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. 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.”

The 15 Best Mattresses of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

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.

After speaking with Winchel to glean professional insight into what certain sleepers should look for, we researched and tested numerous mattresses firsthand to help guide you in your search for a new mattress.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Saatva Classic Mattress at Saatva

Jump to Review

Best in a Box:

Casper Original Mattress at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Cooling:

Cocoon The Chill Hybrid Mattress at Cocoonbysealy.com

Jump to Review

Best Organic:

Avocado Green Mattress at Avocadogreenmattress.com

Jump to Review

Best for Stomach Sleepers:

Saatva Solaire Adjustable Mattress at Saatva

Jump to Review

Best Pillow Top:

Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Hybrid:

Winkbeds The Winkbed at Winkbeds.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt LuxeAdapt at Pottery Barn

Jump to Review

Best for Side Sleepers:

Birch Luxe Natural Mattress at Birchliving.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Standout Features
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.2

Saatva

View On Saatva

Our Ratings

Comfort

4.7/5
Support

5/5
Sleep Quality

4/5
Value

5/5

Luxurious Comfort: Saatva Classic Mattress Review

What We Like

365-night trial and lifetime warranty
Different height and firmness options
Breathable, hypoallergenic materials
Coil and memory foam hybrid construction

What We Don't Like

Not great with motion isolation
Longer delivery time because they are handmade

The name Saatva has become seemingly ubiquitous since its founding in 2010, and with good reason. Saatva’s Classic Mattress earned our top spot, and we love it for a handful of reasons. For starters, there’s a lot of customization–you can choose between plush soft, luxury firm, and firm options to make sure you get the perfect firmness for your body.

As a hybrid, you get the best of both worlds with this mattress. A contouring three-inch pillow top offers support but is still breathable and is made from hypoallergenic organic cotton. Beneath that, CertiPUR-US certified high density memory foam aids in pressure-point relief. Below that, 884 recycled steel pocketed coils contour to your specific body for a particularly unique sleeping experience. What we really appreciate is the foam encasement surrounding the mattress, which we found to prevent sagging when sleeping near the edge.

One place where we feel this mattress could improve is in motion transfer elimination. The coils bounced during our trials when one partner would get out of bed. If you’re a light sleeper, that may be worth considering. Overall, though, we found that Saatva’s Classic Mattress excels in its comfort and convenience. Free in-room delivery and set up mean that you won’t have to wait for the mattress to expand so you can get a good night’s sleep.

Price at time of publish: $1,995 for a queen

_{Material: Memory foam, cotton, steel coils | Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm, firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal. king, split Cal. king}

4.2

Wayfair

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Wayfair

Our Ratings

Comfort

2.5/5
Support

3.3/5
Sleep Quality

3/5
Value

4/5

A "Cloud-Like Sleeping Experience": Casper Original Mattress Review

What We Like

Made with CertiPUR-US certified foams
100-night risk free trial
Perforations to encourage airflow and cooler sleep

What We Don't Like

Slight odor upon opening
No straps for moving or turning

Casper was one of the first brands to adopt the bed-in-a-box model, and it’s certainly one of the best brands doing it today. Specifically, we love the Casper Original Mattress for a handful of reasons. Unsurprisingly, we’re fans of the fact that it comes in a box, so there’s no headache trying to get it home from the showroom. In addition to its convenience, this Casper mattress separates itself from other boxed options with a high level of comfort and quality. It features three layers of foam, each of which provides individual benefits. A durable base made of polyurethane foam helps to eliminate sinking and sagging. Above that, a layer of memory foam features three ergonomic zones to aid in spinal alignment; it’s softer around the shoulders but more firm around your hips and lower back for added support.

One detail to be aware of with this mattress that we found was a slight odor after unboxing, however that dissipates pretty quickly. Overall, the fact that it’s made with CertPUR-US certified polyurethane foams, the 100-night risk free trial, and the 10-year warranty combine to make this an overall great choice.

