam design with a medium (5) feel. Our motion isolation tests showed very little motion transfer on the surface when either person moved on the bed. We also noticed close contouring around the shoulders and hips. During sleep tests, the mattress earned its highest ratings from side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds.
The Pod Pro’s sticker price is a bit steep, but this mattress should be a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants advanced temperature customization. This may include people who live in exceptionally hot or cold places. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S., and Eight Sleep backs each purchase with a 100-night trial and 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Unmatched temperature control sets the Eight Sleep Pod Pro apart from other smart mattresses. Other features to enhance your sleep experience include comprehensive data tracking and a built-in vibrating alarm.
“If overheating is a real concern for you during sleep, we found the cooling technology in the Eight Sleep POD Pro works wonders at keeping you cool at night. By extension, the mattress also helps keep you dry if you tend to sweat a lot.”
Best for Back Sleepers
DreamCloud Mattress
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $799 – $1,499
Warranty: Lifetime, limited
Highlights
- Hybrid construction with thick foam layers and a strong coil system
- Excellent temperature regulation thanks to cooling cashmere-blend cover and steady airflow
- Trial period spans 365 nights in length
Ideal For
- Hot sleepers
- People who experience pain or pressure points along the spine
- Shoppers who need extra time testing out their new mattress
The best mattress for any given sleeper largely depends on which position they primarily use. If you’re a back sleeper, chances are you’ll feel most comfortable on a mattress with gentle cushioning layers and a stable base. We’ve found this type of construction ensures good pressure relief for sore spots along the spine and an even surface that won’t sink too much around the midsection. The DreamCloud Mattress offers all of these qualities to make it a great choice for back sleepers, as well as some additional perks for hot sleepers and couples.
The DreamCloud is a hybrid model featuring a comfort system with several foam layers. We found that the combination of responsive polyfoam and adaptive memory foam results in noticeable cushioning without a lot of sinkage. Individually pocketed coils make up the support core. These coils reinforce the bed well, especially beneath the torso and hips, but we didn’t notice too much motion transfer during our motion isolation tests.
Since the mattress is medium firm (6), the highest ratings from back sleepers on our team came from those who weigh at least 130 pounds. Temperature control is another area where the DreamCloud performs well. This can be attributed to steady air circulation through the coils, as well as a breathable cashmere-blend cover that helps the surface stay cool. Our temperature sensors also picked up very little heat buildup.
In terms of pricing, the DreamCloud is on par with other hybrid models, and shipping is free of charge for all customers in the contiguous U.S. The company’s 365-night sleep trial provides ample time for testing out the mattress and deciding whether to return, exchange, or keep it. Those who choose the latter also receive a lifetime warranty.
The DreamCloud provides a comfortable, balanced feel by integrating plush cushioning layers and a strong support system. Hot sleepers, couples, and people with back pain can all benefit from this luxury hybrid.
“The DreamCloud Mattress strikes a perfect balance between cushioning in the top layers and strong support in the coil base. The back sleepers on our team experienced excellent lumbar support while getting just enough cradling along the spine.”
Best for Side Sleepers
Layla Hybrid
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Reversible: Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,299 – $1,899
Warranty: 10 year, Limited
Highlights
- Reversible hybrid design with a distinct firmness on each side
- Zoned coils provide targeted support for both surfaces
- Excellent pressure relief across sleepers with different body types
Ideal For
- Side and back sleepers
- Those who have trouble getting in and out of bed
- Anyone who awakens easily due to their sleep partner's movements
If you aren’t sure about your ideal firmness level – or if your comfort preferences fluctuate on a regular basis – then you’re a great candidate for a flippable mattress with a different sleep surface on each side. The Layla Hybrid is particularly well suited to side sleepers because each side is cushioned with memory foam comfort layers. With a medium soft (4) feel on one surface and a firm (7) feel on the other, this mattress should accommodate most side sleepers regardless of how much they weigh.
Our evaluations for this mattress included testing both surfaces. We noticed close, even contouring on the medium soft side, which is constructed with a 2.5-inch memory foam layer over 2 inches of denser polyfoam. The side sleepers on our team weighing less than 130 pounds felt most comfortable on this surface.
Both layers on the firm side are thinner, so we noticed less contouring and more support. The polyfoam on both sides is also zoned to feel firmer around the midsection, but this was more noticeable on the firm surface. Side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds liked this side best, as did our back and stomach sleepers of 130 pounds or more.
The Layla Hybrid’s pocketed coil support core is located in the middle of the mattress between the foam layers. Zoned coils help the mattress feel sturdy along the edges, especially on the firm side. This side was also easier to move across, according to our testers who weigh at least 130 pounds.
If you want to flip the Layla Hybrid to its other side, be aware: the mattress weighs more than 100 pounds in a queen size, so rotating it took at least two of our testers. Ground shipping is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S., and each order includes a 120-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty.
