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The Consumer Product Safety Commission and FXI Inc., manufacturer of the Novaform ComfortGrande, have issued a joint recall for the 14-inch version of the mattress due to possible mold exposure.
The recall impacts only Novaform ComfortGrande models manufactured in FXI’s San Bernardino, California, facility between January 2, 2023, and April 30, 2023. Customers should check the tags of their mattresses to determine whether their model is included in the recall, and then contact FXI for a replacement or refund. The CPSC and FXI have additional information about the recall on their websites.
If you crave a slow-sinking, pressure-relieving mattress that will cradle you all night, a foam mattress might be just right. We’ve weeded through the endless foam-mattress options online and recommend six.
For a traditional coil mattress or for a mattress that combines springs and foam, we’ve reviewed the best innerspring mattresses and the best hybrid mattresses.
If you’re on a tighter budget, check out our guide to the best cheap mattresses (under $500).
Combining the best elements of memory-foam and spring mattresses, this has better cooling and a thicker cover than the competition, and it comes at a great price.
The 11-inch Leesa Sapira Hybrid has remained a strong favorite through multiple rounds of testing. Hybrid mattresses feature both foam and coils, and this mattress’s memory-foam top provides good pressure relief, while its spring layer adds a gentle bounce.
The high-quality, durable materials make it a good value, and we think it would work well for stomach-, back-, and side-sleepers, as well as for those who weigh more than 200 pounds.
It comes with a 100-day trial period and a 10-year warranty.
Our pick Tempur-Adapt (Medium Hybrid)Super-comfortable, but pricey With a luxurious slow-sinking foam and sturdy edge support, this feels leagues ahead of most mattresses we tried. But it’s also relatively pricey.Buying Options$2,199 from Tempur-Pedic (queen) free white glove delivery service$2,449 from Home Depot (queen) $2,449 from Wayfair (queen)
With a luxurious slow-sinking foam and sturdy edge support, this feels leagues ahead of most mattresses we tried. But it’s also relatively pricey.
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Tempur-Pedic’s least expensive model is one of the best hybrid memory-foam mattresses we tested, and it’s a good option if you want the classic curve-conforming feel of a Tempur-Pedic bed without spending $3,000 to $5,000 for a queen.
The 11-inch Tempur-Adapt has a pronounced hug. Yet it feels completely supportive (including at the edges, so you don’t fall off), which many of our testers loved.
The line’s Medium Hybrid version also has a coil layer that keeps you from feeling completely stuck in foam. It’s suitable for a range of sleep positions and body types, including for people who weigh more than 200 pounds,
It comes with a 10-year warranty and a 90-day trial period. But if you return this mattress, you’ll have to pay steep shipping costs.
A thick quilted top and high foam densities make this feel more substantial and durable than mattresses that cost less than $1,000. It arrives unboxed, so it’s also less likely to off-gas in your home.
Saatva’s Loom & Leaf (Relaxed Firm) was the best-looking and arguably the best-feeling springless model we tested. Its thick quilted cover prevents the top from feeling spongy, and there’s virtually no motion transfer.
Compared with cheaper all-foam mattresses, the 12-inch Loom & Leaf is made with denser foam, which may help it last longer (and also makes it good for people who weigh over 200 pounds). It comes in two firmness levels, and should work for a variety of sleep positions.
The lifetime warranty and 365-day trial period are particularly generous. But if you do end up returning the Loom & Leaf, you’ll have to pay a shipping fee of nearly $100.
This Costco favorite is a great value, with foam as dense as many mattresses that cost twice as much. Testers loved its cuddly yet supportive feel, but some found it too firm.
Wirecutter testers who like the 14-inch Novaform ComfortGrande, sold by Costco consistently note its comfortably supportive feel and good value. It has a loose-cuddly sensation without a pronounced memory-foam sink.
We think it’s best for back- and stomach-sleepers, or for side-sleepers who like firmer mattresses. Its foam densities suggest it should be durable, though it’s not the best pick for people who weigh more than 200 pounds.
The Novaform ComfortGrande comes with a 20-year warranty. And, thanks to Costco’s generous return policy (the best we’ve seen), you can arrange for a free pickup and full refund at any time.
With a soft top and firm under layer, this mattress feels supportive yet cushioned. It’s also easier to move around on, because it’s not made with memory foam.
Because the Tuft & Needle New Original doesn’t have a memory-foam top, it’s easier to move around on than most bed-in-a-box mattresses, which is why we recommend it for people who rotate frequently throughout the night.
It’s a great choice if you want the convenience and affordability of a foam bed without the sinking sensation of memory foam. However, this mattress probably isn’t durable enough for those who weigh more than 200 pounds (as is true of most under-$1,000 queen mattresses).
It comes with a 100-day trial and a 10-year warranty.
Good latex mattresses are expensive, but we think this one is a decent value. It should prove more durable and breathable (and thus feel cooler) than many foam mattresses.
If you prefer latex mattresses, which tend to be more breathable, durable, and springier than memory-foam or polyfoam models, Saatva’s Zenhaven offers the best combination of comfort and value of those we’ve tested.
The 10-inch Zenhaven feels supple but still supportive, with a springiness similar to that of a traditional coil mattress. It’s a good choice for back- or stomach-sleepers, or for side-sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress. The two-sided Zenhaven is flippable and has two firmness levels: medium-firm and a bit firmer.
Zenhaven offers a 365-day trial (though you have to pay a shipping cost of nearly $100 to return the mattress) and a lifetime warranty.
Combining the best elements of memory-foam and spring mattresses, this has better cooling and a thicker cover than the competition, and it comes at a great price.
With a luxurious slow-sinking foam and sturdy edge support, this feels leagues ahead of most mattresses we tried. But it’s also relatively pricey.
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A thick quilted top and high foam densities make this feel more substantial and durable than mattresses that cost less than $1,000. It arrives unboxed, so it’s also less likely to off-gas in your home.
This Costco favorite is a great value, with foam as dense as many mattresses that cost twice as much. Testers loved its cuddly yet supportive feel, but some found it too firm.
With a soft top and firm under layer, this mattress feels supportive yet cushioned. It’s also easier to move around on, because it’s not made with memory foam.
Good latex mattresses are expensive, but we think this one is a decent value. It should prove more durable and breathable (and thus feel cooler) than many foam mattresses.
We’ve been testing mattresses since 2016. Over the years:
Here’s the core truth about mattresses: It’s impossible to find one that works for everybody. The best any mattress can do, our experts told us, is feel amazing for a small group of people, work well for some people, and do okay for the majority of people. Comfort and support depend on a host of different factors, including your weight, your musculoskeletal health, your body’s temperature gauge, and your personal preferences, to name just a few.
The only generalization we can make is that, to a certain extent, you get what you pay for. The higher-end mattresses we’ve tested typically (though not always) offer denser foam, more layers, and a smoother transition from top to bottom. However, when we’ve looked within each price category (budget, moderate, high-end), we’ve been hard-pressed to find a runaway winner or loser. In other words, an $1,800 mattress may often have more fans than a $600 mattress, but a $600 mattress doesn’t necessarily beat out a $500 mattress. We can’t claim that any of our top picks are the “most comfortable” for everyone by any stretch. Instead, we focus on models with a broad enough appeal and a good price for the quality of the components offered. We also prefer companies that are transparent and specific about the materials they use. After all, how can customers confidently plunk down $1,000 or more if they don’t know what they’re getting?
