Puffy is a mattress brand known for producing high-quality memory foam mattresses. The brand’s original Puffy Mattress stands out from the typical foam bed by incorporating proprietary cooling technology into its construction.
How does the Puffy perform in other areas, though? Our in-depth overview of the Puffy bed takes a closer look at the properties and materials of the brand’s flagship mattress. We’ll tell you which types of sleepers the Puffy is best suited for and describe the feel and construction of this bed.
Who We Recommend The Puffy For:
- Dedicated side sleepers – The top layer should allow for a deep hug and comforting pressure relief as this comfort layer contours to the body. While this could work for many sleep positions, side sleepers, who often experience pressure around the shoulders and hips, will especially benefit.
- Folks who share a bed – The memory materials should effectively reduce motion transfer. Those with restless partners should especially appreciate how well the Puffy isolates motion.
- Memory foam fans – With a deep hug and a comfy sinking experience, the Puffy should feel like a classic memory foam mattress. This could be ideal for those who like to be enveloped by the bed.
Who We Don’t Recommend The Puffy For:
- People with mobility issues – While most sleepers should feel comfortable and well-supported by this bed, the deep hug may cause some difficulty with repositioning. The company sells two hybrid models that may help to ease movement for senior sleepers.
- Heavy people – We categorize this bed’s firmness as a medium-plush feel. While it may feel comfortable for most sleepers, those who prefer a firmer bed or mattresses for heavier people may find this one too soft.
- Eco-conscious shoppers – Puffy uses premium and proprietary materials in their mattresses, but the lack of natural materials may put off eco-conscious shoppers who prefer an organic mattress.
First Impressions: Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 5.5/10
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.
We rate mattress firmness on a scale of one to ten, where one represents the softest and ten the firmest. The Puffy has a softer feel, so we rated it a 5.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale.
Although this firmness falls in the middle of the scale, the bed feels softer thanks to its memory foam construction which offers a cradling sensation. This firmness allows just enough contouring without sacrificing support for healthy spine alignment.
How Does It Feel?
Puffy is a bed-in-a-box product and can be used on any flat surface, including adjustable frames or the floor. The company sells proprietary frames, platforms, and adjustable bases through their website.
You should feel a plush sensation when touching the stretchy and breathable cover. Lying down, you should notice a deep sinkage and an enveloping hug.
The contouring foams should provide excellent pressure relief and enhanced lumbar support. This gives the bed an airy sensation, while cooling gel should help prevent overheating.
What We Like About the Puffy
- Cooling technologies – The Puffy is an all-foam mattress, but you shouldn’t have to worry about overheating, as it has gel-infused Cooling Cloud™ foam and humidity-resistant Climate Comfort™ foam.
- Deep hug sensation – The Puffy has a softer feel which allows the mattress to hug your body. This means there’s more sinkage and, with that, more pressure relief, especially if you’re a side sleeper.
- Generous warranty and sleep trial policies – This mattress comes with an industry-leading lifetime warranty, and the company also offers a 101-night trial for customers to see if the mattress fits their needs.
Our the Puffy Complaints
- Not for stomach sleepers – Although the Puffy is a perfect match for side sleepers, those who prefer sleeping on their stomach may want a firmer mattress. The Puffy is likely too soft to support the hips in this position.
- Doesn’t contain natural materials – The Puffy mattress doesn’t contain any natural materials, which some eco-conscious shoppers may not like.
- Minimal bounce – This is an all-foam mattress with foams that do an excellent job of absorbing motion. However, people looking for a bouncy bed may want to look into other options. A mattress that contains coils, like the Puffy Lux Hybrid may be a better option for these sleepers.
Testing the Puffy: How it Performed
We tested the Puffy mattress to get better insight into how it performs in various sleeping positions. This mattress is on the softer side, so you’ll likely feel a deep hug sensation the first time you lie on it. Apart from the general feel, we also tested for factors like motion isolation, pressure relief, edge support, and general support across the entire mattress. These tests helped us understand which sleepers this mattress may be best for.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
The Puffy mattress is designed to support 750 pounds, which is 350 pounds per side. This weight limit is good for heavy people, although you should keep in mind that the firmness may not be ideal for sleepers over 230 pounds.
| 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 like the deep hug this Puffy provides. The foams contour the body, which allows for maximum pressure relief without sacrificing spine alignment.
