Top 10 Most Comfortable Mattresses – 2023 Reviews and Ratings

What makes a mattress comfortable? For some people it’s the initial feel of the bed—a certain plushness when you lie down, or the way the surface conforms to your body. For others it might be more of a mental experience, with the mattress representing a place of peace and rest.

Given all the different standards of comfort, there’s no way to objectively identify the most comfortable mattress in the world. But we like to think we’ve given it a pretty good shot! We considered several features and preferences when building our list of the comfiest beds, and we’ve also written a buyer’s guide to aid you in your search.

Support and pressure relief go hand in hand, and a high-quality mattress will actively focus on both of these factors.

A mattress with pressure relief helps alleviate discomfort in sensitive pressure points. Pressure relief is typically in the top comfort layers. Many popular beds provide relief using materials designed to provide a cradle-like sensation.

Support balances this out by ensuring that the cradle doesn’t let you sink too much, as this can throw off spine alignment. Support layers are usually located toward the middle and bottom of the bed and are more durable to bear the individual’s weight.

As mentioned, supportive layers keep the spine in proper alignment. Good spinal alignment is vital because if the spine is in an awkward posture, this could lead to back pain.

A bed that’s too warm can cause you to wake up during the night, sweaty and uncomfortable. Many brands understand this and, as a result, add cooling features. For example, a mattress may include cooling technology in the cover and one or several layers in the bed.

There are also specific features a sleeper may want or need. These might include motion isolation, edge support, or bounce.

Memory foam is a highly sought-after bedding material. Memory foam’s popularity is largely due to the comfort it provides through impressive pressure relief. The material is made to mold to the individual’s unique shape to help evenly disperse their weight and avoid uncomfortable pressure buildup.

The two primary concepts in this material are viscosity and elastic. Viscosity means the foam moves slowly as pressure is applied. Elastic means it can stretch and conform while also reverting to its original shape.

The main downside to memory foam is that it tends to get hot. However, many companies alleviate this by adding cooling features like gel to prevent overheating.

Latex foam mattresses are derived from rubber trees. They are known for their durability and are considered a great material for minimizing back and joint pain. They also typically have more bounce compared to memory foam beds.

The two main methods for producing a latex mattress are Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop beds are typically firmer and bouncier, whereas Talalay ones are softer.

While some latex beds are synthetic or synthetic blends, shoppers can also opt for naturally-made latex mattresses. Organic latex is an excellent option for folks who may be more sensitive to off-gassing smells.

These mattresses contain only foam-based layers and no innerspring unit.

Foam beds usually perform better when it comes to isolating movement throughout the bed. Motion isolation means that if your partner gets up in the middle of the night, you are less likely to physically feel their movement on your side. Many couples enjoy this feature, especially if they have differing sleep schedules or habits.

Foam beds are also not as bouncy as a hybrid will be. Bounce typically makes repositioning easier. However, a latex bed will have some slight bounce.

Hybrid mattresses contain both foam and coils. Although there are specific differences among differing brands, most hybrids feature foam layers on top for comfort and pressure relief, and the coil unit below serves as the main support system.

Hybrids are considered more supportive because of the innerspring layer. However, they still balance this out by incorporating those softer comfort foams on top.

Another advantage of coils is that they provide extra airflow in the center of the bed, an advantage for hot sleepers.

Hybrids typically allow you to feel more ‘on top’ of the bed than all-foam versions. These mattresses are also going to provide the most bounce.

Sleeping on your side is considered one of the best positions for spine alignment. However, side sleepers, more than any other position, need a mattress with excellent pressure relief.

When you lie on your side, your body weight accumulates in a smaller, more concentrated area, specifically the hips and shoulders. As a result, you are vulnerable to even more pressure point discomfort since the weight is less spread out.

Mattresses that incorporate memory foam are typically a good fit for side sleepers since they are excellent at relieving pressure and providing a comforting cradle for the individual. These can include either all-foam memory beds or hybrids with memory foam.

People who rest on their side also must consider the mattress’ firmness. If your mattress is too firm, it can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Soft or medium mattresses are usually best for this position.

Back sleepers will want to focus on finding a mattress that excels at both pressure relief and support. The pressure relief will help ensure that areas like your shoulders and lower back feel gently cradled while the supportive layers further below keep your spine alignment in check.

