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.
Cushy, breathable foams and multi-zone coils give the Nolah Original Hybrid a balanced medium firm (6) feel. Our tests show the mattress is a solid choice for side and back sleepers, hot sleepers, and people with persistent back pain.
Ratings Summary
Motion Isolation
7/10
Edge Support
7.5/10
Temperature Control
7.5/10
Ease of Movement
6.5/10
Off Gassing
7/10
Pressure Relief
8/10
Pros
Strong pressure relief for a hybrid makes this bed a great choice for side sleepers
Breathable construction stays cool for hot sleepers
Balanced performance suits the needs of most combination sleepers under 230 pounds
Cons
Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may sink in too deeply, resulting in poor sleep posture
Some vibrations may spread across the surface when a sleep partner moves
Mattress returns incur a $99 pickup and transportation fee
Nolah is an online mattress company that launched in 2015. Since its founding, its product line has expanded to include bedding, mattress accessories, bed frames, and several mattress models. The Nolah Original Hybrid is one of the brand’s hybrid mattresses. It has a medium firm (6) feel and an 11-inch profile suitable for many types of sleepers.
Other hybrid models by the brand include the Nolah Nurture, the Nolah Natural, the Nolah Evolution 15, and the Evolution Comfort+. The Nurture is a flippable mattress for kids with medium soft (4) and firm (7) sides.
The Nolah Natural shares the Original Hybrid’s medium firm (6) feel, but it uses natural Talalay latex in its comfort system. Both the Evolution 15 and the Evolution Comfort+ are luxury models. The Evolution 15 comes in medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) options, while the Evolution Comfort+ has a firm (7) feel designed for heavier individuals.
We’ll break down the Nolah Original Hybrid’s materials, construction, and pricing, as well as the company’s warranty and sleep trial policies. In addition, we’ll share highlights from our in-house testing to give you a clearer idea of how the mattress performs for different sleep positions and body types.
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Sleeping Style and Body Weight
Nolah Original Hybrid
Sleeper Type
Under 130 lbs
130-230 lbs
Above 230 lbs
Side Sleepers
7.5/10
9/10
7.5/10
Back Sleepers
7/10
8.5/10
7/10
Stomach Sleepers
5.5/10
7/10
5.5/10
Side Sleepers
Nolah’s main focus is crafting mattresses for side sleepers, so it’s no surprise that the Original Hybrid Mattress accommodates this popular sleep position. The top layer of polyfoam redistributes pressure from the hips and shoulders to relieve tension. A second polyfoam layer adds bounce to facilitate movement while preventing sleepers from feeling the underlying springs directly. Since the coil core is zoned, a side sleeper’s hips get extra support to promote good posture. At the same time, their shoulders can sink in for greater pressure relief.
All of our testers found the Nolah Original Hybrid comfortable for side sleeping. Those over 130 pounds gave it the highest marks because the medium firm (6) feel struck the right balance between softness and support for their body type. While testers under 130 pounds also found the surface reasonably comfortable, they said they prefer a slightly plusher feel.
Back Sleepers
The Nolah Original Hybrid is a good fit for many back sleepers. Its top polyfoam layer cradles the hips to support the natural curvature of the lumbar region, while the second layer of polyfoam helps prevent back sleepers from pressing against the core. Additionally, the coil core’s zoning reinforces the center of the bed, further promoting good posture. Given the Original Hybrid’s medium firm (6) feel, most back sleepers get the support they need.
Our testers between 130 and 230 pounds enjoyed the best combination of contouring and support. They reported that it was easy to maintain good posture, allowing them to relax their muscles. Back sleepers under 130 pounds felt the surface was slightly firmer than ideal, especially around the midsection. On the other hand, those over 230 pounds said they could have used a bit more support around the middle of the bed, though they didn’t feel like their hips sank excessively.
Stomach Sleepers
The Nolah Original Hybrid is best suited to stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. That’s because stomach sleepers typically need the most support of any sleep position, which the Original Hybrid’s medium firm (6) feel can provide for lighter individuals. While the top polyfoam comfort layer of the mattress cushions the surface, the second layer adds pushback and bounce to limit sinkage. The coil core’s zoning also enhances the support for a stomach sleeper’s midsection, which is critical for maintaining good posture.
