Side sleepers often struggle with finding the right balance of comfort and support in a mattress. Snoozing on your side places extra pressure on your hips and shoulders since your weight bears down on a narrow surface area.
Bed-in-a-box brand Nolah aims to address this exact issue with its pressure-relieving, all-foam mattresses. Its flagship model, the Nolah Original, uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ to provide contouring without the traditional sink associated with memory foam.
In our Nolah Original mattress review, we’ll cover our experience with this mattress and discuss whether it actually provides pressure relief. By testing its performance across a variety of categories, we also have a good idea which sleepers this mattress may work for.
Watch Our Nolah Mattress Video Review
Who We Recommend the Nolah Original For:
- Side sleepers – This bed excels in providing the deep pressure relief side sleepers crave. Nolah claims its Original mattress produces significantly less peak pressure than similar memory foam mattresses – four times less, to be exact.
- Those who love a memory foam feel – If you love nothing more than to sink into your mattress, you should enjoy the way the Nolah Original feels. Although it won’t hug your curves quite as much as other memory foam beds, its all-foam design still provides that cushioning, sinking sensation many sleepers love.
- Lightweight sleepers – People who weigh 130 pounds or less are often more sensitive to firmer beds, given that they lack the amount of weight necessary to activate the deeper layers. Nolah’s plush design should be an excellent fit for lightweight individuals seeking a softer model.
Who We Don’t Recommend the Nolah Original For:
- Heavyweight sleepers – Heavyweight back and stomach sleepers may need to consider a firmer mattress that keeps them from sinking too low in the bed, as well as aid in proper spine alignment. These sleepers are likely to find all-foam design of the Nolah unsupportive and are better off with a firmer bed made from coils.
- People with back pain – Oftentimes, the best mattress for back pain is one that falls at a medium-firm to firm level on the 1-10 firmness scale and contains coils for a more supportive design. The Nolah is likely too soft to provide adequate support for spine alignment, which may exacerbate pain for those with an achy back.
First Impressions: Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 5/10 (Medium Plush)
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 reflects how soft or firm the bed feels when you lie down, and we rate mattress firmness on a 1-10 scale with 10 being the most firm.
We ranked the Nolah Original’s firmness level a 5 out of 10, which is considered medium plush or slightly softer than medium firm. The softness created by the upper foam layers offers a soft contouring feel that fills in the area between your hips and shoulders.
Side sleepers and petite folks may be the best suited for this mattress since they sink into the mattress less. Heavyweight sleepers and those who rest on their stomach, though, are better off with a firmer mattress since this bed’s plush feel is unlikely to provide enough support.
How Does It Feel?
The Nolah Original’s medium-plush feel offers great pressure relief and cushioning.
When you first lie down on the mattress, you’ll feel the soft Tencel™ cover and the 2-inch foam layer. Also, thanks to Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam™, this mattress should fall somewhere in the middle of the traditional slow-response memory foam and the bounciness of latex. The high-density foam core underneath offers enough pushback to keep you supported without feeling like you’re sinking into quicksand.
What We Like About the Nolah Original
- Unique materials – Unlike other all-foam mattresses that can cause sleepers to heat up, the Nolah original uses a proprietary material known as AirFoam™ to create a temperature-neutral sleeping environment.
- Motion isolation – The foam used in this mattress provides excellent motion isolation, making it a great bed for couples.
- More bounce than traditional memory foam – Thanks to a layer of High-Resilience Foam, this mattress should feel more responsive than other all-foam mattresses.
Our Nolah Original Complaints
- On the short side – At just 10 inches thick, the Nolah Original is less tall than most bed-in-a-box mattresses. While this height can work great for smaller spaces, the mattress may not feel as sturdy or fill up a room as taller mattresses would.
- More support needed for heavier sleepers – Heavyweight folks may find that they sink too far into this bed and don’t receive the support they need, especially around high-pressure areas like their hips.
- Stomach sleepers may sink – Those who prefer to sleep on their stomachs may find that this bed isn’t firm enough to keep their hips raised and spine aligned.