Price at time of publish: $1,295 for a queen

_{Material: Polyurethane and memory foams | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

The Spruce / Katrina Cossey
The Spruce / Katrina Cossey
The Spruce / Katie Begley
The Spruce / Katie Begley
The Spruce / Katie Begley

4.5

Cocoon by Sealy

View On Cocoonbysealy.com

“Cooling Bliss”: Cocoon Chill Hybrid Mattress

What We Like

10-year warranty
Heat-absorbing and dissipating cover
Built with cooling foam and airflow-enhancing coils
CertiPUR US certified materials

What We Don't Like

Heavy to move with no handles
Mild odor when new

If you’re a hot sleeper, look no further than Sealy’s Cocoon Chill Hybrid Mattress. The brand’s proprietary Phase Change Material, which is a stretch knit cover that’s designed to absorb and dissipate heat and layers, ensures that you won’t wake up feeling sweaty. While other memory foam mattresses tend to trap heat, Sealy has added the Phase Change Material to its foam to further promote cooling. Finally, as it is a hybrid, the coils also promote airflow for more breathability to aid in the overall mission of sleeping cool.

In addition to cooling, it’s a medium-firm mattress, and we found it to work great for side and stomach sleepers. In our testing, one tester (a combination back and side sleeper) noted that they did wake up with some mild shoulder pain. However, that could also be the result of the mattress not being broken in enough, as Sealy notes that a mattress can take up to 30 days to break-in fully. We also found the coils to do a good job of providing additional support along the edges, so we had no fears of sliding off, which is a great thing to be sure of!

While this option does conveniently arrive in a box, it doesn’t have handles and weighs 82 pounds, which can make moving it around your home a hassle. Overall, though, a 10-year warranty, great support for most sleepers, and fast and free shipping help to make this a clear winner in our minds.

Price at time of publish: $1,099 for a queen

_{Material: Memory foam, coils | Firmness: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash
The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash
The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash
The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash
The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash

Avocado

View On Avocadogreenmattress.com

What We Like

25-year limited warranty
All certified organic materials
More durable latex construction

What We Don't Like

Too firm for some
Latex does have a bit of an odor at first

Featuring GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certified organic latex and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton and wool, Avocado’s Green Mattress is a literal dream for anybody seeking to make their sleeping experience more organic. As a mattress material, Avocado’s latex is resilient. Also importantly, it is highly breathable.

This mattress has a medium-firmness (Avocado says it's a 7/10 on the firmness scale), and the latex rubber foam makes it a great option for back and stomach sleepers, as well as average to tall side sleepers. It’s also a hybrid, featuring 1,414 independent steel coils arranged in five ergonomic zones. The results are aided alignment, pressure point relief, and excellent edge support.

One aspect to be aware of with this organic option from Avocado is that it is a bit firm, which may be great for some sleepers, but not for everyone. You can always add a plush mattress topper if needed to soften the surface up. Latex mattresses tend to have a bit of an odor upon arrival, so try to ensure there is proper ventilation around it if that is an issue for you.

Price at time of publish: $1,999 for a queen

_{Material: Latex, cotton, wool | Firmness: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

The Spruce / Hildara Araya
The Spruce / Hildara Araya
The Spruce / Hildara Araya
The Spruce / Hildara Araya

The Best Latex Mattresses of 2023

4.8

Saatva

View On Saatva

What We Like

50 adjustable firmness options
365-night trial
Lifetime warranty
Handcrafted in USA

What We Don't Like

Very expensive
Heavy to move (114 pounds)

With 50 precise firmness settings to choose from, the Saatva Solaire Adjustable Mattress is a great candidate for stomach sleepers. It comes with a remote, so you won’t have to even move as your mattress adjusts to your own perfect comfort level. The Solaire is designed for comfort, featuring a contouring three-inch Euro pillow top that also adds support in the lumbar portion of the mattress, so there’s no need for a topper! CertiPUR US certified gel-infused memory foam aids in heat dispersion while contouring for pressure-point relief.

