Our team at Sleep Foundation conducts extensive hands-on tests for each mattress to provide you with the most reliable, data-driven recommendations and reviews. Below are key guidelines that inform our testing methodology:
Our testers lie on the surface of each mattress to evaluate factors such as contouring and support. We also use specialized tools to measure performance criteria like pressure relief, heat retention, and motion isolation.
We test each mattress using various sleep positions to observe whether a mattress is better suited for side, back, or stomach sleeping. We roll around the surface and sit on the edges to gauge ease of movement and perimeter support.
We have tested hundreds of mattresses and bring years of experience in the mattress industry to the test lab. Our testing team covers a wide range of sleep preferences, sleep positions, and body types. This helps us represent as many sleeper types as possible in our reviews.
Targeted pressure relief for individuals with active lifestyles
Good balance of motion isolation and ease of movement
Contouring foam that sleeps cool
Cons
Those who prioritize motion isolation may prefer a thicker foam mattress
Back sleepers over 230 pounds may need more support to maintain good posture
Stomach sleepers over 130 pounds may notice significant sinkage around their midsections
Founded in 2018, Molecule is an online sleep product company that caters to individuals with an active lifestyle. Its mattresses focus on breathability and targeted pressure relief. The company recently released the Molecule Core, a 10-inch medium firm (6) foam mattress with features similar to the company’s other models at a more budget-friendly price-point.
Besides the Molecule Core, the company offers several other models. The flagship model, Molecule 1, is an all-foam mattress that’s 2 inches thicker. The Molecule 2 AirTEC also uses foam, but it contains proprietary materials designed to promote cell function and enhance airflow. The Molecule Hybrid Mattress combines foam and pocketed coils for responsive support. All four of Molecule’s main models have a medium firm (6) feel. The company also offers a Reflex line with all-foam and hybrid mattresses designed for extra cooling and spinal support.
The Core differs from the brand’s other models in its profile, which is 2 to 3 inches less than most of Molecule’s other offerings. The second comfort layer also has more firmness zones for highly targeted support.
To help determine if the Molecule Core Mattress is a good fit for you, we’ll cover how it performed in our tests, detail its construction, break down its pricing structure, and summarize relevant policies.
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Sleeping Style and Body Weight
Molecule Core Mattress
Sleeper Type
Under 130 lbs
130-230 lbs
Above 230 lbs
Side Sleepers
6.5/10
8/10
6.5/10
Back Sleepers
6/10
7.5/10
6/10
Stomach Sleepers
4.5/10
6/10
4.5/10
Side Sleepers
The Molecule Core’s zoned comfort layer makes the mattress especially well suited to side sleepers. Relief zones around the shoulders and hips allow these critical areas to sink in more deeply, limiting pressure buildup. Meanwhile, support zones under the head, waist, legs, and feet promote spinal alignment.
Across weight groups, our testers found this model’s medium firm (6) comfortable for side sleeping. Those weighing between 130 and 230 pounds particularly appreciated the mattress’ balance of conforming and support.
Back Sleepers
For back sleepers under 230 pounds, the Molecule Core offers a good balance of support, cushioning, and contouring. The Core’s zoned comfort layer is firmer under the lumbar region to support the lower back. At the same time, a back sleeper’s hips can dip more deeply into the mattress, accommodating the spine’s natural curvature.
Since the Molecule Core is thinner than many foam mattresses on the market, it was especially comfortable for our testers under 130 pounds. They found the medium firm (6) feel conducive to good sleep posture. On the other hand, our testers over 230 pounds found the mattress did not offer enough support for back sleeping. Their hips sunk in a little too far, resulting in mild lower back discomfort. A firmer mattress with a thicker comfort system may be more comfortable for back sleepers over 230 pounds.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers may need more support than the Molecule Core provides. Thicker, firmer mattresses usually do a better job preventing a stomach sleeper’s abdomen from sinking excessively and putting pressure on their lower back.
Testers under 130 pounds reported that the Molecule Core offered enough support for stomach sleeping. Those over 130 pounds found that the contouring let their midsections sag, which caused lumbar discomfort.
Mattress Performance
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Motion Isolation
7
/ 10
The Molecule Core’s foam construction limits the spread of vibrations, but it does not isolate them as completely as many all-foam models. This is partially due to its 10-inch thickness since higher-profile mattresses have more materials to absorb movement.
That said, most sleepers should find the Molecule Core’s motion isolation sufficient. Its polyfoam comfort layers and core reduce vibration transfer, which means that sleepers are less likely to be disturbed by a partner getting up or shifting at night. However, they may notice the occasional movement.
