Nolah Signature vs. Nolah Evolution Comparison: Is Foam or Hybrid Better?
Is the foam Nolah signature or the hybrid Nolah evolution a better value for you? Read on to learn more about each mattress and who they’re best for.
Nolah Signature vs. Nolah Evolution Overview
The Nolah Signature is a soft, all-foam bed that’s a great fit for sleepers wanting pain relief. Although this mattress has the classic doughy feel of memory foam, it’s still easy to move around on. In the other corner is the Nolah Evolution, a thick hybrid mattress that’s a little bit firmer than the Signature and more supportive too.
| Nolah Signature is best for… | Nolah Evolution is best for… |
| Average-weight back sleepers | Side sleepers |
| Budget shoppers | Couples |
| Combination sleepers | Seniors |
Who Should Choose the Nolah Signature Mattress?
- Average-weight back sleepers—Compared to the slightly firmer Nolah Evolution, the Nolah Signature’s pressure-relieving foam is ideal for average-weight (130–230 lbs) sleepers, especially those with back pain.
- Budget shoppers—Between these two Nolah mattresses, shoppers looking to save money should note that the foam Signature is about $500 cheaper at every size than the hybrid Evolution.
- Combination sleepers—Both of these beds are actually a solid choice for combination sleepers, but, for a foam mattress, the Nolah signature has top-notch responsiveness.
Who Should Choose the Nolah Evolution Mattress?
- Side sleepers—Side sleepers tend to need the most cushioning and pressure-relief of any kind of sleep. With that in mind, the Evolution’s soft and thick design is ideal for average-weight side sleepers, and some lightweight side sleepers as well.
- Couples—Sleepers who share their bed will definitely notice the difference in motion isolation between these beds. Despite being a springy hybrid, the Evolution’s super durable and thick design absorbs any unwanted movement.
- Seniors—For seniors, or sleepers with mobility concerns, the Nolah Evolution has much stronger edge support, making it easier to sit or sleep on the edge of the mattress. That said, the bed’s 15” height may be a dealbreaker for some.
Nolah Signature vs. Nolah Evolution: Top Similarities
- Stomach sleeping—For stomach sleepers, firmness is a huge factor in how comfortable a bed is. This is because stomach sleepers need a mattress that’s solid enough to keep their hips from sinking. And, since both of these Nolah beds have similar firmness levels, they’re both a good choice for lightweight stomach sleepers.
- Responsiveness—Technically, the Nolah Evolution is a little bit more responsive, but both Nolah beds are great for combination sleepers. And, if you’re looking for a responsive bed at an affordable price, the Signature may be better for you.
- Heavyweight sleepers—Both of these Nolah mattresses have a soft feel, which means that neither is ideal for heavyweight sleepers who need more support and firmness. For heavier stomach sleepers especially, neither the Signature or Evolution are really firm enough.
Nolah Signature vs. Nolah Evolution: Top Differences
- Temperature control—Foam mattresses generally don’t have the best temperature control, and the same is true here. So, if you overheat or sweat during the night, the Nolah Evolution will be a much better option for you.
- Edge support—In this Nolah showdown, the Evolution is also the clear winner for edge support. This is because the Evolution is a much thicker and more firm bed—plus it’s reinforced around its edges with pocketed steel coils.
- Price—But, for sleepers wanting a wallet-friendly bed, the Nolah Signature is the best bet. Regardless of whether you go with a Twin-size or King-size mattress, you’ll be saving hundreds with this bed.
Nolah Signature vs. Nolah Evolution: Firmness & Feel Differences
Want to know about how these beds actually feel? Let’s compare the firmness and feel of these two Nolah mattresses.
What’s the Firmness Of the Nolah Signature & Nolah Evolution Mattresses?
At Mattress Nerd, we like to test firmness on a scale of 1–10, with a 1 being the softest and a 10 being harder than rocks. With that in mind, the Nolah Signature measures in at a medium-soft 5/10 on our firmness scale, and the Nolah Evolution at a medium-soft 5.5/10. That said, aside from this standard firmness level, the Evolution does come with two other firmness options.
