Best Memory Foam Mattresses

Written by Rachael Harris, Certified Sleep Science Coach

Methodology

Here at Mattress Nerd, we’ve tested hundreds of mattresses to bring you unbiased, expert reviews of the top brands. Learn more.

In This Article

We’ll take a look at our ten favorite memory foam mattresses that we’ve personally tested in the Mattress Nerd lab.

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Memory foam mattresses gained a lot of popularity in recent years, and with good reason. Memory foam provides sleepers with a close-to-the-body contour that improves overall support and pressure relief. 

As with all materials, memory foam varies from mattress to mattress. Some memory foams are extra-firm, some have cooling technologies, and some are pretty standard. This guide will help you decide the best memory foam mattress for your needs.

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Memory Foam Mattress?

With its five foam layers, including cooling gel infusions, the Nectar Original is our pick for the best memory foam mattress of 2023. Hot sleepers in particular will appreciate how well it minimizes heat retention, and the affordable price tag will appeal to everyone.

Best Memory Foam Mattresses of 2023

• Nectar Original – Nerd’s Pick
• Saatva Loom & Leaf – Best Luxury Memory Foam Mattress
• Puffy Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Couples
• Helix Midnight – Best Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
• Emma Original – Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress 
• WinkBeds GravityLux – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Heavy People
• Leesa Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Nolah Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers 
• Bear Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Combination Sleepers
• TEMPUR-breeze – Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress

Best Memory Foam Mattresses Video Review

Chosen by Experts and Advocates

Here at Mattress Nerd, our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has tested dozens of memory foam mattresses. As such, we know exactly what to look for when grading a new product. Performance factors such as cooling, motion isolation, and pressure relief are all taken into account. The memory foam mattresses on this list were chosen because they excelled in one or more of these fields. To learn more, check out our review process.

Nerd’s Pick: Nectar Original Mattress

Nectar is a popular brand that provides excellent value for those looking for a memory foam mattress. The Nectar mattress features five layers of foam, providing sleepers with the utmost comfort, cooling, durability, and support.

The gel memory foam keeps all sleepers cool, but this mattress performs particularly well for side sleepers and back sleepers. It is a great mattress for kids, couples, seniors, and lightweight combination sleepers, as it’s pretty easy to move around on.

Pros of the Nectar Mattress

• Cooling gel to minimize heat retention
• Contouring support is idea for side and back sleepers
• Great price point

Cons of the Nectar Mattress

• Lacks the bounce of traditional innersprings
• Edge support isn’t the best

How We Chose Nerd’s Pick

A good memory foam mattress provides that traditional sinking feel, along with stellar pressure relief and contouring. An excellent memory foam mattress does all of this while fighting against memory foam mattress stereotypes. Though foam mattresses get a bad reputation for sleeping too hot and sagging too easily, you won’t have to worry about that with the Nectar. This mattress uses cooling gel infusions for breathability and high-density, high-quality foams for durability.

What our testers say: “Those who like the traditional feel of memory foam but tend to sleep hot will appreciate the gel-infused memory foam. These folks will get the ‘hug’ of memory foam with cooling gel to help regulate their temperature. Sleepers on a budget will also appreciate this quality mattress at an affordable price.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more. 

Best Luxury Memory Foam Mattress: Saatva Loom & Leaf

Overall, the Saatva Loom & Leaf feels like a classic foam mattress except that you stay elevated on top of the mattress without it swallowing you, and it still cuddles the contours of your body. The mattress won’t retain heat like older models of memory foam mattresses. There are latex and gel layers, as well as an egg crate layer, that allow air to flow through and take away hot spots.

Pros of the Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress

• A luxurious feel similar to Tempur-Pedic, but for a fraction of the price
• Cooling upgrades minimize heat retention
• More lift than traditional memory foam, without sacrificing contouring and pressure relief

Cons of the Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress

• May lack support heavyweight stomach sleepers need
• May not be responsive enough for combination sleepers

What our testers say: “With the Loom & Leaf, you won’t experience the bounce or responsiveness of a mattress with coils or naturally buoyant materials like latex. You won’t sink too far into the bed, though, which should make moving around easier. ” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Read our full Loom & Leaf mattress review to learn more. Not sure the Loom & Leaf is for you? Check out our list of the best luxury mattresses for more great options!

