Our Top Picks: The 8 Best Mattress in 2018
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A high quality mattress should be on the top of the list of anybody serious about improving life’s quality, as it’s one of the best investments you can make. But there’s one question you’ll need to answer first: what is the best mattress? Even though good sleep is one of the key elements for a healthy life and a higher degree of happiness, only few people are willing to spend more than a hundred dollars on a good mattress. Part of the problem is that there are hundreds of choices, and identifying the best beds through mattress reviews can be a confusing and frustrating process. Every year brings new beds, technologies and trends claiming to be the best. Though it can be a lot to keep up with if you haven’t bought a mattress in a while, consumer mattress reviews remain one helpful gauge of potential satisfaction and a useful tool for comparing different beds. First-hand knowledge on a product from someone who’s used it day after day is
indispensable.
Curious about who has the best beds this year and which brands are duds? See which models have the best mattress reviews in 2018 in the guide below.
Have you always wanted to try a memory foam mattress but are worried about finding a balance between comfort and support? Online retailer Nectar strives to incorporate both into their mattress, all while cutting out middlemen and providing their product at an affordable price point (which is one of the reasons this model is in our best overall picks). The company is driven to help people get their best rest. An impressive 365-day sleep trial and a Forever Warranty means there is virtually no risk in trying out their product and that they stand behind it.
Nectar’s memory foam bed is delivered to your front door rolled up into a bag with handles for easier transport through your house to the bedroom. If you prefer, the company will also arrange an optional White Glove Delivery service to have your mattress professionally unwrapped and installed. This mattress is compatible with practically all foundations, including platforms, divans, boxsprings, slatted frames, and adjustable bases. If you choose, you can buy a foundation designed specifically for Nectar through the company’s website, and this foundation is also covered by a Forever Warranty. The cover is made from durable long-staple cotton and Tencel, an eco-friendly, bed bug resistant fabric that promotes airflow and temperature regulation. It is fully removable, which is great if it needs to be spot cleaned. Quilted into the cover is a 1-inch layer of breathable gel memory foam that gives the top of the bed a luxuriously plush feel that also works to reduce heat retention. On the underside of the cover, there are small bumps that act like little grips to help prevent the mattress from sliding around on its frame, which is especially nice for adjustable base set-ups. Overall, the bed is 11 inches thick with the following layers beneath the gel-quilted cover. The first layer is 3 inches of Nectar’s LushFoam™, a gel memory foam that contours to your body’s curves. The gel helps keep the temperature of the bed regulated.
The second layer is 1.5 inches of Adaptive Hi Core Memory Foam that has a much quicker response time than previous layers and a firmer feel. It helps to support the body’s weight and eases the transition from the comfort layers to the supportive base.
The base layer is 5.5 inches of high-density foam, which the company refers to as a High Vegetable Base Super Core. It provides support to the body and creates a sturdy and durable foundation to the mattress.
Nectar scored 6 to 6.5 out of 10, with 10 being the firmest in the firmness scale. This places it in the versatile medium range that will accommodate a lot of different sleeping needs and preferences. One of the first things you notice about Nectar is how plush and soft the quilted cover feels while giving you an extra layer of pressure-relieving memory foam. Lying down on the bed, you will feel your entire body slowly sink into the upper layers for a deep hug. These comfort layers are slow responding, unlike the quicker-responding layers at the base. The bottom two layers are noticeably firmer, and the brand has done a nice job of combining pressure relief and comfort with support. It is also important to note that even lighter parts of the body sink in comfortably, creating a nice uniform feel to lying down. Though mattresses that cradle your body can sometimes retain heat, Nectar’s cooling features, like the gel and breathable cover, will help keep you from sleeping hot. As with most memory beds, there is not a deep bounce. Though the foam is slow-responding and there is a deeper hug, you likely will not experience that “trapped feeling.” This can be important if you are a combination sleeper who tends to rotate between sleeping positions or value ease of repositioning. Overall, the balance of firmness in the foams and cradling pressure relief will suit a range of different sleeping preferences and needs. Back sleepers will appreciate this bed’s supportive contouring in their lumbar region while the high-density base foam keeps their spine in alignment. Side sleepers will benefit from the uniform pressure relief. Stress that side sleepers often experience because their weight is concentrated on a smaller surface area will be comfortably relieved in this mattress. Most stomach sleepers will notice how this bed cradles their hips without letting them dip too deep, which is often a source of back pain for stomach sleepers who do not have adequate support. That said, significantly heavier people might want to look at a firmer option to ensure they have enough support.
