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Best Memory Foam Mattress

Many people love the contouring powers of memory foam. This material can feel like a soothing, cradling hug when you lie down in bed, and it’s adept at taking pressure off your sensitive joints. It can also keep you supported with a strong core.

The best memory foam mattress will combine the above benefits with features tailored to your individual sleep needs, whether you require a bed that stays comfortably cool or foam that responds well to a certain sleeping position.

Utilizing our extensive experience in the sleep industry, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite memory foam mattresses. Consider your sleep style and browse the beds below to find your memory foam match.

The best memory foam mattress is…

We picked the Nectar mattress as the top foam bed because of its versatile feel, pressure-relieving layers, and affordable price range.

Best Memory Foam Mattresses

My Video Review of The Best Memory Foam Mattresses

Compare The Best Memory Foam Mattresses

Nectar Mattress Helix Midnight Mattress WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress Nolah Signature 12 Contour5 Cocoon Chill Mattress Nectar Luxe Mattress Bear Original Mattress Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Nectar Mattress Helix Midnight Mattress WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress Contour5 Cocoon Chill Mattress Nectar Luxe Mattress Bear Original Mattress Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Rating
4.3
4.1
4.5
4.0
4.0
3.6
3.9
3.9
4.0
Firmness Firm: 7.5/10 Medium-firm: 6/10 Medium-firm: 6/10 Medium-firm: 6/10 Medium: 5/10 Medium-firm: 6/10 Medium: 5.5/10 Firm: 7/10 Multiple firmness options
Material Foam Hybrid Foam Foam Foam Foam Foam Foam Foam
Cooling
Warranty Lifetime warranty 10-year warranty Lifetime warranty Lifetime warranty Lifetime 10-year warranty Lifetime Lifetime warranty 10-year warranty
Shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping
Trial Period 365 nights 100 nights 120 nights 120 nights 365 nights 100 nights 365 nights 120 nights 120 nights
Best For Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers Side Sleepers, Back Pain Back Pain, Couples, Back Sleepers Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors

How We Test Memory Foam Mattresses

At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs.

Our diverse cast of testers features people with different body types, preferences, and overall experiences–so we can gain an in-depth, unbiased evaluation that represents a variety of sleepers. We test each mattress in every sleeping position and in a variety of categories to ensure we cover all the bases. Read more about our product testing process here.

When it comes to memory foam mattresses, we worked to determine the most important factors to consider. More on that below.

Methodology Image- Sleep Advisor
Our lead product tester, Julia Forbes, hands on mattress testing.

What We Want to See in the Best Memory Foam Mattress

Strong Support Core

Memory foam mattresses are known for providing a delectable sink and cradling your body, but it’s important that this cushioning effect is backed up by strong support underneath. We made sure each bed earned at least a 4/5 in the support category to ensure they go above and beyond the average foam bed.

Good Pressure Relief

Foam beds are also known for relieving pressure buildup. This can be useful for pain relief in sensitive areas like the back or joints. You don’t want a too-dense slab of memory foam that keeps you from achieving a comfortable sink.

Quality Materials

Not all foam mattresses are created equal. Even for budget options, you want to be sure the foams used are durable and effective. We made sure to pick foam beds we believe are built for support and built to last.

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses, Reviewed

Nectar – Editor’s Pick

Editor’s Pick
Sleep Advisor Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Nectar
Nectar Mattress
Memory Foam
Affordable
Foam
365 nights
Free shipping minus AK and HI
Flash Sale
Save up to 50% See Details
Material
Material
This mattress is made of memory foam and other poly foam layers.
Price
Price
$934 – $2,121 (before any discounts)
Firmness
Firmness
Firm. We rated the Nectar a 7.5 out of 10.
Size
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleeper
Back Sleepers
The Nectar provides a blend of comfortable pressure relief and firm support that should suit most back sleepers.
Couples
Couples
Thanks to the Nectar’s ability to absorb motion, you should be able to sleep through your partner’s movements.
Dark
Firm Mattress Fans
At 7.5 out of 10, this bed is on the firmer side, even though it has memory foam on top.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
This bed offers pressure relief alongside its support
We were impressed by how well the perimeter of the Nectar held up, making it good for spreading out or sitting on the edges
Memory foam tends to trap heat, but the bed’s cooling cover counteracts this
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
The foams on the Nectar aren’t very bouncy, so consider looking at the best hybrid mattresses if responsiveness is important to you
It’s on the firmer side, so if you need a softer bed, you might want to consider Nectar’s most luxurious model, the Nectar Luxe
Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping, except for Alaska and Hawaii ($99)
Trial Period
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Return
Returns
Full refund within trial period

The Advisor Says: We believe that Nectar offers a quality bed backed up by generous policies, and for under $1,000 for a queen (after discounts). If you’re looking for a firmer foam mattress on a budget, the Nectar Classic has you covered.

Nectar Mattress Specs

Pressure ReliefSupportMotion IsolationFirmness LevelThickness
4557.5/1012 inches
Performance categories are rated out of 5, with 3 being average. Our firmness scale is based on 1-10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Why the Nectar Earned Best Memory Foam Mattress Overall

The Nectar takes all the traits I love about traditional memory foam—oodles of pressure relief plus a hug-like feeling—and bundles them into a modern, consumer-friendly mattress. It’s one of the most recognizable beds you can order online, and I’ve tested it repeatedly to make sure it deserves that status.

Now, no bed is perfect, but if you dig memory foam, the Nectar should be one of your first considerations. It balances that signature sinking feeling up top with stellar support from the base, and its policies are some of the best I’ve encountered in my years of mattress research. For its well-rounded construction, legacy reputation, and awesome pricing, it earns the top spot on this list.

Testing Soundbite

“Nectar gets the gold when it comes to value and the policies … a mattress of this quality for under $1,000 is getting harder and harder to come by.”

Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What’s the Nectar Mattress Made Of?

The Nectar mattress is 12 inches high and has five total layers if you count its top and bottom cover.

    • Layer 1 – Cover. Polyethylene fibers help to keep the bed’s surface cool.

    • Layer 2 – Memory Foam (1 inch). The star of the show, this layer of memory foam conforms to the curves of your body while the gel inside it resists heat buildup.

    • Layer 3 – Dynamic Response Foam (3 inches). A springier foam adds responsiveness and a bit of support to the bed.

    • Layer 4 – ActiveSupport Base Foam (8 inches). The foundation of the mattress, this dense foam keeps sleepers from sinking too deep and adds to the bed’s overall durability.

    • Layer 5 – Lower Cover. A stitched lower cover keeps all of the above layers aligned.

Customer Reviews of the Nectar Mattress

With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars. On the aptly named r/BuyItForLife subreddit, a longtime Nectar user (u/Interesting-Dot4963) outlined their experience with the mattress: “it is so comfortable but it does feel hot. It feels luxurious but not terribly pricey.”

Looking to learn more? Check out our Nectar mattress review or look at our roundup of the best mattresses of 2024.

