10 Best Memory Foam Beds You Can Buy in 2023

A memory foam mattress is a bed with comfort layers made primarily of memory foam. There may be other types of foam present in the mattress, but memory foam is taking center stage. These beds are prized by people who seek palpable pressure relief and the feeling of being gently “hugged” by their sleeping surface.

What Is Memory Foam Made Of?

Memory foam is made of a plastic polymer called polyurethane, plus a number of 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).

Viscoelastic properties are what make this foam unique—poly foam without viscoelastic properties is not memory foam.

Its airy inner structure and reaction to temperature changes also play a key role in how memory foam works.

Many users of memory foam report that it has a unique and recognizable feel. It hugs and contours your body as you compress the mattress, providing exceptional pressure relief and support. It's particularly helpful for those struggling with aches and pains.

The material will gradually change shape to match the outline of your body, meaning the mattress is essentially customized to your needs each time you lie down. When you get up, the material will regain its original shape, readying itself for the next use.

Another advantageous feature of memory foam is the motion isolation it offers.

Motion isolation means there is very little transfer of movement from one area of a mattress to the other. On a bed with good motion isolation, if your partner is tossing and turning in the night, you won't feel the ripple effects from this movement as much.

Traditional spring mattresses don't have very good motion isolation, which is one reason why memory foam has become so popular. 

There are many polyurethane foams around, but not all of them are memory foam.

Over the years, companies have tinkered with this material and have come up with variations that offer different experiences in cooling, contouring, sinkage, and durability.

You'll likely see the following categories of memory foam on the market today.

Traditional memory foam is the standard version of memory foam and also the least responsive. This type gives the traditional hug-like feel and contouring many people know and love. The typical density for this type of memory foam is 4.0 – 6.0 PCF. 

• Designed to enhance circulation and relieve stress on your joints
• Good for side sleepers
• Sleeps very hot

To battle heat retention, manufacturers came up with a solution known as open-cell foam. While it still provides the similar feel of traditional memory foam, small air pockets within its structure provide a cooler sleeping experience and enhanced response time.

• Better cooling
• Similar feel to traditional memory foam
• Faster response

An example of a mattress structure incorporating gel foam and traditional memory foam (top to bottom) – Cooling gel, Memory foam, Transition layer, High-density foam

Gel memory foam (or gel-infused memory foam) is perhaps the most popular variation available – you'll find it on mid-grade to high-quality mattresses.

To make this kind of memory foam, a cooling gel is usually infused during the manufacturing process and evenly spread across the entire surface, or it can be incorporated as tiny beads or liquid.

Gel solved the heat-retention issue by evenly dispersing the heat instead of creating hot pockets in the foam.

Here are a few tips for identifying high-quality gel foam mattresses:

• Liquid gel can sometimes provide better cooling compared to some beads
• Choosing a density of PCF 3.0 and higher can be an indication of a higher-quality product
• Opt for thinner, more breathable covers

Plant-based or organic mattresses have become increasingly popular in recent years. Some of these mattresses utilize memory foam that's a bit “greener” than traditional varieties. 

Memory foams that call themselves plant-based or eco-friendly may have undergone a more environmentally conscious manufacturing process, or replaced some of their petroleum-based ingredients with bamboo, tea, soy, or Aloe Vera.

These materials are much better at heat distribution and provide much needed joint pain relief and better motion isolation. However, because it's always made with at least some synthetic products, there's no such thing as certified “natural” or “organic” memory foam. 

• No/low odors and off-gassing
• Some natural materials
• Good for allergies
• Better heat distribution and motion isolation
• More expensive than traditional models

To stand out, many companies have manufactured their memory materials with a twist. They might alter their foams with graphite, copper, or other signature substances to keep you sleeping comfortably. Proprietary foams also tend to have trademarked names.

The nuances of these foams come down to user preference and shouldn’t be the only factor you consider in a mattress purchase.

Once you’re ready to start shopping, you’ll need to know what to look for in a memory foam mattress. Some factors are focused on your current status, such as how you sleep or budget limitations, while others are more preference-based.

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

For great budget options, see our roundup of the best cheap mattresses.

Your sleeping position will influence the type of mattress you should buy. The four sleep styles are side, back, stomach, and combination. Certain types of beds are better for some positions than others—so, if you enjoy the feel of memory foam, you need to be sure it complements how you sleep. 

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.

In general, side sleepers should stick with plush to medium-firm beds to obtain adequate pressure relief in this position.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers are a good fit for memory foam, which can relieve pressure from the shoulders. People who rest on their back often need beds that strike a balance between firm support and soft pressure relief.

These sleepers should consider memory foam beds that have a medium-firm feel. 

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers match well with firm memory foam beds. Memory foam contours to the sleeper’s shape, but if the material is too soft, the deeper cradle could throw off spinal alignment.

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. 

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers are least likely to benefit from memory foam, because the material is not highly responsive. Instead, memory foam 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, such as latex or innerspring mattresses. These materials make it easier for people to reposition.

If you're a combination sleeper with a heart set on memory foam, a hybrid mattress, which also contains springs, should provide more bounce.

Your body weight will affect how a bed feels and performs because the heavier you are, the deeper you will sink into the layers. A mattress’ firmness rating is a helpful indicator for determining the right product for your shape. Plus, some brands offer mattresses catered to specific body types.

