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The 11 Best Mattresses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Supportive, comfortable, and durable, these are the top mattresses we've tested

Saatva Classic Mattress collaged against colorful blue background

The Spruce / Amelia Manley

Whether you’re looking to optimize your sleep or you just need an upgrade, buying a new mattress is a great way to treat and take care of yourself. Making sure you have the right mattress for your needs is crucial. “We spend up to one-third of our life sleeping in bed, and an unsupportive mattress can contribute to neck and back pain,” says chiropractor Hayley Winchel, D.C., of Performance Health Clinics in Ramsey, New Jersey.

We’ve tested over 40 mattresses in real-life homes, assessing each product based on factors such as comfort, support, and overall value. Using our testing insights—supplemented with additional research—we’ve put together our top recommendations to help guide you in your search for a new mattress.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

Saatva

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Sleep Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Great balance between plushness and support

  • Coil and memory foam hybrid construction

  • 365-night trial and lifetime warranty

What We Don’t Like
  • Longer delivery times

The name Saatva has become ubiquitous in the mattress space since its founding in 2010, and we totally get why. Saatva’s Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress earned our top spot, and we love it for a handful of reasons. For starters, this medium-firm mattress provides the perfect balance of plushness and support, and we found it to be exceptionally comfortable in testing. We appreciated that although the mattress is incredibly soft, you don’t sink into it at all. You can really feel the memory foam material contour to your body without getting lost in it. We found the amount of support to be just right—while it’s not overly firm, we felt as though it really helped promote comfortable spinal alignment and relieve tension throughout the body. 

As a hybrid, you get the best of both worlds. A half-inch gel-infused memory foam lumbar crown provides extra support toward the center of the mattress and improves its longevity. Beneath that, a 1.5-inch memory foam layer contours to the body and aids in pressure-point relief. Below that, 8-inch-thick recycled steel pocketed coils are highly responsive and prevent motion transfer. What we really appreciate is the reinforced edges surrounding the mattress, which we found to prevent sagging.

One place where we feel the ordering process fell short was the longer delivery time, which we attributed to the fact that each mattress is made to order. This isn’t a dealbreaker for us, considering just how well this mattress performed on all other fronts. Plus, we believe the right mattress is worth waiting for—especially one that comes with a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty. However, if you’re in a time crunch, this may be worth considering. 

Overall, though, we found that Saatva’s Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress excels in its comfort and convenience. We’ve found that our sleep quality improved during the testing period, with virtually no adjustment period. In fact, our testers noted they weren’t waking up throughout the night anymore due to overheating or discomfort. What’s more, free in-room delivery and setup means that you won’t have to wait for the mattress to expand so you can get a good night’s sleep.

Material: Memory foam, cotton, cooling gel, steel coils | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress with bedding on it

The Spruce / Katrina Cossey

Best Budget

Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

Linenspa 8-Inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4.3/5
  • Support
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • All sizes under $300

  • Memory foam pillow top

  • Ten-year limited warranty

What We Don’t Like
  • May require up to 48 hours to expand

  • Too thin for some

At under $300 for sizes ranging from twin to California king, the Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress from Linenspa delivers incredible bang for your buck. The budget-friendly mattress offered a nice middle ground between firmness and softness, as we found in testing that it molds to the body without causing you to sink into it. Although the price point may raise doubts about its quality, we’re happy to report that it’s exceptionally comfortable and up to par with many other mattresses we’ve tested. After sleeping on the mattress for weeks, we found it helped us doze off and stay asleep throughout the night, without having to readjust frequently. 

The steel springs offer exceptional support, bounce, and durability, while the CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam provides incredible contouring support that seriously impressed us. (CertiPUR-US certification ensures that the foam meets specific standards around content, durability, and emissions that could harm the environment, such as ozone depleters and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choosing CertiPUR-US-certified foams can also help to minimize off-gassing after unboxing a foam mattress.) A medium-firm feel makes it a great choice for all kinds of sleepers with its universal appeal. We also appreciate its convenience, as it's Amazon Prime-eligible and arrives in a box. And although the manufacturer claims that the mattress may require 24 to 48 hours to expand, we found that it took its proper form in much less time—just about five minutes.

