However, there is a lot to choose from out there, so to help narrow it down for you we’ve compiled this expert guide. Our expert team has been reviewing mattresses for years so we know how to point curious consumers toward a bed that’ll deliver a quality night’s sleep within their desired budget. When testing mattresses, we look at all aspects of performance: pressure relief, support, comfort, temperature regulation, edge support, motion isolation and build quality. In addition, we enlist the help of a wider testing panel made up of people of different shapes, sizes and sleep styles, to help us create a balanced overview of each mattress. We then use that research to inform our ranking of 2023’s best mattresses. Our guide might not include as many options as other rankings you’ll find online – that’s because we want to focus on only the very best mattresses in terms of performance and value. We feel confident in recommending every single one of the mattresses featured below, especially since we’ve tried and tested each of them ourselves (or are in the process of doing so). If you’ve just started your research, be aware that mattress sales happen all year round, so you’ll probably be able to pick up your chosen bed at a discount if you shop at the right time. (The next major event is Presidents’ Day mattress sales.) You’ll find deals info with each product entry. Keep scrolling to find our top-rated picks for 2023’s best mattresses. We would encourage you to read through each one to determine the right fit for you; some are better for back pain relief, for example, while others are softer and more cushioned for side sleepers. Let’s go…
The best mattress in 2023, as rated by experts
The flagship Saatva Classic is an upper-mid-range, hotel-quality mattress from luxury online brand Saatva, and it’s hands-down the best mattress we’ve tested so far. This superb hybrid innerspring is customizable, with three firmness options and two heights to choose between, and it comes with free white glove delivery to the room of your choice. We reviewed the most-popular 11.5-inch luxury firm option and found it to be outrageously comfortable to sleep on. It’s a great choice for anyone who prefers a more traditional feel; you lie on top of it, rather than sinking into it, and it has a little more bounce than an all-foam mattress. In fact, the only foam here is around the perimeter, to bolster the edges. It’s also a particularly good option for anyone who needs advanced pressure relief. In our tests, the soft, eco-friendly foams excelled in relieving tension around our reviewers’ shoulders, hips and knees. We found the dual steel coil system provided exceptional support in the lower back area, too – the mattress has a Seal of Approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations, so it’s worth considering if you suffer from back pain. In addition, we consistently slept cool, and would happily recommend the Saatva Classic to most hot sleepers. If you’re looking for the full ‘hug’ of memory foam, this isn’t the best mattress for you – try the Nectar Memory Foam at number two instead. The Saatva Classic isn’t cheap, and it has risen is MSRP over the course of 2022 so it’s not quite as good value as it used to be, but you’re still getting a lot for your money here. If you can justify the price, this high-end hybrid innerspring is a sound investment that will help deliver a stunning night’s sleep. What we discovered during testing: “A plush pillow top provides full-body cushioning, while a double layer of coils delivers sturdy lumbar support plus a little bounce. We loved sleeping on the Saatva Classic, and it’s endorsed by chiropractors as a great mattress for back pain relief too.”
Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review
The popular Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is an all-foam, medium-firm mattress that’s tough to beat when it comes to sheer value for money. At the lower-end of the mid-range market, this bed-in-a-box mattress is extremely competitively priced at $799-$899 for a queen size. That’s over $400 cheaper than Casper’s entry-level mattress. It usually comes with up to $499 worth of free bedding, but since November 2022 Nectar has knocked a flat 33% off – yielding lower prices than we’ve seen in quite some time. If you’re looking for an affordable mattress with extras included, however, the Cocoon By Sealy Chill mattress (below) may be a better value right now. So what’s it like to sleep on? We awarded the flagship Nectar mattress a review score of 4.5 out of 5, rating it highly for comfort and support. It has the feel of traditional memory foam: you sink gently into it and the mattress contours to your body as you sleep, providing tailored pressure relief around your shoulders, hips and back, while helping align your spine. If you like the ‘hug’ of memory foam, you’ll love this mattress. Like all good-quality foam mattresses, the Nectar is very good at isolating motion – our reviewers weren’t disturbed by their partners climbing in or out of bed. However, foam can be warmer than other mattress materials, so although our reviewers didn’t overheat at night, we’d recommend that very hot sleepers choose a hybrid mattress instead, such as the Saatva above, or a dedicated cooling mattress like the Cocoon Chill below. Still, for most people it’s a great choice. If you’re looking for a comfortable and supportive mattress and want the most bang for your buck, the Nectar is easily the best mattress around. And the year-long trial and free returns make it easy to try for yourself. What we discovered during testing: “For comfort, quality and sheer value for money, we think the Nectar Memory Foam is the best mattress you can buy. Ours was exceptionally comfortable to sleep on – and supportive too.”
Read more: Nectar mattress review
If you like the sound of the Saatva Classic at number one but can’t justify $1,000+ for a mattress, we highly recommend the DreamCloud. This luxury hybrid has a similar, classic mattress feel, with a responsive bounce and conforming support. And while it isn’t quite as plush as the Saatva, it’s a few hundred dollars cheaper and now comes with $599 of free bedding. We found that it delivers firm, responsive support for your spine, as well as deep, soft cushioning all over your body. In our review, we rated the mattress particularly highly for its excellent support for back and stomach sleepers. It’s a great choice for anyone with back pain, and for anyone who overheats too – our hot-sleeping reviewers maintained a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Bear in mind that it’s a little heavier than the average mattress, so you’ll want two people to move it. But if you’re looking for luxury for less, and you like a little bounce, the DreamCloud is one of the best mattresses around. What we discovered during testing: “The DreamCloud helps alleviate back and hip pain, and does a superb job of temperature regulation. We experienced good motion isolation on it too and would recommend it to couples and restless sleepers who share a bed.”
