• 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.

1
Best overall
Fair price
100-night trial period
Good balance of pressure relief and support
Price range: $936–$1,748.80

Our pick of the best mattresses

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

Our Mattress Testing Process
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers. Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab. Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness. Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position. Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage. Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading. Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences. Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score. Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation. Test motion isolation.
Test edge support. Test edge support.
Calculate composite “sex” and “family” scores. 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

of research
1000+   hours
of research
evaluated
100+   models
evaluated
interviewed
7   people
interviewed
consulted
21   experts
consulted

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 overall
Helix Midnight

The Helix Midnight is our best overall pick for its excellent support and pressure relief across different body types. The mattress’s medium firmness is comfortable for most sleep positions, and if you sleep with a partner who moves throughout the night, you’ll barely feel their movements.

Key product features

  • Rating: 9.2/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Price range: $936–$1,748.80
  • Warranty: 10 years.
  • Trial period: 100 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 6/10 (medium).
  • Height: 11.5 inches.
  • Sizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king.

Our final verdict

We love the Helix Midnight for its balanced feel, offering contouring pressure relief from its upper foam layers and reinforcing support from its lower innerspring layer. We cut open the model we tested to see the layers for ourselves (see below).

Hole cut in the side of Helix Midnight mattress

We cut a hole in the side of our Helix Midnight to see how it was constructed

Testers agreed that the medium firmness Brands rate their mattress’s firmness on a scale from one to 10, with 10 being the firmest. and hybrid A type of mattress made with foam layers and spring layers. composition are most comfortable during side and back sleeping, and this was supported by their pressure map Our team used a pressure map to determine how well the mattress dissipates force and redistributes weight. results. The Helix Midnight supported their spines’ natural curves and dissipated sharp pressure points (like the shoulder and hip). But most testers also agreed that stomach sleepers might not enjoy the soft foam layer because it allows the hips to sink into the mattress, which isn’t comfortable on the lower back.

Helix mattress in a blue room

Our testers like how Helix provides a variety of covers to choose from. The Midnight comes with a lightweight knit cover, or you can choose between its trademarked GlacioTex cover plus a pillow top for $199–$299 more. Some models have other options, like the Helix Plus (pictured above), which offers a cooling TENCEL cover.

From our tester

“I love how easy it is to move on the Helix Midnight’s surface. Its responsiveness helps me switch positions, but its motion-isolating design minimizes how much movement transfers to the other side. It’s the best of both worlds.”

The Helix Midnight was also one of the best mattresses for couples. Despite having a large layer of bouncy coils, which is an enhancement during sex, the Helix Midnight has surprisingly little motion transfer from one side to another. Its individually wrapped coils and thick foam layers keep motion isolated to one region, so you can sleep soundly if your partner tosses and turns. Our team put this to the test by placing a glass of red wine on one side of the mattress while bouncing on the other. Not only did the glass remain standing, but the wine barely sloshed. That’s an impressive result for a bouncy hybrid mattress.

Pros and cons of the Helix Midnight

Pros Fair price. Excellent pressure relief in back and side sleeping. Great spinal support. Isolates motion well. Cons No white glove delivery options. Too soft for some stomach sleepers.
Our top pick

Best for side sleepers: Nectar Premier Hybrid

Best mattress for side sleepers
Nectar Premier

The Nectar Premier is best for side sleepers who need pressure relief at the shoulder and hip. While both foam and hybrid versions of this mattress performed well in pressure relief, we recommend the hybrid version because it better supports your midsection for optimal comfort throughout the night.

Key product features

  • Rating: 9/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Price range: $1,349–$2,998
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime.
  • Trial period: 365 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 6/10 (medium).
  • Height: 13 inches.
  • Sizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king.

Our final verdict

Side sleepers should love the Nectar Premier Hybrid because it errs on the soft side, offers pressure relief at the hip and shoulder, and supports our midsection from sagging into the mattress. Nectar is pricier than others in this roundup, but it runs frequent promotions that drop prices by several hundred dollars.

 A 10-pound dumbbell on the Nectar Memory Foam mattress.

The original Nectar Memory Foam mattress relieved pressure well, allowing pressure points to sink into the mattress. You can see this demonstrated using the 10-pound dumbbell above. Although it had some reinforcement at my midsection during side sleeping, we preferred the Premier Hybrid’s supportive coils.

