Best Mattresses 2023 – Top Brands Reviewed

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In 2023, customers can choose from thousands of options in search of the best mattress. It’s difficult to narrow them down, and there’s no single best option for everyone. To assist any overwhelmed shoppers out there, we’ve put together a list of our top picks. There’s something here for everyone, from soft memory foam to supportive luxury innerspring mattresses. Check out our roundup of the best mattresses below:

Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress in 2023?

After reviewing more than 150 mattresses, our expert reviewers chose the DreamCloud Premier as the best mattress. This luxurious bed offers sleepers sturdy support and soft, pillowy cushioning for a reasonable price.

Best Mattresses of 2023

Best Mattresses of 2023: Video Roundup

Compare The Best Mattresses of 2023

DreamCloud Original Mattress Saatva Mattress Helix Midnight Mattress Emma CliMax Hybrid WinkBed Mattress Nolah Original 10 Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Nectar Mattress Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
DreamCloud Original Mattress Saatva Mattress Helix Midnight Mattress Emma CliMax Hybrid WinkBed Mattress Nolah Original 10" Mattress Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Nectar Mattress Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
Rating
Firmness Firm: 7.5/10 Multiple firmness options Medium-firm: 7/10 Firm: 7.5/10 Multiple firmness options Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Multiple firmness options Multiple firmness options Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Material Hybrid Innerspring Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Foam Hybrid Hybrid Foam Hybrid
Cooling -- -- -- -- -- --
Sleep Position Back Back & Stomach Back & Side Back & Stomach Combination Back & Side Back & Side Back Back & Side Back & Side

How We Chose Our Top Mattress List

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 150 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.

For example, we test a mattress’s motion isolation by placing a glass of water on it and pressing on the layers around it. If the water moves a lot, the mattress has poor motion isolation. Edge support is tested to see how much a bed collapses and look at a pressure map of the mattress to understand where there’s built-up pressure while laying on it.

Latex mattress testing in our studio
Hands-on mattress testing in our sleep lab

When choosing the Best Mattresses of 2023, we’re looking for the cream of the crop, which is why every product on this list has an overall score of at least a 3.5 out of 5, with most of the beds scoring a 4 or above.

Best Overall

Best Overall

DreamCloud Original Mattress

The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.

Clarity Score 4.0/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Best Overall

DreamCloud Original Mattress

The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.

Clarity Score 4.0/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

365 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Best Overall

DreamCloud Original Mattress

The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.

Clarity Score 4.0/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5

DreamCloud’s Overall Performance

The DreamCloud is an affordable luxury hybrid mattress, which means that it’s made with durable materials and feels similar to the type of bed you’d sleep on in a high-end hotel (at a fraction of the price, of course). It’s a sleeping surface with unmatched support, thus making it one of the best mattresses out there.

What the testers say:The DreamCloud mattress is an affordable mattress that features high-quality materials such as a cashmere-blend cover, gel-infused memory foam, and individually-wrapped coils. This medium-firm hybrid mattress offers a nice balance of comfort, support, and bounce for sleepers.– Marten, Lead Reviewer

Why It Stands Out

  • It’s firm and supportive enough to help back sleepers maintain spinal alignment, but it’s plush enough to cradle most side sleepers’ pressure points at the hips and shoulders.
  • This bed was designed with gel-infused foams and airflow-promoting coils to give sleepers a cool night’s rest. And the cover is a soft and breathable cashmere blend, which also assists with cooling.
  • DreamCloud offers other models such as the DreamCloud Premier Rest.

Materials Used 

The support comes from a thick layer of individually wrapped coils, which create an extra-strong foundation. There are also two layers of thicker foam to prevent folks from sinking through the comfort layer and throwing their spine out of alignment. But there’s plenty of contouring in the bed, too. From the bottom up, you’ll experience a soft cashmere cover, followed by a thick layer of pressure-relieving memory foam. 

Finally, the DreamCloud is an extra-tall mattress, standing at 14″. This helps create even more support that can handle extra weight.

Read our full DreamCloud mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the DreamCloud mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for more great options!

