In 2024, customers can choose from thousands of options in search of the best mattress. It’s difficult to narrow them down, and there’s no single best option for everyone. To assist any overwhelmed shoppers out there, we’ve put together a list of our top picks. There’s something here for everyone, from soft memory foam to supportive luxury innerspring mattresses. Check out our roundup of the best mattresses below:
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress in 2024?
After reviewing more than 600 mattresses, our expert reviewers chose the Nectar as the best mattress. This all-foam bed offers sleepers great pressure relief and temperature regulation for a reasonable price.
Best Mattresses of 2024
- Nectar – Best Overall
- Helix Midnight – Best Hybrid Mattress
- Saatva – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress
- WinkBeds – Best Firm Mattress
- DreamCloud Original – Best Cooling Mattress
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress Without Fiberglass
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Mattress for Couples
- Nolah – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy People
Best Mattresses of 2024: Video Review
Compare The Best Mattresses of 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nectar Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Saatva Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Nolah Original 10″ Mattress | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 8/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Firm: 9/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers,
Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Hot Sleepers,
Back Pain, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Side Sleepers
|
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
How We Tested Our Top Mattress List
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period and warranty.
For example, we test a mattress’s motion isolation by placing a glass of water on it and pressing on the layers around it. If the water moves a lot, the mattress has poor motion isolation. Edge support is tested to see how much a bed collapses and look at a pressure map of the mattress to understand where there’s built-up pressure while laying on it.
How We Chose Our Top Mattress List
When choosing the Best Mattresses of 2024, we’re looking for the cream of the crop, which is why every product on this list has an overall score of at least 3.5/5, with most of the beds scoring a 4/5 or above. And savvy shoppers tend to look out the most for these three performance categories, so they were top of mind when making this roundup:
Overall Support
Solid overall support is a non-negotiable in mattress world because it directly affects your spine’s alignment and how your body weight is distributed during sleep. It’s the difference between a comfortable night’s sleep that leaves you feeling refreshed, or excessive pressure on your joints that can lead to aches and pains. Each bed netted at least a 3.5/5 overall support score based on the quality of materials, such as multiple layers dense foams, or high-gauge (i.e. thicker) pocketed coils.
Cooling
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation is another key factor, especially if you share the bed with a partner. A mattress with good motion isolation minimizes the transfer of movement across the bed: If one person moves or gets out of bed, the other is less likely to be disturbed by the motion. We choose memory foam and hybrid mattresses that excelled in this arena, making note if a bed’s motion isolation was sub-par compared to the rest of the roundup.
Nectar — Best Overall
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re on the hunt for a fantastic mattress at a very reasonable price, you can’t go wrong with a Nectar mattress. They now offer numerous high-quality models, but it all began with the Nectar Classic mattress. If you love lying down on your mattress and slowly sinking in, this could be the bed for you!
All-foam mattresses like the Nectar tend to be a great choice for couples because they great with motion isolation. This means that if you sleep with a partner who gets in and out of bed, or changes positions during the night, you won’t feel that motion transfer over to you. This is especially great if you’re a light sleeper, too. We had a colleague get in on one side and move around, and testers didn’t feel their movement transfer over.
What the testers say: “The Nectar mattress is great for people who love slow-moving memory foam mattresses. Average weight and lightweight sleepers should feel a good amount of comfort and support while back and side sleeping.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love about the Nectar Mattress
- The slow-moving memory foam will absorb motion extremely well. If you’re a light sleeper, you shouldn’t notice your partner move around.
- The bed has some cooling infusions that make it an excellent fit if you’re the type of sleeper who runs extra hot. We measured the bed’s surface temperature with our handy thermal gun before and after a tester laid on the bed, and it retained very little heat, only rising 1.9 degrees F, hence the bed’s 4.5/5 cooling score.
- The edge support, rated 4/5 by testers, held up well under the weight of our heaviest (about 250 lbs) tester. We measured a 3.5″ drop — better than the typical memory foam mattress.
- If you’re on a tight budget, this is a great choice. Even a king-size mattress is under $1,000 when discounted. Plus, Nectar has a generous 365-night trial and lifetime warranty. This means you can test the mattress out for a full year, and if you keep it, you’re covered forever.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar Mattress
- The all-foam construction can be a bit of a double-edged sword. While it cradles and contours around your body, some people might have trouble moving around in the mattress. Reflecting this is the bed’s middling responsiveness score (3/5). If you prefer a bed with bounce, try instead a hybrid bed, i.e. a bed with both memory foam and innerspring coils.
Other User Reviews
Nectar has exploded in popularity and its original mattress has over 50,000 reviews on Nectar’s website. On average, the mattress was rated at 4.7/5 stars. Side sleepers all mentioned that they noticed no pain in their shoulders and hips after a few nights. And some couples even mentioned the lack of motion transfer. Most of the complaints dealt with the mattress sleeping too hot.
Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Nectar Mattress, check out our best memory foam mattresses for more great options.