Most foam mattresses claim to be medium-firm (the medium-rare of the mattress industry), but our tests and other reviewers have found a huge range within that middle.
Another (very general) guideline: If you weigh more than 200 pounds, consider investing in a mattress with higher foam densities, which should make the mattress more durable. (Mattresses with higher foam densities are also typically more expensive.) Throughout this guide we’ve marked which mattresses we do and don’t recommend for people who weigh more than 200 pounds.
Most foam mattresses claim to be medium-firm (the medium-rare of the mattress industry), but our tests and other reviewers have found a huge range within that middle. Still, the stated firmness level can give you an indication of whether you’ll find a mattress comfortable. Side-sleepers tend to do better on the softer end of medium-firm; that’s because when they sleep, more of their body weight is concentrated on their hips and shoulders. Stomach-sleepers tend to need a medium-firm to slightly firmer mattress, not only to keep their head and neck aligned but also to cradle their knees or the front of their hips. A squarely medium-firm mattress often works best for back-sleepers, who distribute their weight more evenly and need support for the spine’s natural curve.
Keep in mind that you may prefer something other than what your sleep style naturally suggests; for instance, we think several of our medium-firm mattress picks would be comfortable for all sleep positions. If you’d like additional guidance on how to gauge whether a mattress is properly supporting and cushioning you, see our mattress buying guide.
We’ve collected all our big-picture mattress-buying advice to help you find a bed you’ll happily sleep on for years.
Combining the best elements of memory-foam and spring mattresses, this has better cooling and a thicker cover than the competition, and it comes at a great price.
Who it’s for: Side-, stomach-, and back-sleepers should all feel comfortable on the Leesa Sapira Hybrid. This mattress is especially good for people who change positions (aka rotators), because the springs make it easy to move around on. And it’s good for people who weigh more than 200 pounds.
How it feels: Medium end of medium-firm, though we’ve noticed online feedback describing it as firmer than that. The memory-foam top provides pressure relief, with a hug that doesn’t assertively pull you in, and the springs add a mellow bounce.
Why it’s great: We’ve recommended a version of the Leesa Sapira Hybrid since 2018. Along with the Tempur-Adapt, the Leesa has consistently earned more top votes in our panel tests than competing hybrid mattresses, including the hybrid versions of the Casper and Casper Wave, the Serta iComfort, and the Helix Plus. In our 2020 test, we tested the Leesa against three other hybrids, and 22 out of 29 testers chose it as their favorite or second favorite. “It has a good balance of sink and bounce, and it also has good edge support,” one participant reported.
Overheating (a common complaint with foam mattresses) didn’t crop up as a problem in any of the owner reviews we collected in our research on the Sapira.
Leesa makes five mattresses (not including their collection for kids). We’ve tested the Hybrid and the all-foam Leesa Original (the brand’s signature mattress, and one of our top picks back before the Hybrid was introduced). If you’re debating between the two, we think the Hybrid is nicer overall. (We have yet to test the Leesa Legend, another hybrid, or the Leesa Studio, the company’s entry-level model, but you can read about our first impressions.) Both the Leesa Sapira Hybrid and the Original create a loose cradling sensation, as opposed to the all-out hug that some memory-foam mattresses offer, and both come with a sturdy, seamless cover. But the Hybrid’s springs make it easier to move around on and provide better edge support. In addition, at 4 pounds per cubic foot, the memory-foam density of the Hybrid makes it more durable and firmer than the all-foam Leesa Original (which has a density of around 3 pounds per cubic foot).
The Hybrid’s higher foam density leads us to believe it would hold up well for people who are over 200 pounds. Most of our testers who weighted more than 200 pounds chose the Leesa Sapira Hybrid as their top pick or runner-up in the hybrid category.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: In our tests, the Hybrid had more motion transfer than the Tempur-Adapt, the other hybrid we highly recommend. If motion isolation or a more-distinct memory-foam feel is a high priority for you, we suggest you try out the all-foam Novaform ComfortGrande or the Loom & Leaf, or upgrade to the Tempur-Adapt, another higher-end hybrid we recommend. If you currently sleep on an innerspring mattress, you may be pleasantly surprised by the level of motion control you can get with a hybrid; as with any foam mattress, though, with a hybrid you might need to get used to the sensation of sleeping “in” your mattress as opposed to on top of it. If you want even more bounce combined with only a touch of memory-foam feel, we suggest you try the BedInABox Dual Hybrid (though it’s less dense and probably less durable for those over 200 pounds) or an innerspring mattress.
People who prefer soft mattresses will probably dislike the Leesa Sapira Hybrid; we’ve noticed that most online reviews mention it as being too firm, rather than too soft.
Trial, shipping, and returns: You can try the Leesa Sapira Hybrid (and the all-foam Leesa Signature) at select department stores; you can also try it at home for 100 nights and return it for a full refund if you don’t like it.
Materials: memory foam, polyfoam, 1,000 14½-gauge pocketed coils, polyester-blend cover Thickness: 11 inches Firmness options: only one available Free trial period: 100 nights Warranty: 10 years
With a luxurious slow-sinking foam and sturdy edge support, this feels leagues ahead of most mattresses we tried. But it’s also relatively pricey.
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Who it’s for: The Tempur-Adapt (Medium Hybrid) is suitable for stomach- and back-sleepers, as well as for side-sleepers who prefer firmer mattresses. It’s good for people who weigh more than 200 pounds.
How it feels: Medium-firm. The memory-foam top conforms snugly to the body, and the spring layer makes moving around easier but doesn’t add much bounce (unlike on the Leesa Sapira Hybrid).
Why it’s great: The Tempur-Pedic brand is known for its pronounced slow-sink cradling sensation, and the Tempur-Adapt is no different. The Medium Hybrid version’s layer of springs counteracts a bit of the stuck-in-foam feel that many memory-foam mattresses have, and a dedicated foam border gives it better edge support. It was among the most expensive mattresses we tried, but it felt a universe better than under-$1,000 foam mattresses. (The company also sells a just-as-substantial-looking, no-spring Medium version of the Tempur-Adapt, but we liked that the Hybrid was slightly easier to move around on and had a sturdier edge.)
Over three rounds of testing, more testers have chosen the Tempur-Adapt as their overall favorite than any other mattress. “It lets your body sink right in and feels immediately comfortable,” said one tester. “Soft” but still “supportive” was a common comment.
The edges of most foam mattresses collapse under body weight, but the Tempur-Adapt’s edge sank only a little.
After analyzing the Tempur-Adapt’s materials, we think it will be more durable and last longer than most popular online mattresses. The upper layers hit density values found in good-quality mattresses: 4½ pounds per cubic foot for the Tempur memory foam in the second layer and 2½ pounds per cubic foot for the proprietary polyfoam-like material in the top layer. Unlike many of the companies whose mattresses we tried in our brand-concealed test, Tempur-Pedic has been around for more than two decades, which suggests a proven track record. In other words, chances are good that the company will still be around a number of years from now if you happen to run into problems with the warranty.