The Layla Hybrid’s flippable, dual-firmness design makes it suitable for side sleepers across all weight categories, as well as most back and stomach sleepers. Zoned transitional layers and perimeter coil reinforcement make the mattress feel exceptionally supportive no matter which side you use.
“The Layla Hybrid offers two surfaces with very different feels, but we found both sides offered great cushioning for side sleepers who need cradling in the shoulders. We recommend it for anyone unsure of their ideal firmness.”
Best for Stomach Sleepers
Avocado Eco Organic Mattress
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $799 – $1,599
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Eco-friendly components include sustainably sourced cotton, wool, and latex
- Latex hybrid design is naturally durable, responsive, and breathable
- Exceptional cooling and moisture control
Ideal For
- Hot sleepers
- Back and stomach sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds
- Consumers who prefer to buy organic products
As with side and back sleepers, stomach sleepers have needs that are unique to the way they sleep. People tend to carry most of their weight in the chest and stomach. Lying face-down on a mattress can make the whole body sink, which is why we find that firm and supportive mattresses are usually the best option for stomach sleepers. The Avocado Ego Organic Mattress was especially popular with the stomach sleepers on our testing crew. The latex comfort layer is firm and responsive compared to memory foam, so deep sinkage was not an issue, and zoned coils deliver some much-needed support around the midsection.
In general, mattresses with latex layers are a good alternative for people who don’t like the deep cradling of memory foam. The Eco Organic Mattress is medium firm (6) and our testers noted gentle cushioning, robust support, and easy movement across the surface.
Temperature control is another strong point. We detected very little heat buildup on the surface, and the mattress slept cooler than the majority of foam beds we’ve tested. The latex is ventilated and the coils promote steady airflow, so there is plenty of circulation to help the interior of the mattress stay cool. The organic cotton cover and wool fire barrier are both breathable as well, and the wool wicks moisture away from the body on humid nights.
Avocado has earned a reputation for sleep products made mostly or entirely from sustainable materials. The latex, cotton, and wool have all been certified as organic. The company also used offset projects to achieve carbon negative shipping. Even the wrapping paper in the mattress delivery box is produced through eco-friendly means.
While many latex hybrids – including most Avocado models – are on the expensive side, the Eco Organic Mattress is modestly priced for shoppers with tight budgets. Shipping is also free for customers in all 50 states. The sleep trial for this mattress lasts up to 100 nights, and those who keep it also receive a 10-year warranty.
The Avocado Eco Organic Mattress should meet the needs of any stomach sleeper seeking a firm, supportive, and responsive sleep surface. Hot sleepers should also enjoy the breathable components of this latex hybrid design.
“As a stomach sleeper, it's hard to find a mattress that's firm enough to keep my stomach from sinking in. But the latex layers in the Avocado Eco Organic Mattress offer plenty of support, while still cushioning my joints to avoid soreness.”
Best for Couples
Nest Bedding Sparrow
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (3), Medium (5), Firm (7)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King
Price Range: $1,149 – $2,498
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Three firmness options
- Foam comfort system excels at pressure relief
- Thick foam layers reduce motion transfer
Ideal For
- Couples
- Hot sleepers
- Side and back sleepers
The Sparrow Mattress from Nest Bedding is a foam hybrid model available in three different firmness options – soft (3), medium (5), and firm (7). Regardless of the firmness option you choose, you’ll receive excellent cushioning from the foam comfort system and ample support from the coils.
The bed is designed with three layers of foam over a 6-inch coil system. A top memory foam layer closely cradles your body, followed by a polyfoam Energex layer with a responsive feel and another polyfoam layer with enhanced support. The Energex layer varies in firmness depending on the model you choose, but our testers found that all three models offer a well-cushioned surface.
Thanks to the thick foam comfort system, the mattress excelled at motion isolation tests in our sleep lab. This means you’ll feel very little motion transfer when your sleep partner shifts in the middle of the night. The bed also offers excellent pressure relief, especially in the soft and medium models. This appealed to testers who typically experience pressure buildup in the shoulders, hips, or spine.
During tests, the firm model earned high marks from many of our testers, especially back and side sleepers over 130 pounds. Side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers up to 130 pounds enjoyed the medium model. The soft model earned good reviews from side sleepers up to 130 pounds, but side sleepers in heavier weight categories may prefer a firmer option.
Some heat buildup is to be expected for beds with foam comfort systems, but the Sparrow felt temperature-neutral for many of our testers – even those who normally sleep hot. Phase change material infused into the cover offsets heat retention. Meanwhile airflow through the coil system helps ventilate the mattress to keep it cool.
Nest Bedding offers a 365-night sleep trial, so you’ll have plenty of time to decide if the Sparrow is a good fit. In addition, the bed comes with a lifetime warranty. Customers residing in the contiguous U.S. receive free shipping.
