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Elisa is an editor at Mattress Clarity where she tests mattresses, accessories, and writes about all things sleep. A certified sleep science coach, Elisa’s tested more than 300 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories, and her sleep tips have appeared in Readers Digest, Homes and Gardens, and 21 Oak.
Elisa earned a M.A in Mass Communication from Texas State University and a B.F.A in Acting from Oklahoma City University. While earning her master’s degree, Elisa wrote an extensive case study about bed-in-a-box brands and discovered a newfound excitement for the mattress industry. With so many options available, purchasing a mattress can feel daunting. Elisa is passionate about helping people find the best bed for them.
Before joining the Mattress Clarity team, Elisa wrote about Austin’s best restaurants and attractions for Only In Your State. She is also an avid music-lover and has covered the Austin City Limits music festival for Glide magazine and Speakers In Code.
When she isn’t testing memory foam or writing about innersprings, Elisa can be heard singing nostalgic hits with her national party band, Saved By The ‘90s. She also performs with Austin-based arts collective New Manifest Theatre Company.
Elisa is an editor at Mattress Clarity where she tests mattresses, accessories, and writes about all things sleep. A certified sleep science coach, Elisa’s tested more than 300 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories, and her sleep tips have appeared in Readers Digest, Homes and Gardens, and 21 Oak.
Elisa earned a M.A in Mass Communication from Texas State University and a B.F.A in Acting from Oklahoma City University. While earning her master’s degree, Elisa wrote an extensive case study about bed-in-a-box brands and discovered a newfound excitement for the mattress industry. With so many options available, purchasing a mattress can feel daunting. Elisa is passionate about helping people find the best bed for them.
Before joining the Mattress Clarity team, Elisa wrote about Austin’s best restaurants and attractions for Only In Your State. She is also an avid music-lover and has covered the Austin City Limits music festival for Glide magazine and Speakers In Code.
When she isn’t testing memory foam or writing about innersprings, Elisa can be heard singing nostalgic hits with her national party band, Saved By The ‘90s. She also performs with Austin-based arts collective New Manifest Theatre Company.
Elisa is an editor at Mattress Clarity where she tests mattresses, accessories, and writes about all things sleep. A certified sleep science coach, Elisa’s tested more than 300 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories, and her sleep tips have appeared in Readers Digest, Homes and Gardens, and 21 Oak.
Elisa earned a M.A in Mass Communication from Texas State University and a B.F.A in Acting from Oklahoma City University. While earning her master’s degree, Elisa wrote an extensive case study about bed-in-a-box brands and discovered a newfound excitement for the mattress industry. With so many options available, purchasing a mattress can feel daunting. Elisa is passionate about helping people find the best bed for them.
Before joining the Mattress Clarity team, Elisa wrote about Austin’s best restaurants and attractions for Only In Your State. She is also an avid music-lover and has covered the Austin City Limits music festival for Glide magazine and Speakers In Code.
When she isn’t testing memory foam or writing about innersprings, Elisa can be heard singing nostalgic hits with her national party band, Saved By The ‘90s. She also performs with Austin-based arts collective New Manifest Theatre Company.
When buying a new mattress, it’s important to consider your size and weight. For instance, a lightweight sleeper is probably going to need a bed that has a different firmness and construction than an average-weight or heavier person. That’s why after testing over 300 mattresses, we’ve put together a list of seven bed-in-a-box options specifically for folks under 130 lbs. If this applies to you, read on for our best mattresses for lightweight sleepers.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress For a Lightweight Person?
Our expert reviewers chose the Nectar Premier as the best mattress for a lightweight person who weighs less than about 130 lbs. These folks tend to feel mattresses as more firm than others so we chose a mattress with superior pressure relief.
Best Mattresses For Lightweight Sleepers
Nectar Premier – Best Mattress for Lightweight Combination Sleepers
Helix Midnight – Best Mattress for Lightweight Side Sleepers
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed over 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty. Our rigorous testing and reporting process has helped over 4,500 readers purchase the best mattress for their needs.