- Average-weight Sleepers – Average-weight side sleepers may sink a bit deeper, especially if they weigh closer to 200 pounds. However, the Puffy’s Firm Core Support Foam does a good job of supporting your body and all the upper layers.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Side sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds are likely too heavy to get sufficient support from the Puffy. Most side sleepers in this group should do better with a firmer mattress.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight back sleepers should benefit from the Puffy’s combination of support and pressure relief.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – Average-weight back sleepers should get enough support in the lumbar area but also enough sinkage which helps prevent pressure build-up in this area.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy back sleepers are likely better off with a firmer mattress that can support the hips without letting you sink into the upper layers as much.
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Heavy stomach sleepers may get sufficient support even though this bed is on the softer side. People who weigh under 130 pounds won’t sink as much, so the hips should stay aligned well enough.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – People who weigh 130 to 230 pounds will sink deeper into the upper layers, especially those closer to 200 pounds. This can throw the spine out of alignment and result in lower back pain.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy stomach sleepers should sleep on a firm surface, so the Puffy may not be the best choice since it’s rated a 5.5 out of 10 on our scale.
Pressure Relief & Pain
While side sleepers are the most prone to excess pressure on areas like the shoulders and hips, pressure points can develop in any position if the materials don’t provide enough cushioning. When excess weight is placed on any area of the body, it can impact sleep and even lead to ongoing problems like chronic joint pain.
To combat this, many companies have chosen to build mattresses with soft and conforming memory foam. The Puffy is no exception, built with three foam layers that were specifically designed to minimize pressure.
Back Pain – The Puffy mattress should be a good choice for pain relief as it’s designed with three foam layers that contour the body. However, the level of contouring without losing spine alignment depends on the sleeper’s weight.
Hip Pain – People with hip pain, especially those sleeping on their side, should find enough pressure relief to achieve a good night’s sleep. The 2-inch Cooling Cloud™ foam contours the hips and shoulders to help alleviate pain in these areas.
Shoulder Pain – Sleepers struggling with shoulder pain should benefit from the Puffy’s firmness that allows a deep hug. This should help prevent pressure build-up and provide tension relief.
Support
As we sleep, we may unknowingly be putting our spine in poor alignment. A bed with good support allows the spine to remain in a comfortable, neutral position.
Soft and cozy materials can envelop the body, but if those materials aren’t supportive, your spine may bend and arch in an unnatural position. Puffy was constructed with a strong and durable base, which helps it adapt to your body for enhanced lumbar support.
There is little bounce in this mattress, and the top layer should feel much slower to respond than the bottom layer. This, combined with the deep sinkage, may make some sleepers feel cozily enveloped in the foam.
Motion Transfer
Motion isolation describes a mattress’s ability to absorb motion and prevent it from transferring from one side to the other. The Puffy mattress does a good job of isolating motion as it’s made entirely out of foam. Although the bed is on the softer side, the foams are designed to absorb motion, which is excellent for partners with different sleeping schedules. In addition, this also makes it a good fit for combination sleepers.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
All-foam mattresses don’t usually have good cooling because memory foam tends to trap heat. However, the Puffy is a cooling mattress with Cooling Cloud™ and Climate Comfort™ foams, both of which are proprietary materials. The Cooling Cloud™ foam has gel infusions that help draw your body heat away from the mattress surface. In addition, the Climate Comfort™ foam is breathable and resistant to temperature fluctuations.
Performance for Couples
Couples with different sleeping habits should like the Puffy because it has good motion isolation. However, this all-foam mattress may not offer the best edge support for people who weigh closer to 200 pounds, which can be a problem for couples who like to spread out. Plus, the bed lacks bounce, which is another potential concern for sexually-active couples.
Preference-based Features
Proprietary Materials
The Puffy mattress comes with two proprietary foams designed to help sleepers remain cool. These include Cooling Cloud™ foam and Climate Comfort™ foam.
Adjustable Base Compatible
This bed was designed to use with any surface or frame, including adjustable bases.
Made in the USA
Construction: What’s Inside the Puffy?
