Memory foam was first developed by NASA engineers and has become a popular choice for mattresses because it provides cushioning comfort, takes pressure off of sensitive areas and pain points, and stays quiet at night while absorbing movements. It molds closely to your body when exposed to body heat and returns to its original shape as it cools.

Our testing team evaluated several memory foam mattresses and selected models based on their performance for specific types of sleepers, such as side sleepers and those who tend to run hot in bed. To learn more about our testing process, check out our guide to the best mattresses of 2024. If you’re shopping for memory foam beds on a budget, you can also check out our guide to the best cheap memory foam mattresses.

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Best Overall Mattress

WinkBeds GravityLux

8.7 /10

Test Lab Score

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With a range of firmness options, the GravityLux provides a good balance of pressure relief, responsiveness, cooling tech, and motion isolation. This higher-end model helps alleviate back pain even in its softest model, and is suitable for couples and individuals across weight ranges and with different sleep preferences.

Credit: Sleep Foundation Test Lab

Price

$1,499

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Firm (7)

Trial Period

120 nights (30 night requirement)

Our Verdict

Who It’s Best For 

A truly versatile option with three firmness levels, sleepers across weight ranges who sleep on their side, back, or stomach can find a model that works well for them. People with back pain rave about this mattress’s pressure relief capabilities.

Feel

Compared to other all-foam mattresses, the WinkBed GravityLux feels luxurious. It’s plush and cradles your body well but not too well, comfortable yet supportive enough to relieve pressure, stays cool, and isolates motion well.

What It’s Made Of

The mattress has a breathable Tencel cover, polyfoam layers, AirCell memory foam, a transition layer, and a high-density polyfoam support core.

What We Don’t Like 

As a memory-foam model, it does emit strong off-gassing odors upon unboxing. Its edge support could be stronger, and the price point is in line with other premium options but starts high.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

9/10

130-230 lbs

9.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

8/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

5/10

We performed a meta-analysis on 260 validated customer reviews of the WinkBeds GravityLux. This is what people who bought the mattress had to say:

  • Heat Regulation: Several reviews mention that the mattress does a good job of staying cool throughout the night, which is a significant benefit for those who tend to sleep hot.
  • Firmness Options: The mattress is available in different firmness levels, catering to various preferences, which is appreciated by couples with different sleeping styles.
  • Motion Isolation: Customers appreciate the excellent motion isolation. This feature is particularly beneficial for light sleepers who share their bed with a partner.
  • Ease of Setup: The mattress is reported to be easy to set up, coming compressed in a box, which simplifies the delivery and setup process.
  • Customer Service: WinkBeds generally receives high marks for customer service, with quick responses and helpful support for issues like returns or firmness exchanges.
  • Durability Concerns: A few reviewers express concerns about the mattress’s long-term durability, particularly in terms of maintaining firmness and structural integrity over time. Some users noted sagging issues after extended use.

Full Details

The GravityLux by WinkBeds is a memory foam mattress that comes in three firmness levels: medium soft (4), medium (5), and firm (8). Our testers found that the bed optimizes comfort for many body types and sleep positions regardless of firmness level, which should suit couples with different preferences.

How It Performs

After performing numerous tests on the GravityLux, our testers gave it high marks in the pressure relief and motion isolation categories. This makes it great for people who experience back, shoulder, or hip pain, as well as couples and light sleepers. Since the bed is available in three different firmness options, we think sleepers of all weights and sleeping positions should be able to find a GravityLux model that works for them. While all-foam mattresses inevitably will sleep somewhat hot at night, the open-celled foam makes the GravityLux more temperature neutral than other memory foam beds we’ve tested.

Construction Breakdown

The mattress has a Tencel cover, a eucalyptus-derived fabric known for its breathability and durability. The comfort system consists of polyfoam layers and a proprietary AirCell memory foam, which has an open-cell composition to prevent the foam from trapping excessive body heat throughout the night. Under this is a zoned transition layer. We found that the zoned design supports the midsection while conforming to the shoulder and hips. It all sits on top of a high-density polyfoam support core.

As a luxury option, the GravityLux comes at a slightly higher price-point than the average all-foam mattress, but it also stands out due to its quality construction and materials. WinkBeds offers a 120-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping within the contiguous U.S.

Most Comfortable Mattress

Leesa Original

8.0 /10

Test Lab Score

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With a medium (5) feel and thick comfort layers, the Leesa Original suits those seeking deep cushioning and excellent pressure relief. It’s also notable for its durability — it maintains its quality for years.

Credit: Sleep Foundation Test Lab

Price

$999

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium (5)

Trial Period

100 nights (30 night requirement)

Our Verdict

Who It’s Best For

The Original is an an excellent choice for side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds and back-sleepers weighing 130 pounds or less. Those looking for pressure relief will find it in its memory foam comfort layer and support core.

Feel

The 10 inch Leesa Original is soft yet supportive and its thick comfort system appeals to people who prioritize cushioning in high pressure areas like hips and shoulders.

What It’s Made Of

The Original’s four-layer construction starts with a memory foam top and soft polyfoam layer followed by contouring memory foam that relieves joint pressure. The core is made of high-density polyfoam core for spinal-alignment support, and it also minimizes sagging.

What We Don’t Like 

It might not be supportive enough for heavier individuals, and its firmer feel may not suit all sleep preferences. Additionally, some users noted initial off-gassing odors and minimal edge support.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

6/10

Above 230 lbs

5/10

We performed a meta-analysis on 10000 validated customer reviews of the Leesa Original. This is what people who bought the mattress had to say:

  • Comfort and Quality: Many users find the mattress extremely comfortable, supporting various sleeping positions and providing a great balance of comfort features.
  • Durability: Users report long-lasting satisfaction with the mattress, with some using it for over 8 years without issues.
  • Price Consideration: While some find the mattress a bit pricey, most feel it is a worthwhile investment considering the comfort and quality it offers.
  • Ease of Setup: The mattress is easy to set up, with customers appreciating the convenience of the bed-in-a-box delivery.
  • Odor: A few customers noted an initial odor after unpacking, which is common with new memory foam mattresses. This will dissipate after a couple of days.
  • Heat Regulation: The mattress is generally reported to sleep cool, providing comfort without excessive heat retention.
  • Customer Service: Customers frequently praise the exceptional customer service, highlighting easy warranty claims and helpful support.

Full Details

The Leesa Original has a medium (5) feel and a thick comfort system that may appeal to people who prioritize cushioning when it comes to comfortable mattresses. Our tests showed that the combination of adaptive and responsive foams evenly balanced pressure relief and support to help prevent aches and pains.

