Let’s face it: Once your mattress has reached the point of no return—meaning it’s worn down and past the warranty date—searching through the best mattress brands to find the right bed can be overwhelming. But fear not. We’ve been testing mattresses from leading retailers for years to help you find the right foundation. To give you a glimpse into our process, we don’t test in a lab or facility. Architectural Digest staffers bring mattresses in our very own bedrooms to use them just like our readers would: in real life.
If you’re not sure where to start on your journey, rest assured. From budget-friendly Amazon beds to mattresses for side sleepers or 100% organic mattresses, there’s a model out there for everyone—and our team has hand selected the picks that boosted our sleep quality here. Find out what we love about these beds, and what (if anything) we were still left wanting.
Our Top Picks for the Best Mattress Brands:
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
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Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
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In this Article:
Please note that all prices are for queen-size mattresses. Check retailers for additional price and size information.
Best Mattress Brand Overall
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Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping, white glove delivery, in-room setup, mattress & foundation removal, $99 fee for returns
- Warranty: 15-year warranty, 100-night sleep trial
First and foremost, Saatva’s mattresses are eco-friendly. That’s what attracted me to this mattress brand in the first place. Their mattress lineup includes beds with different firmness levels and styles. While they all seemed like good mattress options, the Loom & Leaf’s promise to cool your body and provide pressure point relief stood out in particular.
How the Mattress Compares
Compared to other mattresses I’ve slept on, I give this mattress an 11 out of 10. I’ve actually been working from bed because it’s the comfiest spot in the house.
Tester: Bailey Berg, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? It’s the most breathable, comfortable mattress I’ve ever tried. There’s also no motion transfer, which makes sleeping through the night easier for the light sleepers out there.
We specifically ordered it because it was supposed to be firm. My partner and I joke about feeling like we’re floating on a sea of comfort. There’s little to no sag. I think any kind of sleeper—side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers alike—would like this supportive pick.
If you could change anything about this mattress, what would it be? Literally nothing comes to mind.
Best Memory Foam Mattress Brand
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping & returns
- Warranty: 365-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty
Nectar was really easy to order from and communicate with—I ordered my mattress while in the midst of a move, and they worked with me to ensure the mattress went to the correct address at the right time. Also, when you buy directly from Nectar, they usually offer a free set of pillows, bed sheets, and a mattress protector.
Another one of the perks of going with Nectar is that the mattress brand offers a lifetime warranty (most brands offer a 10 to 20-year warranty) and a 365-day sleep trial (most brands offer 100 nights).
How the Mattress Compares
Before I upgraded to the Nectar Memory Foam mattress, I was sleeping on a cheap, first-mattress-post-college bed and it took a toll on my back. The old mattress literally aged me. After a few nights sleeping on the new Nectar mattress, my lower back pain magically disappeared. Throwing away that quilted hunk of springs was one of the best things I’ve ever done.
Tester: Katie Henwood, associate director of audience development at Condé Nast
What do you love about this mattress? This mattress is a dream come true for all kinds of sleepers. It offers extra support without sacrificing comfort, and getting into bed each night is like falling into a cloud. For any fellow light sleepers who share their bed with a loud partner: you won’t feel a thing when your bed mate is tossing and turning. It’s the best memory foam mattress I’ve tried—it cancels out any movement so you can sleep peacefully through the night, regardless of what is going on around you.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? Some nights the Nectar mattress can sleep a little warm, despite the heat-wicking, cooling technology on the top layer of the mattress. I think any memory foam bed will retain heat more than a regular mattress, and to me it’s worth a few warmer nights for the overall comfort this mattress offers. Using the Nectar sheet set that came (free!) with the mattress helps to keep things cool too.
Best Customizable Mattress Brand
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 15-year warranty, 100-night sleep trial
Helix Sleep really takes customer feedback to heart and continues to improve on its already incredible mattresses. The latest version of the Helix Midnight Luxe is an absolute dream!
How the Mattress Compares
The Helix Midnight Luxe is the pinnacle of luxury when it comes to mattresses. You can get a similar effect from the Allswell Supreme or the Leesa Hybrid, but the Helix Midnight Luxe is the crème de la crème. The pièce de résistance. The mattress to end all mattresses.
Tester: Jacqueline Wladis, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? I absolutely need a hybrid mattress. I toss and turn in my sleep, I need to stay cool, and I simply MUST have lumbar support for my back and neck! Memory foam mattresses are very trendy, but I’m picky—I don’t want anything too soft or too firm too hot or too cold, it has to be just right. The Helix Midnight Luxe is, simply, just right.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? This question does not apply to Helix. This mattress is perfect.
Mattress Brand With the Best Return Policy
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The DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping & returns
- Warranty: 365-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty
Great delivery process in that the setup was very seamless and easy. I showed a friend how easy it was to set up, as he was in the market for a new mattress. Even before he lay on it to test the quality, he was pulling up the website to place an order. And that was purely from seeing the ease of delivery and the simple setup process.
How the Mattress Compares
In terms of twin mattresses, this is the best one I’ve slept on. The only one that’s comparable is Nectar.