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Couples: Puffy

If you sleep with a partner at night, you may know all too well the struggle of waking up from a partner’s movements. The Puffy is excellent at motion isolation, which makes it an ideal foam mattress for couples who tend to sleep light and wake up easily.

While it’s not best for heavyweight sleepers, (if you’re in that category, it’s best to look for an ultra-firm foam mattress or a mattress with coils) this mattress should keep couples happy while supporting side and back sleepers. The bed is also sold at a great price point for budget shoppers.

Pros of the Puffy Mattress

• Excellent motion isolation is ideal for couples
• Supportive and contouring for side and back sleepers
• Great price point

Cons of the Puffy Mattress

• May not be supportive enough for some stomach sleepers
• May not be cooling enough for very hot sleepers

What our testers say: “With cooling gel memory foam and excellent motion isolation, the Puffy is a great option for many couples and body types. Side sleepers will enjoy the contouring foam layers, and average-weight back sleepers benefit from full-body support. We don’t recommend the Puffy to stomach sleepers or hot sleepers.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full Puffy mattress review for more details. Not sure the Puffy Mattress is for you? Check out our list of the best mattresses for couples for more great options.

Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress: Helix Midnight

While the Helix Midnight isn’t made entirely of memory foam, the layer of Memory Plus Foam on top of the mattress combines with the bed’s breathable coils to offer a supportive sleep experience with the comfortable, cradling feel of foam.

The Midnight, which comes in at a 6/10 on our 1–10 firmness scale, is the best-selling bed in the Helix line. Sleepers who love the feel of foam but want extra edge support and breathability should appreciate the hybrid design of the Helix Midnight.

Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• Hybrid construction offers the support and breathability of coils with the contouring closeness of foam
• Designed specifically with back sleepers in mind
• Medium firmness is pretty universally comfortable

Cons of Helix Midnight Mattress

• Not supportive enough for most heavyweight sleepers
• Lacking in responsiveness for combination sleepers

What our testers say: “The Midnight has a true hybrid feel; in other words, it feels like a hotel bed—cushioning on top that’s balanced by a supportive, springy coil base. You’ll sink an inch or two into the memory foam top layer and feel the foam contouring around your curves. The coils below keep you lifted on top of the mattress” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review to learn more. Not sure the Helix Midnight is for you? Check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses for more great options!

Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress: Emma Mattress

The Emma mattress is an all-foam mattress with bouncy and responsive layers. It’s a great affordable option because of its medium firmness and versatility; it works for many different types of sleepers.

This bed offers great pressure relief to most side and back sleepers, so they should wake up pain-free. Not only does this bed fall at under $1,0000 for a Queen with seasonal discounts, but you also get a 365-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty with your mattress purchase.

Pros of the Emma Mattress

• Great choice for back sleepers
• Responsive for an all-foam bed
• Isolates motion well for couples

Cons of the Emma Mattress

• Doesn’t sleep cool
• Lightweight side sleepers may need more cushion
• May lack support for heavyweight sleepers

What our testers say: “Emma does the most important stuff right: They keep their prices low, they feature quality materials, and consider all body shapes and sizes. Its price is one of its biggest selling points, so if you want a low-cost, memory foam mattress, this could be a great pick.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full Emma mattress review to learn more. Not sure the Emma Mattress is for you? Check out our list of the best affordable mattresses for more great options.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Heavy People: WinkBeds GravityLux

Heavyweight sleepers are likely familiar with the struggle of finding a supportive, stable mattress that keeps their spine properly positioned. While the structure of memory foam sometimes lets down heavyweight sleepers looking for extra support, the WinkBeds GravityLux mattress is an all-foam pick that’s specifically designed for heavier bodies.

The mattress uses Zoned Progression foam to help keep heavier parts of the body elevated and aligned on the mattress, while the bed’s TENCEL cover and AirCell memory foam help keep hot sleepers cool.