Testing the Nolah Original Mattress: How it Performed
Although the Nolah Original is designed for side sleepers, we tested the Nolah Original in all sleep positions to determine who else it’s best suited for. Body weight can also affect how you experience a mattress so we made sure to consider this factor as well. Additionally, our testers examined qualities such as supportiveness, responsiveness, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and how well it performs for couples.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
The Nolah Original mattress should support 350 pounds per side or 700 pounds total. While this is a high weight capacity, we don’t recommend this mattress for heavyweight sleepers. This mattress’s all-foam design and softer feel is likely to be unsupportive for these sleepers.
| Weight | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers (-130 lbs) | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★☆ |
| Average-Weight Sleepers (130-230 lbs) | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★☆ |
| Heavyweight Sleepers (+230 lbs) | ★★☆ | ★☆☆ | ★☆☆ |
Side Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight side sleepers should find that the plush softness of this all-foam bed both cradles them and provides excellent pressure relief on smaller areas such as their shoulders and hips.
- Average-weight Sleepers – The multiple foam layers should alleviate the pressure that can often build up for side sleepers. Average-weight sleepers should also be able to feel a nice transition into the stabilizing, supportive base layer.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – The soft foam layers of this mattress should provide ample cushioning to most heavyweight side sleepers. However, those who weigh closer to 300 pounds may find that they sink too much into this mattress, which can have the opposite effect.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – If you are a lightweight back sleeper, you should enjoy the soft, contouring top layers of this bed. Additionally, the base layer should provide excellent support and alignment.
- Average-weight Sleepers – The foam layers contour nicely to these back sleepers, while the supportive base layer aids in spine alignment.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavyweight back sleepers may feel that they are sinking too far down into the foam layers, which can cause spine misalignment.
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – If you are a lightweight back sleeper, you should enjoy the soft, contouring top layers of this bed. Additionally, the base layer should provide excellent support and alignment.
- Average-weight Sleepers – The foam layers contour nicely to these back sleepers, while the supportive base layer aids in spine alignment.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavyweight back sleepers may feel that they are sinking too far down into the foam layers, which can cause spine misalignment.
Pressure Relief & Pain
- Lightweight Sleepers – If you are a lightweight back sleeper, you should enjoy the soft, contouring top layers of this bed. Additionally, the base layer should provide excellent support and alignment.
- Average-weight Sleepers – The foam layers contour nicely to these back sleepers, while the supportive base layer aids in spine alignment.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavyweight back sleepers may feel that they are sinking too far down into the foam layers, which can cause spine misalignment.
Back Pain – For lightweight sleepers, the Nolah Original’s soft, contouring top layers and supportive base layer should work in tandem to help alleviate back pain. However, those who rest on their stomach, as well as heavyweight sleepers, may find they need a firmer mattress to provide adequate support and spine alignment.
Hip Pain – When it comes to how well this mattress alleviates hip pain, the answer depends on your body weight. Some heavyweight sleepers may feel that their hips sink too far into this mattress which can lead to pressure build up around the hips. However, lightweight to average-weight sleepers should find that this mattress contours to their hips nicely, alleviating pain.
Shoulder Pain – This mattress should do an excellent job at easing shoulder pain thanks to its combination of softness and support.
Support
Support is also vital in a mattress: Your spine needs a good, sturdy surface to remain straight throughout the years, i.e., one that won’t be susceptible to sagging. While the Nolah Original is on the softer side, it does have a 7-inch high-density foam base, which should give the majority of sleepers the support that they need. The base acts as a foundation for the upper layers, preventing them from sagging over time.
There isn’t much bounce on the surface, but repositioning shouldn’t be an issue for most people thanks to the High-Resilience Foam layer. While you should sink in a bit on the top, this foam layer underneath offers enough pushback to make repositioning easy.
Motion Transfer
Unlike some beds that contain bouncy innersprings and coils, memory foam beds are wonderful when it comes to motion transfer. The all-foam Nolah Original is a standout when it comes to isolating motion. Thanks to its all-foam design, motion transfer should be kept to a minimum.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
Many all-foam mattresses lack cooling capabilities, but this bed uses Nolah AirFoam™ which is specifically designed to keep sleepers cool. The brand claims their Nolah AirFoam™ is 100 percent temperature neutral and created without viscoelastic chemicals, which can trap heat, allowing you to snooze comfortably all night long. This material also contains hundreds of microscopic air bubbles for maximum airflow and breathability.
