Layla vs. Nolah Mattress Comparison
The Layla memory foam mattress is a flippable bed with a different firmness level on each side, and the Nolah Original is a single-sided, medium-firm mattress. Both are made entirely of foam, but Layla is a memory foam mattress while Nolah is made with proprietary polyfoams.
Because of its flippable nature, the Layla is good for those who can’t choose between a softer and firmer mattress. The soft side suits side sleepers the best, while the firm side better supports stomach sleepers. The Nolah is a medium-firm 6/10 on the firmness scale so it’s better for side and back sleepers, particularly those who are lightweight.
To give you accurate recommendations, we do firsthand testing on all our mattresses. For more info, you can read up on our testing methodology.
Layla vs. Nolah Overview
Both the Layla and Nolah Original are all-foam mattresses, but they each offer something unique for all kinds of sleepers. Here’s a summary of each mattress’s strong points.
| Layla is best for… | Nolah is best for… |
| Side sleepers | Back sleepers |
| Stomach sleepers | Hot sleepers |
| Combination sleepers | Couples |
Who Should Choose the Layla Mattress?
- Side sleepers: Those who sleep on their side will get extra pressure relief for their shoulders and hips when lying on the soft side of the mattress.
- Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers will probably get more support for their neck and lower back on the firm side of the mattress.
- Combination sleepers: Do you toss and turn a lot at night? Layla is a responsive, adjustable mattress that accommodate sudden changes with movement easily.
Who Should Choose the Nolah Mattress?
- Back sleepers who need a balance of cushion and support.
- Many warm sleepers stay temperature-neutral on the Nolah because of the breathable cover and cooling top layer.
- Couples will likely sleep more soundly thanks to Nolah’s excellent motion isolation.
Layla vs. Nolah Mattress Video Comparison
In this section, we’ll go over the most distinct similarities and differences between Layla and the Nolah Original.
Layla vs. Nolah: Top Similarities
- Responsiveness: Both of these beds are responsive, which is a great performance feature for combination sleepers who need to change position often in their sleep. See our picks for the best mattress for combination sleepers for similar responsive mattresses.
- Great motion isolation: Couples will notice fewer disruptions from their sleeping partners on both of these mattresses because the top layers of foam effectively trap motion where it starts.
- Not suitable for heavier folks: Neither bed supports heavy people very well for long periods of time.
Layla vs. Nolah: Top Differences
- Construction: Even though the Layla and Nolah are both constructed with foam, the Layla has a top memory foam layer that is soft and conforming. The Nolah is topped with AirFoam that is also soft but does a better job of evenly distributing a person’s body weight. Because of these construction differences, we think the Layla is the best mattress for side sleepers and the Nolah is the better mattress for back sleepers.
- Pressure relief: The softer side of the Layla provides better pressure relief than the top layers of the Nolah mattress.
- Lumbar support: The Nolah performed better in our spinal alignment tests, so we think it’s a more comfortable mattress for back pain sufferers who need better lumbar support.
Layla vs. Nolah: Firmness & Feel Differences
Here’s how Layla and Nolah compare against each other when it comes to firmness and feel.
What’s the Firmness Of the Layla & Nolah Mattresses?
Most mattresses are rated on a firmness scale of 1–10, with one being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Typically, side sleepers enjoy the plush, pressure-relieving feel of mattresses rated 6/10 and below, back sleepers like the cushion-support balance of mattresses between 5 to 7/10, and stomach sleepers need the firmer feel of beds that are a 7/10 firmness level and above.
The Layla mattress has two firmness levels, the soft side and the firm side. The soft side scores a 4/10 and compresses easily under pressure, while the firm side gets a 6.5/10. Meanwhile, the Nolah gets a 5-6/10 on the firmness scale, which puts it in the medium-firm category.
What Do the Layla & Nolah Mattresses Feel Like?
We found the Nolah Original mattress to be quite cooling, contrary to how most foam mattresses are. This is probably due to its cooling TENCEL cover and adaptive AirFoam layer, which also does a fantastic job at responding to movement. This mattress also has a thick foam base, which makes it supportive and sturdy. There’s a slight sink-in feel when you lie down, but we didn’t have any trouble moving around despite this.
The way Layla feels depends on which side you’re laying on. The softer side has a thicker memory foam layer, which gives a more hugging sensation when you lie down. On the other hand, the firmer side has a more bouncy and responsive feel because of the thick, high-density foam underneath.
What’s It Like to Sleep On the Layla & Nolah Mattresses?
