The Best Mattresses for 2023

Our Best Mattress Picks

• Nectar – Best Overall
• Helix Midnight – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
• DreamCloud – Best Cooling Mattress
  
• Saatva Classic – Best Luxury Mattress
• Nolah Evolution – Best Hybrid Mattress
• WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back Pain
• Bear Star Hybrid – Best Firm Mattress
  
• Nectar Hybrid – Best Mattress for Couples
• Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavyweight Sleepers
• Helix Dawn – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Finding a mattress that suits your budget and individual needs is critical for a purchase you’ll appreciate for years to come. There’s a common misconception, though, that spending more money on a product will yield the most satisfaction. This is not always the case.

Inexpensive choices don’t necessarily equate to low quality, and with the mattress industry offering more direct-to-consumer strategies through online purchases, higher quality can be had at a lower cost. In our list above, you can see a few of the mattresses we love that offer outstanding value.

The type of mattress you get will be important because this can impact features like longevity, price, cooling, edge support, motion isolation, pressure relief, and support.

An innerspring mattress is the most traditional type. While the market can often be dominated by fancy new memory foam or hybrid products, innerspring mattresses still bring a lot to the table, depending on what you need.

Coil beds are great for cooling because the springs provide regular airflow, making them less warm than products that use memory foam, which tends to run hot. Innerspring mattresses offer excellent edge support and durability, and when combined with foam or latex, can make brilliant hybrid products. Traditional coil mattresses are also one of the least expensive types available.

Memory foam is a popular type for the average sleeper because of its body contouring abilities that deliver excellent relief for pressure points.

Despite its popularity in the bedding market, memory foam’s tendency to run hot means manufacturers have had to find ways to solve this issue. Adding gel or an open cell construction allows more air to pass through and less overall heat retention. Some brands may use graphite or copper in their memory foam to provide enhanced cooling.

If you sleep with a partner, live in a warmer climate, or are generally prone to overheating, seeking out a memory foam bed with cooling features would be best.

Interested in exploring further? Follow our guide to 6 Types of Foam.

If you enjoy the support and cooling of an innerspring coil mattress but love the soft comfort of foam as well, a hybrid is a great mix of the two styles. Most hybrids contain memory foam at the top, followed by a transitional layer of firmer poly foam and a coil unit at the base. That being said, there are variations to this design. Some brands use latex instead of memory foam, while others may use more foam below the coils for reinforcement. The advantage of hybrids is that there are so many design options.

Latex is another mattress type that’s available to shoppers. Though these beds are more expensive, they’re highly durable, which means they should last you a long time. Latex has plenty of advantages to offer consumers, including bounce, durability, temperature regulation, pressure relief, and support. Latex beds include those made solely of latex layers and latex hybrids. Beds with natural latex are also one of the most environmentally friendly choices out there, making this a great choice for eco-conscious shoppers. When shopping for latex, you’ll likely come across two terms: Talalay and Dunlop. These represent the manufacturing process for the latex, each offering a slightly different feel. Talalay is softer and has a more consistent feel, whereas Dunlop is firmer but less consistent.

The type of mattress you sleep on should complement your sleeping position, and not every mattress will work for each sleeping style. While many of us love a soft bed, lying on one all night long could be terrible for your back, even more so if you sleep on your stomach. A soft mattress can hyper-extend your spine, wreaking havoc on your body alignment. Keeping your sleep position in mind while mattress shopping could be a tremendous help for maintaining good posture.

If you sleep on your side, a soft to medium-firm mattress should suit you well because it can keep you supported but still be soft enough to relieve pressure on the hips and shoulders. Back sleepers are usually an ideal match for medium-firm beds that give more robust support but still have noticeable pressure relief. Stomach sleepers often enjoy firm beds the most, while combination sleepers need a medium firmness that’s versatile enough for different positions.

Mattresses come in a wide variety of firmness levels, and this aspect often dictates what individuals deem to be comfortable. While some cultures believe sleeping on the floor to be healthiest for spinal alignment, it doesn’t always offer a cozy feel conducive to sleep.

