If you’re shopping for a mattress online, you may be struggling to decide which is the best one for you. There are a ton of options to choose from, and it’s not always easy to know which mattresses are truly the cream of the crop.
We’ve done the research and testing on thousands of mattresses, whittling them down to our favorites to simplify the process for you. Our team of mattress experts has years of experience directly testing these beds, and draws upon thorough background in different mattress construction, materials, and innovations. We also incorporate the experiences of a diverse group of sleepers on our testing team — as well as a battery of tests and technologies – to evaluate how different mattresses feel and perform for all different types of people.
Determining the best mattress is based partly on what you, the buyer, wants in your purchase. Some need a bed with great pressure point relief, others require a mattress that helps soothe persistent back pain. There is no one size fits all. So our selections show the best in specific categories based on their performance, construction, and value. And because price is often paramount for most shoppers, buying a mattress online is usually better value due to fewer overhead costs. But pay attention to sleep trials on offer and make sure you choose a mattress that offers at least a 30 day risk-free trial period.
Cut to The Chase – What’s The Best Mattress?
Our top pick strikes the perfect balance across our testing criteria, and it’s universally enjoyed by the broadest swath of sleepers. So if you prefer to follow our expertise and don’t need to know the specifics, start your path to better sleep with the Helix Midnight.
Best Mattress Overview
- Best Overall: Helix Midnight
- Most Comfortable: DreamCloud Mattress
- Best Value: Nectar Mattress
- Best Luxury: Saatva Classic
- Best Pressure Relief: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best for Couples: Casper Original Hybrid
- Best for Back Pain: WinkBed
- Best Cooling: Birch Mattress
- Best Smart Bed: Ghost SmartBed – 3D Matrix
- Best for Side Sleepers: Nolah Evolution 15
- Best for Hip Pain: Zoma Mattress
In This Article
- Best Mattress Overview
- Our Best Mattresses of 2021
- Why You Should Trust Us
- In-Depth Mattress Guides
- What is the Best Mattress?
- Finding the Best Mattress For You
- Frequently Asked Questions
Our guide kicks off with detailed information about our picks for the best mattresses of 2021 and then, for those who want to get into the ins-and-outs of the mattress buying process, covers the key topics that a savvy mattress shopper should be aware of. Let’s get started.
Our Best Mattresses of 2021
Best Overall
Helix Midnight
Price Range: $699 – $1,449Mattress Type: HybridFirmness: Medium Firm (6)Trial length: 100 nights (30-night requirement)Warranty: 10 Year, LimitedSizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it’s best for:
- Shoppers who want a hybrid that features memory foam
- Combination sleepers
- People with sharp pressure points
Highlights:
- Strong contouring performance promotes spinal alignment
- Premium performance at an affordable price point
- Medium firm feel provides a versatile option for most sleepers
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Why It’s Best Overall
Well-rounded performance, quality construction, and affordable pricing put the Helix Midnight at the top of our best mattress picks. This can be attributed to its mid-range firmness, which hits the sweet spot between plush and firm, and a memory foam hybrid construction that earns above-average marks for pressure relief, motion isolation, breathability, and overall support.
Helix is an online mattress in a box brand that specializes in personalized comfort with a wide selection of hybrid mattresses, each one designed for people with specific body types, primary sleep positions, and firmness preferences. While each Helix model is suitable for certain individuals depending on their personal criteria, the Helix Midnight is a standout pick thanks to its balanced feel that combines pressure-relieving memory foam and sturdy coil support – all at a very reasonable price-point.
What It’s Made of
The first two layers of the Midnight are made of foam. The top layer is Helix’s Memory Plus Foam, which cradles pressure points while keeping a degree of responsiveness. The second layer is transition polyfoam that stops significant sinking into the mattress. Under this is a pocketed coil support core, which provides a sturdy foundation and a bit of “bounce” to the mattress, making it easier to move around on.
How It Performed
The Helix Midnight has a medium firm (6) feel, and with its blend of pressure relief and ease of movement on the mattress, it is a solid choice for people in many sleeping positions. It’s also a hit with combination sleepers who need to be able to smoothly switch their posture during the night.