Tester: Nick Mafi, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? I grew up sleeping on a twin mattress, which is to say I didn’t have the best sleeping experience as a kid. But DreamCloud takes the twin-mattress comfort to another level. It’s not just how my body feels when I lie on it, it’s also how the actual mattress feels when I touch it. It has that feel of something that’s expensive, when in fact, you’re not paying a crazy price for it.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? It wouldn’t be about the mattress itself, but in the shipment process. I don’t know if this is too big of an ask (it probably is, which is why they don’t do it), but if DreamCloud added an extra button to have someone pick up my old mattress, I would happily pay up for that.
Best Budget Mattress Brand
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Allswell Supreme Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns, Angi Mattress Haul-away and Disposal Service for $105 fee
- Warranty: 90-day returns
It provides incredible quality at a fraction of the price of other mattress brands.
How the Mattress Compares
The Princess and the Pea may or may not have been 100% based on my life. I am SO picky when it comes to mattresses. I get really bad backaches so I need firm back support, but I also want to feel bundled up and cradled. Plus I absolutely MUST stay cool at all times or I really can’t sleep. I’ve tried about 30+ mattresses and the only others that have compared to the Allswell Supreme are the Helix Midnight Luxe and the Leesa Hybrid. If you need a supportive mattress that will also keep you cool you are very limited in your options. You really need to have a hybrid and combine it with the Slumbercloud Mattress Pad.
Tester: Jacqueline Wladis, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? The combination of coils and the memory foam layer in the Allswell Supreme mattress keeps my body cool and comfortably cradled while I sleep. I also love the additional built-in Euro-top. The entire design of the mattress makes me feel like I’m sleeping on a cloud while keeping me cool and supporting me so that I stay asleep.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? It’s pretty heavy. I wish it were lighter or had handles on the sides to make it easier to move around. That’s what you get when you go for a hybrid model though.
Best Smart Mattress Brand
Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed
- Delivery: $150 delivery fee for doorstep delivery, $250 return fee
- Warranty: 100-night sleep trial, 15-year warranty
The innovative and technical approach to sleep, mattresses that adjust to the individual, and the ability to track your sleep quality.
Based on comfort, customer service, and quality, I would 100% recommend this mattress and integrated base system. It is genuinely excellent. Aesthetically, the integrated base limits which bed frames you can use it with, it is optimally designed for use with a Sleep Number bed frame which is something to consider if you want a more design-forward frame.
How the Mattress Compares
In comparison to other mattresses I’ve slept on, I’d give it a 9 out of 10. It’s extremely comfortable.
Tester: Lisa Aiken, senior vice president of commerce at Condé Nast
What do you love about this mattress? I appreciate being able to change the firmness of the mattress to suit my requirements via the Sleep Number app, it also automatically adjusts to match your movements while sleeping and lets you track the quality of sleep that you are getting.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? It is difficult to move this mattress, in order to do so you need to unplug the pump, meaning it deflates and needs to be reset via the app. This is time consuming should you wish to move the bed.
The fully adjustable nature of this smart bed means that it can be personalized to your preference with both sides of the bed being independent of each other. As a result, this mattress is exactly the firmness that I want on one side and exactly how my husband prefers on the other. It is easily changed and adjusted on the app which links your phone to the bed via bluetooth so you can adjust at any time to suit your mood.
Best Organic Mattress Brand
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty
I’ve seen Avocado mattresses on various digital platforms from holistic wellness influencers and have always been really intrigued. Since becoming more conscious about not only the products I put in my body, but also on it and around it, I’ve come to find out that a lot of mattresses have chemical off-gassing (flame retardants, formaldehyde, benzene, etc) which have caused various health issues in many people who were unaware upon purchasing. Finding a mattress that is 100% organic is genuinely a feat in these modern manufacturing days, but Avocado has come to the rescue, made entirely from nontoxic, natural, and organic materials.
How the Mattress Compares
Often gravitating toward a more firm sleeping experience, this mattress was perfect as it wasn’t too soft to where I sank in, but wasn’t too firm to where it felt like a rock.
This is my mattress brand from here on out. You can’t get anything better than their commitment to nontoxic, organic materials, as well as their mission to create more sustainable manufacturing overall. I might venture into their pillows next, and find it so awesome that they’ve created kids products too.
Tester: Kat Kovac, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? I slept like a baby with this mattress. Often gravitating toward a more firm sleeping experience, this mattress was perfect—not the firmest, but it wasn’t too soft to where I sank in. The back support was there, and as someone who’s five eleven, that was sincerely appreciated. The American Chiropractic Association has endorsed Avocado mattresses since 2020, which gets five stars of approval from me.
I could not be happier knowing that I now sleep on a 100% organic mattress that is not only ethical in its materials but also its production. Additionally knowing that I’m not breathing in toxic chemicals when I lay my head at night is huge. The wool fabric was super warm and soft to the touch, and my sheets fit on it perfectly.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? I wouldn’t change anything about this mattress for me personally, but it might not be the best choice for someone who’s a side sleeper, as it’s more on the firm side. If you are a side sleeper, and still want a nontoxic mattress option, they have their Avocado Green Mattress with an added pillow top option. Another great topper option is the Alpaca Wool Mattress Topper, made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and alpaca fiber, which is even softer than the one previously mentioned. I personally like the Alpaca Wool Topper.
