:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-best-memory-foam-mattresses-for-a-good-nights-sleep-tout-557fdef59dcf4f4f9b28e682566a7656.jpg)
Lucid / Amazon
When it comes to daily life, finding the right mattress can be a game-changer. “The quality of the bed we sleep on plays a critical role in our overall sleep quality,” says Dr. Peter Polos, M.D., Ph.D., FCCP, FAASM, sleep medicine specialist, and sleep expert for Sleep Number. Over the last five years, we've spent many hours researching and testing mattresses at home. When putting a mattress to the test, we start by evaluating how easy it is to set up. Then, we incorporate the mattress into our regular routine, sleeping on it for several weeks before reporting back on its quality, comfort, materials, and overall value. We also consider the types of sleepers who might enjoy the mattress, whether you’re a side, back, stomach, or combination sleeper.
While no one size—or mattress material—fits all, a memory foam mattress can be a great option if you’re looking for body-hugging comfort. Plus, many of them come vacuum-packed for easy transport and delivery. From firm to soft, there are plenty of memory foam mattresses to choose from—and these are some of the best we’ve tested in real life and found in our extensive research.
Best Overall
Bear Original Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bear-original-mattress-d3112fe927804785bc9a3ff2ad08bcce.jpg)
Bear
Great price point for the quality
Ideal if you like a medium-firm mattress
120-night trial period
Limited warranty
Might initially have plastic-like smell
We were blown away by Bear's Original Mattress mattress when we put it to the test at home. Featuring three layers of foam, this 10-inch mattress is designed to mold around your body for comfortable support. We gave it a perfect rating for comfort, support, and value after testing it for four weeks. A member of our testing team (a combination side and back sleeper) took this mattress for a spin, and they reported that their sleep quality improved over the course of the month-long test.
We didn't notice any difference in support after sleeping on the mattress for a month. We appreciate that this mattress effectively absorbs shock, which comes in handy if you sleep with a partner—you're unlikely to have your sleep disturbed by a partner's middle-of-the-night repositioning. We also like that the gel memory foam is designed to help keep you cool, as foam mattresses can often get warm. A perk for pet owners: The quilted cover held up well to the claws of our product tester's dogs, who slept in the bed during the testing period, too.
We found the mattress to have medium-firm support with a cozy soft top layer. If you prefer a very soft mattress, this won't be the best fit. Bear recommends sleeping on the mattress for at least 30 nights—if you don't love it, you can return or exchange it up until the 120-night mark. And the best part? If you decide to keep the mattress, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which means Bear will replace the mattress once if it turns out to be defective. The mattress is also Greenguard Gold certified and CertiPUR-US certified, so you can rest assured that it won't release harmful emissions and is manufactured without formaldehyde, heavy metals, and ozone depleters.
It was easy to set up and expanded very quickly—it seemed to be fully expanded within an hour. It did have a subtle plastic-like smell, but it quickly dissipated, and we didn't notice any odors after we covered it with bedding. At under $1,000, we think the Bear Original is an incredible offering for the price—it's practically a steal.
Price at time of publish: $998 for queen size
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king | Materials: Gel memory foam, Bear Dynamic foam, high-density foam, quilted cover | Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness: Medium firm | Type: Foam | Warranty: Limited lifetime
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Casper Original Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/casper-original-mattress-2f06ce3d62254525aa88cbe0dc1aa659.jpg)
Wayfair
Multiple ergonomic zones
Top layer of breathable foam
100-night trial
Ten-year warranty
Initial odor can be strong
Over the years, Casper has become one of the best-known and reputable brands in the bedding industry. And anyone who tries the Casper Original Mattress will understand why. This memory foam mattress features three layers: a supportive base layer designed to prevent sinking and sagging; a middle layer of memory foam with three ergonomic zones to align the spine and relieve pressure; and a top layer of perforated breathable foam that reduces heat and promotes airflow.
The mattress comes in a compact box for easy delivery and is ultra-simple to set up, too. Once you remove it from its box, it expands and is ready to sleep on within minutes. While some say the mattress emits a strong odor that lingers for a bit too long afterward (sometimes for months!), most rave about the super-soft, body-hugging comfort. And if you don’t like it, you’re in luck. Casper not only offers a 100-night trial complete with a full refund if you don’t like it, but it also includes a 10-year warranty, should anything go wrong.