How It Performs

Our testers found the Leesa’s mid-range feel and all-foam construction made it an excellent choice for side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. Back-sleeping testers who weigh under 130 pounds also found the mattress comfortable. Thanks to the thick memory foam comfort layer, the Leesa scored high marks in pressure relief. This layer has an adaptive feel that helped reduce pain in pressure-prone areas among our testers. The comfort layers also absorbed most motion transfer and noise, so couples and co-sleepers should notice very few sleep disturbances when their partner changes positions at night.

Construction Breakdown

Underneath the soft and stretchy knit cover is a layer of responsive polyfoam that gently cradled the body when we laid on the mattress. Next is a layer of memory foam that closely contoured to the body to alleviate pressure buildup in the joints. These layers helped evenly distribute weight across the mattress during our tests, promoting spinal alignment. The support core is composed of high-density polyfoam that provided enough pushback to support the midsection and limit sagging for our testers.

The Leesa Original comes at an affordable price, and the company ships free to customers in all 50 states. Purchases come with a 100-night sleep trial, where you can return the mattress after a 30-night break-in period. Leesa backs the mattress with a 10-year warranty.

Best Value Mattress

Nectar Classic

8.3 /10

Test Lab Score

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The Nectar delivers top-notch pain relief and motion isolation at a sticker price most shoppers will find approachable. A generous year-long sleep trial further sweetens the deal for anyone who needs extra time testing out their new mattress.

Price

$649

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Trial Period

365 nights

Our Verdict

Who It’s Best For

The Nectar’s moderate contouring and cushioning is a great match for side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Superior motion isolation also makes the mattress suitable for couples, while the cushy top layer is a major selling point for people living with chronic or frequent pain.

Feel

The Nectar is medium firm (6). Although the topmost layer is plush and adaptive, the underlying transitional and base foams provide good overall stability — this means most people won’t sink too much into the mattress.

What It’s Made Of

The Nectar’s top layer consists of memory foam infused with cooling gel, which is intended to reduce heat buildup. Dense foam makes up the transitional and support layers, and the cover is composed of a breathable polyester-nylon blend.

What We Don’t Like

Heat buildup may occur despite the top layer’s cooling gel. You’ll also notice strong off-gassing for the first few nights — we recommend airing out the mattress in a well-ventilated room until the smells completely dissipate.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

5.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

We performed a meta-analysis on 10000 validated customer reviews of the Nectar Mattress. This is what people who bought the mattress had to say:

  • Pain Relief: Many users have reported significant relief from back, neck, and joint pain. The mattress seems particularly beneficial for those with chronic pain, contributing to better overall sleep quality.
  • Free Accessories: Nectar often includes free pillows, mattress protectors, and sheets with the mattress, adding value and convenience for new customers.
  • Suitable for All Weights: The mattress supports a wide range of body weights and sizes without losing comfort or stability, making it versatile for different users.
  • Temperature Regulation: Several reviews indicate that the mattress does a good job of staying cool throughout the night, which is a significant benefit for those who tend to sleep hot.
  • Customer Service: Positive remarks about Nectar’s customer service are common, with many customers feeling supported during the purchasing and setup process.
  • Durability Concerns: While many users find the mattress supportive and comfortable, there are occasional mentions of durability concerns, such as sagging or indentations developing over time, particularly from heavier users.

Full Details

The Nectar Classic is a firmer-than-average memory foam model that excelled during our pressure relief tests. The mattress also has an approachable price-point that should appeal to shoppers on a budget.

How It Performs

Memory foam is known for trapping heat and feeling uncomfortably warm, but we found the Nectar Classic mitigates bothersome heat retention thanks to the phase change material layer. Motion isolation is another strong point. The bed’s three foam layers reduced movement transfer significantly during our motion isolation tests. You and your partner should sleep soundly without disruptions when one of you changes positions or gets up in the middle of the night.

Construction Breakdown

A memory foam comfort layer ensures even contouring from head to toe, which our side-sleeping testers found improved spinal alignment and alleviated pressure points in the process. Meanwhile, the medium firm (6) feel was not too soft for testers who weigh under 230 pounds. Beneath the comfort layer is a transitional layer made of polyfoam, followed by a support core of high-density polyfoam. A cover containing cooling fibers encases the mattress.

In addition to the affordable pricing, Nectar further incentivizes value seekers with free shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. and a sleep trial that spans 365 nights in length. The mattress is backed by a lifetime warranty covering structural and manufacturing defects for as long as you retain full ownership.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Nolah Signature 12

8.1 /10

Test Lab Score

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With its plush and supportive surface that relieves pressure around the shoulders and hips, the Nolah Signature 12 is our top pick for all-foam mattresses for side sleepers, even light-weight ones. Coupled with serious durability and cooling materials that avoid trapping excessive heat, the Nolah Signature 12 is a great choice for fans of foam.

Credit: Sleep Foundation Test Lab

Price

$1,169

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium (5)

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night requirement, $99 return shipping)

Our Verdict

Who It’s Best For

The Nolah Signature 12 works best for side-sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds but also adequately supports back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. It’s also good for hot sleepers and people drawn to a lifetime warranty.

Feel

The presence of adaptive “AirFoam” polyfoam instead of memory foam prevents sinkage and curbs heat retention. Its medium feel (5/10) balances cushioning and support and provides top-notch pressure relief in the shoulders and hips.

What It’s Made Of 

The five layer Signature 12 comes with a cooling AirFoam top layer, high-resilience polyfoam, a denser AirFoam layer for support, a high-density polyfoam core, and a cover made of organic cotton.

What We Don’t Like 

Back, stomach, and heavier sleepers over 230 pounds might experience some sinkage. The edges might feel a bit unstable due to limited perimeter support. The base price is also higher than similar all-foam mattresses.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

8/10

Above 230 lbs

7/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

6/10

Above 230 lbs

4.5/10

We performed a meta-analysis on 456 validated customer reviews of the Nolah Signature 12. This is what people who bought the mattress had to say:

  • Comfort and Support: Many reviewers note that the mattress provides an excellent balance of comfort and support, particularly praising its ability to alleviate hip, back, and shoulder pain.
  • Side Sleeper Friendly: Numerous comments highlight the mattress’s effectiveness for side sleepers, offering significant pressure point relief which is a recurrent theme in positive reviews.
  • Temperature Regulation: Sleepers appreciate the mattress for not retaining excessive heat, making it suitable for people who sleep hot.
  • Initial Odor: A few reviewers mention an initial off-gassing smell upon unpacking the mattress, which is typical with new mattresses. This will dissipate after a few days.
  • Edge Support: A minor drawback mentioned is the lack of sufficient edge support, which could be an issue for people who sit on the edge of the bed frequently.
  • Customer Service: Positive remarks frequently cite the helpful and responsive customer service, enhancing the overall purchasing experience.