Helix Midnight — Best Hybrid Mattress
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
Our Expert’s Take
The Helix brand strives to simplify the process of buying a mattress. They invite each customer to participate in a sleep quiz on their website and will customize a hybrid mattress to meet their needs. These mattresses range from soft models all the way up to the Helix Plus, a mattress designed specifically for larger people.
When it comes to a best overall hybrid mattress, our favorite is the Helix Midnight. There’s a reason it’s Helix’s most popular model: It has a medium firmness and boasts a balance of comfort and support that suits multiple sleeping positions. We think it’s an especially comfortable bed for side sleepers, back sleepers and combination sleepers who switch positions at night.
What the testers say: “During my testing, I switched between all three sleeping positions. In each one, I found that the Memory Plus foam conformed to my body nicely, while the springs kept me comfortably supported.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight
- People who sleep hot can add Helix’s GlacioTex™ Cooling Pillow Top to their order, which should help keep the temperature low at the top of the bed. But overall, the bed won’t trap heat thanks to the coils, which allow for airflow.
- Helix’s Luxe models offer premium upgrades for their mattresses. Customers can add extra bells and whistles such as advanced sleep technology and a tufted pillow top.
- The Helix mattresses are some of the best mattresses for couples. So if the Helix Midnight doesn’t work for you, each partner can take their own sleep quiz, and Helix will customize their respective side of the mattress based on their answers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight
- The Helix Midnight is a classic medium-firm mattress. This means that it likely won’t be supportive enough for stomach sleepers or heavier side sleepers.
- Though it features memory foam in its comfort layer, the coils still make it a more bouncy and responsive mattress. This is something to keep in mind if you prefer all-foam mattresses.
Other User Reviews
With 6,000 reviews on Helix’s website, the Helix Midnight has an average review score of 4.5/5 stars, which is nothing to huff at. Many were happy with the set up and how comfortable the mattress felt. Some also praised its ability to stay cool. Those that had issues found it was either too soft or that the foam layer was a bit tough to move around on. Overall, we found the bed easy to move around on, but this could change based on body types.
Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Helix Midnight mattress, check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses for more great options!
Saatva — Best Affordable Luxury Mattress
The Saatva is a luxurious hybrid innerspring mattress that should be a great long-term investment. It is available in multiple firmness options, so it should work for the majority of sleeping positions, and its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers. However, lightweight side sleepers and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
“Affordable” and “luxury” are not words that tend to go hand-in-hand. However, we feel the Saatva mattress merits this description because of its quality and price. While we wouldn’t consider this a “cheap” mattress, you get a lot of bang for your buck with this product.
Costing just under $2,000 for a queen, the price is comparable to many other hybrid mattresses on the market. That said, the Saatva delivers the luxurious, hotel-like feel that many people search for in a mattress. Its hybrid construction makes it quite durable, meaning you can rely on it maintaining its structural integrity for many years.
Plus, unlike the other mattresses on this list, the Saatva is not shipped in a box. It is never compressed, and is delivered by shipping professionals who will set it up for you and discard your old mattress at no additional cost.
What the testers say: “The Saatva mattress is a great option for people that like the innerspring/hybrid feel. It is one of the few innerspring mattresses that is direct to consumer, competing with the top brands (e.g. Beautyrest Black) at a fraction of the cost.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva Mattress
- The Saatva has two layers of coils: a thinner layer of micro coils and sturdy supportive coils. This offers a good amount of support for back sleepers.
- The innerspring feel makes it a great mattress for combination sleepers who need to easily switch positions while they sleep.
- Considering its materials, construction and performance, the Saatva is a high-quality, luxury mattress that is sold for a value price.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Mattress
- The Saatva is an innerspring mattress, so if you’re a fan of that slow-moving memory foam, this won’t feel the same. It’ll be bouncy and responsive and won’t have that sinking feeling.
- You should consider your weight and sleeping position when looking at the firmness options. We tested the Luxury Firm model, and this isn’t the best for lightweight side sleepers or heavier stomach sleepers.
Other User Reviews
On Saatva’s website, the Saatva Classic has an average 4.8/5 stars after just under 3,000 reviews. Many of the 4- and 5-star reviews mention how high-quality the mattress feels, but many also have praised the Saatva customer support team as well for quick and helpful answers. However, many reviews on the lower star rating spectrum mention that no matter what firmness they had, it still felt too firm.
Read our full Saatva mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Saatva mattress, check out our list of the best luxury mattresses for more great options!
WinkBed — Best Firm Mattress
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Those who have enjoyed their time on a high-end hotel mattress should set their sights on the WinkBed, a hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel. There are four firmness options: Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm, and Plus, all of which are luxury mattresses with supportive coils and comfortable pillow tops. Every version but the Soft ranked above a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale, so there are many different firmer mattress feels to choose from.
The Luxury Firm is a good choice for most people, and it’s the model we tested in the sleep lab as well. The sturdy, zoned coils offered really great back support for testers. Zoned coils feel firmer toward the center of the mattress and softer near the head and the foot. This is particularly helpful for back and side sleepers.