Lightweight Sleepers

Lightweight sleepers are those weighing 130 pounds or less. These individuals fit well with plush to medium beds. Lightweight sleepers don’t sink into the mattress as much, so they need a softer bed to compensate for this. Plush mattresses will help these sleepers avoid feeling like they’re lying on a rock. Sleep position will also need to be considered. If you’re a lightweight side sleeper, you should get a soft mattress, but back or stomach sleepers should get a medium mattress.

Average Weight Sleepers

Average weight sleepers are between 130 and 230 pounds and make up the majority of shoppers. These individuals carry more weight than petite sleepers and need a slightly firmer feel to ensure their body remains in alignment. The best beds for this group have a medium-firm or firm feel, depending on their sleep position. 

Heavy Sleepers

Heavy sleepers are considered those weighing over 230 pounds. People with significantly larger frames have a higher risk of sinking too far into the mattress, which can feel uncomfortable and throw off body alignment. These shoppers should either purchase a firm mattress or a bed specially designed for plus-size sleepers. 

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.

Memory foam densities are sorted into three ranges:

• Low – 3.5 PCF or below
• Medium – 3.5-5.0 (often considered the ideal range to look for)
• High – 5.0 or above

Heat Retention Graphic – How cool or hot each type of mattress sleeps.

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.

The firmness of memory foam is formally measured on a scale known as ILD (indentation load deflection), 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.

But ILD only measures the firmness of the memory foam, not the overall firmness of the mattress. At Sleep Advisor, we also use a general mattress firmness scale of 1-10 (ten being the most firm), based on how the bed feels as you lie on it.

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 places.

Example showing a mattress structure (top to bottom) – 2×2″ Memory foam and 5.5″ support foam

Mattress thickness is something to consider as you shop. This includes the thickness of the individual layers and the total profile. Construction varies among brands; Some beds are 14 or 15 inches thick, while others have a 6-inch profile. Shoppers will need to take into account the height of the bedframe and the sleeper’s physical makeup. For example, a 15-inch mattress could be too high for young kids and elderly individuals, and a 6-inch bed may not give enough pressure relief. As a general guideline, roughly 4 inches in the comfort layers should be good, but it can be split into two comfort layers.

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

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. Many mattress brands provide edge support through reinforced materials like strong foam rails. If you share a bed or usually sit on the edge to put on clothes or shoes, look for brands with proven edge support. 

The bed’s durability and expected lifespan will have a lot to do with the quality of the product you purchase. Spending more money on a high-end mattress could return you a better product, which can be expected to hold up for a longer period. Additionally, maintenance of the mattress will determine how long it lasts. In general terms, you should expect seven to ten years of quality performance from a memory foam bed.

Off-gassing occurs once a new memory foam mattress has been unsealed and begins to expand. The mattress decompresses and releases certain byproducts into the air, which can cause a faint chemical smell, but are generally harmless. The smell should dissipate after a few days and does not denote any toxic materials in your foam mattress.

Off-gassing is short-lived and shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for most sleepers. However, if you have an extremely sensitive nose, you may want to ensure good airflow in the room where your memory foam mattress is expanding—or look into another mattress material.

Responsiveness refers to how quickly a material recovers when compressed. Memory foam has a very slow recovery rate and takes a few seconds to return to its original shape. This means the material will contour to the shape of a body very well, but won’t have the springiness that some sleepers value, particularly if they rotate between positions often.

Many couples enjoy memory foam mattresses because they isolate motion well, reducing the chance of one partner waking up the other if they move. However, memory foam has minimal bounce, which some sexually-active may view as a drawback. Other important factors for couples will be edge support performance, cooling, and a versatile firmness that works well for both individuals.

Return policies, trial periods, and warranties are important consumer details to be aware of when mattress shopping. Trial periods give customers time to try out the mattress at home, and if the product isn’t a good fit, it can be returned. Most online brands have trial periods in the 100-night range, though some offer a full-year. 

Warranties are specific timeframes in which the company agrees to repair or replace the mattress in the event of defects. Warranties can vary from 10-20 years, and in some cases, a lifetime deal. When it comes to the mattress warranty, pay attention to the fine print, since some companies have specific restrictions regarding this.

Innerspring mattresses (or coil-on-coil) provide more airflow and cooling than almost any other type. Nowadays, many products include a layer of memory foam on top for extra comfort. The combination of the two results in improved lifespan and cooling, and you still get that familiar foam feel.

Latex is sometimes considered the creme de la creme of materials, and in most cases, the price of latex beds is higher. It’s not heat-activated and typically provides a much cooler sleep experience even compared to gel foam. Latex mattresses have a faster response and more bounce, but it has a completely different feel. You won’t get that much hug and deep contouring with this material. 

These days, many manufacturers think that combining different types of materials can negate all/most negative sides and you can end up with a much better product overall. A hybrid mattress combines coils with foam or latex. Hybrid mattresses typically offer more cooling and support because of the addition of coils. However, this beds tend to be priced higher than all-foam models. 

To save money, you can opt to purchase one of the best mattress toppers rather than a brand new mattress. However, mattress toppers are not always as effective as desired, especially when they are placed on an aging mattress.

If the underlying mattress is starting to sag or otherwise fail, it is unlikely that the topper is going to do anything to improve performance. Most likely, you are going to want to opt for a mattress rather than a topper when a good night’s sleep is your top priority.

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. 

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.

Buying a memory foam mattress online 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.