Read more: DreamCloud mattress review
The Siena is a budget bed-in-a-box from Siena Sleep. It launched in March 2022 as a lower-price sister brand to Nectar Sleep and DreamCloud, and it’s a new entry into our best mattress guide in response to the cost of living crisis. It aims to deliver better sleep comfort for a lower price, and with a queen under $500, it’s one of the cheapest options in this list (the very cheapest is the Zinus Green Tea at number 10.) The main draw here is the low price tag. The MSRP for a twin is $499, while a queen retails for $699. However, like the rest of the market, it’s subject to regular mattress sales – in fact, this mattress has been offered at a discount since the day it launched. A twin Siena Mattress usually sells for $299, and a queen for $499. But a very appealing price tag isn’t the only thing this mattress has going for it. This 10-inch deep mattress has five layers, including contouring memory foam, supportive polyfoam and a soft-touch breathable cover. We found it contoured subtly to your body and distributes your weight evenly. Officially, it’s a 6.5 on the firmness scale, but we think it’s more like a 9. Side sleepers might need a bit of time to break it in (and ultimately might find it doesn’t offer enough pressure relief around their shoulders and hips), but for back or stomach sleepers, the extra support is very welcome. This mattress also scored highly on edge support and motion isolation. One common issue with memory foam is that it can trap body heat, and amongst the other customer reviews there are some comments about this Siena sleeping hot. During our tests we were actually pretty impressed with the Siena’s temperature regulation properties, although really hot sleepers should still consider a dedicated cooling mattress. What we learned during testing: “The Siena Memory Foam Mattress offers excellent temperature regulation, superb edge support, and low motion transfer for a very low price. The 5-layer Siena Mattress is built similarly to the mid-range Nectar, but the Siena is much firmer – which suited our stomach sleepers well but our side and back sleepers weren’t immediately comfortable. We still think the Nectar provides the best overall value for money among top mattresses, but the super affordable Siena isn’t far behind.”
Read more: Siena Memory Foam mattress review
If you have a bit more cash to splash, the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow is one of the very best mattresses around. This is the fanciest bed in Casper’s range, and it delivers exceptional support and motion isolation. The real star of the show is this mattress’ cooling powers, though. The ‘Snow’ of the name refers to two bits of extra sleep tech that combine to keep you 6 degrees cooler. Inside the mattress are bands that are meant to pull excess heat from the body throughout the night. These work alongside a cool-to-the-touch cover with an extra layer of cooling gel. Of course, plenty of brands talk the big talk when it comes to temperature regulation, but in our Casper Wave Hybrid Snow review, our testing panel were massively impressed with this bed’s chilling skills, and all unanimously agreed that this was the mattress’ standout feature. So that’s a big ’tick’ next to temperature regulation, but what about all the other stuff? Thankfully, the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow doesn’t disappoint on the comfort front. There’s plenty of intriguing tech – we’ve never seen gel pods under the waist and back for spinal alignment, for instance – but all seems to do the job. We found this mattress provided plenty of firm yet comfortable support, making it a great choice for back sleepers or anyone struggling with neck or back pain (although lighter weight side sleepers might find a softer bed more comfortable). It also isolated motion very well, making it a good choice if you share a bed with a restless partner. Any issues to be aware of? The edge support is fine but not exceptional, which is something to bear in mind if you need something sturdy to press off to get up in the mornings. The trial period is also surprisingly short at 100 nights – there are budget options that come with longer sleep trials – and the 10-year warranty isn’t especially generous, either. While the MSRP is steep, it’s much cheaper than the likes of the Tempur LuxeBreeze (which makes similar cooling claims). For a more budget-friendly cooling mattress, check out the Cocoon By Sealy Chill below. What we learned during testing: “After testing it out for a whole month, we can confidently say the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow is one of the best cooling mattresses you can buy if you’re prone to sleeping hot. Among our reviewers – especially our lead reviewer, who tends to overheat at night – the Wave Hybrid Snow did an incredible job of regulating temperature whilst providing pressure relief in all the right areas (namely our shoulders and hips).” The Purple Plus mattress is a luxe upgrade on the Purple Original, with two extra inches of foam, better airflow and enhanced cooling power. Based on the superb performance of its cooling features alone, we think it’s one of the best mattresses in the US for hot sleepers. But these premium features come at a cost, making the Purple Plus hard to recommend over the brilliant budget Cocoon Chill mattress for all but the hottest of sleepers. Still, if you have a higher budget, the Purple Plus is outstanding. One of our reviewers described it as the most cooling mattress they’ve ever slept on, and we also found pressure relief to be exceptional. The mattress felt soft under our shoulders, hips and knees, with firmer support in the lower back area. Edge support could be better at this price, but overall this is an excellent mattress that should suit most people. What we discovered during testing: “The Purple Plus is an excellent mattress for those who need zoned support (it feels soft and bouncy in certain areas yet firmer under the back). We slept cool on the Purple Plus and weren’t disturbed by our partner’s in-bed movements thanks to good motion isolation.”
Read more: Purple Plus mattress review
The Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam is a 10-inch tall, medium-firm cooling mattress that punches well above its weight when it comes to temperature regulation. This all-foam option is the closest rival to the Nectar mattress above: the Nectar is two inches taller and comes with a free mattress protector; but the Chill is packed with better cooling tech, making it a better choice for hot sleepers. The star of the show is the stretch-knit cover infused with phase change material. This temperature-regulating fabric is usually found on more expensive mattresses, and our reviewers found it did a brilliant job of absorbing and dissipating heat. It’s one of the most consistently cool mattresses we’ve slept on and even the hot sleeper on our review panel didn’t wake up feeling sweaty. We also rated the Cocoon Chill particularly highly for pressure relief and spinal support during our three-week testing period. We found it to be best suited to lighter or average-weight sleepers, though – the heavier members of our panel didn’t feel properly supported, so look elsewhere if you weigh more than 230lb. The Cocoon Chill is still an all-foam mattress, so if you’re a very hot sleeper, consider the next model up instead: the Cocoon Chill Hybrid, which starts from $740 (opens in new tab), or the premium Purple Plus right above. Otherwise, the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who love the feeling of foam, and the $199 worth of free pillows and sheets sweeten the deal. What we discovered during testing: “The Cocoon Chill is a brilliant budget cooling mattress. During testing we found it comfortable and supportive, with effective temperature-regulation features for a lower price compared to premium rivals.”
Read more: Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress review
The WinkBeds Original mattress is a favorite among luxury hotels, and has a number of cutting-edge features designed to help you sleep comfortably. We’ve just reviewed the luxury firm model and, after sleeping on it for over three weeks, we now recommend this hybrid mattress as the best option for anyone with back, hip or shoulder pain. We score the mattress a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and believe it’s a very close rival to the Saatva Classic innerspring hybrid. In our tests we found that the WinkBed provided excellent spinal alignment and first-class pressure relief, with a moderate level of contouring and plenty of cushioning. In fact, the Winkbed Original performed well across the board, scoring highly for temperature regulation, edge support and motion isolation. Conveniently, this mattress comes in four different firmness options, including a plus model for heavier bodies, making it easier to find a version that better suits your sleep. When compared to rivals such as the DreamCloud and the Saatva, the WinkBed falls in the middle of the two, price-wise: on sale, it costs $1,499 for a queen size compared to $999 for a queen DreamCloud and $1,570 for a queen Saatva Classic (although our current exclusive Saatva offer drops the price slightly under WinkBeds’). The only downsides to The WinkBed is the $49 fee to exchange for a different firmness, and the slight off-gassing smell upon unboxing. However these are small niggles compared to the premium build quality and soothing support on offer here. What we discovered during testing: “Our reviewers highly recommend the WinkBed for those who want a step up from the typical foam bed-in-box mattress, and for anyone looking for enhanced back support during sleep.”