Although Nectar rates this mattress’s firmness as medium (6.5 out of 10), our team rated it slightly softer at six out of 10 due to its plush Euro Top This is a style of pillow top that’s sewn onto the mattress cover. It adds an extra layer of dense cushion. surface. Pressure map testing revealed that it’s one of the best mattresses for pressure relief at the hip and shoulder, and its spring layer offered enough under the ribcage and lower back to avoid a sagging spine. According to research, midsection support is one of the most important considerations as side sleepers shop for a mattress. Unfortunately, Nectar’s support system doesn’t perform well enough for sleepers who weigh 250 pounds or more. We’d recommend one of the best mattresses for heavy people, the Saatva HD, which offers targeted firmness under the midsection for reinforcement.

From our tester

“Both hybrid and foam Nectar Premier mattresses are great for side sleeping, but I didn’t like them for stomach sleepers because my hips sag into the mattress. However, the hybrid and foam versions performed surprisingly well in edge support, which isn’t always the case for softer mattresses. I didn’t feel like I’d fall off if I rolled toward the edge.”

Pros and cons of the Nectar Premier Hybrid

Pros Great pressure relief at the shoulder and hip. Supportive coils for spine alignment. One-year trial period. Limited lifetime warranty. Cons Relatively more expensive. Not good for stomach sleepers or people with higher weight. White glove delivery costs extra.

Best for back sleepers: Saatva Classic

Best for back sleepers
Saatva Classic

The Saatva Classic is great for back sleepers because of its zoned lumbar support, which provides reinforcement at the lower back for a more comfortable sleep. While the luxury firm (medium) firmness level is best for back and combination sleepers, we appreciate how Saatva offers softer or firmer comfort levels to accommodate side or stomach sleepers, respectively.

Key product features

  • Rating: 9.8/10.
  • Material: Innerspring.
  • Price range: $1,295–$2,790
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime.
  • Trial period: 365 nights.
  • Shipping: Free white glove delivery.
  • Firmness: 7/10 (medium-firm).
  • Height: 11.5 inches, 14.5 inches.
  • Sizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king.

Our final verdict

The luxury firm Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress with a medium-to-firm feel, which is ideal for back sleepers, according to research. We’ve found this true throughout our testing because medium-firmness mattresses often have a good balance of lower back support and pressure relief.

But what sets this mattress apart is its zoned lumbar support. Unlike traditional innersprings, the Saatva Classic uses a foam layer and stronger coils across the middle of the mattress to reinforce the lower back and keep the spine in a neutral position throughout the night.

Saatva Classic in a blue room with a pink throw

We love how the quilting shows you where the lumbar support is on the mattress. The middle third of the mattress cover is quilted differently. It also sits slightly higher than the rest of the mattress, so you can feel it through the bedsheets.

From our tester

“I’m 5 feet and 3 inches tall, so I’m on the shorter side. I needed to scoot down the mattress to make sure the lumbar support hit my lower back, not my butt. I also felt comfortable in side-lying because it supported my torso, but I think I would’ve been more comfortable with the plush soft comfort level option to offload pressure from my shoulder.”

We also recommend Saatva because of its commitment to the customer. After researching 37 brands in the industry, we found that Saatva is the only one that provides its customers with free white glove delivery, a one-year trial period, and a lifetime limited warranty for all its mattresses.

Pros and cons of the Saatva Classic

Pros Excellent lumbar support. One-year trial period. Limited lifetime warranty. Free white glove delivery. 11.5- or 14.5-inch mattress heights. Three firmness options. Cons Innerspring doesn’t isolate motion well.

Best memory foam mattress: DreamCloud Memory Foam 

Best memory foam mattress
DreamCloud Original Foam

The DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress outperformed other foam mattresses in pressure relief, support, motion isolation, edge support, and cooling. All testers agreed that it felt comfortable in all sleep positions, so if you have a partner who sleeps differently from you, this is a great choice.

Key product features

  • Rating: 9.2/10.
  • Material: Foam.
  • Price range: $839–$2,179
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime.
  • Trial period: 365 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 6.5/10 (medium).
  • Height: 13 inches.
  • Sizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king.