Best Cooling Mattress

Best Cooling Mattress

Saatva Mattress

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Innerspring

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.9/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Cooling Mattress

Saatva Mattress

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Innerspring

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

Trial Period

365 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.9/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Cooling Mattress

Saatva Mattress

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Innerspring

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.9/5
Watch Our Video Review

Saatva’s Overall Performance

If you sleep hot at night, you want to find a mattress with great cooling features. Innerspring mattresses are often great with cooling due to their coiled construction, which allows a lot of air to flow the mattress.

Even by innerspring standards, the Saatva Classic has some truly impressive cooling features. Its organic cotton cover makes the top of the mattress breathable, keeping the pillow-top from trapping too much heat. It has also has not one but two sets of coils, permitting twice the amount of air to flow through the mattress.

Cooling is an important consideration if you sleep hot or share the bed with someone else, whether it be a partner, pet, or child. If this sounds like you, then the Saatva could be the mattress you’re looking for.

What the testers say: “The Saatva has two layers of coils, which allows air to flow easily through the mattress, and it has a breathable organic cotton cover to boot. When I tested this bed, I didn’t feel myself overheat at any point. I’m confident that hot sleepers can get a cool night of sleep on this bed.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

Why It Stands Out

  • The Saatva has zoned support, meaning that it’s softer in certain spots on the mattress and firmer in others.
  • The zoned support makes it a great mattress for combination sleepers who need to easily switch positions while they sleep. It also allows the bed to target specific areas of pain and discomfort.
  • Considering its materials, construction, and performance, the Saatva is a high-quality, luxury mattress that is sold for a value price.

Materials Used 

The two sets of coils give the Saatva a lot of durability. Its pillow-top and soft cover create a plush comfort layer, and its layer of memory foam adds pressure relief. While the bed definitely has a more “on top of” feel, this versatile model comes in three firmnesses: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. You can also choose between heights of 11.5” and 14.5”.

An added bonus of the Saatva’s extremely durable materials is that it has exceptional edge support. That means you can sit or lie near the edge of the bed and not feel like it’s collapsing under you. This adds a sense of security while you sleep.

Read our full Saatva mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Saatva mattress, check out our list of the best cooling mattresses for more great options!

Best Hybrid Mattress

Best Hybrid Mattress

Helix Midnight Mattress

The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.1/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Hybrid Mattress

Helix Midnight Mattress

The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.1/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

100 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Hybrid Mattress

Helix Midnight Mattress

The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.1/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review

Helix Midnight’s Overall Performance

The Helix brand strives to simplify the process of buying a mattress. They invite each customer to participate in a sleep quiz on their website and will customize a hybrid mattress to meet their needs. These mattresses range from soft models all the way up to the Helix Plus, a mattress designed specifically for larger people.

When it comes to a best overall hybrid mattress, our favorite is the Helix Midnight. There’s a reason it’s Helix’s most popular model: it has a medium firmness and boasts a balance of comfort and support that suits multiple sleeping positions. We think it’s an especially comfortable bed for side sleepers, back sleepers, and combination sleepers who switch positions at night.

What the testers say: “During my testing, I switched between all three sleeping positions. In each one, I found that the Memory Plus foam conformed to my body nicely, while the springs kept me comfortably supported.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

Why It Stands Out

  • People who sleep hot can add Helix’s Ultra Cool Cover to their order, which should help keep the temperature low at the top of the bed.
  • Helix’s Luxe models offer premium upgrades for their mattresses. Customers can add extra bells and whistles such as advanced sleep technology and a tufted pillow-top.
  • The Helix mattresses are some of the best mattresses for couples. So if the Helix Midnight doesn’t work for you, each partner can take their own sleep quiz, and Helix will customize their respective side of the mattress based on their answers.

Materials Used 

Helix mattresses often use different combinations of foam and coils, making them hybrid mattresses. The amount of foam used in each model varies, resulting in different feels and firmnesses. For example, the medium-firm Midnight starts with plush foam layers and transitions to durable coils toward the bottom of the bed. This results in a bouncy, responsive feel that has a universality for many different kinds of sleepers.

Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Helix Midnight mattress, check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses for more great options!

Best Mattress for Heavy People

Best for Heavy People

Emma CliMax Hybrid

The Emma CliMax is a supportive, high-quality option for heavier people and couples.

Clarity Score 4.5/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.9/5
Best for Heavy People

Emma CliMax Hybrid

The Emma CliMax is a supportive, high-quality option for heavier people and couples.

