Tuft & Needle Mattress Review

Who Is the Tuft & Needle Best For?

Who’s Going to Love It

• Shoppers on a budget
• Back and side sleepers
• Kids and teens
• Those with lightweight (< 130 lbs) and average-weight (130–230 lbs) body types

Who Should Steer Clear

• Average-weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers—instead, check out the firmer, more supportive Helix Plus mattress.
• Heavyweight people—instead, consider the Titan mattress that’s designed especially for those with heavier body types.
• People who like to be “hugged” by their bed—instead, look into the original Nectar mattress, which is made with conforming memory foam.

Tuft & Needle Mattress Firmness and Feel 

Tuft & Needle Mattress Firmness

Firmness level is one of the most important features when shopping for a new mattress. At Mattress Nerd, we measure firmness on a 1–10 firmness scale, with one being ultra-plush and 10 extra hard. Most sleepers prefer a medium-firm mattress, but body weight and sleeping position influence what’s best for you. 

The Tuft & Needle Original falls at a 6/10 on the firmness scale, giving it a true medium-firm feel. It’s made with T&N Adaptive foam, which gives the mattress a responsiveness that creates a “floating” effect. In other words, you won’t feel stuck in the mattress.

Because it’s made solely with foam and has only one comfort layer, it’s not durable or firm enough for most heavyweight people (> 230 lbs) and stomach sleepers over 130 lbs. The cushioning top layer of foam improves pressure relief around the hips and shoulders, so we recommend the T&N to average-weight (130–230 lbs) side sleepers and average-weight or lightweight (< 130 lbs) back sleepers.

What Does the Tuft & Needle Mattress Feel Like?

As an all-foam mattress made with proprietary polyfoams, the T&N is best for folks who prefer a balanced foam feel. In other words, the T&N is cushioning and conforming, but it doesn’t have the hug or “sticky” feel of memory foam. With just one comfort layer, you won’t sink very deep into the mattress, but this top layer is soft enough to cradle the curves of sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs.

What Sleeping Position Is the Tuft & Needle Best For?

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

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

Back Sleepers

The T&N is a good mattress for back sleepers under 230 lbs. Lightweight and average-weight people should experience light cradling of the spine without excessive dipping at the hips. If you’re heavyweight, you’ll get much better support on a firmer mattress with sturdier materials like innerspring coils. You can find a few of our favorite options by checking out our best mattresses for back sleepers.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers typically experience the fewest aches and pains on softer mattresses, but beds with a medium firmness also work well. We think the T&N is a little too firm for lightweight sleepers who spend the majority of the night on their sides. It’s also not supportive enough for heavyweight side sleepers. However, average-weight side sleepers should experience sufficient pressure relief near their hips and shoulders.

For a compilation of our top-rated side sleeper mattresses, check out the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

To prevent back pain, stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress with sturdy support for their hips. The Tuft & Needle’s medium-firm feel suits most lightweight stomach sleepers, but it’s too soft for average-weight and heavyweight individuals. If you’re a stomach sleeper who weighs over 130 lbs, check out the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers are those who sleep in more than one sleeping position. Because combination sleepers move from one position to the next, they do best on a mattress that supports their primary sleep positions and is easy to move around on. 

The T&N has a proprietary polyfoam top layer that adjusts quickly, making it excellent for tossing and turning with ease. It’s not the most responsive mattress we’ve ever tested, but it will suffice for the average combination sleeper.

We recommend the T&N to average-weight combination sleepers who favor their back and sides, as well as lightweight sleepers who alternate between their back and stomach. If you’re looking for the most responsive beds on the market, check out our list of best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Tuft & Needle Mattress Performance

Is the Tuft & Needle Mattress Cooling? 

For an all-foam mattress, the T&N does a good job of releasing body heat and helping hot sleepers stay cool. The top layer of Adaptive foam is breathable and includes cooling gel beads and graphite. These cooling features will prevent the average person from overheating, but those who live in a hot climate or struggle with night sweats may prefer an innerspring or hybrid mattress. 

If you need something cooler, check out our list of the best cooling mattresses.

Edge Support

The T&N has only average edge support. Most sleepers will find the edges supportive enough for sleeping, but not sitting.

Responsiveness

The T&N Adaptive foam is designed to quickly respond to changes in sleeping position, and it delivers in its promise. We had an easy time moving around on the T&N mattress during testing, so it’s a good option for folks who don’t want to feel stuck in their mattress.