Our final verdict

DreamCloud’s CertiPUR-US certified memory foam mattress outperformed other foam mattresses in multiple criteria, but the most impressive was its support. We felt how well this mattress contoured our curves to relieve pressure, but we weren’t expecting the foam to push back into our bodies at the midsection and lower back, supporting our spines the way coils do. This is an important consideration because 48.8 percent of survey respondents with a memory foam mattress listed adequate support as the main deciding factor during their search.

From our tester

“I don’t typically like all-foam mattresses because I don’t like feeling enveloped in my sleeping surface. I know some people love that feeling. But I change positions throughout the night, which isn’t easy when sleeping in a divot. I like how this mattress felt different than other foam mattresses. I didn’t feel like my whole body was falling into a deep hole, but I felt cradled, which was nice.”

We were also impressed by its motion isolation. Foam is expected to dampen movement better than the bouncy coils in innersprings and hybrids. But this mattress exceeded our expectations with a 5 out of 5 score, outperforming most other mattresses in its ability to isolate consistent movement from the other side of the bed. When our testers crawled and jumped across the mattress, we could barely feel their movement. So if you have a restless partner or cuddly pet whose movement disturbs your sleep, consider the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress a top contender.

Person pressing down on DreamCloud mattress surface

Pressing down on the quilted cover, we felt a good amount of cushion on the surface. But we were met with a more dense, resilient layer of foam underneath. It took about one or two seconds to fully reform after pushing down—relatively quick for memory foam.

Pros and cons of the DreamCloud Original Foam

Pros Excellent support for a foam mattress. Great for all sleeping positions. Impressive motion isolation. One-year trial period. Limited lifetime warranty. Cons Lacks bounce to assist mobility or sex. White glove delivery costs $199.

Best mattress for back pain: Saatva Rx 

Best mattress for back pain
Saatva Rx

The Saatva Rx is a 15-inch thick hybrid mattress created specifically to support people with back pain. We appreciate how Saatva intentionally designed this comfortable mattress with forgiving yet responsive components, making it a great option for people who need relief during sleep and could use a boost during bed mobility. Plus, it’s comfortable for any sleep position.

Key product features

  • Rating: 9.8/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Price range: $1,995–$3,795
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime.
  • Trial period: 365 nights.
  • Shipping: Free white glove delivery.
  • Firmness: 6.5/10 (medium).
  • Height: 15 inches.
  • Sizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king.

Our final verdict

If you have chronic back pain, research states that prioritizing sleep is key to recovery because it decreases your perception of pain and regulates inflammation. But getting better sleep is easier said than done, especially if back pain makes it hard to relax. According to mattress owners with back pain in our survey, 82.4 percent reported improved sleep after switching to a better mattress, and 55.9 percent reported improved mental health as a result. But first, talk to a health care professional before purchasing a mattress for back pain to ensure it fits your treatment plan.

“Speak to your doctor or a physical therapist about the best mattress options before making a selection. Together, you’ll identify what type of mattress you’ll need to improve your back pain while being comfortable enough to sleep soundly.”

Chelsie Rohrscheib, sleep expert and neuroscientist at Wesper in New York City, New York.

The Saatva Rx is the best mattress for people with lower back pain because it’s designed to conform to your body’s curves, reinforce a neutral spine position, and respond to your movement. Similar to the Saatva Classic, we love how this mattress offers zoned lumbar support using a targeted foam layer along the middle of the mattress. But what makes this mattress better suited for people with back pain is its foam-capped spring layer (dubbed the Therapeutic Support Core), which offers cushioned relief without more heat-trapping foam layers. We were also impressed to see how well the mattress isolated motion despite having such a thick spring layer, so the pocketed coil design does its job well.

From our tester

“This mattress was very comfortable in all sleep positions. It might be a little too firm for some people who sleep on their side, but overall offers good pressure relief. It’s also surprisingly supportive at the hips for light and average-sized stomach sleepers.”

One of our testers, a physical therapist who has treated patients with lower back pain, advised that mobility can feel very difficult on a wobbly mattress. So we appreciate how Saatva designed this mattress with enough responsiveness and edge support to help you move as easily as possible. Other testers noted that the surface was responsive to movement without much sinkage, so you don’t have to fight plush layers to get up in the morning.