Memory foam really shines in the motion transfer category because it has minimal bounce and tends to absorb movement without letting it travel across the bed. This is advantageous for couples who sleep light and want to be able to move around in bed without disturbing their partners. The Nectar excels in the motion transfer category, as expected from the materials used in its construction!
On the other hand, edge support is something you may want to consider if you sleep with a partner and need to occupy a greater surface area. Edge support while lying or sitting on the edge can be important to some people, but not to all. Bed-in-a-box models don’t tend to have edge support as their strong suit, and Nectar is pleasantly surprising when lying down on the edge. It feels supportive and not at all like you will roll out of the bed. However, when sitting on the edge with weight even more concentrated in a smaller space, there is some compression.
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (dollars) |
| Twin | 39” x 72” x 11” | 550 |
| Twin XL | 39” x 80” x 11” | 600 |
| Full | 55” x 74” x 11” | 720 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 11” | 850 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 11” | 950 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 11” | 950 |
Copper may not be the first thing you imagine when you are dreaming of a comfortable new bed, but we think it’s a really “cool” addition to memory bed technology. Layla’s unique dual-sided copper-infused memory bed promotes temperature regulation while supplying amazing pressure relief. Our in-depth Layla mattress review showcases a company that places a high value on using copper for its conductivity and supportive features and a brand that backs up their product with a Lifetime Warranty. With Layla, you are essentially getting two for the price of one: Medium-Soft on one side if you want a softer pressure-relieving sleep, or flip it over and try out the Firm for a more supportive feel. This versatile bed and its proprietary gels in the cover and highly conductive copper in the foams can give you the deep-hugging comfort of memory beds with much less heat retention compared to similar brands.
Layla is a memory bed-in-a-box option that works with a variety of different foundations or slatted bed frames and is adjustable base compatible. There is a foundation designed specifically for this mattress available through the company’s website. The fully-removable cover has a top that is a polyester/viscose/lycra blend infused with cooling ThermoGel®, which is activated when it comes into contact with moisture. These soft and durable materials are noticeably cooler to the touch. The 100% polyester base of the cover does not have the same cooling properties, so if you flip the bed to the Firm side, you will want to unzip and flip the cover as well. The cover also can be dry cleaned, which is a great feature, and replacement covers are available for purchase through the website. The first layer is 3 inches of copper-infused memory foam for contouring and comfort. Copper, which is both antimicrobial and a highly efficient heat conductor, helps keep the mattress cool and germ-free. In addition, the copper cells in the foam firm up under pressure so that heavy parts of the body receive both pressure relief and additional support from this unique material.
The second layer is 2 inches of convoluted support foam, which resemble what we recognize as an egg crate shape. This layer promotes airflow that helps the temperature of the mattress remain regulated while providing additional pressure relief and support.
The third layer is a 4.5-inch thick foam that forms the mattress’ foundation and delivers Layla’s main source of support for the sleeper. The fourth layer is a 1-inch layer of the same copper-infused foam used in the first layer that provides contouring and comfort when the mattress is flipped over.
Layla is delivered with the Medium-Soft foams facing up, and we scored this at a 4 out of 10 on our firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest. Flipping it over, the Firm side scored a 7 out 10. On both sides, Layla offers a classic memory bed feel that cradles the body’s curves while providing good support. If you wake up on firmer mattresses feeling pain in pressure points like your hips, back, and knees, you will likely love waking up in memory foam. The pressure relief of this product truly excels, especially on the Medium-Soft side. Like many beds in the memory space, there is next to no bounce. That said, the response time – or the amount of time the foam requires to regain its shape once pressure is released – is relatively quick compared to other memory beds, but does not snap immediately back into place, and your weight is well-supported by the base foam. The Medium-Soft foams really cradle your body in a deep and cozy hug. Either side of Layla will accommodate a variety of sleep positions, however, if you are an active sleeper and ease of repositioning is exceptionally important to you, you may want to try the Firm side for additional ease of repositioning. Most back sleepers should feel comfortable on the bed’s Medium-Soft foams where the additional memory materials will hug the curve of the lower back while the base layer of foam supports good spine alignment. That said, someone who is substantially heavier may sink too deep in the Medium-Soft foams and sleep more comfortably on the Firm. Stomach sleepers will probably prefer the Firm side of this mattress because their hips may sink too deeply into the Medium-Soft side, which can cause the spine to fall out of neutral alignment. Significantly lighter stomach sleepers, however, may be adequately supported by the Medium-Soft side. Side sleepers will feel exceptionally well-accommodated on the Medium-Soft side, which really delivers pressure relief to the hips and shoulders. Side sleepers tend to experience additional pressure because their body weight is concentrated on a smaller surface area. Overall, Layla is a really versatile mattress that can deliver benefits for a wide range of body types and sleep preferences.