Clarity Score 4.5/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

365 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.9/5
Best for Heavy People

Emma CliMax Hybrid

The Emma CliMax is a supportive, high-quality option for heavier people and couples.

Clarity Score 4.5/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.9/5

Emma CliMax’s Overall Performance

For heavier sleepers over 230 lbs, there are certain criteria that a mattress needs to meet so that you can sleep comfortably and feel supported. Most heavier sleepers will need a mattress that’s firmer than average, and if you’re a stomach sleeper, you’ll want something even firmer so that your hips can be supported and your spine can be aligned properly while you sleep.

If you’re a heavy sleeper, the Emma CliMax will probably be a great fit for you. It’s one of the firmer mattresses on the market, and it’s a hybrid model, so it’s built with responsive foams in the comfort layer and supportive coils in the support layers and is topped with a pillow-top layer.

The Emma CliMax will likely feel like a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale for heavy sleepers, but if you’re a lighter person trying out the CliMax, you may rank this mattress at closer to an 8/10. Because it’s so firm, it’s an ideal mattress for back and stomach sleepers.

What the testers say: “The Emma CliMax is an extremely supportive mattress, especially for back sleeping. The coils and the dense foams help hold my body up really nicely and made me feel supported. My hips weren’t able to sink in too much, but heavier sleepers likely won’t have this same issue” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

Why It Stands Out

  • The Emma CliMax includes an UltraDry® Pillow Top Cover, which helps with moisture-wicking and breathability.
  • Stomach sleepers should enjoy the flat sleeping surface and the responsiveness the memory foam and coils have to offer.
  • There’s a lot of cooling technology in this mattress, from the UltraDry cover and AIRGOCELL® foam to the breathable and sturdy coils.

Materials Used

Since it’s a hybrid mattress, the Emma CliMax is built with coils and is also built with multiple layers of foam. The coils have five zones, and they’re specially designed to support heavier weight. They’ll also help the mattress feel more durable, and in combination with some of the other cooling features, the coils can help promote airflow and keep hot sleepers cool throughout the night. The coils are wrapped with thick layers of foam, which helps with edge support and makes this mattress durable and less prone to sagging.

In the foam comfort layers, the first layer of proprietary AIRGOCELL® Comfort Layer foam is designed to be responsive and cooling, while the CliMax® Transition Layer is zoned and has over 100 points of targeted support for heavier sleepers.

Read our full Emma CliMax mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Emma CliMax mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for heavy people for more great options.

Best Firm Mattress

Best Firm Mattress

WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Firm Mattress

WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Firm Mattress

WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review

WinkBeds’ Overall Performance

Those who have enjoyed their time on a high-end hotel mattress should set their sights on the WinkBed, a hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel. There are four firmness options: Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm, and Plus, all of which are luxury mattresses with supportive coils and comfortable pillow-tops. Every version but the Soft ranked above a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale, so there are many different firmer mattress feels to choose from.

Note: In writing about the WinkBed, we reviewed the Luxury Firm model, so that’s what we’re basing our observations off of.

What the testers say: “I tested the Luxury Firm version of the WinkBed, and I could feel some really strong support, which was particularly nice while back sleeping. I think those looking for a firm bed to keep their spine aligned will enjoy this sturdy bed.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

Why It Stands Out

  • The Luxury Firm is the line’s most popular model, and also my personal favorite. It should be supportive enough for sleepers of many sizes and comfortable for all three sleeping positions.
  • Back-sleeping and stomach-sleeping on the Luxury Firm, most folks should feel well-supported by the micro-coils and pocketed coils. Side-sleeping, the majority of people should feel little pressure on their shoulders and hips.
  • The WinkBed shouldn’t sleep too hot because the coils allow for so much air to pass through the mattress.

Materials Used 

In all versions of the original WinkBed, there is a breathable Tencel cover, a soft Euro-top, gel-infused foam, and individually wrapped coils. The coils in this mattress contribute to its firmer feel, and are also zoned, which means that they are firmer and more supportive in certain places and softer in others. This helps gives the mattress a dynamic feel that creates both support and contouring in the places you’ll need it most.

Read our full WinkBeds mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the WinkBeds mattress, check out our list of the best firm mattresses for more great options!