One drawback with this option is it’s much more expensive than other options on our list. However, a brand like Saatva is worth investing in, not just for the overall quality, but also for free in-room delivery and setup as well as a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $3,595 for a queen

_{Material: Memory foam, latex, cotton, rayon, polyester | Firmness: 50 adjustable settings | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king}

4.8

Tuft & Needle

View On Amazon View On Raymourflanigan.com View On Tuft & Needle

Our Ratings

Comfort

4.7/5
Support

5/5
Sleep Quality

4.8/5
Value

5/5

What We Like

Breathable for airflow and heat dissipation
Ten-year limited warranty
Supportive, individually-pocketed coils
GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR US certified

What We Don't Like

Pricier than other options
Edge support may be lacking for some

This hybrid from Tuft & Needle offers exceptional support, breathability, and a wonderfully comfortable quilted pillow top. The pillow top was designed specifically by the brand to not just be plush and comfortable, but to also be durable enough to prevent body indentations over time. Additionally, it’s highly breathable, which we love for our hot-sleeping friends. Tuft & Needle’s adaptive foam is uniquely built with an open-cell structure, which leads the mattress to adjust to accommodate your own specific body’s needs, while individually pocketed coils also do their part to keep you supported.

One thing to be aware of with Tuft & Needle’s Hybrid is that it is a bit too soft for some. However, considering that it is a pillow top mattress, that is to be expected with the more plush top. Also, compared to other hybrids, it is a bit pricey, but the brand features a ten-year limited warranty and a 100-night trial to make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Price at time of publish: $1,995 for a queen

_{Material: Memory foam, coils | Firmness: Medium plush | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

Winkbeds

View On Winkbeds.com

What We Like

Four firmness options
Breathable Tencel cover
Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like

No handles for moving
Heavy

For the sleeper who’s looking for the comfort of foam with the support of coils, it’s going to be hard to beat WinkBed’s The WinkBed. This is a Euro-pillow top that features gel-infused foam, which not only helps to keep you comfortable but also alleviates motion transfer issues if your partner should move throughout the night. Beneath that, individually wrapped pocketed coils aid in spinal alignment and overall breathability of the mattress. To top it all off, a Tencel cover really seals the deal for a mattress that’s breathable and cool.

One drawback with this mattress is that it weighs 135 pounds and has no straps, should you need to move it. However, WinkBed’s is so sure of its product that it offers a lifetime warranty and notes on its website that you’ll never need to flip the mattress. We love that it comes in four firmness options (softer, luxury-firm, firmer, plus), so you’ll be able to get exactly what your body needs.

Price at time of publish: $1,799 for a queen

_{Material: Tencel, foam, steel, iron | Firmness: Softer, luxury-firm, firmer, plus | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

4.4

Linenspa 8-Inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart

Our Ratings

Comfort

4.3/5
Support

4.5/5
Value

5/5

What We Like

Budget-friendly price
CertiPUR US certified
10-year limited warranty
Memory foam pillow top

What We Don't Like

Requires 24 to 48 hours to expand
Too thin for some

At under $300, this Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress from Linenspa delivers incredible bang for your buck. The steel springs offer exceptional support, bounce, and durability, while the memory foam provides incredible contouring support that earns this gem a 4.5 out of 5-stars on Amazon from reviewers. A medium-firm feel makes it a great choice for all kinds of sleepers with its universal appeal. Customers appreciate it for its comfort and convenience, as it arrives in a box.

Keep in mind this mattress is only 8 inches tall; for some reviewers, that was a bit too thin for their individual needs. That hasn’t stopped it from receiving praise and high ratings. Be aware, though, that if this is an issue for you, Linenspa does offer thicker mattresses, just at additional costs.

Price at time of publish: $250 for a queen

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

Mattress Firm

View On Pottery Barn View On Mattressfirm.com View On Raymourflanigan.com

What We Like

Removable, washable cover
Excellent motion transfer elimination
Cushioning for pressure points and joints
Made with CertiPUR US Certified materials

What We Don't Like

Can’t be used on the floor
Mild off-gassing odor

If you’re looking to go all out, and money is no object, we highly recommend Tempur-Pedic’s Tempur-Adapt LuxeAdapt. Using the brand’s proprietary Tempur material, which has an advanced cellular structure, you can expect a night of sleep that will accommodate you in every way by adjusting to your weight, shape, and temperature throughout the night. This mattress also provides absorption for your pressure points, and of course, it offers the brand’s famous motion transfer elimination. The reason for the higher price tag is that the LuxeAdapt is the Adapt line’s most foam-filled mattress, with 40 percent more Tempur material than the basic Adapt.