Shopping for beds can be a challenge for couples, especially if one sleeper is sensitive to a sleep partner’s nighttime movements. But the Sparrow is a well-rounded bed with plenty of foam cushioning to absorb motion created by restless co-sleepers.
Best for Hip Pain
Bear Pro
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $998 – $1,623
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Highlights
- Mixed-foam design delivers even contouring without too much give
- Celliant cover engineered to sleep cool and help the body recover
- All orders include a 365-night trial/return period
Ideal For
- Side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds
- Those who frequently wake up with aches and pains
- People who usually sleep hot on foam beds
People with hip pain, much like those with back pain, usually need a mattress that cushions the body while maintaining even support. Many all-foam mattresses meet these criteria, but the Bear Pro takes pain relief a bit further with a cover made of Celliant fabric. This material is engineered to absorb heat and convert it to infrared energy – a process that is thought to promote better circulation and help your body recover while you sleep. While our testers had varying experiences with Celliant and some felt the effects more than others, most of us agreed that the Bear Pro’s medium firm (6) feel and all-foam design make the mattress a great choice for sleepers with persistent pain or pressure points around the hips.
Among our testing team, the Pro earned its most favorable ratings from side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. These testers received ample cushioning and adequate support with little to no sinkage. This is due in part to the Pro’s construction, which features a top layer of polyfoam over a second comfort layer of memory foam. We noted a lightly responsive feel to the surface, followed by gentle cradling as our bodies settled into the mattress.
Celliant fabric is also designed to sleep cool, helping to offset uncomfortable heat absorption from the foam layers. Our sensors detected some heat buildup, but much less compared to the average all-foam mattress. Another area where the Pro fared well was motion isolation. There was very little motion transfer during our side-by-side sleep tests.
If you experience chronic hip pain but medium firm mattresses feel too soft, the Bear Original – a firm (7) all-foam mattress – might be a better fit. This model scored slightly better among our side and back sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds. Both of these mattresses come with year-long sleep trials and lifetime warranties. Customers in the contiguous U.S. also receive free ground shipping.
Thanks to its cushioning all-foam design and mid-range firmness, the Bear Pro should appeal to side and back sleepers who experience frequent hip pain. The cooling, performance-minded Celliant cover is another standout feature of this mattress.
“The all-foam design of the Bear Pro offered ample pressure relief for testers who tend to experience uncomfortable pressure buildup in the hips – or any joints, for that matter.”
Best Organic
Birch Mattress
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,349 – $2,099
Warranty: 25 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Durable, supportive, and responsive latex hybrid construction
- Breathable cover fabric, ventilated latex, and open coils ensure excellent cooling
- Cotton and wool components are certified as organic
Ideal For
- Anyone who enjoys the feel of a bouncy mattress
- Those who tend to sweat in their sleep
- Eco-conscious individuals
Organic mattresses have made waves in recent years as a more sustainable alternative to beds made with mostly synthetic materials. Along with their high-quality materials, many organic models carry steep price-points. The Birch Mattress not only uses organic cotton and wool, as well as natural latex, but is also accessible for most shopping budgets.
The Birch’s eco-friendly design begins with a cover made of cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, a leading authority for ethically and sustainably sourced fabrics. A layer of organic wool quilted to the bottom of the cover acts as a natural fire barrier. We found the breathable cotton combined with moisture-wicking wool makes the Birch’s surface feel very cool. Another temperature-regulating component is the latex, which is ventilated to promote air circulation close to your body.
The support core consists of pocketed coils in a zoned formation with extra reinforcement along the edges. The natural responsiveness of latex coupled with the sturdy coil support allowed our testing team to move across the mattress easily and get out of bed without sinking too much. Latex is also much more durable that the foam or fibers used in other mattress layers. Using estimations based on design characteristics like material quality and layer thickness, we expect the Birch to perform for at least seven to eight years before the mattress needs to be replaced.
The Birch’s price-point is lower than many competing models, as latex hybrids tend to be expensive. Shipping is also free to the 50 states, and each order comes with two free pillows. Your purchase includes a 100-night sleep trial, as well as a warranty that covers structural defects for up to 25 years.
The Birch Mattress uses natural and organic components to create a design that sleeps cool, resists wear and tear, and leaves a relatively small footprint. The latex hybrid design is ideal for people who don’t care for the deep hug of memory foam.
“It's hard to find a mattress made with truly organic materials, but the Birch Mattress really hits all the marks with certified organic textiles. The latex also keeps the surface nice and cool for hot sleepers.”