Best Bed-in-a-Box

Best Bed-in-a-Box

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.

Clarity Score 4.2/5

Material

Foam

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Best Bed-in-a-Box

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.

Clarity Score 4.2/5

Material

Foam

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Best Bed-in-a-Box

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.

Clarity Score 4.2/5

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5

Nolah Overall Performance

Did you know that a great mattress can also come in a box? Well, that’s what you get with the Nolah mattress. When you get your bed-in-a-box Nolah mattress, you can set it up easily with the help of a friend. And, after a few days of expanding and initial off-gassing, your new all-foam mattress will be ready to provide all the comfort and support that you need.

What the testers say: “The Nolah mattress has a really balanced foam feel. The brand’s Airfoam is really plush and pressure-relieving, and when laying on it I could feel my body sink into, but not so much that it was difficult to move around on.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

Why It Stands Out

  • The Nolah mattress offers a balance of comfort and support for back sleepers and combination sleepers.
  • Side sleepers will get great pressure relief from the Nolah mattress.
  • It is a great mattress for hip pain.
  • It is one of the best mattresses for back pain.

Materials Used

The Nolah mattresses are known for their quality online mattresses at a fraction of the price of in-store mattresses, and the Nolah Original mattress does not disappoint. It features a proprietary memory foam called Airfoam in its top layer that is more breathable and responsive than other foams and doesn’t contain viscoelastic chemicals usually found in memory foam, which can cause overheating. 

Below that, the Deep Supportive High-Resilience Foam provides bounciness and responsiveness to the mattress to help prevent you from sinking in too far. Finally, there is a layer of high-density breathable base foam that provides the main support in the Nolah Original mattress. 

On top of all of these layers, there’s the eco-friendly Botanic Origin Tencel cover. 

Read our full Nolah mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Nectar Hybrid mattress, check out our list of the best bed-in-a-box mattresses for more great options! 

Best Soft Mattress

Best Soft Mattress

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

With a zoned support system, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a great fit for those with back pain.

Clarity Score 4.5/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Best Soft Mattress

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

With a zoned support system, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a great fit for those with back pain.

Clarity Score 4.5/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Best Soft Mattress

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

With a zoned support system, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a great fit for those with back pain.

Clarity Score 4.5/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5

Bear Elite Hybrid’s Overall Performance

When some think of soft mattresses, they think of memory foam. After all, it has great contouring properties. However, we’d love to argue that hybrid mattresses make some of the best softer beds out there because they contain pressure-relieving foam and sturdy coils at the base. These springs provide an extra element of support and promote healthy spinal alignment.

If you need a great soft mattress, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress should be at the top of your list. Its Soft model has two different layers of foam; one is pressure-relieving, and the other helps ease you into the support layer. You should feel the soft foam pressing into your gaps, while the coils keep your body elevated.

The Bear Elite Hybrid does come in two other firmnesses, Medium and Firm, which will provide more support for back and stomach sleepers. We recommend the Soft for side sleepers.

What the testers say: “I felt very comfortable while back and side sleeping on the Bear Elite Hybrid. It has a zoned support system, which means it feels firmer toward the center and softer near the head and foot. This helps back and side sleepers maintain the correct spinal alignment throughout the night, so it’s a great choice for folks who tend to switch sleeping positions.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

Why It Stands Out

  • The Bear Elite Hybrid includes Celliant fibers, which purportedly help with blood flow and muscle recovery.
  • Side sleepers should enjoy the excellent pressure relief the memory foam and plush top have to offer.
  • There’s a lot of cooling technology in this mattress, from the Celliant cover and the copper-infused foam to the breathable and sturdy coils.

Materials Used

With its hybrid design, the Bear Elite Hybrid features both coils and multiple layers of foam. The coils are individually-wrapped and provide sleepers with a great amount of support. They will also add some durability to the mattress and help promote airflow through the bottom part of the mattress. Hot sleepers take note!

Speaking of cooling, the top layers are also designed to prevent the mattress from trapping heat. The Bear Elite Hybrid’s hand-quilted cover features Celliant fiber that helps with heat dissipation. The top layer of copper-infused memory foam promises great pressure relief while also keeping you cool at night.