Price at time of publish: $1,695 for queen size
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Materials: Polyurethane foam, memory foam | Thickness: 11 inches | Firmness: Firm | Type: Foam | Warranty: 10 years
Best Budget
Signature Sleep Memoir 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/amazon-signature-sleep-memoir-12-inch-memory-foam-mattress-b26d299c4bcc470b9999fc93b14b128d.jpg)
Amazon
Eco-friendly and CertiPUR-US-certified
Includes soft cover
Lower price point
May be too firm for some sleepers
Not as many sizes available
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t get an ultra-comfortable memory foam mattress. The more wallet-conscious will love the Signature Sleep Memoir, since it offers balanced support and is crafted with CertiPUR-US-certified foam. The mattress has none of the bad stuff—harmful PBDEs, ozone depleters, mercury, or lead.
All you get is the good stuff, including a 4-inch layer of memory foam and 8 inches of high-density foam for a total of 12 inches of glorious support. While you sleep, the mattress has just enough to give to mold to your body’s natural shape, minimizing pressure and distributing weight as evenly as possible. It’s worth noting that it’s a little bit firmer than other options, so it’s most ideal for back and stomach sleepers.
And while this memory foam mattress does come with a soft, breathable cover, it comes in limited bed sizes—you’ll have to look elsewhere if you need a split or have a California king.
Price at time of publish: $476 for queen size
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king | Materials: Foam | Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Firm | Type: Foam | Warranty: 10 years
Best Splurge
Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/saatva-loom--leaf-mattress-948685a5c5ed49b6a8b13ce154877203.jpg)
Saatva
Cooling gel-infused foam
CertiPUR-US certified
Antimicrobial top layer
15-year warranty
Expensive
The Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress is undeniably expensive, but it’s intended to be a luxury option. It’s constructed for the ultimate comfort with high-quality materials, and it’s backed by an extensive 365-night home trial and a generous 15-year warranty to help you justify the purchase. You can also get white glove delivery to have it placed exactly where you want it—no effort needed on your part.
The six-layer mattress couldn’t be more comfortable. It’s made with pressure-relieving memory foam and high-density foam layers that will win you over, thanks to the contouring support. It also has a layer of breathable, gel-infused foam, so sleepers will stay cool even on the hottest nights. What’s more, the quilted organic cotton cover features a botanical antimicrobial treatment to help your mattress stay nice and clean throughout the years. Also nice: The foam is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it's free from harsh chemicals.
Price at time of publish: $2,395 for queen size
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king | Materials: Foam, organic cotton | Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Relaxed firm, firm | Type: Foam | Warranty: 15 years
Best Cooling
Leesa in a Box Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LeesainaBoxMattress-e59d31f0be754ab592f95b6887d73abf.jpg)
Amazon
Breathable
Cool for hot sleepers
Charitable aspect
Easy to adjust to
Not ideal for stomach sleepers
When we tested the U.S.-made Leesa Original Mattress at home, we found it to be perfect for sleepers who tend to run hot or even sweat during the night. It's composed of three layers of top-quality LSA200 foam—a foam that has microcell structure technology to help promote airflow.
Despite this cooling effect, the Leesa doesn’t sacrifice whole-body comfort. The mattress actually adapts to your specific body type, providing enhanced pressure relief that’s perfect for athletes or anyone who suffers from muscle tension or even pain. Overall, we think this mattress is a solid choice for most sleepers, though we noted in our testing that back sleepers may find it a more comfortable option than side sleepers, who might find the surface a bit too firm. We did have one stomach sleeper try out the mattress as well, and they found that it prevented their back from bowing, a common complaint with memory foam mattresses.
A bonus worth noting: The company donates one mattress for every ten sold.
Price at time of publish: $899 for queen size
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Materials: Foam | Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness: Medium | Type: Foam | Warranty: 10 years
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2SP4150358-2-74d5e3ec76e7409da57254313bb3a86f.jpg)
The Spruce / Stacey Nash
Best Mattress Topper
LUCID 4 Inch Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/amazon-lucid-4-inch-ventilated-memory-foam-mattress-topper-2-9c2e50bfe54340caaaf0b1c66a2b49d6.jpg)
Amazon
Thicker than many toppers
Designed for effective airflow
Affordable
Great for back sleepers
Too plush for some sleepers
If you don’t want to invest in an entirely new mattress but love the idea of transitioning to memory foam, adding a high-quality mattress topper is a great budget-friendly option. At 4 inches tall, the LUCID Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper is undoubtedly substantial—almost half that of some full mattresses.
It’s made well, too. It’s constructed of memory foam that’s infused with an effective cooling gel complete with evenly spaced ventilation channels that excel at improving airflow and regulating temperature. The result: Sleepers who run hot will stay cooler, and therefore more comfortable, at night. And though it’s relatively plush, this topper is also proven to help some sleepers—particularly back sleepers—rest without discomfort, since the foam aligns the spine by supporting the natural curves of the head, neck, and shoulders.