Layla really delivers in motion isolation, where memory foam beds are known to perform extremely well. Jumping or simply getting in and out of bed produces a very minimal transfer of movement from one part to the other.
This is important to consider for couples who sleep light and have different sleeping schedules. You should sleep undisturbed by your partner moving around in this bed.
This bed holds up really well in the edge support category compared to other memory products. There is some compression that is noticeable when you are sitting on the edge, but when lying on the side, you will not feel like you’re going to roll out. This is due to the 4.5 inches of support foam to the acting base layer. If you share your bed, you probably occupy more of the bed’s surface area, which means you will want to make sure the bed’s support holds up, even at the edges.
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (dollars) |
| Twin | 38” x 74” x 10” | 499 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 10” | 599 |
| Full | 54” x 74” x 10” | 799 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 10” | 899 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 11” | 999 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 11” | 999 |
Have you narrowed down your new mattress search to a coil and foam mix? Nest Bedding’s Alexander Signature Hybrid offers an ultra-luxurious, sleek design, and fantastic performance. The brand claims to have “the most innovative copper infused foam on the planet,” as well as a Lifetime Warranty and a Lifetime Comfort Guarantee.
Have off-gassing sensitivities. Like most products with memory materials, there is a short window of time where the product airs out and has a slight smell. This is over in a matter of a day or two and is to be expected. The bed will be completely odorless afterward.
This Nest Bedding model is a hybrid mattress designed to be used with non-flexible bases, such as closely slatted frames, platforms, and adjustable bases. The brand offers their own products on their website. The mattress is compressed and shipped in a box, although you would never be able to tell after the packaging is removed and it fully expands. It is 13 inches thick with durable layers. There are handles on the side panels, which is an amazing feature that we rarely see on mattresses – and they make repositioning their product so much more convenient. The non-removable cover has a natural feel since it is made out of a cotton and polyester blend. It has 1.5 inches of gel-infused memory foam and uses Thermic Phase Change Cooling Fabric. It is quilted and specifically designed to enhance the airflow for all the foams and to relieve pressure between the bed and the body. The first layer beneath the cover is designed for cooling and comfort. It is 1.5 inches thick, made out of Titanium EverCool foam. The second layer consists of 1.5 inches of copper-infused Energex foam. Since copper is a heat conductor, it pulls heat away from the body and helps keep the surface cooled off.
The third layer is 1 inch of SmartFlow foam. It acts as a transitional layer that helps with support and cooling. The fourth layer is made out of 8 inches of Quantum® Edge pocketed coils. They ensure deep compression support. The fifth layer is a 1.8 pound per cubic foot dense foam to support the levels above.
The mattress has three firmness levels. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest), you can choose between their Plush at 2.5 to 3, the Medium at 4 to 4.5, or their Luxury Firm at 8.5 to 9.
The medium version reviewed here offers a balanced amount of support, sinkage, and contouring. When compared to other products, there is a shallower sinkage in this model, but it still provides a comfortable contour. To the touch, the top has a premium, soft feel. The quality of the materials is evident. The brand has done a lot to ensure a cool night’s sleep. Not only does the bed have coils (which are very well-known for airflow), but all of the comfort levels have elements that work together to provide cooling. This is something to consider if you typically sleep hot but like memory materials. In addition, coils provide much better bounce than all-foam mattresses, and this model has a plenty of bounce to it. While the memory layer has slower responsiveness, there is a quick responsiveness when the other levels are engaged. By not sinking as far into the mattress, having a relatively quick response time, and high levels of bounce, repositioning can be navigated with ease. We think this bed is especially good for back and stomach sleepers due to the springs that are very supportive and help with spinal alignment. Because there is less sinkage, these positions feel more supported. There should not be any neck/back pain or uncomfortable bowing of the spine. Side sleepers will massively benefit from the top comfort layers, which will relieve classic pressure points in their shoulders and hips. In addition, the springs add proper alignment. If this were an all-foam mattress, we might recommend the Luxury Firm version for significantly heavier sleepers. However, the coils are strong and we feel that this option is very versatile for all weights and sleeping positions. Likewise, significantly heavier side sleepers may consider the Plush option, as it has increasingly effective comfort layers.