While the mattress is thinner than other options on this list (8 inches), it’s still surprisingly effective and comfortable, and with a ten-year limited warranty, we don’t think there’s much to lose when it comes to this mattress. However, if this is too thin for your individual needs, Linenspa does offer thicker mattresses, just at additional costs.

Material: Polyester, polyurethane, rayon, polypropylene | Firmness: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, short queen, king, California king

Best Splurge

Purple RejuvenatePlus Mattress

Purple RejuvenatePlus Mattress

Purple

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Sleep Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Soft and supportive

  • Plush pillow top

  • Ten-year warranty

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricey

  • May be too thick for your sheets

In our books, sleep quality is always a worthy investment. If you’re willing to splurge on a mattress that’s among the best of the best, we highly recommend the Purple RejuvenatePlus Mattress. Although this mattress is definitely soft, we appreciated just how much support the mattress offered. We felt incredibly supported when laying down on top of it. The plush pillow top padding really cradled the body, creating an incredibly comfortable sleeping experience. There was a noticeable improvement in sleep quality after using this mattress, and we definitely felt more rested as there was no need to adjust for comfort throughout the night. 

Constructed with seven different layers, this 16.5-inch mattress is definitely hefty. The first layer is made with a quilted pillow top that provides both comfort and protection. Next, there’s an active response foam that helps cradle the body, a supportive gel grid, and a layer of edge support foam. Underneath, two more foam layers, a layer of responsive coils, and additional edge support. (Purple uses only CertiPUR-US-certified foams in its mattresses.) One very small note we had while testing this mattress is that because it’s so thick, not all sheets will fit around the pockets and may ride up. However, we think this is a minor caveat given all the mattress’s perks.

What’s more, the delivery and setup process of this mattress was very convenient in our experience, as the team delivered the mattress straight to your room, removed the plastic, and it was ready for use. Plus, you can even enjoy a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty with your purchase. So although the Purple RejuvenatePlus is definitely on the pricier side, we think it’s definitely worth the splurge because of its exceptional comfort, top-notch support, overall convenience, and thoughtful construction.

Material: Foam, coils, gel | Firmness: Soft | Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, California king, split king

Best Cooling

Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress

Wayfair Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress

Wayfair

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Sleep Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Exceptionally comfortable

  • Temperature-regulating and breathable

  • Supportive

  • Suitable for most positions

  • 100-night trial period and a ten-year limited warranty

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricey

  • Quite heavy

If you’re a hot sleeper, a cooling mattress is a must-have—and we recommend Casper’s Nova Hybrid Mattress. On the first night of testing, we could immediately feel the increased airflow, which seriously impressed us. We loved that sleeping on this mattress prevented us from waking up feeling overheated, and we think it’s a great option for hot sleepers. This mattress also offers the perfect amount of “sink-in” soft support that feels comfortable in just about any sleeping position. During testing, we noted that we experienced a deeper, more restful sleep after switching from another mattress to the Casper Nova Hybrid.

It’s made with a cozy knit cover, two layers of breathable foam, a zoned-support foam, springs, and edge support for a durable yet comfortable mattress. We appreciate that the mattress is made with increased airflow in mind, allowing you to keep cool and comfortable throughout the night. However, temperature regulation isn’t the only area this mattress excels—its foam layers (which are CertiPUR-US certified) provide more support in the areas you need it most, which helps contour to your body and promotes alignment.

Although this mattress is pricey, it’s one of the best on the market considering its thoughtful construction, ultimate comfort, and top-notch temperature regulation. What’s more, you can enjoy free delivery, a 100-night trial period, and a ten-year limited warranty.

