Our memory foam mattress guide includes all-foam models as well as hybrids (foam and coils or springs for added bounce). All of the entries on our list come on a risk-free trial period (the average trial is 100 nights), so you’ll have time to test and sleep on your new mattress at home. If you change your mind, arrange for it to be returned and your money refunded. While the average warranty is 10 years, some of the top memory foam mattress brands, such as Nectar, WinkBeds, and Saatva, offer lifetime warranties. So, how much do memory foam mattresses cost? They’re often a pretty affordable option, with prices starting from a couple of hundred dollars, although they can run into the thousands for fancy, specialized models. Thankfully, there are mattress sales all year round to help take the price down. Of course don’t forget to factor in one of the best bed frames to go with your mattress. Now, read on for our expert pick of this year’s best memory foam mattresses…
The best memory foam mattress in 2023
Nectar Sleep makes the best mattress in a box for the money and here it takes the top position in our memory foam mattress guide because it’s comfortable and supportive, but also incredible value, significantly undercutting mid-range rivals like Casper and Purple when it comes to price. We tested the medium firm Nectar Memory Foam mattress for two months and loved it. This all-foam mattress has a soft, quilted cover that’s designed to help you stay cool – and it worked for us, even during the hot summer months. There’s then three inches of memory foam, followed by a layer of support foam, a sturdy base layer and a no-slip lower cover. We rated it highly for comfort and pressure relief, and general consensus seems to agree. Although Nectar mixes reviews for all of its mattress models together, a combined average score of 4.8 out of 5 over 45k+ reviews (as of September 2022) speaks highly of the quality to expect from this brand. We also noticed good edge support – so the mattress feels wider – and very little motion transfer, which makes the Nectar Memory Foam mattress a good choice for couples, and anyone with a restless partner in particular. Some couples have complained that it doesn’t have a lot of bounce though, so if you’re looking for that feature for sex (or just in general) you might want to try a different option. We love that Nectar gives you one year to try out this mattress. That’s nearly three times the length offered by other bed-in-a-box mattress companies. Its forever warranty is a solid bonus as well. Plus, it’s nearly always sold with $399 or more of free accessories. If you’re looking for sheer value for money, the Nectar is the best memory foam mattress you can buy.
Read more: Nectar mattress review (opens in new tab)
The Helix Midnight is an excellent mattress for side sleepers. This medium firm offering isn’t only made of foam… underneath two layers of the company’s ‘memory plus’ foam and ‘Helix dynamic foam’, there’s also a layer of hundreds of individual coils, which technically makes it a hybrid. We think the Helix Midnight offers the best of both worlds: the luxurious cushioning and deep pressure-relief of foam and the cradling support of springs. One area in which we were particularly impressed when we tested the Helix Midnight is temperature control. The breathable cover and increased airflow through the coils kept us at a cool, comfortable temperature throughout the night – not bad given that one of our reviewers is known for overheating at night. It’s also an excellent choice for couples, with very little motion transfer and a touch more bounce that you’d get from a pure memory foam mattress. If you’re a stomach sleeper or weigh over 300 pounds though, the Midnight may feel too soft – try the Helix Twilight instead, with its no-sink-or-give top layer, or the Helix Dawn, which comes with extra support for back and stomach sleepers. (Alternatively, take the Helix sleep quiz (opens in new tab) to find the exactly the right mattress.) Overall, we found the Helix Midnight to be a competitively priced hybrid mattress that delivers the comfort and support of a more expensive model. If you’re a side sleeper, or tend to sleep hot, you should get on well with it.
Read our Helix Midnight mattress review
The Siena Memory Foam mattress is much firmer than you’d expect for a memory foam mattress, with very little ‘hug’. That makes it a great choice for stomach sleepers and back sleepers in need of a more supportive sleep surface, although side sleepers might be better off with something that offers more give around the shoulders and hips. In our tests, we were impressed with the edge support and motion isolation on offer here, which makes it a good choice for those who share a bed and don’t want to be bothered by wriggly partners. While pricier memory foams will do a better job of temperature regulation, the Siena still did a decent job of not trapping body heat. It’s also a great choice for those on a tight budget – at MSRP, a queen is $699, but since it launched in March 2022 it has pretty much constantly been $499, which is excellent value for the three-layer design. It also comes with a 10-year warranty plus 180 nights to test it, which is quite generous for a budget mattress.