More AD-Approved Mattress Brands We’re Browsing
The Bedford Mattress by Ostermoor
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty
Ostermoor & Company is a heritage brand with deep roots, founded in 1853 in what is now Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood. At a time when most mattresses were stuffed with horsehair or straw, Ostermoor stood out for its innovative, hand-built designs made with layers of comfortable, durable materials. They were early adopters of now-common conveniences like mail-order service, doorstep delivery, and satisfaction guarantees—long before any of these became industry norms. Today, that legacy of craftsmanship and customer care continues, with a headquarters in NYC and manufacturing based in Massachusetts. What makes them especially notable now is their continued commitment to time-tested construction techniques, premium natural materials like cotton batting, and the rare attention to visual design. It’s an elevated experience from start to finish.
How the Mattress Compares
I typically prefer a firmer mattress and The Bedford really delivers on that front. It’s firm but not rigid—supportive in all the right places while still feeling comfortable and plush enough to relax into.
Tester: Zoë Sessums, senior digital design editor
What do you love about this mattress? From the moment I plopped down on the mattress, I was impressed by how comfortable and supportive it was. It strikes a perfect balance between spring and cushion—just the right amount of give without ever feeling too soft. I consistently wake up feeling rested and supported.
While I love this mattress for how comfortable it is and how well I sleep on it, I also really love how it looks. I’ve never realized how beautiful a bare mattress could be, but this one is a looker. The tufted top, the blue-and-white ticking pattern, the hand-stitched details—it feels like a piece of luxury furniture, not just a place to sleep.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? The price point is quite high, which is really the only downside. However, I do believe you get what you pay for—especially in terms of craftsmanship, durability, and design. It might not be the best option for someone looking for a budget mattress or those who prefer memory foam-style contouring.
Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt 12″ Medium Hybrid
- Delivery: Free standard shipping, $175 return shipping fee
- Warranty: 90-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty
Tempur-Pedic is synonymous with innovation. Famously, the brand’s uniquely cushioning material was originally developed by NASA for pilots on test expeditions. In mattress form, this proprietary surface is meant to absorb movement and conform to the curves of the body, much more so than ordinary memory foam.
How the Mattress Compares
Compared to other mattresses I’ve slept on, I am giving it a 10 and I am not someone to lavish false praise.
Tester: Sam Cochran, global features director
What do you love about this mattress? Miraculously for a 6’3” ectomorph, I am not someone who experiences back pain. So I didn’t look to this mattress, as many do, for relief from everyday aches. What I wanted was comfort—and I’ve been blown away. The combination of materials in this hybrid mattress yields a particularly cossetting surface, yielding to the shape of your body. It didn’t retain heat. It wasn’t too soft or too firm.
I share a bed with my boyfriend of several years and his rescue cocker spaniel, so there can be a lot of movement as we all try to get comfortable and fall asleep. I was thrilled that I couldn’t feel either of them toss or turn throughout the night, nor did the mattress transfer heat (as so many forms of memory form do). On this mattress, I sleep like rock—often waking up in the same position as I fell asleep in. Interestingly, I’ve been deviating from my usual strict side-slumber, edge-of-bed position, sleeping on my back or sometimes (to my boyfriend’s frustration) on a diagonal. I guess I got too comfortable!
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? Obviously for anyone who prefers traditional coils, this mattress may be too much of a departure. True to its NASA origins, the material can indeed feel vaguely alien.
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The Company Store Mattress
- Delivery: Free
- Warranty: 15 years
The Company Store doesn’t have quite the same name recognition as some other bedding brands out there, but it remains my favorite for consistency across product categories: throw blankets, beds, pillows, comforters, and beyond. My bed setup is 75% The Company Store and everything I’ve tested from there is super high-quality and often approachable price-wise, even more so when things go on sale. To be honest, I think it’s pretty rare to find a place where the mattresses are equally as solid as the bedding (or vice versa), but that’s certainly the case here.
How the Mattress Compares
I’ve tested a number of mattresses over the years (from Casper to Aviya to Tempur-Pedic to Avocado) and this one outpaces the rest for both style and support. The edge support isn’t perfect—there will certainly be some sinkage if you sit on the precipice—but it has the best balance of support and softness of any bed I’ve tried in the past. The setup was also super smooth, and because this doesn’t ship out in a box, you don’t have to deal with any offgassing from the mattress unfurling itself. Above all, the design is another excellent perk: not many other beds come decorated with rosettes and floral patterns.
Tester: Lori Keong, associate commerce director
What do you love about this mattress? No one actually cares about the way a mattress looks when it’s sheathed in a fitted sheet, but the design really stands out on this bed, which is the sole one that The Company Store has ever released. It came out in late 2023, and is really thoughtfully made: The exterior has a soft quilted texture comprised of cashmere, silk, and wool and features a floral design that runs the length of the bed, with hand-tufted rosettes filling the indentions on the mattress. Lots of places talk the talk when it comes to offering a premium mattress, but the craftsmanship on this one really justifies the steep near-$3,000 price point.
The support is also second-to-none. I’m a lightweight person hovering around 110 pounds who prefers to sleep on her side at night and on her stomach in the morning. I don’t love beds that are too firm, and enjoy at least a bit of squishiness. This one falls in the medium-firm category for support with just enough give to keep me comfortable, and as a person who oscillates between being too hot and too cold, the temperature regulation from season to season helps a lot.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? The only thing that’s challenging about this mattress is just how thick it is at 13 inches tall. Trying to stretch a fitted sheet over it is always an exercise in arm strength and patience (both of which I tend to run short on), which is something to know coming into it. It gets even more challenging with any sort of mattress protector on top of it, especially one with a slight pillow top, but deep-pocketed sheets do exist if your current ones are losing their grip on your bed.