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

Finding a mattress that you love is hard enough; finding one that both you and your partner enjoy is quite the challenge. When shopping for the best mattresses for couples, you should consider what you both need along with what makes a good bed for sharing. With an all-foam construction, the T&N keeps motion transfer to a minimum. That means you won’t feel your partner move as much as you would on a mattress with springs or a buoyant material like latex.

Noise

We didn’t notice any noise coming from the T&N mattress during testing.

Pain Relief

Average-weight sleepers with joint pain should experience some relief on the T&N. At the very least, they’re unlikely to make their pain worse. Lightweight folks probably won’t get enough pressure relief for comfort, and heavyweight folks are at risk of their curves “bottoming out” against the firm base layer.

If you have lower back pain, you need a mattress that keeps your hips elevated in line with your shoulders. The T&N is firm and supportive enough for back sleepers with back pain under 230 lbs. It will also work for lightweight stomach sleepers with lower back pain.

See More: Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Sex

Overall, the Tuft & Needle is a good mattress for sex. The responsive foams are springy enough for after-hours activities, and they’re also very quiet. The foam composition isn’t the most cooling, but the average sleeper shouldn’t overheat on the T&N like they would on a traditional memory foam mattress.

Off-Gassing

Foam beds are prone to off-gassing, which is an industry term for a chemical-like new mattress smell. It’s similar to the way a freshly painted bedroom smells. Tuft & Needle uses CertiPUR-US certified foams that are free from harmful chemicals and are tested to ensure they have low emissions.

You may notice an off-gassing odor during the hours right after setting up your mattress. In that case, keep your room ventilated and don’t add sheets until the scent is gone. Off-gassing is non-toxic, so it shouldn’t be a problem unless you have severe respiratory issues.

Durability

The Tuft & Needle isn’t the most durable bed on the market. The top foam layer is relatively low density, so it’s prone to softening with time. Additionally, at just 10” thick, the T&N is unlikely to support bigger bodies properly. We expect it to last around six years, depending on your body size and how often you use it.

Tuft & Needle Construction: What’s It Made Of?

The Tuft & Needle is a foam blend mattress that’s similar in construction to the flagship mattresses from competitors like Casper and Leesa. The plush feel of the top layer is quickly countered by firm support foam, creating a balanced medium-firm feel. Thanks to cooling innovations like ceramic gel and graphite, the T&N is better than many foam beds for people who sleep hot.

Layer #1—Knit Mattress Cover: A bright white knit fabric cover feels strong and comfortable. The fabric is breathable yet cozy, supporting a temperature-neutral sleeping experience. We think the look cover gives the mattress a touch of luxury.

Layer #2—Adaptive Foam Comfort Layer (3″): T&N Adaptive foam is an open-cell foam, meaning there are plenty of air pockets to facilitate airflow. We felt gentle contouring around our bodies, but without the deep “hugging” feel of memory foam. With cooling ceramic gel beads and graphite, this top layer supports a cool night’s sleep.

Layer #3—High-Density Polyfoam Base Layer (7”): A sturdy foam base creates a firmer feel the further you sink into the mattress. Its density helps reduce motion transfer, which is important for those who sleep with a child, pet, or partner.

How Much Does the Tuft & Needle Cost?

Mattress Size	Price	Dimensions	Height	Weight
Twin	$645	39” x 75″	10”	50 lbs
Twin XL	$695	39″ x 80″	10”	52 lbs
Full	$795	54” x 75”	10”	63 lbs
Queen	$895	60” x 80”	10”	72 lbs
King	$1,095	76” x 80”	10”	94 lbs
California King	$1,095	72” x 84”	10”	94 lbs

See our Tuft & Needle mattress coupons for the best prices on a new Tuft & Needle mattress.

How Do the Policies Measure Up?

Shipping & Unboxing

The T&N mattress ships for free to customers in the contiguous U.S. and for a fee to Alaska or Hawaii. Most T&N beds arrive in three to ten business days. 

As a bed-in-a-box mattress, the T&N is shipped to you compressed and rolled in a box. It’s best to set up your new bed right on its foundation. We found this process to be fast and easy. Once you’ve removed the bed from its box and plastic wrap, it will begin to expand. During expansion, tiny particles escape, creating an odor known as off-gassing. The scent should disappear within a few days at most. 

Warranty

The Tuft & Needle 10-year warranty covers damage from errors in workmanship or materials. What sets the T&N limited warranty apart from its competitors is that it covers body indentations at greater than 0.75”, compared with the industry-standard 1”.

How Long Does Tuft & Needle Warranty Period Last?

