Materials: Foam
Firmness: 6/10
Trial Period: 100-nights
Price Range: $645–$1,095
Nerd’s Score: 3.5/5
Disclosure: By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattress Nerd may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read full disclosure statement.
Tuft & Needle Mattress Review: The Best Bed-In-A-Box Foam Mattress for the Money?
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.
The original Tuft & Needle is an all-foam mattress for those who want an entry level bed with broad appeal. The T&N is budget-friendly and has a medium-firm feel that balances cushioning and support. It's best for back and side sleepers under 230 lbs.
The original Tuft & Needle is an all-foam mattress for those who want an entry level bed with broad appeal. The T&N is budget-friendly and has a medium-firm feel that balances cushioning and support. It's best for back and side sleepers under 230 lbs.
The original Tuft & Needle is an all-foam mattress for those who want an entry level bed with broad appeal. The T&N is budget-friendly and has a medium-firm feel that balances cushioning and support. It's best for back and side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Tuft & Needle Mattress
Read Tuft & Needle Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
Read Tuft & Needle Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
Read Tuft & Needle Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
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. For example, foam cracks, body impressions, and faulty covers are considered defects.
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”.
There are ways to void the warranty, which means that a covered defect would no longer be approved. To keep the warranty in place, you should protect your bed from damage by using a firm and sturdy bed frame and mattress protector.
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.
Tuft & Needle Original vs. Tuft & Needle Mint
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Score
| 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
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Score
| 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
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Nod by Tuft & Needle Mattress
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
Score
| 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
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Sam’s Club Tuft & Needle Mattress
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Score
| 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
Product
Firmness
Score
| 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
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Casper Original Mattress
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Score
| 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
Product
Firmness
Score
| 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.
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
Tuft & Needle Mattress FAQs
Are Tuft & Needle Mattresses good for your health?
Tuft & Needle uses CertiPUR-US certified foams for their mattresses, which are tested for low emissions and made with only non-toxic chemicals. Otherwise, most Tuft & Needle mattress owners report quality sleep on the T&N. Contributing factors include not overheating, pressure relief, and good spinal support.
Do Tuft & Needle mattresses soften?
The Tuft & Needle original mattress isn’t the most durable mattress on the market. We estimate it will last you around six years before the top layer begins to soften or form permanent body impressions. However, this softening may actually be to the benefit of side sleepers.
Where are Tuft & Needle mattresses made?
Tuft & Needle manufactures all of their mattresses in the USA. They use both domestic and imported materials to craft their mattresses, which are made up largely of proprietary foams, coils, knit fabrics, and inclusions like gel, ceramic, and graphite. Also, they’re partnered with mattress manufacturing giant Serta Simmons.
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 |
More from Tuft & Needle
Starting at $85
Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow
Starting at $95
Tuft & Needle Throw Blanket
Starting at $60
Tuft & Needle Metal Base
Starting at $1,095
Tuft & Needle Wood Frame