Helix Midnight – Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress

Best Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
Sleep Advisor Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Helix
Helix Midnight Mattress
Well-Balanced Hybrid
Affordably Priced
Isolates Motion
Hybrid
100 nights
Free shipping minus AK and HI
Material
Material
This mattress contains foam layers and coils.
Price
Price
$936.30 – $1,748.80 (before any discounts)
Firmness
Firmness
A cushioned medium-firm. On our firmness scale, it’s a 6 out of 10.
Size
Size
Twin, twin XL, queen, king, California king, short queen, RV king
Side Sleeper
Side Sleepers
With pressure-relieving foams up top to cradle the hips and shoulders, this bed was designed for side sleepers.
Hot Sleeper
Hot Sleepers
This bed barely got warmer after multiple minutes of our testers lying on top of it.
Back Pain
Those with Back Pain
A medium-firm feel with lots of support means that this mattress may help with back pain.
Pros of the Helix Midnight
It has a lovely balance of pressure relief to support, earning a 5 out of 5 from our testers in both categories
Surprisingly, it isolates motion so well that we gave it a perfect score in this category, too
We found that it stays quite cool over time
Cons of the Helix Midnight
Stomach sleepers, especially heavyweight ones, probably need more support than this bed can offer
People who spread out when they sleep may not appreciate the Midnight’s poor edge support, which pales in comparison to the Saatva Classic‘s
Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
Warranty
10-year warranty
Return
Returns
Free returns

The Advisor Says: The Midnight has one of the most impressive score spreads of all the mattresses we’ve reviewed. The best word to describe it is “balanced”: it’s got pressure relief, support, and cooling power in spades, plus a versatile medium-firm feel that tends to satisfy lots of sleepers.

Helix Midnight Mattress Specs

Pressure ReliefSupportMotion IsolationFirmness LevelThickness
5556/1011.5 inches
Performance categories are rated out of 5, with 3 being average. Our firmness scale is based on 1-10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Why the Helix Midnight Earned Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress

If you’re a memory-foam fan but don’t want an all-foam bed, you can look for hybrid mattresses that incorporate cushy foam layers above their innerspring units. The Helix Midnight is one such bed (though it calls its proprietary version of the material Memory Plus Foam). With the Midnight, you’ll get more of an airy, springy feeling than you would from a dense foam bed. “I like how the foams feel soft, but not too soft, like I’m sinking in and getting stuck,” said Emma.

Testing Soundbite

“It has a memory foam feel. You feel hugged and cradled by the top layer of foam, but the coils keep you from sinking too far.”

Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
What’s inside the Helix Midnight?

The Helix Midnight is 11.5 inches tall and has six layers if you count its top cover.

    • Layer 1 – Soft Touch Cover. This fabric cover stretches slightly and feels soft. If you pay an extra fee, you can upgrade it to the GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover.

    • Layer 2 – Memory Plus Foam. Helix’s take on memory foam, this proprietary material cushions and conforms to the body.

    • Layer 3 – Helix Responsive Foam. A bouncier foam with a medium-firm feel that also molds to your silhouette.

    • Layer 4 – Helix Responsive Foam. An even more supportive version of the foam above.

    • Layer 5 – Coil Unit. This innerspring unit features pocketed coils that have been reinforced on the long sides of the bed for edge support.

    • Layer 6 – DuraDense Foam. A strong foam base.

Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight

The Helix Midnight has over 6,500 reviews on Helix’s website, scoring at 4.5 out of 5. Users on Reddit’s r/Mattress page express worry over heating, with one redditor (u/BrandonR_24) saying, “I love the comfort of it but if I’m sweating in January I can’t imagine what it’d be like in June.” Otherwise, many say they had a “great experience with Helix and their customer service” (u/positmatt), but warn against making a decision until you’ve broken the bed in.

Need more info? Read our review of the Helix Midnight or look at our roundup of the best hybrid beds.

GravityLux by WinkBeds – Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress

Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress
Sleep Advisor Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
WinkBeds
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Memory Foam Mattress
Pressure Relief
Multiple Firmnesses
Foam
120 nights
Free shipping minus AK and HI
Halloween Sale
Get $300 off all our award winning mattresses See Details
Material
Material
This mattress is made up of multiple foam layers.
Price
Price
$1,199 – $1,999 (before any discounts)
Firmness
Firmness
Multiple firmnesses. We rated the Medium GravityLux at a 6 out of 10 firmness, which means it’s medium-firm. There are also Soft and Firm models.
Size
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Light
Memory Foam Fans
The GravityLux has that signature “hug” that should appeal to foam fans.
Pain Relief
Pain Relief
Thanks to the bed’s perfect score in pressure relief, those with pain concerns should feel cradled by the bed’s cushiony surface.
Couples
Restless Couples
The GravityLux also earned a perfect motion isolation score, so you shouldn’t feel your partner’s movements.
Pros of the GravityLux
The GravityLux uses zoned foam (firmer near the center) to promote proper spinal alignment when you lay on its surface
We tested the Medium version, but the WinkBed comes in multiple firmness options (Soft, Medium, and Firm)
The GravityLux is constructed with hypoallergenic materials, including a Eucalyptus-derived TENCEL® cover
Cons of the GravityLux
The GravityLux isn’t super bouncy, so you might want to consider the brand’s hybrid bed, the WinkBed
This bed is made to handle a lot of weight, but it might not be one of the best beds for heavy people
Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping, except for Alaska and Hawaii ($99)
Trial Period
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Return
Returns
Free returns within trial period

The Advisor Says: We think the GravityLux is a great option if you’re looking for a well-rounded bed with that iconic foam feel. We gave it high marks for pressure relief, motion isolation, support, and cooling!

GravityLux Mattress Specs

Pressure ReliefSupportMotion IsolationFirmness LevelThickness
545Multiple11 inches
Performance categories are rated out of 5, with 3 being average. Our firmness scale is based on 1-10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Why the GravityLux Earned Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress

The GravityLux comes in three possible firmnesses: Soft, Medium, and Firm. The Soft version should feel pleasingly plush to side and back sleepers, as well as folks who switch between the two positions. Its secret? A proprietary kind of memory foam called AirCell™ Memory Foam, which eschews the traditional viscoelastic materials for a new kind of construction that features “capsules” of air. These air pockets lend it all the pressure-relieving properties of classic memory foam, but without disadvantages such as heat retention.

Testing Soundbite

“This bed also has multiple firmness options, soft, medium, and firm, so again, you can pick your ideal feel. That being said, these firmness options are a bit softer than expected, so the Gravity Luxe will work best for side and back sleepers.”

Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
What’s the GravityLux Made Of?

The GravityLux is 11 inches high and has four total layers.

    • Layer 1 – Tencel™ Cover with Gel-Infused Foam. The breathable cover is quilted with 2 inches of cooling foam for a soft, dry introduction to the bed.

    • Layer 2 – AirCell™ Memory Foam. This memory foam consists of microscopic air pockets rather than viscoelastic substances. It still conforms to your body and relieves pressure, while avoiding heat buildup and lasting indentations.

    • Layer 3 – Progression Foam™. This foam layer is zoned to provide different amounts of cushioning or pushback depending on the body part above it. It’s plusher beneath the legs and shoulders, but firmer beneath the lower back, for example.

    • Layer 4 – ATLAS Core™ Foam. A long-lasting and dense foam base that guards against sag.

Customer Reviews of the GravityLux Mattress

On the WinkBeds website, the GravityLux scores a 4.8 stars out of 5. On the r/Mattress subreddit, one customer (u/efficientpigeonmel) posted their one-week review. They said the bed was “soft and supportive,” and that “I haven’t woken up with back, hip, or shoulder pain at all this past week.” However, another user (u/Significant_Rest9387) had the opposite experience: “Over these two weeks I could feel the lower back area softening a little and giving me a little more relief. However, I now wake up with mid back pain no matter what position I sleep in and it is agony.”

