Best Mattresses of 2023

Written by Loren Bullock, Certified Sleep Science Coach

Methodology

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed hundreds of mattresses and sleep products for over eight years using hands-on testing. We assess each sleep product for comfort, support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more. Learn more.

In This Article

We’ll introduce our choices for the top mattresses on the market, based on our mattress lab testing, support, materials, and factors for each type of sleeper. We recently updated this article with findings from additional testing.

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Mattress Nerd consulted Dr. Alaina Rajagopal to ensure that this article met our editorial standards

Finding the best mattress can be an overwhelming process. Shoppers often find themselves in analysis paralysis due to the sheer number of mattress brands, styles, and price points available. Not to mention, the advent of the Internet has further broadened the selection for shoppers who don’t want to pursue the traditional route of testing beds at a brick-and-mortar mattress store.

To help quell the stress, we’re sharing the top-rated mattresses for 2023. We’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of mattresses, spending over 1,000 hours total in the mattress lab, so narrowing it down was no easy feat. If you didn’t know already, answering the question, “What is the best mattress?” depends on several factors such as your sleeping position, age, comfort preferences, and unique needs. With this in mind, we’ve included links to our more specific best-mattress lists at the bottom of this article to help you focus your search.

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Mattress in 2023?

Our expert mattress testers chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the best mattress of the year due to its supportive materials and plush, comforting pillowtop layer, which provides support and pressure relief for all types of sleepers.

The Best Mattresses – Our Top Picks for 2023

• Nectar – Best Value Mattress
• Saatva Classic – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress
• WinkBed Plus – Best Cooling Mattress
• Helix Midnight Luxe – Nerd’s Pick
• Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
• DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Leesa Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress
• Plank Firm – Best Extra-Firm Mattress
• Helix Dawn – Best for Couples
• Nolah Natural – Best Latex Mattress

Scroll down to learn more and check current discounts!

Video Roundup: Best Mattresses of 2023

See what Corey, Becca, and I have to say about the best mattresses for the year.

Chosen by Experts and Advocates

​​Here at Mattress Nerd, our team of editors and certified sleep science coaches have reviewed hundreds of mattresses. In our testing process, we assess performance factors such as responsiveness, durability, temperature regulation, pressure relief, and edge support using a variety of tests. 

Each mattress on this list earned its spot for a different reason, whether it be great for couples, exceptional at staying cool, or accommodating to sleepers with back pain, but they all have one thing in common: they are the best mattresses that we have tested. To learn more, check out our review process.

Best Value Mattress: Nectar

Pros

Sleeps cool for an all-foam bed

Top-notch motion isolation

Contains pressure-relieving foam

Cons

Not a traditional, bouncy hybrid mattress

Doesn’t offer great edge support

Not as compatible for heavyweight sleepers

Value is something we are all concerned with when making a big purchase like a mattress. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, we suggest the Nectar. If you love the “hugging” feeling of memory foam and are a back or side sleeper, you will likely love this mattress. The only people we think may not love it are stomach sleepers and heavier individuals.

The Nectar mattress packages high-quality foam materials at a much lower price point relative to the competition. If you’re looking for an affordable memory foam bed that’s built with quality materials, you can end your search here. They also offer a lengthy sleep trial: it’s 365 nights long, and they have a “forever” warranty.

What our testers say: “As an average-weight sleeper, I loved the feeling of a balance between the hugging feel of memory foam and the unexpected responsiveness of the foam layers—I didn’t feel stuck in the mattress. However, some of the softer upper layers may cause heavier folks to sink too far into the mattress, causing discomfort and misalignment.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nectar Mattress

• Couples: A big priority of people who sleep with a partner is sound sleep. Nectar isolates motion, keeping your bed partner’s movements on their side, so you shouldn’t feel them tossing or turning.
• Side sleepers: The soft comfort foams in Nectar do a great job of relieving pressure, according to our testing. This adds comfort and prevents side sleepers from experiencing hip or shoulder pain.
• Budget shoppers: The Nectar mattress comes in at a value price: a bit under $800 for a Queen.

Who Might Not Like the Nectar Mattress

• Super hot sleepers: While Nectar does have a cooling cover and gel-infused foam, it still may hold on to your body heat (like most all-foam beds). If you easily overheat, I suggest trying out a hybrid bed.
• Stomach sleepers: To get the best alignment, stomach sleepers should look for a bed that offers elevation rather than one with a sinking surface, like Nectar.
• Heavy people: Heavier folks need a more durable mattress, so they don’t have to worry about premature sagging or replacing their bed every few years. Hybrid beds offer more durability than foam mattresses, like Nectar.

Other User Reviews

With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars. The majority of negative reviews found the bed too firm, too soft, or thought it started to sink too quickly. But positive reviews praise its comfort and cushioning ability.

Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more. If you’d like to see more budget-friendly options, check out our best mattresses for the money.

Best Affordable Luxury Mattress: Saatva

Pros

Responsive

Offers lumbar support

Free white glove delivery

Cons

Not budget-friendly

Motion transfers

The Saatva is often referred to as the best “affordable luxury” option on the market. The Saatva classic mattress comes in three firmness levels, giving customers an extra level of customizability. Saatva is the ideal mix of support and comfort, no matter what your sleeping position is.

