DreamFoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress Review

Is the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress for You?

Who’s Going to Love the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress (formerly the Dreamfoam Chill)

• Budget-conscious shoppers
• Various body types and sleeping positions (it’s available in five heights that correspond with different firmness settings)
• Lightweight (< 130 lbs) and average-weight (120–230 lbs) sleepers

Who Should Steer Clear of the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress

• Heavyweight sleepers (> 230 lbs); for more supportive mattresses, we recommend our list of the best mattress for heavy people.
• Hot sleepers; instead, go with a mattress that has a breathable coil base layer, like the Helix Midnight.

Dreamfoam Essential Video Review

Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Firmness and Feel

Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Firmness

The Essential ranges from medium-soft to firm, depending on the height you select. The tallest versions of the Chill (14” and 12”) have the softest feel, making them a good pick for side sleepers who need contouring at the hips and shoulders, as well as sleepers who like a plush sleeping surface.

The firmer versions, which are 10”, 8” and 6” tall, should work better for stomach sleepers and back sleepers who need a supportive, firm surface that can evenly distribute their weight. In general, we think the Essential suits lightweight and average-weight sleepers best, as it does not contain a coil core to support heavyweight sleepers.

What Does the Dreamfoam Essential Feel Like? 

This mattress provides a comfortable, though not quite a luxurious feel, for most sleeper types, especially in the thicker versions. The Essential also sleeps a little cooler than other low-cost memory foam beds, making it a nice choice for people who like memory foam but sleep hot.

What Sleeping Position Is the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Best For?

Body Type:	BACK SLEEPERS	STOMACH SLEEPERS	SIDE SLEEPERS
Lightweight (< 130 lbs):	4	3	4
Average-weight (130–230 lbs):	4	3	4
Heavyweight (> 230 lbs):	3	3	2

1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent

Back Sleepers

The thicker versions of the Essential should provide enough cushioning to prevent pressure points from becoming irritated along the spine in lightweight back sleepers. These more plush models should also provide enough firmness to support the back and keep the spine properly aligned. We recommend a thicker, softer Dreamfoam Essential for lightweight back sleepers, but the thinner, firmer versions should suffice for average-weight and heavyweight back sleepers. For similar options, check out our best mattress for back sleepers list.

Stomach Sleepers

Firmer mattresses also work as the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, who need to ensure their hips are aligned with their shoulders to prevent spinal strain and low back pain. Like back sleepers, most stomach sleepers should be able to sleep comfortably on the thinner, firmer versions of this mattress. You’ll still get a slight hug around the hips and shoulders from the memory foam comfort portion, but the dense base and lack of a transition layer will ensure your mid-section does not sink too deeply.

While this budget mattress may not be the absolute most comfortable bed for stomach sleepers, we expect that it will keep lightweight, average-weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers adequately supported. 

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers should experience a nice cradling sensation at their hips and shoulders, especially on the thicker versions of this mattress. It has enough density from the memory foam base to support you in this position, but we recommend the thicker models for average-weight and heavyweight side sleepers—in our sleep lab, heavier side sleepers experienced a bit of pressure buildup.

If you’re a lightweight side sleeper and you’re unsure about which height option (and firmness level) to choose for this position, we recommend going with a thicker model to be safe. Some reviewers who chose a mid-height Essential mentioned developing shoulder pain over time. If the Dreamfoam Essential isn’t right for you, see best mattresses for side sleepers.

Combination Sleepers

The Essential offers a nice combination of firmness and contouring to provide support and comfort in most sleeping positions, but we recommend choosing the height of your Dreamfoam Essential based on the sleep position you spend the most time in. Lightweight, average-weight and heavyweight combination sleepers will be best served by choosing a height that corresponds to their sleep type. For instance, if you sleep on your side primarily, opt for a thicker Dreamfoam Essential that will have more comfort foams for contouring at the hips and shoulders.

Regardless of which Essential version you select, keep in mind that the bed has some mobility but no real bounce, so it may be more difficult to change positions throughout the night. See best mattresses for combination sleepers for mattresses with more bounce.

How Does the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Feel? 