Full Details

The Nolah Signature 12 is slightly different from the other entries we included on this list. The mattress contains layers of adaptive polyfoam rather than traditional memory foam. This ensures comparable levels of pressure relief without the deep sinkage or excessive heat retention many people dislike about memory foam. Thanks to the polyfoam design, we recommend the Signature 12 for side sleepers and those who tend to sleep hot.

How It Performs

Since the Signature 12 has a medium (5) feel and thick comfort system, we found it best suited to side sleepers – particularly those who weigh up to 230 pounds. Back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds may also feel adequately supported. The foam layers contoured closely enough to cradle the spine and alleviate pressure caused by uneven alignment. These layers also absorbed motion well to help reduce sleep disruptions for people who share their bed with a partner.

We noticed minimal heat buildup on the surface. The AirFoam’s open-cell design, coupled with a breathable cover, should make the Signature 12 a good option for people who typically sleep hot on traditional memory foam mattresses.

Construction Breakdown

The Signature 12’s top layer consists of AirFoam, a proprietary open-cell material designed to contour evenly without trapping too much heat. A second comfort layer of high-resilience polyfoam cushioned the body and prevented our testers from sinking too deeply. This is followed by a denser AirFoam layer, which we found boosted support. The support core is composed of high-density polyfoam, and an organic cotton cover encases the entire mattress.

The mattress comes in six standard sizes, as well as a split king for adjustable beds. All customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground shipping with their Signature 12 order. Nolah offers a 120-night sleep trial, but you may opt out of the return period and save some money on your purchase. The mattress is also backed by a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

Best Mattress for Back Pain

Bear Original

7.6 /10

Test Lab Score

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Comfort, support, and cooling tech at a great value. Featuring gel-infused, responsive, and high-density foams, the Bear Original is an affordable option for sleepers with a preference for foam who are looking for extra support.

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Mattress for Back Pain - Bear Original

Credit: Sleep Foundation Test Lab

Price

$649

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Firm (7)

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night break-in period)

Our Verdict

Who It’s Best For

Its balance between support and cushioning appeals to side and back sleepers across weight ranges, but it may not be quite firm enough for some stomach sleepers.

Feel

Some sleepers may need an adjustment period to get used to the firmness level, but once the bed is broken in, sleepers across positions find it to have just the right amount of support and cushioning.

What It’s Made Of

The 10-inch Bear Original is made of three types of foam: gel-infused memory foam to help keep you cool, a transitional layer of polyfoam, and a core of high-density foam that provides a sturdy and durable base.

What We Don’t Like

While it’s designed to prevent overheating for an average sleeper, you might need to purchase an Celliant (cooling) cover separately if you tend to sleep hot.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

8/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

8/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5/10

We performed a meta-analysis on 10000 validated customer reviews of the Bear Original. This is what people who bought the mattress had to say:

  • Firmness and Comfort: Many reviewers find the Bear Original mattress to be on the firm side but still comfortable, providing a good balance of support and cushioning.
  • Pain Relief and Support: Users frequently report relief from back and neck pain. The mattress offers good support, which contributes to a more restful sleep and helps with physical recovery, especially noted by athletes and those with physically demanding lifestyles.
  • Adjustment Period: Some customers noted a need for an adjustment period where initially the mattress felt too firm, but became more comfortable after continuous use. This is typical, and we recommend using a mattress for at least two weeks before considering a return.
  • Temperature Regulation: There are some mixed reviews regarding temperature control; some users mention that the mattress does a good job at staying cool, while a few others still experience heat retention. This is most likley due to the memory foam featured in the mattress. If you’re a particularly hot sleeper, you may want to look elsewhere.
  • Ease of Setup: The mattress is easy to unbox and set up, and it quickly expands to its full size. Customers appreciate the ease of installation.
  • Customer Service: Bear’s customer service is frequently praised for being responsive and helpful, enhancing the overall buying and service experience.

Full Details

The Bear Original offers proprietary cooling technology and high-quality performance at an affordable price-point. We’ve tested many foam beds, and this model had a distinctly firm feel that is somewhat rare for an all-foam mattress. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, or simply prefer a more supportive mattress, you may want to consider this pick.

How It Performs

We found the Bear’s firmer feel and foam design made it a strong choice for back-sleeping testers who weigh at least 130 pounds. Side sleepers over 230 pounds and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also appreciated this combination.

Thanks to the thick memory foam comfort layer, this bed excelled in pressure relief. If you frequently experience pressure-induced pain in your joints, you’ll appreciate the close contouring. These foam layers were also excellent at isolating motion. When two testers shared the bed surface, they barely felt each other’s movements. This may appeal to co-sleepers who are frequently disturbed by a partner’s movement.

Construction Breakdown

A breathable cover made from a Celliant and polyester blend encases the mattress. During testing, the top memory foam layer evenly contoured to our testers’ bodies to relieve pressure-prone areas. The graphite and gel infusions in this layer are meant to conduct heat away from the body and dissipate it to keep you cool. Underneath is a layer of responsive polyfoam that evenly distributed weight and kept the spine aligned during our tests. The support core features high-density polyfoam, providing stability and limiting excessive sinkage.

Bear ships free to the contiguous U.S. Mattress purchases come with a 120-night sleep trial where you can return the mattress after the 30-night break-in period. The company backs the mattress with a lifetime warranty, covering structural defects.

Best Luxury Mattress

Saatva Contour5

8.5 /10

Test Lab Score

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Saatva’s Contour5 is a high-end memory foam mattress designed to cushion your sore spots and provide extra support where it’s needed. You can choose from two firmness levels, making the mattress suitable for sleepers across different positions and body types.

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Luxury Mattress - Saatva Contour5

Price

$2,695

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Trial Period

365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)

Our Verdict

Who It’s Best For

Our tests show the medium firm (6) Contour5 provides the right balance of cushioning and support for side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds. The firm (8) model delivers extra reinforcement for heavier people who use these positions, along with most stomach sleepers. Channeled construction in the top layer and a breathable cover also ensure above-average airflow and cooling for hot sleepers.

Feel

The Contour5 feels plush and adaptive on the surface, resulting in a close cradle for your body, but the underlying memory foam and polyfoam layers are quite dense — this ensures extra pushback and less sink. Those seeking maximum support should opt for the firm model.

What It’s Made Of

Four individual layers make up the Contour5’s comfort system, beginning with ventilated polyfoam for a cool and cushy surface. Two memory foam layers — the top infused with cooling gel — provide extra cushioning, while the transitional and base layers are composed of dense polyfoam for sturdy support.