Saatva brings some great options to find the right fit. It’s a very high-quality mattress that appeals to those that like a luxury look and feel. Couple that with a generous trial and warranty. The Saatva mattress includes a luxury pillow-top, perimeter edge support, individually wrapped coils, and spinal zone technology.

What our testers say: “I found the Saatva Classic to be one of the best cooling mattresses I’ve tried. Unlike all-foam beds, I noticed that Saatva’s dual coil layers facilitated generous airflow. I didn’t feel overheated at all when lying on it for an extended time.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Saatva Classic Mattress

• People with back pain: Saatva features lumbar support built into the bed. This supports the lower back region, helping back sleepers prevent back pain.
• Seniors: Saatva has some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen in our mattress tests. That being said, those edges make it easy for older folks to get in and out of bed. Plus, Saatva comes with free in-home mattress setup and old mattress removal.
• Combination sleepers: People who toss and turn need a mattress with tons of responsiveness to allow them to move easily. Saatva’s dual-coil design provides plenty of responsiveness for combo sleepers.

Who Might Not Like the Saatva Classic Mattress

• Light sleepers: The dual-coil layer provides an abundance of support, but it also means motion transfers across the bed. If you or your partner is a light sleeper, you may want a bed with denser foam layers to dampen that motion.
• Those on a tight budget: Though Saatva comes at a value price for the quality of the materials and industry-leading policies, it still may be pricey for some.

Other User Reviews

According to Saatva’s website, the Classic comes in at 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviews are generally positive, praising the bed’s high-quality construction and comfort. Some customers complained about issues with delivery or felt the bed didn’t hold up as long as they would’ve liked.

Read our full Saatva mattress review for more details. Still not sold on the Saatva Mattress? See if the best luxury mattresses that may be the right fit for you!

Best Cooling Mattress: WinkBed Plus

Pros

Cooling construction

Responsive

Great for sleepers over 230 lbs

Cons

Lacking motion isolation

Memory foam purists may not love it

The WinkBed Plus is a hybrid mattress that comes shipped as a bed in a box, specifically designed for the ability to keep sleepers cool at night. It has a Tencel cover, which is made to regulate temperature, and breathable coils for overall airflow. It’s also great for plus-size sleepers who need a lot of support and comfort, as the bed stands at a hefty 13.5″ tall and includes two sets of coils as well as several memory foam layers.

We love the WinkBed Plus because it was specifically designed to keep you cool, with lots of temperature-regulating materials built-in. The bed also works to promote environmental sustainability in its manufacturing process (think less water usage and recycled steel coils).

What our testers say: “The WinkBed Plus may be a super firm bed, but it’s still got cushioning. Overall, this bed has a lifted, bouncy, and solid feel—with an added layer of softness on top. In terms of temperature control, you shouldn’t have any issues with this mattress’s breathable comfort layers.” – Ashton, Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the WinkBed Plus Mattress

• Combination sleepers: The WinkBed scored a 5/5 in our ease of movement test, meaning people that switch sleeping positions at night should have no trouble doing so. The WinkBed is very responsive, so you shouldn’t feel stuck in the mattress.
• Sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs: The WinkBed Plus was specifically designed to provide the support that heavyweight sleepers need.
• Back sleepers: Back sleepers need a mattress that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and support. The pillowtop layer cradles back sleepers’ spines while the Zoned Support coils keep them properly aligned.

Who Might Not Like the WinkBed Plus Mattress

• Memory foam lovers: The WinkBed has a bouncy, on-top-of-the-bed feel. If you like to feel enveloped by your mattress, we suggest an all-foam bed, like the Nectar mattress.
• Light sleepers: Light sleepers wake easily when the bed jostles. Unfortunately, the WinkBed will move when your sleep partner tosses or gets up in the middle of the night.

Other User Reviews

With a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars the WinkBed Plus is a hit with sleepers seeking a firm and supportive mattress. Customers also value the easy delivery and set-up. However, some users were put off by the instructions to rotate the mattress every two weeks.

Read our full WinkBed Plus mattress review page for more details. Still not sold on the Winkbed Mattress? Check out other cooling mattresses that may be the right fit for you!

Nerd’s Pick: Helix Midnight Luxe

Pros

Great for combination sleepers

Cooling and breathable layers

Offers good pressure relief

Cons

Not-so-great motion transfer

Not a budget buy

Based on our testing, the Helix Midnight Luxe really is the best overall mattress. For side sleepers, it has an excellent balance of comfort and support for the hips and shoulders to keep those sensitive areas cradled. For back sleepers, there should be plenty of lumbar support. Even lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers should find neutral spine alignment. The Helix Midnight Luxe should also keep even the hottest sleepers cool at night since it has a coil base to allow airflow throughout the night.

The Helix Midnight Luxe is good for almost all sleeping types, depending on the body type and preferences of the sleeper. The mattress is medium-firm, pressure-relieving, and keeps the sleeper’s body temperature regulated. If it sounds like it does it all, it really does!

How We Chose Nerd’s Pick

While there’s no best mattress for everyone, we truly believe the Helix Midnight Luxe is the best option for most. For a luxurious option, it’s set at a quality price and delivers in almost every aspect. It should work for most body types and sleeping positions, as it incorporates a stunning balance of comfort and support. The Helix Midnight Luxe is equipped with stellar edge support and responsiveness for couples, fantastic pressure relief for those with joint pain, and amazing cooling for hot sleepers.