Most beds are in the medium-firm range because these provide support for back pain, yet simultaneously relieve pressure from aching joints. Heavier individuals might need a firmer option to get the same feel, as the mattress would endure more pressure, and lighter sleepers can frequently find similar comfort with a more plush option.

We’ve rated the various mattress types on their general firmness levels in terms of numbers and descriptors (1 being the softest, 10 being the most firm) to help you choose which is right for you.

Interested in more details? Check out our full Mattress Firmness Guide.

According to a study done in 2017, sleeping on one's side is the ideal posture for most people, although not everyone prefers this position. If you do sleep on your side, most mattress types will suit you. However, if you experience hip or shoulder pain, a softer mattress with more contouring or pressure relief might help relieve aches and pains.

If you sleep on your stomach, your spine is at greater risk of being thrown out of alignment because this position puts stress on the back. You can support the spine by placing a pillow under your stomach or pelvis, using a flat pillow, or not using one at all. You’ll likely want a firmer mattress as these should provide more support for the spine.

Back sleepers usually have a wider variety of choices, though most opt for medium-firm beds that provide support without sacrificing pressure relief. However, depending on your body type, sleeping on your back could still stress your lower spine. Tucking a small pillow under the small of your back will help to support the natural curvature of your bones, reducing stress. Memory foam, latex, and hybrid models seem to be a good fit for this group.

If you’re a combination sleeper, a medium-firm mattress could offer the right amount of pressure relief and comfort to help you snooze through the night. Plus, this is the most versatile comfort feel, so it will work for more sleep positions.

A mattress that delivers both pressure relief and back support could improve sleep and promote an overall healthier life. Too much softness often leads to sagging in the middle, which can result in spinal misalignment and eventually back pain. Conversely, a mattress that’s too firm can lead to achy joints in the morning or make it harder to relax to fall asleep.

Most brands offer beds in a medium or medium-firm feel since this is the comfort level that should give enough support and pressure relief to the majority of people. Some companies sell beds that are softer or firmer, though, because those with more unique frames, such as very lightweight or heavy individuals, need more customized comfort to avoid an improper balance of pressure relief and support.

The amount of resistance a mattress can provide around the edges will determine its edge support. Edge support might not seem like an essential feature; however, if a bed sags towards the perimeter, it can be tricky to get up from the bed. Unsupportive edges can be a critical feature, especially if you have back pain.

Furthermore, a lack of edge support prevents you from utilizing the entire surface when sleeping, which is good to keep in mind if you sleep next to a partner. If you appreciate your personal space, you’ll likely want to take advantage of every square inch available. Having perimeter support will keep you from feeling like you’re sinking or start falling off the bed.

Mattress types that use coils are often great for edge support, and several memory foam manufacturers put higher-density foam around the edges to provide additional resistance.

Motion isolation is usually important for those sharing a bed with a partner. If you or your partner move around throughout the night, this could be disturbing for a light sleeper.

However, mattresses with strong motion isolation could solve this issue and allow two people to sleep in peace.

Additionally, as most people are a bit sensitive to noise when they sleep, you might want a quiet product. Hearing coils creak when your partner gets up to go to the bathroom could interrupt your sleep and leave you irritated in the middle of the night. Certain hybrid and memory foam mattresses can offer quality motion isolation, allowing you to keep your intimate moments private.

For some sexually active couples, beds with plenty of bounce may be preferred. While memory foam is great for motion isolation, it won’t provide much bounce. However, adding coils can help provide more buoyancy, and latex beds have lots of bounce to them as well.

When shopping for a mattress, keep in mind the types of products known for cooling benefits (and those that aren't).

Typically, memory foam runs on the warmer side because the foam is made of tiny pores and lacks airflow channels. However, newer memory foam models with gel infusions or alternative cooling technologies will help reduce heat retention.