The Tempur-Adapt is one of the least expensive mattresses Tempur-Pedic sells. So we think it’s a good way to experience the classic Tempur foam feel without having to spend around $3,000 and up on one of the company’s pricier models. (The Tempur-Cloud, the company’s bed-in-a-box offering, costs less than the Tempur-Adapt, but it uses different foams and has a slower, more shallow sink.) Tempur-Adapt mattresses are available to try out at a slew of locations, so you can decide for yourself whether the huggier-foam upgrade in the pricier lines is worth the expense.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Even though lots of our testers loved the Tempur-Adapt’s slow-sinking sensation, it’s definitely something you have to get accustomed to, especially if you’ve been sleeping on an innerspring mattress. Plus, the Tempur-Adapt is about twice as expensive as many of our other recommended foam mattresses. Typical for memory-foam mattresses, heat retention was a common complaint among the owner reviews we analyzed.
Trial, shipping, and returns: The return process appears to be more onerous than for most online brands—you have to pay the shipping cost, which can be well over $100. We recommend browsing in a store first. But be aware that if you purchase a Tempur-Pedic mattress at a third-party retailer, you’ll be subject to the retailer’s return policy, rather than to Tempur-Pedic’s.
Materials: memory foam, polyfoam, 1,160 16½-gauge pocketed coils, polyester cover Thickness: 11 inches Firmness options: only one firmness available Free trial period: 90 days Warranty: 10 years
A thick quilted top and high foam densities make this feel more substantial and durable than mattresses that cost less than $1,000. It arrives unboxed, so it’s also less likely to off-gas in your home.
Who it’s for: Side-sleepers should consider the Relaxed Firm version of the Loom & Leaf. Back- and stomach-sleepers, as well as people who weigh more than 200 pounds, should go for the Firm model.
How it feels: The Relaxed Firm version feels medium-firm, with a plush surface that cradles you instead of sucking you in. The Firm version feels much, much firmer and has a more conventional memory-foam sink.
Why it’s great: The all-foam Loom & Leaf is pricier than most online foam mattresses we’ve tested. But it offers upgraded features, enhanced comfort, stronger durability, and transparency about its materials, all of which we think make this mattress worth the extra cost.
In our past two group tests, we’ve compared the Loom & Leaf against two other all-foam mattresses that cost over $1,000: the Casper Wave (in 2019) and the Serta iComfort (in 2020). In both tests, the Loom & Leaf emerged as the preferred mattress, and we think it offers the better value. Many testers noted that the Loom & Leaf offered more cushioning and allowed them to sink in deeper than the Casper Wave and the Serta iComfort, meaning the Loom & Leaf is a particularly good choice for side-sleepers. Indeed, most testers who were side-sleepers preferred the Loom & Leaf over the Serta; back-, stomach-, and combo-sleepers (back and stomach) were more split between the two.
Unlike most memory-foam mattresses, which have a thin, sock-like fabric encasement, the Loom & Leaf has a thick quilted cover (similar to what you’d see on higher-end innerspring mattresses). The cover provides additional cushioning between you and the memory-foam layer, so the surface feels more pillowy—like you’re nestling in a cushion—compared with the sinking, conforming sensation of your typical memory-foam hug. The Loom & Leaf contains no springs, so it has no bounce and offers much more motion isolation than hybrid or innerspring mattresses.
We appreciate that Saatva, the maker of the Loom & Leaf, shares detailed information on the materials it uses, which is not the case with most mattress companies. What’s more, the Loom & Leaf contains some of the highest-quality materials we’ve seen in an online mattress: a 4-pounds-per-cubic-foot top layer of “gel-swirl” memory foam and a 5-pounds-per-cubic-foot inner layer of regular memory foam (most online mattresses use 3-pounds-per-cubic-foot foam). These densities suggest good durability, including for people who weigh more than 200 pounds. We talked to a friend who bought three Loom & Leaf mattresses (for herself and for two grown kids), and each has held up well over the past four years.
In our sleep test, the Loom & Leaf felt much cushier than any of the lower-priced foam mattresses we tried (including our favorite mattress under $1,000, the Novaform ComfortGrande). The Relaxed Firm version of the Loom & Leaf that we tested had just the right amount of give.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Despite the Loom & Leaf’s gel-swirl layer, it can retain heat (like most all-foam mattresses). Although the edge support is adequate, it’s not as firm as that of the Tempur-Adapt or the Serta iComfort.
If you prefer a mattress with less give, the Loom & Leaf also comes in Firm. But when we tested it, it felt tabletop-hard; you may find the Serta iComfort (see the notable contenders section) more comfortable. Testers who preferred the Serta over the Loom & Leaf described it as having a “firmer, more supportive feel.” The Serta also had a more noticeable memory-foam hug, though not as much as the Tempur-Adapt. Our under-$1,000 pick, the Novaform ComfortGrande, is another all-foam option with a firmer feel, but because the memory-foam density is between 3 and 3½ pounds per cubic foot (the company wouldn’t provide exact numbers), it’s probably best for those weighing less than 200 pounds.
We found complaints on Reddit about the Relaxed Firm version sagging for heavier people, so instead you might try the Firm (though, again, it’s very firm) or even the Tempur-Adapt, which also has dense foam but a more-distinct memory-foam hug, too.
Trial, shipping, and returns: The Loom & Leaf sidesteps a lot of the typical problems found in online all-foam mattresses. Instead of arriving squeezed into a box, it’s shipped by movers, which is nice since a boxed mattress can be heavy and unwieldy to unpack. Because the mattress isn’t wrapped tightly in plastic, it off-gasses in the factory, not in your home, and you don’t have to wait for it to inflate (or to wonder, “Is it done yet?”). You have up to 180 days to return or exchange the Loom & Leaf mattress after purchase, but you’re charged a shipping fee of nearly $100.
Materials: memory foam, polyfoam, 100% organic cotton cover Thickness: 12 inches Firmness options: Firm and Relaxed Firm Free trial period: 180 days Warranty: 15 years
This Costco favorite is a great value, with foam as dense as many mattresses that cost twice as much. Testers loved its cuddly yet supportive feel, but some found it too firm.
Who it’s for: The Novaform ComfortGrande is suitable for back- and stomach-sleepers, as well as for side-sleepers who prefer firmer mattresses. It is not recommended for those who weigh more than 200 pounds.
How it feels: The Novaform ComfortGrande comes in one firmness level, medium firm, and most of our testers agreed with the description. The surface is just billowy enough for you to feel nestled but not sunk in.
Why it’s great: At an online price of around $600 for a queen ($500 in-store, but you have to haul it home yourself), the Novaform ComfortGrande offers exceptional value. We first tested the Novaform in 2020, and more than half of the participants liked it better than any of the other under-$1,000 all-foam mattresses we tried. Six out of 29 testers even preferred the Novaform to the higher-end foam mattresses, hybrids, and latex beds. “It somehow manages to feel inviting and cushy, but my back is still well supported,” said a tester who’s a side- and back-sleeper.