Performance for Couples
The best mattress for couples is one that isolates motion, provides bounce, keeps both sleepers cool, and offers support. While the Nolah Original may be lacking somewhat in the support department (depending on both sleepers’ body weights), most couples should enjoy pressure relief and exceptional motion isolation. However, heavy couples may want to explore other options as they may not get the support they need to sleep comfortably. This mattress may also fail to provide adequate edge support, which limits couples from being able to use the entire surface of the mattress.
Preference-based Features
Adjustable Base Compatible
Place Nolah Original on any foundation, including adjustable bases. The company has its own adjustable bases available on its website—there is even one with built-in massage options!
Handcrafted in the USA
Eco-Friendly Benefits
With each Nolah Original mattress purchased, the company makes a donation to the Defenders of Wildlife which helps protect wildlife and the places they call home.
Construction: What’s Inside the Nolah Original?
The Nolah Original mattress is wrapped in a snow-white Tencel™ cover that offers a soft, breathable feel. The cover is also of botanical origin, which helps it to wick away moisture from the body and regulate body heat.
Under the cover, three foam layers make up the bed’s 10-inch height.
- The top layer is a 2-inch layer of proprietary Nolah AirFoam™. Nolah's technological research and innovations led to the creation of the exclusive material, which they say sleeps cooler than memory foam infused with cooling gel. The foam is designed to be 100 percent temperature neutral. In addition, the brand says that it’s more durable than latex.
- The second layer consists of a 1-inch layer of latex-like support foam. This serves as a transition layer from the top to the bottom layer.
- The third layer is a 7-inch high-density poly foam base. This sturdy unit provides the support and structure of the mattress. The base’s thickness and density help to even out the softness of the top two layers.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
Your Nolah Original mattress will arrive rolled and compressed in a box. After getting it out of the box, position the rolled mattress, and then cut the plastic away to unwrap it. Once the plastic is removed, the bed should start taking shape immediately. At this point, you may encounter an odor caused by off-gassing. This is unpleasant but harmless. Any smell should dissipate quickly and can be sped up by putting the mattress in a well-ventilated room.
Certifications
- CertiPUR-US® Certified: 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 to the continental United States.
- Optional White Glove Delivery – Nolah partners with Load Up, a third-party logistics company to offer white glove delivery and removal services. For an additional cost of $125, you can get your new mattress delivered and set up, and your old bed removed.
- Trial – You can keep this product for 120 nights to make sure it’s your dream mattress, and if it isn’t, the company will refund your money.
- Warranty – There is a warranty on this brand for 15 years.
- Return Policy – If at any time during the 120 night trial you decide this mattress isn’t for you, you can return the bed for a full refund. However, you will be responsible for a $99 return pickup fee.
Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 10” | $699 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 10” | $899 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 10” | $999 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 10” | $1,149 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 10” | $1,349 |
| Cali King | 72” x 84” x 10” | $1,349 |
| Split King | 38" x 80" x 10" (per side) | $1,798 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nolah AirFoam™, and why is it so great?
The Nolah mattress brand specially creates its own AirFoam™, which is designed for exceptional durability and temperature neutrality. It also claims to relieve pressure better than traditional memory foam, having 4 times as much pressure relief. Finally, tiny holes in the foam help it promote more airflow.
Can I try the Nolah Original out risk-free?
Within the 120-night trial period, you have no obligation to keep the mattress, so you can try it out for almost four full months to ensure it’s the right bed. This should be ample time for just about anyone to make sure they’re investing in a product that they look forward to sleeping on night after night.
What is the Nolah Original mattress made of?
Nolah’s founders realized traditional mattress materials like latex and memory foam were underperforming, so they created a truly unique and patented material called AirFoam™. Beneath this initial layer, the Nolah contains two more foam layers which provide support and responsiveness.
How firm is the Nolah Original mattress?
The Nolah Original fell at a 5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which classifies it as a medium plush bed. However, the bed usually fits lightweight and side sleepers the best, though some average-weight sleepers may also like it.
Nolah Original vs Other Brands
Nolah Original vs Nectar
- Lifetime warranty
- All-foam comfort
- Exceptional edge support
- Relieves pressure
- Traditional memory foam feel
- 365-night trial period
Who We Recommend the Nolah For
- Pressure relief seekers
- Those who sleep hot
- Couples
Who We Recommend the Nectar For
- Value seekers
- Those who love memory foam
- People with hip pain
Explore our Nectar Mattress Review.
