The 8 Best Mattresses of 2020

If you're looking to purchase a new mattress, the first decision to make is what kind of mattress you want. For a medium-firm option that sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam, the Lull Mattress—made by one of several bed-in-a-box companies—is a great choice.

Unlike traditional foam mattresses, the Lull mattress is made with three unique layers of foam. The top layer is infused with a cooling gel that will help regulate your temperature so you don't overheat, and the second layer provides a nice amount of support so you don't feel like you're "sinking in." The firm base layer provides stability to keep your spine properly aligned and will prevent the mattress from sagging over time. There's also a good amount of structure around the mattress edge, so it's easy to get in and out of bed. This helps sleepers feel more stable when they're near the side.

The company offers a 100-night trial period and within that time frame, unhappy customers will get a full refund.

Tempur-Pedic developed some of the first memory foam mattresses and pillows on the market using NASA-developed technology—the material was originally designed to help absorb g-forces during space shuttle launches. The 11-inch Adapt mattress has a breathable knit cover to help the sleeper feel cooler, and the brand's classic memory foam is designed to adapt to each person's weight and shape. It's especially good for side sleepers, although it also offers plenty of support for those who like to snooze on their backs. Note that although this mattress is described as "medium-firm," it's only a good option for those who really like the feeling of memory foam, as you will sink in a fair amount. (For those who want more a bit more bounce, the brand also makes a hybrid version of the mattress, which has coils.) Tempur-Pedic beds are backed by a 10-year warranty and the company also offers a 90-night trial period.

Eco-minded snoozers will love the materials on this made-in-Illinois mattress: all-natural latex foam (guaranteed free of chemicals and synthetic forms of latex), organic cotton, and organic wool. There are three choices for the surface—soft, medium, and firm—and the latex is designed to distribute body pressure evenly, which may mean that your sleeping partner will feel fewer disturbances if you're shifting around in bed.

Latex is also known for its breathability, which should help prevent sweaty nights, and durability (each mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty). The mattresses are also available in two different profile heights, both with an organic New Zealand wool cover. The standard size has a six-inch base layer of latex foam with a softer, two-inch layer on top that's also made from latex foam. The low-profile version has just the six-inch base layer. Like many other companies, Sleep on Latex offers a 90-night trial period.

Among the many bed-in-a-box companies that have popped up during the last several years, Casper has become one of the most popular and well-known. They make several high-quality mattresses, including the 12-inch Hybrid, which is a mix of breathable foam and coils that are comfortable and quiet so partners are less likely to bother each other as they get in and out of bed. There is additional support under shoulder and hip areas, and the perimeter is designed with a stable edge, to make it easier to get out of bed.

The Casper Hybrid is often praised as a mattress that keeps sleepers comfortably cool, even if they tend to run hot at night. Casper offers a 100-night trial period (they will pick up and also attempt to donate unwanted mattresses to charity), as well as a 10-year limited warranty.

This mattress is one of the more expensive options on our list, but the Avocado Green gets praise from almost every type of sleeper (back, side, stomach) as a comfortable, supportive option. It's made with organic materials such as latex, cotton, and wool, and it doesn't contain any polyester fibers, polyurethane foams, or chemical fire retardants. (They also make vegan mattresses that replace wool with cotton.) There are more than 1,000 pocketed coils and you can opt to attach a two-inch pillow-top that's also made from organic latex, for the ultimate cushy feel. The mattress also scored high marks for its durability, holding up well after several years of use. The company is committed to fair-labor practices, sourcing materials from co-owned farmers' collectives in India. Avocado offers a 25-year limited warranty and a one-year trial period, during which buyers are eligible for a full refund.

"Sleep Number" refers to your personal preference for a mattress: the higher the number, the firmer it is, and each person can adjust their side to their liking using a remote control. This smart bed is able to track sleepers' movements, heart rates, and breathing patterns, and adjust based on the data. (That might mean elevating a snorer's head position or offering extra firmness under pressure points, and it can do this separately for each person.) Each morning, you can check your stats on the Sleep Number app to get a detailed report about how well you snoozed, with your score hopefully improving over time. Buyers can also add upgrades such as under-bed lighting and the ability to adjust both head and foot positions. The company offers a 100-night trial period and a 25-year limited warranty.

If you like a soft sleeping surface, a pillow top mattress may be a good option for you. The additional padding on the surface (the padding is usually made from foam or latex) provides extra comfort and helps relieve aches and pains. We love the Alwyn Home Foam Pillowtop Mattress because it's both soft and supportive, and made from breathable materials that are free of harsh chemicals.

The 10-inch pillow top is comprised of 2 inches of poly foam layers and 8 inches of wrapped innerspring coils, which contour precisely to the body for enhanced orthopedic support. This low motion transfer construction is especially perfect for back and side sleepers, as well as couples with different sleep schedules. The mattress is compatible with a variety of different set-ups, including adjustable bases and bunk beds—and unlike other models with thicker pillow tops, reviewers say that standard sheets will fit fine.

Besides its comfort, this mattress also scored high marks for its price point (all sizes are under $400) and quality. Many reviewers noted that they were surprised at the quality, with one even saying that it was like “laying on heaven.” Note that, much like other mattresses-in-a-box, it will take a full 48 hours to unroll and rise completely—and your typical mattress smell might linger for the first day.

If you're upgrading your mattress and have a limited budget, Zinus makes a memory foam bed that's incredibly comfortable and it's hundreds of dollars less than the competition. Their green tea mattress boasts a combination of memory foam and pressure-relieving comfort foam for a soft, comfortable, and supportive night's sleep. Reviewers comment that it feels firm to the touch, but it conforms to your body when you lay on it. Across the board, reviewers give this mattress high marks and love that it has a refreshing "green tea" smell.

The foam in this mattress is also Certi-PUR US certified, which means it's been tested by an independent laboratory for its content, emissions, and durability. Choose from four different thickness options—6, 8, 10, or 12-inches—and a range of sizes (they offer a "narrow" twin and a California King size).