The memory foam rests on zoned comfort foam. This prevents bottoming out and maintains the Bear Elite Hybrid’s balance of comfort and support.

Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress, check out our list of the best soft mattresses for more great options!

Best Affordable Mattress

Best Affordable Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding has amazing products that are sold at very affordable prices. This mattress is extremely high-quality and a great option for combination sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.0/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Best Affordable Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding has amazing products that are sold at very affordable prices. This mattress is extremely high-quality and a great option for combination sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.0/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Best Affordable Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding has amazing products that are sold at very affordable prices. This mattress is extremely high-quality and a great option for combination sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.0/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5

Signature Hybrid’s Overall Performance

Brooklyn Bedding is notable for offering some of the best value mattresses on the market. Since the company owns their own factory (a rarity in the mattress field), it’s able to cut out the middleman while making quality beds, then pass on those savings to customers. Although the Signature Hybrid model has a simple construction, it’s an exceptionally well-rounded mattress suitable for many different kinds of sleepers. It’s soft to the touch, yet has an innerspring feel.

It’s worth noting that this hybrid mattress comes in three firmnesses: Soft, Medium, and Firm. This means you can choose the feel that’s best for your sleeping position, body type, and personal preferences. All of the models are 12” tall and include a combination of foam and coils.

What the testers say: “This mattress offers one of the best values I’ve seen on the market. Though it has a relatively simple construction, it offers a balanced feel that will appeal to a majority of sleepers. If you’re looking for a no-frills mattress that will last you at least seven years, I’d say the Signature is a safe bet.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

Why It Stands Out

  • Back sleepers and those who need a good balance of comfort and support should love the Medium model. It should allow the hips to sink in just the right amount.
  • The comfort layer is gel-infused to help it sleep cool.
  • It’s a responsive mattress ideal for combination sleepers.

Materials Used 

Right off the bat, sleepers will experience a soft cover quilted with foam to give it a little bit of cushioning. The quilting also gives the bed the appearance of a plush pillow-top. Next comes a 2″ layer of TitanFlex foam — a proprietary material that’s bouncy and responsive. The materials then get firmer as you get closer to the bottom of the bed, starting with 2″ of high-density Energex foam and ending with a final 6″ layer of individually wrapped Ascension coils.

Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Brooklyn Bedding mattress, check out our list of the best cheap mattresses for more great options!

Best Mattress for Couples

Best Mattress for Couples

Nectar Mattress

Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Foam

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Mattress for Couples

Nectar Mattress

Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Foam

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

365 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Mattress for Couples

Nectar Mattress

Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

Nectar’s Overall Performance

If you’re on the hunt for the best mattress for couples, you can’t go wrong with a Nectar mattress. They now offer numerous high-quality models, but it all began with the Nectar Classic mattress. If you and your partner love lying down on your mattress and slowly sinking in, this could be the bed for you!

What the testers say: “While testing the Nectar, I laid down on one side of the bed while my colleague moved around on the other side. I did not feel his movements on my side, which means couples can sleep soundly on this bed.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

Why It Stands Out

  • The soft foam is great at isolating motion, so partners shouldn’t feel each other moving around at night.
  • It is an affordable option and one of the best mattresses for the money.
  • Nectar has a generous 365-night trial and lifetime warranty.

Materials Used 

The Nectar features multiple layers of soft foam that should provide lots of comfort to side sleepers, as well as light- to average-weight back sleepers. A breathable polyethylene cover and gel-infused foam work to promote cooling, which should help combat the extra body heat that comes with two sleepers in one bed. The high-density foam at the bottom of the mattress provides support for couples.

All of these materials work together to create a medium firmness. To give you some context, we measure mattress firmness on a scale of 1 to 10. The Nectar scored a 6.5, meaning that it’s somewhere in the middle — not too firm and not too soft.

Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Nectar mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for couples for more great options!

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress

The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a luxurious mattress that provides great pressure relief, especially for side sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.0/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

101 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
5.0/5
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress

The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a luxurious mattress that provides great pressure relief, especially for side sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.0/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

101 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
5.0/5
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress

The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a luxurious mattress that provides great pressure relief, especially for side sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.0/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

101 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
5.0/5

Puffy Lux Hybrid’s Overall Performance

Side sleepers need a mattress that cradles pressure points around the hips and shoulders. With that in mind, they should try the Puffy Lux Hybrid.