The Midnight is a good all-around bed that performed well across our various testing categories. The foam layers alleviate pressure and isolate motion well, while the coils help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature and help you move across the surface with ease.
Customers can fill out a survey on the company’s website to determine which mattress best meets their needs, so this may be a good option if the Midnight sounds too soft or too firm. The sleep trial for the Midnight is 100 nights, and Helix backs the mattress with a 10-year warranty that covers defects in materials and manufacturing.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Helix had the right level of response combined with an easy hug on my shoulders and hips, which are often pain points for folks on the lighter weight end of the spectrum. A cool sleep, and I never felt my partner move once.”Read our Full Helix Midnight Review to learn more
Most Comfortable
DreamCloud Mattress
Price Range: $1,198 – $1,798Mattress Type: HybridFirmness: Medium Firm (6)Trial length: 365 nights (30-night requirement)Warranty: Lifetime, limitedSizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it’s best for:
- Most back and side sleepers
- People who value both contouring and bounce
- Shoppers who want a full year to test out a mattress
Highlights:
- Higher profile mattress with standout edge support
- Medium-firm balance of contouring and support
- Breathable cashmere-blend cover
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The DreamCloud’s luxurious construction utilizes multiple types of foam along with pocketed coils to deliver a comfortable combination of contouring, support, and responsiveness. This makes the mattress a great option for people who tend to sink too deeply into their mattress, as well as those who don’t enjoy overly firm sleep surfaces.
What It’s Made of
The DreamCloud starts with a layer of polyfoam quilted into the top of the bed’s cashmere blend cover. A two-tiered comfort system follows first with a layer of gel-infused memory foam. This layer keeps the body supported through modest cradling of heavier zones and pressure points. The next layer is a polyfoam that has slightly less contouring and more bounce, offering a welcome balance to the memory foam’s feel.
The support core is made with individually-wrapped coils that are set up into zones to better adapt to the body and how its weight is placed on the mattress. The springs shore up stability at the edge and create notable bounce that enhances ease of movement across the whole mattress surface. A low-profile layer of high-density polyfoam goes underneath the coils to fortify the mattress and limit noise from the coils.
How It Performed
The DreamCloud’s medium firm (6) feel can fit the needs of many sleepers and is often a top choice for side and back sleepers. The balanced performance serves most combination sleepers and couples as well.
Hybrids are considered one of the best mattress types for hot sleepers, and this can be attributed to pocketed coil support cores that circulate air and help maintain a cool interior temperature. The DreamCloud takes this concept a bit further with a luxury cover made from blended cashmere, a material renowned for natural breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities.
The DreamCloud’s sleep trial lasts for a full year, giving customers 365 nights to truly see how well it works for them. Over the long haul, customers can rest easy knowing that they are covered by DreamCloud’s lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The DreamCloud is a good compromise for anyone who needs extra support but also likes a plusher feel. The foam layers gave ample cushioning for my body, but I never felt like I was sinking into the mattress.”Read our Full DreamCloud Review to learn more
Best Value
Nectar Mattress
Price Range: $499 – $1,099Mattress Type: FoamFirmness: Medium Firm (6)Trial length: 365 nightsWarranty: Lifetime, LimitedSizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it’s best for:
- Side sleepers who want the cushioning of memory foam
- Shoppers looking for great bang-for-the-buck
- Customers who want a full-year sleep trial
Highlights:
- Priced competitively
- Moisture-wicking Tencel cover
- Lifetime warranty and a generous 365-night sleep trial
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The Nectar is a stellar example of a high-quality mattress that won’t break the bank. Nectar Sleep also offers other perks to incentivize shoppers on a budget, such as a generous sleep trial and hassle-free warranty coverage for as long as you own the mattress.
What It’s Made of
The Nectar features a 3-inch comfort layer of memory foam over transitional and support layers made of denser polyfoam. Although the mattress feels very supportive, you’ll feel deep body-contouring from the first layer that can be likened to sleeping “in” – as opposed to sleeping “on” – the mattress. A quilted cover accentuates the comfortable design by creating a luxuriously plush feel on the surface.
How It Performed
The Nectar’s conforming properties make it a good match for side sleepers of all sizes. Many back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds should also feel comfortable on this mattress.