Both foam and hybrid mattresses can offer optimum comfort for most back sleepers. However, if you have a higher weight or just prefer added stability, a hybrid bed will provide you with more substantial support for your back. Mattresses with added support in the lower back region are especially great for these sleepers.

As far as firmness, most back sleepers tend to enjoy mattresses in the medium to firm range. If the mattress is too soft, this could cause heavy areas to dip too much, leading to added discomfort and possible pain development.

See Our Full Guide: Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers

Unlike back and side sleepers, folks who only rest on their stomachs usually don’t need to worry as much about pressure relief as they need to about quality support. A mattress with a durable and excellent support system is key for this type of sleeper.

When you rest on your stomach, your weight will be centered in the waist and hips. A mattress with good support can help ensure your mid-section does not sink into the bed too much, which would leave your spine in an uncomfortable, awkward position.

Stomach sleepers can rest comfortably on foam and hybrid mattresses, but as we mentioned earlier, hybrids are typically the more supportive option, especially for those who carry extra weight.

Lastly, individuals who sleep in the prone position typically prefer medium to firm mattresses since softer beds can leave them feeling less supported.

Want to see more? Read our full guide of top-rated mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Combination sleepers will rotate among the different sleep positions during the night. As a result, these folks should look at both pressure relief and support when shopping for a new mattress.

When it comes to the firmness of the mattress, a bed with a medium-range firmness is usually considered ideal for combination sleepers. A medium comfort level is a universal feel, and therefore, will cater the best to all three sleep positions. For instance, if your bed is too firm, this may feel fine while on your stomach, but you could easily experience discomfort when you switch to resting on your side.

Folks who change up their sleep positions should also consider the ease of repositioning. For example, memory foam beds may leave you feeling more stuck in the mattress than hybrid or latex beds, which can make repositioning more difficult.

Need more info? Check out our full best mattress for combination sleepers  guide here.

The height of a mattress and its comfort level are also important factors to consider when shopping for your new bed. The mattress height refers to how thick the product is. Most standard mattresses range from around 9-14 inches.

Some folks may prefer a thicker bed that allows them to feel higher off the ground. Higher mattresses also mean additional material and thicker layers, which could translate to better comfort and support for certain sleepers. For example, a plus-size sleeper will likely be a good match for a higher bed. The thicker layers should allow them to experience the comfort of the bed without sinking too much and bottoming out.

The comfort level or firmness of the bed is also important. The firmness refers to how hard or soft the bed feels, which can vary according to your size. Firmness is also essential for making sure the bed’s feel complements the position in which you sleep.

For example, side sleepers are typically a good match for soft to medium mattresses to provide extra cushioning for their hips and shoulders. Conversely, back and stomach sleepers usually do well on medium to firm beds that provide pressure relief and significant support for neutral spine alignment.

Find Out More: Complete Mattress Firmness Guide

A mattress that is good at isolating motion helps prevent the transfer of movement from one side of the bed to the other. Motion isolation is a great feature for couples who want to avoid disturbing their partner in the middle of the night if they move around or get up. Even if you feel as though your movements are subtle, you could still disrupt your partner’s sleep if a mattress doesn’t provide adequate motion isolation.

Foam beds, particularly memory foam mattresses, tend to be the best option when it comes to this feature, thanks to their ability to absorb movement. Latex, which is slightly bouncier than memory foam, will typically absorb movement less but, overall, still performs well.

However, hybrids are going to take last place for motion isolation due to having the most bounce. Some hybrids with memory foam on top may still do fairly well to isolate motion, though.

Edge support refers to a mattress’ ability to still provide quality support along the perimeter as well. For example, you may notice that when you sit down on the edge of certain beds, the dip is significantly deeper. If the bed dips too much on the sides, this can limit your access to the bed’s surface space when it comes time to sleep.

People who sleep with a partner appreciate having as much space as possible since two individuals share the bed. A mattress with excellent edge support allows each sleeper to rest just as comfortably on the sides of the bed as they do in the middle.

Mattress manufacturers incorporate edge support in different ways. For example, some may use denser foams along the edges to keep the perimeter strong, while others, such as hybrids, can incorporate more durable coils around the border.

For many couples, a mattress with adequate cooling features is also essential. Sleeping next to another person also means extra body heat, leaving more susceptible to overheating during the night. Therefore, a bed that prioritizes cooling in its construction can help couples stay cool and comfy while they sleep.