Pros of the WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress

• Specifically designed to meet the needs of heavyweight sleepers
• Ample support for proper spinal alignment
• Cooling upgrades to minimize heat retention

Cons of the WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress

• Higher price point
• Lacking in edge support

What our testers say: “The GravityLux is a great choice for sleepers who want an all-foam bed with more responsiveness, cooling, and durability than is usually found in foam mattresses.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full WinkBeds GravityLux mattress review to learn more. Not sure the WinkBeds Mattress is for you? Check out our list of the best mattresses for heavyweight sleepers for more great options.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers: Leesa Original

A back sleeper’s main concern should be their spine. You need a mattress offering you the same posture you’d get from standing up straight. The Leesa mattress does that, and more. The comfort foam layer hugs your spine while the support foam keeps your body aligned. Plus, this mattress is pretty responsive for a foam bed. So, if you combine back sleeping with another sleeping position, you should have no trouble moving there.

Pros of the Leesa Mattress

• Designed for proper spinal alignment
• Impressive response for an all-foam bed
• Good price point

Cons of the Leesa Mattress

• May lack contouring for heavyweight side sleepers
• No cooling upgrades for hot sleepers

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

Read our full Leesa mattress review to learn more. Not sure the Leesa is for you? Check out our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers for more great options.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nolah Original

As a medium-firm mattress, the Nolah earned a score of 6/10 on our Mattress Nerd firmness scale, so it should keep most side and back sleepers satisfied. The responsive Airfoam used in the Nolah also helps combination sleepers move around easily.

The Nolah is a great high-value option for hot sleepers who still love the balanced feel of an all-foam bed. Made with a TENCEL cover and aerated AirFoam, the Nolah anticipates and mitigates the classic “memory foam sleeps hot” complaint. Memory foam normally traps heat, but the air channels in Nolah’s foam allow that heat to escape.

Pros of the Nolah Mattress

• Cooling upgrades to minimize heat retention
• Responsiveness enough to accommodate combination sleepers
• Great price point

Cons of the Nolah Mattress

• May not be supportive enough for heavyweight sleepers
• Lacks the traditional “hugged” sensation of memory foam

What our testers say: “The Nolah Original is an affordable, all-foam mattress that offers excellent pressure relief and support at an affordable price. It’s both high-quality and low-cost, and the combination makes it an ideal choice for budget shoppers.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Check out our Nolah Original mattress review to learn more! Not sure the Nolah Mattress is for you? Check out our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers for more great options.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Bear Original

The Bear mattress delivers on providing a surface for athletes to rest and recover. The responsive foam makes the surface of the Bear easy to move around on, so you can seamlessly change positions.

From the Celliant cover to the graphite memory foam, this bed is also a great option for hot sleepers who love memory foam. Plus you get 100 nights to check it out for yourself.

Pros of the Bear Mattress

• Responsive feel is ideal for combination sleepers
• Cooling upgrades for hot sleepers
• Technology promotes muscle recovery

Cons of the Bear Mattress

• May not isolate motion well enough for couples
• May not be supportive enough for heavyweight sleepers

What our testers say: “Designed for people with active lifestyles, the Original Bear mattress is Bear’s flagship model. It features foams that work well for sleepers of all positions and sizes. The bed’s standout cover includes Celliant, which converts body heat into infrared energy to promote muscle recovery.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full Bear mattress review to learn more. Not sure the Bear Mattress is for you? Check out our list of the best mattresses for combination sleepers to see other great options.

Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Breeze

Tempur-Pedic mattresses are the epitome of luxury with their high-quality foam and reputation for comfort. The TEMPUR-Breeze mattress comes in many versions: memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, soft, firm, and medium.

There are a lot to choose from, so this bed should work for a variety of people. One thing all the TEMPUR-Breeze models have in common is that they sleep exceptionally cool for all-foam beds.