If you toss and turn in bed during the night and have a partner, motion transfer is important to consider. For sleepers who are not easily disturbed, it is not such a big issue. Memory foam beds are the best when it comes to motion isolation. Due to this model’s construction, there is slightly more motion transfer. However, motion transfer is extremely limited and the individually wrapped coils help to isolate it. In combination with the comfort layers, there is relatively low motion transfer – especially for a bed with bounce and coils in it.
The Quantum® Edge coils provide solid edge support while sitting and lying on the side of the mattress. While not everyone uses these positions, good edge support is a selling point for those who do. While there is a little bit of compression in top layers while sitting and lying down, the coil layer is very sturdy. You should feel well-supported along the edge and not roll out (like you can with some foam mattresses).
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (dollars) |
| Twin | 39” x 75” x 13” | 799 |
| Twin XL | 39” x 80” x 13” | 899 |
| Full | 54” x 75”x 13” | 1,099 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 13” | 1,199 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 13” | 1,499 |
| Split King-1 side only | 38” x 80” x 13” | 899 |
| Split King- Both sides | 76” x 80” x 13” | 1,799 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 13” | 1,499 |
Casper launched in 2014 with the goal of modernizing the sleep industry and has become one of the most recognizable names in the bed-in-a-box industry. Their all-foam bed is one of the most comfortable we have found for the widest variety of sleep preferences. Casper also sells a high-end model, The Wave, and an entry-level model, The Essential, but for this review, we will discuss the original Casper based on our scoring system, which evaluates characteristics like support, pressure relief, motion transfer, and quality.
Want an innerspring feel. The all-foam structure is extremely supportive and versatile for a lot of individuals, but it will feel different from beds that incorporate coil systems.
Casper is an all-foam bed that ships straight to your door compressed in a box. As with most all-foam constructions, you will want to use a flat surface, platform, or closely slatted bed frame for best results. Foundations and adjustable bases specially designed for Casper mattresses are available on the company’s website. The cover is made from a durable two-toned polyester with quality stitching that holds well when the fabric is pulled in multiple directions. It is also fully-removable for spot cleaning. Overall, the mattress is 10 inches thick and has four distinct layers. The first layer is 1.5 inches of open-cell proprietary comfort foam that gives the mattress some bounce and breathability to keep the surface from overheating.
The second layer is 1.5 inches of responsive high-density memory foam for pressure relief and motion isolation. Keeping this layer away from the surface helps to keep the trapped heat associated with memory foams away from the body.
The third layer is 1.5 inches of Zoned Support™, a transition layer that is firmer in the center of the bed where your hips are positioned to help with the extra weight that tends to concentrate in this region, but softer around your shoulders and knees, for additional pressure relief. Since your body is getting tailored firmness levels, your spine should remain in neutral alignment.
The fourth layer is a 5-inch layer of dense foam that lends durability, provides support, and creates the overall foundation of the mattress.
On the firmness scale, Casper scored a 6 out of 10, with 10 being the firmest, which we would classify as a medium level of firmness. Beds in this range tend to work best for couples who have differing sleeping preferences as they more versatile. With this mattress, there is slightly less sinkage than expected of brands with a memory foam layer, which is ideal for individuals who prefer to sleep more on top of their mattress. There is also an average bounce for an all-foam product, which is largely due to the top comfort layer and the base layer. The soft cover gives it a cozy feel. Lying down on the mattress, you should feel as if your weight is evenly distributed. With the Zoned Support™, a firmer transition foam under your hips will keep your spine even with your shoulders. Though you will sink in a small amount for pressure relief and a gently cradled feeling, you will not feel stuck. You will sleep more on top of this bed rather than inside it, which, along with the quick-response top, transition layer, and base, will help you to change positions easily. Also, the mattress’ balance of comfort and alignment make it a versatile choice, especially combination sleepers who tend to switch between positions.