Read more: Siena Memory Foam mattress review
The Saatva Loom & Leaf is a premium, hotel-quality mattress from luxury online brand Saatva. It’s also among the priciest on our list. A queen retails for over $2,000 although there are regular discounts that can knock hundreds of dollars off. Nevertheless, we’d still consider the Saatva Loom & Leaf a suitable alternative if the Tempur-Pedic (at number 7) is out of your price range as the price differential there is in the thousands. Also consider that Saatva provides free white glove delivery – given that this is a mattress that can weigh up to 116lbs, you’ll welcome that convenience. We recently slept on a Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress for three weeks and consider it one of the best mattresses for back pain. (Our lead reviewer noticed a significant improvement in her back injury after sleeping on this bed.) It has a zoned design with a reinforced middle-third featuring a gel-infused foam lumbar crown that relieves pressure and improves circulation in the lower back. The top and bottom thirds are slightly softer to contour the shoulders and knees. Note that it comes in two firmness options: relaxed firm (which we tried) and firm, which will suit those who need a little more support and want a subtle ‘hug’. No matter your sleep style, you’ll find yourself comfortably contoured when sleeping on the Saatva Loom & Leaf. Although the Loom & Leaf sports some cooling tech in its build, we found it’s prone to trapping heat overnight, so chronically hot sleepers may want to look towards some of the other options on this list that excel at temperature regulation. On the flip side, motion isolation is top-notch so couples won’t have to worry about being interrupted by a restless partner. The Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress isn’t cheap, but it’s a very good value given that it comes with a 1-year trial, a lifetime warranty, and the aforementioned white glove delivery (which includes optional removal of your existing mattress, as well). There’s also the build quality to consider; this handcrafted bed is made to last and long-time customers say it hasn’t lost its comfort level after years of regular use. Thus, you’ll save money in the long term by not having to swap out mattresses every several years.
Read more: Loom & Leaf mattress review
The standout feature of this all-foam mattress is that it uses green tea-infused memory foam and purified charcoal particles to neutralize odors (no, it doesn’t smell of tea). It comes in four different thickness options, ranging from 6 to 12 inches - the price increases with depth - and can be used with any type of bed base. We tested the 10-inch version (which starts from $198) for three months and found it to be comfortable and supportive, with good edge support and minimal motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a restless partner. However, it’s not the best choice if you overheat at night: a few of our reviewers became uncomfortably warm. We also have some questions about its long-term durability and wouldn’t expect this mattress to last as long as the others on this list.
Read our Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress review (opens in new tab)
The luxury Saatva Classic mattress is another one in our best memory foam mattress guide that isn’t made from just memory foam – it’s a hybrid, combining a memory foam comfort layer with a responsive, dual steel coil support system. It’s the cheaper sibling to the Saatva Loom and Leaf mattress at number four, and an excellent choice for anyone who prefers a slightly bouncier mattress compared to pure memory foam. It’s also a better choice for anyone who prefers to sleep on top of the mattress rather than sinking into it. This highly rated hybrid memory foam mattress doesn’t arrive in a box, so you won’t have to worry about waiting for it to expand to its full size, or deal with off-gassing odors. On top, there’s a luxuriously soft Euro pillow top wrapped in an organic cotton cover. Next, a layer of individually wrapped coils minimize motion transfer, while contouring to your body’s pressure points; and the foundation features steel coils that prevent sagging over time. Coils are also great for helping with airflow, so if you tend to overheat at night, the Saatva Classic is worth considering. The Congress of Chiropractic State Associations has awarded Saatva its seal of approval, and many users have commented that the Saatva Classic has helped their back and joint pain. Saatva also makes one of the best mattress toppers to solve a range of sleep issues, from overheating to pain.
Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review (opens in new tab)
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress places a big emphasis on relieving pressure points so that you sleep soundly through the night, with far fewer wake-ups due to feeling uncomfortable. This Tempur-Pedic memory foam mattress isn’t the cheapest nor the most expensive in the brand’s range, and therefore suits a wider range of budgets. It’s still pricey (especially the split Cal king size), but considering the superior quality of Tempur-Pedic beds and the level of mattress tech you’re getting here, the price isn’t outrageous. The biggest and most obvious thing you’ll feel when lying on the Tempur-Adapt is how much it hugs your body. This makes it the best memory foam mattress for people who love the sensation of being cradled and who are dealing with neck, hip, back and knee pain, as the Tempur-Adapt relieves pressure in all of those areas. It uses the brand’s famous NASA-developed Tempur material to alleviate pressure points, all while adapting to your unique body shape, temperature and weight. There’s also bags of motion cancellation going on here, with the Tempur Adapt quickly absorbing motion so that you and your partner don’t wake each other up with your movements. As for cooling, while this isn’t a proper cooling mattress like the Tempur-Breeze, it does sport cooling fabric woven into the cover, while the open-cell Tempur material is designed to boost breathability during sleep. While it’s certainly an investment, Tempur-Pedic mattress sales are fairly common, so you might not have to shell out the full list price. And if you want one of Tempur’s best memory foam mattresses for relieving pressure in all sleepers, here it is. We’ll be reviewing this bed over the next several weeks so be on the lookout for our in-depth review. This award-winning Leesa Original memory foam mattress stands at 10 inches tall and relies upon a mix of premium foams to prevent overheating during sleep. While it isn’t a proper cooling mattress, during testing we found that the Leesa Original remained cool to the touch during sleep, thanks to a cooling top layer with twill cover. It also sleeps cooler than some of the other models featured in this memory foam mattress guide, including the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam, which sleeps much warmer in comparison. The Leesa Original is rated as a 5-7 on the firmness scale by Leesa, but when we reviewed it we felt it was more of a 6 out of 10, making it a true medium-firm feel. The stomach sleepers on our testing panel found it to be the most comfortable, but because it has a contouring effect too, we’d also recommend it as a good mattress for side sleepers who like a slightly firmer feel and less of a full body hug sensation. We rated the cover for its softness and for how breathable it remained during sleep, and we also liked how well the Leesa Original absorbed motion transfer. This is true of most memory foam mattresses though and, because they absorb motion so well, in our experience they are the better choice for restless sleepers who share a bed. The Leesa also expanded to full height within an hour for us, though it reached peak firmness within a few days. By comparison, the Nectar Mattress (see number one) took up to 48 hours to fully expand. The only things we didn’t like about the Leesa Original were the pungent off-gassing smell (read more about what is mattress off-gassing), and the edge support, which we felt was pretty weak compared to similar models we have tested. But overall, if you’re a stomach or combi-sleeper looking for a reliable and comfy memory foam mattress from a leading sleep brand, and one that comes with a 100-night at-home trial with free shipping and returns, the Leesa Original is a good choice for your sleep.