What the testers say: “I tested the Luxury Firm version of the WinkBed, and I could feel some really strong support, which was particularly nice while back sleeping. I think those looking for a firm bed to keep their spine aligned will enjoy this sturdy bed.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What we Love About the WinkBed Mattress
- The Luxury Firm is the line’s most popular model, and also my personal favorite. It should be supportive enough for sleepers of many sizes and comfortable for all three sleeping positions.
- Most folks should feel well-supported by the micro-coils and pocketed coils while back-sleeping and stomach-sleeping on the Luxury Firm. Side sleepers should feel little pressure on their shoulders and hips.
- The WinkBed shouldn’t sleep too hot, because the coils allow for so much air to pass through the mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed Mattress
- We tested the Luxury Firm model, which should be a good fit for most sleepers. However, you should consider your weight and sleeping position when deciding what firmness to get. Lightweight people may need a softer model, while heavier people may need a firmer model.
- This bed could be a bit pricey for some. Even when discounted, a queen-size mattress can cost roughly $1,500.
Other User Reviews
With about 8,400 reviews on the WinkBed website, the WinkBed mattress has clinched a near-perfect 4.8/5 stars average. The positive reviews are full of mentions about how it is very supportive and feels like sleeping on a mattress that might cost much more somewhere else. However, users who left lower ratings often mentioned issues with the firmness they chose. With so many firmness options available, many had to either return or exchange for a different firmness.
Read our full WinkBeds mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the WinkBeds mattress, check out our list of the best firm mattresses for more great options!
DreamCloud Original — Best Cooling Mattress
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleepers and nice cooling for hot sleepers. Its mix of foam and coils ensures you get the right amount of support, while its breathable materials ensure you don’t sleep too hot. It is a bouncier mattress, and if you prefer more of a memory foam feel, consider the Nectar mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you sleep hot at night, you want to find a mattress with great cooling features. Innerspring mattresses are often great for cooling due to their coiled construction, which allows a lot of air to flow through the mattress.
The DreamCloud’s cooling features as a hybrid innerspring are especially impressive considering the bed’s price — a queen-size dips below $700 when deals are running. The cool-to-the-touch cover contains cooling fibers that make it quite breathable, keeping the quilted pillow-top from trapping too much heat. It also has a set of individually wrapped coils, permitting air to flow through the mattress.
Cooling is an important consideration if you sleep hot or share the bed with someone else, whether it be a partner, pet, or child. There are definitely nights when we run hot, and overheating was not an issue for mattress testers when napping on the hybrid DreamCloud.
What the testers say: “The DreamCloud lived up to its cozy name when I tested it. First off, when I was lying down, I could feel the cooling cover doing its thing. Also, sleeping on the mattress, I did not overheat or wake up sweating during the night. Again, I live in a warmer area, but the mattress was up to the task.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love about the DreamCloud
- Based on our durability test, the DreamCloud earned a 4/5 score in this field. We determined this by cutting open the mattress and assessing its quality of construction and the materials used. We feel that this mattress should hold up well for quite a while, lasting many years if properly cared for. And, even if you do have issues with the mattress, you can rest assured knowing that it comes with a lifetime warranty.
- If you’re shopping on a budget, you’ll find the DreamCloud occupies a very accessible price range. The bed comes in at just under $700 for a queen (at publishing time), which is excellent value considering the quality. If you’re ready to shell out a bit more for an even more cooling and durable build, check out the DreamCloud Premier Rest.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud
- The DreamCloud is a bit firmer, clocking a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale. This firmness should work well for back and stomach sleepers, but side sleepers may feel too much pushback on bony points of contact with the mattress like their hips and shoulders.
- The middling motion score (3/5) given by testers indicates that DreamCloud might not be the best option for couples who are sensitive to their partner’s movements. Instead, you may prefer a bed that better absorbs motion, like the Nectar.
Other User Reviews
Currently, DreamCloud averages a 4.6/5 on the company website, and as DreamCloud’s flagship mattress, that’s the average of nearly 9,000 reviews. Customers wrote that the bed “stays cool all night,” and has the “perfect amount of cushion.” Among the shorter selection of less flattering reviews though, buyers said the bed needed additional cooling features.
Read our full DreamCloud mattress review. Looking for an alternative? We’ve also curated a list of the best cooling mattresses with great recommendations.
Bear Elite Hybrid — Best Mattress Without Fiberglass
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most high-end mattress. It offers luxury features, like zoned support and extra height, while still offering the temperature regulation Bear mattresses are known for. Based on our testing results, we’d recommend this mattress to average-weight side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, check out the Bear Star Hybrid. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Fiberglass has been on a lot of minds these days. Recently, the topic of fiberglass used as a flame retardant in mattress became a hot topic of discussion. Direct exposure of fiberglass can cause health problems, so it’s no surprise that many people would prefer it not be present where they sleep. Thankfully, there are many great mattresses that don’t utilize fiberglass at all, and the Bear Elite Hybrid is one of our favorites.