All Tuft & Needle mattresses are covered by a 10-year limited warranty. The warranty is not prorated, meaning your mattress is covered under the same conditions on your first day sleeping on the mattress and your 1,000th day. During the first 10 years of your ownership of the mattress, you can file a warranty claim and receive a repair or replacement.

Some similar brands offer 25-year limited warranties or even lifetime warranties, so 10 years is not the longest coverage available. But Tuft & Needle is not alone in offering a 10-year limited warranty. Casper and Purple, other popular mattress companies, also offer a 10-year limited warranty on their mattresses. Also, time is not the only factor that matters in a warranty. It’s also important to consider what the warranty covers.

What Is Covered By the Tuft & Needle Warranty?

Body Impressions or Indentations
One potential problem with polyfoam or memory foam mattresses is body impressions or indentations. This is when the foam doesn’t hold up well over time and starts to break down, leaving an indentation in the top layer of the foam. This tends to make the mattress very uncomfortable, and could even result in back pain. Tuft & Needle covers body impressions and indentations in the foam that are visible and measure more than ¾ of an inch.

Failure to Meet Dimensional Specifications
Most mattresses, including Tuft & Needle mattresses, come with a warning that says minor cosmetic differences, like color variations or small size discrepancies, are not covered by the warranty. However, if the dimensions of your Tuft & Needle mattress are off by 1 inch or more, then that is covered as a manufacturing defect or physical flaw, rather than a cosmetic flaw. You must measure from edge to edge, and if the sizing is off by more than 1 inch, then you can have a replacement sent to you.

Damaged Foam
If the foam that makes up your Tuft & Needle mattress cracks or splits at any point during the 10-year warranty period, then you may be able to file a claim and have your mattress repaired or replaced. In order for this to be covered, the cracks or splits have to appear under normal household use and proper handling.

Damaged Mattress Cover
If you use your mattress normally and properly, and you notice the mattress cover tearing or the fabric unraveling, this qualifies as a manufacturing defect, because the fabric of the cover should hold up for the entirety of the 10-year warranty period. If it doesn’t, you could file a claim and have the cover repaired or replaced.

What the Tuft & Needle Does Not Cover

Warranties are designed to protect the consumer from getting stuck with a faulty product, and as a result, there are some things that they don’t cover. If something goes wrong with your mattress, but it isn’t related to the manufacturing process, there’s a good chance it isn’t covered by the warranty.

My Mattress Isn’t Comfortable
Unfortunately, just because you personally don’t find the mattress comfortable, that isn’t an indication that the mattress is faulty, and thus it isn’t covered by the warranty. However, it is covered by Tuft & Needle’s 100-night sleep trial period. This is a special return policy that allows you to return the mattress for a refund if you decide it isn’t right for you. Shipping is covered for the 48 contiguous United States, but if you live in Alaska or Hawaii, you will have to cover the shipping cost for returns.

My Mattress Is Sagging, But It’s Not ¾ Inch
Have you noticed that your mattress has a slight indentation in the top comfort layer? Even the best mattresses experience some sagging, given enough time. Unfortunately, indentations are not covered unless they meet the ¾ inch requirement.

I Spilled Coffee On My New Tuft & Needle Bed and Now It’s Stained
Because spills are not the result of a manufacturing defect, stains are not covered by the warranty. Similarly, tears, burns and discolorations are not covered either.

Any Time I Sleep Near the Edge of the Bed, I Feel Like I’m Going to Fall Off
If this is the case, it means your mattress has poor edge support. While that can be very annoying, it is not actually considered to be a defect, and it isn’t covered by the Tuft & Needle warranty.

Things that Would Void the Tuft & Needle Warranty

• Keeping the mattress in unsanitary condition such as with stains from blood or urine
• Any burns or cuts on the mattress.
• Improper bed frame. If your mattress is used with a faulty bed frame, any damages that result could be caused by the frame rather than due to a defect on the mattress manufacturing end.
• Evidence of physical abuse of the product, like footprints on the mattress cover.
• Improper storage. Storing this mattress does not automatically void your warranty, but if there is evidence that the mattress was stored in a damp environment or one infested with bugs or rodents, then the warranty is void.
• Commercial use. The Tuft & Needle mattress warranty only applies to regular home use.
• Selling the mattress. The warranty only covers the mattress while it is owned by the original purchaser.

Filing A Warranty Claim with Tuft & Needle

If you purchased your Tuft & Needle mattress directly from the site, then all you have to do is go online and email support. In your email, provide your current address, photos of the issue with your mattress, and pictures of the tags on your mattress.