The Layla mattress has two firmness levels. The soft side is a 4/10 on the firmness scale. It compresses easily under pressure, so it’s best for lightweight to average-weight side sleepers. The firm side is 6.5/10, which is an ideal firmness for average-sized back and stomach sleepers.
The Nolah rates 5–6/10 on the firmness scale, so it’s probably too soft for most stomach sleepers, but just right for back and side sleepers. For mattresses that cradle around the pressure points and allow the sleeper to sink into the layers, see the best soft mattresses.
The Layla vs. Nolah Mattresses By Body Type
Layla Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Nolah Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 3 | 2 | 4 |
1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)
Average weight back sleepers will be comfortable on both mattresses, but the Nolah will probably offer you better lumbar support.
Both the Nolah Original and the Layla mattresses (the softer side, to be exact) offer really great shoulder and hip support for average weight side sleepers.
For average weight stomach sleepers, we found the Nolah to be the better pick. Some stomach sleepers may experience a slight sink in the hip area in the Layla mattress, which may promote joint pain later on.
Both are very responsive mattresses, so either mattress is a great pick for average weight combination sleepers.
Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)
Heavyweight back sleepers should probably find firmer mattresses than Nolah and Layla because we found both mattresses lacking in the lumbar support aspect. Still, the Nolah performs slightly better than the Layla when it comes to handling heavier pressure.
We recommend the firm side of Layla to heavyweight side sleepers because it offers adequate cushion, support, and pressure relief. The Nolah may feel too firm for heavier side sleepers.
For heavyweight stomach sleepers, it’s much better if you look for a firmer mattress, like the ones in our best mattresses for stomach sleepers list. Stomach sleepers will probably find both mattresses too soft to provide enough support to keep their hips elevated.
We found that heavyweight combination sleepers may have trouble moving around in both mattresses and feel like they’re “stuck.” If your priority is looking for a mattress that lets you move around with ease at night, check out the best mattress for combination sleepers.
Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)
Lightweight back sleepers will find that both mattresses are supportive and comfortable enough to ease back pain. Just make sure to switch over to Layla’s firm side to get enough support for your back.
Both mattresses really shine when it comes to providing ample support and cushion for lightweight side sleepers. For Layla, we recommend the softer side, especially for those dealing with joint pain.
Lightweight stomach sleepers will also sleep comfortably on either mattress. Both will provide just enough elevation for the hips to keep a neutral spinal alignment.
Both mattresses do a fantastic job at motion responsiveness, so we highly recommend either mattress to lightweight combination sleepers.
Differences In Mattress Construction
The Layla and Nolah Original are both 10” all-foam mattresses. However, the Layla is a flippable mattress that has 4 layers, while the Nolah has 3 layers and can only be slept on one side. Here’s a closer look at how each is constructed.
| Layla Mattress Materials | Nolah Mattress Materials |
| Polyester-Viscose Blend Cover | TENCEL Mattress Cover |
| 3” Copper-Gel Memory Foam (soft side) | 2” AirFoam |
| 2” Max Airflow Support Foam | 1” High-Resilience Foam |
| 4” Support Core Foam | 7” High-Density Base Foam |
| 1” Copper-Gel Memory Foam (firm side) | – |
Cover
The Layla has a soft polyester-viscose blend cover that’s infused with Thermo-Gel, a temperature-regulating material that helps you sleep cool. The Nolah Original has a TENCEL cover, which is made from an eco-friendly and sustainable material that’s known for its softness, breathability, and temperature-regulating ability.
Comfort Layers
Layla’s soft and firm sides are both made up of copper-infused memory foam and measure up to 3” and 1” in thickness, respectively. Nolah’s comfort layer is made from their proprietary AirFoam, which contains air pockets that facilitate great airflow and pressure relief.
Support Layers
The Layla has a 4” support core foam layer, while the Nolah has a thicker 7” high-density base foam layer.
Layla vs. Nolah Pricing
| Size | Layla Prices | Nolah Prices |
| Twin | $ | $ |
| Twin XL | $ | $ |
| Full | $ | $ |
| Queen | $ | $ |
| King | $ | $ |
| California King | $ | $ |
For exclusive discounts on both beds see our Layla mattress coupons and Nolah mattress coupons.
Layla vs. Nolah Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
Temperature
Foam beds have a reputation for trapping body heat, but neither of these mattresses sleep especially hot due to cooling technology like gel-infused memory foam, copper and cooling covers. The Nolah sleeps a little more temperature-neutral than the Layla, so it’s a more favorable choice for people who get warm easily or who live in warm climates.