Best Firm Option
Plank Firm
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Firm (7), Extra Firm (9)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King, Short Full, Short Queen, Olympic Queen, Short King, RV King
Price Range: $699 – $1,499
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Reversible construction featuring two sides with exceptionally firm feels
- Optional cooling panel can reduce heat buildup on the surface
- Mattress is sold in 14 different sizes
Ideal For
- Back and stomach sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds
- Those who usually sink excessively on all-foam beds
- Value seekers
The majority of mattresses sold today fall between medium soft and medium firm, or a 4 to 6 on the firmness scale. This aligns with our industry research, which has found that most people value “balance” as one of the most important mattress qualities. However, there are certainly outliers who prefer their mattresses either very soft or very firm. If you’re looking for a very firm bed, the flippable, all-foam Plank Firm should suit your needs.
One side of the mattress is considered firm (7). We noticed some light contouring on this side, which comes from padding material quilted to the cover and a comfort layer of TitanFlex foam. TitanFlex has a responsive feel that makes it closer to latex than memory foam in terms of support and bounciness. The opposite side is extra firm (9), and only has the padding material. If you enjoy sleep surfaces that feel flat as a board, then this surface should do nicely. We’ve tested very few mattresses that match the even support of the Plank Firm’s extra firm side.
Our testing shows certain types of sleepers feel more comfortable on exceptionally firm mattresses than others. For instance, people who weigh more than 230 pounds typically need a mattress that won’t sink too much around the midsection and interfere with even spinal alignment. Testers on our team who fall into this weight group rated both sides of the Plank Firm as either good or excellent. The same holds true for most back and stomach sleepers, who generally need less cushioning and more support than side sleepers.
People who sleep hot on foam are also good matches for this mattress. A firmer feel means less sinkage and more surface airflow, as evidenced by our temperature sensor readings. If you’re someone who sleeps very hot, you can order a PCM cooling panel to be sewn onto both sides of the Plank Firm. We tested models with or without the panel and both sleep reasonably cool, but the PCM panel offers a noticeable boost.
At 70 pounds in a queen size, the Plank Firm is relatively lightweight. Two people should be able to lift and flip the mattress whenever needed. A wide range of sizes makes the Plank Firm suitable for single sleepers, couples with or without adjustable beds, children, and RV owners. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S., and each order comes with a 120-night trial and 10-year warranty.
The flippable Plank Firm is ideal for anyone who has struggled to find a mattress that feels supportive enough. Both sides feel exceptionally firm, and a lightweight design allows for easy rotations.
“Most foam beds we've tested have a mid-range firmness level, but both sides of the Plank felt extremely firm. The bed felt especially comfortable for testers who sleep on their stomach or weigh more than 230 pounds.”
Best Pressure Relief
WinkBeds GravityLux
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Firm (7)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,199 – $1,999
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- High-density memory foam contours evenly and resists early wear and tear
- Zoned transitional layer provides firm cushioning for the torso and hips
- Available in three firmness levels
Ideal For
- Sleepers who are unsure which firmness level is best for them
- Those with persistent aches, pains, or pressure points
- People who share their bed with a partner
If your mattress doesn’t provide the right combination of cushioning and support, you’re likely to wake up with soreness of pressure points in areas like the shoulders, back, and hips. The GravityLux from WinkBeds is a safe bet for alleviating pressure thanks in part to its firmness selection. This all-foam mattress is available in medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) designs. Each has a distinct feel from the other two, and each earned high ratings from different members of our testing team.
The GravityLux’s top layer is an adaptive polyfoam material that contours to the body yet also feels slightly responsive. This is followed by a second comfort layer of high-density memory foam, which hugs the body and evenly distributes your weight without the sagging or loss of support people often notice with low- or medium-density foams. The top polyfoam layer adds to the balanced feel. The transitional and base layers are both composed of high-density polyfoam. The former is zoned for added reinforcement around the midsection where people tend to carry most of their weight.
Our testers who weigh less than 130 pounds preferred the medium soft (4) GravityLux – especially side sleepers in this weight group. Deep cushioning coupled with sturdy support allowed them to lie comfortably, and our sensors detected little to no pressure buildup. The medium firm (6) version of the mattress earned its highest ratings from side and back sleepers on our team weighing up to 230 pounds, as well as stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. They enjoyed the light contouring and cushioning, and sinkage was minimal. The firm (7) GravityLux was most popular among our side and back sleepers over 230 pounds and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. This mattress had a firmer, more supportive feel than the vast majority of memory foam mattresses we’ve tested in our lab.
As with the flagship WinkBed, the GravityLux is backed by a 120-night sleep trial that includes free exchanges for different firmness levels. If the GravityLux you initially select isn’t right for you, you can send the mattress back to the company and try out a softer or firmer model. Shipping is free for all orders in the contiguous U.S., and each mattress is backed by a lifetime warranty.
The GravityLux showcases the superior quality and well-rounded performance of high-density memory foam. With three firmness options available, just about anyone can find a model that provides the right combination of cushioning and support.
“The WinkBeds GravityLux comes in three firmness levels, so there's really a firmness level for everyone. But one trait all three options shared was excellent pressure relief, thanks largely to the all-foam design.”
