Written by Olivera Jancikin, Content Writer
Molecule sought to do just that with its flagship mattress. Designed by a team of scientists and athletes, the Molecule bed uses innovative sleep tech to help maximize your deepest stage of sleep so you can wake feeling more energized.
Our in-depth review of Molecule Mattress examines some of the company’s claims by taking a detailed look into the construction and feel of their bed. We scored the mattress using our system which looks at performance features such as support, motion isolation, and pressure relief.
MOLECULE 1 Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Who We Recommend The Molecule For:
- Athletes – This product has been designed to help restore the body by helping you stay cool using enhanced temperature-regulating foams. This should help you wake up in the morning feeling revitalized, according to the company.
- Hot sleepers – Even if you are not an athlete, this mattress should be a great option for those that find themselves waking up hot. The open-cell foams in each layer of this mattress help to circulate air so you can stay cool at night.
- Co-sleepers – Foam beds are great for keeping movement at bay. People who share their sleeping surface should not have to worry about waking up to their partner getting in and out of bed.
Who We Don’t Recommend The Molecule For:
- Heavy people – The Molecule mattress is on the softer side, so it may be too soft for people who weigh over 230 pounds. Heavy people are likely to sink too deeply into the upper layers, which can throw the spine out of alignment regardless of your preferred sleeping position.
- Stomach sleepers – Stomach sleepers need maximum support to keep the hips aligned with the rest of the body. Since the Molecule has a softer feel, stomach sleepers are likely to find the bed too soft, especially those who weigh over 170 pounds.
First Impressions: Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 5/10
Please remember that firmness is a subjective characteristic and your shape will dictate how you experience a bed. A heavier person whose weight can more easily push through softer comfort and support layers may experience a bed as softer than a lightweight person. The way you are shaped could also play a role here. Consider your weight, shape, and size when evaluating firmness scores.
Mattress firmness is something you should always look at before buying a new bed. We rate firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. The Molecule mattress falls at a 5 on our firmness scale, which means it has a medium-plush feel.
This mid-range firmness should work for most people who weigh up to 230 pounds. Lightweight and average-weight people may experience its firmness differently depending on their exact weight, but most should find it comfortable for back and side sleeping. On the other hand, heavier individuals, no matter their sleeping position, may find that they prefer a firmer mattress for enhanced support.
How Does It Feel?
The top layer is made from a slow-responding foam that should leave you feeling like you are resting in a gentle cradle. This surface feels soft-to-the touch and should mimic the slow sinking sensation of traditional memory foam mattresses.
The bottom two layers are constructed from firmer foams that promote easier transitions by providing a moderate amount of bounce. This should be great for combination sleepers who change positions frequently during the night. These layers also offer a deeper level support by cradling your body weight as it pushes through the top layer of comfort foam.
What We Like About the Molecule
- Mid-range firmness level – The medium plush-feel is versatile and should fit most sleepers. The upper layer adapts to curves, which allows different levels of sinkage depending on the sleeper’s sleeping position and weight.
- Designed for restorative sleep – The foams in this mattress may promote optimal thermoregulation, which helps your body heal after workouts.
- Affordable price – The Molecule is affordably priced, with the Queen-size priced at just under 900 dollars. Given that many mattresses of this quality are much more expensive, we think this bed is a great budget-friendly pick.
Our Molecule Complaints
- Not a traditional innerspring feel – Although the Molecule has a responsive center and base layers that make moving around a breeze, it doesn’t have that traditional bounce you’d find in an innerspring mattress with coils.
- Unknown weight capacity – This mattress doesn’t have a determined weight limit, which makes it difficult to determine whether it would work for heavy sleepers.
Testing the Molecule Mattress: How it Performed
We test mattresses in various ways to determine how they would fit different types of sleepers. The Molecule has a versatile firmness level that should fit most people, but our tests showed that stomach sleepers and heavy people might still prefer a firmer mattresses. We also tested for motion isolation, edge support, bounce, and other preference-based features people look for in a new mattress.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
We couldn’t find any official statements about the Molecule’s weight limit. However, this is an all-foam mattress with a medium-plush feel, so we think it should support up to 400 pounds. However, despite its ability to carry extra weight, you should keep in mind that its medium-plush feel might be a tad too soft for those who weigh over 230 pounds.
Side Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight side sleepers should like the medium-plush feel of the Molecule mattress. The upper layer cradles the curves and allows plenty of pressure relief for the shoulders, hips, and knees.