What our testers say: “During my testing, the Midnight Luxe had a cushioning feel, but the foam comfort layer didn’t contour too much. I sank into the foam a little, but not too far. The coils kept me lifted and added a bouncy and responsive feel.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

• Hot sleepers: The Midnight Luxe is the cooling upgrade from the regular Midnight mattress. It contains a cooling Tencel cover, gel-infused memory foam for a cooling sebastian, and breathable coils, which allows body heat to escape the mattress.
• Side sleepers: Helix hits both of the things side sleepers need out of their mattress. It contains Zoned Support that gives side sleepers good spinal alignment, and it relieves pressure from the hips and shoulders, preventing joint pain.
• People with back pain: That Zoned Support layer is two fold: not only does it keep side sleepers aligned, but it also keeps back sleepers aligned. Proper spinal alignment is the key to preventing back pain from your mattress.

Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

• Stomach sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs: Heavyweight stomach sleepers require a firmer mattress that can keep the hips elevated. The Midnight Luxe is not firm enough to achieve this.
• Light sleepers: If you easily wake up from your bed partner’s movements, this will not be the best mattress for you. Our motion isolation test showed poor marks, meaning that motion does transfer from one side of the bed to the other.
• Budget shoppers: A Queen-size Helix Midnight Luxe costs over $2,000 before any discounts. This may be out of the price range of some shoppers.

Other User Reviews

According to their website, the Helix Midnight Luxe scores 4.5 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews come mostly from side sleepers who found the mattress too firm and therefore uncomfortable for their tastes. Positive reviews praise pain relief, easy set-up, and overall comfort.

Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more info. 

Best Mattress for Heavy People: Titan Plus

Pros

Versatile enough for all sleep positions

Cooling features

Responsive

Cons

Lacks good motion isolation

Edges are not very supportive

The Titan Plus is specifically designed to support heavy sleepers. Its combination of pressure-relieving, durable foams and sturdy coils make this mattress suitable for sleepers over 230 pounds. Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and even side sleepers should find something to love about the Titan Plus (as long as they prefer a firmer feel).

The Titan Plus is a hybrid mattress with many cooling features, such as breathable pocketed coils and gel-infused memory foam. Plus, it ships free, comes with a 120-night sleep trial, and has a 10-year warranty.

What our testers say: “I rated the Plus Luxe Hybrid as a 6/10 firmness for heavier sleepers, so it’ll likely feel firmer to average-weight and lightweight people. This firmness makes it ideal for plus-sized sleepers, no matter their sleeping position.” – Daniel, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Titan Mattress

• Side sleepers: Our pressure map testing showed excellent results for average to heavyweight side sleepers. If you sleep on your side, chances are, you’ll sleep pain-free on the Titan.
• Hot sleepers: Sleeping hot can be an issue for heavy folks, so Titan has a cooling cover, gel foams, and breathable coils to combat that issue.
• Combo sleepers: The coil layer makes movement easy on the mattress surface. If you change sleeping positions, you should be able to do so without difficulty.

Who Might Not Like the Titan Mattress

• Seniors: Titan lacks the edge support seniors need to move in and out of bed.
• Those who need motion isolation: If you sleep with a partner, you will feel their movements as they toss and turn. If you want better motion isolation, we suggest the Brooklyn Signature.

What Users Say: Users on Titan by Brooklyn Bedding’s site have given the Titan Plus a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers say that overall, the bed’s firmness holds up. A few complained about the lack of edge support and that their sheets sometimes slide off. Many negative reviews suggest not buying the bed frame that comes with it, but the mattress itself works great for them.

Read our Titan Plus mattress review to learn more. Still not sold on the Titan Plus Mattress? Check out other mattresses for heavy sleepers that may be the right fit for you!

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers: DreamCloud

Pros

Great motion isolation

Cooling features

Hotel-like feel

Cons

May feel too firm for lightweight side sleepers

May be too soft for heavyweight stomach sleepers

The DreamCloud really shines for back sleepers, as its soft cashmere cover and gel-infused comfort layer ease pressure off hips while the responsive coils simultaneously lift them into alignment. It also provides enough pressure relief and contouring for side sleepers who are average to heavyweight. It is great for people who sleep hot at night, and those who are looking for a bed that will suit them and their partner. 

If you’re interested in a luxury mattress but don’t have the budget for its traditionally sky-high prices, look into the DreamCloud. This bed has a cushy feel, but the foam and coil combination provides support for all sleeper types.

What our testers say: “While testing the DreamCloud, I noticed a true, blue hybrid feel. I felt cushioned by the soft memory foam top layers but the coils still offered enough support. This balance of comfort and elevation is a dream cocktail for back sleepers.” – Becca, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the DreamCloud Mattress

• Folks looking for an affordable mattress: DreamCloud falls under $1,000 for a Queen, which we consider to be affordable. This mattress does a good job at offering quality for a fair price.
• Hot sleepers: DreamCloud contains a mix of gel foams and breathable coils—a perfect cocktail for people that sleep hot.
• Couples: In our mattress tests, we noticed that DreamCloud did a good job at balancing motion isolation (for sound sleep), responsiveness (for sex), and edge support (for full use of the mattress’s surface).