Is the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Cooling?

In short, not really. The Dreamfoam Essential is a memory foam mattress, and so it retains more body heat than a mattress made with breathable coils or temperature regulating materials like latex. There is a gel swirl in the memory foam, which should counteract some of the heat retention, but overall, we wouldn’t include it on our list of the best cooling mattresses.

Edge Support 

If you sleep with a partner and are looking to use the full surface of a Full or Queen size mattress, the Dreamfoam Essential may not be the best option for you, because it has no perimeter reinforcement system. After just a few months, several customers mention sagging around the edges from simply getting in and out of bed. You’re likely to experience a roll-off sensation near the edges of the mattress if you plan on sharing a Full or Queen Dreamfoam Essential.

Responsiveness 

The top layer of foam in the DreamFoam is quilted with gel, which is intended to not only add cooling but to deliver a more responsive sleep experience. We wouldn’t call the bed “bouncy,” but taller models, which have a thicker gel foam layer, will have a light bounce when compared to traditional memory foam beds. This isn’t an incredibly responsive bed overall, so you may experience a “stuck” feeling while changing positions or getting in and out of bed. For the most responsive beds, check out the best latex mattresses or the best innerspring mattresses.

Motion Isolation: Is it good for those who share a bed?

Couples who share a bed don’t want to be awoken by a partner’s movement throughout the night as they toss and turn. That’s where motion isolation comes into play, keeping movement stifled on one side of the bed so as not to wake a sleeping partner. The Dreamfoam Essential has fairly good motion-isolating capabilities, making it a good mattress for couples on a budget. The all-foam construction helps absorb motion, but the models with thicker memory foam comfort layers should absorb the most motion. 

Noise

The Dreamfoam Essential is a quiet mattress, thanks primarily to the high-density foams and the absence of coils.

Pain Relief

If you’re prone to shoulder or hip pain, then the softer, taller DreamFoam Essential models should provide enough pressure relief to help you sleep comfortably. The one exception is heavyweight folks, who may need the support of a mattress with coils. We don’t consider the Essential to be a good mattress for back pain simply because it’s not firm enough to support the lower back of most sleepers; however, lightweight folks may get enough support on the shorter, firmer models.

Sex

While there aren’t many bad mattresses for sex, some are better than others. The Dreamfoam Essential is quiet and generally comfortable, but it’s not bouncy or cooling, which may cause discomfort for some couples. For better options, see the best mattresses for sex.

Off-Gassing

We noticed a slight “new mattress smell” after unboxing our Dreamfoam Essential, but it was gone in a few hours. We also made sure to keep our testing studio well-ventilated, which helps the odor to disperse more quickly.

Temperature 

The cooling effect of this mattress may vary based on your body type and how warm you sleep. We think that if you don’t sleep hot on a regular basis and do not sleep with a partner who sleeps hot, you should stay temperature neutral on the Essential. For mattresses that incorporate cooling features, check out the best cooling mattress for hot sleepers.

Durability

Memory foam mattresses like the Dreamfoam Essential typically last around six to eight years before showing signs of wear. The heavier your body type, the sooner you’re likely to notice permanent body impressions forming. If you want a mattress that will last a decade or longer, look for one with coils and latex.

Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Construction: What’s it made of?

The Dreamfoam Essential is a memory foam bed with a simple design that’s manufactured in the U.S. by Brooklyn Bedding. The bed comes in several height options (6”, 8”, 10”, 12” and 14”), and the taller options have more plushness and cushion. Most models feature a simple construction with just two layers: a 2” memory foam layer and a high-density foam base. The 12” and 14” versions have an extra layer of transition foam. 

Layer #1—Cover: The Essential has a simple gray and navy cover. It’s not removable, but it has a “Nano Stain Terminator” finish to protect against spills and stains. The cover is soft to the touch and feels like brushed microfiber.

Layer #2—Gel Swirl Memory Foam (2”–3”): The depth of the top layer of memory foam varies by bed height. The gel swirl infusion is included to help regulate your body temperature. This layer in all heights should feel cradling and comfortable, but thicker versions of the mattress will provide more contouring for pressure points.