If you purchased your Tuft & Needle mattress from Amazon, you’re still covered by the warranty, there’s just a slightly different process for filing a claim. Start by going online and sending an email to amazoncx@tn.com. In your email, be sure to include your name, email address, billing address, shipping address, Amazon order number and invoice, photos of the issue, and tags on the product.

If you prefer to speak to someone on the phone about filing a warranty claim, you can call (877) 842-2586.

Trial Period & Returns

Most of the best online mattress companies have generous return policies, allowing customers to experience their new bed risk-free. Tuft & Needle is no exception—all of its beds come with a 100-night sleep trial and full refunds. 

Unlike some other leading brands, T&N doesn’t require you to keep the new mattress for 30 nights before initiating a return. Just be sure to give it a chance, as it can take a few weeks for the foams to fully break in.  

If you find out that the Original isn’t right for you, reach out to T&N to start your return or exchange. You won’t need to stuff the bed back into its box, but you will need to have it donated or recycled to qualify for a refund. A T&N representative can help you figure out how to do this, and most mattresses are picked up from customers’ homes.

Addressing Tuft & Needle Mattress Complaints

• Too firm: The original Tuft & Needle mattress was too firm, so the company made some adjustments. Now, many customers report that it is a true medium-firm bed, and much more comfortable.
• Back pain: Based on the lack of any materials in the construction specifically designed to keep the spine aligned, this seems like a valid complaint, particularly for heavyweight sleepers and stomach sleepers over 230 lbs.
• Issues with shipping and returns: The returns process can be a pain if you buy your Tuft & Needle mattress from Amazon or another verified seller, but if you buy directly from the company, the process is actually very smooth.
• Sleeps hot: Because of its all-foam construction, the Tuft & Needle mattress is definitely not the coolest mattress on the market. However, because of the graphite and cooling gel included in the top layer of foam, it should be plenty cool for people who tend to be cold or neutral at night. If you sleep hot, then this may not be the mattress for you.

Comparing Different Tuft & Needle Mattresses

Tuft & Needle Original vs. Tuft & Needle Mint

Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is Best For:	Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress is Best For:
Back and Side Sleepers	Sleepers Who Toss and Turn All Night
Teens and Kids	People Seeking Pressure Relief
Light to Average-weight Sleepers	Hot Sleepers

The Tuft & Needle Mint mattress is an upgraded version of the Original. They’re both all-foam beds with the same 6/10 firmness level. The Mint has an additional layer of Adaptive foam that enhances pressure relief, brings deeper contouring, and creates a slightly softer feel. You can expect to feel like you’re sleeping “on” the Original, with a bit more sink into the Mint.

Both of these beds quickly adapt to movement so you won’t feel stuck, and they sleep cool for all-foam beds. However, the Mint is a touch cooler, and so it’s better for hot sleepers. The T&N Original has a breathable cover and a comfort layer infused with cooling gel and graphite, which should help it sleep cooler than most all-foam beds. The Mint takes these features further with the addition of 30 percent more cooling graphite.

See our full Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress Review to learn more.

Tuft & Needle Original vs. Tuft & Needle Hybrid 

Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is Best For:	Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress is Best For:
Back and Side Sleepers	Hot Sleepers
Teens and Kids	Shoppers Looking for a “Springier” Mattress
Lightweight to Average-weight Sleepers	Sleepers Seeking Spinal Support

The Tuft & Needle Hybrid mattress shares a medium-firm feel with the T&N Original, but it’s springier thanks to two coil layers. These coils evenly distribute body weight, providing exceptional spinal support and improving stability for sleepers over 230 lbs. However, while the springy feel is wonderful for repositioning, the foam support layer in the Original delivers superior motion isolation.

Also, the Hybrid is the better mattress for folks who sleep hot on a nightly basis. It pairs the cooling gel foams of the other models with a micro coil layer and pocketed coil layer for above-average airflow, breathability, and temperature regulation. You’ll pay more for the T&N Hybrid than you will for the T&N Original, but it’s worth the cost for hot sleepers and those who want a bouncier mattress.

See our full Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more.  

Tuft & Needle Original vs. Nod by Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is Best For:	Tuft & Needle Nod Mattress is Best For:
Back and Side Sleepers	Shoppers wanting to buy through Amazon
Teens and Kids	People Seeking a Softer Mattress
Light to Average-weight Sleepers	Light to Average-weight Back Sleeping

The Tuft & Needle Nod is sold exclusively through Amazon. The Nod has similar materials as the T&N Original, but it’s softer and thinner than the Original. At just 8” thick, the Nod is best for lightweight individuals, particularly those who prefer back and side sleeping.  