Pros of the TEMPUR-Breeze Mattress

• Lots of options to suit a range of sleepers
• Cooling upgrades
• Great reputation

Cons of the TEMPUR-Breeze Mattress

• High price point
• May be lacking in edge support

What our testers say: “All of the TEMPUR-Breeze mattress models are designed and built for hot sleepers and individuals ready to invest in a quality mattress (and those who have the budget to do so).” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Read our full TEMPUR-breeze mattress review to learn more. Not sure the TEMPUR-breeze Mattress is for you? Check out our list of the best luxury mattresses for more great options.

Best Memory Foam Bed in a Box: Casper

The original mattress from Casper has been rigorously tested and re-designed to create a cool memory foam mattress that works for all sleep positions—something that’s rare in any mattress.

The all-foam, polyurethane layer provides the bounce of latex but the cradling of foam that reduces pressure. Casper’s top-notch transition layer earned it a perfect score in responsiveness, meaning it bounces back quickly, making it perfect for those who move a lot at night. We recommend the Casper to anyone looking for a catch-all mattress that’s sure to suit you.

Pros of the Casper Mattress

• Great responsiveness
• Cooling upgrades
• Zoned support for proper alignment and pressure relief

Cons of the Casper Mattress

• Lacks the signature “hugging” sensation of traditional memory foam
• May not be supportive enough for heavyweight sleepers 

What our testers say: “The Casper mattress is one of the best foam beds for people with back or joint pain. The Zoned Support means adequate give and sufficient support. And with a risk-free 100-night sleep trial, you get to try out the Casper in real life before committing to it for the long haul.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full Casper mattress review to learn more. Not sure the Casper Mattress is for you? Check out our list of the best bed in box mattress for more great options.

What Is Memory Foam?

We get it, memory foam sounds amazing. It’s out-of-this-world comfortable, conforms exactly to your shape, and springs back to its original form within seconds. It was developed by NASA for goodness’ sake! While all of these things are true about memory foam, there are some other things you should know about it before making your big purchase. 

In this guide we’ve compiled some quick hit considerations, as well as more comprehensive descriptions of everything that makes memory foam tick, in order to help inform your shopping process. If by the end you still want more information, check out our article, “What is Memory Foam?“, where you’ll find a wonderful video on that very subject.

Memory Foam vs. Other Mattress Types 

If you’re looking for a new mattress, it can be hard to determine which type will best fit your needs. There are four main types of mattresses: memory foam, latex, hybrid, and innerspring. Memory foam is one of the most popular, but is it the best option for you? 

Memory Foam vs. Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses are constructed with a support layer of innerspring coils and a top layer of memory foam or latex. The combination often results in the durability and breathability of a spring mattress, plus the cushioning of a memory foam mattress. Because their construction requires metal coils, however, hybrids tend to be more expensive than memory foam beds. Check out our video and article on memory foam vs. hybrid mattresses for more information.

Memory Foam vs. Latex Mattresses

Similar to memory foam, latex mattresses are built with a dense base at the bottom and softer layers at the top. Because of its inherent bounciness, latex usually isn’t as pressure-relieving or conforming as memory foam, but it is more responsive. Some of the best latex mattresses utilize only environmentally-friendly materials in their constructions—like organic cotton and sustainably sourced rubber. Head over to our article on memory foam vs. latex for more info.

Memory Foam vs. Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses tend to be the firmest of the four main mattress types—a quality that some might find unappealing in a mattress. More firmness, however, usually works well for stomach sleepers and heavier-than-average people, as it provides better support for them.

Innerspring mattresses are often good candidates for memory foam mattress toppers, as the combination can create a similar experience to a hybrid. Still, it’s safe to bet that memory foam will provide more of the spinal alignment necessary to combat back pain. 

For more information, check out our article on Foam vs Spring Mattresses.

Who Should Buy a Memory Foam Mattress? 