Hands-on mattress testing in our sleep lab
How We Chose Our Top Picks
To choose the best mattresses for lightweight sleepers, we focused on several beds with thick comfort layers, or softer beds on our firmness scale. We also considered cooling abilities. Here’s a bit more on the three factors that testers especially weighed for lightweight sleepers in finalizing this roundup:
Firmness
When making a roundup for lightweight sleepers, the first thing testers considered was mattress firmness. Lighter individuals won’t sink into a mattress as deeply, so a softer mattress — around a medium or medium-soft level — is often ideal. And our lightweight mattresses testers can attest that they experience more contouring and pressure relief, especially on their side, on medium-soft to medium mattresses. That said, most of these beds are the industry standard medium-firm, which will suit back and stomach sleeping lightweight people well. The firm give-and-take of a medium-firm bed is also nice for combination lightweight sleepers, or folks who frequently switch it up and don’t want to feel stuck.
Materials
Next, materials and mattress build were an important factor in this roundup. Memory foam or hybrid mattresses are often good options for lighter sleepers because they mold to your body and provide a cushioning effect without requiring a lot of weight to feel the foam’s support. A few beds we chose also use latex, a solid option that offers a more responsive, bouncy feel. In sum, we went for materials that let lightweights feel a good balance of comfort and support without feeling like they’re floating on top of the mattress.
Cooling
Lightweight sleepers tend to sink into the mattress less, so heat retention is less of an issue. But knowing how disruptive overheating can be, we certainly wanted a robust selection of beds that excel at cooling. Many beds in the roundup have gel-infused foam, and breathable or moisture-wicking covers. The hybrid beds we included, i.e. beds with innerspring coil support layer, also excel at cooling, since they circulate air better.
Best Mattress for Lightweight Combination Sleepers – Nectar Premier
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Nectar
Nectar Premier
Soft Feel
Pressure Relief
Breathable
Foam mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Spring Into Savings
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The Nectar Premier is an all-foam mattress with a high-density base layer and several layers of plush foam on top.
Firmness
The Nectar Premier is softer than average. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 6/10. For reference, 6.5/10 is considered the industry standard of medium-firm.
Price
$1,049-$2,398 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Hot Sleepers
The Phase Change Material cover, paired with the cooling gel foam, helps dissipate body heat.
Side Sleepers
It offers lots of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 275 lb.
Pros of the Nectar Premier
It has a balanced foam feel. You’ll feel like you’re resting “on top” of the bed, rather than “inside” it.
The plush foam layers offer lots of pressure relief for side sleepers.
The cooling materials help dissipate body heat.
Cons of the Nectar Premier
It’s not supportive enough for most heavyweight back sleepers.
It lacks a bouncy and responsive feel.
This mattress might be too pricey for some people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar Premier mattress is a luxurious bed that offers lots of pressure relief. It’s softer than average, which makes it a nice option for many side sleepers. This mattress has cooling gel foam and a cover made with Phase Change Material, so it works well for hot sleepers. However, it may not be supportive enough for many back and stomach sleepers. And because it’s a high-end model, it could be out of some people’s budgets. To learn more, watch our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.3
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
4
Cooling
4.5
Motion Transfer
3.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Tend to switch sleeping positions? We know just the bed for you: The Nectar Premier. This high-quality bed has a balanced foam feel, so you’ll get plenty of body contouring and lumbar support. It feels slightly softer than average, so it works really well if you’re a combination sleeper — plush enough for pressure relief, but responsive enough for you to easily move around. It should also be a good fit if you rest strictly on your side and back.
What the testers say: “Some all-foam beds can make you feel trapped, but I didn’t feel that way on the Nectar Premier. This has what I call a balanced foam feel, meaning it’s soft and pressure-relieving, but easy to move around on. Perfect for combo sleepers.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar Premier
The Nectar Premier works well for heavy back and side sleepers (230-275 lbs) through its supportive layer of high-density foam.
Despite its all-foam design, the Nectar Premier maintains a cool sleep experience with gel infusions and phase change material.
Proper care and regular rotation can extend the Nectar Premier’s lifespan to a solid decade, making it a long-lasting value mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar Premier
While highly rated, all-foam mattresses may not suit all preferences. Heavyweight stomach sleepers might want something with firmer support.