Who Might Not Like the DreamCloud Mattress

• Lightweight side sleepers: Our pressure map tests showed pressure buildup in the hips and shoulders of lightweight side sleepers.
• Heavyweight stomach sleepers: We do not consider the DreamCloud to be firm enough for heavier stomach sleepers—it doesn’t keep those hips elevated, throwing the spine out of alignment.

Other Users Reviews

The original DreamCloud scores a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars among customers on the DreamCloud site. Reviews are mixed on the firmness of the mattress, but overall, users are satisfied with the comfort and say that their sleep has improved.

Read our full DreamCloud mattress review for more details. For a luxury option, see the DreamCloud Premier!

Best Memory Foam Mattress: Leesa Original

Pros of the Leesa

Plenty of pressure relief

Quiet construction

Excellent responsiveness

Cons of the Leesa

Off-gassing smell is strong

Won’t work for heavyweight sleepers

The Leesa mattress has the signature “hugged” feel of an all-foam bed, so fans of memory foam are likely to enjoy the way you sink into this bed. While it does provide plenty of cushioning, though, it also offers some bounce. This makes it a better fit for combination sleepers than many other memory foam mattresses may be.

It’s also a good mattress for couples who co-sleep because it offers decent motion isolation. That means you’ll be less likely to feel any movement when your partner gets up or tosses and turns at night.

What our testers say: “The foam in the top layer of the Leesa has a lot of bounce to it. It responds quickly to your movements, so you’re able to move around without too much effort. It’s soft to the touch at first, but you don’t sink too much. It was comfortably hugging and contouring.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Leesa Mattress

• Back sleepers: Back sleepers of all sizes are likely to love the Leesa. It provides plenty of firmness to keep your spine in alignment.
• Budget shoppers: Memory foam mattresses tend to be more affordable, and that’s certainly true of the Leesa. At just over $1,000 for a queen, it’s a good value option.

Who Might Not Like the Leesa Mattress

• Hot sleepers: Like many memory foam mattresses, the Leesa isn’t a top option for the hottest sleepers.

Other User Reviews

On Leesa‘s website, the Original mattress earned a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. Users praise its ability to work for so many sleeping positions and body types. Some reviewers, though, mention they felt the bed was too firm for their preferences.

Read our Leesa review for the results of our hands-on testing and even more information on whether it’s the right bed for you.

Best Extra-Firm Mattress: Plank Firm

Pros

Durable and supportive

Two firmness options

Back-pain relief

Cons

Lack of deep cushioning

Not very cooling

Motion transfers

The Plank Mattress was constructed with two sides: firm and extra-firm. It comes pretty close to being a good option for most sleepers, but if you are a lightweight side sleeper (under 230 lbs.) this mattress may be too firm. It is a great option for back and stomach sleepers, thanks to that firmness level providing great alignment. It also includes a cooling panel, so it sleeps pretty cool for a memory foam mattress.

If you’re looking to spend about $1,000 on a memory foam mattress and like the feeling of sleeping “on” a bed more than “in” it, you’ll want to check the Plank out. While it doesn’t feel stiff as a board, you’ll like the Plank if you like to feel supported by your mattress. It also comes with a 120-night risk-free sleep trial so, truly, there’s no harm in testing it out. It also comes with a 10-year warranty.

What our testers say: “As an all-foam mattress, the Plank Firm felt dense and supportive to me. It lacks the springiness of a mattress with coils, but is easy to move around on because I stayed lifted on top of the mattress.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Plank Firm Mattress

• People with back pain: Firm mattresses work well for folks with back pain because they support healthy spinal alignment. Since both sides of the Plank are firm, you can find which side works best for your spine.
• Seniors: Plank has very solid edge support, which is important for older people as they rely on the edges to get in and out of bed.
• Heavy people: Plank’s durable foam are ideal for heavy people looking for a durable mattress.

Who Might Not Like the Plank Firm Mattress

• Soft-mattress lovers: Though Plank offers two firmness levels, both are firm. If you enjoy a soft, hugging mattress, we recommend the Helix Sunset mattress.
• Hot sleepers: The breathable layers in the Helix Dawn allow your body heat to escape the mattress, keeping you from sleeping too hot.
• Lightweight sleepers: Lightweight sleepers tend to feel mattresses as firmer than they are. With that in mind, many lightweight sleepers may think the Plank is too firm.

Other User Reviews

On Plank’s website, the Plank Firm gets 4.8 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews tend to say that the bed is either too firm or softer than they expected. But, overall, many people seem satisfied and are finding relief from chronic pain.

Read our full Plank mattress review to learn more. Still not sold on the Plank Firm Mattress? Check out other firm mattress options that may be the right fit for you!

Best Mattress for Couples: Helix Dawn

Pros

Isolates motion well

Durable and supportive

Offers responsiveness

Cons

Not cushioning enough for side sleepers

Lacks pressure relief

Even though it’s a hybrid mattress, the Helix Dawn does a good job of isolating motion. That means you can snooze undisturbed even if your partner tosses and turns. It’s also durable and responsive, two characteristics that make it a great mattress for sex.

If you’re looking for a supportive hybrid mattress with plenty of responsiveness, the Helix Dawn is likely to impress. It also boasts solid edge support and a firm feel.