Read our Leesa Original mattress review
If you’re looking for a memory foam mattress to upgrade your guest bedroom or a kid’s room, then the Tuft & Needle Original is worth a look. This no-frills bed-in-a-box is designed to suit most sleeping positions, and during our testing period we felt it did a decent, if not outstanding, job of providing comfort and support for stomach, back and side sleeping. It’s the same depth as the Nectar Mattress, our top pick of the best memory foam mattresses, and it offers decent pressure relief. While Tuft & Needle has designed its Original memory foam mattress with heat-wicking graphite infused foam and cooling gel, we found it still slept warm, so wouldn’t recommend it to hot sleepers dealing with night sweats or hot flashes. There is a decent mix of push back and contouring (it hugs the body slightly) here, so you get a hit of coziness but you will also have an easier time switching positions and getting in and out of bed. If you want a deeper body hug feel plus decent bounce, see the Saatva Classic (number 6) and opt for the Soft version. We found it easy setting up the Tuft & Needle Original, and it’s relatively easy to care for too as all you need to do is rotate it every few months and keep it covered with a good mattress protector (you still need to clean it regularly). This memory foam mattress has its drawbacks though, including the edge support – it’s definitely lacking compared to other all-foam models we’ve reviewed. Even the brand describes it as “basic”. The heavier members of our testing panel also felt as though there wasn’t enough support on offer here, so if that applies to your body type, look at the Saatva Loom & Leaf (number 4) or the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt (number 7). Like most companies, Tuft & Needle has increase its prices in response to inflation. We’re reticent to call it a cheap mattress because it’s no longer one – a queen now retails for $995, up from $760. Still, it undercuts the likes of Casper and Purple, and Tuft & Needle mattress sales offer regular ways to save.
Read our Tuft & Needle Original mattress review
There’s plenty to love about the Puffy mattress. With its patented multi-layer design, this mattress delivers innovative DeepSleep technology across four individual layers. These comprise an award-winning Cooling Cloud top layer, a Plush Dual Cloud layer for cosiness and comfort, and a ClimateComfort layer to regulate your body temperature, all this on top of a Firm Core Support base layer. The breathable top layer gently hugs the body, keeping it aligned as well as cool. Pressure points are nicely supported too, and there’s plenty of relief for all sleeping positions but especially those who sleep on their side. Deeper into the mattress the Plush Dual Cloud layer also helps the spine to align for well-balanced sleep and complete comfort. The ClimateComfort layer, meanwhile, keeps your body temperature regulated, no matter what time of year. The Puffy mattress is shipped in a box straight to your door. You can also take advantage of a 101-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. If you’re looking for extra levels of cosiness, but don’t want to compromise on stability, then the Puffy mattress is a good choice. This ‘huggy’ mattress is big on cradling, giving the sleeper a sense of being held – ideal if you’re prone to stress-related insomnia or wake frequently in the night with sore pressure points. It’s topped with a temperature-regulating, moisture-controlling Tencel blend fabric cover that’s designed to help you sleep cool. Beneath that is a layer of cooling gel memory foam, followed by bamboo charcoal memory foam and a layer of support foam. Not everyone agrees that it sleeps cool though, so if you overheat at night it may not be the best option. The 10-inch Lucid gel memory foam mattress comes in a wide range of different comfort options: firm, medium firm, medium plush and plush. (There’s also a short Queen version that fits in tight spaces). The plush version may be better for side sleepers, while the firmer version is recommended for anyone with back pain. However this mattress isn’t ideal for weights above 500 pounds. Overall, we think this popular gel option from Lucid is another contender for the title of best memory foam mattress for tight budgets. Like the Zinus option above it’s a budget pick, so don’t expect it to last forever, but if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful mattress that will provide adequate support for people of an average weight, the Lucid gel memory foam mattress has a lot going for it.