Most back sleepers will appreciate the feel of extra support underneath their hips that keep their spine well aligned. The top comfort layer and memory foam will contour nicely into their lumbar region. Most side sleepers will notice the classic pressure relief of memory foam in the second layer and find that the bed conforms nicely to their curves while keeping their spine in neutral alignment. Side sleepers often experience pressure in their hips and shoulders in this position because their weight is concentrated in a smaller area. Most stomach sleepers need a bed that is firm enough so their hips do not sink too low, forcing their spine into an awkward angle. The Zoned Support™ layer really shines for the stomach position by adding extra firmness where it is needed most. Casper is one of the most versatile mattresses we have looked at, and we really think it will be a great choice for a wide spectrum of people and body weights. That said, different body shapes and sizes will experience a mattress differently. Individuals who are significantly heavier may want to upgrade to Casper’s Wave, that will provide extra support and even more advanced zoning features.
All-foam mattresses, especially those with some memory materials, really shine in the category of motion transfer because of its tendency to absorb shock and isolate movement. Though there is an average bounce in this bed, it does not travel to other parts of the mattress or create a disturbance. If you have a partner and worry about disturbing their sleep by rolling over, Casper will be a great choice.
Casper’s edge support is competitive with other all-foam mattresses, performing slightly better than expected for a bed-in-a-box. You will notice some compression when sitting on the side with all of your weight concentrated in one spot, but lying down with your weight more distributed, you should feel well supported, even close to the edge. People who with partners want to maximize the amount of surface space they can use, and beds with more solid edges give you more room to move around.
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (dollars) |
| Twin | 39” x 75” x 10” | 595 |
| Twin XL | 39” x 80” x 10” | 645 |
| Full | 54” x 74” x 10” | 895 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 10” | 995 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 10” | 1,195 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 10” | 1,195 |
Have you ever wanted to try two mattresses for the price and convenience of one? Zenhaven has two firmness levels in one handcrafted mattress – meaning your perfect fit may be one flip away. It is manufactured is by Saatva, a well-known online-only luxury brand. Since the brand offers a 120-day trial period, there is plenty of time to decide which side is right for you, and this product is much less expensive than comparable showroom mattresses.
Want a memory feel. This natural latex bed has more responsiveness than memory foam. However, it also has stronger edge support and stays cooler than traditional memory foam.
Zenhaven is a 10-inch latex mattress designed to be used with a solid platform (not slatted bases). Unlike many other online brands, it is not compressed in a box. A quilted organic cotton cover surrounds the bed. There is a natural look to the cotton as Saatva decided to avoid harmful bleaching agents that would have unified the cover’s color. It shows no sign of weakness when tugging or pulling at the top and sides; the stitching is strong. As there are two distinct sides with different firmness levels – Luxury Plush and Gentle Firm – we will break down the layers on the Luxury Plush side, as this is the side used most by owners. The first layer under the cover is 1 inch of 100% organic New Zealand wool. The wool naturally creates a flame-retardant barrier and absorbs and wicks away moisture. In addition, it helps air circulation and temperature regulation.
The second layer is 1.5-inches of Talalay latex that serves as the proprietary “5-Zone Comfort Layer.” This means that there are separate sections with pinhole designs of different densities that work together to promote spinal alignment and comfort. There is added support in the hip and shoulder regions.
The third layer is 3 inches of Talalay latex that provides enhanced support. It is softer than the next level. The fourth layer is 3 inches of Talalay latex that is firmer than the previous level. After flipping the mattress, this firmer layer provides immediate support for those who need it. The fifth layer is 1.5-inches of Talalay latex that makes up the Gentle Firm side of the bed, which is surrounded by wool. It is firmer than the comfort layer on the Luxury Plush side.
It is important to note that the brand is made with American Talalay latex, which denotes the extensive process the latex undergoes as it transforms from a liquid to solid state. The process creates larger cells and airflow than a less-rigorous Dunlop process, thereby helping with increased temperature regulation and mattress breathability. Since the Talalay process is refined, it produces extremely consistent material that is slightly more expensive. All-natural latex, natural wool, and organic cotton come together to form a luxurious experience for the sleeper. The brand boldly claims that their all-natural latex will outlast all other latex based on durability tests, which the length of their warranty stands behind.