What our testers say: “The Dawn is one of the more firm mattresses I’ve tested. I felt very ‘on top’ of the bed, with light cushioning under my shoulders and hips. This is especially good for heavier sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers but not as great for lightweight side sleepers.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Helix Dawn Mattress

• Heavy people: The firmness level and supportive coils are an ideal mix for heavy people—the Dawn should suit all three sleeping positions for people who weigh above 230 lbs.
• Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to maintain proper spinal alignment. The Helix Dawn offers a firmness level compatible with the needs of stomach sleepers.
• Back sleepers: Back sleepers should enjoy the slight cushion from the comfort layers while the coils keep the spine in its natural curve.

Who Might Not Like the Helix Dawn Mattress

• Side sleepers: Because the Helix Dawn is so firm, side sleepers may not find comfort and their joints may feel jammed into the bed.
• People with joint pain: Along those lines, side sleepers who rest with their joints pressed into the bed may not find the firm feel comfortable.

Other User Reviews

Helix’s website shows 1,226 reviews that average 4.4 out of 5 stars. The negative reviews claim the mattress is too soft, while the positive reviews highlight the overall support.

Read our full Helix Dawn mattress review to learn more. Still not sold on the Helix Dawn Mattress? Check out our full list of the best mattresses for couples!

Best Latex Mattress: Nolah Natural

Pros

Ships free to your door in a box

Latex provides plenty of responsiveness

Great value

Cons

Not as cushioning for side sleepers

Not firm enough for back and stomach sleepers over 230 lbs

Latex mattresses are popular for providing plenty of bouncy responsiveness while using eco-friendly materials. The Nolah Natural is no exception here. It’s a great fit for combination sleepers who toss and turn throughout the night, especially if you tend to favor sleeping on your back or stomach.

The Nolah Natural also sleeps pretty cool. While we rated it a 4/5 because there was a bit of heat retention, it still offers enough breathability for most sleepers. It’s probably not the best bed for any light sleepers who co-sleep, though, since it doesn’t offer great motion isolation.

What our testers say: “Since this bed is made from bouncy and supportive coils and Talalay latex, I felt myself getting plenty of support and solid pressure relief on my lower back. But, when I turned to my side, I felt less cushioned.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nolah Natural Mattress

• Hot sleepers: The Nolah’s latex hybrid construction provides plenty of breathability to help you sleep cool.
• Back sleepers: Back sleepers need a balance of cushioning and support, both of which Nolah delivers on.

Who Might Not Like the Nolah Natural Mattress

• Lightweight side sleepers: This bed is too firm to be comfortable for side sleepers who weigh less than 130 lbs.
• People on a tight budget: While Nolah does periodically offer great discounts, this bed retails for over $2,000.

Other User Reviews

On Nolah’s website, the Nolah Natural gets a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews seem focused around personal preference, with customers either finding the bed too soft or too firm for their needs and expectations. But reviewers praise the bed’s quality construction and claim it’s changed their nights for the better.

Read our full Nolah Natural mattress review for more info. Still not sold on the Casper Mattress? Check out other bed-in-a-box options that may be the right fit for you!

What We Consider When Reviewing The Top Mattresses

Unlike some factors, like firmness and materials, the ones listed below should be interpreted objectively. If a mattress excels in pressure relief and responsiveness, for example, it is unequivocally a good thing, which is why we always start here in our evaluations.

Pressure Relief – How well a mattress supports sensitive areas like the shoulders, hips, and lower back.

Edge Support – The sturdiness of a mattress’s perimeter. Edge support prevents sagging, helps to alleviate aches and joint pain, and makes it easier to get out of bed. 

Responsiveness – A highly responsive mattress rolls with the changes, so to speak. It allows you to move around with ease and settle into new positions comfortably and quickly.

Motion Isolation – Motion isolation measures a bed’s ability to keep movement from transferring from one side of the bed to another. This is important for those who sleep with partner and for couples. 

Temperature Regulation – The ability of a mattress to maintain a comfortable temperature despite warm or cold conditions.

Durability – A high durability score indicates quality materials that should hold up well for a long time.

For more information, take a look at our review process.

Finding the Best Mattress for You

Much like a great pair of jeans, a flattering haircut, or a delicious meal, the best mattress is a relatively subjective choice that’s highly dependent on the individual. Whether you’re noticing aches and pains, sleep more comfortably on hotel beds, or have the cash to invest in a better night’s sleep, it’s important to have some knowledge under your belt prior to hitting mattress stores or ordering an online mattress.

We encourage all mattress shoppers to brush up on mattress materials as well as how your sleeping position and other personalized factors should impact the type of mattress you’re looking for. Also, when shopping for a new mattress, be sure to look for mattress reviews of the exact mattress model you plan on purchasing.

And if you’re still not entirely sure that you want to invest in a new mattress, but still find your sleeping situation to be less than ideal, take a look at our articles on how to fix mattress sagging and how to take care of your mattress. If you think your model might be at the end of its life, check out our page on how often you should replace your mattress. Or, if you want noticeable improvement for a fraction of the cost of a new mattress, consider purchasing a new mattress topper or some high-quality pillows.

How to Choose the Best Type of Mattress for You

Understanding the components in each mattress type along with their pros and cons is essential. What’s the best mattress material and type? The answer will depend on the feel you enjoy, your sleeping style, and your subjective preferences. Here’s a little more information about mattress types and materials to help you narrow down your selection.