If you need a great soft mattress, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress should be at the top of your list. Its Soft model has two different layers of foam; one is pressure-relieving, and the other helps ease you into the support layer. You should feel the soft foam pressing into your gaps, while the coils keep your body elevated.
The Bear Elite Hybrid does come in two other firmnesses, Medium (the one I tested) and Firm, which will provide more support for back and stomach sleepers. We’d recommend the Soft model for side sleepers.
What the testers say: “I felt very comfortable while back and side sleeping on the Bear Elite Hybrid. It has a zoned support system, which means it feels firmer toward the center and softer near the head and foot. This helps back and side sleepers maintain the correct spinal alignment throughout the night, so it’s a great choice for folks who tend to switch sleeping positions.” – Elisa, Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Elite Hybrid
- The Bear Elite Hybrid includes Celliant fibers, which research suggests help with blood flow and muscle recovery.
- Side sleepers should enjoy the excellent pressure relief the memory foam and plush top have to offer. The coils also make it easy to move around on if you’re a combination sleeper.
- There’s a lot of cooling technology in this mattress, from the Celliant cover and the copper-infused foam to the breathable and sturdy coils. That just means you won’t sleep hot on this mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Elite Hybrid
- The Bear Elite is Bear’s most luxurious mattress model. Because of this, it might not be the best choice for those shopping on a strict budget.
- Because it comes in multiple firmnesses, lightweight people or side sleepers should get the soft model, while back sleepers and more average weight people should enjoy the luxury firm. Heavier people or stomach sleepers should get the firm model.
Other User Reviews
With just under 300 reviews, the Bear Elite Hybrid averages 4.4/5 stars. Many side sleepers were happy with the mattress and mentioned the soft and medium-firm models as the reason. They said they used to wake up with shoulder and hip pain, but not so much anymore. Those who rated the bed three stars or less mentioned either the persistent off-gas smell or the firmness not being what they expected.
Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses without fiberglass for more great options!
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe — Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe offers a responsive surface great for combination sleepers. It’s also a good choice for hot sleepers looking for a bed that can keep them cool but that’s available in a wide array of sizes. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
This hybrid mattress comes in three firmnesses: Soft, Medium, and Firm. This means you can choose the feel that’s best for your sleeping position, body type, and personal preferences. All of the models are 13.25” tall and include a combination of foam and coils. I tested the medium-firm model and felt a great balance of comfort and support while sleeping on my back.
Brooklyn Bedding is notable for offering some of the best affordable mattresses on the market. Since the company owns their own factory (a rarity in the mattress field), it’s able to cut out the middleman while making quality beds, and then pass on those savings to customers. Although the Aurora Luxe model has high-quality construction, it’s got a very competitive price point that gives it great value compared to comparable products on the market.
What the testers say: “I felt great while back sleeping on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. The responsive TitanFlex foam and the sturdy coils created a supportive feel that helped me maintain the proper spinal alignment. In fact, I ranked the Aurora Luxe as one of the best mattresses for back sleepers.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Back sleepers and those who need a good balance of comfort and support should love the Medium model. It should allow the hips to sink in just the right amount, while the coils offer support.
- The comfort layers are gel-infused to help it sleep cool. This will draw away body heat and keep you from overheating.
- It’s a responsive mattress and is very easy to move around on. This makes it ideal for combination sleepers.
- Three firmness options means that you should be able to find a version of the Aurora Luxe that accommodates you, regardless of your sleeping position and body type. In a nutshell, the soft version works best for side sleepers and lightweight sleepers; the medium version is best for back sleepers and those who are average-weight; and the firm option should work best for heavyweight sleepers and stomach sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Because of its innerspring construction, it won’t isolate motion well. This is something to consider if you sleep with a partner and are a light sleeper. You’ll notice them move around or get in and out of bed. Consider looking into the best mattresses for couples if you’re looking for a mattress that isolates motion well.
Other User Reviews
Based on 3,321 reviews from the Brooklyn Bedding website, the Aurora Luxe has an average rating of 4.7/5. Many people praise the mattress for helping with their pain, be it back, shoulder, or hip pain. Regarding the one-star reviews, some people felt the mattress was not at all comfortable, with one person even saying it slept too hot, despite the company’s claims.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Brooklyn Bedding mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers for more great options!
Emma Hybrid Comfort — Best Mattress for Couples
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is an affordable mattress that’s very firm and offers great support for stomach and back sleepers. It can also handle heavier weights, so it’s a great choice for heavyweight individuals who need a supportive mattress. Couples should sleep soundly without worrying about noticing their partner move around during the night and it won’t trap too much heat. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Several factors make the Emma Hybrid Comfort a good mattress for couples. First, and possibly most important, we found this mattress did a solid job of isolating motion. This indicates that while your partner tosses and turns on their side of the bed you will likely not be disturbed by these movements on your side.
Another important aspect of a mattress that we consider when grading a mattress for couples is edge support. When you sleep with a partner, you want to be able to maximize the use of your mattress’ surface area. We determined the perimeter of the Emma Hybrid Comfort to be very sturdy (4.5/5). So, you and your partner can confidently utilize the mattress edges without worrying much about them sagging under your weight.