The Novaform has a billowy surface and a gentle, cradling cuddle similar to that of the more expensive Loom & Leaf, though it’s not as plush.
The Novaform ComfortGrande’s slightly quilted top and 14-inch thickness make it look sturdier than most all-foam mattresses in its price range. The company wouldn’t reveal the exact foam density to us, but it did say that the memory-foam layer was in the range of 3 to 3½ pounds per cubic foot (typical of mattresses that cost around $1,000) and that the polyfoam was in the range of 1.8 to 2 pounds per cubic foot (similar to or denser than the mattresses we tried that cost around $1,000 or more). For people who weigh less than 200 pounds, we think the Novaform ComfortGrande will last as long as many of the more expensive foam mattresses (such as the Leesa Original or Casper Original) of similar densities. And Novaform even offers a 20-year warranty.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you aren’t a Costco member, you have to pay a 5% fee (about $30 extra for a queen when it’s not on sale). But even with the fee included, the Novaform ComfortGrande is still cheaper than all but one of our other picks.
Although a range of testers weighing from 125 pounds to over 200 liked this mattress, the top layer’s foam density (between 3 and 3½ pounds per cubic foot) makes it more likely to sag over time if you weigh over 200 pounds. For those over 200 pounds, experts suggest that there is less risk of sagging and deep indentations with memory foams that are at least 4 pounds per cubic foot (such as those found in the Leesa Sapira Hybrid or Tempur-Adapt) than with latex foams (such as those found in the Zenhaven). That said, if the polyfoam density of the Novaform ComfortGrande’s support layer is indeed closer to 2 pounds per cubic foot, the bed probably won’t outright hammock too quickly, even for those who weigh more than 200 pounds.
Customers have also complained that the ComfortGrande gives off a smell when it first arrives. Various Wirecutter staffers and I didn’t notice the odor at our large testing site, but it was obvious when we moved the mattress into my cramped bedroom the next day. The scent slowly dissipated over the weekend, but we’ve spotted a few online reviews that say it takes weeks. Another recurring online complaint is that the ComfortGrande takes a long time to inflate to its full height—and in some cases never fluffs up to 14 inches. We didn’t run into this problem, but if you do, Costco customer service seems consistently happy to offer a refund.
The edge support isn’t especially firm.
Like all mattresses, the Novaform ComfortGrande has been dismissed in online owner reviews as being both too soft and too firm, but at the time of our research, we spotted more complaints about the latter. If you usually like a super-plush mattress (or are a side-sleeper prone to sore shoulders), the Novaform ComfortGrande isn’t for you. (We suggest the Loom & Leaf, if you have the budget for it.) If you like a noticeably conforming memory-foam hug, the ComfortGrande is also not appropriate. (You might be happier spending more on the Tempur-Adapt.) If you don’t like a memory-foam feel at all, try the similarly priced, zero-memory-foam Tuft & Needle.
Trial, shipping, and returns: Sold only through Costco, the Novaform ComfortGrande mattress should arrive in three to five business days, notably quicker than many of the other mattresses we’ve tested. Thanks to Costco’s generous return policy, you can get a full refund and have your mattress picked up if you have a problem with it, for no fee.
Materials: memory foam, polyfoam Thickness: 14 inches Firmness options: only one firmness available Free trial period: According to Costco policy, you can return the mattress for a full refund at any time. Warranty: 20 years
With a soft top and firm under layer, this mattress feels supportive yet cushioned. It’s also easier to move around on, because it’s not made with memory foam.
Who it’s for: The Tuft & Needle New Original is good for every sleep position and especially for people who rotate from position to position. Not recommended for those who are over 200 pounds.
How it feels: Medium-firm. One tester described it as “firm, but soft on top.”
Why it’s great: For people who don’t like memory-foam sink, the Tuft & Needle New Original is a good mattress for the price. Because the Tuft & Needle New Original doesn’t have a memory-foam top layer, it’s easier to roll around on. “I liked the freedom to move,” said one tester who picked it as her favorite foam model in the room.
Its edge support was slightly better than on most of the under-$1,000 mattresses, and it isolated motion pretty well. The polyfoam layers are dense enough that they should be durable (the two layers are 1.8 and 2.8 pounds per square foot; experts say not to go below 1½ pounds for polyfoam).
Four Wirecutter staffers (all combo- and side-sleepers) who have been sleeping on the Tuft & Needle New Original report that they’re happy with it and that they still find it supportive after years of use. One staffer who has owned it for three years has noted some softening and indentations, but he says he finds it so comfortable that he’d buy another one.
Finally, we like that shoppers can try the mattress at the handful of Tuft & Needle stores and other retailers across the country.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: We also think this mattress is not a good choice for people who weigh more than 200 pounds. The top layer of foam, although of a decent density, is inherently less substantial than memory foam, and the mattress has no transition layer before you get to the firm support layer. In this case, we recommend checking out the Tempur-Adapt, the Loom & Leaf, or the Leesa Sapira Hybrid.
Trial, shipping, and returns: You can try the mattress for 100 nights, and, if you don’t like it, return the mattress for a refund. But the return policy sounds like a pain. Whereas many companies will arrange to pick up the mattress from you directly and deal with the donation or recycling themselves, Tuft & Needle will locate a charity in your area but will leave it up to you to make the pickup arrangements, ask for a receipt from the charity, and send that in for a refund from the company. If you purchase your mattress through Amazon or another retailer, you’ll need to follow their return policy.
Materials: polyfoam, micro-polyamide (a synthetic cotton-like material) and polyester cover Thickness: 10 inches Firmness options: only one firmness available Free trial period: 100 nights Warranty: 10 years
Good latex mattresses are expensive, but we think this one is a decent value. It should prove more durable and breathable (and thus feel cooler) than many foam mattresses.
Who it’s for: This flippable mattress is appropriate for sleepers of all positions. The Gentle Firm side provides extra support for back- and stomach-sleepers, and the softer, Luxury Plush side offers pressure relief for side-sleepers. The foam density should prove durable for those who weigh more than 200 pounds.
What it feels like: The two sides are distinct but not drastically different from each other. The Luxury Plush side is on the softer end of the medium-firm spectrum; it’s supple with just enough give to feel cushioned. Flip to the Gentle Firm side if you want a slightly firmer sensation (the company says it’s about 20% firmer, and that sounds about right to us).
Why it’s great: Latex mattresses typically feel springier and are more durable and breathable than mattresses made from memory foam or polyfoam. But they’re also more expensive. The cheaper ones are often excessively firm and off-puttingly elastic in feel. The all-latex Zenhaven from Saatva maximizes the advantages of latex while minimizing the disadvantages. We like that this mattress feels supportive without sucking you in, as a memory-foam mattress would. Although it’s not exactly plush, the Zenhaven is pleasantly cushiony. We think it would make a good choice for someone who already knows they prefer latex or for someone who overheats easily from other types of foam.