Latex Mattresses

When manufacturers reference latex, they’re talking about mattresses that incorporate or exclusively use latex foam, which is derived from the sap of rubber trees. There are two types, natural and synthetic, and two main methods for producing it, Dunlop and Talalay.

Latex has a cooling effect, is naturally inhospitable to dust mites, mildew, and mold, and can be incredibly comfortable and extremely durable. Keep in mind that some latex mattresses can give off a distinct aroma, though it will wear off within the first few days of ownership. Also, latex made with natural materials is environmentally friendly. Read our full guide on the best latex mattresses to learn more, or check out our article to learn the difference between memory foam vs latex.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattress constructions have become increasingly popular for their ability to leverage the best characteristics of several materials in one product. The idea is to get you all of the pros with none of the cons, and another advantage of hybrids is that there are endless combinations of materials and constructions to choose from.

For example, a hybrid bed might include a pillow top, a memory foam layer, individually wrapped coils, a support layer of coils, and a memory foam base layer. A “true hybrid” will combine coils and memory or latex foam, giving you the best in durability, bounce, and cooling without sacrificing on comfort or contour. If you’re interested, take a look at our best hybrid mattresses page. 

Memory Foam Mattresses

This mattress material is known for how it contours closely to the body to provide pain and pressure point relief. Some of our top picks are all memory foam or hybrid mattresses that have memory foam in them.

The biggest downside of this material is that it tends to sleep hot. Advanced constructions have helped partially solve this problem through open cell construction and proprietary gel foams, but, generally, memory foam mattresses still don’t sleep as cool as other types. If you’d like to learn more, take a look at our list of best memory foam mattresses or check out our page on memory foam vs hybrid mattresses.

Innerspring Mattresses

Perhaps the most traditional bed of all, innerspring mattresses have coils throughout the center and foam layers on the top and bottom. If squeaky, uncomfortable mattresses come to mind when you hear the word “innerspring,” you’ll be surprised to discover that new materials have been incorporated into these beds to make them cool, durable, and pleasant. Sound like a good fit? Check out our best innerspring mattresses article.

Waterbeds

Waterbeds use water to give the mattress structure and provide pressure relief, and they distribute sleepers’ body weights surprisingly evenly. However, they’re much less durable than other options, need to be refilled with water, and many sleepers don’t like their feel. Take a look at our best waterbeds page for more info.

Airbeds

Whether you’ve gone camping, slept over at a friend’s, or gone without furniture for a couple of weeks after moving into a new home, it’s likely that you’ve slept on an airbed. These are excellent options for trips or for hosting last-minute guests when you don’t have a spare bedroom, but they’re certainly not ideal for long-term use. Head over to our best airbeds article for more information.

Alternative and Advanced Foam Mattresses

In addition to memory foam and latex foam, manufacturers have begun to develop proprietary foams. For example, Purple developed Hyper-Elastic Polymer, and Leesa developed Avena. The varying manufacturing processes these foams go through production improvements in airflow, durability, and bounce. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s description if the mattress you’re considering incorporates an alternative foam material. 

Choosing The Best Mattress by Sleeping Position

Here is a brief explanation of sleeping positions and how to best support them, along with specific mattress buying guides for each one.

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Because side sleepers put increased pressure on their hips and shoulders, mattresses which are on the softer side tend to be better for them. Memory foam can do a great job of providing relief for these sensitive areas, while still supporting them enough to keep their spine in proper alignment. If you sleep on your side, take a look at our best mattresses for side sleepers article.

Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers

The right blend of support and comfort is key for back sleepers, and we find that hybrid mattresses accomplish this quite well. The innerspring layer provides structure and the foam acts as the comfort layer which provides cushioning. A good alternative is an innerspring mattress with a memory foam mattress topper. You’ll want to check out our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers if you sleep on your back exclusively.

Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

If you’re a stomach sleeper, we recommend you start your search with firm mattresses and go from there. You see, when you sleep on your stomach you’ll naturally put excess pressure on your lower back, so it’s important for your mattress to prop your hips and pelvis up so that it does not sink in too far; a firm mattress is likely to accomplish this better than a soft mattress will. Sleep on your stomach? Take a look at our best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers

Combo sleepers have a lot of good mattress options, as many of them spend some time in all three of the dominant positions. One thing you’ll want to look out for is a high responsiveness score. Since you’ll be shifting positions frequently you want a mattress that can quickly adapt to your movements. If you tend to toss and turn in your sleep, check out our best mattress for combination sleepers page.

Mattress Considerations for Pain Relief

Mattress Considerations for Back Pain

Back pain, whether the secondary result of an underlying condition or a result of lifestyle choices, can critically affect your well-being. Many sleepers experience pain that radiates from the lower back area, and both a bed’s firmness and support will play into its ability to alleviate these issues.

An adequate level of support should result in proper spinal alignment or, in other words, a straight spine. Softness or comfort, on the other hand, is subjective. You can achieve an aligned spine on a mattress that feels firm just as well as you can on a mattress that feels excessively plushy.

If you suffer from this, you may want to take a look at our page on the best mattresses for back pain.