Material: Cotton, rayon, polyester, lycra, polyurethane foam, springs | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

Best Firm

Purple Restore Hybrid Mattress

Purple Restore Mattress

Purple

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Sleep Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Supportive yet comfortable

  • Exceptionally breathable

  • Minimal motion transfer

  • 100-night trial and ten-year warranty

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricey

If you want to reap the benefits of a firm mattress without sacrificing comfort, you’ll love the Purple Restore Mattress. While we opted for the “firm” feel, we still found it provides the perfect balance between plushness and support that will be suitable for most sleepers. In terms of comfort, we were seriously impressed with this mattress’s performance. While we felt incredibly supported, the mattress still provided cloud-like comfort that cradled the body very well, no matter what position we were in. If you’re a stomach sleeper who prefers to not sink into the mattress too much, you’ll definitely want to consider this mattress.

Additionally, we found the mattress to be a lot more breathable and temperature-regulating than other mattresses we’ve tried, as we didn’t overheat at night. When sharing this mattress, it also was highly effective at preventing motion transfer, which we really appreciated. Our sleep quality definitely improved tenfold, as we slept deeply and woke up more refreshed than ever with this mattress.

Constructed with a soft antimicrobial cover, pressure-relieving gel grid, durable edge support, adaptive foam, and responsive coils, this mattress is thoughtfully designed and made to last. It’s definitely pricey, but you can enjoy free (and painless) shipping, a 100-night trial, and a ten-year warranty for your convenience. 

Another similar option we tested and loved was the Purple RestorePlus Mattress, an upgraded version of the Purple Restore. It offers improved pressure relief, which can be beneficial if you need targeted back support and increased responsiveness. If you have the money, it’s a worthy purchase—but otherwise, the “firm” Purple Restore is definitely effective for different types of sleepers looking for plenty of support.

Material: Gel, foam, coils | Firmness: Firm (also comes in “soft” version) | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king

Best Memory Foam

Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress

Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress

Saatva

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Sleep Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Contours to body

  • Choice of relaxed firm and firm comfort levels

  • 365-night trial and lifetime warranty

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricey

If you prefer the comfort and support of memory foam mattresses, you’ll love the Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress (we tested the “relaxed firm” version). Although we found the mattress to be a bit plusher than expected, the comfort was still unmatched. It feels soft to the touch and has a little bounce, so if you prefer something on the firmer side, we recommend opting for the firm over the relaxed firm. Providing cloud-like comfort, this mattress conforms to the body exceptionally well, no matter the sleeping position. It’s soft yet firm enough to feel supported, and we’re happy to report that it’s made a world of difference in our sleep quality. 

This mattress is constructed with six different layers, including a cushioned cover made with organic cotton, a gel-infused memory foam lumbar crown that provides additional support in the lower back area, multiple layers of foam and memory foam, and base support for increased longevity. All foams in Saatva mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified.

We appreciate that you can choose between relaxed firm and firm comfort levels for added customization. According to Saatva’s website, relaxed firm mattresses are suitable for all sleeping positions and offer a balance of softness and support. On the other hand, firm mattresses are less plush and ideal for stomach sleepers. No matter which you choose, though, you can enjoy all the perks of Saatva mattresses, including white-glove delivery, a 365-night trial period, and a lifetime warranty.

Material: Organic cotton, gel-infused memory foam, CertiPUR-US foam | Firmness: Relaxed firm (also comes in “firm” version) | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king

Best with Adjustable Firmness

Saatva Solaire Adjustable Mattress

Saatva Solaire

Saatva

What We Like
  • 50 customizable firmness options

  • Less motion transfer

  • Ideal for couples

  • Wide range of sizes available

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

  • Heavy to move

With 50 precise firmness settings to choose from, the Saatva Solaire Adjustable Mattress is a great candidate for anyone looking for personalized support. It comes with a remote, so you won’t have to even move as your mattress adjusts to your own perfect comfort level. For a queen size and larger, you can even enjoy adjustable firmness on each side of the mattress, ideal for couples who share a bed. Plus, dual air chambers help reduce motion transfer within the mattress.

When the mattress first arrived, we found it to be firmer than expected, even at a setting adjusted for softness. We actually appreciated this as it helped us feel exceptionally supported, but comfortably so. It definitely felt more firm than plush, and may not necessarily conform to your body like a plusher mattress would. However, in terms of comfort, we had no complaints. 