The Zenhaven uses Dunlop latex in the foam layers. Compared to pricier Talalay latex (which tends to be more supple and consistent-feeling), Dunlop latex mattresses often feel hard and weirdly elastic. The Zenhaven is one of the few Dunlop latex mattresses we’ve tried that avoids this; its latex layers feel soft and cushiony, and nearly indistinguishable from those made from Talalay latex. (The company told us it uses softer variations of the Dunlop foam and blended a range of layers.)
You effectively get two mattresses in one with the flippable Zenhaven, which allows you to switch between the softer Luxury Plush side and the Gentle Firm side as your preferences and needs change—or if you just aren’t certain which firmness level you’ll like. If after sleeping on one side you decide to try the other, Saatva (the company that makes the Zenhaven) will send movers to your home to rotate it (a “one-time courtesy flip,” Saatva calls it). This offer is extremely helpful, given the Zenhaven’s heft (the queen weighs 125 pounds, around 30% to 40% more than most memory-foam mattresses).
Latex’s unique talent for both resilience and motion isolation made it easy to move around on this mattress, and its edge support is terrific. The Zenhaven has a thick, quilted organic-cotton cover atop a wool layer. These natural materials are more breathable than synthetic fabrics, and people who sleep hot may find them more comfortable, though probably not feel outright cooled by them.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the Zenhaven has more cushion than cheaper latex mattresses, it’s not a cushy mattress. During our sleep test, the Luxury Plush side of the Zenhaven initially didn’t feel plush at all. But after three or so days, it softened up, enough to cushion the shoulders and hips for side sleepers. Yet overall, the Zenhaven doesn’t feel like a super-plush, “ahhh”-inducing, five-star-hotel mattress (few all-latex mattresses do).
If your desire for plushness supersedes your need for an all-latex mattress, we suggest trying a latex-and-foam hybrid, like the PranaSleep Lotus Asana 6 Series, or even simply the all memory-foam Loom & Leaf in Relaxed Firm. You might also try a soft innerspring mattress that combines coils with thoughtfully placed layers of latex or foam, such as the Charles P. Rogers Estate SE (which uses Talalay latex), the Saatva Classic in Plush Soft, or the WinkBed in Softer.
Generally speaking, the soft Dunlop layers in the current iteration of the Zenhaven may be more susceptible to body impressions than the firmer latex layers more typically found on cheaper latex mattresses, but that’s hard to know without long-term testing.
Because the Zenhaven is particularly heavy and two-sided, it needs to rest on a sturdy, good-quality platform bed or a boxspring and frame in good condition. Saatva sells a boxspring foundation (which comes in two heights) for the Zenhaven and a metal frame.
You can try out the Zenhaven in one of Saatva’s showrooms.
Trial, shipping, and returns: The Zenhaven is delivered by movers, not shipped in a box, so most—if not all—of the off-gassing would have taken place in the factory. Arrival time varies depending on where you live. You have 365 days to sleep on it at home before deciding whether you’ll keep it, but it costs nearly $100 to return.
Materials: Dunlop latex; organic-cotton and wool cover Thickness: 10 inches Firmness options: two-in-one (Luxury Plush and Gentle Firm) Free trial period: 365 days Warranty: lifetime
Mattresses can collect a lot of unwanted nastiness. From dust mites and dead skin to liquids (everything from water droplets to sweat and pee), your mattress is susceptible to stains and odors that may drive you to trash it before its expected shelf life is up. According to our guide on how to clean your mattress, simply using a mattress encasement will keep the worst of the unpleasantness out, and make routine cleaning as simple as throwing the encasement in the wash once or twice a year. We recommend the Protect-A-Bed AllerZip Smooth Mattress Encasement, which has super-strong seams and a zipper that won’t easily open. A mattress encasement can also make it easier to inspect your mattress for bed bugs; if that’s a problem you’re dealing with, or worried about, check out our advice on how to get rid of bed bugs.)
If you don’t have a mattress encasement, vacuum your mattress once a month using a full-size vacuum cleaner with powerful suction to draw out trapped dust and grime from every crevice. For bigger accidents and spills on a bare mattress, spray equal parts warm water and white vinegar onto the stain and dab it until the stain disappears. Then, sprinkle baking soda onto the affected area to absorb the wetness, wait a few hours until it’s dry, and vacuum it up. Dry your mattress completely before dressing and sleeping on it again—dampness invites mildew, and no amount of vacuuming can fix that problem.
Choosing a mattress is a highly personal endeavor—and that makes reviewing them tricky. You’ll find plenty of online reviews that may say a particular mattress “offered just the right amount of support” or that another mattress “gave me back pain,” but that’s just a reflection of what the mattress did for that reviewer. Unless you’re that writer’s clone, those impressions may have little bearing on what the mattress will do for you.
So in making our picks, we focused on objective criteria—factors that should remain consistent for anyone considering a mattress. These included:
We’ve been testing mattresses since 2016. As our method evolved over the years, we’ve conducted various rounds of brand-concealed tests with dozens of panelists who vary in height, weight, age, and sleep styles. Each mattress is wrapped in an encasement so testers aren’t swayed by price tags or preconceived notions, then prompted to evaluate and rank the mattresses based on their impressions. Of course, at the end of the day, our impressions are wholly subjective, so it’s best to still try out a mattress in store if you can before making up your mind.
Although we liked the following mattresses, they fell short of our main picks for various reasons. But one of these may be right for you. (We’ve grouped these mattresses by their non-sale prices in queen. Prices may vary.)
Our testers really liked the Allswell Luxe Hybrid, and it nearly became a pick. But the specs are disappointing—the memory-foam layer is only 2 pounds per cubic foot, and the polyfoam is only 1.3 pounds per cubic foot. Nevertheless, many of our testers remarked that this model felt like a higher-end mattress. (“This does not feel like a cheap mattress,” one tester noted.) In 2018, five people chose it as their top hybrid pick, and seven marked it as their runner-up, placing the Allswell Luxe Hybrid in an impressive third place (behind the Leesa Sapira Hybrid and the Tempur-Adapt, but well ahead of other models that cost nearly twice as much). Fans appreciated not only the cushy top but also the overall support and springiness. Given this mattress’s specs, we think it could be a reasonable short-term option or a good choice for a rarely used guest bedroom.
The all-foam Leesa Original was our top pick for side- and stomach-sleepers in the 2016 version of this guide, and we still like it—although recently it hasn’t wowed our group testers as much as other mattresses. The Leesa Original we tried in 2018 and 2019 is a different version from the one we originally tested in 2016. What sets the new version of the Leesa apart is how its top doesn’t mold around the body, as most memory foam does. As one of our testers said, “I liked that it has the soft feel of foam, but it didn’t let me sink too far in.” We think the Leesa Original could be a good option for side-sleepers who want to spend no more than $1,000, especially if they prefer a loose cradling sensation and a plusher top, as opposed to the slow-sinking, body-contouring hug of many memory-foam mattresses. But ultimately we concluded that the Leesa Original’s price made it a middling choice. It’s significantly more expensive than the Novaform ComfortGrande, which has similar foam density (so it will likely last about as long). Plus, if you’re willing to spend a few hundred dollars more, you can score the much nicer Loom & Leaf or the Leesa Sapira Hybrid (on sale). If you’re curious, though, you can try the Leesa Original, along with the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, in select West Elm or Pottery Barn stores or in Leesa’s showroom. Read more in our full review of Leesa’s mattresses.