What We Don’t Like

Like other all-foam beds, the Contour5 can sink in response to weight and be difficult to move on. This is especially true of the medium firm model for people over 230 pounds. Also, expect some strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights.

Scoring Breakdown

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5/10

Full Details

The Saatva Contour5 boasts all the hallmarks of a high-end all-foam mattress. Dense comfort layers ensure close, even conforming for your entire body, and two firmness options are available depending on how much cushioning you need to sleep comfortably.

How It Performs

Back and stomach sleepers on our testing team were impressed with how supportive the Contour5 felt, especially the firm model. Many people who use these positions don’t get enough support from softer memory foam mattresses, but excessive sinkage wasn’t an issue with the Contour5.

Other strengths our testers observed include strong motion isolation, consistent pain and pressure relief, and above-average temperature control. The firm model also provides sturdy edge support.

Construction Breakdown

The comfort system consists of four individual layers, beginning with ventilated polyfoam and memory foam infused with cooling gel. These materials are meant to offset some of the foam’s heat-absorbing qualities and helps the surface stay relatively cool. Layers of high-density memory foam and transitional polyfoam reinforce the top layer to prevent you from sinking too much. Both of these layers are highly durable, making the Contour5 a long-lasting option if you’re in the market for an all-foam bed.

Customers can choose from two firmness levels. The medium firm (6)  model provides moderate body-contouring, and is best suited to side and back sleepers in the range of 130 to 230 pounds. The firm (8) feel conforms much less and offers more support, making it the most comfortable option for people who weigh at least 130 pounds and sleep on their backs or stomachs.

The Contour5’s above-average price-point reflects its luxurious construction, but Saatva offers a few perks to incentivize shoppers. White Glove delivery – which includes full in-shome setup and old mattress removal – is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S., and each purchase is backed by a 365-night sleep trial. The mattress also comes with a 15-year warranty.

Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers

Silk & Snow Mattress

7.6 /10

Test Lab Score

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Silk & Snow’s tried-and-true all-foam design provides excellent cushioning for side sleepers and people with frequent pain and pressure points. Approachable pricing is also a big draw for shoppers with limited budgets.

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers - Silk & Snow Mattress

Credit: Sleep Foundation Test Lab

Price

$650

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium (5)

Trial Period

100 nights (30-night requirement)

Full Details

Who It’s Best For

The Silk & Snow’s softer feel and close contour are ideal for side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Great motion isolation also makes the mattress a solid match for couples.

Feel

Since the mattress is medium (5), expect deep cushioning from the topmost layer. The underlying transitional and base layers provide some pushback, but this mattress is designed to hug and cradle the body.

What It’s Made Of

The top layer is constructed from memory foam infused with gel meant to keep the surface cool. Transitional and base layers made of high-density foam provide the support system.

What We Don’t Like

This mattress may feel too soft if you sleep on your back or stomach and weigh 130 pounds or more. We also noticed minimal edge support during our hands-on tests, and many of us found the surface difficult to move on.

Scoring Breakdown

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

5.5/10

130-230 lbs

6/10

Above 230 lbs

4/10

Full Details

If your mattress feels either too soft or too stiff, you may not receive sufficient support and experience excessive pressure buildup. The Silk & Snow Mattress strikes an even balance with three foam layers, each offering a dense composition to provide even contouring without sinking excessively. A medium (5) feel ensures a nice mix of cushioning and reinforcement, and our hands-on tests show the mattress is particularly well suited to side sleepers.

How It Performs

Side sleepers on our team weighing up to 230 pounds found the Silk & Snow Mattress comfortable and sufficiently supportive. The same was true of our back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Those who weigh more may need a firmer mattress that pushes back more against bodily compression.

During our tests, the Silk & Snow Mattress excelled at pressure relief. Body-mapping sensors detected little to no pressure buildup for most of our testers. Motion isolation was another strong performance category for the mattress. None of our testers noticed significant motion transfer when lying side by side, and they observed minimal movement when dropping weights across the surface.

Construction Breakdown

The Silk & Snow Mattress begins with a memory foam comfort layer. This material has a density of 4 pounds per cubic feet (PCF), making it denser and more durable than the memory foams used in many competing models. The transitional and support polyfoam layers are also high-density. The result is a mattress that contours evenly from head to toe and resists sinkage beneath your midsection. A stretch-polyester cover encases the foam layers.

The mattress has a below-average sticker price compared to other all-foam models on the market today. Silk & Snow also offers free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Your order comes with a 100-night sleep trial. The mattress is further backed by a 15-year warranty if you choose to keep it.

Best Mattress for Combo Sleepers

Layla Memory Foam Mattress

8.4 /10

Test Lab Score

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Up to $200 off mattresses + 2 free pillows

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If you can’t settle on a firmness preference, why not try it both ways? The Layla Memory Foam is infused with copper gel for cooling and pressure relief and offers a medium-soft and a firm side in a flippable design that’s surprisingly easy to manage, as it’s lighter than other reversible mattresses.

Credit: Sleep Foundation Test Lab

Price

$949

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)

Trial Period

120 nights (4 week minimum)

Our Verdict

Who It’s Best For

The soft side appeals to those who sleep on their side and some back sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds. The firm side works well for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds. Good for hot sleepers as well — the copper gel helps distribute body heat across the surface.

Feel

The softer side gives the sensation of a gentle hug, while the firmer side offers more support (potentially too much for lightweight sleepers). The gel-infused memory foam provides pressure relief for areas that need it.

What It’s Made Of

Both sides feature copper-infused memory foam for pressure relief and cooling, along with a high-density polyfoam support core. Its cover blends breathable materials with copper to combat heat retention.

What We Don’t Like 

Those seeking a medium-firm feel are left wanting since one side is too soft and the other too hard. There have also been reports of deep sinkage on both sides of the bed.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

5.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

We performed a meta-analysis on 7558 validated customer reviews of the Layla Memory Foam Mattress. This is what people who bought the mattress had to say:

  • Dual Firmness Options: The Layla Memory Foam Mattress offers both soft and firm sides, allowing users to choose according to their comfort preferences, which is highly appreciated for accommodating different sleeping styles.
  • Comfort and Support: Many reviewers have noted the mattress provides exceptional comfort, helping alleviate back pain and improving overall sleep quality. The soft side is often described as cloud-like, while the firm side offers adequate support without being too hard.
  • Quality and Durability: Users report that the mattress maintains its shape and comfort over time, with no significant sagging or indentations, even after several years of use, indicating good durability.
  • Temperature Regulation: The mattress is generally reviewed as doing a good job of regulating temperature, preventing overheating during sleep, which is a common issue with many memory foam mattresses.
  • Ease of Setup: Customers appreciate the ease with which the mattress can be set up. It is delivered in a box and expands quickly once unpacked, making it convenient for immediate use.
  • Customer Service: Layla’s customer service receives high praise for being responsive and helpful, aiding customers with issues ranging from delivery to product inquiries and returns.