- Average-weight Sleepers – Side sleepers that weigh between 170 to 230 pounds should experience the mattress firmness differently. However, most in this group are likely to enjoy the balance of pressure relief and support, although those weighing closer to 230 pounds may sink deeper.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy side sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress since the Molecule has a softer feel. People over 230 pounds, especially those who sleep on their side, may find themselves bottoming out to the layers underneath.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight back sleepers should enjoy this bed’s firmness. The foams in this bed should provide good levels of support and sinkage to cradle the lower back and prevent pain in this area.
- Average-weight Sleepers – Average-weight back sleepers will feel their weight is evenly distributed. The foams allow a bit of sinkage for pressure relief without losing support and proper spine alignment.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy back sleepers are likely to experience their lower back sinking too deeply into the first foam layer. As a result, they may feel trapped inside the Molecule and wake up with lower back pain.
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Some stomach sleepers weighing under 130 pounds may like the softer feel of the Molecule mattress. Those who prefer a firmer bed in this position may want to look elsewhere.
- Average-weight Sleepers – People who weigh between 130 to 230 pounds might not get enough support from the Molecule because the bed has a medium-plush feel that’s too soft to keep the hips aligned. Those weighing closer to 230 pounds may feel their hips sinking too deeply.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy stomach sleepers should look for a firmer bed that can keep the hips aligned with the rest of the body.
Pressure Relief & Pain
Pressure buildup is usually something side sleepers experience the most. The increased pressure over a small surface area caused by the hips and shoulders can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep if the mattress is too firm. These individuals should find that this bed is a favorable choice because of its exceptional ability to relieve strain in these stress areas. Even back sleepers should like how the Molecule mattress contours the lower back without letting them sink too deeply.
Back Pain – Back pain can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, so having a mattress that helps relieve that pain is crucial. The Molecule combines support and pressure relief, so it should help relieve pain and prevent it from returning. The RecoverFlo™ foam in this bed fills the gaps to keep everything aligned.
Hip Pain – Hip pain is a serious issue for most side sleepers, which is why most of them avoid sleeping on their side. The Molecule has a medium-plush feel and offers enough sinkage to contour the hips so that no pressure and pain can build up in this area.
Shoulder Pain – The Molecule is equally good for people with shoulder pain as it has a softer feel that will allow you to sink just enough to avoid pain and pressure from building up. The foams in this bed are designed to help with recovery and people with shoulder pain are likely to find relief.
Support
The Molecule mattress focuses on pressure and pain relief, but it also does a good job when it comes to supporting your body in various positions. The mattress offers different levels of support depending on the sleeper’s weight and preferred sleeping position. Most sleepers weighing around 170 pounds are likely to find optimal support coming from the bed’s base layer. The upper layers feel plushier than the base, but you should still experience enough support to keep the spine aligned. However, heavy people may want a firmer bed that offers more support.
Motion Transfer
All-foam mattresses typically perform well at isolating motion so that movement doesn’t transfer from one side of the bed to the other. The Molecule is no exception, so it’s a good option for couples and co-sleepers.
Although this bed has a somewhat softer feel, the foams isolate motion well, so you shouldn’t feel your partner tossing and turning. Couples and co-sleepers who share their bed with partners, kids, and pets are likely to enjoy sleeping on the Molecule due to its motion-isolating capabilities. Although it has some bounce, it’s not enough to carry movement, so you should still experience a good night’s sleep even if your significant other is a restless sleeper.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
When it comes to cooling, all-foam mattresses usually don’t perform as well in this department. Foams typically retain heat, which makes it difficult for the mattress to ventilate unless it’s designed with cooling features. The Molecule mattress has moisture-wicking and cooling technologies in the cover, which helps keep the mattress surface cool. This cooling sensation may also help with recovery.
The MolecularFlo™ foam has an open-cell structure that allows more airflow than you’d get with a traditional foam layer. However, those who sleep hot may still prefer a bed with more cooling features or coils that allow more air circulation.
Performance for Couples
Couples looking for a balance between bounce and motion isolation should like the Molecule mattress. The bed has an all-foam construction that helps isolate motion for light sleepers who sleep with restless sleepers. However, the Molecule still has a bit of a bounce. Although it’s not as bouncy as a traditional innerspring mattress, couples should get enough pushback support.