Different types of mattresses incorporate cooling in different ways. For example, memory foam tends to run hot, so many manufacturers use gel to prevent overheating. However, some brands choose may infuse other cooling materials such as copper or charcoal. Most importantly, if you want a memory foam mattress, make sure there is a cooling mechanism in the memory foam layer.

However, extra hot sleepers may benefit most from hybrids. The coils in these mattresses offer additional airflow in the middle of the bed.

Want to see more? Check out our best cooling mattresses picks for hot sleepers.

Bounce is a mattress feature that refers to the rate at which the bed responds to movement or pressure. Therefore, a bouncier, more responsive mattress will quickly adjust to you and your partner’s movements.

A mattress with a high bounce can be very beneficial for sexually active couples who may prefer this sensation during those intimate moments. Therefore, if you want to enhance your sex life, consider purchasing a bed with good bounce.

On the bounce scale, mattresses with innerspring units, like hybrids, are going to be your top choice. The coils in these mattresses are what provide that responsive bounce feature.

However, some folks may not want a hybrid bed. A latex model would be the best option if you prefer a foam bed but still want some bounce.

Latex naturally has some bounce to it. However, do not expect these beds to have the same sensation that a hybrid would provide.

Another advantage of responsiveness is that it makes repositioning a breeze. Ease of repositioning means you shouldn’t feel stuck in a bed, and therefore, you can move about easier.

Easy repositioning is also an important feature for older individuals or those with limited mobility. If you or your partner have limited mobility, a mattress with more responsiveness should help you move around and get in and out of bed easier.

Like bounce, hybrids will be the best type of mattress for folks who require easy repositioning. Furthermore, hybrid mattresses typically do the best job of allowing the individual to feel like they are resting on top of the bed instead of inside it.

As far as all-foam beds, latex should perform better for this category compared to memory foam. While memory foam has plenty of excellent advantages, individuals with limited mobility will likely prefer hybrids or latex for easier repositioning.

Once you figure out the type of mattress you want, you now have to decide on the size of the mattress. Choosing a mattress size will come down to several factors such as your age, height, lifestyle, and the space available in your bedroom.

Most mattress sizes run the same among the different brands. There may be some slight variance, but it is usually no more than an inch.

A Full mattress, which has a width of 54 inches and a length of 75 inches, might be a great choice for a single adult. However, if that individual is over six feet tall, they may prefer a Queen bed that runs 60 by 80 inches, giving them more space to spread out.

Some couples may do well with a Queen size mattress. However, if either of you are taller or just enjoy stretching out your limbs while in bed, you might prefer a King or California King.

Weight limits are also an important consideration when looking at new beds so you can be sure the mattress will support you and your partner well.

The weight limit can vary among different brands based on their construction. For example, while some may say they support up to 600 pounds – or 300 per person – others may carry 800 pounds. Additionally, some brands do not specify a weight limit.

Most beds can do a good job of providing enough reinforcement for sleepers up to 200-250 pounds. However, individuals who weigh close to 300 pounds or more risk sinking too far into the layers.

Instead, folks who carry significantly more weight should consider a mattress specially designed for larger frames. These types of beds are built with more durable support layers to carry their weight so they, too, can have a comfortable sleep experience.

Back pain is an uncomfortable condition that can negatively impact your quality of life. If you are experiencing pain in your back, you will need to invest in a mattress that provides excellent support.

A mattress with quality support helps keep your spine in a healthy, neutral alignment. Good spine alignment is beneficial for preventing the emergence of back pain, and it is also important for reducing current pain.

Mattresses that incorporate zoned support are excellent for the back because they provide extra reinforcement in areas where it is typically needed most, such as the lower back – or lumbar region.

Many foam mattresses have good support systems provided by denser foam bases. However, if you need extra back support, a hybrid mattress is a great match. The coils are highly durable and can support additional weight to ensure the spine stays well-aligned.

Shoulder pain can result from various causes, such as an injury, arthritis, dislocation, or tears. Additionally, the shoulders are an area prone to pressure buildup. Whether you are experiencing an injury or pressure points, you will need a mattress that offers adequate relief to ease your discomfort.

Individuals with shoulder pain should look for a bed that features good pressure-relieving materials in the top comfort layers. Some manufacturers even design beds with multiple pressure-relieving layers for added comfort.

