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
- Same thickness (Nolah is 10”, Layla is 10.5”)
- Similar price range ($499-$999 for Layla, $549-$1,069 for Nolah)
- Both have free shipping
- Both 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. The infusion 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. 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. This 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
- 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
- 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.
- Because Layla is flippable, you get more options for firmness
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. If you have any specific questions or want me to judge which would better for you, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.
Joe Auer
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Hi there,
Thank you for this review.
I just bought the Purple 4.0 because in the store it felt great. However, as a side sleeper in chronic pain, this is not the bed for me as I cannot wait and keep trying to break it in as recommended by their website.
I need immediate relief. My spine is pushing into my organs, I have bone against bone, severe arthritis due to a near death auto accident, I am not able to walk or stand very well in the morning as it feels like I am being struck with a sledgehammer over and over. I desperately need a softer mattress, that sleeps cool (my German Shepherds sleep with me too) that is not so high up, that is great for side sleepers, and that will work for a Leggett and Platt electrical base that lowers, raises the mattress, massages, etc. I’m a 5’8 female and weigh about 120. Please advise. Thank you.
PS I so wish Purple would have warned me that their expensive mattress would not be good for a thin, side sleeper. Now I am sleeping on my sofa, while a $2500 bed sits there until I can find something that works. The problem with online purchases is that you really don’t know how it will feel for you until it arrives. Also so many online review videos are done by seemingly healthy males in the 20-30’s range and it would be helpful to have an adult female with similar issues as my self also be included in the reviews.
Good evening:
I am 6′-6″ 270 and I have chronic back issues. I am also a size sleeper who does a lot of sitting on the edge of the bed.
I like both the Layla and Nolan for a queen size mattress. They both are priced right.
What are your thoughts? Should I be looking at another mattress?
David you may have the best luck with a hybrid that will give you enough support. Marten suggests looking at Helix Nightfall but you’ll want something with a decent comfort layer so it’s helping remove pressure from your shoulders, hips and back while you sleep. Not sure the Layla or the Nolah will be the right fit for you.
Do either the Nolah or Layla have an advantage for lightweight sleepers? I’m 110 lbs and my husband is about 160. We both are side sleepers primarily.
Thanks for this review, and the others as well.
One does not have an advantage over the other for lightweight sleepers.
Hi,
My wife and I have tried so many mattresses over the past year it literally isn’t funny. BME, Nectar, Dreamcloud, Brentwood Coronado, Brooklyn’s new Signature mattress etc. None have fit the bill for one reason or another. We’re pretty much at our wits end. We are side sleepers 90% of the time. We live in San Diego so sleeping cool is a must. We work different schedules so motion transfer must be minimal to none. Edge support is important as we have a 6 month old that sleeps with us and I’m constantly at the edge of the bed. Durability has to be excellent. I don’t want to have to buy a new bed in a couple of years because the bed has lost it’s support.
I know this is very specific but can you please help? Looking at the Nolah or Layla but am completely open to suggestions. I’d like to keep it under $1200 for a King if possible. Hope to hear from you. I really appreciate your time.
I think the Nolah would be a great fit as long as you weigh under 200 lbs. It’s durable and won’t sleep hot.