The Nectar is serves sleepers well with a balanced, mid-level firmness and materials that offer comfortable plushness without sacrificing support. The mattress has earned strong ratings across performance categories such as pressure relief, motion isolation, and temperature control, yet it costs much less than the average memory foam model.
Nectar’s 365-night sleep trial, which is among the longest in the industry, and lifetime warranty are exclamation points on the value offered by this quality mattress that is available at a very accessible price point.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
This is a mattress made for memory foam lovers. I felt close contouring from head to toe, but the Nectar delivered great support and the foam didn’t make me overheat.”Read our Full Nectar Review to learn more
Best Luxury
Saatva Classic
Price Range: $887 – $2,174Mattress Type: InnerspringFirmness: Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)Trial length: 180 Nights ($99 Return Fee)Warranty: 15 Year, LimitedSizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
Who it’s best for:
- Customers looking for a bouncy, innerspring-like feel
- People who sleep hot
- Shoppers who want free installation
Highlights:
- Patented spinal zone technology helps improve spinal alignment
- Coil-on-coil design is very breathable, resulting in a cool sleep
- Plush Euro pillow top provides pressure relief and contouring support
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The Saatva Classic blends the superior support of traditional innersprings with the enhanced comfort and sophisticated features of a modern hybrid mattress. The result is a luxurious Euro-top design that alleviates pressure without sacrificing sturdiness or temperature regulation. Multiple firmness and thickness options also make the Classic an appealing choice for people across a wide range of body types and sleep positions.
What It’s Made of
The top of the Saatva mattress utilizes several types of foam, including specialty polyfoam as well as a memory foam pad under the lumbar area. These foams are quilted into the Euro-top made with smooth and breathable organic cotton.
Underneath the Euro-top is a coil-on-coil interior design. The top layer of coils is four inches thick, and the coils are individually-wrapped to give them enhanced ability to tailor to the body and decrease motion transfer. The second coil layer forms the mattress support core, and it is either 4.5 or 7.5 inches depending on the model that you select. This layer uses hefty 13-gauge springs that are bolstered by a high-density foam encasement around the perimeter for better edge support.
How It Performed
In this mattress construction, the two coils layers create responsiveness and make it easy to move on the bed while also lightly contouring to the body for pressure point cushioning. Plenty of airflow through the coils keeps this mattress cool through the night.
Firmness options include soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8), allowing any customer to choose what best suits their preferences.
Installation plus haul-away of an old mattress, known as White Glove delivery, is included free of charge with each purchase. The mattress is also backed by a 180-night sleep trial (with a $99 return shipping fee) and a 15-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
”The Saatva Classic is one of the sturdiest mattresses I’ve ever tested. The coil layers make the surface feel incredibly supportive and responsive, but the mattress didn’t feel too stiff like a lot of traditional innersprings on the market.”Read our Full Saatva Classic Review to learn more
Best Pressure Relief
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Price Range: $599 – $1,374Mattress Type: HybridFirmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)Trial length: 120 nights (30-night requirement)Warranty: 10 Year, LimitedSizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Custom Sizes
Who it’s best for:
- Hot sleepers
- People who dislike the deep conforming of memory foam
- Value seekers
Highlights:
- Available in three firmness levels
- TitanFlex comfort layer contours evenly without hugging or sinking too much
- Zoned coils reinforce the edges against sinkage
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The ideal mattress firmness for any given sleeper largely depends on factors like body type and primary sleep position. If you’re unsure which firmness level is best for you, then a mattress with multiple firmness options might be a good starting point. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is available in three different designs, each with a distinct surface feel and contouring level. Exchanges are available during Brooklyn Bedding’s 120-night trial period, giving you additional options if your initial choice feels too soft or too firm.
What It’s Made of
Each version of the Signature Hybrid is constructed with a comfort layer of TitanFlex polyfoam, a material that contours to a moderate extent and evenly distributes your weight without the deep hug of memory foam. The transitional layer is composed of VariFlex polyfoam, which combines the conforming of foam with the bounce of latex. Models with a medium soft (4) or medium firm (6) have a thicker TitanFlex layer to create more cushioning on the surface. For firm (8) models, the VariFlex layer is thicker and provides the mattress extra support.