Full Details

The Layla Memory Foam Mattress has an innovative flippable design, quality construction, and competitive price-point compared to other foam beds we’ve tested. The two-sided construction offers a medium (4 out of 10) firmness on one side and a firm (7) feel on the other. We recommend the bed, especially the softer side, for people who need ample pressure relief for sensitive joints.

How It Performs

During our in-house testing, we found that the Layla’s two-sided design had something to offer sleepers of different body types and sleeping positions. The soft side appealed to testers who sleep on their side and some back sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds. The firm side appealed most to back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds. This mattress performed very well when tested for pressure relief, motion isolation, and durability, making it a good long-lasting option for couples and those with pain issues.

Construction Breakdown

The Layla has a copper-infused memory foam comfort layer on each side. These layers conform closely to your body to relieve pressure — this is especially true of the softer side, which has a thicker memory foam layer than the firmer side. The softer surface also has an additional foam layer that we found enhances cushioning. Both sides share a support core of high-density polyfoam. The cover is composed of a breathable polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra blend fabric, and the copper infusion in the memory foam is designed to prevent excessive heat retention.

Layla guarantees their mattress with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. The bed ships free to the contiguous U.S.

Best Mattress for Couples

Lull Original Mattress

7.7 /10

Test Lab Score

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50% off mattresses + free pillows and a duvet

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The Lull Original showcases the reliable, tried-and-true memory foam mattress design. Three individual layers — each one progressively denser from top to bottom — creates a medium firm (6) feel with a comfy balance of cushioning, support, and bounce.

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Mattress for Couples - Lull Original Mattress

Price

$1,199

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Trial Period

365 Nights

Our Verdict

Who It’s Best For

Since the Lull Original is medium firm, the mattress should hit the sweet spot for people who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. Superior motion isolation makes the Original a solid choice for couples and co-sleepers, while the foam’s deep cushioning should also appeal to people with frequent or chronic back pain.

Feel

The Lull Original offers moderate contouring. You’ll feel the foam forming a cradle around your body’s unique curves, but the mattress shouldn’t hug you too closely. Dense transitional and base foam layers push back against your weight for added support.

What It’s Made Of

The Original’s top layer is composed of memory foam infused with cooling gel intended to reduce heat buildup. Transitional and support layers of dense foam help prevent sinkage to keep your body on an even plane. The cover is made of stretchy knit polyester.

What We Don’t Like

Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds will probably find the Lull Original a bit too soft. You’ll also notice some strong off-gassing smells for up to 72 hours after the mattress is unboxed — the odors eventually dissipate, but can make sleeping on the mattress unpleasant for the first few nights.

Scoring Breakdown

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

8/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5/10

Full Details

If you normally sleep with a partner, you should take their needs into account along with your own when choosing a new mattress. The Lull Original checks a lot of important boxes for co-sleepers — foam layers that absorb movement and isolate motion transfer, a surface that remains relatively cool, and decent perimeter support. An agreeable sticker price should also appeal to shoppers with limited budgets.

How It Performs

Our hands-on tests show the Lull Original should provide the right balance of cushioning and support for most side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds should also get the reinforcement they need. Those who weigh more may feel more comfortable on a firmer mattress.

Motion isolation and pressure relief were two of the Original’s biggest strengths we observed during testing. Both of these qualities can be attributed to the all-foam design. Cushy memory foam gives the Original a plush, adaptive surface and limits how much motion transfers when you or your partner move in bed. The foam also forms a nice cradle around your figure and alleviates sore spots in the process.

Construction Breakdown

The Original’s three-layer design begins with 1.5 inches of memory foam. Cooling gel infused into the foam is intended to keep the mattress cool, though hot sleepers may still notice some heat retention. Transitional and base layers of dense polyfoam provide a sturdy support system for the mattress. The cover is made of knit polyester. After concluding our tests, we’ve given the Original a medium firm (6) rating.

The Lull Original is reasonably priced compared to the competition and ground shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a generous sleep trial that runs for an entire year. If you decide to keep the mattress after the trial ends, your purchase is also covered under a lifetime warranty.

End-of-Year Savings

Best Overall

WinkBeds GravityLux

8.7 /10

Test Lab Score

Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds

Shop at WinkBeds

A luxury all-foam mattress that promotes proper spinal alignment and pressure relief.

See More Details

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Overall - WinkBeds GravityLux

Credit: Sleep Foundation Test Lab

Best for Couples

Leesa Original

8.0 /10

Test Lab Score

25% off mattresses + 2 free pillows, 15% off kids mattresses, and 25% off bases & bedding

Shop at Leesa

A mid-priced foam bed that wins over a wide range of sleepers with quality pressure relief.

See More Details

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best for Couples - Leesa Original

Credit: Sleep Foundation Test Lab

Best Value

Nectar Classic

8.3 /10

Test Lab Score

Up to 50% off mattresses & up to 66% off bundles

Shop at Nectar

A budget-friendly all-foam mattress that excels at pressure relief and motion isolation.

See More Details

Best For Side Sleepers

Nolah Signature 12

8.1 /10

Test Lab Score

35% off mattresses + 2 free pillows

Shop at Nolah

Zoned foam to cushion where you need it most, cooling tech, and a lifetime warranty.

See More Details

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best For Side Sleepers - Nolah Signature 12

Credit: Sleep Foundation Test Lab

Best for Back Pain

Bear Original

7.6 /10

Test Lab Score

35% off + free pillows with code: SF35

Shop at Bear

An affordable all-foam mattress with cooling tech and comfortable support.

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Best Cooling

Saatva Contour5

8.5 /10

Test Lab Score

Buy more, save more. Up to $500 off.

Shop at Saatva

A deluxe all-foam model designed to cradle your sore spots without sinking too much or sleeping hot.

See More Details

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Cooling - Saatva Contour5

Best for Pressure Relief

Silk & Snow Mattress

7.6 /10

Test Lab Score

$150 off at Silk & Snow

Shop at Silk & Snow

A classic all-foam design for people who want to be hugged by their mattress.

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The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best for Pressure Relief - Silk & Snow Mattress

Credit: Sleep Foundation Test Lab

Best for Combo Sleepers

Layla Memory Foam Mattress

8.4 /10

Test Lab Score

Up to $200 off mattresses + 2 free pillows

Shop at Layla

A flippable, copper memory foam mattress for the every-position sleeper: medium-soft on one side, firm on the other.

