If you’re in the market for a memory foam mattress, you may have stumbled across the Leesa Original. Leesa has built a reputation for supplying comfortable yet supportive mattresses made with high-quality materials. As its flagship all-foam model, the Leesa Original features three foam layers that aim to provide spinal support while cushioning the body’s sensitive pressure points.
I’m a certified sleep science coach, and I’ve tested several Leesa models. I’ve been reviewing mattresses for three years, learning the ins and outs of sleep health. As part of the Mattress Clarity testing team, my fellow product experts and I have evaluated more than 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories over the past seven years. Since our founding, we’ve helped more than 40,000 people find their dream bed.
When we brought the Leesa Original into our testing studio, it showed solid performance across all categories, scoring at least 4 stars in areas like pressure relief, cooling, and responsiveness. In this Leesa mattress review, I’ll break down each test we put it through, how it performed, and what this means to different sleepers.
Our Leesa Original Review in a Nutshell
The Leesa Original offers a firm, memory foam feel that’s most compatible with back and side sleeping. In these positions, the mattress lifts and supports the spine, propping the hips in line with the shoulders to achieve a neutral alignment.
Although it’s firmer than average, it still provides ample cushioning around the body’s sensitive pressure points to prevent pain from occurring. We were especially impressed with its ability to combat heat, and gave it a perfect score for cooling.
The Leesa Original mattress features high-density foam for a balance of comfort and support, suiting a range of sleeping styles. This bed comes at an affordable price-point. Learn more in our video review.
Leesa Original Mattress Performance: My Overall Rating
We reviewed the Leesa Original using a rigorous testing methodology. When assessing this bed, we called upon our Chief Medical Product tester, Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT, to help evaluate it from a pain-relief perspective. Additionally, we consulted our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, for tips on how different beds perform for different sleepers.
During testing, this bed proved itself to be a top performer, earning an overall average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. It performed exceptionally well in our cooling and responsiveness tests, earning a perfect 5-star rating. In fact, it excelled in every category, earning 4 or more stars across all major tests we performed.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each testing category and how the Leesa performed. For more details, simply hover your cursor over each category.
Watch Us Test the Leesa Original Mattress
For a quick look at the Leesa Original, watch our review video. Keep in mind, we recently retested this mattress using an updated methodology, so the scores mentioned in this video may not reflect my main review.
I Recommend the Leesa Original For…
- Side and back sleepers will find proper spinal alignment, as well as cushioning pressure relief along the hips, shoulders, and lower back.
- Heavy sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds and sleep on their back or side will find the Leesa supportive enough to prevent “bottoming out.”
- Combination sleepers can appreciate this bed’s excellent responsiveness, which makes it easy to switch sleeping positions.
I Don’t Recommend the Leesa Original For…
- Average-weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers may not be ideal candidates for this mattress.
- People seeking deep sinkage and body contouring may not enjoy the Leesa’s firm feel.
- If you’re easily woken up due to a partner’s motion, you may require a bed with lower motion transfer.
How Well Did the Leesa Original Perform?
Our testing team has evaluated hundreds of mattresses, providing a reliable benchmark for how most beds perform. If you want to know how the Leesa stacks up against the average mattress, take a look at the performance chart below.
| Test | Performance | Average |
| Firmness | 7.5/10 – Firm | 6.7/10 – Medium-Firm |
| Side Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Good |
| Back Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Good |
| Stomach Sleeper Comfort | Good | Good |
| Pressure Relief | 4.5/5 | 3.9 |
| Edge Support | 4/5 | 4.1 |
| Cooling | 5/5 | 3.8 |
| Motion Isolation | 4/5 | 3.9 |
| Response | 5/5 | 4.3 |
| Sinkage Depth | 2.75” | 3.12” |
| Sinkage Rating | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bounce Height | 17” | 17.89” |
| Bounce Rating | Moderate | Moderate |
| Noise | 5/5 | 4.5 |
| Sex | 4.6/5 | 4.3 |
| Trial Period | 4/5 | 4.2 |
| Warranty | 4.5/5 | 4.6 |
| Unboxing & Moving | 5/5 | 4.3 |
| Off-gassing | 5/5 | 4.2 |
How Firm is the Leesa Original Mattress?