All Signature Hybrids feature support cores with pocketed coils over high-density base foam. The coils are zoned to provide added reinforcement along the perimeter and reduce sinkage when you get in and out of bed. A knit cover encases the entire mattress.
How It Performed
While each firmness level for the Signature Hybrid earned a unique set of performance and sleeper ratings, all three excelled at temperature regulation. The TitanFlex doesn’t absorb as much heat as memory foam, and the coils promote enough airflow to keep the mattress cool throughout the night.
Medium soft models offer the best motion isolation and pressure relief. We recommend this feel for people who normally find hybrids too firm or rigid, especially side sleepers who benefit from close contouring. The medium firm feel is the most balanced option and ideal for most people in the range of 130 to 230 pounds regardless of which position they prefer. Back and stomach sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds will likely receive the most support from the firm feel, which also felt sturdiest along the edges.
The sticker price of this mattress is quite low compared to that of the average hybrid model. In addition to the six standard mattress sizes, the Signature Hybrid is available in a split California king, Olympic queen, and a handful of sizes designed for RVs. Brooklyn Bedding ships each order free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. Those who decide to keep their mattress after the 120-night return and exchange period ends will receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Brooklyn Bedding Signature feels like a quintessential hybrid. Even conforming, solid support, great cooling, and just enough cushioning to reduce pressure. Throw in an approachable price and three different firmness options it’s easy to see why this mattress is so popular.”Read our Full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Review to learn more
Best for Couples
Casper Original Hybrid
Price Range: $995 – $1,795Mattress Type: HybridFirmness: Medium (5)Trial length: 100 Nights (30-Night Requirement)Warranty: 10 Year, LimitedSizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it’s best for:
- People who experience pressure buildup during sleep
- Side sleepers
- Hot sleepers who enjoy foam beds
Highlights:
- Zoned memory foam and hybrid construction provide balance of contouring and support
- Strong temperature regulation
- Excellent motion isolation
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Foam beds are an excellent choice for those seeking pressure relief during sleep, but some sleepers may not enjoy the feeling of “sinking in” that comes with all-foam construction. The Casper Original Hybrid Mattress caters to this group by combining a foam comfort system with a coil support core, offering a supportive foundation to balance out the foam’s contouring features.
What It’s Made of
The bed has a medium (5) feel and begins with a layer of polyfoam featuring a perforated design meant to help cool the surface. This is followed by a slightly thicker layer of zoned memory foam. This material feels softer under the shoulders and neck for deeper contouring and firmer around the midsection to support the lower back and hips. Beneath the foam layers is a support core made of pocketed coils that provides moderate contouring for pressure points but also generates pushback for those who enjoy some support.
How It Performed
Side and back sleepers, especially those between 130 and 230 pounds, will likely find a good balance of support and pressure relief to sleep comfortably on this bed. The Casper Original Hybrid is also a good choice for hot sleepers, thanks to the perforated foam design and the circulation of air between the coils. Couples may appreciate the bed’s excellent motion isolation. Since the foam layers absorb motion quite effectively, you are less likely to be disturbed by your sleep partner’s nighttime movements.
Casper provides free shipping and returns for customers residing within the contiguous U.S. If you wish to try the mattress before committing, the bed comes with a 100-night trial. After a 30-day break-in period, customers may return the mattress during this trial period and receive a full refund. The bed is also backed by a 10-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
”I’d recommend the Casper to anyone who wants a bit of bounce from their memory foam mattress. I also felt supported from the zoned layers, even though I usually sink into foam mattresses too much.”Read our Full Casper Original Hybrid Review to learn more
Best for Back Pain
WinkBed
Price Range: $1,149 – $2,049Mattress Type: InnerspringFirmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)Trial length: 120 nights (30 night requirement)Warranty: Lifetime, LimitedSizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it’s best for:
- Sleepers who need first-rate edge support
- Shoppers who want firmness options
- People who want a luxurious blend of bounce and contouring
Highlights:
- Choice of multiple firmness options
- Above-average pressure relief and edge support
- Strong airflow for better cooling
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The ideal mattress for someone with back pain will be supportive enough to keep their body on an even plane but also conform closely enough to improve their alignment and alleviate pressure that builds up along the spine. Finding this balance can be difficult, which is why the WinkBed stands out from many of its competitors. This luxury hybrid is available in four different firmness levels, each with a slightly different design to accommodate certain body types.