Person pushing on Saatva mattress

We appreciate how Saatva’s plush yet supportive mattresses are truly medium-feel (unless you select a different comfort level). The brand’s online descriptions are accurate, so you know what you’re getting.

We also appreciate how safe the edges feel, so you won’t feel like you’re falling off as you push up to a seated position. Unfortunately, the Saatva Rx does lose some of its height when you sit on its edge, which could make standing feel more difficult. But it offers enough bounce to boost your movement, making up for the height loss.

Pros and cons of the Saatva Rx

Pros Good for any sleep position. Supports smooth bed mobility. Free white glove delivery. One-year trial period. Limited lifetime warranty. Cons Relatively more expensive. Fewer size options than other Saatva models.

Best hybrid mattress: WinkBed

Best hybrid mattress
WinkBed

The Luxury Firm WinkBed mattress was one of the most comfortable hybrid mattresses we tested. It has a responsive pocketed coil layer that supports our spine position while we lie on our back or side, and it has the right amount of foam to isolate motion and relieve pressure without feeling stuck.

Key product features

  • Rating: 9.3/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Price range: $1,149–$2,049
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime.
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 6.5/10 (medium).
  • Height: 13.5 inches.
  • Sizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king.

Our final verdict

When we tested the luxury firm (medium) WinkBed model, we loved how comfortable it was. The surface cradled our curves just enough to reveal little to no force buildup in our pressure mapping system, particularly while lying on our backs. And when we switched positions, the mattress adjusted with us thanks to the responsive and supportive pocketed coil layer underneath.

WinkBed also gets our top pick for the best hybrid mattress because it scored highly in our family subscore. A mattress is best suited for families if it has adequate surface support, edge support, cooling, and motion isolation to accommodate a pet or toddler jumping into bed with you. Despite the Winkbed having a decent bounce, its motion isolation outscored other hybrids because we could barely feel partners rolling a 10-pound ball and crawling around me.

From our tester

“I like how cool the mattress felt laying side-by-side with fellow testers. If I slept with my husband and cat next to me, I’d remain comfortable. I also felt safe close to the edge. Compared to a mattress with poor edge support, I have more surface area to use before kicking my cat—or husband—out of bed and reclaiming some territory.”

Our team also tested mattresses for sex compatibility by assessing how easily we could bounce kneeling while keeping a rhythm. This mattress scored higher than other hybrids because its thick layer of coils provides a decent bounce. Coils also allow more airflow to keep the surface cool. However, we noticed it requires more work to keep a consistent bouncing rhythm through the movement-dampening foam layers. Innerspring-dominant mattresses with firmer coils (like the Saatva Classic) assist movement better, but you’d have to sacrifice motion isolation.

Hand running through the layers of WinkBed’s hybrid composition]

When our team cut through WinkBed’s outer cover to reveal the hybrid composition, we could see why the motion isolation was so good. Despite having a thick layer of springs, they were pocketed, so motion transfers less between coils.

We recommend WinkBeds if you’re unsure which firmness level to choose because of its exchange program. If you regret your mattress choice, you can try the softer, firmer, or plus (designer for heavier people) versions for $49. Our favorite part about the program is that WinkBeds will send you the new mattress and let you compare it with your first choice for 60 days. Then, you get to choose whether you’d like to keep one or return both.

Pros and cons of the WinkBed

Pros 120-night trial period. Limited lifetime warranty. Four firmness options. Mattress exchange program available. Cons No white glove delivery.

Best firm mattress: Bear Original

Best firm mattress
Bear Original

Bear Original scored an eight out of 10 in firmness during our testing, making it the ideal mattress for avid stomach sleepers. This mattress’s three dense foam layers offered enough support to prevent our hips from dipping into the surface.

Key product features

  • Rating: 9.4/10.
  • Material: Foam.
  • Price range: $511–$1,099
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime.
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 8/10 (firm).
  • Height: 10 inches.
  • Sizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king.