Layer #3—Premium Transition Foam (12” and 14” versions only): The two thickest versions of the Dreamfoam Essential contain 2” and 3” transition foam layers, respectively. This additional layer helps ensure a gentler transition to the high-density foam base, and gives the beds a more plush, luxurious feel overall.

Layer #4—High-Density Foundation Base Foam (4”–8”): The high-density base foam in all models serves as a durable core that adds structural firmness and durability. This firm layer is important for spinal alignment and support.

How Much Does the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Cost?

Mattress Size	Price	Dimensions	Height	Weight
Twin	$	38” x 75”	10”	30 lbs
Twin XL	$	38” x 80”	10”	35 lbs
Full	$	53” x 80”	10”	35 lbs
Full XL	$	54” x 79”	10”	45 lbs
Queen	$	60” x 80”	10”	55 lbs
King	$	76” x 80”	10”	75 lbs
California King	$	72” x 84”	10”	75 lbs

*Pricing above is for the 10” model. Prices for the 6”, 8”, 12” and 14” models can be found at DreamfoamBedding.com.

For other great deals see the best affordable mattresses and mattresses under $500.

How Do the Policies Measure Up? 

Shipping & Unboxing

The Dreamfoam Essential is made in the U.S. (in Phoenix, Arizona, specifically) and ships free to the contiguous U.S. Shipping to Hawaii or Alaska starts at $125 per mattress, and shipping to Canada is available via DHL starting at $250 per mattress. The mattress ships compressed and rolled as a bed-in-a-box, so you’ll need to allow up to 24 hours for the mattress to expand and for any off-gassing odors to dissipate once it’s unboxed.

Warranty

The Dreamfoam Essential is backed by a 10-year warranty that protects against defects in materials or workmanship. It covers issues like splits and cracks in the materials and indentations deeper than 1”, but it does not cover normal increases in softness, stains, wear and tear, or shallow body indentations. The warranty’s validity is dependent upon a proper foundation (bed frame, box spring, etc.) and is not transferable. 

Trial Period & Returns

You’ll have 120 nights to test out the Dreamfoam Essential and decide whether you want to return it for a full refund. Dreamfoam requires that you sleep on the mattress for at least 30 nights from the date of delivery before initiating a return, which allows your body nearly one month to adjust to the mattress. The trial date begins the day you receive your mattress. Dreamfoam will issue a full refund for mattresses returned within the trial period, but any shipping charges to Hawaii, Alaska, or Canada will be subtracted from the refund.

For other options with similar policies, check out the Best Online Mattresses.

Addressing Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Complaints

• Too Hot: Dreamfoam says that the gel swirl and open cell technology in the foam layers increases the airflow and breathability of the mattress, but some reviewers complain that these cooling features are overrated. This isn’t the best cooling mattress, so if you’re prone to overheating, look for a bed with coils or latex.
• Too Firm: Several reviewers note that they found their Dreamfoam Essential to be firmer than expected, so it might be prudent to select a bed that’s one level thicker than you anticipate needing. Firmness and comfort preferences are somewhat subjective, so what’s too firm for one person may be just right for you. If you like a softer mattress, go with the thickest Essential model, but remember that you can always return the mattress during the trial period if you don’t like it.

Comparing Different Dreamfoam Mattresses

Dreamfoam Essential vs. Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams

Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Is Best For…	Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams Mattress Is Best For…
Side & Back Sleepers	Combination Sleepers
Those Who Need A Bunk Bed Mattress	Back Sleepers
Sleepers Weighing < 230 lbs	Hot Sleepers

The Arctic Dreams mattress by Dreamfoam is another affordable bed that’s designed to help you sleep cool, but it’s available as an all-foam or hybrid design. The hybrid version is slightly bouncier than the Dreamfoam Essential, making it a better choice for combination sleepers. It could also be a good mattress for children, since it lacks support and doesn’t provide the deep pressure relief that adult sleepers need.

Side sleepers will sleep better on the Dreamfoam Essential, which, for a similar price point, provides more pressure relief at the hips and shoulders in the thicker versions (12” or 14” heights).

