- So far, our team has spent over 1,000 hours researching and testing the top mattresses on the market according to a demanding, standardized process.
- We surveyed 600 mattress owners to identify specific features that sleepers of all ages seek.
- We consult with 21 sleep experts to narrow down our recommendations for the best mattresses.
Your mental and physical health depends on consistently good sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, young adults and adults need seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Irregular sleep patterns are associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mood disorders. But if you’re not getting the right amount of sleep, how do you fix it?
Health professionals often suggest improving your sleep hygiene practices first. Evaluating your sleep environment, like making sure your bed is comfortable, is one of the recommended ways to improve your sleep quality.
When our Handbook Team surveyed 600 mattress owners, we found that more than 60 percent recently bought a new mattress to improve comfort, pain relief, and overall sleep quality. As a result, 73.7 percent reported improved sleep. This was a significant finding, so we looked into it.
From our focus group
“A mattress is something you’re going to have for years and years and years. You’re also going to be sleeping on it every single night. It can literally make or break your day and how you feel whether you sleep well or not.”
If you’re looking to better your sleep with a new mattress, the Handbook Team wants you to make an informed decision and choose what’s truly best for you. We did our research, consulted sleep experts, tested mattresses, and developed a list of the best options to consider.
Best mattress overall
The Helix Midnight mattress is the best mattress overall because of its medium firmness and ideal balance between pressure relief and support. It’s also relatively affordable compared to top contenders, like Saatva and WinkBeds.
Our pick of the best mattresses
- Helix Midnight: Best overall
- Nectar Premier: Best mattress for side sleepers
- Saatva Classic: Best for back sleepers
- DreamCloud Original Foam: Best memory foam mattress
- Saatva Rx: Best mattress for back pain
- WinkBed: Best hybrid mattress
- Bear Original: Best firm mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best affordable mattress
What you need to know about the best mattresses
- The best overall mattress is the Helix Midnight.
- Most brands run regular promotions that drop prices by a few hundred dollars.
- Many brands offer a trial period of 120 nights or more, so you can try your mattress at home for a few months to see if it’s right.
- Your sleep position helps determine the firmness, support, and pressure relief you need to sleep comfortably.
- Always consult your doctor before purchasing a new mattress to address a medical condition, like lower back pain.
| Price range | $936–$1,748.80 | $1,349–$2,998 | $1,295–$2,790 | $839–$2,179 | $1,995–$3,795 | $1,149–$2,049 | $511–$1,099 | $665–$1,599 |
| Firmness | 6/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Back and side sleepers | Back and side sleepers | Back sleepers* | All sleepers | All sleepers | Back and side sleepers* | Stomach sleepers | All sleepers |
*Based on the specific firmness we tested.
Our testing experience
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite “sex” and “family” scores.
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress. For example, we record:
- Firmness score and whether the mattress is best for back, side, or stomach sleepers.
- Starting temperature of the mattress and how much it heats up after two testers lie on the mattress for five minutes.
- How many times a 10-pound ball bounces on the mattress after dropping from a height of 2 feet in order to arrive at a mattress bounce score.
We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process. We also interviewed real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress as well as the benefits of purchasing one.
According to our survey
According to our survey, about 80 percent of all respondents said their new mattress helps them sleep better, and 65 percent reported improved mental health.
As our testers evaluated each brand and its features, we considered why many people choose a new mattress in the first place. Of our respondents, 42 percent decided to purchase a new mattress for “improved comfort and support for better sleep,” while only 7 percent did so for “pain relief and targeted support.” The most common pain respondents wanted relieved was lower back pain.
Despite only 42 percent of respondents prioritizing comfort and support for better sleep when shopping for a new mattress, 68 percent reported they sleep longer on their new mattress and 49 percent and 45 percent, respectively, said their stress and anxiety had improved after switching to their new mattress. Almost all mattress owners we surveyed (95 percent) were at least somewhat satisfied with their new mattress. We consulted sleep experts, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain specialists to understand what mattresses offer that make an overwhelmingly positive impact.
In order to focus on the mattresses themselves, we structured our test designs to objectively rank each one based on a range of criteria. For example, we tested things like bounce, edge support (the sturdiness of your mattress edge), and cooling capabilities the same way on each mattress and compared the results. That way we can accurately compare each mattress’ score in an unbiased way while also sharing our subjective point of view as mattress testers and experts.
Lastly, we compared warranty lengths, trial periods, and white glove delivery (in-home delivery and setup) options. While most brands offer warranties, not all are comprehensive. And many brands on the market don’t have free white glove delivery. This could be a deal-breaker if you’re nervous to invest in a new mattress because you’re worried the bed won’t get set up properly or offer what you need.
From our tester
“During our research, we realized that the brand’s firmness scale and perceived firmness aren’t always the same. We decided to report how firm we thought the mattress felt so that you can gain a different perspective, but more importantly, feel confident about what you’re purchasing.”
About our testing
We acknowledge that every body is different, and what feels comfortable to one person may not feel comfortable to another. Throughout our reviews, we refer to weight categories as light (below 130 pounds), average (130 to 250 pounds), and heavy (above 250 pounds) to distinguish between body weights.
Typically, lighter sleepers perceive mattresses to feel firmer than they are, and higher-weight sleepers perceive mattresses to feel softer than they are. Keep in mind that most mattresses are designed for the average-weight person.
Why HelpGuide cares about a good night’s sleep
Quality sleep is a key part of mental health, physical health, and overall well-being. Sleep helps us reset our bodies, process our emotions, and ease daily stress. Without it, we can develop chronic mental health issues like anxiety and depression, according to research.
But there are medical conditions that can make sleep difficult. Chronic pain, acid reflux, loud snoring or sleep apnea, and insomnia are issues that can keep you up at night, tossing and turning until you find some relief.