Need more details? Read our in-depth GravityLux bed review or look at our roundup for the best soft mattresses.

Nolah Signature – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
Sleep Advisor Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
Nolah
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Pressure Relief
Memory Foam Mattress
Cooling Foam
Foam
120 nights
Free shipping minus AK and HI
Black Friday Sale – Early Access
35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
Material
Material
This mattress is made up of multiple foam layers.
Price
Price
$1,299 – $2,798 (before discounts)
Firmness
Firmness
Medium. More specifically, we gave this bed a 5 out of 10, which is on the medium-to-soft side.
Size
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, king, California king, split king
Side Sleeper
Side Sleepers
The Nolah Signature’s blend of pressure relief and support should work well for side sleepers.
Couples
Restless Couples
This bed also excels in motion isolation, meaning you shouldn’t feel your partner’s movements from the other side of the bed.
Hot Sleeper
Hot Sleepers
Hot sleepers should appreciate Nolah’s breathable cotton cover and cooling AirFoam™.
Pros of the Nolah Signature
A perfect pressure relief score means this bed will be great for sleepers with pain concerns
Foam beds usually hold onto heat, but the Nolah Signature uses cooler and more breathable foams
Motion should be relatively stifled on this bed’s cushy surface
Cons of the Nolah Signature
This bed isn’t very bouncy, but the Nolah Evolution earned a perfect score
The Nolah Signature is a bit too soft for stomach sleepers
Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping (only in contiguous United States)
Trial Period
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Return
Returns
Flat return fee ($99)

The Advisor Says: We recommend the Nolah Signature for sleepers looking for a foam bed that has a soft but accommodating firmness. It also runs cooler than most foam beds, and has enough pressure relief to cradle sensitive joints.

Nolah Signature Mattress Specs

Pressure ReliefSupportMotion IsolationFirmness LevelThickness
5445/1012 inches
Performance categories are rated out of 5, with 3 being average. Our firmness scale is based on 1-10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Why the Nolah Signature Earned Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers

Memory foam has long been the go-to material when it comes to pressure relief, but Nolah claims that their proprietary AirFoam™ blows older versions of memory foam out of the water. According to the brand, AirFoam™ provides up to four times the pressure relief you can get from traditional memory foam. Several of my team members tested the Nolah Signature to see just how well-suited to side sleepers it was. The results were pretty unanimous, and summed up by my fellow tester Liz: “This mattress is perfect for sleeping on your side.”

Testing Soundbite

“Side sleepers need a bed that eases pressure from the hips and the shoulders, which, if you remember, is supposed to be the Signature’s whole jam. And they were right. We felt amazing cushion. No complaints. The spine looked great supported and aligned, and the hips and shoulders sunk down evenly.”

Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
What’s the Nolah Signature Made Of?

The Nolah Signature has five total layers and stands 12 inches tall.

  • Layer 1 – Organic Cotton Cover. Unbleached, organic cotton makes this cover breathable and soft.
  • Layer 2 – Plush AirFoam™ (2.5 inches). Nolah’s proprietary foam is allegedly cooler, more durable, and more pressure-relieving than classic memory foam.
  • Layer 3 – Active Response Foam (1.5 inches). This foam has some bounce to it and also permits cooling airflow.
  • Layer 4 – Firm AirFoam™ (1 inch). A more robust layer of AirFoam™ than the one at the top of the bed, this one combines pressure relief and support.
  • Layer 5 – High-Density Foam Foundation (7 inches). A sturdy foam base helps to boost the bed’s longevity and solidity.

Customer Reviews of the Nolah Signature

The Nolah Signature gets a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website. On the r/BedBets subreddit, one user (u/SteveBedBets) completed an extremely thorough review, complete with scores and feedback from different types of sleepers. They summed up the Nolah Signature as follows: “As you can see, the Nolah is an excellent choice for side sleepers of all weight categories and performs well for those who sleep on their back. I am hesitant to recommend the soft side of the Nolah Signature 12 to larger sleepers, since likely will lack the necessary support, but the firm side of the mattress should be great.”

Need more info? Read our review of the all-foam Nolah Signature bed or look at our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Contour5 – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain
Sleep Advisor Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
Saatva
Contour5
Cushiony Foams
Soft Mattress
Luxury
Foam
365 nights
Free white glove delivery
Election Extravaganza Sale
Up to $600 off See Details
Material
Material
This mattress is made up of multiple foam layers.
Price
Price
$1,895 – $3,595 (before any discounts)
Firmness
Firmness
Multiple firmnesses (Medium and Firm). We found the Medium to be on the softer side at a 5 out of 10 on our firmness scale.
Size
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king
Back Pain
Back Pain
The Contour5’s pressure-relieving foams and supportive core should work together to keep sleepers with back pain comfortable.
Financing
Luxury Shoppers
Saatva is a well-respected luxury mattress brand, so if you’re looking for a high-end memory foam mattress, the Contour5 might check all the boxes.
Back Sleeper
Back Sleepers
The balanced feel of the Contour5 is best suited to back sleepers, in our opinion.
Pros of the Contour5
Free white glove delivery is a rarity with online mattress retailers, and Saatva will even take your old bed away
The Contour5 has a cushiony feel that’s also backed by support
If you’re worried the Medium Contour5 will be too soft, it’s also available in Firm
Cons of the Contour5
A queen-size Contour5 will run you $3,000, not exactly a pick for budget shoppers
The Contour5 may be too soft for some sleepers, who should check out Saatva’s flagship hybrid, the Saatva Classic
Shipping
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Return
Returns
Flat return fee ($99)

The Advisor Says: The Contour5 is Saatva’s newest all-foam bed, and it lives up to all our expectations. If you’re searching for cushy softness with a luxury feel (and generous policies to back it up), look no further.

Contour5 Mattress Specs

Pressure ReliefSupportMotion IsolationFirmness LevelThickness
444Multiple12.5 inches
Performance categories are rated out of 5, with 3 being average. Our firmness scale is based on 1-10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Why the Contour5 Earned Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain

The Contour5 is Saatva’s super-soft all-foam mattress. Despite that, it’s a great option for back pain, as it offers support and alignment alongside its pressure-relieving capability. It has a whopping five different specialized foam layers. Each is geared toward lumbar support (with a firmer feel in the center of the mattress) and cooling (from aerated foams and channels for excess heat to escape).

Testing Soundbite

“So the Contour5 has really nice pressure relief and soft cushion from all this memory foam. So right away, those with hip and shoulder pain. I think this is a solid option for y’all, or I should say it’s a soft option for y’all.”

Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What’s inside the Contour5?

The Contour5 is 12.5 inches tall and has a total of seven layers when you count its top cover.

  • Layer 1 – Cover. A breathable, hypoallergenic cover made of knit cotton and treated with an antimicrobial treatment for clean, soft sleep.
  • Layer 2 – Flame Barrier. This nontoxic flame barrier is made of tree-derived cellulose and encases the mattress below the cover.
  • Layer 3 – CoolVent™ System and Lumbar Zone® PCM Matrix (2 inches). The center of this layer has a firmer feel to support the lower back, while phase change material dissipates heat and allows it to escape out the sides of the bed.
  • Layer 4 – Gel-infused Memory Foam (1.5 inches). This high-density foam contours to your body while keeping cool.
  • Layer 5 – Core Memory Foam (3 inches). This foam makes up the “heart” of the mattress, and its density should provide durability and support.
  • Layer 6 – Transitional Foam (2 inches). This layer will change depending on whether you get the medium or firm model, but it should help transition into the support layer below.
  • Layer 8 – Durable Foam Base (5 inches). A stable, edge-to-edge foundation.