If you require pressure relief for achy shoulders, mattresses with memory foam are going to work great at helping to soothe those achy joints. The great news is that all-foam beds and hybrids can include memory foam, so this opens up your options.

Additionally, you should consider the bed’s firmness. If it is too hard, this could exacerbate your pain, leaving you more uncomfortable than before.

Read Our Full Guide: Best Mattresses for Hip & Shoulder Pain

Like back pain, neck discomfort is also connected to spinal alignment since the spine extends through the neck. While the type of pillow you use could also impact this, you should consider your mattress type as well.

Neck pain can result from incidents such as a gym injury or waking up in an awkward position. Whether you want to alleviate pre-existent pain or prevent future stiff necks, the mattress you choose could help you rest easier.

You will want a mattress that has enough support to keep your spine in proper alignment. For example, if your shoulders sink too much because your bed cannot support your weight, this could impact your neck pain.

Furthermore, stomach sleeping is not good for neck pain because the neck is forced to twist to the side. Therefore, you could take the opportunity to invest in a bed that’s more supportive for a different sleep position, such as on the side or back.

Fibromyalgia is a condition in which a person experiences extensive musculoskeletal pain. The widespread pain can also make it more challenging to fall asleep. However, the right mattress could reduce discomfort to help the individual sleep better.

A mattress that provides quality pressure relief can help ease pain throughout the body. As mentioned previously, memory foam is a top-notch material for providing sleepers with essential pressure relief.

You will also need to look at the firmness of the mattress. Firmer beds could worsen your pain if the surface feels too hard against your body. On the other hand, mattresses with a soft to medium feel allow you enough sinkage to ease those painful areas. However, if you weigh significantly more, do not go for a too-soft mattress as this can worsen your spine alignment, causing more pain in the long run.

Want to see more? Read our guide to the best mattresses for fibromyalgia.

Arthritis is when inflammation in various body joints leads to pain and stiffness. As a result, individuals with arthritis may have limited mobility, which can make moving around or getting in and out of bed more challenging.

If you have arthritis, a mattress with quick response can help make it easier for you to reposition, and this should be an important factor when considering which mattress to purchase.

Although all-foam memory mattresses may provide pressure relief, they can be harder to move around on if you have limited mobility. Latex naturally has more bounce (response) than memory foam and can be an excellent alternative for folks who want a foam mattress.

A hybrid mattress is also a great choice for individuals with arthritis. The coils in the innerspring unit help ease repositioning, and overall, these are going to have more response than foam beds.

Check Out Our Guide: Best Mattress for Arthritis

In some cases, your new mattress feels great but just needs to be a little more comfortable.

Mattress toppers are an excellent way to adjust the feel of your mattress with making a huge financial investment.

A mattress topper can provide different adjustments to your bed. For example, there are firm mattress toppers for folks who want a firmer feel or softer ones for when you need more plushness. Additionally, you can purchase a cooling topper if you are an extra hot sleeper who needs more cooling to rest comfortably.

Want to see more? Check out our guide for the best mattress toppers.

A dual-sided mattress offers consumers the advantage of having two different firmness options to choose from without having to switch out for a new bed. Most of these mattresses will feature one softer side, and the other side will be a medium-firm or firm comfort level.

If you ordered a dual-sided mattress and find that the side you have started to use does not feel as comfortable as you would like, simply flip over the mattress to access the second firmness option. Usually, this should help solve the issue as the opposite firmness will likely feel better then.

We mentioned earlier that sleeping on the wrong pillow could worsen or cause neck pain. In this case, it may not be the mattress itself that needs some adjusting but the pillow you are using.

A good pillow for neck pain and good alignment will not be too high, low, or firm. If you notice your pillow is more firm, then consider investing in a more plush product.

Hot sleepers could also benefit from a new pillow. While the mattress should provide cooling, a pillow can also help keep you cool too. Some excellent cooling pillows could help you rest more comfortably.

In some cases, your mattress does not feel right because it simply needs time to break in. Firstly, you may need to give it a few days to expand to its full size.

Regarding the break-in period, most beds can take at least 30 days to adjust. However, some manufacturers may suggest trying the bed for at least 90 days to get the full effect.

You may find that once the bed is broken into, it feels plenty comfortable. However, if you still do not enjoy the feel of the mattress, consider trying out a mattress topper.

Learn More: How to Break in a New Mattress