The Puffy Mattress is covered with a stylish polyester cover featuring a charcoal gray diamond pattern around the edges and a white top with fluffy cloud outlines. If you’re a coffee-in-bed kind of person or like to munch on a midnight snack in bed, you’ll be happy to know that the cover is also stain-resistant.
While a simple wipe should clear away most visible debris, the Puffy’s cover was designed so it can be removed and washed for deeper cleaning. The bed also has a Grip Base Cover that keeps the mattress in place when you toss and turn.
The mattress is 10 inches tall.
- The top layer is comprised of 2 inches of Cooling Cloud™ Foam, an award-winning material that took over four years to develop. This highly adaptive layer was designed to compress or pushback depending on position and weight, providing the right amount of support and pressure relief where needed. Cooling gel is infused into this layer to prevent overheating.
- Going deeper is a 2-inch Climate Comfort™ Foam. This is a breathable transition foam that touts exceptional pressure-relieving capabilities and a resistance to temperature fluctuation.
- The base of the bed contains 6 inches of Firm Core Support Foam. This layer is designed to minimize sinkage and provide stability throughout the entire bed. Individualized support should also be provided through this layer, as the foam is designed to react to your body weight and pressure.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
The Puffy mattress is shipped in a box, so it should be easy to move from your doorstep to the bedroom. However, the package may be heavy, depending on the bed size, so it’s best to have a friend or family member help you.
This mattress may take a while to decompress but make sure to place it on a flat foundation immediately upon unboxing. In most cases, it’s ready for use 24 hours after unboxing, which is also how long it should take for any off-gassing smells to dissipate. Off-gassing is common for all-foam mattresses, especially those shipped in a box. People sensitive to smells may want to vent the mattress for longer.
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 in the contiguous United States. There is an additional charge to ship to Hawaii or Alaska.
- Trial – Puffy offers a 101-night sleep trial, so customers can get a feel for their new mattress before fully committing to it.
- Warranty – The Puffy Mattress comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Return Policy – Returns are free, but if you’re in Alaska or Hawaii, the company may not return the shipping fee you paid for the delivery.
Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ x 10″ | $1,449 |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 75″ x 10″ | $1,499 |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ x 10″ | $1,649 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 10” | $1,799 |
| King | 76" x 80" x 10” | $1,999 |
| Cali King | 72" x 84" x 10” | $1,999 |
| Split King | 38” x 80” x 10” | $2,998 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Puffy Mattress Last?
The Puffy Mattress is made with high-quality proprietary materials, so it should last five to seven years with proper use and care. This means no jumping on the bed, and you may even want to rotate it now and then. Also, make sure you have the proper foundation to support this mattress. The cover is washable, so it’s easy to maintain for years.
Is the Puffy Mattress Good for Back Pain?
The Puffy Mattress is good for back pain as the foam material hugs your body, relieving tension from high-pressure areas. The Firm Core Support Foam supports the upper layers and helps keep your spine aligned. However, heavy people with back pain may want a firmer mattress for greater lumbar support.
Do You Need to Flip the Puffy?
The Puffy isn’t a flippable mattress. By flipping it, you would change the order of layers, which would then change the way the mattress performs. The Puffy wouldn’t feel the same and it would possibly even wear out quicker.
Puffy vs. Other Brands
Puffy vs. Nectar
- Deep hug
- Made in the USA
- Lifetime warranty
- 365-night trial
- 12-inch profile
- Gel-infused memory foam
Who We Recommend the Puffy for
- Hot sleepers
- Side sleepers
- Average-weight back sleeper
Who We Recommend the Nectar For
- People with pressure build-up
- Athletes
- Couples
Check out our full Nectar Mattress Review.
Puffy vs. Bear Original
- Removable cover
- 101-night trial
- 10-inch profile
- Firmer feel
- GREENGOLD Certification
- Cooling gel memory foam
Who We Recommend the Puffy For
- Lightweight back sleepers
- Average-weight people
- People looking for motion isolation
Who We Recommend the Bear Original For
- Back sleepers
- People who need more support
- Sleepers with back pain
Explore our Bear Original Mattress Review.