 

Customer Reviews of the Contour5

The Contour5 is a relatively new mattress, so it only has one review on Saatva’s site, which is 5 out of 5 stars. The purchaser exclaimed, “ I feel like I’m sleeping on a cloud and the medium firmness is perfect for me.”

Want to do more research? Check out more details in our Saatva Contour5 review or explore the best mattresses for back pain.

Cocoon Chill Memory Foam – Best 10-Inch Memory Foam Mattress

Best 10-Inch Memory Foam Mattress
Sleep Advisor Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
3.6
Cocoon
Cocoon Chill Mattress
Cooling Foam
Memory Foam Mattress
Foam
100 nights
Free shipping
Sale
Save 35% on all mattresses + free sleep bundle See Details
Material
Material
This mattress is made up of multiple foam layers.
Price
Price
$619 – $1389 (before any discounts)
Firmness
Firmness
Medium-firm. We rated the Cocoon Chill a 6 out of 10, a true middle-ground feel.
Size
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Hot Sleeper
Hot Sleepers
Hot sleepers who want a memory foam bed should appreciate the cooling technology in the Cocoon Chill.
Light
Memory Foam Fans
This bed has the iconic sinking “hug” associated with memory foam.
Couples
Restless Couples
The surface of the Cocoon Chill absorbs motion, so you shouldn’t feel your partner’s movements from the other side of the bed.
Pros of the Cocoon Chill
The Cocoon Chill’s versatile firmness means it can work for a variety of sleepers with different preferences
Memory foam beds usually hold onto heat, but the Cocoon Chill has Phase-Change Technology to combat this
The Cocoon Chill earned a perfect 5 out of 5 score for motion isolation
Cons of the Cocoon Chill
The Cocoon Chill may be too soft for some heavyweight sleepers
The Cocoon Chill isn’t very bouncy, but there is a model with coils: the Cocoon Chill Hybrid
Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping for contiguous United States (does not ship to Alaska or Hawaii)
Trial Period
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
Warranty
10-year warranty
Return
Returns
Free returns within the trial period

The Advisor Says: We love the Cocoon Chill for hot sleepers who are set on buying a foam bed. Its medium-firm profile should work for the majority of sleepers, and its perfect motion isolation score should appeal to couples who toss and turn.

Cocoon Chill Mattress Specs

Pressure ReliefSupportMotion IsolationFirmness LevelThickness
4456/1010 inches
Performance categories are rated out of 5, with 3 being average. Our firmness scale is based on 1-10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Why the Cocoon Chill Earned Best 10-Inch Memory Foam Mattress

If you want a memory foam mattress with a manageable 10-inch height, the Cocoon Chill not only fits the bill—it also boasts some extra-cool features. Its cover, for example, is augmented with phase change material, which helps to carry heat away from your body while ensuring that temperature changes don’t affect the surface of the bed.

Our Take

The Cocoon Chill has a medium firmness that makes it pretty versatile, and the phase change material in the cover gives it a cooling edge. It’s a lovely foam mattress with a slim profile and just the right amount of perks.

What’s the Cocoon Chill Mattress Made Of?

The Cocoon Chill is 10 inches tall with a cover and three foam layers.

  • Layer 1 – Cooling Cover. Phase change material within the cover helps to channel heat away from you so you don’t wake up sweaty and uncomfortable.
  • Layer 2 – Perfect Fit Memory Foam. A breathable kind of memory foam that still molds to your curves to relieve pressure.
  • Layer 3 – Responsive Foam. Springier foam that adjusts quickly to your movements and ups the bed’s motion isolation.
  • Layer 4 – Support Foam. A 6-inch base of dense, supportive memory foam.

Customer Reviews of the Cocoon Chill

According to Sealy’s website, the Cocoon Chill scored 4.7 stars out of 5. On the r/Mattress subreddit, a customer (u/tyetyemn) summarized their experience after owning the bed for a few years: “No issues with getting too hot. It is super firm – if you like pillow top mattress feel, you won’t like this. But I love it.”

Want more details? Read our full Cocoon Chill mattress review or look at our roundup of the best mattresses for a Murphy bed, all of which have a similarly low profile.

Nectar Luxe Memory Foam – Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress

Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
Sleep Advisor Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
3.9
Nectar
Nectar Luxe Mattress
Cooling Foam
Soft Mattress
Luxury
Foam
365 nights
Free shipping minus AK and HI
Flash Sale
Save up to 50% See Details
Material
Material
This mattress is made up of multiple foam layers.
Price
Price
$1,572 – $3828 (before any discounts)
Firmness
Firmness
Medium. We rated the Nectar Luxe at a 5.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. This means it’s on the softer side, but still considered medium.
Size
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Hot Sleeper
Hot Sleepers
The Nectar Luxe’s cover is made with cooling fibers, keeping it super chill.
Pressure Relief
Pressure Relief
Side and back sleepers who need pressure relief to feel comfortable should find it on the Nectar Luxe’s cushioning surface.
Financing
Luxury Shoppers
This is Nectar’s most premium model, but sales and coupons make it surprisingly comfortable.
Pros of the Nectar Luxe
Foam can sometimes trap heat, but the Nectar Luxe’s cooling cover ensures this doesn’t happen at the mattress surface
This bed brings that classic memory foam “hug”
Despite its soft, cushy feel, the Nectar Luxe has a lot of support to keep you from sinking too far
Cons of the Nectar Luxe
The Nectar Luxe isn’t very bouncy, so folks concerned with that may want to check out a hybrid mattress instead
If you’re looking for something at a lower pricepoint, check out Nectar’s flagship memory foam mattress
Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping, except for Alaska and Hawaii ($99)
Trial Period
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Return
Returns
Full refund within trial period

The Advisor Says: The Nectar Luxe is Nectar’s new and improved luxury mattress model. It brings the iconic slow-moving memory foam feel with some added cooling benefits not usually seen in these types of beds. We recommend it for anyone looking for a softer, pressure-relieving foam mattress.

Nectar Luxe Mattress Specs

Pressure ReliefSupportMotion IsolationFirmness LevelThickness
4445.5/1014 inches
Performance categories are rated out of 5, with 3 being average. Our firmness scale is based on 1-10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Why the Nectar Luxe Earned Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam is not often known for its cooling capability; in fact, it tends to trap heat. Thankfully, there are innovations for hot sleepers who don’t want to miss out on this material’s cushiness. The Nectar Luxe features a cover made with cooling fibers that bring down the temperature of this mattress—all while you reap the benefits of its soft surface. During testing, we thought it was cool to the touch.

Testing Soundbite

“Fans of soft memory foam will love this. It contours all around and supports the spine.”

Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
What’s the Nectar Luxe Made Of?

The Nectar Luxe is 14 inches tall, and it has five layers if you count its top and bottom covers.