The Nectar Premier’s softness may not sufficiently support heavier individuals who prefer stomach sleeping, and those types of sleepers may want something firmer.
Other user reviews
The Nectar Premier mattress got a 4.7 out of 5-star rating by customers on the Nectar site. Users raved about how their chronic back pain and arthritis seemed to improve after they began sleeping on the mattress. However, some people thought that the mattress was too soft, and didn’t provide enough support.
Best Mattress for Lightweight Side Sleepers – Helix Midnight
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Helix
Helix Midnight
Medium-Firm Feel
Breathability
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Mattress Clarity Exclusive Deal!
Use code CLARITY27 and save 27% off sitewide See Details
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$936-$1,748 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Provides good pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
This mattress offers good support and body contouring for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
This bed absorbs motion well for a hybrid mattress, so couples shouldn’t notice their partner’s movements.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight mattress is a fantastic choice for back and side sleepers. It’s a perfect medium-firm mattress that offers a lot of comfort from the foam at the top with supportive coils at the bottom.
This mattress shouldn’t trap too much heat thanks to the coils, which allow for airflow. You also have the option to add a specialized cooling cover.
Hybrid mattresses can be bouncy and disturb others who are in bed, but the Helix Midnight absorbs motion very well for this type of mattress.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
This mattress is too soft to support stomach sleepers. The hips will dip into this bed over time, which can cause strain on the lower back.
While this bed absorbs motion well, it’s still a hybrid. If you don’t want that bouncy, coil feeling to your mattress, you should look for an all-foam bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10 years
Returns
Free returns during the trial period
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.2
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4
Motion Transfer
4
Response
4.5
Durability
4.5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
The Helix Midnight mattress is a hybrid mattress that’s a great fit for lightweight sleepers, especially back sleepers and side sleepers. The bed has a soft, balanced foam feel with a top layer of slow-moving memory foam and a base support layer of individually wrapped coils.
What the testers say: “The Helix Midnight is the most popular Helix model and for good reason. I loved side sleeping on this mattress thanks to the plush comfort layers. In addition, the support coils kept me from bottoming out.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight’s breathable cover and coil layers help promote airflow, offering a cool sleep experience that should be great for hot sleepers.
The Memory Plus foam in the Helix Midnight contours the body while still having some bounce, and with the supportive coil layer, this makes an overall well-balanced mattress.
Despite its coil construction, the Midnight effectively minimizes motion transfer with its top layer of Memory Plus foam.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight
Due to its coil layer, some minimal creaking and squeaking might happen, potentially affecting light sleepers.
Smaller stomach sleepers might find the required support on the Midnight, but most others will need a more supportive option.
Other user reviews
On the Helix site, customers rated the Helix Midnight mattress 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most reviews were about how comfortable the mattress was, and some reviewers even praised the mattress for helping to relieve chronic pains.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 7.5/10. This makes the mattress firmer than average.
Price
$839-$2,178 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the DreamCloud
It is a good option for back sleepers. While it is a bit firmer than average, its balance of comfort and support will keep the spine in neutral alignment.
You shouldn’t be sleeping too hot on this mattress. The breathable cover, gel-infused foam, and airflow-promoting coils should prevent the mattress from trapping heat.
You should never feel stuck in this mattress. The DreamCloud is bouncy and responsive, so you will have no trouble moving around and changing positions.
The DreamCloud is a good value option. Hybrid mattresses can be quite pricey, but the DreamCloud is surprisingly affordable.
Cons of the DreamCloud
Side sleepers will want to find a softer mattress to give them the pressure relief they need.
Fans of the slow-moving memory foam feel won’t get that feeling on the DreamCloud.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleepers and nice cooling for hot sleepers. Its mix of foam and coils ensures you get the right amount of support, while its breathable materials ensure you don’t sleep too hot. It is a bouncier mattress, and if you prefer more of a memory foam feel, consider the Nectar mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
4
Cooling
3
Motion Isolation
4.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Are you on the lighter side and not getting the relief or support you need on your current mattress? Your budget doesn’t have to be what stands between you and a quality night’s rest. The DreamCloud Original is a luxury hybrid mattress priced like a steal compared to similar beds in its league. With many hybrids running upwards of $2,000 for a queen, you can level up your bedroom with a DreamCloud Original for $665 (for a queen) at publication time.