One thing to be aware of with this mattress is that it can take some getting used to and adjustment. Fortunately, Tempurpedic offers a 90-day trial period to allow you ample time to make sure it’s the right fit for you. We feel that with choices of soft and firm, as well as a cooling and washable cover, this choice is worth the cost.

Price at time of publish: $4,199 for a queen

_{Material: Memory foam | Firmness: Soft, firm | Sizes: Twin long, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king}

4.8

Birch

View On Birchliving.com

What We Like

Constructed with organic materials
Ethically made
Cradles and supports with body-contouring latex
25-year warranty

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Can take some time to adjust to

Winchel’s advice for side sleepers is to seek out a mattress that'll keep pressure off the hips, and for that we highly recommend Birch’s Luxe Natural Mattress. It features targeted lumbar support for a night of sleep that promotes excellent contouring. A denser layer of latex also helps to cradle your body and offer pressure relief, while the medium-firm feel will still offer enough support to make sure you maintain good spinal alignment throughout the night.

One added benefit of latex mattresses is they break in fairly quickly. However, they can still take a few weeks to get to their optimal comfortability. Fortunately, this mattress has a 100-night trial so you’ll be able to know for sure whether it’s right for you. One drawback is that it is a bit pricier than other options, but with a 25-year warranty it’s more of an investment than anything.

Price at time of publish: $3,124 for a queen

_{Material: Cashmere, wool, cotton, latex | Firmness: Medium Firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Soundasleepproducts.com

What We Like

One-year warranty
Features an internal pump
Waterproof top
Supportive internal air coils

What We Don't Like

No remote
Sides are not supportive when not filled with air fully

A common issue that plagues most air mattresses is deflation throughout the night. Fortunately, SoundAsleep’s Dream Series Air Mattress features 40 internal air coils designed to keep it inflated and flat all night long. Setup is super-easy, thanks to an internal one-click pump; it’s simple, and your mattress is good to go in under four minutes! And for safety sake, a waterproof flocked top means you won’t need a protector, while the multilayer PVC is puncture-resistant to ensure that it will be around for some time.

One thing to be aware of with this air mattress is it doesn’t have a remote for adjusting the settings, but that hasn’t stopped it from receiving a total 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. Overall, many reviewers note that this is the best air mattress of all the ones they’ve tried.

Price at time of publish: $175

_{Material: PVC, flocking | Firmness: Adjustable | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king}

Helix

View On Helix

What We Like

Contours, cradles, and supports in one
Ten-year warranty
Supportive enough for back aches and discomfort
Affordably priced

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for side sleepers
No handles

Winchel says, “Medium to firm mattresses are the best type of mattress for back pain sufferers, as they provide comfort, support and proper vertebral alignment.” The Helix Dawn has a more firm feel, as well as a slew of other features that make it ideal for people with back pain. A layer of the company’s latex-foam hybrid offers a feel that’s responsive, yet firm, to aid in keeping you aligned all night. Beneath that, a layer of polyfoam is firm while providing excellent contouring and cradling. With hundreds of individually wrapped coils, your body is further cradled. All of these details combine to ensure that your back is comfortable and protected while still receiving the support that it needs.

One thing to be aware of with the more firm nature of this mattress is that while it may be great for back and stomach sleepers, side sleepers may want to find something slightly less firm. If you’re a stomach or back sleeper who is sick of back pain, this 4.4 out of 5-star rated mattress is a great choice, as there’s no shortage of reviewers noting that they don’t wake up with back pain anymore.