What It’s Made of
These options include medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) feels with a coil-on-coil hybrid construction. An elegant Euro-top gives the mattress an initially plush feel when you get in and out of bed, but each firmness level provides varying degrees of contouring and support. This model-to-model versatility ensures most people can find a version of the WinkBed that alleviates their back pain regardless of how much they weigh.
All WinkBed mattresses contain layers of adaptive polyfoam to cushion the body and equally distribute weight near the surface. Each model also contains a support core of pocketed coils divided into different zones based on gauge and strength. Thicker coils wrap around the perimeter to limit sinkage and help you feel more stable sleeping close to the edges, while thinner interior coils offer adequate support without making the mattress feel too stiff.
How It Performed
The combined effect of the polyfoam, micro-coils, and full-size coils is a balanced and welcoming feel that puts customers in the lap of luxury. This set of features allows the mattress to isolate motion, stay cool, and facilitate sexual activity better than most hybrids on the market.
The Winkbed comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a dependable lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
”Thanks to the combination of adaptive polyfoam and strong coils, I felt very comfortable on the WinkBed. Plenty of cushioning to relieve pressure, but enough response to facilitate movement and protect the edges when I got on and off the mattress.Read our Full WinkBed Review to learn more
Best Cooling
Birch Mattress
Price Range: $1,249 – $1,999Mattress Type: HybridFirmness: Medium Firm (6)Trial length: 100 nights (30-night requirement)Warranty: 25 Year, LimitedSizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it’s best for:
- Sleepers who like a moderately firm surface
- Those who sleep hot at night
- People looking for a responsive surface that’s easy to move around and have sex on
Highlights:
- Premium natural materials at an affordable price point
- GreenGuard Gold & GOTS certifications
- Sustainably sourced New Zealand wool naturally regulates temperature
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In recent years, many mattress brands have made sustainable practices and materials a top priority in order to address worldwide environmental concerns. The Birch Mattress is an excellent example of a mattress made from eco-friendly components that feels comfortable, holds up well over time, and carries a reasonable sticker price.
What It’s Made of
The Birch has two comfort layers under an organic cotton cover. The first layer is made from a wool blend, a breathable material that wicks moisture away from the surface. The second layer consists of natural Talalay latex, a breathable and responsive foam that conforms moderately to the sleepers body.
Under these layers is a substantial pocketed coil support core. These coils are a lower-gauge, meaning they’re thicker and more durable. Under the coils is a layer of natural wool batting.
How It Performed
Performance-wise, the birch stands out above the crowd in durability, temperature control, and ease of movement. As a medium firm mattress that doesn’t conform too closely, the Birch should sufficiently support most sleepers. Each coil is individually pocketed, which improves motion isolation.
Birch offers a 100 night sleep trial and a 25 year warranty, which is an above average guarantee in the mattress world. Plus, they ship free to all 50 US states.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
”Anyone who likes bouncy mattresses should definitely give the Birch a try. I noticed very little resistance as I moved across the surface and the edges barely sank at all.”Read our Full Birch Review to learn more
Best Smart Bed
Ghost SmartBed – 3D Matrix
Price Range: $5,900 – $11,800Mattress Type: AirbedFirmness: Adjustable firmness levelsTrial length: 101 nights (30-night requirement)Warranty: 25 Year, LimitedSizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Who it’s best for:
- Side and back sleepers
- People who want to track sleep data without having to wear a device
- Couples
Highlights:
- Adjustable firmness
- Excellent pressure relief
- Built-in sensors track sleep data
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If you’re looking for a bed that tracks sleep metrics in addition to optimizing comfort, we recommend GhostBed’s Ghost SmartBed – 3D Matrix. This high-tech mattress offers an impressive array of smart features and also has adjustable firmness to provide comfort for a wide swath of sleepers.