Puffy vs. Other Puffy Models
Puffy vs. Puffy Lux
- All-foam construction
- Gel-infused memory foam
- Washable cover
- Hybrid design
- Six layers
- Breathable construction
Who We Recommend the Puffy For
- Memory foam lovers
- People with pressure build-up
- Side sleepers
Who We Recommend the Puffy Lux For
- People with allergies
- Back sleepers
- Heavier side sleepers
Learn more in our Puffy Lux Mattress Review.
Puffy vs. Puffy Royal
- Body contouring foam
- Fits all foundations
- Softer feel
- Targeted support
- Hybrid design
- Temperature-controlled foam
Who We Recommend the Puffy For
- People with hip pain
- Sleepers who sweat
- Memory foam lovers
Who We Recommend the Puffy Royal For
- Couples
- Sleepers with back pain
- Combination sleepers
Check out our Puffy Royal Mattress Review.
Overall Summary
The Puffy provides a classic memory foam feel with enhanced pressure relief that should appeal to most sleepers.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers should feel snug and cozy in this bed thanks to the enhanced pressure relief of the upper layer and the bed’s overall softer feel. This should help to reduce the pressure that could build up in the hips and shoulders as these heavier areas of the body press into the mattress.
Back Sleepers
Most back sleepers should enjoy the enhanced lumbar support provided by the deep hug and contouring of the comfort layer on this mattress. This should allow for a neutral spine and enhanced pressure relief. However, many back sleepers prefer a firmer bed.
Stomach Sleepers
Most stomach sleepers will want to seek out a firmer mattress that helps keep their midsection well supported. While the firm base offers support, it may not be enough for stomach sleepers, especially those with larger frames. However, this bed may do okay for stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
Combination Sleepers
Combination sleepers may not like the feeling of being wrapped in the mattress, which could make repositioning more of a challenge. However, those who enjoy the classic memory foam feel should be satisfied with the deep hug of this bed. Additionally, the minimal bounce may make it harder for those with limited mobility to move around on the bed.
Couples
Anyone who shares a bed is likely aware of the importance of minimizing motion transfer. For couples who love a classic memory foam feel and strong motion isolation, this mattress should be a great fit. However, edge support may be an issue for those who like to spread out.
Heavy Sleepers
Those with larger frames often find mattresses too soft, causing them to sink through the layers with little support. Being on the softer side, this mattress may make it feel like heavier individuals could “bottom out”. In this case, heavier sleepers may want to look for a bed specifically designed for larger frames.
Lightweight Sleepers
While heavier frames often find most beds too soft, lighter individuals have the opposite problem. For them, most mattresses feel too firm, and they often struggle to experience all that the bed has to offer. Luckily, this plush mattress is well-suited for lighter frames, allowing them to sink through the layers and benefit from pressure relief and support.
Average Weight Sleepers
People who weigh 130 to 230 pounds should like how this mattress feels when sleeping on their back and side. Some average-weight stomach sleepers may also like the softer feel, although this is only if they weigh closer to 150 pounds. Those closer to 200 pounds may sink too deeply into the upper layer.
Overall Value
Puffy is dedicated to creating the perfect sleep experience to minimize aches, pains, and sleepless nights. By combining enhanced pressure relief, strong motion isolation, and a universal medium feel, their flagship model should be a great fit for side sleepers, petite people, and couples with different schedules.
Our Verdict
The Puffy is an all-foam mattress that hugs and cradles your body. This level of contouring, combined with its medium-firm feel, helps the Puffy appeal to a range of sleepers, but especially those who sleep on their side and back.
After testing the Puffy, we think it’s a good match for hot sleepers, thanks to the proprietary cooling materials. In addition, this mattress also promotes excellent motion isolation for those who share a bed. Most people will feel more “in” the bed than “on” it, which should help with pressure relief in the shoulders, hips, and knees.
However, the Puffy Mattress’s huggabble feel won’t translate well for all sleepers. Heavyweight sleepers will likely find the bed too soft and unsupportive, while those who with mobility issues may have a hard time moving around due to the softer, less responsive nature of this mattress.
Jill Zwarensteyn is the editor for Sleep Advisor and a certified sleep science coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.
Based in Los Angeles, she is an experienced writer and journalist who enjoys spending her free time at the beach, hiking, reading, or exploring new places around town.
She’s also an avid traveler who has a personal goal of being able to successfully sleep on an airplane someday.