• People with pain concerns, such as back or shoulder aches, may find that the cloud-like feel of memory foam is just what the doctor ordered. The pressure relief that soft foam layers provide can help reduce the stress placed on sensitive areas like the hips and shoulders, and the contouring ability of the foam adapts to your body’s specific shape, promoting proper spinal alignment. Some memory foam mattresses are included on our pages for best mattresses for back pain, best mattresses for shoulder pain, and best mattresses for hip pain.
• Sleepers with certain allergies, specifically latex, will want to avoid mattresses containing that material. Memory foam beds are a great alternative for people who still want the comfort and pain relief that many latex mattresses provide.
• People with restless sleep partners are probably familiar with the feeling of being woken up from a deep sleep by their partners’ movements. Fortunately, memory foam does a wonderful job of absorbing motion in its dense layers. That means you can sleep soundly while your partner shifts positions to their heart’s content.

Who May Not Love a Memory Foam Mattress? 

• People who sleep very hot should be aware that memory foam often sleeps warmer than other mattress materials, like latex and coils. That’s because the thick foam layers can trap heat instead of allowing it to escape. That said, many companies have made vast improvements in memory foam cooling technology, such as gel or copper infusions, that help regulate temperature. You can also use accessories such as cooling sheets to help keep things chill. If keeping cool is your biggest concern, take a look at the best cooling mattresses. For more information, check out our article on sleeping too hot.
• People who don’t like to feel “hugged” by their mattress. The main selling point of memory foam—it’s conforming feel—may be a drawback to some folks. If you prefer to feel “on top” of your mattress (rather than “in” it), then something with a bit more firmness may be the way to go. Check out our best firm mattresses for some good fits.

Benefits of Memory Foam

There are a number of substantial benefits from sleeping on a memory foam mattress. Here are a few of the most important for healthy sleep. 

Pressure Relief

Pressure point relief is one of the most substantial benefits of memory foam when it comes to pain relief. As a matter of fact, memory foam has long been used in healthcare for this exact reason. For example, wheelchair seats made of memory foam were made to reduce the pressure put on the bum from long-term sitting. 

By reducing the pressure put on joints, people are more comfortable while sleeping. This means that they’re less likely to toss and turn throughout the night or wake up with aches and pains. If you’re looking for a pressure-relieving mattress, take a look at our roundup for the best soft mattresses.

Motion Isolation

Another benefit of memory foam is decreased motion transfer. If you or the person you share a bed with moves around a lot in their sleep, motion isolation becomes very important to prevent disrupting your sleeping partner.

Due to the nature of the material, there is minimal motion transferred from one side of the bed to another. This means that even if one person is moving around in the bed, the other person is less likely to feel any type of disturbance.

Another factor to consider when sleeping with a partner is edge support. If you plan to use the whole surface of the bed, you may want to consider looking for a memory foam mattress with reinforced edges. Looking specifically for motion isolation in a mattress? Make sure to check out our Best Mattresses for Couples page.

Proper Spine Alignment

Another important benefit of memory foam is its ability to evenly distribute body weight and support natural alignment. When we sleep, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy posture (much like when we’re awake and sitting at a desk). Memory foam hugs you in all the right places, cradling your hips and shoulders to prevent stress on the joints, while simultaneously supporting the torso to keep the spine in proper alignment. For more information, check out our article on spine alignment and sleep.

Contour & Responsiveness

Arguably the most desired trait in a memory foam mattress is its ability to contour and respond to any body type and sleeping position. The nature of memory foam is to accommodate any person’s sleeping position and body type by adapting to different shapes and movements. For more information, check out our article on what responsiveness means in a mattress.

Compatible With Any Bed Frame

Memory foam mattresses tend to work well with just about any type of frame. This includes platform bases, new box springs, slatted foundations, and even adjustable beds. Since the foam is able to flex and adjust its shape, it turns out that it is actually a very good choice for those types of beds. 

Easy to Maintain

Finally, memory foam also happens to be very easy to care for. In fact, most of the time, the only real maintenance that might need to be done is occasional vacuuming. With a foam mattress, you don’t have to worry about things like flipping and rotating the mattress. You also don’t have to worry about popped springs poking your back. For more mattress care tips, read up on how to clean your mattress.

Types of Memory Foam 

In addition to knowing the benefits memory foam mattresses can offer, it is also important to make sure you have an understanding of the various types of memory foam mattresses out there. The most common and widely used is traditional, viscoelastic foam. All variations of memory foam have been developed to solve the most common issue found in traditional memory foam—it sleeps hot.