Our stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds noted good cushioning without much sinkage. They observed that the surface didn’t feel hard against the front of their bodies, but it supported their midsections enough to prevent their backs from curving into a U-shape.
Testers between 130 and 230 pounds also enjoyed both cushioning and support, though those who carry extra weight in the midsection found it more challenging to maintain good posture. Team members over 230 pounds reported sinking in too deeply, which put pressure on the lumbar region.
Mattress Performance
Motion Isolation
7
/ 10
The Nolah Original Hybrid’s motion isolation is on par with similarly constructed hybrids we’ve tested, though it falls short of models with memory foam comfort systems.
While the two-layer polyfoam comfort system absorbs quite a bit of movement, a slight amount could spread to the opposite side of the bed depending on the sleeper’s body weight.
In our assessments, testers noticed some movement when we dropped a kettlebell next to them or asked a testing partner to move around on the surface. That said, these tests didn’t significantly disturb our team members.
Pressure Relief
8
/ 10
Thanks to its polyfoam comfort system and zoned support core, the Nolah Original Hybrid excels in pressure relief.
The first 1.5-inch layer of the company’s proprietary AirFoam is designed to distribute the sleeper’s weight more evenly to relieve joint tension. Meanwhile, the second 1.5-inch layer of more responsive EverAdapt polyfoam adds bounce while serving as a buffer between the top comfort layer and the core.
The core’s pocketed coils move independently of one another for greater contouring based on the individual’s body shape. Additionally, this layer is divided into three firmness zones that reinforce areas in need of added support and compress more easily under areas that benefit from extra contouring.
We performed pressure map testing to visualize pressure buildup under our testers when lying on the Nolah Original Hybrid. Across all weight groups, this model distributed weight relatively evenly, reducing pressure points while supporting our testers’ spines.
However, some of our stomach sleepers weighing more than 130 pounds noted that they experienced more pressure buildup around the midsection, and the resulting change in sleep posture put some strain on the lower back.
Temperature Control
7.5
/ 10
The best hybrid mattresses often disperse heat well, and the Nolah Original Hybrid follows this trend.
The bed’s Tencel cover allows air to circulate so that heat can escape. The comfort system’s AirFoam material is engineered to conform like memory foam without significantly restricting airflow or being heat sensitive, helping the mattress remain at a more neutral temperature. Air also circulates through the coil core for additional heat dissipation.
In our surface temperature readings, we detected very little heat buildup after applying and removing a heat source. Team members who lay on the mattress also reported staying at a comfortable temperature throughout the testing process.
Edge Support
7.5
/ 10
The Nolah Original Hybrid Mattress has a sturdy perimeter that compares favorably to competing hybrid models.
Since the comfort system measures 3 inches deep, sleepers don’t have to sink in too far before reaching the supportive core. Reinforced perimeter coils fortify the edges for consistent support across the full surface of the mattress.
Our testers of all weights could lie or sit comfortably along the edge of the bed without feeling like it was sinking out from under them. For couples, this sturdy edge support can expand how much of the mattress surface they actively use. For individuals with mobility issues, being able to sit along the perimeter can make it easier to get into or out of bed.
Ease of Movement
6.5
/ 10
The Nolah Original Hybrid’s responsive construction makes it relatively easy to move on.
The two 1.5-inch layers of polyfoam gently hug the body, which can feel slightly restrictive for some sleepers. However, they respond quickly to changes in pressure, meaning sleepers don’t have to put effort into escaping a lasting body impression. Bounce from the coil core further facilitates movement.
Most of our testers reported that they could change positions easily, but those over 230 pounds found it a bit more challenging because they sank in more deeply. That said, we expect the Nolah Original Hybrid will be responsive enough to satisfy most sleepers.
Off-Gassing
7
/ 10
Mattresses in a box that contain synthetic foam typically have some off-gassing odors, and the Nolah Original Hybrid is no different. This is caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from manufacturing foam that linger before a decompressed mattress has time to air out.