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Casper Snow Hybrid Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 10-year warranty, 100-night sleep trial
Casper is well known and time-tested; I know people who’ve tried (and liked) Casper mattresses and have enjoyed them myself. Casper was one of the first mattress-in-a-box brands to appear on the e-commerce scene and its longevity gives it a sense of integrity and authority.
How the Mattress Compares
The mattress was extremely comfortable—firm, body-conforming, and had a sense of evenness and stability that was very soothing and calming. Without doubt I felt cool on the mattress—or at least I did not feel overheated—though I do concede I was sleeping in a fairly cool bedroom at the time. I suspect the mattress would stand up to the test of time and I did, indeed, get the sense that body heat was being propelled away as I slept.
Tester: David Kaufman, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? Casper’s cooling line claims to help what the company identified as a key barrier to a good night’s sleep—overheating. So it devised a new series of layers and foams as part of what Casper calls its Airscape technology. The brand promises a mattress that feels up to six degrees cooler than conventional models. I liked this idea of cooling airflow. It felt fun and different and made me think about my overall bed and mattress comfort.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? I think there could have been some better branding on the mattress to let folks know about the novel things associated with the cooling mattress technology—and if there are ways consumers can actively enhance the technology once it is in the home.
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WinkBed Luxury Firm Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty, 120-night sleep trial
When looking for the right mattress, my partner and I knew we wanted a firm, luxurious model with a firmer pillow top. After hunting down mattresses for a few months, we came across the WinkBed, which seemed like a perfect balance between firm and soft due to its hybrid components, plus it offered detailed insights on which mattress is best for each type of sleeper.
How the Mattress Compares
Because these are only available to purchase online, I really appreciate the customer journey WinkBed takes you through, comparing Soft to Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus.
Tester: Mark Burka, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? The mattress’s hybrid components truly give you the best of both worlds at a more affordable price. The WinkBed mattress technology provides strong edge support and wicks away heat, ensuring sleepers have a calm, peaceful night. The mattress is a more affordable hybrid option compared to others on the market, plus, for those who are hesitant about purchasing an online mattress, WinkBed provides a 120-day warranty—that’s a six-month sleep trial period!—which is plenty of time to decide if the money was well spent (in my case, it was!).
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? I would pick the Plus mattress “for heavier people” with the firmest option, now available since I last purchased from WinkBed, knowing the pillowtop was going to be as comfy as it is. My partner and I are a same-sex, male-identifying couple and probably would not like to admit that we classify as “heavier people,” but in this case, we do.
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Brooklyn Bedding Ecosleep Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 120-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty
This was my introduction to Brooklyn Bedding. I was intrigued by their range of offerings, as they seem to cover a wide variety of mattress types. I’m a big fan of the mattress-in-a-box model, especially as an apartment dweller. The actual delivery was a cinch, but I must admit I struggled to move it from my building’s entryway to my third floor walkup. The box itself was pretty heavy.
While this brand is a tad pricey for my budget, I found the product to be high quality. So, if I was splitting the cost with a partner, I would certainly consider purchasing another mattress from Brooklyn Bedding. I would definitely recommend this to a friend! Sustainable materials + a range of firmness = a solid people pleaser.
How the Mattress Compares
I’m a big fan of the mattress-in-a-box model, especially as an apartment dweller. This mattress is flippable, offering medium firmness on one side and firm on the other. I tend to stay away from squishier mattresses, so I opted for the firm side.
Tester: Lizzie Soufleris, visuals editor
What do you love about this mattress? Eco-friendly materials are always a huge plus in my book! This is a hybrid wool, cotton, and latex mattress and the materials are all sustainably sourced so I know I’m not being exposed to harmful chemicals every night. While my previous mattress was comfortable and cost-effective, I’m sure the materials were not particularly eco-friendly, and I m always willing to shell out a little extra for sustainably sourced goods, like the EcoSleep.
I must say, I slept like a baby. This mattress excels in terms of movement isolation–my partner and I could both readjust without disturbing each other.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? In my perfect world, there would be a version of this mattress aimed toward a firmer feel. This one offers a medium side and a firm side, but I would love a firm/ultra firm option as well.
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- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 20-year warranty, 120-night sleep trial
I love Happsy’s use of eco-friendly materials. Their mattresses are made using organic cotton fabric and filling, plus organic wool batting. Additionally, they are free of the glue and adhesives that are typically found in between a mattress’s comfort layers and coil systems. Happsy has been certified as 100% organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
How the Mattress Compares
This was my first bed-in-a-box, and I was shocked and delighted by how easy it was to remove the rolled up, compressed mattress and then watch as it unrolled and sprung to life as if by magic. Even though it’s undeniably firm, it still has ample cushioning to keep it comfortable.
Tester: Kristi Kellogg, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? That it’s comfortable (in any sleeping position too!) I also appreciate the fact that this mattress is eco-friendly and responsibly made.
If you could change anything about this mattress, what would it be? Nothing comes to mind! It’s a top-of-the-line mattress, for sure.
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 20-year warranty, 120-night sleep trial
I found the flippable/dual-sided soft/firm style of the Layla hybrid to be very interesting. I also appreciate the gray covering, the coloring gives me a sense of long-term cleanliness, at least in appearance. The mattress also comes with a 10-year warranty and 120-night sleep trial.