As a brand, Puffy initially set out to mattresses that feel like “sleeping on a cloud” — a sentiment that should appeal to side sleepers everywhere, as they tend to need a softer and more contouring bed. Even though there are coils in the Puffy Lux Hybrid, its comfort layers should provide an exceptional amount of pressure relief for sensitive areas. It’s a balanced construction, and one that should give comfort to side sleepers of all body types. Overall, this is a medium-firm mattress with a softer, slow-moving feel.

What the testers say: “While side sleeping on the Puffy Lux Hybrid, I noticed the layers of Cloud foam contour around me, which relieved pressure on my shoulders and hips. I can see this bed being a great choice for side sleepers with joint pain — they’ll get a lot of relief from this bed’s unique foam.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

Why It Stands Out

  • Its cover has a luxury feel and is hypoallergenic.
  • Couples might like the Puffy Lux Hybrid because it’s good at isolating motion.
  • Back sleepers who enjoy a softer feel should also feel comfortable on this mattress.

Materials Used 

In total, the Puffy Lux Hybrid has three plush comfort layers. First, there’s a layer of Cooling Cloud foam that has an infusion of gel to help dissipate heat. Next up is a layer of transitional Dual Cloud foam that has a little bit of pressure relief and a little bit of support. The third layer is made of Climate Comfort Foam, and is designed to wick away humidity and moisture.

At the bottom, you’ll find a support layer of Contour-Adapt coils. While the foam layers allow you to sink in, the support of these springs still lets you move around comfortably. They also contribute to the mattress’ edge support, meaning you can sit or sleep near the edge of the bed without feel like you’re going to fall off.

Read our full Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Puffy Lux mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers for more great options!

Jump To

Still Not Sure? | Factor We Consider | Why Trust Us? | How to Find the Best Mattress

Still Not Sure Which Mattress to Buy?

If people really don’t know what they want, they should take a hard look at Helix, because the company offers fully customized mattresses. All consumers have to do is fill out a series of questions. The folks at Helix will then make a customized mattress based on the customer’s answers. If someone sleeps with a partner with different sleeping preferences, they can implement different firmnesses and feels on each side of the bed.

DreamCloud Mattress - Motion Transfer
Testing for motion isolation in the sleep testing lab

Factors We Consider

  • best purchasing valueValue: There are multiple ways to assess the value of a mattress. If the company spends a lot on marketing, the product can be priced higher than it’s worth. Also, a product will have poor value without the incorporation of high-quality materials.
  • Feel:  Feel is always subjective. Some people love memory foam while others can’t stand it. Rather than saying one type of feel is better than another, we assess the feel and describe it in detail. Then, we try to help mattress shoppers make a decision based on their needs and preferences.
  • Firmness: Firmness is also a subjective measure. One person might think a mattress is firmer than average, while someone else might think the same exact mattress is softer than average.
  • mattress motion isolation transferMotion Isolation:  If someone sleeps with a partner, then motion isolation should be a consideration. If someone’s partner shifts around in bed, will they feel the movement? Some mattresses are great at isolating motion, while others are not.
  • Company Reputation: All companies should treat their customers well. We recommend reviewing a company’s trial period, return policy, and customer service quality. We’ve seen some companies fail to honor their return policy or make it difficult to return their product. We want to help customers avoid brands like that, so we try to ensure everyone buys a product from a company they can trust.
  • matching company's claimsMatching Marketing Claims To Reality: Mattress companies are known for making big claims about their products. In some cases, the claims are true, and in others they’re exaggerations. We try to assess how accurate these claims are.
  • Quality Of The Materials: There are some objective factors one can assess about a mattress’s material quality. Durability, for example, is directly affected by the density of the foams used in the mattress.  That’s why we conduct a full analysis of each material used in every mattress.
  • Sleeping Hot: This is a huge factor for a lot of people. We take extra time to assess this aspect of the mattress and give extra points to companies that manufacture beds with cooling in mind.
  • Transparency: In some cases, we understand why a company may avoid the entire history of its products, but we do favor companies who are 100% transparent. Providing all the details of the mattress gives consumers confidence in their purchasing decisions.
  • Return Rate: No company publicly discloses their return rate. We do privately prod companies so they provide this statistic. Having a low return rate is a great way to know that customers are loving the product.
  • Mattress Size: You want to make sure the company offers the right mattress sizes to fit your bed and bedroom. We suggest reading our mattress size guide to find out which is right for you. If you’re a fan of King mattresses, make sure to check our best king-size mattresses roundup.