Nudging up to the edge of this bed should keep couples feeling fairly secure. While sitting on the edge there is some noticeable compression through the top layers, but overall this bed performs to about the industry standard.
MOLECULE 1 Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Preference-based Features
Bed-in-a-box Shipping
The Molecule comes in a box, which should make it easier to move around from the doorstep to the bedroom. Bed-in-a-box shipping is convenient for the company, delivery people, and the buyer as the package isn’t as bulky.
Proprietary Materials
This mattress features many proprietary materials that make it stand out among all-foam beds within this price range. Each layer is designed to deliver specific levels of cooling, pressure relief, and support to help with recovery and getting a better night’s sleep.
Adjustable Base Compatible
This product is compatible with just about any foundation, including adjustable bases, but the manufacturer recommends that when using a slatted platform, the slats be no more than 3 inches apart.
Made in the USA
Construction: What’s Inside the Molecule?
The Molecule is made entirely out of foam, offering pressure relief, comfort, and motion isolation. The construction has a bit of a bounce, but not at the level of a mattress with coils. The zip-off cover is made from a soft, thin polyester blend. It feels breathable and should help with air circulation to keep you from getting hot. Inside the mattress lies 12.25 inches of three distinct layers of poly foam that have been specially designed for optimal performance.
- The comfort layer is 3 inches of the company’s proprietary MolecularFlo™ Foam which has been designed to promote consistent cooling. The open-cell structure in this material stimulates airflow that allows the body to cool down while resting. This slow-conforming comfort layer relieves pressure by taking the weight and strain off the body’s joints and curves.
- The transition layer is 2 inches of RecoverFlo™ Foam. This layer is a matrix of hexagon and diamond-shaped channels that provide lumbar support by adapting to your body’s anatomy and increasing the body-to-surface ratio by filling in the gaps between the shoulders and hips. This layer is also fairly responsive and should facilitate repositioning in the bed.
- The base layer is constructed from 7 inches of firm CounterFlo™ Foam. This base should influence proper spine alignment and act as the support center for your body’s weight.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
The Molecule is compressed and shipped in a box and delivered to your door. Instructions are included to help walk you through the installation process. This shipping method makes it easy to carry the box to your mattress foundation of choice, but keep in mind that it may still be heavy for some.
Getting it out of the box is easy, but you should let it decompress before using it. This can take up to 72 hours, but any off-gassing odors you may notice should also dissipate during this time.
Certifications
- Eco-Friendly Certifications – The foams in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified. CertiPUR-US® is a third-party program that ensures the foams meet rigorous health and safety standards. This means they don’t contain harmful substances like ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They should also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
- Shipping – Shipping is free within the 48 contiguous United States and available for a fee to both Hawaii and Alaska.
- Trial – The 365-night sleep trial allows customers to test the mattress for a full year.
- Warranty – This product has a Lifetime Warranty.
- Return Policy – Returns are free, but you’re not actually returning the mattress to Molecule. Instead, you’re asked to donate the mattress. Once the company confirms your donation, you’ll get a full refund.
Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 75″ x 38″ x 12.25″ | $699 |
| Twin XL | 80″ x 38″ x 12.25″ | $699 |
| Full | 75″ x 53″ x 12.25″ | $799 |
| Queen | 80″ x 60″ x 12.25″ | $899 |
| King | 80″ x 76″ x 12.25″ | $1,099 |
| Cali King | 84″ x 72″ x 12.25″ | $1,099 |
MOLECULE 1 Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Molecule different from the Molecule 2?
Both Molecule mattresses are designed entirely out of foam, so they offer similar performance when it comes to the motion isolation and pressure relief. However, the Molecule 2 mattress is more expensive and has zoned support.
Where is the Molecule mattress made?
The Molecule mattress is designed and made in the USA, which allows the company to provide quick and free shipping within the country.
How long does it takes for the Molecule mattress to fully expand?
As it comes in a box, the Molecule mattress is compressed and rolled into a smaller size. Once you remove the packaging, the bed should start decompressing and continue to do so for the next 48 to 72 hours.