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Are memory foam mattresses any good?
It depends on what type of mattress you prefer sleeping on, whether you have specific health or posture needs, and what budget you have. From our testing, we believe that memory foam mattresses are good for the majority of sleepers as they offer high levels of pressure relief and body contouring. That makes them best-suited to side sleepers and combi sleepers, plus anyone dealing with sore joints. If you have a bigger budget and want a handcrafted luxury memory foam mattress, we recommend the Saatva Loom & Leaf, starting from $1,095 (opens in new tab). This beautiful-looking mattress is crafted with a soft-touch quilted top and a choice of two firmness levels (relaxed firm or firm). That makes it the best memory foam mattress for any sleeping position as the firmness can be tailored to your body weight. Memory foam mattresses also excel at motion isolation, making them a good choice for couples with different bedtime routines, as the memory foam will reduce any motion from your partner’s in-bed movements being transferred to you. But memory foam mattresses don’t suit everyone. If you dislike the feeling of being cradled by your mattress, you might not enjoy a memory foam bed unless it’s a hybrid (made with foam and coils). A medium-firm feel would also be best for you so that you are sleeping more on top of the mattress, rather than sinking into it. Here are some of the main benefits of a good memory foam mattress: Above average pressure relief - Memory foam was first developed to boost comfort, so no wonder it does such a good job at hugging your body during sleep and relieving pressure. Latex is another good material choice for pressure relief, though it’s a little bouncier and responsive, so not as good at motion isolation (see below). For more guidance, read our memory foam vs latex mattress comparison. Motion isolation - Memory foam mattresses are a good choice if you share with a restless partner, as they have high levels of motion isolation. All that dense foam does make it a little tricker to get in and out of bed, but manufacturers are tackling this with responsive foam and stronger edge support. They’re ideal for side sleepers - While they suit a variety of sleep styles, memory foam mattresses are well-suited to side sleepers. When you sleep on your side you experience more pressure on your hips and knees. Memory foam cushions these impact areas. Our guide to the best mattress for side sleepers goes into more detail. Hot sleepers usually run from memory foam mattresses, but new cooling, gel-infused memory foams, and those infused with copper and graphite, regulate temperature so that you don’t overheat during sleep. That said, if you sleep very hot, we’d recommend investing in the best cooling mattress instead. You can read more about this in our feature answering, are memory foam mattresses hot?
Do memory foam mattresses need a box spring?
Even the best memory foam mattresses need a solid foundation or bed base, but that doesn’t always mean a box spring is the right solution. That’s because some memory foam models sag when placed on a box spring that has slats spaced too far apart. Flimsier box springs may not also provide the support a dense memory foam mattress needs, so you won’t get the support and comfort you need during sleep. As we explain in our feature answering do memory foam mattresses need a box spring, you should use a box spring if you are placing an all-foam bed on a metal frame. But you don’t need one if you have a well-made wooden bed frame with closely spaced slats, or a platform bed as these are supportive enough on their own.
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How much does a memory foam mattress cost?
Memory foam mattresses are typically more expensive than traditional spring mattresses, but usually cost less than hybrids, which combine layers of both foam and coil. They are usually at their cheapest during the Black Friday mattress sales, with prices normally rolling over to the Cyber Monday mattress deals. Sleep position – Memory foam mattresses vary in firmness, so find one that supports your spine in the position you sleep in. If you mostly sleep on your side, a medium mattress will keep you comfortable, while firmer mattresses tend to be better suited to stomach sleepers. Back sleepers, meanwhile, often benefit from a medium-firm memory foam mattress. Sleep trial and warranties – If your memory foam mattress comes with a risk-free trial then you have nothing to lose. Another good indication of quality is long warranty – if the brand has faith in its mattress, you can too.
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Also read: While there are plenty of affordable options available, the more you spend on a memory foam mattress the longer it should last you. Look out for brands such as Saatva who has a 15-year warranty on its Loom & Leaf memory foam mattress. The Memorial Day mattress sales (opens in new tab) are popular too, but that doesn’t mean they are the best time to buy a memory foam mattress. In fact, we saw some price increases across certain brands, so while the discounts may have been the same as Black Friday, the mattress prices were higher. To help you, we have included the MSRP of every product featured in our best memory foam mattress guide so you can see the original prices at a glance. To a large extent, the best time to buy depends on your needs. Are you desperate for a new mattress today? Then we’d suggest using our guide to find the top three models for you, then compare them in terms of the price, discounts and the trial period to help you narrow down your choice.