  • Layer 1 – Cooling Cover. This cover has the most cooling fibers woven into it out of all the Nectar mattresses, regulating temperature right at the bed’s surface.
  • Layer 2 – Pressure-Relieving Foam (3 inches). This softer foam contours to your body and cushions the areas that need it most.
  • Layer 3 – Responsive Foam (3 inches). A firmer, more responsive foam is responsible for the bed’s aligning capabilities, but it also aids in support. 
  • Layer 4 – Foundational Foam (8 inches). This makes up the stable base of the mattress and also keeps motion from traveling across the surface.
  • Layer 5 – Bottom Cover. A protective cover to keep the mattress from shifting.

Customer Reviews of the Nectar Luxe

The Nectar Luxe is a newly-revamped version of the Nectar Premier Copper mattress, but the over 2,000 4.5 out of 5 star reviews on the page relate to this old model. Hopefully, as more and more customers buy it, they’ll share their thoughts on this new bed. Redditors haven’t found their way to this bed, either, as you might expect.

Want to know more? Check out our Nectar Luxe review or our picks for the best cooling mattresses.

Bear Original – Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress

Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress
Sleep Advisor Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
3.9
Bear
Bear Original Mattress
Memory Foam
Firm Mattress
Affordable
Foam
120 nights
Free shipping minus AK and HI
Weekend Flash Sale
35% off + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase using code WKND See Details
Material
Material
This mattress is made up of multiple memory foam layers.
Price
Price
$699 – $1,690 (before any discounts)
Firmness
Firmness
Medium-Firm. We ranked it at a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale.
Size
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Stomach Sleeper
Stomach Sleepers
The Bear Original’s firmer feel should provide just the right amount of support for those who sleep on their stomach.
Combo Sleeper
Combination Sleepers
Though it’s made entirely of foam, this bed has enough bounce to make repositioning easy.
Financing
Budget Shoppers
Before discounts, a queen Bear Original will cost just under $1,000–but coupons and sales can bring that closer to $700.
Pros for the Bear Original
Bear offers an upgraded cover made with cooling Celliant® fibers
We found that the mix of support and pressure relief provided by the Bear Original yields A-plus spinal alignment
The Bear Original is offered at a very reasonable price
Cons for the Bear Original
This bed doesn’t isolate motion very well, so it’s not a great mattress for couples
It’s not very soft, either, so steer clear if you’re a side sleeper and check out these softer beds instead
Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping (additional fees may apply to Alaska or Hawaii)
Trial Period
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Return
Returns
Free returns

The Advisor Says: With a name that inspires hibernation, it’s no surprise we found the Bear Original to be an attractive all-foam mattress at its fair price. It’s got a firmer feel that’s sure to please folks looking for support—and a surprising amount of bounce.

Bear Mattress Specs

Pressure ReliefSupportMotion IsolationFirmness LevelThickness
4.54.537/1010 inches
Performance categories are rated out of 5, with 3 being average. Our firmness scale is based on 1-10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Why the Bear Original Earned Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress

Many people think of memory foam as a soft, malleable material that will sink easily beneath your weight. But foams can be made in different densities and with different feels, and a firm memory foam mattress isn’t just possible—it’s often preferable, especially if you sleep on your back or stomach. After testing the Bear Original, we concluded it fit the bill: “I did really like this bed when I laid on my back, and when I laid on my stomach. It was firm enough for those two positions,” said Mark.

Testing Soundbite

“Like we mentioned, spine alignment is near-perfect with this bed. The lumbar zone isn’t sinking down, which is helpful if you’re dealing with lower back pain because it’s a firmer bed with a foam interior.”

Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What’s the Bear Original Mattress Made Of?

The Bear Original has four layers (including its cover) that add up to 10 inches of height.

    • Layer 1 – Tencel™ Cover. Tencel™ fibers made from wood pulp make this cover cool and breathable. For an additional fee, you can upgrade to a Celliant®-infused cover that allegedly helps with muscle recovery.

    • Layer 2 – Cooling Gel Memory Foam. The gel inside this foam helps to siphon away excess heat, while the foam itself lightly cushions pressure points.

    • Layer 3 – Bear Dynamic Foam. A responsive material that marries support with a bit of sink.

    • Layer 4 – High-Density Support Foam. A sturdy base for the layers above.

Customer Reviews of the Bear Mattress

According to Bear’s website, the Bear Original scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. On the r/Mattress subreddit, one user (u/dboybaker) summarized their experience with this bed: “Good firm mattress, acceptable cost, good customer service.” However, another user (u/Nujet2002) noticed that after using the mattress for years, “it’s beginning to sink in pretty significantly in the center causing me to have upper back and neck pain.”

Looking for more info? Read our Bear Original mattress review or look at our roundup for the best firm mattresses.

Plank Firm – Best Memory Foam Mattress for a Heavy Person

Best Memory Foam Mattress for a Heavy Person
Sleep Advisor Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Ultra Firm
Flippable
Foam
120 nights
Free shipping minus AK and HI
Veterans Day Sale
Use code VETERANS30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
Material
Material
This mattress is made up of multiple foam layers.
Price
Price
$749 – $1,532 (before any discounts)
Firmness
Firmness
Flippable with two possible firmnesses, both on the firmer side. The firm side ranked a 7 out of 10, and the extra-firm side ranked 8.5 out of 10.
Size
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, Olympic queen, king, short king, California king, split California king, RV king
Stomach Sleeper
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers need a firm surface to keep their hips supported, and the Plank Firm succeeds at just that.
Heavier Sleeper
Heavyweight Sleepers
Sleepers over 230 pounds should feel aloft on the Plank Firm’s firm surface.
Couples
Couples
Since it earned decent marks in edge support, cooling, bounce, and motion isolation, we think the Plank Firm is a good fit for couples.
Pros for the Plank Firm
This mattress is flippable, so you don’t have to compromise between a traditional firm feel and a sleeping-on-the-floor feel
The Plank Firm is supportive enough for both stomach sleepers and folks over 230 pounds
Spinal alignment felt wonderful on this mattress
Cons for the Plank Firm
The Plank Firm is truly firm, so check out our picks for the best medium-firm mattresses if that’s more your jam
This bed might not provide the necessary pressure relief for some sleepers
Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping in contiguous United States ($125 for Alaska and Hawaii, $250 for Canada)
Trial Period
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Warranty
10-year warranty
Return
Returns
Flat return fee ($99)

The Advisor Says: We’re constantly calling this mattress one of the firmest in the online market, and if you don’t believe us, try it for yourself! It offers both a classic firm and extra-firm feel in its flippable design, alongside posture-aligning support. Bonus points for good marks in performance for cooling, bounce, and couples.

Plank Firm Mattress Specs

Pressure ReliefSupportMotion IsolationFirmness LevelThickness
3.553.57 and 8.5/1010 inches
Performance categories are rated out of 5, with 3 being average. Our firmness scale is based on 1-10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Why the Plank Firm Earned Best Memory Foam Mattress for a Heavy Person

The Plank Firm was inspired by the mat-like sleeping surfaces found in multiple regions of Asia, and it’s an affordable way to obtain the robust support that plus-sized sleepers need. It’s flippable, too, so you’re able to access two firmness levels instead of one. It doesn’t use traditional memory foam, but has an all-foam construction nonetheless, with a weight capacity of up to 950 pounds.

Testing Soundbite

“Since weight is evenly distributed and the spine held in alignment, the Plank earned an endorsement by the American Chiropractic Association… Overall, it’ll be best for back, stomach, and plus-size sleepers that need this level of support.”

Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What’s the Plank Firm Made Of?