How the Mattress Compares
This has been the best sleep I have gotten in years. The quality of my sleep changed drastically and I wake up at a consistent time naturally because of this. It’s firm enough to be supportive in the way I need it to be, but it still feels soft and cradling. This is perfect for me because I prefer a soft mattress, but in my 30s I began to realize firm mattresses are better for my back.
Tester: Cheryl Dearborne, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? The mattress is the most comfortable mattress I have ever owned. I can’t speak yet as to how longterm that will be true, but I was shocked at how quickly my body was comfortable on the mattress. My first night’s sleep was wonderful and it’s been consistently great every night so far.
I have recommended this mattress to friends. If I ever need a second mattress I would probably purchase this exact same mattress.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? I wouldn’t change anything about the mattress, although I don’t care for the pillows that come with it. I use them on my couch and they’re fine for that, but I didn’t like them for sleeping.
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Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 365-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty
It’s your classic “bed in a box” mattress, which is always a real treat, if you ask me. When I bought it, I remember wanting an upgrade from my previous spring mattress, but the direct-to-consumer mattresses from all of my favorite podcast ads were still pretty much out of my budget. Tuft & Needle really hit that sweet spot of being a high-quality foam mattress at a more affordable price.
How the Mattress Compares
My Tuft & Needle Original is my first foam mattress I’ve slept on consistently, but I can say with certainty that I love it far more than any spring mattress I’ve slept on. After a certain amount of time, those spring mattresses start to get uneven as the springs wear down from sleeping in the same spot, but after nearly four years, my Tuft & Needle feels as springy and supportive as it did the first night. Also, having a mattress that doesn’t squeak or jiggle when my cat comes back from his midnight snack is a real plus for a solid, uninterrupted REM cycle.
Tester: Elise Portale, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? I’m the kind of person who really loves a firmer mattress, but when you deal with an old-school innerspring mattress, the bed simply won’t offer any contouring. My T&N mattress is the perfect blend of a firm foam core that gives me that strong support I prefer and a softer foam outside that does that memory foam thing that is just so delightful.
Every night, I flop into bed with a sigh of relief. Everyone has those days that produce various aches and strains, and when I sleep in this bed, I wake up feeling renewed the next day, like magic.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? I’m one of those hot sleepers, and the unfortunate thing about most all-foam mattresses I’ve tried is that they love to trap heat under you. Sadly, my Tuft & Needle mattress wasn’t really an exception. But these days, the T&N Original Mattress actually does come with cooling gel and graphite inside its layers, so problem solved! The brand has also since come out with a different type of mattress (the Mint —it’s slightly less firm an has three layers of foam, as opposed to the original mattress’s two), as well as a hybrid mattress with foam and springs.
Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury Hybrid Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 365-night sleep trial, 25-year warranty
I love that Brentwood Home makes hybrid mattresses that contain both memory foam and springs. The foam has great cooling technology that keeps me comfortable in the summer and the 2,697 individually pocketed coils provide more support than other hybrid mattresses on the market.
Brentwood Home has been around since 1987 and I love that they handcraft their mattresses in their own GOLS certified factory just outside of Los Angeles. By making their products in the US, Brentwood Home can ensure that their environmental, labor, and social responsibility standards are being met.
How the Mattress Compares
I sleep SO well! Friends who come by to hang out are always amazed by the squishy, sink-right-in feeling of my bed. The mattress is listed as “medium soft” on the Brentwood Home website; it is a 4.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. At first, I was a bit wary of this rating as I’ve never considered myself someone who loves a soft bed, but boy was I wrong! I love this mattress. It’s squishy, but still supportive. The only issue is that I sometimes don’t want to get out of bed in the mornings!
Tester: Nick Mafi, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? This mattress feels so luxurious after a long day running around NYC. With nine layers of premium materials—cooling gel made with BioFoam, GOTS certified organic wool and cotton, and nearly 2,700 coils, this mattress has that perfectly deluxe feel and best-in-class support. I love sleeping on this mattress, but it’s also perfect for reading and editing manuscripts (my main activity!), working on a laptop, and lounging around watching TV with friends.
The setup was quick and easy and I’m so excited to get in my bed every night. I would preface my suggestion with the fact that it’s a softer mattress, but I would wholeheartedly recommend it! I previously considered myself Team Firm Mattress, but the Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury Hybrid Mattress may have converted me to squishier mattresses for life!
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? This mattress wouldn’t be a good fit for someone who needs a huge amount of back support. It is on the softer side, so I sink in a little (which I personally find super luxurious!).
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty
Leesa is one of the original pioneers of the bed-in-box movement, and you can tell being in the mattress space for so long has allowed the brand to really hone its craft and create a genuinely great product. My Leesa mattress still feels as nice as the day I got it (I’ve been sleeping on it for a little over a year), and it’s definitely a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality. I also appreciate that the company contributes to charity and recognizes the importance of giving back, outlined in its One-Ten initiative which provides one mattress to a family in need for every 10 sold.
How the Mattress Compares
Before the Studio I slept on mainly box spring mattresses, but it’s safe to say I’m a foam convert now—it’s one of the best mattresses I’ve ever had the pleasure of sleeping on.
Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor
What do you love about this mattress? The Studio is Leesa’s quote-unquote budget-friendly option, though you would never know because it certainly doesn’t feel like it comes at a low price point. The mattress has three layers of foam that hug your body in a way that’s ultra-supportive while providing excellent pressure relief to boot. I tend to move around in my sleep, ultimately landing on my side, so in addition to solid motion isolation, the Studio’s all-foam construction supplies a nice amount of give without being too soft for my taste.
The setup was easy and I slept incredibly well the first night on my Leesa and pretty much every night since. If you’re looking for a safe bet, go with a Leesa mattress.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? One thing the Leesa does lack is edge support—you can’t exactly sit on any of the corners or edges without sinking down. But that being said, I’ve been able to roll comfortably from one end to the other without feeling like I was about to fall off.
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns, white glove delivery up to $250 fee
- Warranty: 120-night sleep trial, 20-year warranty
I’m a midsize fat person, and as a midsize fat person, I can tell you that few things, especially furniture, are made for bodies like mine, let alone many of the thousands of fat folks larger than me. So when I heard about the Big Fig (short for “Bigger Figure”) mattress, which is designed especially for bigger bodies, my interest was piqued immediately. Unlike other labels that are often co-opted by organizations to upcharge for specific identities (see: corporate America’s use of Women’s History Month), brands generally haven’t bothered to cater to fat bodies in their marketing. So, if this wasn’t a cash grab…could it be that Big Fig was actually designed to serve a need for fat people? I just had to know.
How the Mattress Compares
I’ve been dealing with some sleep-health issues recently (where are my CPAP queens at?) so I was really sensitive to the fact that I didn’t want anything disruptive. The first few nights were only slightly restless, mainly because I hadn’t experienced such a delightfully bouncy mattress before. It’s so easy to roll over and get comfy on this thing, back, side, tummy. So after a couple of nights, I was out like a light without an achy neck, back, or shoulder in sight.
Tester: Elise Portale, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? Other than that it’s literally designed for and marketed to fat people? Everything! The top is plush and soft, the body is firm and bouncy, and even the little tufts are wrapped in soft fibers to avoid you touching any hard-edged buttons. For someone like me, who has struggled with edges that would dump me off, materials that would make me sweaty, and firmness that had me sinking too deep, it’s like sleeping on a good-quality mattress for the first time.
They totally won me over with their marketing, their mission, their customer service, and ultimately, their quality product. I’m honestly excited to see how they are able to grow their offerings over time, from new mattress styles to accessories. (Though they do offer basic bed frames and foundation already, they’re fairly standard and I’d love to see some additional stylish products from them eventually.) This is one of those companies where my enthusiasm has grown to go beyond the product, and it feels great.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? The thing about this mattress is that it is FIRM. Which, as a heavier person, I quite like. But as I threw myself on it for the first time and felt my body bounce on it so nicely, I imagined that a thin person might just bounce right off. Okay, I’m exaggerating, of course, but if you are a fat person with a thin SO used to something like foam or a pillow top, I’m just saying you might have a difference in comfort.
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Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty
The delivery was super simple and fast. The overall setup was even faster! From right out of the box, it rolled out nicely onto the box spring on top of my bed frame. There were no complicated instructions or anything like that. The mattress was ready for sleep that evening.
How the Mattress Compares
I’ve never slept better. While my previous mattress was on the firmer side, it was not a memory foam or very cool mattress. With the Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress, I do not wake up in the middle of the night like I used to, tossing and turning. I also stay sleeping at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.
Tester: Cade Hiser, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? I would give this mattress an 8 out of 10 in terms of overall comfort. It may take some getting used to at first if you are new to firmer mattresses like myself. The memory foam layers adjust to your sleep position, which makes falling asleep easy.
I can really tell the difference in my sleep and I wake up feeling refreshed and energized. I used to wake up in the middle of the night and would have so much trouble falling back asleep. With this mattress I wake up significantly less in the middle of the night, and if I do I never have trouble falling back asleep. It really has made sleeping easy!
If you could change anything about this mattress, what would it be? I’m not sure that I would change anything about this mattress. It is exactly what I was looking for.
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Purple RestorePremier Hybrid Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty
My experience with Purple was 100% positive and I never felt like I was left hanging or in the dark. When the delivery day rolled around, the mattress was brought to our front door in a long vinyl tube and my husband and I dragged it up the stairs together. It was heavy, but the tube had handles attached to each end that made the job easier.
How the Mattress Compares
The first time I sat on it I was shocked at how squishy it felt. My toddler son even hopped on with me and immediately said, “bouncy!” But then, when I lay down, I was surprised again—I wasn’t sinking into it the way I expected I would. I felt buoyant.
Tester: Shoko Wanger, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? The very unique feel of Purple’s mattress does take some getting used to (that softness is due to something called a GelFlex Grid, and when you lie down, you really do feel both the stretchy gel texture and the grid)—but it’s definitely comfortable. I’m normally partial to a firmer bed but that aforementioned combo of cushiness and support is almost addictive.
I would recommend it most highly to someone who prefers a softer mattress, and who sleeps hot.
If you could change anything about this mattress, what would it be? Nothing comes to mind.
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The Hybrid Mattress By Thuma
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns, in-room setup, mattress & foundation removal also complimentary
- Warranty: 100-night sleep trial, 15-year warranty
I had heard the Thuma name many times before—it’s one of those sleep brands that comes to mind every time I hear the word “mattress” (which is surprisingly often given my line of work). This particular mattress caught my eye because of its pressure-relieving promise. I wake up with lower back pain most days and I’ve been searching for a solution for a long time.