Best for Heavy Sleepers
Titan Plus Luxe
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King
Price Range: $899 – $1,549
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Responsive foams and robust coils provide support and facilitate easy movement
- Steady airflow helps cool off the mattress
- Sturdy hybrid design specifically geared toward people who weigh 230 pounds or more
Ideal For
- Sleepers who need extra support from their mattress
- People who tend to overheat or sweat while they sleep
- Shoppers with limited funds
Body weight is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a new mattress. People who weigh more than 230 pounds typically need a mattress that resists deep compression and keeps their body on an even plane, rather than sinking or buckling beneath the torso and hips. The Titan Luxe Hybrid is specifically designed for people in this weight group, and it shows. All of our testers who weigh at least 230 pounds agreed the mattress provides excellent overall support, citing plenty of push-back with just enough cushioning on the surface to keep them comfortable.
The Titan Luxe Hybrid’s Euro-top cover contains a quilted layer of memory foam, followed by two denser polyfoam layers. The mattress is medium firm (6) but we noticed more support and responsiveness compared to other models we’ve tested with the same firmness level. Thick pocketed coils delivered plenty of reinforcement to maintain an even surface, prevented deep sinkage when our testers moved across the mattress, and protected the edges when they got in and out of bed. The mattress was particularly popular with the side and back sleepers on our team.
Like a lot of competing hybrids, the Titan Luxe Hybrid generates air circulation through its coil layer to cool down the mattress during the night. Our sensors showed very little heat buildup during our temperature control tests. If you need an extra burst of cooling while you sleep, you should consider adding a PCM panel to the surface of your mattress. This increases the sticker price, but may be worth the extra money if you’re an exceptionally hot sleeper.
An approachable price-point – even with the cooling panel added – makes the Titan Luxe Hybrid a good option for shoppers on a budget. Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. A 120-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty are included with each order.
The Titan Luxe Hybrid is designed for light cushioning, exceptional support, and unrestricted movement for people who weigh more than 230 pounds. The mattress should appeal to anyone in this weight range who normally finds memory foam hybrids too soft.
“The Titan Luxe Hybrid offered excellent support to our testers who weigh over 230 pounds. Thanks to the light cushioning in the Euro-top, none of our testers complained about pressure buildup.”
Why You Should Trust Us
For this guide to the best mattresses sold today, we drew from tests we’ve conducted on hundreds of mattress models. Each member of our expert team has years of experience researching, evaluating, and recommending mattresses. In order to ensure our ratings are inclusive of all sleepers, we relied on feedback from product testers with different body types, preferred sleep positions, and general mattress preferences.
Our hands-on testing process looks at a wide range of design elements and performance areas. These include:
Motion Isolation
A mattress with great motion isolation absorbs movement on one side of the bed and prevents it from transferring across the surface. This quality is most important to people who share their mattress with a partner. To test for motion isolation, we ask two testers to lie side by side on a mattress and feel for movement from the other person. We also compress the mattress with kettlebells to measure impacted areas and use a container of water at the other end of the mattress to evaluate surface stability. Lastly, our in-home testers measure waves of movement on the mattress using vibration-sensing technology.
Temperature Neutrality
This performance category refers to how well a mattress maintains a comfortable temperature that is neither too warm nor too cold. Our temperature neutrality tests begin with the “hot bottle test,” during which we place a heated water thermos on the mattress for a set amount of time and record how long it takes for the heat to dissipate to measure heat absorption. Testers of varying weights also take turns lying on the mattress in different positions to see if the mattress sleeps too warm for side, back, or stomach sleepers. We rely on thermal technology to measure heat buildup on the mattress surface.
Pressure Relief
People experience pressure points in areas like the hips and shoulders due to uneven alignment and lack of support. A mattress can either reduce or worsen pressure buildup. To test for pressure relief, our testers take turns lying down on a mattress in different positions to see if they experience pressure in the shoulders, back, or hips. We rely on body-mapping sensors, which use color-coded imaging to display areas of the body where pressure buildup occurs.
Edge Support
To determine whether a mattress feels stable along the edges, we conduct a series of tests that mimic everyday movements. These include lying in the middle of the mattress and rolling toward the edge, sitting along the perimeter to tie shoes, and getting in and out of bed. While these actions take place, we measure how much compression occurs along the edges and how well the perimeter recovers after the compression is removed. This is also known as the “press test.”
Ease of Movement
A mattress with a responsive, springy surface is usually easier to move across than one that contours or sinks beneath your weight. We test ease of movement by first asking testers to crawl across the mattress, pressing as deeply as possible to gauge how restrictive the surface is. We also place kettlebells in the center, then time how long the surface needs to recover its full shape.