The Nectar Original is a relatively generic, totally contradictory 12-inch memory-foam mattress. On one hand, the density of the top memory-foam layer is just 2.13 pounds per cubic foot, falling short of the 3 pounds per cubic foot usually needed to ensure durability for people under 200 pounds. Justin slept on the Nectar Original at home for two weeks. He found the mattress to be surprisingly comfortable, and he found its medium to medium-soft feel ideal for side-sleepers, without being too sticky for people who like to switch positions. He described the Nectar’s feel as very “balanced,” and without an aggressive memory-foam sink. But when Joanne tried the Original in a store, she found it to be nothing special—just an everyday bed-in-a-box without a truly luxurious feel. However, for those who know they like a softer all-foam mattress, the Nectar Original’s non-distinctiveness may appeal to some people. But, as noted above, we do have concerns about its durability. Nectar offers a year-long trial period and lifetime warranty, which may assuage some of those concerns. Read more in our full review of Nectar’s mattresses.
Latex mattresses are typically priced in the $2,000-plus range. At around $800, the all-latex Sleep On Latex Pure Green is a good deal. A tasteful cotton covering and wool batting encase two layers of latex foam. You can choose from Soft, Medium, and Firm versions, and you have 100 days for an exchange or a return. When we tried the Medium model in our office, our testers agreed it felt especially firm and strangely elasticky. We recommend the Pure Green for people who are looking for an affordable latex mattress and for back- and stomach-sleepers who like their mattresses firm to very firm.
The Casper Nova Hybrid, introduced in early 2020, is the brand’s answer to soft mattresses. Consisting entirely of pillowy polyfoam layers, the bed cuddles around you more than any of our other foam picks. But with no trace of memory foam, the effect is more cushiony than sinky. The upper layers are a dense 3½ pounds per cubic foot, and the base has “more than 600” pocketed coils (giving just a touch of resilience, as opposed to much bounce). So we think the Nova Hybrid has a decent chance of maintaining its shape long-term, even for those who weigh more than 200 pounds. Partner retailers sell an all-foam version, with a base polyfoam of 1.8 pounds per cubic foot (typical of many mail-order mattresses in this price range). We haven’t tried it yet, but we think it may be just a tad less springy; either way, we’d lean toward the hybrid since coils hold up better than a foam base of this density. (You should rotate your mattress regularly to avoid body impressions, especially with soft mattresses.) When we’re able to do a group test again, we’ll gauge this model’s appeal among a broad audience before determining whether to make it an outright pick for side-sleepers and soft-foam lovers. To determine whether this mattress is for you, try it in one of Casper’s many sleep stores. You can learn more about Casper in our full review of Casper’s mattresses.
The newest version of the Casper Original mattress is on the firmer side of medium-firm, though it’s not as firm as the Element. It offers a cradling sensation (versus a typical foam mattress’s slow sink), and at 3½ pounds per cubic foot, the top memory-foam layer is probably sturdier than most in this price range. But unless you’re in love with this mattress’s particular feel, we think the Novaform ComfortGrande (about half the price) is a better value, while the Loom & Leaf offers a more luxurious construction with different feels. As for the coil upgrade, which lends the mattress some cushiony conformity, you’d probably get more mileage out of our picks and notable contenders. The company would tell us only that there were “over 600” individually pocketed coils, which leads us to suspect that the total is probably not close to the 1,000 or so coils in the Tempur-Adapt or the Leesa Sapira Hybrid. Nevertheless, if you like a firmer-feeling mattress with just a touch of both memory foam and resilience, the Casper Original Hybrid may fit the bill. Try it before you buy it in one of Casper’s many sleep stores. To learn more about the brand’s offerings, read our full review of Casper’s mattresses.
The 13-inch Helix Plus hybrid is designed for “plus size” or “big & tall” sleepers and is said to accommodate up to 500 pounds per side. But we recommend it over the company’s other mattresses for non-plus-size folks, too. In fact, when we tested it in 2020, the 10 out of 13 people who liked this mattress best or second best in the hybrid category weighed less than 150 pounds. The Helix Plus has memory foam only in its second layer, so the bed as a whole feels more pillowy than body-conforming, and the coils are just bouncy enough. Although this mattress’s appeal wasn’t wide enough among our staffers for us to make it a pick, we think it’s a notable contender because the materials suggest durability (two polyfoam layers sandwich the memory-foam layer). The top layer, which is designed to feel like latex, is 3 pounds per cubic foot, and the third layer, which is made to feel like memory foam, but more resilient, is 2½ pounds. The middle, memory-foam layer is 4 pounds per cubic foot, as in the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, a pick that is well liked among testers who weigh more than 200 pounds. The 968 8-inch coils should provide decent body-conforming support. Helix offers a 10-year warranty and a 100-day free trial.
We tried the Sparrow Signature Hybrid (previously called the Alexander Signature) in medium in 2018, when it wasn’t yet a flippable mattress. We noticed that it had great motion isolation and edge support, and the foam density also suggested good durability. Someone even mentioned that it looked like a “luxury” option. But at the end of the day, too many of our testers thought it was “too soft.” To me, it was a confusing sensation: The surface felt tight like a drum, and the softness came from beneath it. But now that the mattress is flippable—medium on one side and firm on the other—the Alexander may have wider appeal. You can decide for yourself in one of Nest’s showrooms. If you find both sides equally appealing, you may want to flip the mattress on a regular basis to double its longevity.
The Purple Mattress features a foam called a “buckling column gel” foam, which is what Purple’s founders first used to create cushioned medical products. The company says its mattress is especially good at pressure relief, but our testers in 2018 couldn’t get past the “weird,” jiggly, crackly feeling they got when they lay down on it. This was one of the most disliked mattresses in the room on group-testing day, but it may be that the Purple’s unusual texture merely takes some getting used to. If you’re open to new textures and have back or joint issues, the Purple may be worth trying; it’s available at Mattress Firm and Macy’s stores nationwide. A staffer who weighs 180 pounds owns the original Purple, and although he’s “not wowed” by it, the mattress has held up for a little over three years so far. The Purple Hybrid is essentially the same as the Purple Mattress, but with the addition of springs. Read more in our review of Purple mattresses.
The Saatva Latex Hybrid may work best for back- and stomach-sleepers, or for side-sleepers who insist on a firmer durable mattress. Though its 789 8-inch pocketed coils fall short of the 1,000-plus in our hybrid picks, they are nevertheless thick (with gauges at 13¾ and 14½). Instead of polyfoam or memory foam, there’s a 3-inch layer of latex, an inherently more durable type of foam, which we expect will hold up for the long haul for most sleepers, including those who weigh over 200 pounds. What’s more, that latex is Talalay, as opposed to the more-common Dunlop, so the bed should feel more consistent, breathable, and plush. Still, it may not be plush enough for some. As Courtney Schley, Wirecutter’s sleep team supervising editor, points out, although the Saatva Latex Hybrid felt solidly built, “it didn’t exactly feel luxurious.” We’ll include this mattress in a future group test to gauge its appeal for a broader audience. To learn more about mattresses from Saatva, see our review of Saatva Mattresses.