What It’s Made of
The bed is 12 inches high and begins with a comfort layer made of gel-infused memory foam, followed by a transition layer of polyfoam underneath. The bed’s most unique feature is the support core with adjustable air chambers, which is divided into five targeted zones that manually or automatically adjust to your body based on biometric sensors. The bed is topped with a Ghost Ice cover and layer of gel polymer. Both are engineered to feel cool to the touch and promote temperature regulation.
How it Performed
When we come across beds with good pressure relief, the bed typically performs better for a particular sleep position or weight category. The SmartBed stands out from competitors by accommodating a wide array of sleep preferences, thanks to its adjustable firmness. The foam layers offer excellent pressure relief and the adjustable air chambers provide customized support or pressure relief to different parts of the body. This is an especially helpful feature for side and back sleepers, who require a careful balance of support and cushion to maintain healthy sleep posture.
The biometric sensors not only monitor changes in body pressure at night, but also track data such as the number of breaths you take per minute and the pattern of your sleep stages. The sensors register data for each side of the bed, which means you can track metrics and customize comfort for each sleep partner.
GhostBed ships free within the contiguous U.S. and offers a 101-night sleep trial. The bed also comes with a 25-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“It’s rare to find a mattress that feels comfortable to everyone on our entire testing team, but the SmartBed pulled it off thanks to its adjustable firmness. We also like the ability to track sleep data without having to wear a device.”
Best for Side Sleepers
Nolah Evolution 15
Price Range: $1,099 – $1,699Mattress Type: HybridFirmness: Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)Trial length: 120 nights (30-night requirement)Warranty: Lifetime, LimitedSizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it’s best for:
- Couples
- People who typically sleep hot
- Those whose prefer sleeping on exceptionally thick mattresses
Highlights:
- Three firmness options
- Proprietary AirFoam offers above-average breathability
- Zoned coils ensure strong edge support
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Side sleepers generally need more cushioning for the shoulders and hips than those who prefer other sleep positions. This extra padding can improve your overall spinal alignment and reduce pressure points in the process. The Nolah Evolution 15 is available in three firmness levels, so side sleepers across different weight groups can all find a comfortable option.
What It’s Made of
The Nolah Evolution 15 features a pillow-top padded with foam. The mattress also contains a comfort layer of AirFoamICE, a proprietary polyfoam. An additional polyfoam layer offers transitional support and prevents sleepers from sagging excessively.
The support core contains pocketed coils divided into zones based on your body weight, so you’ll receive more reinforcement around your midsection and gentle cradling for lighter areas of your body. Thicker coils also reinforce the perimeter.
How It Performed
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a great choice for hot sleepers. The top foam layer contours to the body much like memory foam without sleeping too hot thanks to graphite infused into the material. The coils promote airflow for added cooling, as well. The coils also protect the perimeter quite well, providing push-back and preventing sinkage when you’re getting in and out of bed or sleeping close to the edges.
Those who weigh less than 130 pounds will likely prefer the plush (5) feel due to its deeper contouring, while side sleepers who weigh more may receive more support from the luxury firm (6) or firm (7) models.
Nolah provides free ground shipping to all customers in the contiguous U.S. You’ll receive a sleep trial with your order that spans 120 nights in length. The mattress is also backed by a lifetime warranty that covers structural defects for as long as you own it.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
”Thick mattresses often feel too soft, but I didn’t think this was the case with the Evolution 15. The foam layers provide decent support and the coils make the mattress feel quite stable.”Read our Full Nolah Evolution 15 Review to learn more
Best for Hip Pain
Zoma Mattress
Price Range: $649 – $1348Mattress Type: FoamFirmness: Medium (5)Trial length: 100 nights (30-night requirement)Warranty: 10 YearSizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Who it’s best for:
- Athletes and active people
- People who experience chronic pain
- Light sleepers and couples
Highlights:
- Triangulex zoned support system reduces pressure on hips
- Specifically designed for sleepers with demanding lifestyles
- Ventilated cover and gel-infused foams keep the mattress cool
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The all-foam Zoma Mattress conforms closely to improve alignment and reduce pressure. This makes the mattress particularly well-suited to people who experience aches and pains in areas along the spine, such as the shoulders or hips.
What It’s Made of
The comfort layer is composed of proprietary Triangulex memory foam and divided into different zones based on firmness and contouring level. The mattress is considered medium (5) in terms of firmness, so you can expect a good balance of cushioning and support.