Lastly, the Emma Hybrid Comfort has good responsiveness. During sex, this factor will make it easier to move around on the mattress and change positions.
What the testers say: “Thankfully, I didn’t see any serious motion transfer on the Emma Hybrid Comfort. I placed a glass of water on one side of the mattress and then pushed into the other side. I saw very little disturbance in the water. I also lay on one side of the mattress while my coworker moved around on the opposite side. I was not disturbed whatsoever, so this should be a good mattress for couples.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Emma Comfort Hybrid
- The Emma Hybrid Comfort includes a moisture-wicking comfort, which helps with breathability. This means that it won’t trap heat and you shouldn’t sleep too hot.
- Stomach sleepers should enjoy the flat sleeping surface and the responsiveness the memory foam and coils have to offer.
- There’s a lot of cooling technology in this mattress, from the moisture-wicking cover and AIRGOCELL® foam to the breathable and sturdy coils.
What to Keep in Mind About the Emma Comfort Hybrid
- The Emma Comfort Hybrid is a great mattress for heavier people, but due to the nature of the sturdy materials, it might be too firm for average to lightweight sleepers.
- This also isn’t the best mattress for side sleepers. There’s the potential for pressure to build up in your shoulders and hips, which could cause pain.
Other User Reviews
Because the mattress is relatively new, there are currently no customer reviews on the Emma website.
Read our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for couples for more great options.
Nolah — Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Nolah Original is an all-foam mattress that feels softer than average. It contains proprietary AirFoam, which is more breathable than traditional memory foam. For this reason, it works well for hot sleepers. This mattress offers plenty of pressure relief for many side sleepers, but it may not be supportive enough for some back and stomach sleepers. Watch our Nolah mattress review video.
Our Expert’s Take
Side sleepers will usually find that they are most compatible with a soft, often all-foam mattress. When you sleep with your hips and shoulders pressed into the bed it’s very important that the surface of your mattress has enough give to allow them to sink in rather than getting jammed up. This will help ease some of the pressure felt in these sensitive areas. The Nolah is one such mattress that does just that, making it a fantastic choice for side sleepers.
This bed has more of what we refer to as a “balanced foam feel.” This means that the bed is made out of foam, but testers found that it’s very easy to move around on. This makes it a great choice for combination sleepers who move around frequently during the night, in addition to side sleepers.
What the testers say: “The Nolah mattress has a balanced foam feel. The brand’s Airfoam is really plush and pressure-relieving, and when laying on it I could feel my body sink into, but not so much that it was difficult to move around on.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Original
- The Nolah mattress offers a balance of comfort and support for back sleepers and combination sleepers.
- Side sleepers will get great pressure relief from the Nolah mattress.
- Nolah prides itself on using durable, long-lasting materials. So this bed should last several years and shouldn’t sag over time.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Original
- This mattress is only 10″ tall, so it might not be supportive enough for heavier sleepers. This is because heavier bodies will compress the foam layers a bit more than lightweight and average weight sleepers.
- This bed is medium-firm, which is great for back and side sleepers, but it won’t be supportive enough for stomach sleepers who need firmer beds to elevate their hips.
Other User Reviews
With 1,300 reviews on Nolah’s website, the Nolah Original has earned an average 4.7/5 stars. Many were happy that an all-foam bed didn’t trap heat, thanks to Nolah’s propriety foam. And those that were unimpressed with the mattress found it to be a bit too soft for their liking.
Read our full Nolah mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Nectar Hybrid mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers for more great options!
Titan Plus — Best Mattress for Heavy People
The Titan Plus mattress works well for many heavyweight back and stomach sleepers. It’s quite firm, coming in at 9/10 on our firmness scale. This means that many side sleepers won’t get the pressure relief they need along their shoulders and hips. Watch our Titan Plus mattress review video to learn more.
Our Expert’s Take
For heavier sleepers over 230 lbs, there are certain criteria that a mattress needs to meet so that you can sleep comfortably and feel supported. Most heavier sleepers will need a mattress that’s firmer than average, and if you’re a stomach sleeper, you’ll want something even firmer so that your hips can be supported, and your spine can be aligned properly while you sleep.
If these criteria apply to you, the Titan Plus will probably be a great fit. It’s one of the firmest mattresses on the market, and it’s a hybrid, so it’s built with responsive foams in the comfort layer and supportive coils in the support layer.
The Titan Plus ranks at a 9/10 on our firmness scale for heavy sleepers, but if you’re a lighter person trying out the Titan Plus, you may rank this mattress at closer to an 8.5/10. Because it’s so firm, we found the most comfort while sleeping on our backs and our stomachs.