Read more: WinkBed mattress review
The Helix Midnight is a competitively priced hybrid mattress that delivers the comfort and support of a more expensive model. While all the top picks in our best mattress guide are well-suited to side sleepers, only this one has been specifically designed for side sleeping – and we awarded it full marks for this: our reviewers found both side and back sleeping to be extremely comfortable. Soothing memory foam and dynamic polyfoam hug your body and relieve pressure, while hundreds of individual coils cradle your body, providing extra support, and limiting motion transfer. The silent coils also boost airflow through the mattress, keeping our hot sleeper cool throughout the night. And because the coils make no noise, and there’s very little motion transfer, it’s a good choice for anyone with a restless partner too. If you’re a front sleeper, though, you’ll need slightly different support, so consider the Helix Dusk (opens in new tab); and if you’re heavier than average try the Helix Plus (opens in new tab) instead. What we discovered during testing: “The Helix Midnight delivers all the comfort and support of more expensive hybrids, but at a more reasonable price. It’s the best choice for side sleepers as it provides pressure relief and cushioning along the hips, shoulders and knees.”
Read more: Helix Midnight mattress review
The Awara Natural Hybrid mattress is a great option for eco-conscious people who want to make a more sustainable choice, without paying the premium price usually associated with organic mattresses. With an MSRP of $1,399 for a queen size it still isn’t cheap, but it costs a good $600 less than the flagship mattress from rival brand Avocado. Despite the smaller price tag, the Awara has a definite luxury feel and look. Made from natural latex, organic wool and cotton, the two biggest advantages to choosing it over others in our list is that the latex is very good at regulating temperature, and it’s more durable than memory foam or springs, so it should last longer, too. The Awara is one of the firmest options in our best mattress guide, making it a good option for heavier bodies. Our average-weight reviewers slept comfortably in all positions, too, and woke up feeling refreshed and well-rested each morning. Motion isolation wasn’t great though, so if you have a particularly restless partner, this mattress may not be right. What we discovered during testing: “Whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach – or a combination of styles – the Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid adapts to the contours of your body, providing excellent pressure relief and spinal alignment.”
Read more: Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress review
We slept on 10-inch version of the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress for three months. Our reviewers thought it was comfortable and supportive, with good edge support and minimal motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a restless partner. (In case you’re wondering, no, it didn’t smell of tea…) We do have a few questions about long-term durability. It’s not the best choice if you overheat at night, either – some of our reviewers became uncomfortably warm. But overall, it’s a decent budget mattress. The thinner six and eight-inch versions would make good options for children’s rooms, too. What we discovered during testing: “The Zinus is a great option for tight budgets, and for people looking to try memory foam for the first time. It delivers support and comfort at a price that other brands just can’t beat right now.”
Read more: Zinus Green Tea Mattress review
How we test mattresses
The Tom’s Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. Our expert mattress testers sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks – that’s roughly how long it takes for your body to get used to a new mattress – and spend hours scientifically testing the performance of each product. Mattress firmness is subjective, so each lead reviewer also forms a trusted and experienced testing panel made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. We have side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers, with lighter, average and heavier bodies, who rate each mattress using a specific set of performance criteria. Together, these processes enable us to produce accurate, well-balanced and data-backed mattress reviews, to help you easily decide whether the mattress you’re interested in really is the best choice for you.
Expert reviewers with substantial hands-on experience of testing a wide range of mattressesA diverse panel of mattress testers, with different body types, heights and sleep-position preferences
Our testing process includes:
Testing each mattress across all key data points, including support, comfort, pressure relief, motion isolation and temperature regulation, rating each mattress out of 5Analyzing user reviews to get an understanding of what real customers think of each mattress, and get a feel for any recurring themes, whether positive or negative, which we explore these further during our testing processFact-checking every comfort / support claim made by a mattress brand
How to choose the best mattress
The only way to truly know whether a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it. That’s why all the options in our best mattress guide come with a long risk-free trial - if you don’t like one, you can send it back and try another. However, there are some key things to know that will help you choose the right mattress. Here, we’ll answer some common questions people ask when buying a new mattress, and explain some key considerations to make. We’ll also share our pro tips and tricks for choosing the best mattress for your budget, and recap the best-rated mattresses at the moment.
Which is the best type of mattress?
There isn’t a single best type of mattress. Why? Because everyone is different, so the right type for you depends on your body, health and your sleep style. Secondly, it’s because the differences between each type of mattress are increasingly negligible. Materials have advanced so much over the last five years alone that it can be difficult to notice any perceptible difference when sleeping on them. That’s good news for you is that you should be able to pick any of the options in our best mattress guide and be extremely happy with your choice - regardless of whether it’s made from copper-infused memory foam, coils, cooling latex, or a cutting edge combination of all-natural materials. However, it can be helpful to know what each mattress type is before you make your final choice. With that in mind, here we walk you though the main options, highlighting the key differences between each…
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam is a great option for anyone who likes to feel ‘hugged’ by their mattress. This material contours to your body, providing better pressure relief than spring-based options, and is excellent at absorbing motion. That last benefit alone makes it a top choice for anyone who shares a bed with a restless partner. As with any all-foam mattress, such dense material can feel warmer at night than other options. That said, the best memory foam mattresses (opens in new tab) now come packed with special cooling materials designed to regulate your temperature while you sleep. If you overheat at night, you may prefer to avoid an all-foam mattress. But if you love the cushioning feel of memory foam, there are plenty of ‘cooling’ foam mattresses. These range in price from the budget-friendly Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress (from $499) to the Tempur-Breeze (from $3,000). You can learn more about all-foam beds in our feature answering what is a memory foam mattress.
Innerspring mattresses
As we explain in our feature on what is an innerspring mattress, these beds use a coil-based support system to provide comfort and structure. The quantity, height and design of the coils vary, and while traditionally innerspring mattresses were made with interconnected coils, the term is increasingly used to describe pocket spring mattresses. These feature individually wrapped coils that sit inside their own fabric pocket and can move independently - providing better pressure relief, greater comfort and more effective motion isolation. Generally speaking, the more pocket springs in a mattress the better the support. You can also use one of the best mattress toppers (opens in new tab) to instantly add an extra layer of support and comfort. One key difference between innerspring mattresses and all-foam options is that they’re buoyant: you sleep on top of them, rather than sinking in. That’s good news for hot sleepers, as it means your body heat is less likely to be trapped by the mattress, plus the springs allow more air to circulate than dense foam.