Finding solutions for better sleep can be frustrating, but we’re here to help. The HelpGuide Handbook Team wants to empower you to make the right decision by providing the most honest information about sleep health and related products, like mattresses.
Good sleep is essential for physical and mental health because it’s our body’s chance to recharge after the physical and cognitive loads of our day. When we sleep well, we have better relationships and communication with our partners, we can think more clearly, and we’re in a better mood.
Julia Catlin, licensed psychotherapist at Calm Science in Las Vegas.
In order to recommend the best options to fit someone’s needs, we sought to better understand how sleep impacts overall health. We consulted with mental health experts, researchers, and industry leaders in sleep and ergonomics to connect the dots about what really matters in a mattress experience.
Ultimately, all of our research is directed at taking the stress out of finding the highest-quality products that can support your sleep health—and in turn, your overall mental well-being.
The best mattress reviews
Best mattress overall: Helix Midnight
Best for side sleepers: Nectar Premier Hybrid
Best for back sleepers: Saatva Classic
Best memory foam mattress: DreamCloud Memory Foam
Best mattress for back pain: Saatva Rx
Best hybrid mattress: WinkBed
Best firm mattress: Bear Original
Best affordable mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
How to choose the best mattress for you
Because sleep needs and preferences vary from person to person, choosing the right mattress should be based on individual considerations. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop.
Mattress type
Mattresses come in various constructions, including all-foam, hybrid, and innerspring. You can expect various support and firmness levels depending on the mattress type. All-foam mattresses aren’t generally as supportive as hybrid mattresses, which combine comfort layers with a coil system layer for a great balance of cushioning and support. Both types of mattresses come in a range of firmness levels. Innerspring mattresses are made with a thinner layer of softer materials over a coil system and often have a firmer, traditionally bouncy feel.
Mattress firmness
Different sleep styles benefit from specific firmness ranges. Stomach sleepers tend to do well on firmer mattresses to keep the hips elevated and prevent low back strain. Back sleepers benefit from medium to medium-firm mattresses to ensure proper spinal alignment, while side sleepers need extra cushioning around the hips and shoulders to avoid pressure point pain.
Keep in mind that body weight affects how firm a mattress feels. The heavier you are, the more you’ll sink into the comfort layers and the softer a mattress may feel. So lighter sleepers may opt for softer mattresses, while heavyweight sleepers may feel more supported on firmer mattresses.
Special considerations
Mattress materials can offer specific benefits. Hot sleepers may consider hybrid or innerspring mattresses, which promote airflow better than most all-foam counterparts. Those seeking joint or pressure point relief may want a memory foam or latex mattress that offers better cushioning. Couples who are easily disturbed should opt for a mattress with great motion isolation to minimize night-time wake-ups when their partner moves.
Mattress size
Generally, more space is better, especially if you share your bed with a partner or a pet. But it’s also important to factor for bedroom size when you consider the most appropriate mattress size. Budget is also a consideration. The bigger a mattress is, the more expensive it is, and the more you’ll spend on bedding and linens as well.
Trial period
The best way to decide if a mattress suits your needs is to sleep on it, so it’s helpful to find a mattress with a reasonable sleep trial. Many mattress companies offer sleep trials between 100 and 365 days, which should give you plenty of time to test it out. Make sure you check the fine print on the return policy before you buy a mattress in the event you choose to return it.
FAQs
The best mattress for you depends on your primary sleep position. Back, side, stomach, and combination sleepers need different levels of support and pressure relief from their mattress. Even so, some people prefer their mattress on the softer or firmer side.
Mattresses last seven to 15 years, but this depends on the quality of the material. It also depends on the level of wear and tear it experiences.
According to the Handbook Team’s research, the best mattress for side sleepers is the Nectar Premium Hybrid because it offers good pressure relief at the shoulder and hip while supporting the spine in a neutral position.
According to the Handbook Team’s research, the best mattress for back pain is the Saatva Rx. We like how it’s forgiving yet responsive, making it a great option for people who need relief during sleep and could use a boost during bed mobility.
The best time to buy a new mattress is when it’s no longer serving you. A worn-down mattress will lose its original support and pressure relief, which can become uncomfortable and lead to a bad night’s sleep. If you’re looking for a deal, keep your eye out for promotions and sales around different holidays.
Many people spend between $500–$1,000, according to the Handbook Team’s survey. But there is also demand for more luxurious mattress models that cost $2,000 and up. Depending on your priorities when shopping, you may need to stick to your budget or splurge on a high-end mattress that fits your specific needs.
The most common mattress sizes are twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. Split king mattresses are common among people who purchase split king adjustable beds. These beds consist of two twin XL mattresses placed side by side on two adjustable platforms that can elevate the legs and head.
- Bolton, R., Hulshof, H., Daanen, H. A., & van Dieën, J. H. (2022). Effects of mattress support on sleeping position and low-back pain. Sleep Science and Practice, 6(1), 3. Link
- Caggiari, G., Talesa, G. R., Toro, G., Jannelli, E., Monteleone, G., & Puddu, L. (2021). What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology: Official Journal of the Italian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 22(1), 51. Link
- Haack, M., Simpson, N., Sethna, N., Kaur, S., & Mullington, J. (2020). Sleep deficiency and chronic pain: Potential underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. Neuropsychopharmacology, 45(1), 205-216. Link
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- Sletten, T. L., Weaver, M. D., Foster, R. G., Gozal, D., Klerman, E. B., Rajaratnam, S. M., Roenneberg, T., Takahashi, J. S., Turek, F. W., Vitiello, M. V., Young, M. W., & Czeisler, C. A. (2023). The importance of sleep regularity: A consensus statement of the National Sleep Foundation sleep timing and variability panel. Sleep Health, 9(6), 801-820. Link