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title: “The Best Memory Foam Mattress” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-11” author: “Gladys Corey”
Our memory foam mattress guide includes all-foam models as well as hybrids (foam and coils or springs for added bounce). All of the entries on our list come on a risk-free trial period (the average trial is 100 nights), so you’ll have time to test and sleep on your new mattress at home. If you change your mind, arrange for it to be returned and your money refunded. While the average warranty is 10 years, some of the top memory foam mattress brands, such as Nectar, WinkBeds, and Saatva, offer lifetime warranties. So, how much do memory foam mattresses cost? They’re often a pretty affordable option, with prices starting from a couple of hundred dollars, although they can run into the thousands for fancy, specialized models. Thankfully, there are mattress sales all year round to help take the price down. Of course don’t forget to factor in one of the best bed frames to go with your mattress. Now, read on for our expert pick of this year’s best memory foam mattresses…
The best memory foam mattress in 2023
Nectar Sleep makes the best mattress in a box for the money and here it takes the top position in our memory foam mattress guide because it’s comfortable and supportive, but also incredible value, significantly undercutting mid-range rivals like Casper and Purple when it comes to price. We tested the medium firm Nectar Memory Foam mattress for two months and loved it. This all-foam mattress has a soft, quilted cover that’s designed to help you stay cool – and it worked for us, even during the hot summer months. There’s then three inches of memory foam, followed by a layer of support foam, a sturdy base layer and a no-slip lower cover. We rated it highly for comfort and pressure relief, and general consensus seems to agree. Although Nectar mixes reviews for all of its mattress models together, a combined average score of 4.8 out of 5 over 45k+ reviews (as of September 2022) speaks highly of the quality to expect from this brand. We also noticed good edge support – so the mattress feels wider – and very little motion transfer, which makes the Nectar Memory Foam mattress a good choice for couples, and anyone with a restless partner in particular. Some couples have complained that it doesn’t have a lot of bounce though, so if you’re looking for that feature for sex (or just in general) you might want to try a different option. We love that Nectar gives you one year to try out this mattress. That’s nearly three times the length offered by other bed-in-a-box mattress companies. Its forever warranty is a solid bonus as well. Plus, it’s nearly always sold with $399 or more of free accessories. If you’re looking for sheer value for money, the Nectar is the best memory foam mattress you can buy.
Read more: Nectar mattress review (opens in new tab)
The Helix Midnight is an excellent mattress for side sleepers. This medium firm offering isn’t only made of foam… underneath two layers of the company’s ‘memory plus’ foam and ‘Helix dynamic foam’, there’s also a layer of hundreds of individual coils, which technically makes it a hybrid. We think the Helix Midnight offers the best of both worlds: the luxurious cushioning and deep pressure-relief of foam and the cradling support of springs. One area in which we were particularly impressed when we tested the Helix Midnight is temperature control. The breathable cover and increased airflow through the coils kept us at a cool, comfortable temperature throughout the night – not bad given that one of our reviewers is known for overheating at night. It’s also an excellent choice for couples, with very little motion transfer and a touch more bounce that you’d get from a pure memory foam mattress. If you’re a stomach sleeper or weigh over 300 pounds though, the Midnight may feel too soft – try the Helix Twilight instead, with its no-sink-or-give top layer, or the Helix Dawn, which comes with extra support for back and stomach sleepers. (Alternatively, take the Helix sleep quiz (opens in new tab) to find the exactly the right mattress.) Overall, we found the Helix Midnight to be a competitively priced hybrid mattress that delivers the comfort and support of a more expensive model. If you’re a side sleeper, or tend to sleep hot, you should get on well with it.
Read our Helix Midnight mattress review
The Siena Memory Foam mattress is much firmer than you’d expect for a memory foam mattress, with very little ‘hug’. That makes it a great choice for stomach sleepers and back sleepers in need of a more supportive sleep surface, although side sleepers might be better off with something that offers more give around the shoulders and hips. In our tests, we were impressed with the edge support and motion isolation on offer here, which makes it a good choice for those who share a bed and don’t want to be bothered by wriggly partners. While pricier memory foams will do a better job of temperature regulation, the Siena still did a decent job of not trapping body heat. It’s also a great choice for those on a tight budget – at MSRP, a queen is $699, but since it launched in March 2022 it has pretty much constantly been $499, which is excellent value for the three-layer design. It also comes with a 10-year warranty plus 180 nights to test it, which is quite generous for a budget mattress.