See More Details

Best for Couples

Lull Original Mattress

7.7 /10

Test Lab Score

50% off mattresses + free pillows and a duvet

Shop at Lull

An affordable memory foam mattress that excels at motion isolation for couples.

See More Details

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best for Couples - Lull Original Mattress

Compare the Best Memory Foam Mattresses

Select up to 3 products to compare

Rating

Product

Price

8.7 /10

Best Overall Mattress WinkBeds GravityLux $1,499

$1,499

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Overall Mattress - WinkBeds GravityLux

8.0 /10

Best Mattress for Couples Leesa Original $999

$999

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Mattress for Couples - Leesa Original

8.3 /10

Best Value Mattress Nectar Classic $649

$649

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Value Mattress - Nectar Classic

8.1 /10

Best Mattress For Side Sleepers Nolah Signature 12 $1,169

$1,169

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Mattress For Side Sleepers - Nolah Signature 12

7.6 /10

$649

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Mattress for Back Pain - Bear Original

8.5 /10

Best Cooling Mattress Saatva Contour5 $2,695

$2,695

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Cooling Mattress - Saatva Contour5

7.6 /10

Best Mattress for Pressure Relief Silk & Snow Mattress $650

$650

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Mattress for Pressure Relief - Silk & Snow Mattress

8.2 /10

Best for Pressure Relief DLX MemoryMax Hybrid $1,600

$1,600

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best for Pressure Relief - DLX MemoryMax Hybrid

8.4 /10

Best for Combo Sleepers Layla Memory Foam Mattress $949

$949

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best for Combo Sleepers - Layla Memory Foam Mattress

7.7 /10

Best Mattress for Couples Lull Original Mattress $1,199

$1,199

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Best Mattress for Couples - Lull Original Mattress

Compare Mattresses

Go back to select different products

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - WinkBeds GravityLux WinkBeds GravityLux

Expert Score:  8.7 /10

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The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Leesa Original Leesa Original

Expert Score:  8.0 /10

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The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Nectar Classic Nectar Classic

Expert Score:  8.3 /10

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The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Nolah Signature 12 Nolah Signature 12

Expert Score:  8.1 /10

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The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Bear Original Bear Original

Expert Score:  7.6 /10

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The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Saatva Contour5 Saatva Contour5

Expert Score:  8.5 /10

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The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Silk & Snow Mattress Silk & Snow Mattress

Expert Score:  7.6 /10

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The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - DLX MemoryMax Hybrid DLX MemoryMax Hybrid

Expert Score:  8.2 /10

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The Best Memory Foam Mattresses - Lull Original Mattress Lull Original Mattress

Expert Score:  7.7 /10

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Price

$1,499

$999

$649

$1,169

$649

$2,695

$650

$1,600

$949

$1,199

Mattress Type

Foam

Foam

Foam

Foam

Foam

Foam

Foam

Hybrid

Foam

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Firm (7)

Medium (5)

Medium Firm (6)

Medium (5)

Firm (7)

Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Medium (5)

Medium Firm (6)

Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)

Medium Firm (6)

Customer Rating

9.6/10

9.0/10

9.4/10

9.8/10

9.4/10

0.0/10

9.0/10

0.0/10

9.0/10

0.0/10

Side Sleepers (Under 130 lbs.)

9.0/10

8.0/10

7.5/10

8.5/10

6.5/10

7.0/10

8.0/10

6.0/10

7.5/10

7.0/10

Side Sleepers (130-230 lbs.)

9.5/10

7.5/10

9.0/10

8.0/10

8.0/10

9.0/10

8.5/10

8.0/10

9.0/10

8.5/10

Side Sleepers (Above 230 lbs.)

7.5/10

6.5/10

7.5/10

7.0/10

6.5/10

8.0/10

6.5/10

7.5/10

7.5/10

7.0/10

Back Sleepers (Under 130 lbs.)

7.5/10

7.0/10

7.0/10

7.5/10

6.5/10

8.0/10

6.5/10

7.5/10

7.0/10

6.5/10

Back Sleepers (130-230 lbs.)

8.0/10

6.5/10

8.5/10

7.0/10

8.0/10

6.5/10

7.0/10

7.0/10

8.5/10

8.0/10

Back Sleepers (Above 230 lbs.)

8.0/10

6.5/10

8.5/10

7.0/10

8.0/10

6.5/10

7.0/10

7.0/10

8.5/10

8.0/10

Stomach Sleepers (Under 130 lbs.)

6.5/10

6.5/10

5.5/10

6.5/10

5.0/10

8.0/10

5.5/10

7.5/10

5.5/10

5.0/10

Stomach Sleepers (130-230 lbs.)

7.0/10

6.0/10

7.0/10

6.0/10

6.5/10

6.5/10

6.0/10

6.0/10

7.0/10

6.5/10

Stomach Sleepers (Above 230 lbs.)

5.0/10

5.0/10

5.5/10

4.5/10

5.0/10

5.0/10

4.0/10

5.5/10

5.5/10

5.0/10

Motion Isolation

9.5/10

8.0/10

8.5/10

7.5/10

7.5/10

9.5/10

8.0/10

8.5/10

7.0/10

7.5/10

Edge Support

7.0/10

6.0/10

7.0/10

6.5/10

6.5/10

6.0/10

6.0/10

7.5/10

7.0/10

6.5/10

Temperature Control

6.0/10

7.0/10

5.5/10

6.5/10

6.0/10

7.0/10

5.0/10

7.5/10

7.0/10

5.0/10

Ease of Movement

6.0/10

7.0/10

5.5/10

6.0/10

5.0/10

6.5/10

5.0/10

6.5/10

5.5/10

5.0/10

Off-gassing

6.5/10

7.0/10

6.0/10

6.0/10

5.5/10

6.0/10

5.5/10

7.0/10

6.0/10

5.5/10

Pressure Relief

9.0/10

8.0/10

8.5/10

8.5/10

6.5/10

9.0/10

7.5/10

8.5/10

8.5/10

7.5/10

Product Review

Best Memory Foam Mattress Video

Watch our video below to learn more about our lab’s top picks for memory foam mattress.

How We Test: Rigor, Data, and Sleeper Feedback

To find the best memory foam mattresses, we focused on all-foam mattresses with layers of memory foam or comparable foam materials. Our testing process involves each team member lying on the mattress to determine how comfortable and supportive it feels for different body types and sleep positions. We also use pressure-mapping pads, thermal “heat guns,” and other tools to measure performance in different testing categories. 

At Sleep Foundation, we’ve personally tested nearly 2,000 mattresses over the past eight years in our Seattle-based Test Lab.