Overall, these two firmness levels are similar, but the Evolution’s medium-firm feel is more friendly to average-weight sleepers (especially back sleepers) and side sleepers, while the Signature’s soft feel is generally better for lighter side sleepers.
What Do the Nolah Signature & Nolah Evolution Mattresses Feel Like?
The Nolah Evolution has a soft, but supportive feel thanks to several thick layers of contouring memory foam and a system of pocketed coils. While this bed has great pressure relief, sleepers can also enjoy its solid responsiveness and edge support as well. Next, the Evolution has a similar soft feel, and is actually quite responsive for an all-foam bed, but it lacks the same firmness and support of the hybrid Evolution.
What’s It Like to Sleep On the Nolah Signature & Nolah Evolution Mattresses?
First off, both of these Nolah mattresses perform similarly for stomach sleepers, but the Evolution’s more support and cushioned feel is a better fit for side sleepers, especially those who are above 130 lbs. For back sleepers, both beds are great for lightweight sleepers, but the Signature’s softer feel is a bit better for average-weight sleepers.
The Nolah Signature vs. Nolah Evolution Mattresses By Body Type
Nolah Signature Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Nolah Evolution Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 3 | 2 | 3 |
1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)
On the Nolah Evolution and the Signature, average-weight back sleepers will get the support and pressure relief they need, though the Signature ideal. When it comes to stomach sleepers, average-weight sleepers won’t notice much if any difference since both beds have a very similar firmness level. Lastly, side sleepers will prefer the Nolah Evolution since its thicker design offers more cushioning.
Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)
Next, heavyweight back sleepers won’t be able to get the support and firmness they need on either bed since they’re both at a softer firmness level. However, for side sleepers, the Nolah Evolution’s slightly firmer feel will make this bed the better option, although neither are ideal. Lastly, like back sleepers, stomach sleepers won’t be able to get enough support on either of these soft beds.
Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)
Last but not least, both Nolah beds are ideal for lightweight back sleepers who tend to need less support than heavier back sleepers. For stomach sleepers, again both Nolah mattresses are a solid choice with their soft firmness being close to ideal. However, the Nolah Evolution, despite being firmer, is actually a better fit for side sleepers due to its thicker comfort layers.
Differences In Mattress Construction
Getting under the hood of these two mattresses, the Nolah Signature is a 12” tall, all-foam bed that features an organic cover and latex in its support layers. This bed is designed for pressure and pain relief, without compromising on responsiveness. For the Nolah Evolution, this hybrid measures a whopping 15” tall and contains several layers of high-resistance foam.
| Nolah Signature Mattress Materials | Nolah Evolution Mattress Materials |
| Organic cooling cover | Cooling mattress cover |
| Polyfoam comfort layer | Quilted Euro top |
| Polyfoam support layer | Cooling polyfoam comfort layer |
| Pressure-relieving foam | Supportive foam comfort layer |
| High-density base layer | High-density transition foam |
| Support coils | |
| High-density base layer |
Cover
Both of these Nolah mattresses feature a cooling mattress cover, with the Nolah Signature’s being made of organic cotton. For the Nolah Evolution, this cover sits on another soft layer of quilted Euro top that draws body heat away as well.
Comfort Layers
The main difference in comfort layers between these beds is that the Evolution features several more comfort layers that are thicker. That said, both Nolah beds have temperature-regulating foam below their mattress covers, while the Nolah Evolution has an additional layer of supportive, high-resistance memory foam as well.
Support Layers
Next up, the Nolah Evolution includes several comfort layers, starting with a high-density transition foam layer that keeps your body lifted off of the bed’s coils. And, below that, is the Evolution’s set of pocketed coils which contour and respond to the body. For the Nolah Signature, instead of coils, this bed has a layer of pressure-relieving foam. Lastly, both beds include a high-density foam base layer that boosts durability and support.