However, if you are looking for an active cooling mattress, see our list of the best mattresses for hot sleepers.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer is an important factor for couples or anyone who shares their bed. High-density foams generally keep motion transfer to a minimum, which is why all-foam mattresses like Nolah, and the soft, doughy side of the Layla, perform so well in this category.
If you sleep with a partner and wake easily to movement throughout the night, each of these beds should cut down on motion transfer and provide a disruption-free night of sleep. For similar options that isolate motion well, check out the best mattress for couples.
Edge Support
Edge support can be an underrated mattress factor, but it’s really important for those who sleep near the edges of the bed or who sit on the edge of the bed to get ready in the morning. The Layla mattress has satisfactory edge support, especially for all-foam mattresses that don’t include sturdy steel coils. Layla is more supportive because of the denser foams on its “firm” side. Nolah’s edge support leaves something to be desired.
Pressure Relief
All-foam beds typically do a great job of cushioning pressure points, especially if they fall under a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. In this comparison, the Layla mattress provides significantly better pressure relief, particularly on the soft side of the bed. That 4/10 firmness level is great for side sleepers who need lots of pressure relief on their shoulders and hips. Nolah showed great pressure relief for back sleepers but didn’t do as well for side sleepers.
For side sleepers looking for additional pressure relief and pain prevention, see the best mattress for hip pain.
Pain Relief
We found both mattresses to provide excellent pain-relieving features, especially for back sleepers. Our pressure maps showed that both mattresses were able to disperse and prevent pressure build-up along the spine. For side sleepers, however, we think that the Layla excels more because of its softer nature, which provides more than enough cushion needed in the hip area.
Durability
All-foam mattresses tend not to last as long as hybrid or latex mattresses. Still, their durability varies from bed to bed. In this mattress comparison, both mattresses should last you about the same amount of time. If you are looking for a mattress that may last longer, see our picks for the best hybrid mattress.
Shipping, Returns, & Warranties
Layla
Layla ships free in the contiguous 48 U.S. They offer a 120-day sleep trial where you can apply for a free return and full refund after two weeks or before four months. You also get a Layla Lifetime warranty that covers indentations, sagging, and factory and material defects.
Nolah
Nolah provides free shipping across the contiguous 48 U.S. states. They also have a 120-day sleep trial that comes with free returns and a full refund (but only after 30 days). Each mattress comes with a Nolah Lifetime warranty that provides complete coverage for 15 years, with prorated repair costs after.
Other Models Available
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Our Final Take
The Layla is a better choice for shoppers who are new to the bed-in-a-box market, since you can alternate between the soft and firm sides. The Layla is also a bit more budget-friendly. We recommend the soft side of the Layla for lightweight or average-weight side sleepers, and the firm side for average-weight stomach sleepers.
The Nolah is also relatively budget-friendly, but it only has one side and isn’t flippable. The 6/10 “universal firmness” level can work for all sleeping positions, but it’s best for average-weight back and side sleepers. The Nolah is also our pick for hot sleepers and couples. You get free returns from both mattress companies, so you can test out either new mattress before settling on a long-term choice.
Haven’t made a decision yet? Check out these other comparisons:
| Layla Comparisons | Nolah Comparisons |
Our Final Take
The Layla is a better choice for shoppers who are new to the bed-in-a-box market, since you can alternate between the soft and firm side. The Layla is also a bit more budget friendly. We recommend the soft side of the Layla for lightweight or average-weight side sleepers, and the firm side for average-weight stomach sleepers.
The Nolah is also relatively budget friendly, but it only has one side and isn’t flippable. The 6/10 “universal firmness” level can work for all sleeping positions, but it’s best for average-weight back and side sleepers. The Nolah is also our pick for hot sleepers and couples. You get free returns from both mattress companies, so you can test out either new mattress before settling on a long-term choice.
Layla & Nolah FAQs
Is Layla Mattress Good For Back Pain?
Yes, we highly recommend the Layla mattress for those suffering from back pain since it can provide excellent pressure relief. Since Layla also has two firmness levels, back sleepers can flip the mattress over to a side they’re more comfortable with.
Does The Layla Mattress Sleep Cool?
Yes. Despite being a memory foam mattress, the Layla sleeps cool thanks to its copper-infused memory foam layers and Thermo Gel cover. These layers help wick away body heat and keep the top layer of the mattress cool.
How Firm is a Nolah Mattress?
We rated the Nolah Original mattress 5-6/10 (1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest), which makes it fall under the medium-firm category.