Traditional innerspring and hybrid mattresses are usually excellent for temperature regulation. This is because the coils in them allow air to circulate inside the mattress, preventing warm spots.

Natural latex products work wonderfully for cooling as well. Latex is made from rubber trees, and the sap from the tree is made into foam. With an open cell structure, the latex foam is able to facilitate significant airflow.

Get More Info: How Body Thermoregulation Works During Sleep

You’ll never know for sure if a mattress is for you until you try it, preferably for more than just 20 minutes in the store. Purchasing a mattress is often an expensive decision, so take your time deciding. If you go in-person, quality customer service can often tell you a lot about a company.

A trustworthy brand should believe in their product and show confidence in what they’re selling. That being said, it’s important to remember everyone is different and one mattress won’t fit all.

Generous trial periods and flexibility with returns show assurance and trustworthiness. While there may be restrictions in some cases, most reputable brands, especially those that sell online, will provide a substantial amount of time to test out the bed at home.

Learn More: How Do Mattress Trial Periods Work?

Expensive does not always mean better quality. Certain brands may be able to offer a quality mattress at a lower price than another manufacturer for a variety of reasons. They could be buying materials from different places or paying their staff at varying rates. The online sales model, which eliminates middle-man retailers, also helps bring down costs on high-end beds.

National Holidays are often excellent times to catch a great mattress deal. Memorial Day, President’s Day, 4th of July, Veteran’s Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday are popular times for mattress sales. If you can wait a few months until a holiday rolls around, you might find significant savings.

Many mattress brands also release new models in the early summertime, so buying just before then could present some excellent bargains as stores try to clear stock to make room for new products.

Learn More: Best Time to Buy a Mattress

Generally speaking, you should replace a mattress every 6-8 years. However, this all depends on the mattress. If you don’t weigh much, it’ll endure longer, and if you weigh more or sleep next to someone, it might wear out quicker.

For this reason, material quality and the overall durability of the product are important as you search for a new bed. If you’ve snagged a quality product, you likely won’t have to worry about a replacement as soon.

For More Info: How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

Finding what’s right for you will always be a personal decision. No matter how reputable a company is or how many individuals enjoy their products, you may feel differently and it’s essential to listen to your body.

If you’re waking up with aches and pains, take note. Have a look through our charts and guidelines above in regard to your sleep habits, and hopefully, that will help you find something comfortable.

Read Our Full Guide: How to Choose a Mattress in 5 Easy Steps

With the right choice, neither partner should have to compromise. We recommend choosing a bed with good motion isolation, a medium-firm feel, a little bounce, and cooling features to help you both sleep soundly. Once you know what matters to you both, look for a bed that incorporates these features.

Buying a mattress online or in-store both have perks and drawbacks. Shopping online often gets you access to high-quality beds at lower costs because they’re being sold directly to consumers. The downside, though, is that you don’t get to see and touch the beds before purchasing. In this case, be sure you buy a bed online with a generous trial period.

Conversely, shopping in-store gives you access to lots of beds in person, along with face-to-face customer service. However, this method can also mean higher prices due to overhead costs.

The mattress types that are the most comfortable will depend on the individual sleeper. Each mattress type has its pros and cons that work for some and not for others. For example, if pressure relief is a top concern, you may find that memory foam mattresses feel most comfortable. Therefore we recommend assessing each type and seeing how they correlate with your sleep style and preferences.

The best mattress for back pain will have strong support and a medium-firm feel (or firm if you’re a heavier sleeper). Typically, beds with coil units have enhanced support that can help people with back pain. Additionally, mattress companies will implement zoned support, which gives stronger support in heavier areas and softer support in lighter areas for advanced comfort. Beds with zoned support are also popular for those with back pain.

The best mattress for side sleepers will have a soft or medium firmness and great pressure relief. Memory foam is usually a popular choice for side sleepers because it relieves pressure very well. However, latex can also deliver quality relief, particularly if it contains Talalay latex, which is softer than Dunlop.