Hybrid mattresses
What is a hybrid mattress is a question we get asked a lot, and the simple answer is that they are a more advanced type of mattress that gives you the tailored support of memory foam, gel or latex, plus the bounce and increased airflow of springs. The coils in hybrid mattresses are usually smaller, and you’ll often have a thinner foam layer. Many of the best mattresses are hybrid models. They’re a flexible option that make a good compromise for couples with different sleep preferences, and they’re also a good choice for hot sleepers who love the cushioned feel of foam.
Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses use a durable latex foam made from natural materials, rather than synthetic materials (which memory foam mattresses are made from). If you’re looking for an organic mattress, latex is the best mattress material for you. It isn’t as dense as memory foam, which makes latex mattresses less prone to overheating. Latex also provides good contouring and bounce. On top of that, the durability makes latex a fantastic investment if you want your mattress to really last, but it doesn’t come cheap. Read our best organic mattress guide for latex options, and learn more about this specific type of mattress in our feature answering what is an organic mattress.
Mattress buying advice
How long does a mattress last?
On average, a good mattress should last seven to eight years, but this depends on various factors including what type of mattress you own, what it’s made of, how often it’s used, and how many of you sleep on it. (We explain more in our feature answering how long does a mattress last?). So a guest room mattress used only occasionally may last a little longer than the general guidelines, while the main mattress on your bed – unless it’s a good quality mattress – will wear out in less than seven years. The manufacturer’s warranty is a good indication of how long the mattress should last, but you will need to care for it properly too. Cleaning your mattress regularly will help it last longer (see our guide on how to clean a mattress).
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How to choose the right mattress size
One golden rule for choosing the right size of mattress is to make sure it’s 10cm longer than the tallest person sleeping on it. Width-wise, if you’re sharing a bed, you and your partner should be able to put your hands under your head without your elbows touching. If you sleep alone, you’ll have the right size mattress if you can put your hands under your head without touching the edges. So measure that distance and as long as you choose a mattress wider than that, you’re good. Most options listed in our best mattress guide are available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and Cal king sizes. Some come in split options too, which enable you to choose a different mattress firmness to your partner. You can also find mattresses with a different level of firmness on each side.
How to choose the right mattress firmness
Medium firm is the most popular mattress choice - that’s why most flagship mattresses fall within a range of 5-7 on the firmness scale (10 is the firmest). However, mattresses are subjective. Firmness and comfort depend on a wide range of factors including your weight, height, sleeping style and whether you experience any pain, such as in your back or hips. So one person’s experience of a mattress is likely to be different to that of another person. That’s why we use a range of different people to test our mattresses - and it’s also why we look through thousands of user reviews. Keep this in mind when noting our ‘firmness gauge’, which ranges from 1 to 10, as you may find a mattress to be slightly softer or firmer than we found it. Nevertheless, there is some broad advice for deciding which level of mattress firmness you might be best-suited to… 1. Consider your sleeping position Back sleepers often benefit from a medium-firm mattress. This provides neutral spine alignment while supporting the hips and shoulders. If a mattress is too soft, back sleepers may find their spine forming an uncomfortable ‘U’ shape, creating strain. Too firm and the natural ‘S’ curve of your spine won’t be supported. Side sleepers need good pressure relief on their shoulders, knees and hips. A medium to medium-soft mattress is usually a good choice. If it’s too soft, the spine won’t align properly with the shoulders and hips. Memory foam is often the best mattress choice for side sleepers due to its above-average contouring. For more advice, read our guide to the best mattress for side sleepers. Front sleepers fare better with a firmer mattress. This lifts the hips up so that they’re in alignment with the spine, and prevents the spine from forming a ‘U’ shape. If it’s too firm it’ll be uncomfortable - particularly for women - and won’t allow the spine to curve naturally. Too soft and it can feel almost suffocating. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses can be a better choice than foam for front sleepers. Combination sleepers should choose according to their dominant sleep position (the position you normally fall asleep in). If you don’t have one, a medium firm mattress will dish out the best support and comfort across most positions. 2. Consider your body weight Sleepers weighing 130lbs and below don’t sink as far into a mattress and are often well-suited to softer options: between 2 and 4 on the firmness scale. However, a medium-firm mattress would also be a good choice. Sleepers weighing 130-230lbs are often better-suited to medium and medium-firm mattresses, between 5-7 on the firmness scale. Sleepers who weigh 230lbs or more can be well-suited to firmer mattresses, between an 8-10 rating, which prevent them sinking through the comfort layers.
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Alternatively, if you have a lower budget or prefer the ‘hug’ of memory foam, the Nectar Memory Foam is a top choice - we think it’s the best-value mattress you can buy. It’s comfortable and supportive, and extremely competitively priced. All sizes are 33% off (opens in new tab) – a sale we’ve seen since before Black Friday 2022 – although there’s no free bedding included here. Still, these current prices are about $100 less than we normally see, with a queen now going for $699. The lowest prices of the year appear in November in the form of Black Friday mattress deals (opens in new tab) and Cyber Monday mattress deals (opens in new tab), and in February, during the Presidents Day mattress sales (opens in new tab). The latter is when people slowly start spending again following the January lull, and retailers look to stoke interest with strong offers and prices that are often as low as Black Friday. The Memorial Day mattress sales (opens in new tab) are another key time to buy a new mattress, as retailers look to make way for newer models launching over the summer by discounting older stock. For the sheer volume and variety of discounted mattresses, it’s as good as Black Friday – but we’ve noticed prices don’t always dip quite as low. You might see the same discount advertised – $200 off, say - but the price may have gone up, so while the mattress is cheaper than its previous full price, you’d have saved more if you bought it in the November or February. The same can be said of the July 4th mattress sales (opens in new tab) and Labor Day mattress sales (opens in new tab): discounts typically match those offered during other major holidays, but many of the prices aren’t quite the lowest. They’re generally still good deals though, and worth grabbing if you need a new mattress. Here’s when you shouldn’t buy a new mattress if you can help it: over the summer. This is the most expensive time of the year, with prices generally at their maximum. You might see similar discounts advertised, once again, but prices can be as much as $200 more than at other times of the year. For back sleepers, you can’t beat the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid because it’s super-comfortable and it doesn’t charge the earth. A queen size costs $999 but you also get up to $599 of free bedding to boost your value for money. Overall, the most comfortable mattress is the Saatva Classic. Yes it’s more money than the others at $1,770 for a queen (prices fluctuate on this one), but it comes in three different firmness levels and two heights to offer you the comfort, support and mattress depth you need for a great night’s sleep.