Mattress Considerations for Shoulder and Hip Pain

When it comes to alleviating shoulder and hip pain, the right mattress firmness level is imperative. However, in order to identify the right firmness level for reducing your pain you’ll need to take your own body type and sleeping position into consideration. To put it simply, side sleepers with shoulder or hip pain need a soft mattress, back sleepers will do well with medium-firm, and stomach sleepers should seek out a mattress on the firmer end of the scale.

The heavier you are, however, the more firm your mattress should be, especially if you have shoulder or hip pain. For example, a heavy side sleeper (greater than 230 lbs) may want a medium-firm mattress instead of a soft mattress. 

For more information, check out our best mattresses for shoulder pain and best mattress for hip pain pages.

Mattress Considerations for Arthritis

If you or your partner suffer from arthritis, choosing the right mattress will be especially crucial, as you’ll feel improper spinal alignment, joint pain, and back issues much more than the average individual. The mattress you select should conform to the curves of your body in a natural manner, alleviate your most bothersome or noticeable pains, and not aggravate your condition. Head over to our best mattresses for arthritis if you’re interested to learn more.

Other Considerations For Choosing a Mattress

Firmness

While there’s no official standard scale that mattress manufacturers must abide by, we use a scale of 1-10 to communicate mattress firmness, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Depending on your size, you may need to go higher or lower in your firmness selection to get the feel you’re after. The chart below should help you get a better sense of what tends to be the right firmness for your body type.

Body Type	Firmness
Lightweight Sleepers	Soft to Medium Soft (1-4.9)
Average Weight Sleepers	Medium to Medium Firm (5-6.9)
Heavyweight Sleepers	Firm to Very Firm (7-10)

Keep in mind, it isn’t an exact science. Many factors contribute to whether or not a particular firmness will be right for you. We recommend you take a look at our mattress firmness guide for a more comprehensive breakdown.

Temperature Neutrality 

Whether you’ve moved to a location with a warmer climate, gained weight, or are going through menopause, there are a variety of reasons you may want to purchase a new mattress with the goal of achieving a cooler sleeping experience. Mattress manufacturers are paying more attention to cooling features than ever before.

Different materials sleep considerably cooler than others. It’s well-known that traditional memory foam sleeps warmer than hybrids, which use a combination of materials that distribute heat and encourage airflow. However, foam products have seen improvements with regard to heat distribution in the last decade, thanks to the invention of gel layers. If the temperature is a key factor in your mattress decision, look for hybrid, gel, open-cell phase change material, something aerated, or other specific properties and materials that have been proven to help the mattress sleep cool, or simply check out our list of the best cooling mattresses. 

Considerations for Sleeping with a Partner

If one partner is a light sleeper or one is a restless sleeper, the motion transfer characteristics of the mattress should be a consideration. As a general rule of thumb, the more coils and springs a mattress has, the more you’ll feel your partner moving throughout the night.

Another consideration is firmness. If you and your partner prefer drastically different firmness levels, look for split firmness mattresses if you can’t compromise on a firmness level, like a medium soft or firm setting. You’ll also want to consider weight and size, especially in cases where you and your partner vary dramatically in these areas, as what feels firm to a petite individual may feel uncomfortably soft to a heavyweight person. For more in this subject, head to our article on the best mattresses for couples or our couples sleep guide.

Mattress Size

It’s crucial to think about mattress size. Give careful consideration to how large your room is, how many people will be sleeping on the mattress, and whether or not you have any pets that sleep with you at night. Depending on your answers, you might need a longer mattress, or perhaps a wider one.

To help your decision, hop on over to our articles comparing Twin vs Full Mattresses, Full vs Queen Mattresses, and Queen vs King Mattresses.

Mattress Lifespan

How long a mattress should last depends primarily on the construction of the mattress and the materials used. Memory foam mattresses tend to have a shorter lifespan (roughly six years) because foam often sags with time. Because innerspring mattresses have sturdy coils for added support, they last a bit longer. You should expect innerspring mattresses to last about seven years. Hybrid and latex beds, however, can last up to 10 years and possibly even longer if properly cared for.

Curious to learn more? Check out our page on How Often You Should Replace Your Mattress.

Mattress Considerations for Adjustability

An adjustable mattress does just what the name indicates, allowing you to prop either your head or feet up for comfort or therapeutic benefits. Want to watch TV in bed? Comfortably enjoy a meal? You can do it with an adjustable mattress. Consider an adjustable model if you have conditions like snoring, sleep apnea, or heartburn, as elevating the head can alleviate these issues.

Adjustable beds are also nice for those who want more control and less restriction over the comfort of the mattress or are attracted to the special amenities that many come with, like massages, Bluetooth, and USB ports.

There are also flippable beds that offer a different firmness level depending on which side you have facing up. Always make sure to check the company’s website before flipping your mattress, however. Not every bed can or should be flipped.

If you’re interested, take a look at our list of the best adjustable beds.

Mattress Considerations for Physical Activity

Some brands create mattresses with the active individual in mind by incorporating materials and features that boost recovery, improve performance, and enhance REM sleep. For example, celliant could help turn the body’s energy into infrared light for deeper rest, and it’s been used in several mattress models to date. Our article on the best mattresses for athletes can provides a deeper dive between the relationship between a good mattress and physical recovery. 

Best Mattress FAQs

How much should you spend on a quality mattress?