Nolah Signature vs. Nolah Evolution Pricing
| Size | Nolah Signature Prices | Nolah Evolution Prices |
| Twin | $ | $ |
| Twin XL | $ | $ |
| Full | $ | $ |
| Queen | $ | $ |
| King | $ | $ |
| California King | $ | $ |
For exclusive discounts on both beds see our Nolah mattress coupons.
Nolah Signature vs. Nolah Evolution Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
Temperature
The best cooling mattresses allow for plenty of airflow. In this case, despite being the thicker mattress, the Nolah Signature’s pocketed coils keep the mattress well-ventilated, while its quilted mattress top draws away excess body heat. On the other hand, the Signature’s all-foam design holds onto heat more throughout the night.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer is how much you can feel unwanted movement through your mattress. For those who share a bed with someone who tosses and turns, motion isolation is key. For this Nolah comparison, the Evolution is the definitive winner, with its thick foam layers that muffle any disturbances.
Edge Support
The best mattresses for seniors allow for easy movement by providing strong edge support, or support around the bed’s perimeter. Since the Nolah Evolution has coils reinforced around its edges, and it’s a much thicker mattress, this bed is the best choice for sleepers wanting a solid bed.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief depends a lot on a sleeper’s preferred position and their body type. However, for side sleepers, the Nolah Evolution is more cushioned across the board due to its extra comfort layers. That said, average-weight back sleepers may actually prefer the slightly softer and all-foam Nolah Signature.
Pain Relief
For sleepers with pain relief in their sides and shoulders, the Nolah Evolution’s soft and supportive design is more effective than the thinner Signature mattress. But, for sleepers with lower back pain, especially average-weight sleepers, the Nolah Signature may perform better.
Durability
Hybrid beds tend to be more durable than foam beds, and thicker beds tend to be more durable than thinner beds. With both of these facts in mind, the Nolah Evolution is a much more solid and durable mattress than the Signature.
However, it’s worth noting that Nolah does provide a Lifetime warranty for both beds, meaning you’ll be covered for any potential defects in either mattress.
Shipping, Returns, & Warranties
Since both the Signature and the Evolution are made by Nolah, you’ll be getting the same policies for either mattress. So, once you’ve purchased your Nolah bed, you’ll receive free shipping, and it will arrive at your doorstep as a bed-in-a-box. After your Nolah bed has arrived, you’ll then be able to enjoy a 120-night sleep trial during which you can return your bed at any time for a full refund.
However, if you do want to keep your Nolah mattress around, you’ll be entitled a limited Lifetime warranty that will replace your mattress for free if any defects are found in the first two years, then for free with shipping charges in the first ten years, then for 50% off in the first twenty-five years, and then for 40% off after that.
Other Models Available
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Our Final Take
Between these two Nolah mattresses, the hybrid Evolution is a better choice for side sleepers, hot sleepers, and couples. On the other hand, the Nolah Signature is more budget-friendly and is ideal for average-weight back sleepers. Overall, the foam Signature has a soft feel, while the Evolution, although also soft, is much more supportive and thicker.
Nolah Signature & Nolah Evolution FAQs
Where Are Nolah Beds Made?
All of Nolah’s mattresses (including the Signature and Evolution) are made and manufactured in the United States. All of Nolah’s factories are also located in the States too. Additionally, Nolah also ships their beds for free to customers anywhere in the United States as well.
How Long Should I Wait to Open My Nolah?
There’s no need to wait. As soon as your Nolah arrives in a box, you can open it and start inflating your mattress. However, if you do plan on waiting, Nolah recommends that you open your bed within a couple of days of it arriving at your doorstep.
Which Nolah Mattress Is Best?
If you’re looking for a Nolah mattress that’s great for hot sleepers and side sleepers, the hybrid Nolah Evolution is a great choice. However, if you’re an average-weight back sleeper, or you’re looking to save on your next bed, then the Nolah Evolution may be the better bed for you.