Price at time of publish: $1,373 for a queen

_{Material: Memory foam, polyfoam | Firmness: Firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

View On Saatva

Our Ratings

Comfort

4.9/5
Support

4.9/5
Value

5/5

What We Like

Constructed with organic, allergy-friendly materials
Extra lumbar support
Flippable
USA-made

What We Don't Like

Latex can have a bit of an odor at first
Heavy for flipping

If you are someone who is particularly sensitive to the materials that things are made of, it’s imperative to find a mattress that is hypoallergenic. Saatva’s Zenhaven Latex Mattress is made with GOLS certified organic latex, cotton, and GOTS certified organic wool for a night of sleep that is as cozy as it is pleasant for your sinuses. The sustainably sourced materials are also free from any chemicals that could be bad for you. One key reason we love this mattress is that it goes beyond just being great for allergies; it’s supremely comfortable for nearly any sleeper. The 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 is also very breathable for a night of sleep that is super-cool.

One thing to be aware of with this choice from Saatva is that latex does have a bit of an odor, but that usually dissipates over the course of a few days. It’s also important to note that it is flippable, with one side having more of 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.

Price at time of publish: $3,195 for a queen

_{Material: Latex, wool, cotton | Firmness: Luxury plush / Gentle firm (flippable) | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king}

Layla

View On Amazon View On Laylasleep.com

What We Like

Removable cover for cleaning
Extra support along mattress edges
Cooling copper benefits hot sleepers
Flippable, with two firmnesses in one

What We Don't Like

Might not be ideal for couples with different sleep styles
No free shipping to Alaska or Hawaii

Winchel recommends that back sleepers need more firmness in a mattress, and for that we find Layla’s 13” Hybrid Mattress to be a great fit. It’s flippable, with one softer, plusher side and a reverse that’s more firm. For back sleepers, we recommend the more firm side. We love this choice for back sleepers due to its 14-gauge center coils, which offer additional support. If you like to sleep near the edge, a double row of 16-gauge edge coils will keep you stable. The memory foam is also infused with copper, which firms up under body weight, which is great for back sleepers to make sure there is no unnecessary sagging that could cause pain.

One detail to be aware of with this option from Layla is that it may be too firm if you sleep with someone who’s a side sleeper. Fortunately, Layla provides a 120-night trial to give you and your partner ample time to make sure it’s a good fit for both of your needs.

Price at time of publish: $1,699 for a queen

_{Material: Memory foam, polyfoam, polyester, polyurethane, rayon, viscose, poly/lycra, nylon | Firmness: Soft plush / Firm (flippable) | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

4.9

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Target View On Nordstrom

Our Ratings

Comfort

5/5
Support

5/5
Sleep Quality

5/5
Value

4.9/5

Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress Provides Comfort & Support

What We Like

Graphite adds cooling to memory foam
Free shipping and returns
Removable and washable cover
Pressure point relief and cushioning

What We Don't Like

No handles and hard to move
Off-gassing smell

If you’re looking for a new memory foam mattress, look no further than Tuft & Needle’s Mint Mattress. Two inches of adaptive foam provide pressure relief while 6.5 inches of foundational support foam help to ensure that there’s no sinking. The result is a mattress that offers both pressure relief and cushioning but not at the expense of support. The foam is also great at eliminating motion transfer if you sleep with a partner. But where this memory foam mattress really separates itself from others available is in its breathability. The adaptive foam is infused with cooling gel and heat-conducting graphite to keep you feeling cool all night, especially if you run hot.

We did find that this mattress is a bit hard to move, as it tends to flop over and doesn’t have any handles to carry it. Overall, though, for the exceptional value at the price, it’s a highly worthwhile investment.

Price at time of publish: $1,595 for a queen

_{Material: Memory foam, knit cover | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash
The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash
The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash
The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash
The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an overall great mattress that provides the comfort of memory foam, the support of pocket coils, and excellent breathability, we highly recommend our pick for the best overall, the Saatva Classic 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.

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 WinkBed, 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 Layla 13 inch Hybrid mattress 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 Classic, 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 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.

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 and eating well," 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.

Boll & Branch — The Spruce / Cheyenne Elwell

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.
- 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.”

Jack Byram is 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. For this article, he spoke with chiropractor Hayley Winchel, D.C., of Performance Health Clinics in Ramsey, New Jersey, to better understand what certain individuals should seek in a mattress. After that, he researched countless mattresses and read numerous reviews to find the best products for a wide range of needs.