Beneath the comfort layer is a layer of their Reactiv polyfoam, which is a more responsive foam that provides additional support and gives the mattress some ‘bounce’. At the bottom is a high-density polyfoam support core.
How It Performed
The mattress conforms closely to the sleepers body without allowing it to sink too deeply. The zoned comfort layer ensures extra support for the midsection, where people tend to carry more weight, and gentler conforming for lighter areas of the body.
The Zomas’s key strengths are in pressure relief and motion isolation, which is a result of its close conforming foam construction. This makes it perfect for sleepers who experience back and hip pain, light sleepers, and couples. It also performs fairly well in edge support and ease of movement due to responsive polyfoam layers.
The Zoma comes at a slightly below average price point for a memory foam mattress. The company offers a 100 night sleep trial and a 10 year warranty, and offers free shipping and returns to the contiguous US.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
”The Zoma feels more supportive compared to other memory foam models we’ve tested. The zoned comfort layer kept me from sinking in the middle without feeling too stiff elsewhere.”Read our Full Zoma Review to learn more
Why You Should Trust Us
Each member of our testing team brings years of experience and expertise with mattresses and other sleep products. We’ve personally tested hundreds of mattresses, evaluating them for a wide range of performance metrics that can affect your sleep experience. These metrics include durability, pressure relief, temperature control, edge support, and ease of movement. We drew from these evaluations to determine the mattresses chosen for each category.
Our hands-on testing involves testers not only physically lying on each mattress, but also changing positions and getting in and out of bed. We also use temperature sensors to test heating and cooling, and body-mapping tools for determining areas where people experience pressure points. Some mattresses earned favorable ratings across the board and others excelled in particular performance categories. Our top picks reflect the models that scored the highest in each of these categories. We will continue to update this page as mattresses are re-tested and new models are introduced.
In-Depth Mattress Guides
For more personalized mattress guides, check out the following pages:
Mattress Type
See More
- The Best Memory Foam Mattresses
- The Best Hybrid Mattresses
- The Best Innerspring Mattresses
- The Best Latex Mattresses
- The Best Airbed Mattress
Best Mattress by Price
See More
- The Best Budget Mattresses
- The Best Luxury Mattresses
- The Best Mattresses for the Money
- The Best Mattresses for a Guest Room
- The Best Cheap Memory Foam Mattresses
Mattress Feel
- The Best Soft Mattresses
- The Best Firm Mattresses
- Best Medium Firm Mattress
- The Most Comfortable Mattresses
- The Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
Mattress for Specific Needs
See More
- The Best Mattress for Back Pain
- The Best Mattress for Hip Pain
- The Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
- The Best Mattresses for Sex
- The Best Mattresses for Sciatica
Mattress for Sleeper Types
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- The Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- The Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- The Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
- The Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
- The Best Mattress for Athletes
Best Mattresses by Size
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- The Best Twin Mattresses
- The Best Twin XL Mattresses
- The Best Full/Double Mattresses
- The Best Queen Mattresses
- The Best King Mattress
What is the Best Mattress?
In order to determine which mattress ranks highest, our test team considers a number of factors, including performance ratings and quality of construction. We believe the Helix Midnight is the best overall mattress on the market because it performs well in multiple categories and features a thoughtful design. With its mid-range firmness and excellent pressure relief, motion isolation, and temperature neutrality, this mattress is likely to appeal to a wide range of sleepers. The approachable price-point makes it an even more attractive option.
If you are looking for a mattress that excels in a specific performance category, our team has tested and researched hundreds of other mattresses to come up with the list of picks above. Whether your priority is a mattress that stays cool at night or you’re looking for a bed that can help relieve back pain, we’ve got you covered with recommendations.
Finding the Best Mattress For You
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Defining the ideal mattress is extremely subjective. Every sleeper has their own idea of the perfect firmness level. Optimal support and bounce can depend on a person’s sleeping position and body weight. The right mattress can also vary based on whether someone shares a bed, whether they sleep hot, and of course, their budget.
Given all these factors, it’s impossible to say that there’s one single best mattress. For that reason, we’ve broken our top picks into individual categories so that you can find the best bets among specific mattress types and aspects of mattress performance.