What the testers say: “Firmness is always a bit subjective, and that’s especially true for beds that are designed with heavier people in mind. I ranked this mattress a 9/10 on our firmness scale, which is extremely firm. For reference, the industry standard for average firmness is 6.5/10. That said, folks who weigh somewhere between 300 and 500 lb could find that the mattress feels a bit softer. They’re more likely to press into the foam layers of the mattress and feel more pressure relief.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Titan Plus
- This is one of the best mattresses for heavyweight stomach sleepers we’ve ever tested. Martin, our designated heavyweight tester, said, “It’s a great choice for heavyweight stomach sleepers. Because this mattress feels particularly firm, it helps promote the proper spinal alignment–this helps stomach sleepers avoid lower back pain”.
- We tested the Titan Plus for temperature regulation and gave it an impressive score of 4.5/5. The cover is infused with cooling gel, and the coils system helps promote breathability.
What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus
- As is often the case, the factors that make this mattress great for heavyweight people also makes it a poor choice for lightweight people. It’s too firm to a lighter sleeper’s hips and shoulders to receive adequate pressure relief.
- We gave the Titan Plus a score of 3/5 on our motion isolation test. Basically, we found that when one of our sleep testers rested on one side of the bed, they were easily disturbed by another sleep tester’s movements on the other side. This is bad news for couples, especially those consisting of light sleepers.
Other User Reviews
Based on 2,618 reviews on the Titan website, this mattress has an average rating of 4.7/5. If you’re after a very firm mattress, you’ll be happy to hear that many 5-star reviews mention that the Titan Plus is, in fact, very firm. One notable 1-star review comes from a person who claims to have slept on the mattress for 12 months, and that it has gotten significantly softer over time. While it is common for mattresses to get softer over time, it’s worth keeping this comment in mind.
Read our full Titan Plus mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Titan Plus mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for heavy people for more great options!
Still Not Sure Which Mattress to Buy?
If people really don’t know what they want, they should take a hard look at Helix, because the company offers fully customized mattresses. All consumers have to do is fill out a series of questions. The folks at Helix will then make a customized mattress based on the customer’s answers. If someone sleeps with a partner with different sleeping preferences, they can implement different firmnesses and feels on each side of the bed.
How to Find the Right Mattress for You
We know it can be overwhelming to find the perfect mattress, so we’ve broken down some of the top factors to consider when shopping for a new mattress. Keep reading to find additional guidance on selecting the best mattress for your sleeping position, budget, firmness preference, and more!
Factors We Consider For The Best Mattresses
- Value: There are multiple ways to assess the value of a mattress. If the company spends a lot on marketing, the product can be priced higher than it’s worth. Also, a product will have poor value without the incorporation of high-quality materials.
- Feel: Feel is always subjective. Some people love memory foam while others can’t stand it. Rather than saying one type of feel is better than another, we assess the feel and describe it in detail. Then, we try to help mattress shoppers make a decision based on their needs and preferences.
- Firmness: Firmness is also a subjective measure. One person might think a mattress is firmer than average, while someone else might think the same exact mattress is softer than average.
- Motion Isolation: If someone sleeps with a partner, then motion isolation should be a consideration. If someone’s partner shifts around in bed, will they feel the movement? Some mattresses are great at isolating motion, while others are not.
- Company Reputation: All companies should treat their customers well. We recommend reviewing a company’s trial period, return policy, and customer service quality. We’ve seen some companies fail to honor their return policy or make it difficult to return their product. We want to help customers avoid brands like that, so we try to ensure everyone buys a product from a company they can trust.
- Matching Marketing Claims To Reality: Mattress companies are known for making big claims about their products. In some cases, the claims are true, and in others they’re exaggerations. We try to assess how accurate these claims are.
- Quality Of The Materials: There are some objective factors one can assess about a mattress’s material quality. Durability, for example, is directly affected by the density of the foams used in the mattress. That’s why we conduct a full analysis of each material used in every mattress.
- Sleeping Hot: This is a huge factor for a lot of people. We take extra time to assess this aspect of the mattress and give extra points to companies that manufacture beds with cooling in mind.
- Transparency: In some cases, we understand why a company may not share every detail about some of its products, but we do favor companies who are 100% transparent. Providing all the details of the mattress gives consumers confidence in their purchasing decisions.
- Return Rate: No company publicly discloses their return rate. We do privately prod companies so they provide this statistic. Having a low return rate is a great way to know that customers are loving the product.
- Mattress Size: You want to make sure the company offers the right mattress sizes to fit your bed and bedroom. We suggest reading our mattress size guide to find out which is right for you. If you’re a fan of King mattresses, make sure to check our best king-size mattresses roundup.
Mattress Types to Consider
There are several different types of mattresses out there. Some appeal to a wider range of sleepers than others do, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are the most traditional mattress type and are still popular, although many bed-in-a-box companies don’t offer them. These beds are built with a coil construction, making them firmer and bouncier. Because they’re so responsive to movement, innerspring mattresses are great for combination sleepers who switch sleeping positions. These beds are also ideal for shoppers on a budget.
While it’s rare to find a true innerspring mattress, many hybrid beds (such as Saatva and the WinkBed) heavily feature coils in their construction. In this case, they might be described as a hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel.