See our full Nod by Tuft & Needle Mattress Review to learn more.

Tuft & Needle Original vs. Sam’s Club X Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is Best For:	Sam’s Club X Club Tuft & Needle Mattress is Best For:
Back and Side Sleepers	Stomach and back Sleepers
Teens and Kids	People Seeking a Firmer Mattress
Light to Average-weight Sleepers	Average-weight Sleepers

The Sam’s Club X Tuft & Needle Mattress is similar in build to the original Tuft & Needle, though it’s much firmer at 7.5/10 on the firmness scale. We recommend it to back sleepers and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs, but the original Tuft & Needle is better for side sleepers. You can only purchase the Sam’s Club X T&N at Sam’s Club, and it’s a fraction of the price of the original, making it an excellent budget buy.

See our full Sam’s Club X Tuft & Needle Mattress Review to learn more.

Comparing Tuft & Needle to the Competition

Tuft & Needle vs. Purple

Tuft & Needle Mattress is Best For:	Purple Mattress is Best For:
Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers
Teens and Kids	People Seeking Pressure Relief
Light to Average-weight Sleepers	Hot Sleepers

The Purple mattress has a unique feel thanks to its proprietary Purple Grid, which is a Hyper-Elastic Polymer that’s contouring and cooling. The Grid buckles at high-pressure areas (pressure points like shoulders and hips) and stays lifted in low pressure areas (for example, the curve of your lower back). The Purple is a touch firmer than the T&N, so we don’t recommend it to side sleepers.

Read our full Tuft & Needle vs. Purple Mattress Comparison for more details. 

Tuft & Needle vs. Casper

Tuft & Needle Mattress is Best For:	Casper Mattress is Best For:
Back and Side Sleepers	Memory Foam Lovers
Teens and Kids	Sleepers with Back Pain
Light to Average-weight Sleepers	Shoppers Looking for a “Hug” Feel

The flagship Casper mattress is an all-foam mattress like the T&N, except the Casper boasts Zoned Support, which means it has greater stability along the middle of the bed and cushion at the feet and shoulders. Even though both beds have a 6/10 firmness, most side sleepers and people with back pain prefer Casper’s Zoned Support. 

See our full Tuft & Needle vs. Casper Mattress Comparison to learn more.

Tuft & Needle vs. Nectar

Tuft & Needle Mattress is Best For:	Nectar Mattress is Best For:
Back and Side Sleepers	Shoppers Looking for a Lifetime Warranty
Teens and Kids	People Seeking Pressure Relief
Light to Average-weight Sleepers	Sleepers Seeking Limited Motion Transfer

The Nectar is a memory foam mattress with a slow response that gradually hugs the body. The Nectar also has a 6/10 firmness, but its doughy surface has a more contouring feel when compared with the springy polyfoam on the T&N. Additionally, the T&N sleeps noticeably cooler than the Nectar.

See our full Tuft & Needle vs. Nectar Mattress Comparison to learn more.

Tuft & Needle Mattress FAQs 

Haven’t decided which mattress is best for you? Check out these other comparisons:

• Tuft & Needle vs. Avocado
• Tuft & Needle vs. Bear
• Tuft & Needle vs. Brooklyn Bedding
• Tuft & Needle vs. Casper
• Tuft & Needle vs. GhostBed
• Tuft & Needle vs. Helix
• Tuft & Needle vs. Layla
• Tuft & Needle vs. Leesa
• Tuft & Needle vs. Lull
• Tuft & Needle vs. Nectar
• Tuft & Needle vs. Puffy
• Tuft & Needle vs. Purple
• Tuft & Needle vs. Nectar
• Tuft & Needle vs. Nolah

What’s The Bottom Line? 

The original Tuft & Needle is an affordable all-foam mattress. Made entirely from cooling and responsive polyfoam, this is one of the best foam beds for hot sleepers and people who move around a lot at night. And thanks to motion dampening materials, couples can sleep together peacefully. 

Its medium-firm feel is typically best for back and side sleepers. Because it’s not as thick or supportive as hybrid or innerspring mattresses, it’s not our top pick for heavier folks or stomach sleepers.

Lastly, the Tuft & Needle is a leading budget-friendly mattress. It’s only $895 for a Queen size, which—for its comfort and construction—is an excellent deal. 

The Nerd’s Scores for the Tuft & Needle Mattress

Performance Factor	Out of 5
Motion Isolation	4
Pressure Relief	4
Ease of Movement	4
Edge Support	3
Temperature Control	3.5
Durability	2.5