If you like the pressure relief of foam along with the pronounced bounciness of steel coils, you might consider the BedInABox Dual Hybrid. It had few fans among staffers in our tests, but those who preferred lots of springiness in a mattress really liked this one: Three out of the five who chose it as their favorite in the hybrid category also liked it best overall. “It has good support but isn’t straight as a board,” said one fan. We decided to name this mattress as a notable contender because it offers a foamy-springy sensation that’s very different from the feel of any of our picks; we also like that BedInABox makes its own foam, which translates to a more-consistent feel. However, we don’t like that the price jump from the full to the queen is so unusually high; the full size strikes us as a better value. BedInABox offers a 20-year warranty and a 180-day free trial, but you have to try the mattress for 60 days before you can return it for a refund.
The Tempur-Cloud is Tempur-Pedic’s new bed-in-a-box option. It feels more substantial than most popular bed-in-a-box mattresses, such as those from Casper and Leesa. And in fact, it consists of denser foams than its competitors: 4.5 pounds per cubic foot of memory-foam-type foam (instead of the typical 3) and 2.5 pounds per cubic foot of base foam (instead of the typical 1.8). But, of course, it’s also more than twice the price of other mattresses. Notably, the Tempur-Cloud has very little, if any, chemical smell when it’s first unrolled. Because it’s made with a “re-engineered,” boxable version of the original Tempur memory foam, the mattress has the company’s signature slow sink, but it feels shallower than our pick, the Tempur Adapt, and not at all huggy. We wouldn’t recommend this bed unless you like firm mattresses. Plus, for about $200 extra, we think you’ll get more pressure relief from the Tempur-Adapt Medium Hybrid. You can also find similar-quality foam for a few hundred dollars less with our all-foam pick, the Loom & Leaf; it is delivered conventionally in a truck, instead of in a box, and comes in “Relaxed Firm” and “Firm” variations.
The Allswell, that brand’s entry-level offering, is one of the cheapest hybrid options around, but we concluded that it’s worthwhile to upgrade to the Allswell Luxe Hybrid for an extra $300 or so. The Allswell’s specs are well below what we found in our picks. “Felt cheap” was a recurring comment among our testers during our 2019 brand-concealed test. In my home test, I felt myself sloping toward my husband because of our weight difference. But when I moved away from him, I started feeling as if I were rolling off the edge, despite the springs. Perhaps if we had a king-size mattress it wouldn’t have made such a big difference, but she personally couldn’t wait to get it out of my house.
Although the IKEA Matrand is a wallet-friendly memory-foam mattress, at 7⅛ inches, it’s thinner than the others we tried. That’s probably why testers compared the mattress to “sleeping on the floor,” even though its foam densities were similar to those of our picks.
The BedInABox Original comes from a company that has been in the online mattress biz since 2004, which is a pretty long time compared with most of the others. The memory-foam layer was about as dense as that of the Novaform ComfortGrande and similarly priced notable contenders. A staffer who slept in it said it felt too “huggy” and “muddy.”
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress is a nicely priced hybrid (spring and coils) that checks a lot of boxes, since it isolated motion well and felt supportive without being too firm. At 11 inches thick, it looked substantial to us, and the specs are serviceable. But like the Nest, this mattress didn’t make the initial cut with our testers because the overall feel was off-putting—perhaps owing to its TitanFlex layer, which is designed to have traits of both latex and foam but produced a “bouncy yet sinky” sensation very few of our testers liked. If that sounds good to you, though, you might give this model a try; the company has multiple showrooms in Arizona as well as in select cities nationwide. We tried the Medium model, but it also comes in Soft and Firm versions.
The all-foam Cocoon by Sealy did well among our 2018 testers who liked softer mattresses. The soft version we tried was pleasingly plush, in my opinion, and its memory-foam density and edge support were similar to those of the Leesa Original. As with the Leesa Original, we didn’t make the Cocoon a pick because we found that you could experience a similar sensation with the Tulo (which can be on sale for as little as $450 to $500). But if you like a softer memory-foam feel, this mattress may be a better pick for you. Although you can’t try it in a store, it has a 100-night trial period.
The GhostBed, built with cooling in mind, is topped with a layer of latex (which is typically more breathable than memory foam), followed by a gel-infused memory foam. According to a Wirecutter staffer who slept on it, the combination worked, but he found the mattress extraordinarily firm, perhaps too much so for most people. However, given that latex tends to last longer, that the memory foam is a denser-than-usual 4 pounds, and that the mattress is exceptionally firm, the GhostBed may be worth a try for people who weigh more than 200 pounds. (The site recommends the Luxe version for those who weigh over 300 pounds.)
Our testers didn’t like the Helix Midnight. One person who cast a vote for it as runner-up felt a plushness that would seem “fun in a hotel though not every day.” I personally liked the fluffiness-on-top feeling. But ultimately, given that the foam density is slightly less than the typically serviceable 3 pounds per cubic foot (in this case it’s 2½), I’m not sure how well the Midnight would last for people weighing closer to 200 pounds. We suggest opting for the Helix Plus regardless of your weight and size.
The IKEA Mausund did not appeal to the vast majority of our testers in 2019; they found it excessively firm and rubbery. If you’re interested in a latex mattress, the similarly priced (but still quite firm) Sleep on Latex may be a better option.
At first glance, the Studio by Leesa—the brand’s new entry-level mattress—looks and feels like the Leesa Original, complete with quilted cover (though not as soft or thick) and a subtle melt-into-the-mattress memory-foam feel. Compared with the slightly less-expensive Casper Element, this model feels more luxurious and offers more pressure-point relief, despite being quite firm overall. A caveat: The density of the upper foam layers is only 2½ pounds per cubic foot (which is below the 3-pounds-per-cubic-foot minimum experts say is needed to keep its shape over time for most people weighing under 200 pounds). That said, this model may be a good choice if you’re looking for an infrequently used guest-room bed or if you’re not planning to use it for the 10 years that the warranty supposedly covers. Generally speaking, Leesa provides good customer service, transparency, and an elegant look. But if you don’t care about those things, you can save a few hundred dollars by opting for a mattress in our guide to the best cheap mattresses.
The all-foam Serta iComfort is the company’s latest bed-in-a-box. We tried the basic model, which is 10 inches thick but looks more substantial than most bed-in-a-boxes—akin to something you’d get from a mattress store. This mattress has a distinct, contouring memory-foam hug, like a toned-down version of the Tempur-Adapt. The majority of our 2020 testers preferred the Loom & Leaf, our current above-$1,000 all-foam pick, over the Serta iComfort. But those who did like the Serta said they preferred it for its firmness and support. “It didn’t feel as marshmallow-y,” explained a staffer. The iComfort may be a good choice if you want a deep memory-foam feel but don’t want to spend the money for the Tempur-Adapt.
The Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid feels like a definite upgrade to our pick, the Tuft & Needle New Original Mattress. A pillow-top, memory-foam layer (absent from other Tuft & Needle mattresses) and springs create a sensation that’s both pillowy and resilient. However, the cover was less soft and more saggy compared with those of similarly priced mattresses on our picks list, and the transition from pillow top to support foam and springs didn’t feel smooth. For a bed that costs more than twice as much as the Tuft & Needle New Original, we expected something more graceful. Nevertheless, I slept comfortably on my back and stomach; my shoulder felt pressured when I lay on my side. We’ll try this mattress in a future group test to gauge its appeal with a broader audience. Read more in our review of Tuft & Needle’s mattresses.
The Nectar Premier feels similar to the Nectar Original, but it costs $500 more (for a queen). It’s an inch thicker and slightly firmer than the Original—more of a true medium than a medium-soft—and it feels more like an all-position mattress. Its top memory-foam layer has a density of 3 pounds per cubic foot, so it should be durable for people under 200 pounds. But we think you can get a much better mattress for the same price or less, such as the Loom & Leaf (Relaxed Firm) or the Casper Original. Nectar also offers the Nectar Premier Copper, and though we haven’t tested it, it’s $400 more (in queen) than the Premier, without offering any notable upgrades to the components. Both come with a year-long trial period and lifetime warranty. Read more in our full review of Nectar’s mattresses.
The 13-inch all-foam Casper Wave Hybrid is a nice medium-firm mattress. It is resilient yet subtly cradling, and it even has a layer of Sonocore latex, which offers a touch of added springiness and durability (latex is stronger than foam). But this model is expensive for what it is. For several hundred dollars less, our queen-size foam hybrid picks—the bouncier Leesa Sapira Hybrid and the sinkier Tempur-Adapt (Medium Hybrid)—contain at least 1,000 pocketed coils (as opposed to “at least 600” in the Casper mattresses) and more-durable memory foam (at least 4 pounds per cubic foot, as opposed to 3½). If you don’t care for memory foam, our innerspring pick, the flippable Charles P. Rogers Estate SE (made with the softer Talalay latex, and more of it, along with 1,221 thicker, house-made pocketed coils) is periodically on sale for roughly the same price. The Wave also comes in an all-foam version, sold only by partner retailers, but we haven’t tried the 2020 version yet; we think our high-end all-foam pick, the Loom & Leaf, costing several hundred dollars less, may offer more value. Read more in our full review of Casper’s mattresses.
The perfect mattress is highly individual. We’ve researched and tested dozens of mattresses, in a range of prices, to help you find your best night’s sleep.
If you prefer to sleep on your back, you’ll probably want a medium-firm mattress to align your spine and keep your shoulders, hips, and lower back comfortable.
There is no actual “best” mattress for back-pain sufferers, though one that feels medium-firm to you is likely to be the best choice. We have six to recommend.
If you regularly sleep on your side, you’ll likely want a cushy mattress that aligns your spine and offers good support. These are our favorites.
There are, in fact, two things to consider when buying a memory-foam mattress. First and foremost is comfort—which typically depends on how well a mattress keeps your spine aligned while still offering good pressure relief. Second, it’s important to consider the density of the foam; this is a good indicator of a mattress’ quality and longevity. Generally speaking, the denser the foams that make up the bed, the more durable and supportive that bed will be. If you weigh less than 200 pounds, look for a memory-foam density of at least 3 pounds per cubic feet; if you weigh more than 200 pounds, aim for at least 4 pounds per cubic feet.
In general, a mattress’ firmness level (and how you perceive it) will determine how comfortable you feel sleeping in a particular position. The idea is to keep your spine aligned (your back should never feel overarched) and your pressure points cushioned.
Most side-sleepers should do well with a mattress that’s medium-soft to medium-firm. You should be able to draw a straight line connecting the midpoints of your ears, shoulders, and hips. Your shoulders and hips should feel some give, as opposed to feeling pressed by the bed.
Back-sleepers tend to gravitate toward medium-firm mattresses. Lie on your back and try to slide your hand under your lower back. If you can just fit your hand through, the mattress is probably a good fit. If it’s too snug, the bed is probably too soft. If there’s too much space, the mattress may be too firm.
Stomach-sleepers may prefer a mattress that’s on the firmer side of medium-firm. If you feel an exaggerated pull, causing your back to overarch, then the mattress may be too soft. If you feel the mattress pressing against your ribs, it’s probably too firm.
Very low prices generally come with a few trade-offs, including less transparency about materials, fewer layers, a cheaper cover, and not-so-great customer service. The biggest difference, however, is longevity. Cheaper mattresses are typically made with less-durable foams, which means they aren’t likely to last as long.
That said, a cheap mattress is worth considering if you don’t expect to keep the same mattress for the next 10 years. A cheap mattress also makes sense if you’re shopping for a bed for a seldom-used guest room, or if you simply don’t want to spend a lot of money at a particular moment in time and don’t mind the trade-offs.
You’ll find several good options in our guide to cheap mattresses—our favorite of which is the budget pick in this guide.
During our past tests, people tended to like mattresses in the 10- to 14-inch thickness range. Mattresses that are thinner than the standard 10 inches are likely to feel flimsy—especially if the materials are cheap, which can make you feel like you’re dropping into the bed’s bottom layer right away. Beyond that, however, thicker isn’t necessarily better. (A 14½-inch mattress we tried felt a bit “princess and the pea” to some people.) Picking the best mattress is really about the quality of the materials and how it feels to you personally.
The rule of thumb for finding the best memory-foam mattress for back pain is similar to the rules for finding any mattress, according to science: Look for a bed that feels medium-firm to you. Researchers believe that this firmness level is most likely to support your spine’s natural curve, regardless of your preferred sleep position, so your back stays aligned and not overstretched. In this guide, you’ll find several medium-firm memory-foam options, including the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, the Tempur-Adapt Medium Hybrid, and the Zenhaven.
Most mattresses, except for those that cost under $400, carry warranties of about 10 years. Still, depending on your size and shape and the density of the foam near the surface, body impressions can develop over time. To prevent them, rotate your mattress at least every six months, and vary where you sleep on the bed. Also take note of how deep a body impression must be to qualify for warranty coverage; the rules often vary from 1 inch to 1½ inches.
Stephen H. Carr, PhD, professor of materials science and engineering, Northwestern University, phone interview, January 15, 2018
Matthew Connolly, president of Eclipse International and executive vice president of Bedding Industries of America, North Brunswick, New Jersey, in-person interview, October 25, 2018
Buddy Delaney, co-owner, Best Mattress, Columbia, South Carolina, phone interview, November 21, 2018
Roger E. Magowitz, executive vice president of Customatic Technologies, phone interview, October 17, 2018
Laura Moyer, PhD, manager of metallography, light optical microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, phone interview, November 1, 2018
Mark Owen, executive vice president of sales and business development at Classic Brands, email interview, October 16, 2018
Vincent Verhaert, PhD, founder of Equilli, phone interview, October 16, 2018
Joanne Chen is a former senior staff writer reporting on sleep and other lifestyle topics. Previously, she covered health and wellness as a magazine editor. After an assignment forced her to sleep eight hours a day for a month, she realized that she is, in fact, a smarter, nicer person when she isn’t sleep-deprived.
Coil Slitting Line Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).