Our product testing team obsesses over the science of sleep and the latest in sleep trends, and many of us have spent time working directly with manufacturers. Since a bed’s comfort and feel largely depends on your body weight and sleeping position, the testers on our team represent a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.

To get to our selections for top picks, we evaluate mattresses across a number of performance and testing categories. Specifically, we look at construction analysis and pour over product research in our database. We conduct quantitative testing in our Seattle-based Test Lab, perform field testing in our homes, and perhaps most importantly, solicit feedback from owners to see how the bed sleeps in the real world.

To learn more about our mattress evaluation process, you can check out our research methodology page, but below is a quick breakdown.

Construction analysis: We begin by examining each mattress in terms of its design, making note of manufacturer specifications such as firmness and height. From there, we perform a detailed analysis to determine how materials and individual layers impact the bed’s ability to alleviate pressure, isolation motion, regulate temperature, and support your body.

Product testing: Using a slew of tools and tech resources, our team tests each mattress for performance in six individual categories. These tests also involve us lying on the mattress to gauge how comfortable and supportive it feels for different body types and sleep positions.

Field testing: In addition to our lab-based tests, we calculate ratings for mattresses based on feedback from field testers who use mattresses in their own homes. These testers provide data based on their experience with each bed over the course of several weeks.

User testing: Feedback from verified mattress owners also plays a role in our evaluation process. We collect data from surveys and product reviews to ensure our mattress ratings reflect real-world experiences.

Who Should Buy a Memory Foam Mattress?

Memory foam mattresses are great for people who want a cushy, close hugging feeling from their mattress. The foam’s adaptive feel and even contouring are often comforting for people with aches, pains, and pressure points in their shoulders, lower back, or hips. Side sleepers get plenty of cushioning for their shoulders and hips, two areas where pressure usually builds. Lastly, couples sleep better together thanks to memory foam’s superior motion-isolating properties.

“The gradual contouring of memory foam helps maintain neutral spinal alignment while cradling painful areas—which can be beneficial for people with musculoskeletal conditions, provided they select the appropriate firmness level for their needs.”
Dr. Dustin Cotliar
Dr. Dustin Cotliar
Sleep Medicine Physician, MD

Who Are Memory Foam Beds Best For?

Sleepers With Sensitive Joints

  • Memory foam conforms closely to your body and distributes your weight evenly across the surface. This helps ease pressure off areas like the spine and shoulders to avoid discomfort.
  • People with medical conditions like arthritis and sciatica can benefit from memory foam’s pain-relieving capabilities, but choosing the right mattress firmness based on your sleep position and weight is the key to comfortable sleep.
“For certain patients with conditions like arthritis or sciatica, the main benefit of memory foam is its ability to reduce pressure on inflamed joints and compressed nerves. However, the mattress must be firm enough to prevent excessive sinking, which could aggravate these conditions.”
Dr. Dustin Cotliar
Dr. Dustin Cotliar
Sleep Medicine Physician, MD

Side Sleepers

  • Side sleepers put extra pressure on their shoulders and hips while they sleep, which makes these areas prone to painful pressure buildup. Memory foam deeply cradles the body to relieve pressure in a side sleeper’s pressure-prone areas.

Couples

  • Memory foam absorbs movement, so if you share your bed with a partner, a memory foam mattress can reduce movement across the surface when one of you changes positions or gets up during the night. Many couples like memory foam beds because it’s harder to accidentally wake each other up at night.
  • Foam is also very quiet, so you’re less likely to wake up than you would in a bed with coils.
“Sleep disruption, even if brief and not remembered, can affect sleep quality and daytime function. Memory foam’s motion isolation properties help preserve the continuity of sleep cycles, which is essential for restorative rest.”
Dr. Dustin Cotliar
Dr. Dustin Cotliar
Sleep Medicine Physician, MD

Memory Foam Beds are Less Ideal For:

People Who Sleep Very Hot

  • Foam is known for trapping heat, so hot sleepers may find foam beds less comfortable than more breathable mattress types like latex or hybrid models.
  • That said, many foam beds are made with cooling agents like phase change material or gel to offset heat retention.

Stomach Sleepers Seeking Extra Support

  • Stomach sleepers often need enhanced support to keep their midsection from sinking too deep. Many foam beds are too soft for stomach sleepers, especially those in heavier weight categories.
  • If you’re a stomach sleeper who really enjoys foam beds, you can look for foam models with extra firm support. You can also check out foam hybrids, which pair foam on the surface with sturdy coils on the bottom.

Sleepers Who Enjoy Bouncy Beds

  • Foam beds hug your body closely and offer minimal to zero bounce. If you enjoy bouncy, responsive beds and want to feel like you’re sleeping on top of your bed rather than in it, we recommend hybrid or latex models instead of all-foam.

What to Consider When Shopping For a Memory Foam Mattress

When choosing a memory foam mattress, there are a few considerations to make. The most important factors include the following.

Sleep Position and Body Weight

Side sleepers tend to feel comfortable on softer memory foam mattresses that conform closely to the body. The side position often requires plush cushioning to prevent pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips. Most back and stomach sleepers need a firmer memory foam mattress to minimize sinkage around the midsection and prevent neck and lower back strain. 

Weight is another important factor — you should look for a softer memory foam mattress if you weigh less than 130 pounds, and a firmer model if you weigh more.

“Choosing the wrong mattress firmness for your body weight can create spinal misalignment similar to poor posture during waking hours. A surface that’s too soft for heavier individuals allows the spine to curve excessively, while one that’s too firm for lighter people can force an unnaturally straight position—both scenarios can contribute to back discomfort.”
Dr. Dustin Cotliar
Dr. Dustin Cotliar
Sleep Medicine Physician, MD

We use a 10-point scale to evaluate a bed’s firmness, with 1 being the softest possible and 10 being the firmest. We’ve put together a quick reference of firmness recommendations based on your sleeping position and body type here:

WeightSide SleepersBack SleepersStomach Sleepers
Less than 130 lbs.Soft (3) to Medium Soft (4)Medium Soft (4) to Medium (5)Medium (5) to Medium Firm (6)
130 to 230 lbs.Medium (5) to Medium Firm (6)Medium Firm (6) to Firm (7-8)Medium Firm (6) to Firm (7-8)
More than 230 lbs.Medium Firm (6) to Firm (7-8)Firm (7-8) to Extra Firm (9)Firm (7-8) to Extra Firm (9)

Contouring and Pressure Relief

A mattress that contours closely can alleviate pressure for people who weigh less than 130 pounds, especially if they sleep on their side. Back and stomach sleepers, as well as those who weigh 130 pounds or more, should consider a memory foam mattress with light to moderate contouring. The right amount of contouring helps ensure minimal sinkage and less pressure buildup in the shoulders, lower back, and hips.