The DreamCloud has a massive base of individually wrapped coils that act as a foundation of support for the bed’s upper comfort and relief layers while stimulating airflow and creating bounce. Above this coil foundation, a high-density foam base layer acts as additional firm support for the top two foam layers, preventing sinkage and helping to generate and maintain healthy cushioning for the sleeper. On top of this is a “transition” foam layer to further prevent spinal-disrupting sinkage from the bed’s surface to its core. The top foam layer is a gel-infused memory foam that contours to your body, providing pressure relief while keeping you cool due to the foam’s temperature-regulating design. Finally, on the surface is a quilted, plush, cashmere-blend pillow top that our testers described as “smooth, comfy, breathable, and soft to the touch,” offering a pampering and comfortable sort of cherry on top.
Our testers found the bed’s firmness great for back support and considered the DreamCloud an “excellent choice” for lightweight stomach sleepers in particular. While the DreamCloud’s firmness (7.5/10) may seem a bit out of the ordinary for lightweight sleepers, the plushness of the cashmere-blend cover top, according to testers, would likely give the bed a softer feel. Overall, the DreamCloud is a mattress to consider if you’re shopping on a budget, as it has many of the same attributes as some of the higher-end hybrid mattresses available today but with a far friendlier price tag.
What our testers say: “The mattress fits a lot of different types of sleepers, including hot sleepers—the bed feels breathable and cool, thanks to its breathable cover, airflow-promoting coils and gel-infused memory foam.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud Original
The DreamCloud offers many benefits of far more expensive hybrid beds at a lower price range.
Testers found the bed’s plush top and firm build to make it an excellent choice for lightweight stomach sleepers and a good choice for lightweight back sleepers to get adequate spinal support.
Despite its mediocre motion isolation, the DreamCloud still stands out as a good choice for couples. Our testers found it to be a ‘good mattress for sex’ due to its bouncy and responsive design, making it easy to move around on the bed.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Original
Our testers found the DreamCloud to have decent, but not excellent, motion isolation, suggesting that couples looking for a bed may want to “look elsewhere.”
While affordable on its own, the DreamCloud’s in-home set-up does come at a slightly steep price of $200.
Other user reviews
With nearly 9,000 reviews on DreamCloud’s website, the hybrid mattress still managed to maintain an average score of 4.6/5. One new and verified buyer wrote “I’ve enjoyed the first month in the bed. My back discomfort is much better than before, and I think as a result I’m getting better deeper sleep. At least that’s what my Fitbit says. I also got a thumbs up from the girlfriend. Price was great and I’m hopeful it will hold up well over the years.”
Best Hybrid Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers – WinkBed
Best Hybrid Mattress
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is slightly firmer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,149-$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 130 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
It has a bouncy, responsive feel. This is great for combination sleepers who benefit from a bed that makes it easy to change positions at night.
The WinkBed features zoned support. With firmer foam at the top and bottom and more cushioning foam in the middle, this bed has excellent lumbar support.
This bed sleeps cool. Thanks to the breathable coils and gel-infused memory foam, hot sleepers can expect a cool night’s rest.
Cons
This isn’t the best option for motion isolation.
The WinkBed doesn’t have a traditional “sink-in” memory foam feel.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Overall Rating
5
Support
5
Edge Support
4
Cooling
4.5
Response
3.5
Motion Transfer
4.5
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
The WinkBed is a luxurious hybrid mattress that has an innerspring feel. It’s got supportive coils, zoned support, and a pillow top that has a plush feel. The best part is that the mattress comes in multiple firmness options, meaning that lightweight sleepers should be able to find a mattress soft enough to allow them to feel supported and comfortable. We tested the Luxury Firm version of this mattress, which felt great for combination sleepers, but the Softer mattress may be great for lightweight sleepers.
What our testers say: “Hybrids are great because of their blend of foam and coils. One of the most versatile hybrids for lightweight sleepers is the WinkBed. It comes in multiple firmness options, making it a great fit for most sleepers.” – Joe Auer, Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBed
The Layla Hybrid should be a long-term investment. It’s made with quality materials and should last you between 7 and 8 years.