Traditional Memory Foam

Also known as viscoelastic memory foam, traditional memory foam mattresses are the most widely available. They are made of polyurethane-based foam known for its durability, support, and comfort. 

Gel Memory Foam

Gel memory foam is a relatively new development in the world of memory foam mattresses.  In a gel-memory mattress, cooling gel is injected into the foam layers to prevent body heat from getting trapped. The feel and durability of gel-memory foam is comparable to traditional foam.

Open-Cell Memory Foam

Open-cell memory foam refers to a type of foam whose cell walls have been broken down to increase airflow and reduce the amount of heat retention, keeping you cooler throughout the night. Open-cell foam is less dense than traditional, closed-cell foam, so keep that in mind when considering the durability of your memory foam mattress.

Copper-Infused Memory Foam

In conjunction with gel-memory foam and open-cell memory foam, the copper-infused foam was created to help keep foam mattresses cool. This type of foam is embedded with thin copper pieces. Copper is known for its cooling properties as well as increasing blood circulation and reducing stiffness. Copper-infused memory foam is typically used in mattresses designed for athletes and active adults.

Hybrid Foam Mattress

While hybrid mattresses are not strictly memory foam, many have memory foam comfort layers that are added on top of an innerspring support layer for extra comfort and contouring. If you like the feel of memory foam, but need extra support, a hybrid foam mattress may be a good option for you. Check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses if you’re interested.

Things to Consider When Buying a Memory Foam Mattresses

Like shopping for any product, it’s important to consider the trial period, return policy, and performance of the product. In addition to memory foam types and benefits, here are additional considerations to make when picking a new mattress.

Mattress Size

One of the most important things to consider is the size of your mattress. When choosing which size mattress suits your preferences, consider the dimensions of the room, who you sleep with, your body type, and if you are an active sleeper.

Sleeping Position 

Many mattress manufacturers have worked with their memory foams to suit as wide a range of sleeping positions as possible, but each mattress is bound to work a little better (or worse) for certain positions. Here’s what to look for when shopping for your sleeping position.

Back Sleepers: Typically, back sleepers fare well on any kind of memory foam, as long as it’s not too soft. Look for a foam that fills in the space under your lower back and keeps your whole body supported. Make sure your hips don’t sink deeper into the mattress than your shoulders. Our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers includes a couple of options with memory foam.

Stomach Sleepers: Shopping for this position is all about lumbar support. Pay close attention to how well the mattress keeps your hips lifted in alignment with your shoulders, and look out for any reviews that say the sleeper woke up with lower back pain. The best mattresses for stomach sleepers are medium-firm or firm and keep sleepers more “on top” of the bed. 

Side Sleepers: Some of the best mattresses for side sleepers are made with memory foam, since it does such a good job of contouring around pressure points. Look for a memory foam mattresses that evenly distributes your body weight and doesn’t jam your shoulders and hips. 

Combination Sleepers: The main concern for combo sleepers is the feeling of being “stuck” in their mattress. These folks should pay close attention to how responsive a mattress says is, and how it performs for your dominant sleeping position. If you sink deep into the mattress, you may want to keep looking. Look through our list of best mattresses for combination sleepers for more options.

Sleep Trial Period 

What is a sleep trial? Most mattress companies offer a generous trial period for customers, so they can decide whether or not their new mattress is a good fit. It takes an average of 30 days to break in a new mattress, so keep that in mind during the first few days or weeks with your new bed. If you want to experience memory foam but don’t want to commit to a mattress trial period, you could always purchase a memory foam pillow to see how it feels.

Off-Gassing 

When you buy a memory foam mattress, especially from an online bed-in-a-box retailer, you will likely experience a “new mattress” smell when you first unbox your mattress. This is called off-gassing, and it’s completely normal.

The way that memory foam, or polyurethane foam, is made involves various chemicals, and after being rolled up and compressed in a box, the foam tends to release some of that “chemical” smell. This is safe for consumers and should not alarm you too much. If the smell doesn’t go away within a few days, you may want to contact the seller.