Most people prefer a medium-level of firmness because it accommodates sleepers of nearly every position. This level typically provides a balance of pressure relief and support. As mentioned, there are two different firmness experiences for buyers of this mattress. The brand says the Gentle Firm is 18% firmer than the Luxury Plush. We have rated the Luxury Plush a 4.5 and the Gentle Firm a 7 level of firmness on a 10-point scale with 10 being the firmest. The cotton cover is soft and pleasing to the touch. There is a quick response time after pressing in and releasing. You will lay on top of the bed instead of in it. While lying down, repositioning is easy and there is a slight bounce to each side. Most back sleepers will be comfortable on either side of the mattress due to the proprietary zoning structure. However, they will experience a little more support from the Gentle Firm side, which they may prefer. Side sleepers need to be mindful of having enough pressure relief in the hips and shoulders. Because of this, they will want to try the Luxury Plush side first. The zoning in the second layer adds support to these areas, and there should be adequate pressure relief. Stomach sleepers find added benefit from the Gentle Firm side. It provides more support to the hips and keeps them from sinking into the bed and disrupting spinal alignment. However, most will be comfortable on the Luxury Plush side as well. Significantly heavier back and stomach sleepers may need to try the Gentle Firm side first for additional support so they do not sink too far into the mattress and out of alignment. Significantly heavier side sleepers will want to try Luxury Plush to get the benefits of pressure relief. A huge value in choosing this mattress is the ability to find the firmness level that works best for you. If you decide to try the other side of the bed after delivery, the Zenhaven team will come back to your home and flip the mattress for no additional cost.
Although not quite as advanced as memory foam when it comes to motion transfer, latex beds tend to perform well. While this is not as important for deep or solo sleepers, it is important light sleepers or those easily disturbed by a partner getting up or repositioning during the night. Zenhaven performs exceptionally well as a latex bed in regards to motion isolation. Even though there is a bit of bounce, the effects are minimally transferred throughout the bed.
Unlike many other online-only brands, Zenhaven is not compressed and shipped to your door in a box. While these brands can offer an enhanced level of convenience, oftentimes they miss the mark when it comes to edge support. There are two types to consider when buying – sitting on the edge and lying on the edge. When sitting on the edge, the Zenhaven performs better than foam mattresses and slightly better than other latex beds we have reviewed (see all of our bed reviews). While lying on the bed, the edge support remains satisfactory. There is minimal compression and you should stay in one place instead of feeling forced out of the bed.
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (dollars) |
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 10” | 1,299 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 10” | 1,349 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 10” | 1,699 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 10” | 1,899 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 10” | 2,499 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 10” | 2,499 |
Have you dreamed of purchasing a luxury mattress at a fraction of the cost of in-store models? If the answer is yes, Saatva’s premium beds can make your dreams a reality. The company’s direct-to-consumer model allows them to deliver an exceptional product for less than half the price of similar beds.
Saatva has retailed their innerspring mattresses online since 2010. In addition to their innerspring model, the company sells latex mattresses under the Zenhaven brand and memory foams as Loom & Leaf.
While the company offers three firmness levels, including Saatva Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm, Luxury Firm is their best-selling product and has a medium-level firmness that will please sleepers of almost any position.
Saatva is an innerspring mattress that uses foam to enhance its design. It is available in a 14.5-inch Premier Luxury or 11.5-inch Custom Slim height. Both options offer the same feel. The Custom Slim size can take advantage of adjustable bases, which the company has available for sale on their website.
The non-removable cover is made of organic cotton and hypoallergenic fibers. A pronounced design in the quilting gets tighter in the lumbar region to provide more support. The top is soft and plush to the touch.
Overall, the construction is highly durable. When pulling at the bed, the stitches stay strong and intact.
At its core, there are multiple layers that help this brand stand out from the competition. The Euro-style pillow top’s 1.25-inch layer of foam is stitched in under the cover, aiding with pressure relief.
Below the pillow top, on the center third of the mattress, a unique lumbar area has been created with memory foam. It has a noticeably different feel from the rest of the mattress.
Going deeper, the first layer of coils is revealed under a convoluted foam transition layer. There are 884 individually wrapped 4-inch coils in the queen size that create motion isolation and conform to the body.
The lower layer of 416 connected coils are 7-inch steel hourglass-shaped support coils. They prevent sagging and provide support. In addition, the coil-on-coil design helps with air circulation and gives the bed a good amount of bounce. The bed’s edges are encased in a sturdy, thick foam (which is also found on its base) to deliver enhanced edge support and make every inch of the surface usable.
Most people should find this bed comfortable because it has a medium to medium-firm level of support. A medium-level firmness is comfortable for almost every sleeping position as it balances pressure relief and support, making it an easy choice for couples who need to meet in the middle.