Molecule vs. Other Brands
Molecule vs. Nolah Signature
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
Who We Recommend the Molecule For
- Lightweight sleepers
- Side sleepers
- Co-sleepers
Who We Recommend the Nolah Signature For
- Hot sleepers
- People looking for a softer bed
- Sleepers with pressure buildup
Molecule vs. Puffy
Product
Type
Score
Who We Recommend the Molecule For
- Budget shoppers
- People with hip pain
- Active people
Who We Recommend the Puffy For
- Luxury shoppers
- Sleepers who sweat
- Side sleepers
Molecule vs. Other Molecule Models
Molecule vs. Molecule 2 AirTec
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
Who We Recommend the Molecule For
- People with shoulder pain
- Average-weight back sleepers
- Athletes
Who We Recommend the Molecule 2 AirTec For
- Hot sleepers
- People looking for affordable luxury
- Sleepers with allergies
Molecule vs. Molecule Hybrid
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
Who We Recommend the Molecule For
- Those who prefer foam beds
- Co-sleepers
- Light sleepers
Who We Recommend the Molecule Hybrid For
- Sexually active couples
- Those looking for a hybrid mattress
- People interested in edge support
Overall Summary
The Molecule is specifically designed for athletes and active people looking to get a good night’s sleep in various sleeping positions. Although we think it’s too soft for stomach sleepers, the bed provides an excellent balance of pressure relief and support to side and back sleepers.
Side Sleepers
5/5
Molecule’s medium-plush feel should fit side sleepers perfectly. The foams offer enough contouring to relieve pressure in the hips, shoulders, and knees, the most sensitive areas prone to pressure buildup. In addition, the Molecule is supportive enough to keep the spine straight in this position.
Back Sleepers
5/5
Back sleepers should feel their weight evenly distributed across the mattress surface so no pressure can build up. The comfort layer made from MolecularFlo™ foam contours the lower back without letting you sink too deeply. This way, it helps with spine alignment and pressure relief.
Stomach Sleepers
3/5
Stomach sleepers may experience this bed as too soft. When you sleep on your stomach, the hips are prone to sinking deeper into the mattress, which is even more likely to happen if your mattress is on the softer side. The Molecule has a medium-plush feel that might not provide sufficient support to keep the hips aligned.
Combination Sleepers
4/5
Although the Molecule has a medium plush feel that should fit most people, some combination sleepers may find it too soft for sleeping on the stomach. The bed offers some contouring but is unlikely to make you feel trapped inside the comfort layer, so repositioning should be fairly simple.
Couples
4/5
Couples looking for excellent motion isolation should enjoy the all-foam construction of the Molecule mattress. The bed absorbs motion, so partners are unlikely to feel one another tossing and turning. However, those looking for superior edge support and enhanced bounce may prefer the Molecule Hybrid model.
Heavy Sleepers
3/5
People weighing over 230 pounds may find the Molecule too soft. The mattress has mid-range firmness, but those on the heavy side are likely to experience it as softer than those weighing under 150 pounds. For this reason, it may not be the best choice, especially if you’re also a stomach sleeper.
Lightweight Sleepers
4/5
The Molecule mattress should be the perfect match for people weighing under 130 pounds. These sleepers should experience enough contouring around the pressure points and sufficient support to keep the body aligned in back and side sleeping positions. Significantly lightweight people may even like it for stomach sleeping.
Average Weight Sleepers
4/5
People who weight between 130 to 230 pounds may experience this mattress differently due to how the level of sinkage changes based on the sleeper’s exact weight. In other words, those closer to 130 pounds may find it more comfortable than those closer to 230 pounds. Either way, the comfort layer adapts to the curves and allows variable sinkage.
Overall Value
4/5
The Molecule is a bed-in-a-box mattress with a lifetime warranty and a 365-night trial, giving you enough time to test how you like sleeping on it. In addition, it’s made from proprietary materials that work together to deliver optimal temperature regulation, recovery, and comfort for active people, co-sleepers, and most side and back sleepers.
Our Verdict
The Molecule Mattress has been endorsed by a series of professional and Olympic athletes who claim to find great results on this bed. However, if you’re considering this product, we recommend doing some follow-up research about slow-wave sleep and further discovering how the Molecule could benefit you.
When we tested this mattress, we found it performed well in motion isolation, cooling, and pressure relief, which makes it a good choice for couples, hot sleepers, and side sleepers. Heavyweight folks and those who rest on their stomach, however, are better off with a firm mattress.
MOLECULE 1 Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Olivera Jancikin
Content Writer
About Author
Olivera is a content writer for Sleep Advisor and is enthusiastic about sleep. She firmly believes in the benefits of daytime naps on top of getting a full 8-hour sleep at night.
Combination Sleeper