Combination sleepers who change sleeping positions through the night should enjoy how responsive the WinkBed is. Our reviews even refer to it as “a combo sleeper’s dream” because of how easy it is to move around on.
It has some nice cooling features such as a Tencel that cover is very breathable, and the individually wrapped coils that help promote airflow through the mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
We didn’t think that the WinkBed had great motion isolation. If you’re someone who sleeps with a partner, you may feel them moving around at night.
If you like a traditional foam feel, you probably won’t love this mattress. You don’t “sink” into this mattress when you lay on top of it.
Other user reviews
The WinkBed earned a 4.8 out of 5, based on 8,414 customer reviews on the WinkBed website. Folks loved that the mattress gave a firm, yet somehow soft feel, and loved that the mattress was easy to move around on. On the other hand. some customers found that it lacked pressure relieving abilities, resulting in pain in pressure points.
Best Overall Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers – Saatva Rx
Best Overall
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Saatva
Saatva Rx
Medium-Firm Feel
Pain Relief
Luxury
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free white glove delivery
Limited Time Offer
Take $300 off your order of $1,000 or more See Details
The Saatva Rx is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1995 – $4,390 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, Cal king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 300 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
The mattress is designed specifically with pain in mind. Its unique design can prevent and easy future back pain.
It is a great luxury pick. If you want a mattress with all the bells and whistles, this is a good investment.
Cons
It doesn’t offer a memory foam feel.
It is a pricier mattress.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Saatva Rx is a great fit for people with deal with pain issues. Its unique coil system offers some of the best contouring we have ever experienced. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.6
Overall Rating
5
Support
4
Cooling
5
Edge Support
4
Motion Isolation
4.5
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Your body uses sleep to help repair and restore itself, and having a mattress that allows your body to experience a proper night’s rest can be a key component in improving chronic pain and inflammation. The Saatva Rx is a bed designed to specialize in helping to relieve back pain. While many mattress brands make plenty of health claims, notably, the American Chiropractic Association endorses Saatva’s orthopedic claims about its Rx model, and the bed’s zoned lumbar support technology was granted a seal of approval by the not-for-profit Congress of Chiropractic State Associations.
The Saatva Rx stacks a lot inside of it. It has an eco-non-woven base underneath an 8-inch pocketed coil layer for responsiveness and airflow, which together act as the bed’s footing. Firmer coils surround the coiled layer to ensure proper edge support (which should make getting in and out of the bed more accessible if you struggle with this). On top of the coils is a 2-inch graphite-infused foam layer Saatva calls the bed’s “therapeutic core.” Above its “core” layer is another coiled layer to enhance back support and body contouring. Surrounding this additional coiled layer is a high-density foam that cradles you while preventing sinkage. Finally, on top is a half-inch of CertiPUR-US® certified gel-infused cooling memory foam underneath an all-organic plush cotton cover that is hypoallergenic and airy.
The Saatva Rx’s elaborate design, construction, and proprietary technology make this mattress a real potential opportunity for lightweight sleepers to start experiencing better, more healing sleep if you suffer from back pain. Most importantly, credible, non-biased organizations back their claims.
What the testers say: “Investing in a mattress like the Saatva Rx brings back pain relief in the package of a luxury hotel type mattress, I like that the Rx’s medium-firmness lets lightweight sleepers feel comfortable and supported in any sleep position.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva Rx
It is great to have a mattress brand making claims about its bed’s orthopedic benefits while actually being endorsed by non-biased medical professionals such as the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA).
The RX is designed to be more hypoallergenic, with Saatva using its exclusive “Guardin” antimicrobial treatment to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
Saatva has a more eco-friendly build than many other beds out there, using only organic cotton and CertiPUR-US-certified foam components.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Rx
The Saatva RX is a top-of-the-line mattress but comes with a steep price tag that budget-minded consumers may find out of reach.
Other user reviews
The Saatva RX had only a little under 80 reviews on its site, averaging 4.9/5. One verified buyer said this about the RX: “Fantastic mattress for people with back issues. I have had spinal surgery, and my husband suffers from lower back issues. We have always spent $$$ on our mattresses. This has comfort with just the right amount of firmness. We both slept well from the first night.”