Read more: Siena Memory Foam mattress review
The Saatva Loom & Leaf is a premium, hotel-quality mattress from luxury online brand Saatva. It’s also among the priciest on our list. A queen retails for over $2,000 although there are regular discounts that can knock hundreds of dollars off. Nevertheless, we’d still consider the Saatva Loom & Leaf a suitable alternative if the Tempur-Pedic (at number 7) is out of your price range as the price differential there is in the thousands. Also consider that Saatva provides free white glove delivery – given that this is a mattress that can weigh up to 116lbs, you’ll welcome that convenience. We recently slept on a Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress for three weeks and consider it one of the best mattresses for back pain. (Our lead reviewer noticed a significant improvement in her back injury after sleeping on this bed.) It has a zoned design with a reinforced middle-third featuring a gel-infused foam lumbar crown that relieves pressure and improves circulation in the lower back. The top and bottom thirds are slightly softer to contour the shoulders and knees. Note that it comes in two firmness options: relaxed firm (which we tried) and firm, which will suit those who need a little more support and want a subtle ‘hug’. No matter your sleep style, you’ll find yourself comfortably contoured when sleeping on the Saatva Loom & Leaf. Although the Loom & Leaf sports some cooling tech in its build, we found it’s prone to trapping heat overnight, so chronically hot sleepers may want to look towards some of the other options on this list that excel at temperature regulation. On the flip side, motion isolation is top-notch so couples won’t have to worry about being interrupted by a restless partner. The Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress isn’t cheap, but it’s a very good value given that it comes with a 1-year trial, a lifetime warranty, and the aforementioned white glove delivery (which includes optional removal of your existing mattress, as well). There’s also the build quality to consider; this handcrafted bed is made to last and long-time customers say it hasn’t lost its comfort level after years of regular use. Thus, you’ll save money in the long term by not having to swap out mattresses every several years.
Read more: Loom & Leaf mattress review
The standout feature of this all-foam mattress is that it uses green tea-infused memory foam and purified charcoal particles to neutralize odors (no, it doesn’t smell of tea). It comes in four different thickness options, ranging from 6 to 12 inches - the price increases with depth - and can be used with any type of bed base. We tested the 10-inch version (which starts from $198) for three months and found it to be comfortable and supportive, with good edge support and minimal motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a restless partner. However, it’s not the best choice if you overheat at night: a few of our reviewers became uncomfortably warm. We also have some questions about its long-term durability and wouldn’t expect this mattress to last as long as the others on this list.
Read our Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress review (opens in new tab)
The luxury Saatva Classic mattress is another one in our best memory foam mattress guide that isn’t made from just memory foam – it’s a hybrid, combining a memory foam comfort layer with a responsive, dual steel coil support system. It’s the cheaper sibling to the Saatva Loom and Leaf mattress at number four, and an excellent choice for anyone who prefers a slightly bouncier mattress compared to pure memory foam. It’s also a better choice for anyone who prefers to sleep on top of the mattress rather than sinking into it. This highly rated hybrid memory foam mattress doesn’t arrive in a box, so you won’t have to worry about waiting for it to expand to its full size, or deal with off-gassing odors. On top, there’s a luxuriously soft Euro pillow top wrapped in an organic cotton cover. Next, a layer of individually wrapped coils minimize motion transfer, while contouring to your body’s pressure points; and the foundation features steel coils that prevent sagging over time. Coils are also great for helping with airflow, so if you tend to overheat at night, the Saatva Classic is worth considering. The Congress of Chiropractic State Associations has awarded Saatva its seal of approval, and many users have commented that the Saatva Classic has helped their back and joint pain. Saatva also makes one of the best mattress toppers to solve a range of sleep issues, from overheating to pain.
Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review (opens in new tab)
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress places a big emphasis on relieving pressure points so that you sleep soundly through the night, with far fewer wake-ups due to feeling uncomfortable. This Tempur-Pedic memory foam mattress isn’t the cheapest nor the most expensive in the brand’s range, and therefore suits a wider range of budgets. It’s still pricey (especially the split Cal king size), but considering the superior quality of Tempur-Pedic beds and the level of mattress tech you’re getting here, the price isn’t outrageous. The biggest and most obvious thing you’ll feel when lying on the Tempur-Adapt is how much it hugs your body. This makes it the best memory foam mattress for people who love the sensation of being cradled and who are dealing with neck, hip, back and knee pain, as the Tempur-Adapt relieves pressure in all of those areas. It uses the brand’s famous NASA-developed Tempur material to alleviate pressure points, all while adapting to your unique body shape, temperature and weight. There’s also bags of motion cancellation going on here, with the Tempur Adapt quickly absorbing motion so that you and your partner don’t wake each other up with your movements. As for cooling, while this isn’t a proper cooling mattress like the Tempur-Breeze, it does sport cooling fabric woven into the cover, while the open-cell Tempur material is designed to boost breathability during sleep. While it’s certainly an investment, Tempur-Pedic mattress sales are fairly common, so you might not have to shell out the full list price. And if you want one of Tempur’s best memory foam mattresses for relieving pressure in all sleepers, here it is. We’ll be reviewing this bed over the next several weeks so be on the lookout for our in-depth review. This award-winning Leesa Original memory foam mattress stands at 10 inches tall and relies upon a mix of premium foams to prevent overheating during sleep. While it isn’t a proper cooling mattress, during testing we found that the Leesa Original remained cool to the touch during sleep, thanks to a cooling top layer with twill cover. It also sleeps cooler than some of the other models featured in this memory foam mattress guide, including the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam, which sleeps much warmer in comparison. The Leesa Original is rated as a 5-7 on the firmness scale by Leesa, but when we reviewed it we felt it was more of a 6 out of 10, making it a true medium-firm feel. The stomach sleepers on our testing panel found it to be the most comfortable, but because it has a contouring effect too, we’d also recommend it as a good mattress for side sleepers who like a slightly firmer feel and less of a full body hug sensation. We rated the cover for its softness and for how breathable it remained during sleep, and we also liked how well the Leesa Original absorbed motion transfer. This is true of most memory foam mattresses though and, because they absorb motion so well, in our experience they are the better choice for restless sleepers who share a bed. The Leesa also expanded to full height within an hour for us, though it reached peak firmness within a few days. By comparison, the Nectar Mattress (see number one) took up to 48 hours to fully expand. The only things we didn’t like about the Leesa Original were the pungent off-gassing smell (read more about what is mattress off-gassing), and the edge support, which we felt was pretty weak compared to similar models we have tested. But overall, if you’re a stomach or combi-sleeper looking for a reliable and comfy memory foam mattress from a leading sleep brand, and one that comes with a 100-night at-home trial with free shipping and returns, the Leesa Original is a good choice for your sleep.