The Solaire is designed for comfort, featuring a contouring 3-inch Euro pillow top that also adds support to the lumbar portion of the mattress, so there’s no need for a topper! Underneath, a layer of ergonomic latex, CertiPUR-US-certified gel-infused memory foam, moisture barrier layers, air chambers, and reinforced edge enclosures create an effective, stable, and quiet performance.

Although this mattress is definitely expensive, it’s definitely a major upgrade and lifelong investment that’ll seriously improve your sleep quality. Considering its unique features and high-end construction quality, we think it’s definitely worth the investment.

Material: Organic cotton, latex, gel-infused memory foam, rayon, polyester | Firmness: Adjustable | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king, queen upper-flex, king upper-flex

Saatva Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress set up on bed

The Spruce / Sara Michael

Best for Side Sleepers

Purple RestorePremier Hybrid Mattress

Purple RestorePremier Hybrid Mattress

Purple

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Support
    4.7/5
  • Sleep Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Exceptional support and plushness

  • Durable construction

  • Choice between soft or firm

What We Don’t Like
  • Expensive

For those who prefer to sleep on their sides, consider the Purple Hybrid Premier 4 Mattress. It provides optimal support, keeping your back and hips aligned, even when you’re sleeping on your side. The mattress provides cloud-like comfort while still offering pressure relief for a restful night’s sleep. We sent this mattress home with a side sleeper who has had issues sleeping on her sides with other mattresses in the past, but the Hybrid Premier 4 provides uniform support throughout her body. We found that with this mattress, there are no spots that sink in more than others, which we appreciated in terms of both comfort and support. We also didn’t wake up as much to switch sides or change positions throughout the night.

Because it’s a hybrid mattress, you’ll find the benefits of both the responsive coil system and comfortable memory foam. Plus, the gel grid system helps relieve pressure and improve temperature control along with the moisture-wicking cover. Edge support offers even more support while preserving the mattress’s longevity. While this mattress is expensive, it’s definitely worth it for any side sleepers who've had trouble staying asleep on other mattresses in the past. 

Another option we tested and enjoyed is Purple’s New Day Mattress, a cheaper alternative that’s also great for side sleepers. It offers decent support but isn’t as comfortable as the Hybrid 4 Premier. That being said, it’s a great pick for any side sleepers who may not want to splurge on the Hybrid 4 Premier.

Material: Gel, foam, coils | Firmness: Soft or firm | Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, split king

Best Organic

Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress

Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress

Saatva

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Sleep Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    4.3/5
What We Like
  • Flippable for adjustable comfort

  • Constructed with organic materials

  • 365-night trial and lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Heavy for flipping

Prefer to shop organic when choosing a mattress? Our favorite of the bunch is Saatva’s Zenhaven Latex Mattress, which is made with latex certified organic by Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) as well as wool and cotton certified organic by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). We also love that the latex mattress is exo-INSTITUT and GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning the latex has passed specific standards for emissions in order to reduce its environmental impact and off-gassing.

Not only is the mattress made with superior materials, but it’s also supremely comfortable for nearly any sleeper. One thing to be aware of with this choice from Saatva is that it is flippable, with one side having a “luxurious plush” feel and the other offering a “gentle firm” feel. Just be aware that a queen size weighs 125 pounds, so flipping it can be a bit of an undertaking. Fortunately, it does feature straps to make the process easier.

We tried out both sides while testing and definitely preferred the gentle firm side. The luxury plush side was too soft for our liking, and we didn’t feel as though it was supportive enough to be comfortable. On the gentle firm side, however, we found we were able to sleep through the night very well with no discomfort. The gentle firm side is still very plush on top, while providing a lot of support. We also loved just how breathable this mattress was, as we found that the ventilation was improved and we had no issues overheating at night.

This mattress is definitely thoughtfully constructed, as its five-zone latex provides excellent support for the lumbar region. Additionally, the latex features ventilated airflow channels, the wool wicks moisture, and the organic cotton quilted cover are also very breathable for a night of sleep that is super cool.