Off-Gassing
Off-gassing refers to chemical odors you may notice after unboxing a new mattress. Most new mattresses emit some sort of smell, but certain materials are associated with stronger, more unpleasant odors. After unboxing each mattress that arrives in our lab, we set a timer and use a subjective “smell test” to evaluate off-gassing at intervals of 10 minutes, one hour, three hours, and 24 hours. Most off-gassing comes from the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in synthetic foam. Using a VOC meter, we’ll measure the concentration of these compounds in the room where the mattress is kept relative to a room with normal VOC levels.
Sex
To generate ratings for sex, we draw from other performance areas that can affect how a mattress feels during sexual activity. These include responsiveness and ease of movement, contouring level, noise, temperature control, and edge support.
Body Weight
Mattress comfort is highly subjective and largely based on body weight. We base our sleeper recommendations on feedback from testers in three different weight groups: less than 130 pounds, 130 to 230 pounds, and more than 230 pounds.
What Do I Need to Know About Mattresses to Get a Good Night’s Sleep?
If you’re new to the mattress-buying process, we’ve got you covered. We’ll dig into the importance of mattress firmness, pros and cons of each mattress type, and the process of buying and testing out a new mattress.
Find the Type of Mattress That Works for You
Mattresses fall into certain categories based on their material construction. Each mattress type has a distinct feel and design that affects how it performs in certain areas. We’ll go over the basics of different mattress categories, how they compare to one another, and who benefits most from each type.
Pick the Right Mattress Firmness
Some mattresses are designed to feel soft and conform closely, while others are firmer and more supportive. There is no universal “best firmness” because the most comfortable mattress for any given person depends on factors like body weight and primary sleep position. We’ll break down our 10-point firmness scale and share some tips for pinpointing your ideal firmness level.
How to Shop for a New Mattress
Mattresses are widely available online and in stores. The question is where – and when – to buy them. We’ll discuss the advantages of buying a mattress online and in a store, common sales periods, mattress warranties, and shipping options and sleep trials for online mattress orders.
Mattress Materials
Memory Foam
What is Memory Foam? How To Make Memory Foam Sleep Cooler How Foam Density is Measured Is Memory Foam Toxic? Does Gel Foam Sleep Cooler?Other Materials
How is Latex Density Measured? Dunlop vs. Talalay Latex What is Celliant Fiber?Mattress Construction
Mattress Construction Mattress Comfort LayersMattress Care
Mattress Use
Can You Place a Mattress on the Floor? Do You Need a Box Spring? Should You Flip or Rotate Your Mattress? How Long Should a Mattress Last? When Should You Replace Your Mattress?Cleaning a Mattress
How to Clean a Mattress Getting the Urine Smell Out of a Mattress How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs How to Clean a Mattress TopperFixing a Mattress
How to Fix a Squeaky Bed How to Fix a Sagging Mattress How to Fix a Leaking Air Mattress How to Fix a Hole in an Air MattressMoving and Replacing
How to Ship a Mattress Signs and Effects of a Bad Mattress How to Sell a Used Mattress Mattress DisposalBuying a Mattress
Shopping
How to Choose a Mattress How Much Does a Mattress Cost? Mattress Types The Best Place to Buy a Mattress The Best Time to Buy a Mattress How to Buy a Mattress Online Mattress Store Guide Mattress Trial Periods Mattress WarrantiesBed Sizes
Bed Frame Sizes Queen Bed Frame Size What is a Double Bed? What is a Trundle Bed?Mattress Comparisons
Foam vs. Innerspring Mattresses Firm vs. Soft Mattresses Foam vs. Latex Mattresses Pillow-Top vs. Euro-TopWhat Type of Mattress Is Best for Me?
The best mattress for any given sleeper largely depends on factors like weight, preferred position, and personal preferences. Each mattress on the market today features material and design elements that make it better suited to certain types of sleepers, and less so for others. Understanding how these elements affect your sleep experience can help you determine whether a particular mattress is best for you.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses are constructed with top layers of memory foam or polyfoam, and support layers of dense polyfoam. These mattresses conform to the body, creating a sensation many liken to sleeping “in” the mattress as opposed to resting “on” the surface. If you prefer the feel of a close body hug while you sleep, then you’re a prime candidate for a foam mattress.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrids combine the cushioning of an all-foam or all-latex mattress with the coil-based support and breathability of innersprings. Most hybrid mattresses contain thick foam or latex comfort layers, followed by a pocketed coil support core. A well-rounded design allows these mattresses to rate well across different performance categories, including pressure relief, motion isolation, temperature control, and edge support.
Latex Mattresses
Traditional all-latex mattresses contain latex layers that become progressively firmer and denser from top to bottom, resulting in a well-cushioned surface and supportive base. Latex contours to the body but also feels somewhat responsive and also sleeps fairly cool. Anyone who dislikes the deep body hug or hotter feel of memory foam should consider a latex mattress instead.
Airbed Mattresses
Airbeds feature support cores with air chambers, which you can inflate or deflate to adjust the firmness level in certain areas of the sleep surface. Most airbeds also contain thin comfort layers of foam or latex. Airbeds offer unmatched customization options for single sleepers and couples, but on average they’re the most expensive mattress type by a landslide.