Read our Leesa Original mattress review
If you’re looking for a memory foam mattress to upgrade your guest bedroom or a kid’s room, then the Tuft & Needle Original is worth a look. This no-frills bed-in-a-box is designed to suit most sleeping positions, and during our testing period we felt it did a decent, if not outstanding, job of providing comfort and support for stomach, back and side sleeping. It’s the same depth as the Nectar Mattress, our top pick of the best memory foam mattresses, and it offers decent pressure relief. While Tuft & Needle has designed its Original memory foam mattress with heat-wicking graphite infused foam and cooling gel, we found it still slept warm, so wouldn’t recommend it to hot sleepers dealing with night sweats or hot flashes. There is a decent mix of push back and contouring (it hugs the body slightly) here, so you get a hit of coziness but you will also have an easier time switching positions and getting in and out of bed. If you want a deeper body hug feel plus decent bounce, see the Saatva Classic (number 6) and opt for the Soft version. We found it easy setting up the Tuft & Needle Original, and it’s relatively easy to care for too as all you need to do is rotate it every few months and keep it covered with a good mattress protector (you still need to clean it regularly). This memory foam mattress has its drawbacks though, including the edge support – it’s definitely lacking compared to other all-foam models we’ve reviewed. Even the brand describes it as “basic”. The heavier members of our testing panel also felt as though there wasn’t enough support on offer here, so if that applies to your body type, look at the Saatva Loom & Leaf (number 4) or the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt (number 7). Like most companies, Tuft & Needle has increase its prices in response to inflation. We’re reticent to call it a cheap mattress because it’s no longer one – a queen now retails for $995, up from $760. Still, it undercuts the likes of Casper and Purple, and Tuft & Needle mattress sales offer regular ways to save.
Read our Tuft & Needle Original mattress review
There’s plenty to love about the Puffy mattress. With its patented multi-layer design, this mattress delivers innovative DeepSleep technology across four individual layers. These comprise an award-winning Cooling Cloud top layer, a Plush Dual Cloud layer for cosiness and comfort, and a ClimateComfort layer to regulate your body temperature, all this on top of a Firm Core Support base layer. The breathable top layer gently hugs the body, keeping it aligned as well as cool. Pressure points are nicely supported too, and there’s plenty of relief for all sleeping positions but especially those who sleep on their side. Deeper into the mattress the Plush Dual Cloud layer also helps the spine to align for well-balanced sleep and complete comfort. The ClimateComfort layer, meanwhile, keeps your body temperature regulated, no matter what time of year. The Puffy mattress is shipped in a box straight to your door. You can also take advantage of a 101-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. If you’re looking for extra levels of cosiness, but don’t want to compromise on stability, then the Puffy mattress is a good choice. This ‘huggy’ mattress is big on cradling, giving the sleeper a sense of being held – ideal if you’re prone to stress-related insomnia or wake frequently in the night with sore pressure points. It’s topped with a temperature-regulating, moisture-controlling Tencel blend fabric cover that’s designed to help you sleep cool. Beneath that is a layer of cooling gel memory foam, followed by bamboo charcoal memory foam and a layer of support foam. Not everyone agrees that it sleeps cool though, so if you overheat at night it may not be the best option. The 10-inch Lucid gel memory foam mattress comes in a wide range of different comfort options: firm, medium firm, medium plush and plush. (There’s also a short Queen version that fits in tight spaces). The plush version may be better for side sleepers, while the firmer version is recommended for anyone with back pain. However this mattress isn’t ideal for weights above 500 pounds. Overall, we think this popular gel option from Lucid is another contender for the title of best memory foam mattress for tight budgets. Like the Zinus option above it’s a budget pick, so don’t expect it to last forever, but if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful mattress that will provide adequate support for people of an average weight, the Lucid gel memory foam mattress has a lot going for it.