Price at time of publish: $125 for queen size
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, short queen, king, California king | Materials: Foam | Thickness: 4 inches | Firmness: Plush | Type: Foam | Warranty: 3 years
Best Firm
Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tuft--needle-original-mattress-0dc49e9b613a40d4a947c336b250029a.jpg)
Amazon
Great for stomach sleepers
Absorbs pressure
Adaptive, weight-distributing foam
Cooling properties
Takes up to 72 hours to expand fully
Too firm for some
If you prefer the feel of a firm mattress or are a stomach sleeper who needs the firmness to prevent painful back bowing, the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is a great choice. The memory foam mattress is specially designed to absorb pressure and accommodate the natural curves of the body for even weight distribution and proper alignment. And though it’s firm, it offers just enough bounce, so you won’t feel like you’re sleeping on a board. (If you want something truly plush, look elsewhere!)
Like other great mattresses, it’s also constructed of a special adaptive foam that has cooling properties, thanks to materials like gel and graphite. Of course, you’ll have to try it for yourself—and you can, thanks to a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty. Just don’t make any rash decisions. Since this mattress comes wrapped up in a box, it can take up to 72 hours for it to fully expand and for any potential odors to go away.
Price at time of publish: $895 for queen size
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Materials: Micro-polyamide, polyester | Thickness: 9.5 inches | Firmness: Medium firm | Type: Foam | Warranty: 10 years
Best Gel
LUCID 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/amazon-lucid-12-inch-gel-memory-foam-mattress-2dadc1c7aff84e9d8f857abe59251c5f.jpg)
Amazon
Good for couples
Cooling effects
Removable cover
Sizing is slightly off
It can be a tall order to find a mattress that works for both you and your partner—particularly if you sleep in different ways or run at different temperatures. But the Lucid 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress is an excellent selection to solve this dilemma since it provides a medium-firm feel (not too hard or too soft). It also features special isolated motion transfer, so you won’t feel your partner tossing and turning at night. What’s more, the top-selling mattress offers 3 inches of gel-infused memory foam that wicks away heat and promotes airflow.
The mattress is also a good choice for anyone who experiences neck, back, or hip discomfort while sleeping, since it's adept at adjusting to the various pressure points in your body. This is all thanks to a base layer of foam that provides deep structural support and spine alignment.
Some users say the sizing is ever-so-slightly off, leaving small gaps between the bed frame and the mattress. If you can get past that, you’ll love the feel of the mattress, plus nice bonuses like a naturally hypoallergenic removable cover.
Price at time of publish: $580 for queen size
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Materials: Gel memory foam | Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Medium | Type: Foam | Warranty: 10 years
Best for Side Sleepers
Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/allswell-luxe-hybrid-2-0c964ee44cf442ceb0fb2fa55eb2bd42.jpg)
Allswell
Hybrid coil-and-foam construction
Built-in plush topper
CertiPUR-US certified
Cooling effects
Some say it’s too plush
Side sleepers in particular will appreciate the Allswell Luxe Hybrid, thanks to a medium-firm feel that conforms to the body but doesn’t allow you to sink in fully. It’s also a great option for couples who can’t quite agree on how plush or firm their mattress should be, since the Individually wrapped coils offer the firm support and springy feel some are looking for, while the top layer of performance memory foam provides pressure-relieving softness.
The Luxe Hybrid mattress is also expertly designed to feel cool to the touch, so hot sleepers will be more comfortable throughout the night. What’s more, the mattress is CertiPUR-US certified—it’s entirely free of harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, and phthalates. Allswell also offers a 100-night risk-free trial and a ten-year warranty to help you feel extra confident in your purchase.
Price at time of publish: $549 for queen size
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Materials: Foam, metal | Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Medium firm | Type: Foam and coil | Warranty: 10 years
Best Adjustable
Sleep Number 360 M7 Smart Bed
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sleep-number-360-m7-smart-bed-9317ce26e478437eb6f1cbcf53ab8ef3.jpg)
Sleep Number
Adjustable for maximum comfort
Cooling effects
Many sizes available
Longer warranty than most
Expensive
This may be a seriously expensive mattress, but there’s a reason Sleep Number charges as much as it does for their mattresses—the 360 M7 Smart Bed in particular. This highly researched bed utilizes some of the most advanced smart technology available in mattresses to offer an exceptionally premium sleep experience.
The bed is available in a wide range of sizes, and you can customize the whole thing from start to finish. Once you select a size, move on to a base option (or opt for mattress only, if you prefer!), then add extras like a protection pad or a set of cooling sheets.