For an in-depth look at how to choose a mattress, visit our guide here. We also have every piece of information you’d need when learning a mattresses in our mattress information section.
Also remember to contact us if you’d like a personalized mattress review from our product review staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What mattress is best for me?There are many factors to consider when choosing a new mattress. One of the most important considerations is firmness level. Some people prefer a softer mattress that contours closely to the body, while others enjoy firmer mattresses that provide sturdy support. Your ideal firmness will likely depend on your body type and preferred sleep position. If you share your bed with someone who has different firmness preferences, then a dual-firmness mattress with a different feel on each side may be most suitable.You will want to consider performance areas, as well. If you tend to sleep hot, a mattress constructed with breathable materials that promote airflow and don’t absorb excess heat will probably be the best options. If you tend to sleep near the edges of your bed, then you may need a mattress with strong edge support as opposed to one that sags along the perimeter when pressure is exerted. Those who feel sharp pressure points along the spine should look into mattresses that cushion and conform to the body, while couples who prefer bouncy mattresses for sex may want a more responsive model instead.Lastly, you should take pricing into account. A new mattress can cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand. The construction of a mattress often dictates the sticker price. Foam beds and traditional innersprings are usually the most affordable options, all-latex models and hybrids tend to be middle of the road, and airbeds cost the most. If you feel like you need extra time to test out the mattress before deciding whether to keep it, you should consider buying from a brand that offers a sleep trial of at least 120 nights.
- What mattress types are most comfortable?Whether or not you find a mattress comfortable is deeply personal and due to factors like your body shape and preferred sleeping position. For example, a back sleeper who weighs over 230 pounds will usually prefer a significantly firmer mattress than someone who weighs less than 130 pounds and sleeps on their side.Mattresses can also feel comfortable in the short term but uncomfortable after several hours or even days, making it difficult to choose the right mattress without sleeping on it. Instead of relying on their own sense of what is “comfortable”, customers should carefully consider what their body requires before buying a new mattress. It’s helpful to choose a mattress with a sleep trial, as these allow you to double-check that your new bed is comfortable before committing to the purchase.
- What are the best mattresses for side sleepers?Most people who sleep on their side prefer foam, memory foam, or hybrid mattresses. Side sleepers are prone to developing pressure points at their hip and shoulder, making it difficult to sleep or trigger next-day aches and pains.Mattresses with above-average pressure relief contour gently against these potential pressure points regardless of the mattress’s overall firmness level, providing side sleepers with both comfort and support. While not all foam or foam hybrid mattresses are pressure relieving enough for side sleepers, they tend to perform significantly better in this category than innerspring or even latex beds.
- What are the best mattresses for back pain?The best mattress for back pain is one that encourages correct spinal alignment and provides excellent support for both your body type and preferred sleeping position. While some specific mattresses are popular among people with back pain, an ideal model for one person may leave another feeling worse the next day.However, there are features that people with back pain tend to universally appreciate — these include lumbar padding, ergonomically zoned support systems, and sturdy edge support. Side sleepers with shoulder or upper back pain should also consider the pressure relieving qualities of a mattress before buying since poor pressure relief can lead to tension in these areas.
- What are the best mattresses for hot sleepers?People who sleep very warm should consider purchasing an innerspring or latex mattress. Innerspring mattresses without foam comfort layers provide the best temperature neutrality thanks to their superior airflow, while latex is naturally temperature neutral and stays much cooler throughout the night than synthetic foams.Latex hybrids can be even cooler, as pocketed coils provide airflow in the same fashion as an innerspring. If you prefer the feel of synthetic foams — such as memory foam — look for a foam hybrid with temperature regulation features. These are warmer than an innerspring or latex mattress but still offer better temperature regulation than a standard all-foam bed.
- What are the best mattresses in a box?There is no easy answer to this question since the “best” mattress is exceptionally subjective — a bed that is perfect for one person may leave another person sleepless and sore. Customers should always start by determining their sleep needs, which include personal preferences but should be based on their sleep position and body type. These details, combined with their budget, will help them choose a mattress type, firmness option, and preferred features. After narrowing the field, customers can then rely on independent mattress reviews to determine what mattress in a box is best for them.