title: “The Best Mattress 2023 Reviewed And Rated By Experts” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-11” author: “Bobbie Aguilera”
However, there is a lot to choose from out there, so to help narrow it down for you we’ve compiled this expert guide. Our expert team has been reviewing mattresses for years so we know how to point curious consumers toward a bed that’ll deliver a quality night’s sleep within their desired budget. When testing mattresses, we look at all aspects of performance: pressure relief, support, comfort, temperature regulation, edge support, motion isolation and build quality. In addition, we enlist the help of a wider testing panel made up of people of different shapes, sizes and sleep styles, to help us create a balanced overview of each mattress. We then use that research to inform our ranking of 2023’s best mattresses. Our guide might not include as many options as other rankings you’ll find online – that’s because we want to focus on only the very best mattresses in terms of performance and value. We feel confident in recommending every single one of the mattresses featured below, especially since we’ve tried and tested each of them ourselves (or are in the process of doing so). If you’ve just started your research, be aware that mattress sales happen all year round, so you’ll probably be able to pick up your chosen bed at a discount if you shop at the right time. (The next major event is Presidents’ Day mattress sales.) You’ll find deals info with each product entry. Keep scrolling to find our top-rated picks for 2023’s best mattresses. We would encourage you to read through each one to determine the right fit for you; some are better for back pain relief, for example, while others are softer and more cushioned for side sleepers. Let’s go…
The best mattress in 2023, as rated by experts
The flagship Saatva Classic is an upper-mid-range, hotel-quality mattress from luxury online brand Saatva, and it’s hands-down the best mattress we’ve tested so far. This superb hybrid innerspring is customizable, with three firmness options and two heights to choose between, and it comes with free white glove delivery to the room of your choice. We reviewed the most-popular 11.5-inch luxury firm option and found it to be outrageously comfortable to sleep on. It’s a great choice for anyone who prefers a more traditional feel; you lie on top of it, rather than sinking into it, and it has a little more bounce than an all-foam mattress. In fact, the only foam here is around the perimeter, to bolster the edges. It’s also a particularly good option for anyone who needs advanced pressure relief. In our tests, the soft, eco-friendly foams excelled in relieving tension around our reviewers’ shoulders, hips and knees. We found the dual steel coil system provided exceptional support in the lower back area, too – the mattress has a Seal of Approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations, so it’s worth considering if you suffer from back pain. In addition, we consistently slept cool, and would happily recommend the Saatva Classic to most hot sleepers. If you’re looking for the full ‘hug’ of memory foam, this isn’t the best mattress for you – try the Nectar Memory Foam at number two instead. The Saatva Classic isn’t cheap, and it has risen is MSRP over the course of 2022 so it’s not quite as good value as it used to be, but you’re still getting a lot for your money here. If you can justify the price, this high-end hybrid innerspring is a sound investment that will help deliver a stunning night’s sleep. What we discovered during testing: “A plush pillow top provides full-body cushioning, while a double layer of coils delivers sturdy lumbar support plus a little bounce. We loved sleeping on the Saatva Classic, and it’s endorsed by chiropractors as a great mattress for back pain relief too.”
Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review
The popular Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is an all-foam, medium-firm mattress that’s tough to beat when it comes to sheer value for money. At the lower-end of the mid-range market, this bed-in-a-box mattress is extremely competitively priced at $799-$899 for a queen size. That’s over $400 cheaper than Casper’s entry-level mattress. It usually comes with up to $499 worth of free bedding, but since November 2022 Nectar has knocked a flat 33% off – yielding lower prices than we’ve seen in quite some time. If you’re looking for an affordable mattress with extras included, however, the Cocoon By Sealy Chill mattress (below) may be a better value right now. So what’s it like to sleep on? We awarded the flagship Nectar mattress a review score of 4.5 out of 5, rating it highly for comfort and support. It has the feel of traditional memory foam: you sink gently into it and the mattress contours to your body as you sleep, providing tailored pressure relief around your shoulders, hips and back, while helping align your spine. If you like the ‘hug’ of memory foam, you’ll love this mattress. Like all good-quality foam mattresses, the Nectar is very good at isolating motion – our reviewers weren’t disturbed by their partners climbing in or out of bed. However, foam can be warmer than other mattress materials, so although our reviewers didn’t overheat at night, we’d recommend that very hot sleepers choose a hybrid mattress instead, such as the Saatva above, or a dedicated cooling mattress like the Cocoon Chill below. Still, for most people it’s a great choice. If you’re looking for a comfortable and supportive mattress and want the most bang for your buck, the Nectar is easily the best mattress around. And the year-long trial and free returns make it easy to try for yourself. What we discovered during testing: “For comfort, quality and sheer value for money, we think the Nectar Memory Foam is the best mattress you can buy. Ours was exceptionally comfortable to sleep on – and supportive too.”
Read more: Nectar mattress review
If you like the sound of the Saatva Classic at number one but can’t justify $1,000+ for a mattress, we highly recommend the DreamCloud. This luxury hybrid has a similar, classic mattress feel, with a responsive bounce and conforming support. And while it isn’t quite as plush as the Saatva, it’s a few hundred dollars cheaper and now comes with $599 of free bedding. We found that it delivers firm, responsive support for your spine, as well as deep, soft cushioning all over your body. In our review, we rated the mattress particularly highly for its excellent support for back and stomach sleepers. It’s a great choice for anyone with back pain, and for anyone who overheats too – our hot-sleeping reviewers maintained a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Bear in mind that it’s a little heavier than the average mattress, so you’ll want two people to move it. But if you’re looking for luxury for less, and you like a little bounce, the DreamCloud is one of the best mattresses around. What we discovered during testing: “The DreamCloud helps alleviate back and hip pain, and does a superb job of temperature regulation. We experienced good motion isolation on it too and would recommend it to couples and restless sleepers who share a bed.”