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Multiple Firmnesses
Affordable
Responsive
Hybrid mattress
120-night trial period
Free shipping
Big Spring Refresh Sale
Use code SPRING25 and save 25% off sitewide See Details
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$665-$1,599 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, king, short king, Olympic queen, California king, split California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a budget-friendly mattress. It’s a good fit for shoppers looking for an affordable, versatile bed.
Combination sleepers will find it easy to change positions on this bed. Thanks to its bouncy coil construction, the Signature offers a very responsive surface.
Back and side sleepers under 230 lbs can expect great pressure relief and support on this bed.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
This bed doesn’t provide much motion isolation.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature isn’t a luxury mattress.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an affordable, no-frills bed with a medium-firm feel that should work for a wide variety of sleepers. While it’s made with durable materials and should last up to 10 years, it isn’t the most luxurious option. If you’re looking for a premium bed, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.1
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Cooling
4
Edge Support
3
Motion Transfer
4.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Stomach sleepers need a durable, firmer mattress that can help with posture support while safely cradling their knees, stomach, hips, and shoulders to prevent inflammation from developing at night. According to our testers, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress considered “excellent for stomach sleepers” to get the support and comfort they need due to its versatility and multiple firmness options. In particular, the Signature’s firm model had testers considering this a go-to for lightweight stomach sleepers, as its pressure-relieving foam components and precise firmness create the type of support stomach sleepers need to fall asleep and stay asleep.
At the Signature’s base is a layer of reinforced 8-inch coils that generate airflow, responsiveness, and bounce in the mattress. The top two comfort layers in the stomach-sleeper-friendly firm model are a layer of responsive comfort foam underneath a premium 1.5-inch quilted cover top that offers plushness to the bed’s firm feel and a cool sleeping surface. In addition, the cover top is designed to help wick moisture and keep you dry and cool when you’re resting.
Notably, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature is considerably affordable compared to similar hybrids that meet the same standard. This is in part because it’s made in its own factory in the USA and sold directly to consumers (cutting out the middleman markup). Stomach sleepers can find a healthy blend of cushioning and support on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature and rejoice in the bed’s impressively low price for its quality.
What the testers say: “If you want an affordable, durable pick as a lightweight stomach sleeper, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a great choice. From twin to king, you’ll get a great deal as well. Plus, lightweight people won’t compress the comfort layer too much, so they should feel plenty of hip support on the mattress.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Signature has multiple firmness options, making it suitable for back, side, stomach, and combination sleepers.
The Signature is quite affordable compared to similar caliber beds, as Brooklyn Bedding sells directly to the consumer and manufactures its products in-house (cutting out the middleman).
Our testers found the bed to have great motion isolation, making it a good choice for couples who struggle to fall asleep beside each other due to tossing and turning.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Our testers found that the Signature’s edge support “isn’t fantastic.” They didn’t fall off the bed when testing it out, but felt it could be better.
Other user reviews
The Brooklyn Bedding Hybrid is pretty highly reviewed by customers on the brand’s site, as they rated the mattress 4.7/5 stars among more than 10,000 reviews. Among 1,057 reviews from lightweight sleepers (150 lbs or less), more than 75 percent gave the bed 5-stars. Customers claimed that the mattress helped relieve them of back pain and helped them sleep better throughout the night, while others claimed that the mattress was firmer than they anticipated.
Best Luxury Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers – Nolah Evolution
Best Luxury Mattress
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Nolah
Nolah Evolution
Multiple Firmnesses
Cooling
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Sale
Use code CLARITY50 and save an additional $50 off mattress purchases See Details
The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress, which means it has coils at the bottom and memory foam on top.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,499-$3,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid offers great lumbar support for most back sleepers under 300 lb.
Hot Sleepers
This bed has graphite-infused foam, which helps dissipate body heat. It also has coils that promote airflow.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
It has great cooling features, such as graphite-infused foam and airflow-promoting coils.
Even though it has coils, it isolates motion well. This makes it a great mattress for couples.
It’s available in three firmness levels, so it works for a variety of people.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution
It lacks a slow-moving feel.
It’s not supportive enough for most people who weigh more than 300 lb.