Material: Organic latex, wool, cotton | Firmness: Luxury plush or gentle firm (flippable) | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king

Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress set up on bed

The Spruce / Alena Kharlamenko

Most Supportive

Saatva HD Mattress

saatva-hd-mattress

Saatva

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4.9/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Sleep Quality
    4.9/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Designed for individuals up to 500 pounds

  • Highly supportive yet comfortable

  • Durable construction

  • 365-night trial and lifetime warranty

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricey

  • No choice in firmness

  • Heavy

Whether you require more support or just want a mattress designed to last, we love the Saatva HD Mattress. The mattress is incredibly supportive and more on the firm side, which we enjoyed. It didn’t provide a sink-in feeling but felt more like a firm cradle when laying down on it. Despite its top-notch support, we were also incredibly impressed with its plush pillow top, which feels exceptionally comfortable. We’ve found that our sleep quality has improved after using this mattress, as we don’t wake up in the middle of the night from tossing and turning. And after a month of use, there have been no indentations or slumping. It’s definitely a heavy-duty mattress at 15.5 inches tall, which is worth noting in case you need to purchase some extra-deep sheets.

Specifically designed to support folks weighing up to 500 pounds, it’s made with seven different layers to ensure longevity and stability. These include a plush pillow top, five-zone latex for lumbar support, memory and comfort foam, reinforced edge support, strong steel coils, and hard foam to provide base support. In fact, the 12.5-gauge recycled steel coils are 25 percent stronger than the industry standard to ensure they’ll hold up over time, according to Saatva.

Like our other experiences with Saatva, delivery and setup were hassle-free. The crew was incredibly helpful and the process went smoothly. What’s more, enjoy a 365-night home trial and lifetime warranty with your order.

Material: Latex, memory foam, steel coils | Firmness: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king

Best Air Mattress

King Koil Luxury Air Mattress

King Koil Air Mattress

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    3/5
What We Like
  • Quick inflation and deflation

  • Built-in pump

  • Multiple sizes and thicknesses available

What We Don’t Like
  • Can’t customize firmness

Ideal for overnight guests, the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress is our go-to in terms of air mattresses. A common issue that plagues most air mattresses is deflation throughout the night. Fortunately, this air mattress features internal air coils designed to keep it inflated and flat all night long. We found the air mattress to feel exceptionally comfortable, with a suede outer layer and built-in pillow. 

Setup is super easy, thanks to its internal pump, which can be controlled with two knobs (one for inflation and the other for deflation). So your mattress is good to go in just two minutes! While you can’t choose your ideal firmness when setting up the air mattress, you can opt for 13-, 16-, and 20-inch thicknesses and twin, queen, or California king sizes to fit your space. Plus, it’s made with soft flocked and PVC layers which are waterproof and durable to withstand daily wear and tear.

Material: PVC (other materials not listed) | Firmness: Not applicable | Sizes: Twin, queen, California king

Compare

Comfort Support Sleep Quality Value
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
Best Overall:
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
5 5 5 5
Linenspa 8-Inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
Best Budget:
Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
4.3 4.5 5
Purple RejuvenatePlus Mattress
Best Splurge:
Purple RejuvenatePlus Mattress
5 5 5 5
Wayfair Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress
Best Cooling:
Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress
5 5 5 5
Purple Restore Mattress
Best Firm:
Purple Restore Hybrid Mattress
5 5 5 5
Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
Best Memory Foam:
Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
5 5 5 5
Saatva Solaire
Best with Adjustable Firmness:
Saatva Solaire Adjustable Mattress
5 4.8
Purple RestorePremier Hybrid Mattress
Best for Side Sleepers:
Purple RestorePremier Hybrid Mattress
4 4.7 5 5
Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress
Best Organic:
Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress
5 5 5 4.3
saatva-hd-mattress
Most Supportive:
Saatva HD Mattress
4.9 5 4.9 5
King Koil Air Mattress
Best Air Mattress:
King Koil Luxury Air Mattress
4.5 4
Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an overall great mattress that provides the comfort of memory foam with the support of pocket coils, we highly recommend our pick for the best overall, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, our pick is the Linenspa 8 inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress. Also a hybrid, this mattress features steel coils and memory foam as well as a medium firm feel that makes it a great choice for all sleepers.