Mattress firmness is one of the most subjective factors we assess, as the bed can feel completely different depending on your body type and preferred sleeping position. To get a well-rounded sense of how the Leesa Original feels, we asked multiple expert testers of varying weights to try it in the side- and back-sleeping positions. Each tester shared their personal firmness score, and we averaged their scores to create the final rating.
We measure firmness on a 1 to 10 scale, with 1 feeling like jello and 10 feeling like a gym mat. A true medium-firm mattress typically falls at a 6.5 out of 10. After testing the Leesa Original in our studio, our testers landed on a score of 7.5 out of 10, making it firmer than average but not ultra-firm.
When our director of product testing operations lay down, she felt more “on” the bed than “in” it, yet still experienced a touch of softness at her pressure points. She said, “This mattress felt pretty firm, and I didn’t sink in much. I usually don’t love a firm mattress, but the all-foam construction did a good job relieving pressure.”
How Does the Leesa Original Feel for Different Body Types and Sleeping Positions?
Your body type plays a major role in how a mattress feels. For example, heavier sleepers tend to sink more deeply into the layers, which can make the bed feel softer. In contrast, lightweight sleepers don’t sink quite as far, so they typically perceive the same mattress as slightly firmer.
| Sleeper Weight | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
| Light (under 130 lbs) | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | Excellent | Excellent | Unpleasant |
Heavyweight Tester – Over 230 Pounds
“I feel very supported for an all-foam mattress. I am not really sinking into it, and it still feels comfortable. It feels really comfortable on my back and side, and I really love this mattress.” – Caine Wilkes, in-house heavyweight tester
Average-weight Tester – 130 to 230 Pounds
“I feel really comfortable overall on this mattress, and I like the combination of support and cushioning. My spine feels very straight in every sleeping position, and while I feel a bit of sinkage in my hips, I don’t feel like it’s putting me off balance.” – Sosha Lewis, Certified Sleep Science Coach and Senior Staff Writer
Lightweight Tester – Under 130 Pounds
“I liked this mattress in all sleeping positions. My spine feels straight and aligned, and I’m not experiencing any pain or pressure. I feel very comfortable, cozy, and supported.” – Riley Otis, Certified Sleep Science Coach and Staff Writer
Leesa Original In-Depth Test Results
Pressure Relief
We evaluated pressure relief on the Leesa Original with the help of three expert testers of varying body weights. Each tester took the mattress for a whirl, lying in the side and back sleeping positions for several minutes, before reporting their individual pressure relief rating.
I acted as our lightweight tester alongside my average-weight colleague Sosha Lewis and heavyweight tester Caine Wilkes. Overall, we found this mattress compatible with both sleeping positions for sleepers of all weights, earning an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars for pressure relief.
When I tried this mattress on my side, my spine felt straight and aligned, and I didn’t notice any uncomfortable pressure building at my hips and shoulders. Although it’s firm and didn’t provide a ton of sinkage for my weight, I still felt anatomically neutral, so I rated the pressure relief 4 stars. Sosha also rated side sleeping 4 stars, and said, “My spine feels very straight, and there’s no pressure building on my shoulder either.”
Although all-foam mattresses sometimes lack support for heavier sleepers, Caine thought the Leesa was a dream, rating it 5 stars for side-sleeping. He said, “I feel very supported for an all-foam bed. I don’t feel any pressure, either.” He felt equally comfortable when back-sleeping, noting just enough contouring along his lower back, so he rated this position 5 stars, as well.
Like Caine, I felt 5-star pressure relief when back sleeping. My hips and shoulders felt level, yet I still experienced plush contouring at my lumbar zone. Sosha also felt comfortable on her back, saying, “It’s filling in my lower lumbar section and relieving any pressure in my lower back and shoulders.”
We also invited our Chief Medical Product Tester, Dr. Hannah Habeeb, into the studio to evaluate the Leesa from an orthopedic perspective. She noted that this mattress may be beneficial to people with back pain, which she rated 5 stars. She said, “I think the Leesa would provide relief for people with back pain and provide support at the lower back to keep you in a relatively neutral position.”