The Plank Firm is 10.25 inches tall and has four total layers. Because it’s flippable, you can treat either side as the “top” one.

    • Layer 1 – Quilted Top (1.5 inches). On the Firm side, the quilted top has a bit more loft to it for slightly more give.

    • Layer 2 – TitanFlex™ Foam (2 inches). This TitanFlex™ foam layer should be palpably responsive as well as capable of relieving pressure. It’s only found on the “Firm” side of the mattress.

    • Layer 3 – High-Density Foam Core (6 inches). A very firm-feeling and supportive core gives the bed the majority of its structure.

    • Layer 4 – Quilted Top (0.75 inches). On the Extra Firm side, there’s a 0.75-inch quilted top that feels perfectly level, without much cushion at all.

Customer Reviews of the Plank Firm Mattress

On Plank’s website, the Plank Firm gets 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers have discussed their experience with the Plank mattress on the r/Mattress subreddit. One user (u/salman15) originally stated that they “loved it so much that I didn’t want to get out of bed sometimes after a long night sleep.” Later, though, they complained of the mattress starting to sag after years of use: “I noticed that the mattress was sagging from the center. There was a clear body imprint.” They noted that this happened on the traditional firm side, but the extra-firm side held up.

Need more details? Read our in-depth Plank Firm mattress review or explore our picks for the best mattresses for heavy people.

Other Memory Foam Mattresses We Tested

While these mattresses didn’t make our list, each of these beds are great fits for memory foam lovers. Check out our featured recommendations below.

Purple MattressLayla Memory Foam Bed
Tempur-ADAPT MattressTuft & Needle Original Mattress
Casper Original MattressLeesa Legend Mattress

What is Memory Foam? 

Memory foam is made of a plastic polymer called polyurethane, plus additional substances. These additives change from manufacturer to manufacturer, but they’re what lends the foam its signature feel and elasticity.

Memory foam is also known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam. The term “viscoelastic” refers to the fact that the foam is both viscous (it resists somewhat when pressure is applied) and elastic (it “bounces back” to its original shape when pressure is removed).¹ Viscoelastic properties are what make this foam unique — poly foam without viscoelastic properties is not memory foam.

What Does Memory Foam Feel Like?

Fans of memory foam report that it has a unique and recognizable feel. In my opinion, I’d say it’s pretty cushy. It hugs your body as you compress the mattress, providing exceptional pressure relief and support. This combination is also super helpful for those struggling with aches and pains, since it works to carefully cradle your body.

The material will change shape to match the outline of your body, meaning the mattress is essentially customized to your needs each time you lie down. As we’ve mentioned, getting up will allow the material to “bounce” back to its original position (the speed of which depends on the foam’s responsive properties).

Memory Foam mattress interior, tested by Julia Forbes
Examing the materials in a memory foam mattress

Types of Memory Foam

Memory foam is a broader category than you might expect. The composition can vary depending on how manufacturers customize it in order to enhance its properties, giving a boring ol’ foam mattress a unique edge. Click on the buttons to see the common types of memory foam you might see in a mattress:

Gel Memory Foam

Gel is infused into the memory foam, usually to help regulate temperature. It can be a standard cooling gel or infused with materials like copper (which also has antibacterial properties).

Open-Celled Memory Foam

Memory foam is generally more dense than porous, but some manufacturers use foam with larger pores, or open-celled memory foam, to keep air flowing through it.

Responsive Memory Foam

Most memory foam sinks and takes a while to bounce back. However, some manufacturers can adjust the firmness and density of the foam to make it more flexible, giving it a quicker response time.

Plant-Based Memory Foam

Eco-conscious consumers may be seeking an environmental alternative to synthetic foams. Some foams are made up of plant material, such as soy, and come with a host of unique properties and benefits.

What to Look for in a Memory Foam Mattress 

There’s a lot to consider when you’re shopping for a foam mattress. We’ve outlined the categories you’ll want to keep in mind, whether it’s based on your preferences or individual sleeping needs.

Pressure Relief

Memory foam beds can usually be found in the winner’s circle when it comes to pressure relief. This slow-moving material has enhanced elasticity and viscosity that combine with your body heat and weight to gently cradle you. By molding to you, memory foam keeps pressure from building up while you’re sleeping.

Pressure relief is also important for folks who have chronic pain or conditions that cause it. A foam mattress that’s good at relieving pressure can cradle sensitive areas, lessening the possibility of discomfort.

Julia, lead product tester, in the studio testing pressure relief features of each mattress.
Performing a pressure map test

For more, check out the best mattresses for pressure relief.

How do we test for pressure relief?

We use a pressure map to record how much pressure builds up when we lay on the mattress. We have each of our different-sized testers lay on the bed on their side and back. The pressure map is color-coded to show the degree of how much pressure has built up in each area. Blue and green means little to no pressure, whereas yellow or red indicates high pressure. Generally, we want to see maps with a lot of blue and green—ideally no red.

Support

The cushioning capability of memory foam needs to be backed up by sturdy support. In an all-foam bed, this means an effective support core. The core has to be made up of denser, firmer foams to ensure it can properly support the sleeper’s weight—but not so much that it’s uncomfortable or can be felt through the comfort layers. It’s a delicate balance.

How do we test for support?

We have our testers representing the different weight categories lay on the mattress in each position. From here, they’ll determine the amount of sinkage and how aligned their spines feel. We’ll compare our results with the mattress firmness to corroborate and explain our findings.

Durability and Quality

Durability equals longevity, which means you get more out of your mattress. When it comes to durable foam mattresses, these beds should have quality materials and construction. This means dense enough foams to support you without egregious sagging, but also reactive enough to bounce back to their original shape. 

For more durable mattresses, check out the best beds that won’t sag; there are some memory foam options there, too!

Firmness and Indentation Load Deflection (ILD)

The firmness of memory foam is formally measured on a scale known as indentation load deflection (ILD), which is calculated by measuring the amount of force in pounds it takes for the material to compress. The higher the ILD, the firmer the foam will be. Very soft foams have an ILD of around 20 or less, whereas very firm ones have an ILD above 30.

We should note that ILD only measures the firmness of the memory foam layers, not the overall firmness of the mattress. At Sleep Advisor, we also use a general mattress firmness scale of 1-10 (10 being the most firm), based on how the bed feels as you lie on it. A memory foam bed can hold multiple ILD firmnesses in different layers. Generally, you want to see the firmer (higher ILD) foams near the bottom of the mattress, and softer (lower ILD) foams near the top. This ensures the bed has both support and comfort.

Consider both the ILD of the memory foam and the holistic feel of the mattress as you shop. If you’re someone who likes a very solid foundation of firm support, aim for high numbers in both categories.

Density

The density of memory foam is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF), and it tells you how tightly packed (vs. airy) the foam is as a material.

Higher-density foams can signal an extremely durable and supportive bed, but they can also mean the bed will retain heat more easily. Look for cooling technology when you’re considering those robust foams.

It’s important to remember that density isn’t the same thing as thickness — a layer of memory foam can be very dense without being impressively thick, and a lightweight foam can be several inches in height.

Sleeping Position

Our testers test each sleeping position to make sure each mattress fits the right sleeper

There’s no one-size-fits-all memory foam mattress, and one of the top reasons for that is your preferred sleeping position. However you sleep will require a suitable environment, and it’s important to choose a memory foam bed with the right firmness or profile, so you stay comfortable throughout the night.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers should benefit most from memory foam. Lying on your side can create pressure buildup, particularly in the hips and shoulders. Memory foam does an exceptional job of providing pressure relief, making it fantastic for side sleepers.