See our list of the best innerspring mattresses.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are popular with bed-in-a-box companies. There are many benefits to the material, including its soothing, pressure-relieving comfort, motion isolation, and wide pricing range. Many people believe memory foam mattresses will make you sleep hot, but newer models have innovated aerated foams for better airflow. Some come with gel or copper infusions to keep you cool.
See our list of the best memory foam mattresses.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses are similar to memory foam mattresses, except they’re bouncier, more sustainable, and more expensive. These beds offer great pressure relief and have natural cooling properties. Latex beds suit eco-friendly shoppers, people who sleep with pain, and those looking for a luxurious mattress.
See our list of the best latex mattresses
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses use a combination of any of the materials listed above, including coils, foam, and latex. Often, these mattresses offer the best of both (or several!) worlds, making for a comfortable, supportive, and more cooling bed. Hybrid mattresses are a good fit for most types of sleepers, seeing as the materials and construction have such a wide range of possibilities.
See our list of the best hybrid mattresses.
Airbeds
Not to be confused with air mattresses, airbeds are luxurious mattresses built with air chambers that you can manually adjust. You can change the firmness of the bed for your comfort. Airbeds are great for couples with different preferences, seniors, or anyone looking for a luxurious sleep experience.
One of our favorite airbeds we’ve tested is the Saatva Solaire. Check out our full Saatva Solaire mattress review to learn more.
Factor in Your Sleeping Position
Knowing your primary sleeping position can come in handy when looking for a mattress. We’ll highlight what you should know about each sleeping position, including what to look for and watch out for in a mattress.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers put a lot of pressure on their shoulders, hips, and knees while they sleep. It’s important for them to have a pressure-relieving mattress that evenly distributes body weight. Memory foam mattresses are a good choice for side sleepers.
Side sleepers generally want a mattress on the softer end of the spectrum, as a soft bed is more likely to relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips. At the same time, they don’t want something too soft, as this might not keep their spine neutrally aligned.
See our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers put a lot of pressure on their lower back, especially if they sleep with a thicker pillow. These folks do best on a firmer mattress that prevents excessive sinkage and lifts the hips for proper spinal alignment.
Weight will also factor into what type of mattress works best for you as a stomach sleeper. For example, stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 lbs may want something medium-firm, but stomach sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs will likely feel comfortable on a firm or extra-firm mattress.
See our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers need a mattress that balances comfort and support. While the mattress should keep your hips from sinking too far, it should provide enough support to keep your spine in proper alignment. Generally, this means finding a medium-firm bed with a thin (2″ to 4″) comfort layer on top.
How much you weigh is also an important factor when choosing the right mattress for sleeping on your back. Sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs will want to find a very supportive, firm bed, while those under 230 lbs should probably opt for something medium-firm.
See our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Combination Sleepers
If you switch positions during the night, you’re a combination sleeper. You should find a bed responsive to your body movements because this will make it easier for you to move around at night. Hybrid and innerspring beds are made with coils, so they tend to be more responsive mattresses, but some memory foam beds can still provide bounce.
While the bounciness of a responsive bed is an upside for combination sleepers, it can mean the bed is more likely to transfer motion disturbances across the surface. If you sleep with a partner, pay attention to the bed’s motion isolation. Hybrid beds that combine coils and a layer (or layers) of memory foam are a good option for getting the best of both worlds.
See our list of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
Mattress Firmness Considerations
We recommend that shoppers stay away from a mattress that is super-soft or super-firm. The mattress firmness scale is measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the most firm. Most sleepers will be comfortable and supported on a medium to firm mattress around a 5–8 on the scale.
How to Factor in Your Weight and Sleeping Position
There are two main things to consider when choosing the right mattress firmness for your needs: weight and sleeping position.
First, your weight determines how much your body will compress the mattress materials when you lie down. Heavier sleepers will put more pressure on those materials, so a firmer bed will typically work better for them than it would for a lightweight sleeper. But that’s where your sleeping position comes in.
As we mentioned earlier, your sleeping position will also impact how much support or contouring you need from a mattress. For example, average-weight side sleepers will tend to want a softer bed than average-weight back sleepers. As always, personal preferences for firmness can vary, but we put together a general overview of which firmness levels tend to work well for each type of sleeper.
| Sleeper Weight | Back Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
| Lightweight (Under 130 lb) | Medium-Firm | Soft to Medium | Medium-Firm |
| Average (130 – 230 lb) | Medium-Firm to Firm | Medium-Firm | Medium-Firm to Firm |
| Heavyweight (Over 230 lb) | Firm to Extra-Firm | Medium-Firm to Firm | Firm to Extra-Firm |
See some our guides to help you explore which mattress firmness level is best for you and see our top picks in those categories:
- Firm vs Soft Mattresses: Which Is Best?
- Best Firm Mattresses
- Best Soft Mattresses
- Best Extra Firm Mattresses
Consider Your Budget
Shopping within your price range can be another way to narrow down your mattress options. Avoid mattresses at the absolute lowest and highest ends of the spectrum. The cheapest mattresses (around $100–$200) will give you what you pay for (not much) and the most expensive mattresses can reach a point of diminishing returns.