Edge Support
Edge support refers to how stable and secure the perimeter of a bed feels, and it can be an important factor to consider when purchasing a new mattress. Not only is it a durability indicator, as strong edges are less likely to sag over time, but it’s also helpful for couples who like to sprawl out. People with mobility issues can also appreciate a sturdy side, as it allows them to bear down when getting in and out of bed. When evaluating the Leesa Original’s edge support, we performed three tests, where it earned an average of 4 out of 5 stars.
We began our assessment by creating three stacks of weighted plates (weighing 100, 150, and 200 pounds) to represent three different body types. One by one, we placed the stacks on the edge of the Leesa and measured how many inches the layers compressed. From lightest to heaviest, the sinkage was 2 inches, 3.5 inches, and 5.5 inches. When we combined the scores from each stack, the weighted edge support test earned an average of 4 stars.
We followed up the weighted test with seated and lying-down tests, performed by our in-house tester. When sitting on the edge of the bed, she noticed moderate sinkage, yet the support foam prevented her from completely bottoming out, so she rated the seated support 3 stars. She felt much more secure when lying along the edge, saying, “I think my weight is much more evenly distributed when lying down. I don’t feel like I will tip over or slide off.” Since she felt super secure, she rated the lying-down edge support 5 stars.
Cooling
If you struggle with overheating at night, you may benefit from a cooling mattress. Although all-foam mattresses tend to be less breathable and provide less airflow than those containing pocketed coils, we found great cooling results when we evaluated the Leesa with a thermal gun.
Our tester began the cooling test by grabbing a thermal gun and measuring the initial temperature of the mattress, which was 66.4 degrees. She then considered the Leesa’s knit cover, describing it as “cool to the touch, and almost a bit chilly.” She continued the test by taking a seven-minute rest and observing her body temperature. While she felt herself slightly warming up, she never felt too warm and said the temperature difference was hardly noticeable.
After the seven-minute rest test was over, she grabbed the thermal gun and measured the Leesa’s temperature again. The bed had warmed to 70.9 degrees — an increase of just 4.5 degrees — indicating excellent cooling performance, earning 4.5 stars overall in this category. Based on these results, we think most hot sleepers will feel comfortable throughout the night, as this mattress combats heat trapping and demonstrates proper temperature regulation.
Motion Isolation
If you share the bed with a partner, pet, or child, consider a bed with low motion transfer. When a mattress has good motion isolation, it’s able to absorb your movement on impact and prevent the other sleeper from feeling it. To evaluate how the Leesa Original manages this, our product expert performed a ripple test and partner test, finding an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars.
For the ripple test, the in-house test set a glass of water on one side of the bed and then got in and out of the other side. As she moved around, she observed the water and whether her movement affected it. “The water did not really move at all when I got in and out of bed,” she said. “I really had to move hard to get the glass to even wiggle.” She rated the ripple test 4.5 stars because the bed did a great job isolating her motion and preventing it from traveling across the bed.
Our mattress tester then grabbed another tester to help her perform the partner test. She lay on one side of the bed with her eyes closed while her partner got in and out and switched positions next to her. She said, “I could barely feel any movement when my partner was getting in and out of bed. However, when they were changing positions, it was more noticeable.” She ended up rating this test 3 stars overall.
While the ripple test had excellent results, she could still feel another person moving beside her on the Leesa. If you’re typically a sound sleeper, we don’t think you’ll wake up due to a partner’s motion. However, those who are easily woken up by motion may need a better mattress for couples.
Response
Responsiveness is a measure of how quickly a bed returns to its original shape after pressure has been applied. We typically recommend responsive mattresses to combination sleepers, as they’re easy to switch positions on.
Although the Leesa doesn’t contain bouncy springs, it’s firm enough to move around on without getting trapped by the foam layers. Our team tester performed a switch test, which involved practicing the transition between positions. She didn’t need to exert any effort to move from one position to the next, so she rated the switch test 5 stars.
The tester also measured exactly how long it took the Leesa to rise after weight had been removed. She placed a 43-pound kettlebell on the bed for 7 seconds, then lifted it straight up. A stopwatch showed it took approximately 0.9 seconds for the bed to rise, which is relatively quick and earns the bed 4 stars. Memory foam beds typically have a slower response time, so this is pretty impressive to see.