Pressure Relief
7
/ 10
The Molecule Core provides above-average pressure relief thanks to its two-layer comfort system. While the top layer cushions the sleeper’s body, the second layer adds targeted contouring. Seven firmness zones provide extra give under the shoulders, hips, and knees to limit pressure buildup. At the same time, extra support around the head, lower back, legs, and feet promotes better posture.
This level of pressure relief is well suited to side sleepers of all weight groups, back sleepers under 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
Temperature Control
4.5
/ 10
Foam tends to trap heat, but each layer of the Molecule Core is designed to promote airflow, giving the mattress decent temperature regulation compared to similar models.
The cover is crafted to wick heat and moisture in order to keep hot sleepers cooler and drier. Both comfort layers have contoured channels so that heat can escape, and the polyfoam core is also engineered to allow for more airflow. As a result, our testing team found the Molecule Core was a good choice for warm sleepers who want the conforming properties of a foam model.
Edge Support
6
/ 10
The Molecule Core received good ratings for edge support, which is noteworthy since foam mattresses usually don’t excel in this category. Many foam models compress excessively at the edges, making them a poor choice for those who sleep or sit along the perimeter.
In contrast, the Molecule Core offers enough support at the edges so that the average sleeper can use the full surface. Sleepers who want the contouring of foam without sacrificing edge support might consider the Molecule Core.
Ease of Movement
4.5
/ 10
The Molecule Core’s ease of movement is above average for a foam mattress. Since foam mattresses compress easily and take time to return to their original shapes, they don’t usually rate well for ease of movement.
However, the Molecule Core’s polyfoam layers are fairly responsive, meaning they don’t hold lasting impressions that could otherwise make you feel trapped in the bed. Therefore, this model may be a good choice for active sleepers who like the feel of foam.
Off-Gassing
5
/ 10
Foam mattresses often emit a temporary odor when fresh out of the box. Also known as off-gassing, the smell is caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These byproducts of the manufacturing process are thought to be harmless, but some find them irritating.
Our testing team found the Molecule Core emitted a minimal odor that dissipated relatively quickly.
The Molecule Core is constructed from three layers of polyfoam. Both of the mattress’ two comfort layers use polyfoam with contoured channels to promote airflow. The second layer has seven support zones with different firmness levels to relieve pressure and support neutral spinal alignment. Its core consists of firm polyfoam designed to support the surface while allowing air to circulate.
This model also includes a polyester and nylon cover engineered to wick away heat and moisture to further aid temperature regulation. A proprietary antibacterial treatment is designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, thereby preventing associated stains and odors.
The Molecule Core Mattress uses CertiPUR-US certified foam, indicating that third-party testing confirms it is low in VOCs and does not contain ozone depleters or an array of other potentially harmful materials.
Altogether, the Molecule Core measures 10 inches thick. It has a medium firm (6) feel, which is within the average firmness range.
Firmness
Medium Firm – 6
Mattress Type
Foam
Construction
The Molecule Core consists of three layers of polyfoam encased in a polyester and nylon cover.
Cover Material:
Polyester, Nylon
Comfort Layer:
Polyfoam
Polyfoam (Convoluted, Zoned)
Support Core:
Polyfoam
Mattress Prices and Sizing
The Molecule Core is the company’s budget model. It is competitively priced compared to similar foam mattresses, and Molecule often offers additional discounts and promotions. Given its materials and construction, we expect its lifespan to be about as long as the average foam model, which is six to seven years.
This model is available in the six standard sizes, from twin to California king.
The Molecule Core is available exclusively online through the Molecule website. It ships within the U.S.
Shipping
Molecule offers free shipping in the contiguous U.S. A fee applies for orders to Alaska and Hawaii. Orders ship via FedEx and usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
The mattress arrives in a box, compressed, rolled, and sealed in two layers of plastic. Bring the box into the desired room. To unpack the mattress, slide it out of the box. Follow the provided instructions, carefully cutting the plastic along the designated seams. The mattress begins expanding immediately, though it may take 24 to 72 hours to reach its full size.
Additional Services
Molecule does not currently offer White Glove delivery or old mattress removal.
Sleep Trial
The Molecule Core includes a 100-night sleep trial that allows buyers to return the mattress for a full refund if they aren’t satisfied. Buyers must wait at least 30 nights after delivery before initiating a return to give their bodies time to adjust to the mattress.
Molecule requests that shoppers request authorization before donating the unwanted mattress to a qualifying charity. They can then send a photo of the donation receipt to receive a refund.
Warranty
The Molecule Core comes with a limited lifetime warranty that applies to defects in materials and workmanship. Covered defects include sagging and indentation of the foam measuring more than an inch, zipper manufacturing flaws, and flaws in the construction of the cover. The warranty does not cover problems that arise from wear and tear or improper use. Using an improper foundation or misusing your mattress voids the warranty.
If a warranty claim is deemed valid, Molecule will replace or repair the mattress.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