How to Find the Right Mattress for You

We know it can be overwhelming to find the perfect mattress, so we’ve broken down some of the top factors to consider when shopping for a new mattress. Keep reading to find additional guidance on selecting the best mattress for your sleeping position, budget, firmness preference, and more!

Mattress Type | Sleeping Position | Firmness | Budget | Finding the Best Mattress Company

Mattress Types

There are several different types of mattresses out there. Some appeal to a wider range of sleepers than others do, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for.

Different Mattress Types

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are the most traditional mattress type and are still popular, although many bed-in-a-box companies don’t offer them. These beds are built with a coil construction, making them firmer and bouncier. Because they’re so responsive to movement, innerspring mattresses are great for combination sleepers who switch sleeping positions. These beds are also ideal for shoppers on a budget.

While it’s rare to find a true innerspring mattress, many hybrid beds (such as Saatva and the WinkBed) heavily feature coils in their construction. In this case, they might be described as a hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel.

See our list of the best innerspring mattresses.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are popular with bed-in-a-box companies. There are many benefits to the material, including its soothing, pressure-relieving comfort, motion isolation, and wide pricing range. Many people believe memory foam mattresses will make you sleep hot, but newer models have innovated aerated foams for better airflow. Some come with gel or copper infusions to keep you cool.

See our list of the best memory foam mattresses.

Mattress testing the Helix in he studio
Marten tests the Nectar memory foam mattress in our studio

Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses are similar to memory foam mattresses, except they’re bouncier, more sustainable, and more expensive. These beds offer great pressure relief and have natural cooling properties. Latex beds suit eco-friendly shoppers, people who sleep with pain, and those looking for a luxurious mattress.

See our list of the best latex mattresses.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses use a combination of any of the materials listed above, including coils, foam, and latex. Often, these mattresses offer the best of both (or several!) worlds, making for a comfortable, supportive, and more cooling bed. Hybrid mattresses are a good fit for most types of sleepers, seeing as the materials and construction have such a wide range of possibilities.

See our list of the best hybrid mattresses.

Airbeds

Not to be confused with air mattresses, airbeds are luxurious mattresses built with air chambers that you can manually adjust. You can change the firmness of the bed for your comfort. Airbeds are great for couples with different preferences, seniors, or anyone looking for a luxurious sleep experience.

One of our favorite airbeds we’ve tested is the Saatva Solaire. Check out our full Saatva Solaire mattress review to learn more.

Factor in Your Sleeping Position

Knowing your primary sleeping position can come in handy when looking for a mattress. We’ll highlight what you should know about each sleeping position, including what to look for and watch out for in a mattress.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers put a lot of pressure on their shoulders, hips, and knees while they sleep. It’s important for them to have a pressure-relieving mattress that evenly distributes body weight. Memory foam mattresses are a good choice for side sleepers.

Side sleepers generally want a mattress on the softer end of the spectrum, as a soft bed is more likely to relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips. At the same time, they don’t want something too soft, as this might not keep their spine neutrally aligned.

See our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

A man sleeps on his side on the Big Fig mattress
Our Lead Reviewer Marten side sleeps while testing a bed

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers put a lot of pressure on their lower back, especially if they sleep with a thicker pillow. These folks do best on a firmer mattress that prevents excessive sinkage and lifts the hips for proper spinal alignment.

See our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need a mattress that balances comfort and support. Generally, this means a medium-firm bed with a thin comfort layer on top.

See our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers.

Combination Sleepers

If you switch positions during the night, you’re a combination sleeper. You should find a bed responsive to your body movements and pay attention to the bed’s motion isolation. This is important if you don’t want to disturb your partner with your movements.

See our list of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Mattress Firmness Considerations

We recommend that shoppers stay away from a mattress that is super-soft or super-firm. The mattress firmness scale is measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the most firm. Most sleepers will be comfortable and supported on a medium to medium-firm mattress around a 5–8 on the scale.

mattress firmness options on a scale of 1 to 10

Another factor is body weight. Heavy people need a firmer mattress since they apply more pressure to the surface. Depending on your sleeping position, you may want to look for a mattress with a high-density comfort layer on top.