Read more: DreamCloud mattress review
The Siena is a budget bed-in-a-box from Siena Sleep. It launched in March 2022 as a lower-price sister brand to Nectar Sleep and DreamCloud, and it’s a new entry into our best mattress guide in response to the cost of living crisis. It aims to deliver better sleep comfort for a lower price, and with a queen under $500, it’s one of the cheapest options in this list (the very cheapest is the Zinus Green Tea at number 10.) The main draw here is the low price tag. The MSRP for a twin is $499, while a queen retails for $699. However, like the rest of the market, it’s subject to regular mattress sales – in fact, this mattress has been offered at a discount since the day it launched. A twin Siena Mattress usually sells for $299, and a queen for $499. But a very appealing price tag isn’t the only thing this mattress has going for it. This 10-inch deep mattress has five layers, including contouring memory foam, supportive polyfoam and a soft-touch breathable cover. We found it contoured subtly to your body and distributes your weight evenly. Officially, it’s a 6.5 on the firmness scale, but we think it’s more like a 9. Side sleepers might need a bit of time to break it in (and ultimately might find it doesn’t offer enough pressure relief around their shoulders and hips), but for back or stomach sleepers, the extra support is very welcome. This mattress also scored highly on edge support and motion isolation. One common issue with memory foam is that it can trap body heat, and amongst the other customer reviews there are some comments about this Siena sleeping hot. During our tests we were actually pretty impressed with the Siena’s temperature regulation properties, although really hot sleepers should still consider a dedicated cooling mattress. What we learned during testing: “The Siena Memory Foam Mattress offers excellent temperature regulation, superb edge support, and low motion transfer for a very low price. The 5-layer Siena Mattress is built similarly to the mid-range Nectar, but the Siena is much firmer – which suited our stomach sleepers well but our side and back sleepers weren’t immediately comfortable. We still think the Nectar provides the best overall value for money among top mattresses, but the super affordable Siena isn’t far behind.”
Read more: Siena Memory Foam mattress review
If you have a bit more cash to splash, the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow is one of the very best mattresses around. This is the fanciest bed in Casper’s range, and it delivers exceptional support and motion isolation. The real star of the show is this mattress’ cooling powers, though. The ‘Snow’ of the name refers to two bits of extra sleep tech that combine to keep you 6 degrees cooler. Inside the mattress are bands that are meant to pull excess heat from the body throughout the night. These work alongside a cool-to-the-touch cover with an extra layer of cooling gel. Of course, plenty of brands talk the big talk when it comes to temperature regulation, but in our Casper Wave Hybrid Snow review, our testing panel were massively impressed with this bed’s chilling skills, and all unanimously agreed that this was the mattress’ standout feature. So that’s a big ’tick’ next to temperature regulation, but what about all the other stuff? Thankfully, the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow doesn’t disappoint on the comfort front. There’s plenty of intriguing tech – we’ve never seen gel pods under the waist and back for spinal alignment, for instance – but all seems to do the job. We found this mattress provided plenty of firm yet comfortable support, making it a great choice for back sleepers or anyone struggling with neck or back pain (although lighter weight side sleepers might find a softer bed more comfortable). It also isolated motion very well, making it a good choice if you share a bed with a restless partner. Any issues to be aware of? The edge support is fine but not exceptional, which is something to bear in mind if you need something sturdy to press off to get up in the mornings. The trial period is also surprisingly short at 100 nights – there are budget options that come with longer sleep trials – and the 10-year warranty isn’t especially generous, either. While the MSRP is steep, it’s much cheaper than the likes of the Tempur LuxeBreeze (which makes similar cooling claims). For a more budget-friendly cooling mattress, check out the Cocoon By Sealy Chill below. What we learned during testing: “After testing it out for a whole month, we can confidently say the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow is one of the best cooling mattresses you can buy if you’re prone to sleeping hot. Among our reviewers – especially our lead reviewer, who tends to overheat at night – the Wave Hybrid Snow did an incredible job of regulating temperature whilst providing pressure relief in all the right areas (namely our shoulders and hips).” The Purple Plus mattress is a luxe upgrade on the Purple Original, with two extra inches of foam, better airflow and enhanced cooling power. Based on the superb performance of its cooling features alone, we think it’s one of the best mattresses in the US for hot sleepers. But these premium features come at a cost, making the Purple Plus hard to recommend over the brilliant budget Cocoon Chill mattress for all but the hottest of sleepers. Still, if you have a higher budget, the Purple Plus is outstanding. One of our reviewers described it as the most cooling mattress they’ve ever slept on, and we also found pressure relief to be exceptional. The mattress felt soft under our shoulders, hips and knees, with firmer support in the lower back area. Edge support could be better at this price, but overall this is an excellent mattress that should suit most people. What we discovered during testing: “The Purple Plus is an excellent mattress for those who need zoned support (it feels soft and bouncy in certain areas yet firmer under the back). We slept cool on the Purple Plus and weren’t disturbed by our partner’s in-bed movements thanks to good motion isolation.”
Read more: Purple Plus mattress review
The Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam is a 10-inch tall, medium-firm cooling mattress that punches well above its weight when it comes to temperature regulation. This all-foam option is the closest rival to the Nectar mattress above: the Nectar is two inches taller and comes with a free mattress protector; but the Chill is packed with better cooling tech, making it a better choice for hot sleepers. The star of the show is the stretch-knit cover infused with phase change material. This temperature-regulating fabric is usually found on more expensive mattresses, and our reviewers found it did a brilliant job of absorbing and dissipating heat. It’s one of the most consistently cool mattresses we’ve slept on and even the hot sleeper on our review panel didn’t wake up feeling sweaty. We also rated the Cocoon Chill particularly highly for pressure relief and spinal support during our three-week testing period. We found it to be best suited to lighter or average-weight sleepers, though – the heavier members of our panel didn’t feel properly supported, so look elsewhere if you weigh more than 230lb. The Cocoon Chill is still an all-foam mattress, so if you’re a very hot sleeper, consider the next model up instead: the Cocoon Chill Hybrid, which starts from $740 (opens in new tab), or the premium Purple Plus right above. Otherwise, the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who love the feeling of foam, and the $199 worth of free pillows and sheets sweeten the deal. What we discovered during testing: “The Cocoon Chill is a brilliant budget cooling mattress. During testing we found it comfortable and supportive, with effective temperature-regulation features for a lower price compared to premium rivals.”
Read more: Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress review
The WinkBeds Original mattress is a favorite among luxury hotels, and has a number of cutting-edge features designed to help you sleep comfortably. We’ve just reviewed the luxury firm model and, after sleeping on it for over three weeks, we now recommend this hybrid mattress as the best option for anyone with back, hip or shoulder pain. We score the mattress a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and believe it’s a very close rival to the Saatva Classic innerspring hybrid. In our tests we found that the WinkBed provided excellent spinal alignment and first-class pressure relief, with a moderate level of contouring and plenty of cushioning. In fact, the Winkbed Original performed well across the board, scoring highly for temperature regulation, edge support and motion isolation. Conveniently, this mattress comes in four different firmness options, including a plus model for heavier bodies, making it easier to find a version that better suits your sleep. When compared to rivals such as the DreamCloud and the Saatva, the WinkBed falls in the middle of the two, price-wise: on sale, it costs $1,499 for a queen size compared to $999 for a queen DreamCloud and $1,570 for a queen Saatva Classic (although our current exclusive Saatva offer drops the price slightly under WinkBeds’). The only downsides to The WinkBed is the $49 fee to exchange for a different firmness, and the slight off-gassing smell upon unboxing. However these are small niggles compared to the premium build quality and soothing support on offer here. What we discovered during testing: “Our reviewers highly recommend the WinkBed for those who want a step up from the typical foam bed-in-box mattress, and for anyone looking for enhanced back support during sleep.”