Back Sleepers

People who sleep on their back can be the easiest to please. They often need beds that strike a balance between firm support and pressure relief. So, it’s no surprise that memory foam beds are a possible match here; make sure you choose a bed with soft comfort layers and firmer layers on the bottom to keep you lifted. As a rule of thumb, medium or medium-firm foam beds should also be a good fit.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers may have the most trouble finding a bed that fits them. Memory foam can provide a light, initial cushion for a stomach sleeper’s hips, but the focus should be on firm support layers to keep the midsection from dipping too much. It’s best to stick to firm beds if you sleep on their stomach.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers are least likely to benefit from memory foam because it provides a slow-moving feel as it cradles the sleeper’s shape. Combination sleepers do best with beds that have a bit of bounce to them. If you’re a combination sleeper with a heart set on memory foam, a hybrid mattress, which contains springs alongside memory foam, should provide more bounce.

Weight/Body Type

Your weight can affect how you experience the firmness and feel of a mattress. As a general rule, more petite sleepers tend to find beds to feel firmer than advertised, while heavier folks might find them softer. It’s a delicate dance, but we have an easy chart to guide you through it.

Type of SleeperWeight RangeBest Firmness
LightweightLess than 130 lbsSoft to Medium
Average weight130 lbs to 230 lbsMedium to Medium-Firm
HeavyweightOver 230 lbsFirm (or a Plus-Size model)

Getting a mattress that’s either too soft or too firm for your body type can lead to all kinds of problems. You might feel unsupported and sink too far into the bed, or you might end up with aches and pains from a too-hard surface. 

In conjunction with your weight, you also need to keep in mind whatever needs you might have for your sleeping position. For example, a lightweight stomach sleeper might do better with a medium bed than a soft bed, since they need the extra support.

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation refers to the bed’s ability to limit the transfer of movement across the mattress. This capability is usually most beneficial for couples who share a mattress and want to avoid disturbing their partner if they toss and turn or have different schedules. Memory foam excels at isolating motion, so if this feature is important to you, these beds are a great match.

How do we test motion isolation?

We use a seismograph app to record movements on the mattress surface. Bigger waves mean larger disturbances, which are more likely to be felt across the bed. Smaller waves or a straight line means motion is absorbed, and that the bed is good at motion isolation. We also have our testers lay side-by-side and move around for some good old-fashioned evaluation.

Testing the motion isolation of the DreamCloud memory foam mattress by using a seismograph test
A motion isolation test of a foam mattress

Cooling

Cooling is a valuable feature for those who easily overheat at night. A mattress with temperature-regulating capabilities will help hot sleepers stay cool, increasing their chances of a good night’s rest. 

A common complaint of memory foam is that it retains heat, but many manufacturers offset this by infusing cooling features into the foam. Gel is a popular memory foam cooling mechanism, but some brands have also used copper or an open-cell design. If you sleep hot, look for memory foam beds with cooling properties.

How do we test cooling?

We use a temperature gun so we have the numbers to back up our cooling claims.

First, we’ll take the temperature of the mattress when it arrives in the studio. Then, we lie on the mattress for five minutes and take the temperature again. Lastly, after another five minutes have passed, we record the temperature a final time. We’ll then compare the differences in temperature for each.

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Temperature Testing

Overall, if a bed’s temperature stays within 5 degrees of the original, we consider it to have a perfect cooling score. Below are memory foam beds that received a 4 or more (out of a possible 5) in our cooling score:

Tips to Cool Down A Foam Mattress

If you can’t find a dedicated cooling memory foam mattress you like, you can always outfit your bed with cooling accessories.

  • Get a different foundation – Keeping your mattress further lifted off the ground can allow air to circulate through it. Also, having your mattress on the floor can lead to grosser things than night sweats, like mold buildup.
  • Buy a cooling mattress topper or pad – A mattress topper can change the feel or function of your mattress for a fraction of the cost. The best cooling mattress pads usually boast some sort of cooling gel or open-celled foam.
  • Invest in cooling sheets – There’s plenty of options when it comes to cooling bedding. Look for bamboo or other breathable fibers, or check out our picks for the best cooling sheets.
  • Use a cooling pillow – Peruse the best cooling pillows to tackle neck sweat.

Edge Support

Edge support is something to consider if you want extra surface space use. Mattress edge support means that the bed’s perimeter offers equal support, so you don’t dip much if you lie or sit along the sides. Memory foam beds typically suffer with poor edge support, as the foam wants to mold to your body rather than stay stiff. So, many mattress brands provide edge support through reinforced materials like strong foam rails. Look for these options if you sit or lay near the edge of your mattress.

Edge Support Custom Imagery e1708107164618
How do we test edge support?

We test the edge of the mattress in two positions: first, we tie our shoes while sitting on it, then we lie on it. From there, we’ll gauge how much sink we feel in either position.

Sex

Foam beds aren’t the most bouncy, so sexually active folks might want to consider another option, usually a bed with springs. However, some foam beds have more responsive comfort layers that’ll make moving around easier.

How do we test responsiveness?

We bounce a lacrosse ball and a weighted medicine ball on the mattress surface and observe how long it takes the bed to return to its original shape. And don’t worry, we also jump on the bed ourselves.

Budget

Memory foam mattresses typically cost more than traditional innerspring mattresses because of the foam’s durability, pressure-relieving properties, motion-isolating capabilities, and strict manufacturing standards. However, they’re a cost-effective option when compared to most hybrid and latex mattresses.

Some brands enhance their memory foam by incorporating special cooling features or plant-based materials, which can up the price of a bed. Still, the upgrades to the foam’s quality are often worth the investment. Online sales models can sometimes make quality foam beds more affordable. 

The best cheap mattresses, however, will be sure to provide quality materials at a decent price. Don’t just go for the bed with the least dollar signs—you might be sacrificing your comfort.

Memory Foam vs. Other Materials

Memory Foam vs. Latex

Latex is a material naturally derived from rubber tree sap. It has a bouncier feel than memory foam, which has the tendency to swallow you up, so it could be a good fit for combination sleepers. You can still get pressure relief and cradling from latex, but it may feel a bit firmer. Latex also won’t trap heat as much as memory foam.

Memory Foam vs. Hybrid

A hybrid mattress usually has both memory foam and coils. Coils can give a hybrid bed an edge by providing responsive support while the foams on top offer soft cushioning, so you get the best of both worlds. This combination can work for many, but especially side and back sleepers.

Memory Foam vs. Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are one of the most “classic” mattress types, featuring a (usually interconnected) coil unit and a thin comfort layer. It’s a firmer and springier option when compared to an all-foam bed. This makes it best for those who need sturdy support, like heavier sleepers or those who prefer their stomach

Memory Foam vs. Pillow Top

A pillow top is a section on top of your mattress that provides extra cushioning with a luxury feel. Sometimes it can contain memory foam, but also a variety of other fills, like fiber or cotton. It differs from memory foam because of its quilted construction that won’t yield the same “hug,” despite feeling sumptuously soft.