If you’re still concerned, check out our articles, “Is Memory Foam Safe?” and “Is Off-Gassing Dangerous?“

Price 

You can find a quality memory foam mattress that will last up to 10 years for under $1,000. Of course, the mattress size, style, and other factors will affect the final price. There are a couple of budget-friendly memory foam options in our roundups for best mattresses under $1,000 and  best affordable mattresses. If you don’t mind spending a little extra for the memory foam of your dreams, there are a few options in our best luxury mattresses roundup.

Edge Support

A mattress with solid edge support will make it much easier for you to get in and out of bed, an important quality to look for in the best mattresses for seniors. Firmer memory foam mattresses tend to have solid edge support, as do hybrid foam mattresses with reinforced edges. While a memory foam mattress can have good edge support, it’s not as common as it is in hybrid mattresses.

Memory Foam Density & ILD

Foam Density 

Make sure to pay attention to the density of the foam in the mattress you’re considering. Foam density corresponds to durability, with higher-density foams lasting longer. Many luxury foam mattresses have 5 lb or greater density foams. Lower density foams will provide cushion, but they won’t last as long.

Also consider the foam’s mmHg, which is a measurement that indicates how well the foam cushions pressure points. Ideally, you want a mattress with 32mmHg or lower to get good pressure relief.

Indentation Load-Deflection (ILD)

ILD is a measurement that indicates how firm or soft a foam is by measuring the weight (in pounds) it takes to compress the foam to a certain point. If the ILD number is high, the foam will be firmer, and if it’s low, the foam will be softer. Typically, an ILD under 25 is considered soft, and an ILD over 40 is firm.

Recap of the Top Rated Memory Foam Mattresses

Mattress	Award
Nectar	Nerd’s Pick
Saatva Loom & Leaf	Best Luxury Memory Foam Mattress
Puffy Original Mattress	Best Memory Foam Mattress for Couples
Helix Midnight	Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress
Emma Original Mattress	Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress
WinkBeds GravityLux	Best Memory Foam for Heavy People
Leesa Original Mattress	Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
Nolah Original Mattress	Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
Bear Original Mattress	Best Memory Foam Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-breeze	Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress

Final Thoughts

Memory foam mattresses can be a welcome addition to your bedroom, especially if you have a partner that moves during the night, or are looking for a mattress that can provide pressure relief for a more comfortable snooze. They’re also an excellent choice for back and side sleepers. If a memory foam mattress is what you’re looking for, we’re hopeful that one of our recommendations can help suit your needs.

FAQs About the Best Memory Foam Mattresses

How much do memory foam mattresses cost?

Memory foam mattresses range in price more than any other mattress. There are a few factors that determine the price of memory foam: where it”s made, special features, thickness, and density to name a few. If a mattress is made in the USA, it will probably be a little more pricey than if it”s manufactured overseas. The same is true for mattresses made with thicker layers of memory foam or foam with a higher density. 

How long will my memory foam mattress last?

Most memory foam mattresses should last six to eight years without sagging or developing bothersome body impressions. If you want your memory foam mattress to last upwards of a decade, look for higher density foams and use a sturdy, durable foundation. 

Is high density memory foam better than low density?

High density in a memory foam mattress indicates good support and durability, so yes, high density is generally a good thing. That said, the increase in quality often comes with an increase in cost.

What is the difference between memory foam and hybrid mattresses?

Memory foam and hybrid mattresses differ in their constructions. Whereas memory foam mattresses utilize a dense foundation foam as its base, hybrid mattresses include sturdy coils. These coils add an extra level of support to the hybrid mattress, and they often add cooling properties and a bouncier feel.

What is the best thickness for a memory foam mattress?

Ideally, you”ll want a memory foam mattress with a minimum height of 10 inches. While something as shorts as eight inches might work fine for lightweight sleepers, average-weight and heavyweight sleepers should try to find a memory foam bed between 10 and 14 inches. These folks need a thicker mattress because their bodyweight causes them to compress more of the mattress layers.

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