What About Innerspring Beds?
Traditional innerspring mattresses are constructed with thin comfort layers and thick coil systems, resulting in sturdy support and exceptional responsiveness but usually underperforms in areas like pressure relief and motion isolation. Hybrids have thicker comfort layers and less disruptive coils than traditional innersprings, resulting in a more balanced performance, but some manufacturers use the terms “hybrid” and “innerspring” interchangeably.
Quick Comparison of Mattress Types
| All-Foam | Hybrid | Latex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort System Size | Significant | Significant | Medium to Significant |
| Comfort System Material | Memory foam, polyfoam, latex, and/or fabrics | Micro-coils, memory foam, polyfoam, latex, and/or fabrics | Latex |
| Support Core | Base Polyfoam | Innerspring Coils | Latex |
| Typical Longevity | 6 to 8 years | 6 to 8 years | 6 to 10 years |
| General Price Range | $900-1,300 | $1,500-2,000 | $1,600-2,000 |
| Most Common Strengths | Pressure relief, motion isolation, quiet performance, affordability | Ease of movement, sturdiness, edge support, temperature control | Ease of movement, temperature control, durability |
| Most Common Weaknesses | Reduced ease of movement, heat retention, off-gassing | Insufficient pressure relief, motion transfer, noise, higher average price | Insufficient pressure relief, motion transfer, heavy/bulky, higher average price |
What Type of Mattress Is Best for Back Pain?
The best mattress for back pain cradles your spine and conforms to your body without sinking too much beneath your weight. Body weight is a major factor. A softer mattress may provide adequate support and pain relief if you weigh less than 130 pounds, but sink too far and create back pain if you weigh more. Likewise, if you are a person with back pain who weighs more than 230 pounds, you may need a firm mattress that lighter individuals would find too rigid or stiff. A mattress with a mid-range firmness can be a good starting point for determining if a softer or firmer surface is needed to alleviate your back pain.
How to Find the Right Mattress Firmness for You
Firmness refers to how much or how little a mattress contours to your body and sinks beneath your weight. We utilize hands-on tests to pinpoint firmness and base our recommendations for each mattress on how its firmness level serves different types of sleepers.
Our Firmness Scale
We judge mattress firmness using a 10-point scale, with 1 being as soft as possible and 10 being extremely firm. The numbers break down like this:
- Extra Soft (1-2): The mattress sinks very deeply and lacks the support to withstand much weight over 130 pounds.
- Soft (3): Deep contouring occurs, but the base layers offer a noticeable measure of support.
- Medium Soft (4): Thick comfort layers over a substantive support system create a semi-balanced feel with an emphasis on cushioning.
- Medium (5): An even ratio of comfort and support materials results in moderate contouring and limited sinkage.
- Medium Firm (6): The mattress offers light yet noticeable contouring and fairly sturdy support. In our experience, this is the most popular firmness level.
- Firm (7-8): The mattress shouldn’t sink much for people who weigh 130 pounds or more, but cushioning materials may provide slight plushness on the surface.
- Extra Firm (9-10): Little to no contouring occurs and the surface feels completely even.
Most mattresses made today fall between 3 and 7 on our scale. The best firmness for any given person largely depends on two factors, sleep position and body type.
Your Sleeping Position and the Right Firmness for You
Side sleeping can interfere with spinal alignment if there is insufficient cushioning for the shoulders, lower back, and hips. This is why side sleepers usually prefer softer mattresses. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers face fewer alignment issues, but most need a firmer mattress to avoid uncomfortable sinkage around the midsection where weight is often concentrated.
Your Body Weight and the Right Firmness for You
People who weigh less than 130 pounds may need a softer mattress that contours closely to alleviate back pain, whereas people weighing over 230 pounds tend to feel more comfortable on firmer beds that don’t sink much. If you fall between 130 and 230 pounds, a mattress with a medium soft to medium firm feel should provide a good balance of gentle cushioning and even support.
Putting It All Together
After personally testing hundreds of mattresses, we’ve determined which mattress types are best suited to sleepers belonging to different body type and position groups. Generally speaking, side sleepers prefer softer mattresses than back and stomach sleepers. Likewise, people who weigh less than 130 pounds often need a softer mattress to feel comfortable, whereas sleepers who weigh more may need additional support.
The table below represents a summary of our findings regarding the best mattress for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers in different weight categories.
Less Than 130 Pounds | 130 to 230 Pounds | More Than 230 Pounds | |
|---|---|---|---|
Side Sleepers | Soft (3) to Medium (5) | Medium Soft (4) to Medium Firm (6) | Medium (5) to Firm (7) |
Back Sleepers | Medium Soft (4) to Medium Firm (6) | Medium (5) to Firm (7) | Medium Firm (6) to Firm (8) |
Stomach Sleepers | Medium Soft (4) to Medium Firm (6) | Medium Firm (6) to Firm (7) | Medium Firm (6) to Extra Firm (9) |
How Can I Figure out What My Firmness Preferences Are?