How much you spend on a mattress is going to depend on your specific circumstances. The first thing you should do is give yourself a budget so that you know exactly what you’re comfortable spending before you begin shopping. 

Beds are getting more and more expensive with every passing year. If you’re willing to spend $1,000 or more, then you shouldn’t have a problem finding a really good mattress. Most options below that price range cut corners on quality, and you may have to replace it sooner than anticipated.

Is it better to buy a mattress online or in the store?

If you’re still not sure whether you should buy a mattress online or in a store, then you may simply be weary of the bed-in-a-box shopping process. That is completely understandable; after all, how are you supposed to know what you’ll like if you can’t try it out? 

Well, most online retailers provide generous mattress trials that allow you to spend months with a mattress before making a final decision. This is much more informative and sanitary than the brick-and-mortar testing method of rolling around on a bed for several seconds while possibly dishonest mattress salespeople make it difficult to concentrate.

What is mattress off-gassing?

Off-gassing refers to the breaking down of organic compounds that occur when your mattress is unboxed. When the foam is compressed to roll the mattress up in a box, it chemically reacts with the plastic, creating something called VOCs (volatile organic compounds). WHen you unbox the mattress VOCs are released; the process can result in a noticeable odor, but the scent will usually dissipate within several hours, and shouldn’t be harmful.

How much does a mattress weigh?

Mattress weight depends on the size, materials, and construction of the mattress. Most Queen-size mattresses weigh roughly 75 pounds, but it varies depending on what the bed is made of. For instance, it’ll be less if it’s made entirely of memory foam, but it’ll weigh more if the bed features coils or latex foam. We have put together a convenient mattress weight guide that can provide more information.

How do you fix a sagging mattress?

Try using a mattress topper to fix your sagging mattress. They’re pretty affordable and can add some much-needed support to old, past-their-prime mattresses. You can also try strategically placing your pillow for improved comfort. For more info, check out our article on how to fix a sagging mattress.

Be aware that mattress sagging will eventually negatively impact your sleep. If you’ve tried all the solutions, but your mattress is still uncomfortable, it may be time to replace it.

When is the best time to buy a mattress online?

The best time to buy a mattress online is the weekends throughout the year when mattress companies run generous sales, and they tend to revolve around holidays. Black Friday/Cyber Monday mattress sales are some of the best that you’ll find, as are Memorial Day mattress sales. That said, some companies will run sales at random times throughout the year. If you’re in the market for a mattress but don’t want to pay full price, be sure to check company websites regularly so you don’t miss a great deal. 

To learn more, check out our article on the best time to buy a mattress.

What type of mattress is better for side sleepers?

Memory foam mattresses tend to be the best option for side sleepers. People who sleep on their sides put a lot of pressure on their shoulders and hips, so it’s essential to have a mattress with adequate pressure relief. Foam mattresses are known for their softer feel and pressure-relieving layers. But if you’re looking for additional support, opt for a hybrid mattress with a thicker comfort layer.

Conclusion

A quick glance at all of this information should show you that there’s no such thing as the “best mattress” that will make every single sleeper happy. Rather, there are a lot of good mattresses that, depending on the mattress shopper, will be the perfect fit based on their sleeping position, budget, medical conditions, size and weight, material preferences, preferred mattress brand, and more. 

Keep in mind that most of these mattress companies have generous sleep trial and return policies, so you’ve got nothing to lose. If you don’t like it, simply ship it back and try another option.

TYPE OF SLEEPER	SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS	MATTRESS TYPE	BUDGET
Best Mattress For Combo Sleepers	Best Mattress For Plus-Size Sleepers	Best Memory Foam Mattress	Best Luxury Mattresses
Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers	Best Mattress For Back Pain	Best Hybrid Mattress	Best Affordable Mattress
Best Mattress For Back Sleepers	Best Mattresses For Sex	Best Innerspring Mattress	Best Mattress for the Money
Best Mattress For Side Sleepers	Best Mattress For Hot Sleepers	Best Latex Mattress	Best Mattress Under $1000
Best Mattress For Couples	Best Mattress For Pregnant Women	Best Soft Mattress	Best Mattress Under $500
Best Mattress For Seniors	Best Mattress for Hip Pain	Best Firm Mattress	Best Online Mattress
Best Mattress For Kids	Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain	Best Organic Mattress	Best Mattresses on Amazon
Best Mattress For Teens	Best Mattress for Sciatica	Best Pillow Top Mattress
Best Crib Mattresses	Best Mattress for Arthritis	Best Queen Mattress
Best Toddler Mattresses	Best Mattress for Scoliosis	Best King Mattress
	Best Mattress for Fibromyalgia	Best Full-Size Mattress
	Best Orthopedic Mattress	Best Bunk Bed Mattress
	Best Mattress for Athletes	Best Waterbed Mattresses
	Best Mattress That Won’t Sag	Best Customizable Mattress
	Best RV Mattresses	Best Bed-in-a-Box

Dr. Alaina Rajagopal is part of our panel of medical expert contributors on the subject of sleep health. They provide important perspectives on the topics we discuss to help make our content as accurate and dependable as possible. They do not personally endorse any products, nor are they associated with any brands featured in our review content.

Loren Bullock

Certified Sleep Science Coach

About Author

Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd and a Certified Sleep Science Coach, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.

Combination Sleeper

Education & Credentials

• Certified Sleep Science Coach