Because it’s a luxurious mattress, it might be too pricey for some people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. It’s not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
5
Cooling
4
Response
4
Motion Transfer
5
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
A luxury mattress can be defined as a bed that offers above-average support, relief, breathability, and comfort while using quality materials. The Nolah Evolution is a luxury hybrid mattress that doesn’t cut corners in its build while living up to many of the standards that define luxury in a bed. Furthermore, the Evolution comes in multiple firmness options to give you more choices and a generous lifetime warranty that reflects the company’s confidence in its product. Our testers found the Nolah Evolution excellent for lightweight stomach and back sleepers and particularly helpful to people suffering from hip pain. Furthermore, if you tend to sleep hot, our testers found the Nolah Evolution a great choice for a cool night’s sleep, claiming that “It’s a great cooling mattress, thanks to its airflow-promoting coils and graphite-infused foam.”
The Nolah Evolution has an eight-layered, 15-inch tall luxury design. At its base is a durable, eco-friendly foundation layer made of entirely recycled plant fibers. The base supports a coiled layer that helps with support and airflow while being reinforced to help with edge support. At the center are three foam layers: a 1-inch transition foam layer for bounce, a 2-inch comfort foam layer for pressure relief, and a zoned proprietary AirFoam layer for comfort and lumbar support. Nolah claims its top AirFoam layer is “100 percent temperature neutral,” which our testers agreed with, giving the Evolution a 5/5 for its cooling abilities. Then you have a 4-inch thick heat gusset that further dissipates body heat. On top of the foam components is a 2-inch quilted cooling Euro Top and plush organic cotton cover that is hypoallergenic and breathable.
The Nolah Evolution offers versatility while using high-end materials, dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s that define a luxury mattress.
What our testers say: “The Nolah Evolution’s advanced cooling features help dissipate heat. In addition to the ArcticTex cooling cover, it has a supportive coil system that promotes airflow. The foam layers are infused with graphite, which also aids in cooling. To make things even cooler, the Nolah Evolution has an AirBreath heat escape gusset around the top three layers. It really is one of the best cooling mattresses.” –Elisa, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Evolution
The multiple firmness options (plush, luxury, firm) help you better choose the exact Evolution model that matches your sleeping needs.
Our testers found the Evolution a great choice for seniors with hip pain.
Due to the heat gusset and temperature-regulating technology, the Nolah Evolution is the perfect choice for hot sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution
Our testers found the Nolah Evolution to have “decent” edge support—not bad, but it could be better
Other user reviews
The Nolah Evolution has a 4.9/5 on its site, but notably, Nolah doesn’t really allow negative customer reviews to appear. Despite that, one verified buyer wrote, “We love our Nolah mattress! My husband and I have slept on a Tempur Pedic mattress for 12 years and switching to a Nolah mattress was the best decision we could have ever made! We sleep more sound and wake up feeling great!”
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
3.8
Bear
Bear Original
Medium-Firm Feel
Affordable
Lifetime Warranty
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Spring Savings
Use code SPRING and save 30% off sitewide + 2 free pillows See Details
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress. It features softer foam layers for cushioning and firmer ones for support.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$786-$1,690 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Bear Original Mattress
The Bear’s gel-infused memory foam can help hot sleepers stay cool throughout the night.
It’s an affordable option. A queen-size Bear mattress is less than $1,000, even before discounts.
Bear offers a lifetime warranty on this mattress. That means if you find any covered defects or indentations during the life of your mattress, they will replace it free of charge.
Cons of the Bear Original Mattress
This bed probably isn’t a good fit for side sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Stomach sleepers likely won’t find this bed firm enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isn’t firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Overall Rating
4
Support
3.5
Edge Support
3.5
Cooling
4.5
Motion Transfer
3
Response
3
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
The Bear mattress was invented with athletes in mind and is created with all foam materials that are made to stay cool to help with pressure relief and muscular recovery. Lightweight sleepers who sleep on their back and side should really enjoy this mattress since it offers great support, contouring, and pressure relief.