The Nolah Original Hybrid is compressed after construction for easy shipment, and we found it had a new mattress smell when we first unpacked it. However, most of the odors dissipated within 48 hours. Additionally, Nolah uses CertiPUR-US certified foams, which means a third party verifies it meets a set of emissions and content standards.
The Nolah Original Hybrid is a medium firm (6) mattress, which is at the higher end of the average firmness range. This hybrid model measures 11 inches thick.
Its comfort system consists of two 1.5-inch layers of polyfoam. The top layer is formulated to contour to the body and relieve pressure in a manner similar to memory foam without trapping as much heat. The second polyfoam layer adds bounce to make it easier to change positions. This layer also serves as a barrier so that sleepers don’t directly feel the springs if they sink in deeply.
An 8-inch pocketed coil core reinforces the sleep surface. Each spring is individually wrapped so that it compresses without affecting its neighbors, thereby enhancing motion isolation. The layer is zoned with three firmness areas. Targeted support in the center of the mattress is designed to promote spinal alignment. Reinforced coils line the perimeter to help sleepers feel more secure using the full surface. Meanwhile, a fiber pad underneath the coil system enhances the bed’s stability by giving the coils something to press against.
The Nolah Original Hybrid is wrapped in a Tencel cover, which is cool to the touch, moisture-wicking, and breathable for greater temperature control. Border fabric lines the sides of the mattress to protect it.
Firmness
Medium Firm – 6
Mattress Type
Hybrid
Construction
Cover Material:
Tencel
Comfort Layer:
1.5″ Polyfoam (AirFoam)
1.5″ Polyfoam (EverAdapt)
Support Core:
8″ Zoned Pocketed Coils
Fiber Pad
Nolah Original Hybrid Mattress Sizes
The Nolah Original comes in the six standard sizes, along with a split king option for couples with adjustable beds.
Sizes
Dimensions
Height
Weight
Twin
38″ x 74″
11″
N/A
Twin XL
38″ x 80″
11″
N/A
Full
54″ x 74.5″
11″
N/A
Queen
60″ x 80″
11″
N/A
King
76″ x 80″
11″
N/A
California King
72″ x 84″
11″
N/A
Split King
38″ x 80″ (2 pcs.)
11″
N/A
Trial, Warranty, and Shipping Policies
Availability
The Nolah Original Hybrid is available from Nolah’s official website. Orders ship within the contiguous United States.
Several third-party retailers and brick-and-mortar partner showrooms also sell Nolah mattresses, though different policies apply.
Shipping
Orders through Nolah’s website ship for free within the contiguous U.S. via FedEx. The Nolah Original Hybrid arrives at the customer’s door rolled, wrapped in plastic, and packed in a shipping box. To prevent voiding the warranty and sleep trial policies, you must unpack the mattress within 30 days of delivery.
Additional Services
Nolah offers White Glove delivery through a third-party service. For $225, a team will remove your old mattress and set up your new mattress. Alternatively, you can purchase old mattress removal or new mattress setup separately for $125 each. These fees are nonrefundable.
Sleep Trial
Nolah provides a 120-night trial period for mattresses purchased directly through the official site. The sleep trial begins on the day of delivery. After you’ve tried the mattress for 30 nights, you can initiate a return if you’re not satisfied. Nolah will arrange mattress pickup. A $99 fee for labor and transportation is deducted from the refund.
Shoppers have the option to remove the trial period for a discount when placing a mattress order.
Warranty
The Nolah Original Hybrid comes with a partially prorated limited lifetime warranty. For the first two years, Nolah offers to replace defective mattresses. From years 3 through 10, the company repairs and re-covers defective mattresses, with the customer incurring a $99 transportation charge each way. Starting in year 11, Nolah replaces defective mattresses at a prorated charge.
Alternatively, after the third year, Nolah offers the option for owners to skip the claims process and receive a new mattress at a prorated charge.
Eligible defects include visible indentations over 1 inch deep. Damage must not be due to abuse or misuse. Other terms and conditions apply.
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