For more information, see our full Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams Mattress Review.

Dreamfoam Essential vs. Dreamfoam Elements Latex

Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Is Best For…	Dreamfoam Elements Latex Mattress Is Best For…
Shoppers Who Need Lower Loft Mattresses	Back Sleepers
Side & Back Sleepers	Stomach Sleepers Weighing < 230 lbs
Those Weighing < 230 lbs	Hot Sleepers

The Dreamfoam Elements Latex mattress has a simple two-layer construction that includes a foam padded cover. The latex top layer does a better job of regulating temperature than the memory foam in the Dreamfoam Essential, so it’s better for hot sleepers.

Back sleepers could go with either mattress, though side sleepers should choose the Essential, and stomach sleepers should go with the Elements Latex. Unlike the Essential, which comes in five different heights, the Elements Latex is offered in only 10″ and 12″ versions.

For more information, see our full Dreamfoam Elements Latex Mattress Review.

Dreamfoam Essential vs. Dreamfoam Copper Dreams

Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Is Best For…	Dreamfoam Copper Dreams Mattress Is Best For…
Side Sleepers < 230 lbs	Those Who Want Firmness Options
Back Sleepers < 230 lbs	Athletes
Those Who Want Height Options	Hot Sleepers

The Dreamfoam Copper Dreams mattress is offered in a 12″ firm version and 13″ medium version. Like the Dreamfoam Essential, it’s best for side and back sleepers under 230 lbs. We also recommend it to athletes and hot sleepers because the copper infusion is intended to regulate temperature. Staying temperature neutral while you sleep helps you sleep more soundly and may help muscles recover better.

For more information, see our full Dreamfoam Copper Dreams Mattress Review. 

Comparing Dreamfoam to the Competition

Dreamfoam Essential vs. Amerisleep AS3

Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Is Best For…	Amerisleep AS3 Mattress Is Best For…
Side Sleepers < 230 lbs	Couples
Back Sleepers < 230 lbs	Back Sleepers
Those Who Want Height Options	Hot Sleepers

The Amerisleep AS3 is the company’s best-seller. It’s available in an all-foam or hybrid mattress that’s designed to accommodate a wide variety of sleeping positions and weights. The AS3 features a Celliant cover that promotes recovery, making it a better pick for active people than the Dreamfoam Essential. It also minimizes motion transfer and has better edge support in the hybrid version, making it a better pick for couples. However, it costs roughly twice as much as the Dreamfoam Essential, so shoppers who are on a budget and want a simple, somewhat cooling memory foam mattress should opt for the Essential.

See our full Amerisleep AS3 Mattress Review to learn more.

Dreamfoam Essential vs. Nectar Premier

Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Is Best For…	Nectar Premier Mattress Is Best For…
Side Sleepers < 230 lbs	Back Sleepers < 230 lbs
Back Sleepers < 230 lbs	Side Sleepers > 130 lbs
Budget-Conscious Shoppers	Couples

The Nectar Premier is a 13” memory foam mattress with a signature memory foam hug. It feels cool to the touch thanks to the gel memory foam layer directly underneath the cover. If you’re looking for more active cooling in a memory foam mattress, you’ll probably prefer the Premier. However, it’s more expensive than the Dreamfoam Essential, so those who are on a tight budget or who are outfitting a temporary living space (for instance, a dorm room or apartment) may be better off with the low-cost Dreamfoam Essential.

See our full Nectar Premier Mattress Review to learn more. 

What’s the Bottom Line?

The Dreamfoam Essential (formerly known as the Dreamfoam Chill) is a gel memory foam mattress that works best for kids and adults or teens on a tight budget. 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.

Another standout quality is that it comes in a variety of thicknesses, which have different firmness levels. It’s rare to see this number of options for such an affordable mattress. We also recommend the Dreamfoam Essential to back or side sleepers under 230 lbs who like the contouring feel of memory foam.

The Nerd’s Scores for the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress

Performance Factor	Out of 5
Motion Isolation	4
Pressure Relief	4
Ease of Movement	3
Edge Support	2
Temperature Control	3
Durability	3
TOTAL:	3.2/5

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