The mattress itself is fully adjustable, too. In fact, thanks to the integrated technology, it responds to your movements and automatically adjusts firmness on each side—great for couples sharing a mattress. Through the compatible smartphone app, you can even get sleep data the next day, so you can continue to adjust your side of the bed accordingly, eventually settling on just the right option for you. Hot sleepers will also appreciate the cooling properties of this luxe mattress; it works to absorb excess heat and release it as you cool down, to help you sleep better at night.
Worried about making such a massive investment? Sleep Number offers a 100-night trial, plus has a more extensive warranty than most—you’ll get 15 years of protection with your purchase.
Price at time of publish: $3,999 for queen size
Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, FlexTop king, split California king, FlexTop California king | Materials: Foam | Thickness: 11 inches | Firmness: Adjustable | Type: Foam | Warranty: 15 years
For a soft and supportive mattress that most people will love, we recommend Bear's Original Mattress. In our testing, we found that the layers of foam provide a balanced sleeping surface for ultimate comfort, and we appreciate that it's significantly cheaper than many options. If you’re on a tight budget, try the Signature Sleep Memoir 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress. Though it is much more affordable, it has two layers of foam for a total of 12 inches of support.
What to Look for in a Memory Foam Mattress
Type of Foam
“Traditional” memory foam is made up of polyurethane-based viscoelastic foam, but there are a few other types of foam used as well. Plant-based memory foam has become a popular choice for its improved breathability and more eco-friendly manufacturing. Some foams are infused with gel or copper to make them cooler to sleep on.
Foam Density
Apart from size, the most important shopping consideration when buying a mattress is its firmness. The density of memory foam, measured in pounds per cubic foot, tells you how well the mattress will support you, retain its shape over time, and reduce motion transfer. High-density foam (6 pounds per cubic foot or more) is the most supportive, firm, and durable. If you want a plush mattress, opt for low-density foam (3 pounds per cubic foot or less), but keep in mind that it will be less supportive.
Temperature Regulation
If you’re a hot sleeper, you may find that a traditional memory foam mattress retains too much heat—look for a cooling mattress with open-cell construction and gel or copper-infused foam to help you sleep comfortably.
-
How long do memory foam mattresses last?
Memory foam mattresses can last anywhere between seven and ten years, with seven years being average. There are a few factors that play into this: cleanliness, rotation (or lack thereof), allergy issues, and the presence of pets and children.
-
How do you clean a memory foam mattress?
You can clean a memory foam mattress in several ways: vacuuming (best for surface-level debris or dust), a cleaning solution (diluted fabric cleaner, dishwashing soap, or a mild detergent tend to work best), or spot-cleaning. However you clean, be sure the mattress is completely dry before using or covering it with sheets.
-
How long do memory foam mattresses need to expand?
As soon as you receive any mattress in a box, it's recommended to open it right away to start the expansion process. It typically takes anywhere between four and six hours for the memory foam to expand 90% (and potentially another four to six hours for full expansion). Experts recommend waiting at least 24 hours before laying on it.
-
What thickness is best for memory foam mattresses?
“A standard thickness can vary anywhere from eight to more than 16 inches,” says Dr. Peter Polos, MD, PhD, FCCP, FAASM, sleep medicine specialist, and sleep expert for Sleep Number. One isn’t necessarily better than another. Rather, the right thickness for you depends on your sleeping position and your sleep needs. If you tend to need more support, look for a mattress on the thicker side.
-
Are there different types of memory foam?
There are a few different types of memory foam on the market, and they can target different types of sleeping issues that people have at night, says Dr. Polos. “Memory foam comes in traditional, gel, and plant-based.” They also come in a variety of densities, composed of several layers of materials, from simple one-layer to complex arrangements, he explains. Like thickness, the type of memory foam you choose depends largely on your sleep needs. For example, if you run hot, you’ll want to look for a memory foam mattress that contains a cooling layer. “As with any bed, you should research and try a variety of them before purchasing one,” says Dr. Polos.
Why Trust The Spruce
This roundup was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer and editor with nearly 15 years of experience. She has written extensively about furniture and home goods, including mattresses, for various publications, including The Spruce. She has personally tested a number of products from various brands on this list, including Casper, Leesa, and Sleep Number. While curating this list, she drew on that experience and reviewed bestseller lists, read hundreds of product reviews, and spoke to Peter Polos, M.D., Ph.D., FCCP, FAASM, a sleep medicine specialist and sleep expert for Sleep Number.
Additional reporting was done by Cristina Sanza, a lifestyle writer who specializes in home products and organization hacks, and Marisa Donnelly, a writer and editor with over 12 years of experience writing for outlets like Huffington Post, Bustle, BossBabe, Thought Catalog, and more. Wesley Salazar, a contract senior commerce editor at The Spruce, also updated this article to include newly tested mattresses.