Sinkage: Moderate
To quantify the Leesa Original’s sinkage, our in-house tester grabbed the 43-pound kettlebell again and placed it in the middle of the mattress. She used a ruler to measure how far the weight sank in, which was about 2.8 inches. Since this is between 2.6 and 4 inches, we classify it as moderate sinkage. However, it’s on the lower end of the spectrum and is just 0.2 inches away from entering the ‘light sinkage’ category.
Bounce: Moderate
Our product expert tested the Leesa’s bounciness by climbing six feet above the bed and dropping a 15-pound medicine ball onto its surface. A yardstick on the wall measured a bounce height of 17 inches, which means the Leesa falls into the moderate bounce category. This level of bounce is surprising given that this bed doesn’t have an innerspring layer, yet it makes sense given the foam’s responsive nature.s to responsiveness and temperature regulation. Basically, for an all-foam mattress the Leesa is quite durable, but compared to materials like latex or steel coils, this is not your longest-lasting choice for a mattress.
Noise
When our testers moved around on the Leesa and switched positions, they didn’t hear any significant creaking or squeaking. Memory foam beds are typically pretty quiet, but some low-quality foams produce a distinct crunching sound when you press down on them. Since this bed was whisper-quiet, we rated the noise 5 stars.
Sex
To rate how a mattress performs during sex, we average its responsiveness, edge support, and noise score. Ideally, the best mattress for sex should make movement easy, feel supportive across the entire surface, and have a level of discretion in terms of noise. The Leesa excelled in all three areas – earning 5 stars for responsiveness, 4 stars for edge support, and 5 stars for noise. With an overall score of 4.7 stars, it’s a strong option for couples who prioritize performance in this category.
Adjustable Base Compatibility
If you have an adjustable base, the Leesa may be a good choice. When we placed it on a moving bed frame in our studio, it was able to bend and conform to multiple preset positions, including zero-gravity, TV, and reading. However, the bed popped off the base when nobody was lying on it, so we rated the compatibility 3 stars.
Two-Hour Nap Test
Heavy tester Marten Carlson took a two-hour nap on the Leesa Original to see if it caused any strain. He said, “I went to sleep on my back, and I woke up on my back. I didn’t notice any strain in my lower back and, even as a bigger guy, I didn’t feel a lack of support.”
Leesa Original Customer Experience Scores
Depending on the mattress’s manufacturer, it may come with unique perks, such as a trial period and a lengthy warranty. In addition to testing the Leesa Original’s performance, I also took a peek at Leesa’s company policies.
Trial Period
If you’re concerned you won’t like the Leesa once it arrives, you can rest easy. The mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial period, so you can return it for a full refund if it’s not exactly what you’re looking for.
Warranty
The Leesa Original comes with a limited lifetime warranty that protects the purchaser if the mattress is defective or has a manufacturing defect.
Unboxing and Moving
The Leesa Original ships for free and arrives at your doorstep compressed in a box. When the tester unboxed it, the mattress only weighed 71 pounds, so she was able to do so by herself without assistance. Since the average person can set up this bed-in-a-box quickly and easily, she rated the process 5 stars.
Readiness After Unboxing
Once our in-house tester punctured the plastic, the Leesa began to decompress and inflate. The bed rose pretty instantly, so she rated the readiness after unboxing 5 stars.
Off-gassing
Some mattresses off-gas, which means they emit a strong chemical scent when they’re first unwrapped. While we didn’t notice any smell coming from the Leesa Original, earning it 5 stars, don’t worry if you detect a scent. It’s a completely normal process as the foams release trapped factory air.
Leesa Original Construction
Now that we’ve gone over the Leesa’s performance and key policies, it’s time to look under the hood. To evaluate a mattress’s construction, we cut into the side and examine each layer to see what the bed is actually made of.
Mattress Height & Weight
The Leesa Original is 10 inches tall and weighs 45 to 92 pounds, depending on the size you order.
Materials
The Leesa Original is a memory foam mattress made with three layers. Some sleepers are worried about harmful materials in their bed, but the foams used in the Leesa are extremely high quality, as verified by a CertiPUR-US certification and GREENGUARD Gold certification. These third-party certifications ensure the bed is fiberglass-free and confirm it meets strict standards for low VOC emissions.