How We Tested the Mattresses

Boll & Branch

The Spruce / Cheyenne Elwell

Here at The Spruce, we’ve tested over 40 mattresses in our homes. After trying them out in real-world settings for several weeks, we evaluated them based on their comfort, support, effect on sleep quality, and overall value. We also compared these mattresses to our testers’ previous mattresses, noting any improvements in comfort or sleep. Additionally, we considered special features like adjustability, as well as ease of delivery and setup. We analyzed our testing scores and insights, along with our supplemental research, to compile this list of the top mattresses on the market.

What to Look for in a Mattress

Material

“There is no clear-cut best mattress material, since each person has unique needs and preferences," chiropractor Hayley Winchel, D.C. tells us. "However, the benefit to having choices is that you can choose a mattress that works best for you,” and today there are plenty to choose from. 

If you're looking for something more firm and made with completely organic materials, a latex mattress is a great choice. However, if motion transfer is a concern, you should look into a memory foam mattress. They are also great choices for cushiony support and comfort. Lastly, if you're looking for added airflow and aid in alleviating pressure points, a hybrid mattress, like the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress (our Best Overall pick), that features foam and coils will be a great option for you.

Firmness Level

Deciding on the proper firmness level in a mattress for you will be determined primarily by how you sleep. Whatever you choose, it should be catered toward helping you maintain spinal neutrality. “Side sleepers may need a bit more cushioning than back sleepers to keep pressure off the hips and again maintain neutral spinal alignment,” Winchel tells us. She also notes, “Back and stomach sleepers can look for a firmer mattress to ensure their spine maintains a neutral position while they sleep,” so an option like the Purple Restore Mattress (our Best Firm choice) would be ideal.

Trial Period

Most mattresses come with a trial period today. While some may be shorter and in the 90-day range, others, like the Saatva HD Mattress (our Most Supportive pick), will provide you with a full 365-days to see whether it is a good fit for you. That has become a sort of standard, so be weary of companies that don’t offer it. Mattresses can generally take 30-days to be broken-in, so the trial period is a great chance to make sure it is right for you.

Warranty

Most mattresses from reputable brands will come with a warranty, and much like trial periods, you should be wary of brands that don’t offer this feature. While some brands offer warranties that are shorter, others provide exceptional service with warranties of ten years or more. If you need even more than that, the Saatva Solaire (our Best with Adjustable Firmness option) comes with a full lifetime warranty. It’s worth being aware of the lifetime of your mattress. For example, memory foam mattresses tend to last from eight to ten years, so any warranty of around ten years is essentially a lifetime warranty.

Standout Features

Pressure Relief

Mattresses try to promote pressure relief by including features to disperse your weight so that no particular spot will have any pain. Particularly, foam mattresses are good at providing pressure relief by contouring to your body. Overall, that is a good thing, because as Winchel tells us, waking up with pain can have consequences. “Without proper support from our mattresses we are at risk for waking up with aches and pains that decrease our ability to perform daily tasks and do other health promoting activities, such as exercising," she says.

Mattress Height

One byproduct of a mattress with extra layers for comfort or support may be a mattress that’s higher. It’s important to consider the height of a mattress before purchasing, especially if you’re someone who struggles to crouch into bed or to get into a higher bed. Be sure to account for the size of your frame and the mattress beforehand so you get something that’s right for your room’s style and your own needs. 

Motion Isolation

If you sleep with a partner, it may be vital to find a mattress with good motion isolation. This is especially important if one of you is a light sleeper. Typically, memory foam mattresses or hybrids with individually cased coils will help to prevent the movement of one sleeper from traveling to the other side of the bed and disrupting the other.

FAQ
  • What are the different types of mattresses?

    There are a wide variety of styles of mattress available today, and they all have their pros and cons.