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Are memory foam mattresses any good?
It depends on what type of mattress you prefer sleeping on, whether you have specific health or posture needs, and what budget you have. From our testing, we believe that memory foam mattresses are good for the majority of sleepers as they offer high levels of pressure relief and body contouring. That makes them best-suited to side sleepers and combi sleepers, plus anyone dealing with sore joints. If you have a bigger budget and want a handcrafted luxury memory foam mattress, we recommend the Saatva Loom & Leaf, starting from $1,095 (opens in new tab). This beautiful-looking mattress is crafted with a soft-touch quilted top and a choice of two firmness levels (relaxed firm or firm). That makes it the best memory foam mattress for any sleeping position as the firmness can be tailored to your body weight. Memory foam mattresses also excel at motion isolation, making them a good choice for couples with different bedtime routines, as the memory foam will reduce any motion from your partner’s in-bed movements being transferred to you. But memory foam mattresses don’t suit everyone. If you dislike the feeling of being cradled by your mattress, you might not enjoy a memory foam bed unless it’s a hybrid (made with foam and coils). A medium-firm feel would also be best for you so that you are sleeping more on top of the mattress, rather than sinking into it. Here are some of the main benefits of a good memory foam mattress: Above average pressure relief - Memory foam was first developed to boost comfort, so no wonder it does such a good job at hugging your body during sleep and relieving pressure. Latex is another good material choice for pressure relief, though it’s a little bouncier and responsive, so not as good at motion isolation (see below). For more guidance, read our memory foam vs latex mattress comparison. Motion isolation - Memory foam mattresses are a good choice if you share with a restless partner, as they have high levels of motion isolation. All that dense foam does make it a little tricker to get in and out of bed, but manufacturers are tackling this with responsive foam and stronger edge support. They’re ideal for side sleepers - While they suit a variety of sleep styles, memory foam mattresses are well-suited to side sleepers. When you sleep on your side you experience more pressure on your hips and knees. Memory foam cushions these impact areas. Our guide to the best mattress for side sleepers goes into more detail. Hot sleepers usually run from memory foam mattresses, but new cooling, gel-infused memory foams, and those infused with copper and graphite, regulate temperature so that you don’t overheat during sleep. That said, if you sleep very hot, we’d recommend investing in the best cooling mattress instead. You can read more about this in our feature answering, are memory foam mattresses hot?
Do memory foam mattresses need a box spring?
Even the best memory foam mattresses need a solid foundation or bed base, but that doesn’t always mean a box spring is the right solution. That’s because some memory foam models sag when placed on a box spring that has slats spaced too far apart. Flimsier box springs may not also provide the support a dense memory foam mattress needs, so you won’t get the support and comfort you need during sleep. As we explain in our feature answering do memory foam mattresses need a box spring, you should use a box spring if you are placing an all-foam bed on a metal frame. But you don’t need one if you have a well-made wooden bed frame with closely spaced slats, or a platform bed as these are supportive enough on their own.
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How much does a memory foam mattress cost?
Memory foam mattresses are typically more expensive than traditional spring mattresses, but usually cost less than hybrids, which combine layers of both foam and coil. They are usually at their cheapest during the Black Friday mattress sales, with prices normally rolling over to the Cyber Monday mattress deals. Sleep position – Memory foam mattresses vary in firmness, so find one that supports your spine in the position you sleep in. If you mostly sleep on your side, a medium mattress will keep you comfortable, while firmer mattresses tend to be better suited to stomach sleepers. Back sleepers, meanwhile, often benefit from a medium-firm memory foam mattress. Sleep trial and warranties – If your memory foam mattress comes with a risk-free trial then you have nothing to lose. Another good indication of quality is long warranty – if the brand has faith in its mattress, you can too.
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Also read: While there are plenty of affordable options available, the more you spend on a memory foam mattress the longer it should last you. Look out for brands such as Saatva who has a 15-year warranty on its Loom & Leaf memory foam mattress. The Memorial Day mattress sales (opens in new tab) are popular too, but that doesn’t mean they are the best time to buy a memory foam mattress. In fact, we saw some price increases across certain brands, so while the discounts may have been the same as Black Friday, the mattress prices were higher. To help you, we have included the MSRP of every product featured in our best memory foam mattress guide so you can see the original prices at a glance. To a large extent, the best time to buy depends on your needs. Are you desperate for a new mattress today? Then we’d suggest using our guide to find the top three models for you, then compare them in terms of the price, discounts and the trial period to help you narrow down your choice.
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