How to Save Money on Your Mattress
Keep an eye out for discounts, especially around holidays. Some popular mattress sale holidays include President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Even if you’re not shopping near a major holiday, though, many brands offer sales throughout the year that can help make your favorite mattress a lot more affordable.
See our lists of the best mattresses for your budget:
- Best Cheap Mattresses
- Best Luxury Mattresses (Premium Beds)
- Best Mattresses for the Money (Get Bang for Your Buck)
- Best Mattresses Under $1,000
- Best Mattresses Under $2,000
Online Shopping vs In-Stores
There are a few pros and cons to buying your mattress online. Some people prefer to purchase a new bed from the comfort of their couch. Others want to try it out beforehand. Let’s learn more about the buying process!
Benefits of Buying a Mattress Online
- Companies offer generous trial periods. You aren’t locked into a purchase, and you have plenty of time to figure out whether the mattress is right for you. Most sleep trial periods last 100 days, but some companies let you relax on the mattress for up to a year! If you find your bed doesn’t quite work, you can return it for a full refund. Many bed-in-a-box brands will even send someone to pick up the mattress.
- Buying online means big money savings. Purchasing a mattress in-store can be a headache. It often requires price negotiations and confusing lingo. When you shop online, however, you can easily compare prices and find something that suits your budget. Plus, our Mattress Clarity coupons always shave off some of the cost.
- It’s super convenient. No need to drive to your nearest mattress retailer! You can shop for a comfy bed while lounging in your PJs. Plus, because you can compare brands side-by-side, you have all of the options at your fingertips.
Benefits of Buying a Mattress In-Store
- You can try before you buy. We get it. Buying a mattress sight unseen can feel a bit scary. Some people prefer to test a few mattresses before making a payment. However, all online mattress retailers offer sleep trial periods, so there really isn’t any risk. Plus, our in-depth mattress reviews will help you find the bed that works best for you.
- The online selection can feel overwhelming. When you shop at a traditional mattress retailer, you don’t have as many options to choose from. For some people, this can feel comforting because there isn’t as much information to sift through. However, our detailed mattress comparisons demystify the shopping process and break it into simplified terms.
Finding the Best Mattress Company
While the Internet is one of the best places to buy a mattress, it isn’t always clear which companies are the best. Some shoppers may want to start their search by narrowing down the best companies.
First off, read our piece on how to buy a mattress online. Also, here are a few factors you can look out for to distinguish between what makes one mattress company better than another.
- Trial Period and Return Policy: Finding a mattress company with a generous trial period and return policy is important, especially when you’re shopping online without actually getting to see the bed. Most companies should offer at least a 100-day, risk-free trial period with free returns.
- Warranty: Warranties cover manufacturing defects and are a standard part of a mattress purchase. The most popular terms we’ve seen are 10-year, 20-year, and lifetime limited warranties. Anything less than a 5-year mattress warranty is something to be skeptical of.
- Shipping and Delivery: Free shipping and delivery is standard for a mattress company, though some may charge a small fee. Some of the best mattress companies also offer free white glove delivery, meaning they will set the mattress up for you for no extra cost.
- Pricing: Make sure you’re shopping from a company with decently priced mattresses. Look for comparable models from different brands to see if you’re being charged fairly for the materials included in the mattress.
Summary
Below is a summary of our top picks for the best mattresses of 2024. And if you want more tailored recommendations, be sure to check out our mattress quiz!
| Mattress | Best For | Pricing (Queen) |
| Nectar | Best Overall | $1099.00 |
| Helix Midnight | Best Hybrid Mattress | $1373.80 |
| Saatva | Best Affordable Luxury Mattress | $2095.00 |
| WinkBeds | Best Firm Mattress | $1799.00 |
| DreamCloud Original | Best Cooling Mattress | $1332.00 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Best Mattress Without Fiberglass | $2305.00 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Best Mattress for Back Sleepers | $2265.00 |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | Best Mattress for Heavy People | $1199.00 |
| Nolah | Best Mattress for Side Sleepers | $1149.00 |
| Titan Plus | Best Mattress for Heavy People | $1249.00 |
Best Mattress FAQs
What’s the most comfortable mattress?
What’s the best type of mattress?
This really depends on someone’s sleeping preferences. Someone who likes to sink into their mattress and desires good pressure relief should consider a memory foam mattress. Those who need more support and like a more traditional feel should like an innerspring mattress, and people who want to steer clear of chemicals will appreciate a latex mattress.
What’s the best mattress for side sleepers?
Side sleepers should be looking for a softer mattress that can relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips. The Puffy Lux Hybrid, for example, relieves pressure quite well and should be an exceptional option for lightweight and medium-weight side sleepers.
What are the best mattresses for the money?
When looking for a value mattress, customers want to consider durability and affordability. Make sure the mattress will stand up to many years of use without breaking the bank. In general, the Brooklyn Bedding mattresses are some of the best for the money. Brooklyn Bedding owns their own factory, so they are able to pass these savings on to the customers. They have numerous options such as the Signature, Bowery, and Aurora.