Compare Average Performance Ratings of Mattress Types

Performance TestInnerspring Memory FoamHybridLatex
Pressure Relief44.34.43.3
Support54.34.64.8
Motion Isolation34.23.83.2
Cooling43.744.3
Bounce43.64.24.8
Edge Support53.544.5
Couples43.63.84

Who Should Buy a Memory Foam Mattress?

Who Should:
Most side sleepers
People who like to “sink” into their mattress
Sleepers with conditions that require pressure relief
Who Shouldn’t:
Hot sleepers
Combination sleepers
People who prefer to feel “on top” of their mattress

Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

Are you looking for the benefits of memory foam but don’t want to buy a whole new bed? Consider purchasing a memory foam topper. Adding one to your existing mattress can not only help revitalize an old mattress, but it can change the entire feel. If your current bed is too-firm and doesn’t give you the pressure relief you need, for example, a memory foam mattress topper can change that.

Is Memory Foam Safe?

Memory foam toxicity is a growing concern, especially because of its popularity as a mattress material. It’s understandable to wonder if the thing you’re sleeping on every night is safe. Literature about the safety of the memory foam tends to revolve around the possibility of harmful emissions, rather than the foam itself being detrimental to health.

Polyurethane foam is one of the most prolific synthetic foams. It’s made through a chemical reaction of polyols and isocyanates, resulting in its unique squishy and cushioning properties.² These foams can also undergo various additional treatments for things like sterility, waterproofing, or fire retardation. 

All of these processes can result in the emission of harmful chemicals, such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Plastic coverings that are not properly bonded to the foam can also seep into the surrounding environment. Sleeping on these mattresses can put you at risk of inhaling these chemicals, causing possible respiratory irritation—and in some cases of repeated exposure, respiratory conditions.³

However, as more and more studies show the possible side effects of these foams and treatments, consumers and manufacturers alike have begun to seek out safer memory foam options. One of the best ways you, as a shopper, can purchase safer memory foam, is to look for specialized certifications. The most common certification you’ll see comes from CertiPur-US.

CertiPur-US Certified foams are free from the following:

  • Formaldehyde
  • Ozone depleters
  • Phthalates
  • Heavy metals
  • Harmful flame retardants

They’re also screened to ensure low levels of VOC emissions for healthier air quality.⁴ In short, if you’re worried about the contents of your memory foam, look for that certification. As a whole, read up on what’s in your mattress, and don’t be afraid to hound customer support for any other safety concerns.

Does Memory Foam Contain Fiberglass?

The word “fiberglass” may strike fear into your heart, especially when mattresses are involved. This material is commonly used for insulation and fire protection, but is also known to cause irritation to the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. It’s rare to find fiberglass in memory foam itself, but some memory foam mattresses do use fiberglass in their cover or insulation. Some companies may get around the issue by proclaiming their foam mattress is fiberglass-free, but conveniently leave out the details of the cover.⁵

So, it may not be the memory foam you have to watch out for, but the other mattress components. Make sure to inquire about all aspects of your mattress if you’re worried about styrofoam. And, as a general rule, make sure to never remove the cover of your mattress in case of fiberglass.

Scared of making the decision yourself? We’ve got a list of fiberglass-free mattresses we heartily recommend.

Best Memory Foam Mattress FAQs

How long will memory foam last?

The lifespan of a memory foam mattress is largely dependent on the quality of materials that are used and how frequently the bed is slept on. Mattresses made with high-end materials and exceptional craftsmanship can be expected to last for approximately seven to 10 years. Conversely, those constructed with less expensive goods may only last three to five years.

Are memory foam mattresses good?

Yes, memory foam mattresses offer a host of benefits. They can deliver contouring pressure relief to help soothe aches and pains. Furthermore, these types of beds tend to excel at motion isolation, which is great for people who share a bed with a restless co-sleeper. 

Memory foam isn’t known for its cooling prowess, but many manufacturers have taken note of this and have implemented cooling properties such as gel-infused foam and aeration. However, sexually active couples may find that they feel stuck when trying to reposition during sex on these beds. 

Is a memory foam mattress good for your back?

A memory foam mattress can be good for your back because the material’s contouring abilities allow it to relieve pressure in the shoulders for optimal comfort. However, the mattress firmness must be supportive enough to ensure good spine alignment at the same time. If a memory foam bed cradles the sleeper so much that they sink too far, this could lead to poor alignment and back pain. 

Typically, medium-firm to firm memory foam mattresses are best for back sleepers, providing just enough pressure relief without sacrificing support.

How long does a memory foam mattress take to expand?

Memory foam beds typically expand to their full capacity within 24-72 hours. However, you will notice that the bed begins to expand to the majority of its size within the first few hours. Many brands will advise that you wait 24 hours before sleeping on the bed to allow it enough time to expand. Waiting to sleep on your new mattress could also help if you’re sensitive to off-gassing, allowing the bed to air out without sheets and blankets over it.

Should I buy a memory foam mattress online?

Buying a memory foam mattress online in a box can save you money without diminishing the quality of the bed you receive. By bypassing middlemen in the traditional supply chain, online mattress companies are able to offer the same caliber of mattresses you’d see in a brick-and-mortar store for much less.

You might be nervous about purchasing a memory foam mattress without testing it. However, most online brands offer generous sleep trials and will refund your money if their product isn’t a perfect fit.

What’s the best kind of memory foam mattress?

The best kind of memory foam mattress isn’t an easy answer. Mattresses, not just foam ones, are never one-size-fits-all. The best memory foam mattress for you is going to be the one that best fits your unique preferences and needs. Consider your sleeping position, body type, and any other factors that might influence how you sleep at night—then find a bed that caters to all of them.

What thickness of memory foam is best?

Generally, mattresses fall around the 12-inch height mark, with some being less or more based on their features or price-point. Consider how far your bed is going to be off the ground and if you want that “lofted” feel. We’d recommend that heavier folks look for mattresses on the thicker side, so they don’t sink in too far. Anything less than 10 inches tall would probably seem thin to most sleepers, however.

Sources

  1. Kaur K, Gurnani B. “Viscoelastics.” StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, Last Updated June 11, 2023.
  2. “What Is Flexible Polyurethane Foam?” Polyurethane Foam Association, Last Updated June 5, 2024.
  3. B Boor, Spilak, Laverge, et al. “Human exposure to indoor air pollutants in sleep microenvironments: A literature review,” Building and Environment, August 05, 2017.
  4. “Foams that feel good and you can feel good about”. CertiPUR-US. Webpage accessed June 13, 2024. 
  5. Wagner, J.; Fowles, J.; Barreau, T. “Fiberglass and Other Flame-Resistant Fibers in Mattress Covers.” Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. Last Updated February 1, 2022.
MattressBest ForPrice (Queen Size)Review
NectarEditor’s Pick$999Nectar Mattress Review
Helix MidnightHybrid$1,199Helix Midnight Mattress Review
GravityLux by WinkBedsSoft$1,799Winkbeds Gravity Lux Mattress Review
Nolah SignatureSide Sleepers$1,599Nolah Signature Mattress Review
Contour5Back Pain$2,995Saatva Contour5 Mattress Review
Cocoon Chill Memory Foam10-Inch$699Cocoon Chill Mattress Review
Nectar Luxe Memory FoamCooling$3,214Nectar Luxe Mattress Review
Bear OriginalFirm$999Bear Original Mattress Review
Plank FirmHeavy Person$1,249Plank Firm Mattress Review
Julia Forbes

Julia Forbes

Lead Product Tester

About Author

Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.

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