How the Mattress Compares
I tend to be a stomach and back sleeper and I’ve found that I still need some additional lumbar support while sleeping. I have been sleeping through the night on this mattress, which is a relatively new thing for me.
Tester: Erika Owen, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? I really like that it doesn’t slide around on our bed frame. We have a Floyd bed frame and there isn’t really any traction to hold it in place, so this was a happy surprise!
If you could change anything about this mattress, what would it be? One thing that’s a bit tricky: I’m a plus-size person and I have noticed a lack of edge support on my side of the bed—I wish there was more heft around the edges so I don’t feel quite like I’m going to fall off mid-snooze. I don’t think this is a great option for this with serious back pain. But if you’re someone who can fall asleep in any hotel room, this is a solid upgrade pick.
Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 365-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty
I love this brand specifically for its seven-zone edge-to-edge pocket springs. Our bed is a little crowded these days—my husband is about six foot, and our baby boy sometimes sleeps with us as well, so the edge support ensures that all of us can enjoy the entire sleeping surface comfortably. I haven’t had a more restful sleep experience than with my Emma mattress!
How the Mattress Compares
The Emma mattress is categorized as “medium firm” and includes a foam system to cushion the hips and shoulders without allowing them to sink too deeply into the mattress. My husband and I found the firmness level to be perfect for our needs and provide just the right support.
Tester: Pujah Shah, global director of audience development
What do you love about this mattress? Another reason I love this mattress is for its Airgocell foam, which is climate-regulating and helps me stay cool throughout the night. This mattress also does a fantastic job of alleviating back pain through the top memory foam layer.
I would buy from this brand again because I loved how luxurious and breathable the mattress felt, especially for the price. And the fact that it came delivered in a box is even more impressive!
If you could change anything about this mattress, what would it be? This mattress wouldn’t be a good option for someone who is looking for an organic or sustainable mattress.
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Naturepedic EOS Classic Organic Mattress
- Delivery: Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 100-night sleep trial, 25-year limited warranty
Naturepedic makes everything they sell with the highest of quality standards in their Ohio facility. The 100% organic certified brand started off selling crib mattresses in 2003 after founder Barry A. Cik was left wanting by the options on the market, and they’ve been making sustainably crafted bedding ever since.
How the Mattress Compares
This mattress is definitely not super plush, but there is enough cushion to feel totally at ease when lying down.
Tester: Rachel Fletcher, commerce director
What do you love about this mattress? It is supremely comfortable. I chose the cushion firm option, which is smack in the middle of firmness levels, and it has suited me really well. I always thought I needed a firm mattress because I’m a side sleeper, but I was educated in the fact that side sleepers actually need a little more give to accommodate our sleep style.
I also love knowing that each element of this mattress has been rigorously tested and certified to be 100% organic. The latex, wool and cotton materials that make up the fill and batting are all of the highest quality and I don’t worry about inhaling toxic chemicals all night while I sleep.
These mattresses are an investment, but each element can be swapped out over the years to accommodate for changes in sleep preference or wear and tear, which feels much more sustainable to me than buying an entirely new mattress on a cyclical basis. I also appreciate the commitment to craftsmanship and organic materials.
If you could change anything about this mattress, what would it be? Aside from the arduous set up, the only downside of this mattress is it isn’t particularly supportive at the edges. If I sit down to put my socks on in the morning, I slide off just a little bit. But in the grand scheme of things, I don’t find that to be too troubling as I don’t sleep on the edge of the bed.
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Earthfoam Organic Mattress
- Delivery: Free
- Warranty: 10 years
According to Earthfoam’s website, the independent and family-owned company creates bedding products from natural and ethically sourced materials. All of their sustainable goods are made of rubber tree sap, natural latex, and organic wool. The materials themselves are fine-tuned in factories in Sri Lanka where the workers allegedly earn a living wage, or at a farmer-owned co-op in New Zealand. The products are then fully assembled in a factory in Illinois. As a consumer, this level of transparency regarding their supply chain definitely makes me feel like I’m in good hands.
How the Mattress Compares
I prefer a bouncier mattress so the fact that this mattress is spongy made us compatible. It definitely took some getting used to, but after a few weeks I felt like my body fully adjusted to the density of the Earthfoam mattress. You won’t sink deeply into it like quicksand, but you’ll feel supported and it’s soooo soft. I should also mention that the mattress is a bit lower than others I’ve slept on in the past, so you’ll definitely want to add the mattress topper if you decide to purchase it.
It seemed hard to compete with the smart mattress from Eight that I’ve been happily sleeping on for five years now, but Earthfoam’s mattress exceeded my expectations. I would be willing to buy any sleep product from this brand.
Tester: Sydney Gore, contributor
What do you love about this mattress? What I love most is that it’s an eco-friendly product that (at least in my case) fully delivers on its promise to be the mattress of your dreams. This has become a really important factor for me at this stage of my life and matters so much more than being “on trend.” I’d feel more uncomfortable sleeping on something that is toxic for the environment.
I noticed that I tossed and turned less throughout the night while snoozing on this mattress because my body sort of locked into position once I dozed off. It’s super comfortable and makes me feel like I’m sleeping on a fluffy bread bed! (Dare I say, snug as a bug in a rug?)