Read more: WinkBed mattress review
The Helix Midnight is a competitively priced hybrid mattress that delivers the comfort and support of a more expensive model. While all the top picks in our best mattress guide are well-suited to side sleepers, only this one has been specifically designed for side sleeping – and we awarded it full marks for this: our reviewers found both side and back sleeping to be extremely comfortable. Soothing memory foam and dynamic polyfoam hug your body and relieve pressure, while hundreds of individual coils cradle your body, providing extra support, and limiting motion transfer. The silent coils also boost airflow through the mattress, keeping our hot sleeper cool throughout the night. And because the coils make no noise, and there’s very little motion transfer, it’s a good choice for anyone with a restless partner too. If you’re a front sleeper, though, you’ll need slightly different support, so consider the Helix Dusk (opens in new tab); and if you’re heavier than average try the Helix Plus (opens in new tab) instead. What we discovered during testing: “The Helix Midnight delivers all the comfort and support of more expensive hybrids, but at a more reasonable price. It’s the best choice for side sleepers as it provides pressure relief and cushioning along the hips, shoulders and knees.”
Read more: Helix Midnight mattress review
The Awara Natural Hybrid mattress is a great option for eco-conscious people who want to make a more sustainable choice, without paying the premium price usually associated with organic mattresses. With an MSRP of $1,399 for a queen size it still isn’t cheap, but it costs a good $600 less than the flagship mattress from rival brand Avocado. Despite the smaller price tag, the Awara has a definite luxury feel and look. Made from natural latex, organic wool and cotton, the two biggest advantages to choosing it over others in our list is that the latex is very good at regulating temperature, and it’s more durable than memory foam or springs, so it should last longer, too. The Awara is one of the firmest options in our best mattress guide, making it a good option for heavier bodies. Our average-weight reviewers slept comfortably in all positions, too, and woke up feeling refreshed and well-rested each morning. Motion isolation wasn’t great though, so if you have a particularly restless partner, this mattress may not be right. What we discovered during testing: “Whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach – or a combination of styles – the Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid adapts to the contours of your body, providing excellent pressure relief and spinal alignment.”
Read more: Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress review
We slept on 10-inch version of the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress for three months. Our reviewers thought it was comfortable and supportive, with good edge support and minimal motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a restless partner. (In case you’re wondering, no, it didn’t smell of tea…) We do have a few questions about long-term durability. It’s not the best choice if you overheat at night, either – some of our reviewers became uncomfortably warm. But overall, it’s a decent budget mattress. The thinner six and eight-inch versions would make good options for children’s rooms, too. What we discovered during testing: “The Zinus is a great option for tight budgets, and for people looking to try memory foam for the first time. It delivers support and comfort at a price that other brands just can’t beat right now.”
Read more: Zinus Green Tea Mattress review
How we test mattresses
The Tom’s Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. Our expert mattress testers sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks – that’s roughly how long it takes for your body to get used to a new mattress – and spend hours scientifically testing the performance of each product. Mattress firmness is subjective, so each lead reviewer also forms a trusted and experienced testing panel made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. We have side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers, with lighter, average and heavier bodies, who rate each mattress using a specific set of performance criteria. Together, these processes enable us to produce accurate, well-balanced and data-backed mattress reviews, to help you easily decide whether the mattress you’re interested in really is the best choice for you.
Expert reviewers with substantial hands-on experience of testing a wide range of mattressesA diverse panel of mattress testers, with different body types, heights and sleep-position preferences
Our testing process includes:
Testing each mattress across all key data points, including support, comfort, pressure relief, motion isolation and temperature regulation, rating each mattress out of 5Analyzing user reviews to get an understanding of what real customers think of each mattress, and get a feel for any recurring themes, whether positive or negative, which we explore these further during our testing processFact-checking every comfort / support claim made by a mattress brand
How to choose the best mattress
The only way to truly know whether a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it. That’s why all the options in our best mattress guide come with a long risk-free trial - if you don’t like one, you can send it back and try another. However, there are some key things to know that will help you choose the right mattress. Here, we’ll answer some common questions people ask when buying a new mattress, and explain some key considerations to make. We’ll also share our pro tips and tricks for choosing the best mattress for your budget, and recap the best-rated mattresses at the moment.
Which is the best type of mattress?
There isn’t a single best type of mattress. Why? Because everyone is different, so the right type for you depends on your body, health and your sleep style. Secondly, it’s because the differences between each type of mattress are increasingly negligible. Materials have advanced so much over the last five years alone that it can be difficult to notice any perceptible difference when sleeping on them. That’s good news for you is that you should be able to pick any of the options in our best mattress guide and be extremely happy with your choice - regardless of whether it’s made from copper-infused memory foam, coils, cooling latex, or a cutting edge combination of all-natural materials. However, it can be helpful to know what each mattress type is before you make your final choice. With that in mind, here we walk you though the main options, highlighting the key differences between each…
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam is a great option for anyone who likes to feel ‘hugged’ by their mattress. This material contours to your body, providing better pressure relief than spring-based options, and is excellent at absorbing motion. That last benefit alone makes it a top choice for anyone who shares a bed with a restless partner. As with any all-foam mattress, such dense material can feel warmer at night than other options. That said, the best memory foam mattresses (opens in new tab) now come packed with special cooling materials designed to regulate your temperature while you sleep. If you overheat at night, you may prefer to avoid an all-foam mattress. But if you love the cushioning feel of memory foam, there are plenty of ‘cooling’ foam mattresses. These range in price from the budget-friendly Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress (from $499) to the Tempur-Breeze (from $3,000). You can learn more about all-foam beds in our feature answering what is a memory foam mattress.
Innerspring mattresses
As we explain in our feature on what is an innerspring mattress, these beds use a coil-based support system to provide comfort and structure. The quantity, height and design of the coils vary, and while traditionally innerspring mattresses were made with interconnected coils, the term is increasingly used to describe pocket spring mattresses. These feature individually wrapped coils that sit inside their own fabric pocket and can move independently - providing better pressure relief, greater comfort and more effective motion isolation. Generally speaking, the more pocket springs in a mattress the better the support. You can also use one of the best mattress toppers (opens in new tab) to instantly add an extra layer of support and comfort. One key difference between innerspring mattresses and all-foam options is that they’re buoyant: you sleep on top of them, rather than sinking in. That’s good news for hot sleepers, as it means your body heat is less likely to be trapped by the mattress, plus the springs allow more air to circulate than dense foam.