See some our guides to help you explore which mattress firmness level is best for you and see our top picks in those categories:

Budget

Shopping within your price range can be another way to narrow down your mattress options. Avoid mattresses at the absolute lowest and highest ends of the spectrum. The cheapest mattresses (around $100–$200) will give you what you pay for (not much) and the most expensive mattresses can reach a point of diminishing returns.

See our lists of the best mattresses for your budget: 

Finding the Best Mattress Company

While the Internet is one of the best places to buy a mattress, it isn’t always clear which companies are the best. Some shoppers may want to start their search by narrowing down the best companies.

First off, read our piece on how to buy a mattress online. Also, here are a few factors you can look out for to distinguish between what makes one mattress company better than another.

  • Trial Period and Return Policy: Finding a mattress company with a generous trial period and return policy is important, especially when you’re shopping online without actually getting to see the bed. Most companies should offer at least a 100-day, risk-free trial period with free returns.
  • Warranty: Warranties cover manufacturing defects and are a standard part of a mattress purchase. The most popular terms we’ve seen are 10-year, 20-year, and lifetime limited warranties. Anything less than a 5-year mattress warranty is something to be skeptical of.
  • Shipping and Delivery: Free shipping and delivery is standard for a mattress company, though some may charge a small fee. Some of the best mattress companies also offer free white glove delivery, meaning they will set the mattress up for you for no extra cost.
  • Pricing:  Make sure you’re shopping from a company with decently priced mattresses. Look for comparable models from different brands to see if you’re being charged fairly for the materials included in the mattress.

Summary

Below is a summary of our top picks for the best mattresses of 2023. And if you want more tailored recommendations, be sure to check out our mattress quiz!

MattressBest For
DreamCloudBest Overall
SaatvaBest Cooling Mattress
Helix MidnightBest Hybrid Mattress
Emma CliMaxBest Mattress for Heavy People
WinkBedsBest Firm Mattress
NolahBest Bed-in-a-Box
Bear Elite HybridBest Soft Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature HybridBest Affordable Mattress
NectarBest Mattress for Couples
Puffy Lux Hybrid Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Best Mattress FAQs

What’s the most comfortable mattress?

Comfort is extremely subjective, but the Nectar is one of the most comfortable mattresses I have reviewed. It’s a softer-than-average bed that lets sleepers sink in. Those looking for a very comfortable mattress should also consider the Saatva.

What’s the best type of mattress?

This really depends on someone’s sleeping preferences. Someone who likes to sink into their mattress and desires good pressure relief should consider a memory foam mattress. Those who need more support and like a more traditional feel should like an innerspring mattress, and people who want to steer clear of chemicals will appreciate a latex mattress.

What’s the best time to buy a mattress?

People who struggle with back pain are going to want to find a mattress that is a bit firmer-than-average. The mattress should not be too soft and should also provide solid lumbar support. The Saatva mattress is supportive and also features a memory foam layer that provides extra lumbar support. The Bear Hybrid has supportive coils and pressure-reliving foam that can help alleviate back pain and keep the spine in alignment.

What’s the best mattress for side sleepers?

Side sleepers should be looking for a softer mattress that can relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips. The Puffy Lux Hybrid, for example, relieves pressure quite well and should be an exceptional option for light- and medium-weight side sleepers.

What are the best mattresses for the money?

When looking for a value mattress, customers want to consider durability and affordability. Make sure the mattress will stand up to many years of use without breaking the bank. In general, the Brooklyn Bedding mattresses are some of the best for the money. Brooklyn Bedding owns their own factory, so they are able to pass these savings on to the customers. They have numerous options such as the SignatureBowery, and Aurora.

 

Marten Carlson

Marten Carlson

Marten is the Lead Reviewer at Mattress Clarity. He is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and covers the mattress industry as well as sleep science news. He is specifically interested in the connection between sleep and overall health. Marten has written for media publications like Consequence of Sound and received a master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University. He comes from Franklin, Indiana, and spends all the time he can writing, directing, and acting in films.