Layers
The Leesa Original starts with a breathable cover made with moisture-wicking fibers. For a $185 upcharge, you can opt for a cooling quilted cover that adds a bit more plushness to the bed. Underneath is a comfort layer of breathable foam that provides a touch of initial contouring. The next transition layer of foam eases the sleeper onto a thick, high-density foam base. This chunk of polyfoam acts as the primary support layer.
How to Try and Buy the Leesa Original Mattress
There’s a lot you can learn about a mattress from online research, and Leesa offers free returns within the 100-night trial period, but if you insist on trying it out before you order it, there are options available. Leesa partners with West Elm and Pottery Barn to provide locations across the U.S. where you can try their mattresses in person. Check out their store locator to find the nearest store.
Once you’re ready to purchase, visit the Leesa website, select your preferred mattress size, and click “Add to Cart.” Leesa’s online checkout process is straightforward and even offers two express options: PayPal and Shop Pay. They also offer discounts for several groups, including military members, nurses, and teachers.
Leesa Original Prices & Sizes
Price can influence your buying decisions. Below, I’ve broken down the Leesa Original by size and price before discounts. Leesa offers frequent sales, so you’ll likely find this bed for a lower price.
| Size | Price |
| Twin | $849.00 |
| Twin XL | $899.00 |
| Full | $1099.00 |
| Queen | $1299.00 |
| King | $1599.00 |
| California King | $1599.00 |
How the Leesa Original Compares
If you’re wondering how the Leesa compares to other mattress models, allow me to compare it to three alternatives.
- Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – Hybrid design
- Nectar Mattress – Softer alternative
- DreamCloud Memory Foam – Quilted cover
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| Rating |
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| Firmness |
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
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Multiple firmness options
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Medium-firm: 7/10
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Firm: 7.5/10
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| Material |
Foam
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Hybrid
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Foam
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Foam
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| Cooling |
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| Best For |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
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Leesa Original vs. Leesa Sapira Chill
Unlike the Leesa Original, the Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress that comes with a plush pillow top layer. We found this bed significantly softer than the Original model, falling at a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale. As a medium-soft bed, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid provides excellent contouring and is an especially great choice for side sleepers. In comparison to the Leesa Original, it performed higher on our edge support tests, where it earned 4.3 stars. However, it had a lower performance rating for motion isolation, earning just 3.8 stars.
Leesa Original vs. Nectar Classic Memory Foam
The Leesa Original and Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattresses both sport all-foam constructions and have a 3-layer design. In terms of feel, the Nectar is slightly softer, landing at a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. This means it’s medium-firm, but still leans towards the firmer side. We were very impressed with the Nectar’s cooling abilities, which earned a full 5-star rating on our thermal gun test. However, it lacked strength along the perimeter, earning 3.4 stars for edge support.
Leesa Original vs. DreamCloud Classic Memory Foam
The DreamCloud Classic Memory Foam mattress comes with three foam layers, as well as a plush quilted cover. During testing, we thought it had a classic medium-firm feel that we rated 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. The edges of this mattress are super solid, earning 4.6 stars during testing. However, some adjustable base users may not be impressed with its 3-star performance in this category.
Leesa Original Mattress FAQs
Do you need a box spring with a Leesa mattress?
According to the company, the Leesa mattress does not need a box spring. It can be used with any flat bed frame or foundation.
Is the Leesa mattress flippable?
The Leesa Original mattress is not intended to be flipped since they are designed with specific layers in a systematic order. However, it’s best practice to rotate your Leesa mattress once every three months. Rotating your mattress ensures even wear on all sides.
What does the Leesa Original feel like?
The Leesa Original is a firm mattress that we rated a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Although it’s firm, it still provides excellent pressure relief in both the side- and back-sleeping positions. We were impressed by its sturdy support, which was compatible with sleepers of all body types.
Does the Leesa Original come with a sleep trial period?
Yes, the Leesa comes with a 120-night sleep trial period.
Does the Leesa Original come with a mattress warranty?
Yes, the Leesa comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
