Nolah and Layla are two popular mattress companies that have carved out a nice niche in the industry. Nolah has a unique, proprietary foam that relieves pressure very well. Layla has an innovative two-sided mattress that people seem to really like. We’ve received some emails asking us to compare the two to one another. In this article, I will go over the main similarities and differences to help you make an educated decision.
Key similarities
- Both are all-foam mattresses with about the same thickness (Nolah is 10”, Layla is 10.5”)
- Similar price range
- Both have free shipping and offer a 4 month or 120 day trial
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Key differences
- Nolah has a more responsive sleeping surface
- Nolah uses a proprietary foam that relieves pressure well but doesn’t trap heat. Layla uses copper-infused memory foam, which can aid in cooling as well.
- Nolah is temperature neutral and doesn’t heat up overnight the way memory foam can
- Layla is flippable, with a softer side and a firmer side, so you can give the mattress a second chance if the first side doesn’t work for you.
- Nolah is softer than the softer side of the Layla mattress in my opinion.
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Nolah Construction
You can get a general sense of the construction of the Nolah mattress from the picture below. Here’s a breakdown:
- The cover is made of a thin, very soft viscose, and it is breathable and allows you to engage more directly with the layers beneath it.
- 2 inches of a proprietary “AirFoam” comprise the top layer. Studies show this foam can relieve pressure better than memory foam while also being temperature neutral.
- Below the AirFoam is is a 1 inch layer of Avena foam. Avena foam is latex-like and gives the mattress good bounce and response. It is also highly durable.
- The base layer is 7 inches of 1.8 lb. density poly foam, which is a pretty standard support layer amongst all foam mattresses.
Layla Construction
Layla recently changed the construction of its mattress.
- The first comfort layer is still made up of 3 inches of copper-infused memory foam that is very soft and relieves pressure exceptionally well.
- Below that is a new 2 inch layer of convoluted air flow foam, basically a texturized foam that is meant to allow air flow
- The base layer is now 1.5 inches thinner than it was previously. It is 4.5 inches of 2 lb density foam.
- No change to the alternative comfort layer on the other side. This is still 1 inch of copper-infused memory foam
Construction Differences/Notes
- I think the durability of the mattresses will be about equal, with Nolah potentially having an edge because of its higher-density comfort layers.
- Nolah’s foam responds faster to pressure, while Layla has more of a sinking into the mattress feeling.
- Nolah is more temperature neutral, although Layla does a good job of addressing the issue of sleeping hot with its construction. The copper may also play a role in heat reduction for the Layla.
- Because Layla is flippable, you get more options for firmness and a better chance of getting that right firmness level.
Firmness/Feel Differences
Nolah is very responsive — it has a lot of give but returns to shape after applying pressure quicker than memory foam. I think the Nolah is softer than the soft side of the Layla. The videos below give you a better idea of what to expect from each mattress.
Motion Transfer Differences
Both mattresses do a good job of isolating motion. The videos below show off exactly how well they perform, but overall both are good options for couples.
Pick Nolah If:
- You’re a side sleeper who wants a little extra softness– I believe the Nolah is softer than the Soft side of the Layla. The proprietary foam is very good at relieving pressure, making it a great option for side sleepers.
- You want a mattress that is more temperature neutral– The top layer of the Nolah is temperature neutral, so you won’t have any issues with sleeping hot.
Pick Layla If:
- You’re not sure what firmness is right for you– The two sides of the mattress give you an extra shot at getting the right firmness for you.
- You’ve Had Success With Memory Foam Before– The Layla has a classic memory foam feel. If you know you like memory foam, then you’ll be right at home with the Layla.
Overall
These are both great mattresses, so you’re in good hands either way. For more information on how Nolah and Layla stack up to other brands, make sure to check out our mattress comparisons page to see comparisons like Nolah vs Casper and Layla vs Saatva.
If you have any specific questions about these mattresses or want me to judge which would better for you, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.
Joe Auer
Joe Auer is the editor of Mattress Clarity. He mainly focuses on mattress reviews and oversees the content across the site.
He likes things simple and take a straightforward, objective approach to his reviews. Joe has personally tested nearly 250 mattresses and always recommends people do their research before buying a new bed. He has been testing mattresses for over 5 years now, so he knows a thing or two when it comes to mattress selection. He has been cited as an authority in the industry by a number of large publications.
Joe has an undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and an MBA from Columbia University.