    • Memory Foam: Memory foam mattresses are usually very good at providing a cushiony feel. They are known for their great comfort and can be excellent at providing pressure point relief through their contouring. One thing to be aware of, though, is that sometimes they can be less breathable, and some people may find them to not offer enough support. They can also have off-gassing odors when first opened—though, opting for CertiPUR-US-certified materials can help with that.
    • Latex: If you’re someone who wants a mattress that is made of all organic materials, latex is an excellent option. In addition to its eco-friendly build, it can be very comfortable. While not as contouring as memory foam, latex does still provide contouring and is also breathable. One added bonus of latex mattresses is they generally last longer than other mattress materials, sometimes as long as 15 or more years. One drawback, though, is that some people may find them to be too firm for their needs.
    • Hybrid: A hybrid mattress is a mattress that features both innersprings as well as latex, memory foam, or some other cushioning mechanism. The benefits of a hybrid include added support due to the coils. It's a “best of both worlds” option, with cushioning above and added support beneath. The springs help to promote airflow to aid in keeping you cool throughout the night, which can be particularly useful if the memory foam above it is not that breathable. One drawback with a hybrid is the coils can make motion transfer an issue, so if you sleep with a partner, it might not be right for you.
    • Air: Air mattresses are usually used for when guests are staying over, due to their ability to be stored away when not in use. For the sake of convenience, they are great. However, some people may find them to be uncomfortable as the air can leave throughout the night, creating inconsistent firmness.
  • When should you replace a mattress?

    Even if you do a great job of caring for your mattress, eventually there will come a time that you’ll need a new one. While there are some general guidelines for when to replace a mattress, such as every ten years for a hybrid or 15 years for latex, there are other ways to tell. For starters, there are the obvious signs of wear and tear on your mattress that may let you know that it’s dated. Other factors to consider are if you no longer wake up feeling refreshed, or if you wake up in pain. If your mattress recommends flipping or rotating it, and that still doesn’t help, then you should consider getting a new one.

  • When is the best time to buy a mattress?

    There are a few times each year that are ideal to buy a new mattress. For example, some holiday weekends, such as Labor Day and Presidents’ Day, tend to be when mattress stores offer discounts. Another good tip is to look in May, as many brands will launch new products in June and will want to make room for the new inventory. Lastly, be sure to pay attention to commercials talking about deals, as there may be other times to capitalize on, and if there is a particular mattress you are interested in, sign up for email alerts from that company.

  • What is the best firmness level for a mattress?

    Finding the ideal firmness for your mattress is a highly individual thing. It will come down to personal preference and your own particular sleeping style. Back and stomach sleepers will benefit from something more firm to help maintain spinal alignment, while side sleepers should look for something more medium to provide cushioning. Many people will benefit from something that ranges from medium to medium-firm. However, if you find that you enjoy plushness, that is fine; just be sure to heed Dr. Winchel’s warning: “A mattress that is too soft has been shown to increase the curvature in our necks while we sleep and elevate the pressure put on our discs and joints.” You can always add a mattress pad that will provide an extra layer of comfort.

The Checkout Counter

If it's time to switch out your mattress, it also might be time to swap a few other bedding essentials.

  1. Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow: Ditch your tired, deflated pillow for a fresh shredded memory foam pillow that can be adjusted to any loft height for comfort.
  2. The Company Store Cotton Jersey Waterproof Mattress Pad: Once you've purchased your new mattress, you'll want to protect it with this cover which is waterproof and doesn't alter the support underneath.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer who specializes in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. To compile this list, she consulted at-home testing insights, assessed numerous customer reviews, and conducted supplemental research about the topic. All of the products in this roundup met our quality standards during the research process and performed the best during our tests.

Additional reporting was contributed by Jack Byram, a freelance writer who covers all things sleep-related. He has written dozens of articles about everything from bed frames to pillows, and he has spoken with countless experts to glean insight into ways to achieve a great night of sleep.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. CertiPUR-US. About Certified Foam.

  2. Purple. Certipur-US® Certified Purple Mattress.

  3. Saatva. Guide to Mattress Certifications.

  4. Global Organic Textile Standard. Jeffco Fibres Inc.

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