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? The only thing that I would change is the weight of the mattress, I wish it was a little lighter. (It currently weighs 158 pounds which is more than me!) This is less about the mattress, but I would really urge Earthfoam to offer white-glove delivery service for a more pain-free experience on that end.
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Coyuchi Natural REM Mattress
- Delivery: Free
- Warranty: 25 years
While Coyuchi is new to the mattress category, they’ve been around as a bedding and textile forward brand since the ‘90s, and you can tell by the quality and intention that went into the brand’s first-ever bed. First off, Coyuchi’s commitment to sustainability is a huge standout to me. I am mindful about the materials I use in my home in hopes that I’m using items that are not only good for the environment but also good for my health. The brand’s all-natural mattress was made with this in mind too, as it is hand-tufted with organic fabrics like wool and latex to help prevent toxic chemicals like flame retardants (yes, they are found in some mattresses!) from seeping into your space.
How the Mattress Compares
I previously had an ultra-firm mattress that I needed to use with a mattress topper to prevent tossing and turning to get comfortable and waking up with pain around my neck and shoulders. It’s safe to say that this Coyuchi mattress has been a huge relief. This is my first go-around with a mattress-in-a-box and I felt completely satisfied sleeping on it from day one. It popped up in seconds after unboxing, but I still gave it about half a day for safe measure to fully expand. After the waiting period, there was no sagging in sight! Night after night, I’ve noticed how well this mattress keeps its shape. Unlike some beds-in-a-box that contour around someone as they’re sleeping to the point that it feels like you’re sinking inside of it, this mattress is supportive and still soft to the touch.
Tester: Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
What do you love about this mattress? This mattress has completely changed my sleep routine. As mentioned, I love that it is made of earth-friendly materials but I am also impressed by how comfortable it is. It has a firm and supportive construction, so I never feel like I’m being absorbed by the mattress. I wouldn’t tell anyone to pass this one up if they like a soft bed, either. It is still cozy to curl up on thanks to its soft cover and filling materials that work to coincide with the encased coils. It’s also a solid 11 inches high and the perfect size for my storage bed frame, so it doesn’t feel too heavy to lift with the hydraulic system or look too bulky for my low-to-the-ground bed frame.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? I am genuinely a fan of this mattress since it is organic, durable, and comfortable, so I don’t have any issues with its construction. This bed hits at $2,000 for a queen size, which is just above the typical price of an affordable mattress on the market and something to keep in mind for a shopper’s budget.
How We Tested
We skip sterile lab setups and get a feel for the best mattress brands out there by testing in-house—literally. We bring the beds in our bedrooms and test them for months and even years to give a thorough and thoughtful review for our readers. We also keep the key factors below in mind:
Comfort: While the build of a mattress can vary, it should always be comfortable to sleep on. Even though some of our editors prefer firm mattresses and others like plush beds, we assessed the options in our list by how supported we felt, how soft the mattress was to curl up on, and how pressure-relieving the mattresses were night after night.
Edge support: Edge control is an important factor to ensure you don’t feel like you’re falling off the bed as you sleep. Editor-favorite mattresses in this list boast strong edges on all sides.
Motion control: Motion control is ideal particularly for those who are sharing a bed with a partner or even a pet. The mattresses in this list have strong motion retention to help keep you from waking up from anyone tossing or turning or getting out of bed in the middle of the night.
Breathability: Hot sleepers know this all too well, but a mattress that doesn’t have temperature regulating qualities can lead to night sweats—especially when the warmer months roll around every year. Keep an eye out for cooling mattress materials like gel-infused memory foam or natural latex for added relief as you rest.
Delivery: Aside from helping you get great rest, a mattress purchase should be as hassle-free as possible. Most leading brands offer free delivery and white glove services, which are helpful notes since mattresses are already a pretty expensive purchase.
Warranty: We selected mattresses with extensive warranties, usually around the 10-year mark at a minimum, to ensure you’re getting the most out of your mattress before it’s time to call it quits.
FAQs
Which type of mattress is the best quality?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach for the best quality mattress types. It really comes down to your sleep preferences. If you’re a side sleeper, a soft mattress made of memory foam will likely be your best bet to gently cradle your side. Hybrid mattresses are usually best for combination sleepers to cater to their ever-changing sleep positions. And to be expected, hot sleepers will want to look for beds with features like a cooling cover to keep them comfortable as they sleep.
How much should I spend on a mattress?
There is a wide price range you’ll find for mattresses, typically anywhere from $500 to upwards of $4,500 for a queen size. And while a steeper price isn’t the end all be all when it comes to the best quality, you will often find more custom features in options with a higher price tag. For example, Sessums’ Ostermoor Bedford mattress (which costs about $4,200 for a queen) features a durable design with thousands of pocketed coils and layers of chemical-free foam layers paired with thoughtful design details like a standout blue-and-white ticking pattern. If you’re not someone who needs all the bells and whistles, you can aim for a lower or mid-price point mattress and still get everything you need for great sleep.
Do I need a box spring for my mattress?
In short, it totally depends. Most mattresses today are made to work without a box spring and can be simply placed on the slats of a bed frame. Just be sure to read the fine print about your bed in case there are any specific frame types that you should shop. And, if you’re in need of a few suggestions on that front, check out our editors’ favorite bed frames.