Nolah Original vs Helix Midnight
- Cooling properties
- 120-night trial
- Optional white glove delivery
- Hybrid mattress feel
- High-quality materials
- Quality construction
Who We Recommend the Nolah Original For
- Lightweight sleepers
- Those looking for a lifetime warranty
- Eco-friendly shoppers
Who We Recommend the Helix Midnight For
- Fans of hybrid mattresses
- People who have back pain
- Those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds
Interested? Read our full Helix Midnight Mattress Review.
Nolah Original vs Other Nolah Models
Nolah Original vs Nolah Evolution
- Soft Tencel™ Cover
- Versatile
- Gentle contouring
- Pressure-relieving AirFoamICE
- Cooling Euro top
- Premium materials
Who We Recommend the Nolah Original For
- Average-weight sleepers
- Side sleepers
- Shoppers on a budget
Who We Recommend the Nolah Evolution For
- People looking for targeted spinal alignment
- Sleepers with back, shoulder, or hip pain
- Those looking for extra support
Check out our Nolah Evolution Mattress Review.
Overall Summary
The Nolah Original combines innovative materials with an all-foam design, offering sleepers a unique feel that mimics memory foam but responds to your movements like latex.
Side Sleepers
The Nolah Original mattress should work wonders for side sleepers, who often struggle with pressure build-up. The company touts stats about offering four times less pressure on hips, shoulders, and back areas than other beds, which is a top priority for those who sleep on their sides.
Back Sleepers
If you spend the majority of the night on your back, you’ll want something that hugs your curves and fills in space around the lumbar area to avoid any aches and back pain. This bed should do just that, but those who need more support should opt for a firmer mattress.
Stomach Sleepers
Tummy sleepers need a durable, sturdy mattress to help support their core and keep their spine straight. Generally, they prefer a firmer bed. The Nolah Original has a plushy feel that may not offer the support that stomach sleepers need.
Combination Sleepers
Maybe you don’t like to stay in any one position for too long, which would classify you as a combination sleeper. The Nolah Original has a versatile feel that should feel comfortable in whatever back, side, and stomach position you find yourself in. Plus, you shouldn’t feel trapped in the plush foam layers and should be able to move freely.
Couples
Most couples should enjoy this bed for its combination of pressure relief and cooling. The Nolah mattress also has good motion isolation so that you won’t be disturbed throughout the night. However, if one or both of you are on the heavier side, it may cause some problems with support.
Heavy Sleepers
Heavyweight sleepers may need to consider another mattress. The Nolah Original's plush feel may not offer the necessary support to prevent this group from sinking into the bed. In this case, we would recommend a brand that has beds specially made for larger frames like the Titan mattress by Brooklyn Bedding.
Lightweight Sleepers
Those that fall on the more petite side should appreciate how the soft upper foams caress their curves and transition them into the lower support layers. With the Nolah mattress on the softer side, lighter sleepers should be able to feel the benefits of all the layers.
Average Weight Sleepers
Most average-weight sleepers of all sleeping position preferences should be pleased with this bed. It provides contouring soft foam that will provide comfort and exceptional pressure relief for those who sleep on their sides. Back sleepers will enjoy excellent spinal alignment that will help them wake without aches and pains. However, dedicated stomach sleepers may find that they sink too far down.
Overall Value
The Nolah Original packs a lot of value in this all-foam mattress with its proprietary, innovative AirFoam™. The company’s commitment to delivering a comfortable and cool sleep experience has a lot to offer to shoppers seeking temperature-neutral comfort. It’s also reasonably-priced, and comes with a generous lifetime warranty.
Our Verdict
The Nolah Original mattress’s all-foam construction offers more than the typical memory foam bed. Its AirFoam™ material helps promote greater pressure relief, responsiveness, and even cooling.
After putting this mattress through a series of tests, we think that it is a great choice for lightweight and side sleepers. This bed’s excellent motion isolation also makes the Nolah Original a top pick for co-sleepers, especially if one in the pairing tends to toss and turn.
However, heavyweight sleepers and those who prefer to sleep on their stomachs may not be as keen on this mattress. They may find that they sink too far down into the mattress and don’t receive the support they need around their hips.