“There’s this cushy feel you get from memory foam that I haven’t experienced with other mattress materials. As someone who deals with back pain from time to time, I love how it hugs my body as soon as I lie down and soothes all of my sore spots.”
Headshot of author Logan Foley
Logan Foley
Editorial Director

Motion Isolation and Noise

A mattress isolates motion by absorbing movement and preventing it from transferring to other areas of the sleep surface. Memory foam is considered one of the best mattress materials for motion isolation, so co-sleepers often get the rest they need on these models. Most foam mattresses are also completely silent when bearing weight and won’t produce the creaking sounds associated with innerspring and hybrid models.

Temperature Regulation

Memory foam tends to trap heat, so most foam mattresses don’t offer the same level of temperature control as more breathable mattress types such as latex, innerspring, and hybrid models. Cooling gel, copper, graphite, and other cooling materials can be infused into memory foam to reduce heat retention and maintain a comfortable surface temperature. Covers made from breathable fabrics and heat-dispersing phase change material can also improve temperature regulation for memory foam mattresses.

“A sleep surface that retains too much heat can interfere with your body’s natural temperature dip during the night, potentially affecting both how quickly you fall asleep and how deeply you sleep. Even small increases in body temperature can shift us from deep sleep into lighter, less restorative sleep phases.”
Dr. Dustin Cotliar
Dr. Dustin Cotliar
Sleep Medicine Physician, MD

Edge Support and Ease of Movement

Memory foam responds slowly to movement and sinks beneath your weight, making it harder to move across the bed’s surface without feeling stuck. Edge support is another performance area where many memory foam mattresses struggle, making it hard to sit on or lay close to the edge of the bed. You should consider an innerspring, hybrid, or latex mattress if ease of movement and edge support are your top priorities.

Pricing, Trials, and Warranties

The average queen size memory foam mattress costs around $700 to $1,200. Mattresses from luxury brands and models with thicker layers may cost more. Most memory foam mattresses sold online come with sleep trials spanning at least 90 nights. You can test the mattress in your bedroom and — in most cases — return it for a full refund if you aren’t satisfied. After the trial ends, your mattress should be covered under a warranty for at least 10 years. Warranties guarantee a replacement or repairs if your mattress has a manufacturing defect.

Online Ordering and Delivery

The majority of today’s memory foam mattresses are sold online, making them more convenient to buy than those sold in stores. Online mattresses also tend to be more affordable than buying one in-store. 

Most online mattress brands offer free ground delivery, where the mattress is vacuum-sealed in a box and shipped directly to your doorstep. Foam beds tend to be the lightest mattress type, but in our experience, it’s best to have at least one other person or moving equipment to help you move the box.

Once it’s inside, you’ll need to unbox and unwrap the mattress, then allow it to fully expand — this may take up to 24 hours. Your memory foam mattress may give off a “foamy” odor for the first few days after unboxing, but the smells eventually dissipate. If you’re sensitive to smells, adding airflow with windows and fans can usually help the smell dissipate faster. 

Some brands offer White Glove delivery for an extra fee, which includes full setup and removal of your old mattress.

What Does a Memory Foam Mattress Feel Like?

Memory foam softens when it comes into contact with body heat and forms a cradle around your body’s curves. Since memory foam responds slowly to movement, you may notice the comfort layers sinking beneath your weight as your body settles. The cradling sensation of memory foam is usually described as “relaxing,” “cloud-like,” and “cushy” by many.

Some people find memory foam mattresses uncomfortable because they tend to sleep hotter and the “hugging” feeling leaves some people feeling like they’re “stuck” in the bed compared to latex, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses.

Performance Categories

Motion Isolation

This criteria alludes to the amount of motion a mattress absorbs when a sleeper moves on the surface. We use two testers lying side by side to evaluate motion isolation, who each feel for transfer while the other person moves on the mattress.

Temperature Control

To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and look closely at its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components meant to reduce heat retention.

Pressure Relief

A bed with strong pressure relief excels at preventing pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Beds with even contouring and weight distribution are top performers when it comes to pressure relief.

Off-Gassing

A mattress in a box may release unpleasant chemical odors for a short period after you’ve unboxed it. The initial smell may be strong but typically fades within 2 or 3 days.

Ease of Movement

This criteria reflects how easily a sleeper can move across a bed’s surface. Responsive surfaces made of latex typically perform better than foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement. 

Edge Support

We perform sit tests along a bed’s perimeter to measure how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when sleepers sit on or lie close to the perimeter.

Dive Deeper: In-Depth Mattress Guides

Our team tests mattresses to determine the best options for different types of sleepers. To see how we’ve ranked mattresses in other performance categories, check out the product guides below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the downsides of a memory foam mattress?

Common complaints about memory foam mattresses include sinking in too much, weak edge support, limited bounce, and sleeping hot. Mattresses with firmer designs, zoned layers, and cooling materials can avoid these issues. Some people don’t like the hugging feeling of memory foam, though for others, this is a major selling point.

Are memory foam mattresses too hot?

Foam mattresses tend to absorb and trap heat more than other mattress types. This can be an issue for hot sleepers, pregnant people, and anyone who lives in a hot or humid area. Cooling materials like gel, copper, and graphite can be infused into memory foam to reduce heat retention. Models with breathable cover materials may also sleep relatively cool.

How long do memory foam mattresses last?

The average memory foam mattress needs to be replaced after six to seven years of continuous use. Memory foam mattresses are less durable than most latex, hybrid, and airbed models. You should consider retiring your mattress if you notice deep indentations on the surface, or if you frequently wake up feeling sore or stiff.

Can you put a memory foam mattress on a box spring?

Box springs are not recommended for memory foam mattresses. Although box springs are suitable for mattresses with rigid structures like innersprings and hybrids, they do not provide the right support for foam models. You should use a solid foundation like a platform bed with your memory foam mattress instead.

What is the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers?

Most side sleepers prefer softer, more adaptive memory foam mattresses (around a 4 or 5 on our firmness scale) with ample cushioning for the shoulders and hips. Beds like these help improve spinal alignment and alleviate soreness and pressure in these areas.

However, side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds may need a firmer model (around a 6 or 7 on our firmness scale) that won’t sink too much beneath their midsections.

What memory foam mattresses are good for sleepers with back pain?

People with back pain should consider memory foam mattresses with thick, adaptive comfort layers that contour closely. This cradling effect can cushion sore spots in the upper and lower back. Sleepers with back pain weighing less than 130 pounds often prefer softer mattresses, while those who weigh more may feel more comfortable on a firmer model.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.

Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

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