Our final verdict

The Bear Original is our top choice for stomach sleepers seeking a firm surface. The three dense foam layers cushioned our body just enough to feel relaxed, but our hips didn’t feel like they were dipping into the mattress. Softer mattresses allow your hips to dip too far, causing an uncomfortable sway at the lower back. But we don’t recommend this mattress for other sleep positions—it may not be contouring enough to accommodate your body’s curves, especially if you have wider hips or shoulders.

From our tester

“I’m a frequent stomach sleeper and love this mattress for stomach sleeping. I don’t even need a pillow. It’s definitely too firm for side sleepers, though. My shoulders and hips didn’t sink into the mattress for enough pressure relief.”

Like most all-foam mattresses, the Bear Original lacked springiness and scored well in motion isolation. But we noticed how it’s more responsive than other foam mattresses we’ve tested due to its firmer feel, making it easy to reposition or get out of bed.

Dumbbell sitting on the Bear Original mattress

Remember how the Nectar Memory Foam mattress contoured the dumbbell? This mattress barely contoured it at all. That’s why the Bear Original mattress isn’t ideal for side sleepers’s sharp pressure points at the shoulder and hip. It’s better for stomach sleepers who love a flat, firm surface

We also tested the Bear Original’s cooling capabilities, which is an important consideration since memory foam notoriously retains more heat than innerspring. To do this, we used a thermal gun to measure the temperature of the bed’s surface, laid on it for five minutes, and then remeasured the surface’s temperature to see how much heat was absorbed.

Our testing revealed that this mattress cools solo sleepers well, likely due to its heat-dissipating TENCEL A trademarked textile designed to wick moisture and cool the skin. outer cover. But when three testers laid on the mattress to mimic a couple with a dog or toddler, it scored about average. While this isn’t a bad result, a hot-sleeping couple might consider a mattress made of materials that retain less heat. We like the Bear Natural as a cooler (but slightly softer) alternative because of its hybrid composition, which promotes airflow through its coils. It also contains latex instead of memory foam, which feels cooler throughout the night.

Pros and cons of the Bear Original

Pros Relatively low price. Excellent for stomach sleepers. 120-night trial period. Limited lifetime warranty. Cons White glove delivery costs $100 (or $175 with old mattress removal) Not ideal for side sleepers.

Best affordable mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Best affordable mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a quality mattress for people on a budget. During our testing, this affordable mattress performed above average in support and pressure relief without paying for extra foam and coil layers to do the job.

Key product features

  • Rating: 9.2/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Price range: $665–$1,599
  • Warranty: 10 years.
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 6/10 (medium).
  • Height: 12.25 inches.
  • Sizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, Olympic queen, king, short king, California king, split California king, three RV king options.

Our final verdict

We highly recommend the medium-firmness Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid for its high-quality basic composition that feels comfortable in every sleeping position. Most importantly, we love that it fits most budgets. Our survey respondents said price was a top consideration when purchasing a mattress, and most budgets were between $500–$1,000. Although Brooklyn Bedding’s regular-priced queen can exceed this range, frequent promotions drop it below $1,000.

This mattress primarily has three simple layers characteristic of a hybrid: a soft foam layer for cushion, a transition layer for compression support, and a thick coil layer for edge support and additional contour. But we found that the most comfortable aspect of this mattress was the plush quilted cover because it softened an otherwise firm mattress. Pushing through the quilted cover, the following layers felt responsive and supportive, making this mattress ideal for back and combination sleepers. We also recommend it for stomach sleepers who don’t mind a plush cover because it doesn’t sink far and keeps the spine in a neutral position.

Hand pressing on the Brooklyn Bedding mattress’s edge

We found that Brooklyn Bedding’s edge support received an average score compared to other mattresses. If we lay by the edge, we felt tense trying not to fall off. But we liked how responsive it was. When we sat or pushed down on the edge, it bounced back up quickly without sag

From our tester

“As someone with narrow shoulders, I didn’t mind side-lying on this mattress, but I did notice some pressure build-up on my shoulder during our pressure map testing. A side sleeper with broader shoulders or a history of shoulder pain may find themselves tossing and turning, so they should go with the softer firmness option at checkout.”

Pros and cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Pros Relatively low price 120-night trial period. Unique sizes available. Three firmness options. Cons No white glove delivery. Relatively short 10-year warranty

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.

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