Hybrid mattresses
What is a hybrid mattress is a question we get asked a lot, and the simple answer is that they are a more advanced type of mattress that gives you the tailored support of memory foam, gel or latex, plus the bounce and increased airflow of springs. The coils in hybrid mattresses are usually smaller, and you’ll often have a thinner foam layer. Many of the best mattresses are hybrid models. They’re a flexible option that make a good compromise for couples with different sleep preferences, and they’re also a good choice for hot sleepers who love the cushioned feel of foam.
Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses use a durable latex foam made from natural materials, rather than synthetic materials (which memory foam mattresses are made from). If you’re looking for an organic mattress, latex is the best mattress material for you. It isn’t as dense as memory foam, which makes latex mattresses less prone to overheating. Latex also provides good contouring and bounce. On top of that, the durability makes latex a fantastic investment if you want your mattress to really last, but it doesn’t come cheap. Read our best organic mattress guide for latex options, and learn more about this specific type of mattress in our feature answering what is an organic mattress.
Mattress buying advice
How long does a mattress last?
On average, a good mattress should last seven to eight years, but this depends on various factors including what type of mattress you own, what it’s made of, how often it’s used, and how many of you sleep on it. (We explain more in our feature answering how long does a mattress last?). So a guest room mattress used only occasionally may last a little longer than the general guidelines, while the main mattress on your bed – unless it’s a good quality mattress – will wear out in less than seven years. The manufacturer’s warranty is a good indication of how long the mattress should last, but you will need to care for it properly too. Cleaning your mattress regularly will help it last longer (see our guide on how to clean a mattress).
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How to choose the right mattress size
One golden rule for choosing the right size of mattress is to make sure it’s 10cm longer than the tallest person sleeping on it. Width-wise, if you’re sharing a bed, you and your partner should be able to put your hands under your head without your elbows touching. If you sleep alone, you’ll have the right size mattress if you can put your hands under your head without touching the edges. So measure that distance and as long as you choose a mattress wider than that, you’re good. Most options listed in our best mattress guide are available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and Cal king sizes. Some come in split options too, which enable you to choose a different mattress firmness to your partner. You can also find mattresses with a different level of firmness on each side.
How to choose the right mattress firmness
Medium firm is the most popular mattress choice - that’s why most flagship mattresses fall within a range of 5-7 on the firmness scale (10 is the firmest). However, mattresses are subjective. Firmness and comfort depend on a wide range of factors including your weight, height, sleeping style and whether you experience any pain, such as in your back or hips. So one person’s experience of a mattress is likely to be different to that of another person. That’s why we use a range of different people to test our mattresses - and it’s also why we look through thousands of user reviews. Keep this in mind when noting our ‘firmness gauge’, which ranges from 1 to 10, as you may find a mattress to be slightly softer or firmer than we found it. Nevertheless, there is some broad advice for deciding which level of mattress firmness you might be best-suited to… 1. Consider your sleeping position Back sleepers often benefit from a medium-firm mattress. This provides neutral spine alignment while supporting the hips and shoulders. If a mattress is too soft, back sleepers may find their spine forming an uncomfortable ‘U’ shape, creating strain. Too firm and the natural ‘S’ curve of your spine won’t be supported. Side sleepers need good pressure relief on their shoulders, knees and hips. A medium to medium-soft mattress is usually a good choice. If it’s too soft, the spine won’t align properly with the shoulders and hips. Memory foam is often the best mattress choice for side sleepers due to its above-average contouring. For more advice, read our guide to the best mattress for side sleepers. Front sleepers fare better with a firmer mattress. This lifts the hips up so that they’re in alignment with the spine, and prevents the spine from forming a ‘U’ shape. If it’s too firm it’ll be uncomfortable - particularly for women - and won’t allow the spine to curve naturally. Too soft and it can feel almost suffocating. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses can be a better choice than foam for front sleepers. Combination sleepers should choose according to their dominant sleep position (the position you normally fall asleep in). If you don’t have one, a medium firm mattress will dish out the best support and comfort across most positions. 2. Consider your body weight Sleepers weighing 130lbs and below don’t sink as far into a mattress and are often well-suited to softer options: between 2 and 4 on the firmness scale. However, a medium-firm mattress would also be a good choice. Sleepers weighing 130-230lbs are often better-suited to medium and medium-firm mattresses, between 5-7 on the firmness scale. Sleepers who weigh 230lbs or more can be well-suited to firmer mattresses, between an 8-10 rating, which prevent them sinking through the comfort layers.
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Alternatively, if you have a lower budget or prefer the ‘hug’ of memory foam, the Nectar Memory Foam is a top choice - we think it’s the best-value mattress you can buy. It’s comfortable and supportive, and extremely competitively priced. All sizes are 33% off (opens in new tab) – a sale we’ve seen since before Black Friday 2022 – although there’s no free bedding included here. Still, these current prices are about $100 less than we normally see, with a queen now going for $699. The lowest prices of the year appear in November in the form of Black Friday mattress deals (opens in new tab) and Cyber Monday mattress deals (opens in new tab), and in February, during the Presidents Day mattress sales (opens in new tab). The latter is when people slowly start spending again following the January lull, and retailers look to stoke interest with strong offers and prices that are often as low as Black Friday. The Memorial Day mattress sales (opens in new tab) are another key time to buy a new mattress, as retailers look to make way for newer models launching over the summer by discounting older stock. For the sheer volume and variety of discounted mattresses, it’s as good as Black Friday – but we’ve noticed prices don’t always dip quite as low. You might see the same discount advertised – $200 off, say - but the price may have gone up, so while the mattress is cheaper than its previous full price, you’d have saved more if you bought it in the November or February. The same can be said of the July 4th mattress sales (opens in new tab) and Labor Day mattress sales (opens in new tab): discounts typically match those offered during other major holidays, but many of the prices aren’t quite the lowest. They’re generally still good deals though, and worth grabbing if you need a new mattress. Here’s when you shouldn’t buy a new mattress if you can help it: over the summer. This is the most expensive time of the year, with prices generally at their maximum. You might see similar discounts advertised, once again, but prices can be as much as $200 more than at other times of the year. For back sleepers, you can’t beat the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid because it’s super-comfortable and it doesn’t charge the earth. A queen size costs $999 but you also get up to $599 of free bedding to boost your value for money. Overall, the most comfortable mattress is the Saatva Classic. Yes it’s more money than the others at $1,770 for a queen (prices fluctuate on this one), but it comes in three different firmness levels and two heights to offer you the comfort, support and mattress depth you need for a great night’s sleep.