Finding your ideal firmness will probably involve product research and a healthy dose of trial and error. While our recommendations are based on in-depth product analysis, “ideal firmness” is highly subjective and your personal preferences may not align with other people who share your general body type or primary sleep position. We encourage everyone to try mattresses with different materials and firmness levels in order to find a mattress that best meets their needs.
Is a Firm Mattress Better for Back Pain?
The best mattress for back pain should cushion the spine, maintain even support, and resist deep sinkage beneath areas of your body where more weight is concentrated. Depending on how much you weigh and the sleep position you prefer, a soft or firm mattress may provide the best back pain relief. If you live with chronic or recurring back pain, we recommend speaking to your physician about finding the right mattress.
What if I'm Still Not Sure What Firmness I Need?
In our experience, the best way to pinpoint your ideal firmness level is to test out as many mattresses as possible. Many mattresses are sold in different firmness levels to accommodate different types of sleepers. Testing out an airbed is another way to narrow down what feels best for your body, since you can adjust the firmness quickly as you lay on one.
Certain mattress models also give you the opportunity to evaluate multiple firmness levels in one design. These include:
- Flippable Mattresses: These models have a sleep surface on the top and bottom sides. In most cases, the sides have different firmness levels.
- Dual-Firmness Mattresses: These mattresses are geared toward couples with contrasting firmness preferences. They feature different firmness levels on the left and right sides.
- Mattresses with Adjustable Layers: While somewhat rare, these mattresses have modular designs that allow you change the firmness by swapping out layers or rearranging their top-to-bottom order. Most of the beds we’ve found with this design are all-latex models.
One thing to remember is that many online mattress brands offer sleep trials, giving you the chance to test out your new mattress before committing to it. Most sleep trials last at least 90 nights, giving you plenty of time to make an informed decision, and many companies include free return shipping for dissatisfied customers.
We recommend trying to find the best match you can as a starting point, and double-checking your bed’s fine print before you buy to ensure you can return it if it doesn’t work out. We’ve found that most people need an adjustment period to get used to sleeping on a new bed every night, so we encourage sleepers to try out new beds for at least 30 days to give them a fair try.
How Do I Shop for a New Mattress?
If you’re buying a mattress for the first time, you may be unsure about where to shop, what to look for, and how much you should expect to spend. We’ll cover the nuts and bolts of buying a mattress below.
If you’re buying a mattress for the first time, you may be unsure about where to shop, what to look for, and how much you should expect to spend. We’ll cover the nuts and bolts of buying a mattress below.
Buying Online vs. In-Store
Shopping for a new mattress in a brick-and-mortar store has certain advantages. These include being able to physically lie down on a mattress and speak to a trained expert. However, buying a mattress online allows you to avoid crowds and complete your purchase from the comfort of your own home. Pricing is another consideration. Mattress stores carry higher overhead costs and typically charge more for mattresses compared to online brands, so you’ll probably save some money by buying online.
Do Your Research and Wait for a Mattress Sale
Online and in-store mattress sales are common throughout the calendar year. If you’re shopping on a budget, a sales period is the best time to buy a mattress. The biggest mattress sales coincide with federal holidays like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. In recent years, many mattress brands have also embraced shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Additionally, some sellers offer year-round discounts and promotions. We recommend taking time to nail down your ideal mattress based on construction and firmness, then waiting until a sales period to make your purchase – you may be able to save hundreds of dollars if you do.
Sleep Trials, Warranties, and Free Shipping
Free ground shipping is standard for online mattress orders. The mattress is compressed into a box and delivered directly to your door. All you have to do is move the box to the room where you want the bed, remove the mattress from the packaging, and let it expand to its full size. If you would like or need assistance setting up a new mattress, many brands offer full-service White Glove delivery for an added charge.
The vast majority of online mattresses come with sleep trials of at least 90 nights, and some last up to a year. Return shipping is usually included. These trials are a great way to test out a mattress for a lengthy period without committing to it.
Most new mattresses come with warranties against structural defects that occur during production, such as top layers that break down too quickly or improperly installed coils. These warranties usually cover the mattress for 10 to 25 years. If you notice a defect in your mattress during the warranty period, contact the manufacturer – you may be entitled to free repairs or a brand new replacement mattress.
Make sure you read the fine print on your warranty when you’re setting up a new mattress. Some warranties are very specific about details around storage and use of the bed, so it’s possible to void your warranty on accident by storing a mattress on its side or using the wrong kind of bed base.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Lead Product Tester
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- Position: Side Sleeper
- Temperature: Hot Sleeper
- Chronotype: Lion
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