What our testers say: “Bear is a great company for athletes wanting to get a full recovery when they sleep. The outer cover is infused with Celliant, a material that keeps the bed cool and helps promote muscle recovery. I particularly enjoyed this all-foam bed for back and side sleeping because it provides good pressure relief while still being supportive.” – Joe Auer, Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Original
The medium-firm feel of the Bear ensures comfort and support for back sleepers since they should get the proper support at the hips and spine.
Lightweight and average-weight side sleepers should enjoy the Bear since they’ll get some nice cushioning in the comfort layer that’ll help with pressure relief in the joints.
The Bear is made with gel-infused memory foam that dissipates body heat, making this a great fit for hot sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Original
Stomach sleepers will likely want something firmer since the medium-firm feel of the Bear likely won’t allow for proper hip and spinal support.
The Bear Original’s 6.5/10 firmness might not be a good fit for those seeking a firmer feel.
Other user reviews
On the Bear website, customers gave the mattress a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. Sleepers who typically lay on their back and side found this mattress really comfortable, however, stomach sleepers thought otherwise, and didn’t think the mattress was supportive enough.
What Should People Consider When Buying a Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers?
Weight
Even if people find a mattress that meets many of the criteria for lighter sleepers, they’ll still want to think about their exact weight. When I speak of lighter sleepers, I usually mean anyone below 130 pounds. However, there’s a big difference between a 100-pound person and a 130-pound person, so tastes might vary when it comes to the firmness, construction, and feel of a mattress. Also, be sure to take a look at our best mattresses for heavy people and our best mattresses for teenagers.
Mattress and Comfort Layer thickness
The gray and blue layers are the comfort layer in this mattress.
While larger people may require a taller mattress with a thicker comfort layer, a 10″ mattress with a 2″ or 3″ comfort layer should suffice for most lightweight sleepers. This could mean that a lightweight sleeper uses something along the lines of a simple quilted cover or pillow top. Ultimately, they tend to need less support than heavier folks, so the comfort layer doesn’t need to be overly thick. After all, lightweight sleepers can feel uncomfortable if the comfort layer is too dense.
Mattress firmness
Lightweight sleepers should pay attention to the difference between a firm vs soft mattress. If someone is a lighter person, they’ll probably want to look for a softer mattress, as it can offer comfort while still being supportive and affordable. Additionally, lighter sleepers aren’t as likely to sink in to a softer mattress as much as heavier folks. However, if you’re a lightweight sleeper with an eye on a firmer bed, I’d recommend selecting a mattress with thinner comfort layers. This is because these sleepers shouldn’t require the extra foundational support that a heavier sleeper might.
Sleeping position
Regardless of your weight, you’ll always want to think about your preferred sleeping position when deciding on a mattress. If someone only sleeps on their stomach, for example, they might want a firmer bed. However, if they sleep on their side, they may want something a little bit softer. With all of that being said, keep in mind that comfort is subjective, and a lot of this is going to come down to personal preference.
Construction
One of the benefits of being a lighter sleeper is that you probably don’t need more expensive materials for support such as extra-strong coils or higher-density foams found in some of the best luxury mattresses. In the end, lightweight folks could get a mattress with a much simpler construction and save some money in the process.
Summary
Here’s a summary of our best mattresses for lightweight sleepers:
Elisa is an editor at Mattress Clarity where she tests mattresses, accessories, and writes about all things sleep. A certified sleep science coach, Elisa’s tested more than 300 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories, and her sleep tips have appeared in Readers Digest, Homes and Gardens, and 21 Oak.
Elisa earned a M.A in Mass Communication from Texas State University and a B.F.A in Acting from Oklahoma City University. While earning her master’s degree, Elisa wrote an extensive case study about bed-in-a-box brands and discovered a newfound excitement for the mattress industry. With so many options available, purchasing a mattress can feel daunting. Elisa is passionate about helping people find the best bed for them.
Before joining the Mattress Clarity team, Elisa wrote about Austin’s best restaurants and attractions for Only In Your State. She is also an avid music-lover and has covered the Austin City Limits music festival for Glide magazine and Speakers In Code.
When she isn’t testing memory foam or writing about innersprings, Elisa can be heard singing nostalgic hits with her national party band, Saved By The ‘90s. She also performs with Austin-based arts collective New Manifest Theatre Company.