We rated Saatva a 6 on our 10-point firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest. Most buyers choose and rave about the Luxury Firm bed we have reviewed today, but there are Plush Soft and Firm options available.
When pushing straight down into the top, you will feel the soft pillow top before experiencing the cradling and support of the springs beneath. There is a quick response time when removing your hand, which is slightly slower when placing your hand in the lumbar region where the memory foam is stored.
The bed has particularly great reviews from back sleepers. The springs and unique lumbar region provide the right amount of support. Hips dip into it slightly to give back sleepers the proper spine alignment.
There is a slight cradling effect when lying on the mattress. It is easy to move around on and no feelings of being sucked into the bed.
Stomach (belly) sleepers will also be comfortable with this brand. They need adequate support so the back will not arch uncomfortably and fall out of alignment. They will find exactly what they need.
Medium-firm beds can be challenging for side sleepers who need medium to soft support due to pressure relief requirement. However, we believe that the Saatva will be satisfactory for most side sleepers.
The innovation in design means that most people, ranging from heavier to lighter, will have their needs met.
Still, the comfort level for each person is different. Significantly heavier and lighter side sleepers may need to consider the Plush Soft option in order to have proper alignment. A softer bed will allow sleepers to sink down further, which will not only provide the right alignment but pressure relief as well.
Significantly heavier individuals that sleep on their backs or stomachs may need to consider the Firm bed option for more support so they will not sink down too far. However, there is little risk of bottoming out in this bed.
Motion transfer is higher in this bed relative to memory foam beds, which are the best in respect to motion isolation. However, Saatva performs well in this regard when compared to other innerspring mattresses.
While the layer of individually wrapped coils helps to lessen motion transfer, a light sleeper who has a partner may need a different brand.
Saatva blows away the competition in the area of edge support. This is due to its additional layer of firm foam around the sides that provides superior support. When sitting on the edge, there is little sinking into the bed when compared to other brands.
When lying on the edge, sleepers are well-supported. There is virtually no difference in lying on the edge of the bed or the center. If you sleep with a partner and need every inch of space, this is a great feature to consider when buying.
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (dollars) |
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 14.5” | 649 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 14.5” | 699 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 14.5” | 899 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 14.5” | 999 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 14.5” | 1,399 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 14.5” | 1,399 |
Focused on technology, the founders of Nolah wanted to replace what they saw as outdated memory foam and latex materials. Their 20 years of combined experience in the sleep field led them to creating Nolah Air Foam™, a proprietary material that stays temperature neutral and reduces pressure on hips, shoulders, and backs.
The company claims their new material is “better than memory foam and latex,” which makes for an interesting claim to explore!
Are a heavier sleeper. People who are significantly heavier back or stomach sleepers may need to consider another mattress to aid proper alignment.
Nolah is an all-foam mattress based on the latest advances in technology. It is made to be placed on a flat surface, such as a platform, box spring, floor, or closely slatted bed.
The trendy two-tone cover is made of natural Viscose fibers that have a soft, plush feel to the touch. The Viscose wicks moisture away from the body and helps to regulate body heat. Besides, the cover zips off for easy cleaning.
Under the cover, there are three foam layers that make up the bed’s 10-inch height. The top layer is made of 2-inch proprietary Nolah AirFoam™. Similar beds on the market are made with latex and memory foam, which the company claims are dated materials from the 1920s and 1970s, respectively.
Their technological research and innovations led to the creation of the exclusive material, which is cooler than memory foam infused with cooling gel. It is 100% temperature neutral. In addition, the brand says that it is more durable than latex.
The second layer consists of 1-inch latex-like support foam. This serves as a transition layer from the top to bottom layer.
The third layer is 7-inch high-density polyurethane base. This sturdy level provides the support and structure of the mattress. Its thickness and density helps to even out the softness of the top two layers.
A medium-level firmness means that most positions should feel supported and enjoy a comfortable night’s rest. This level of firmness has pressure relief and support, making it great for almost anyone, as well as couples with differing needs.
This mattress has a medium-level firmness. We have rated it a 4.5 to 5 out of 10 on our firmness scale with 10 being the firmest.
It is important to note that Nolah is slightly less firm than others on the market. Overall, Nolah’s construction ensures that you will feel gently cradled but not sink down so far that you are sleeping inside the bed. It will get softer over time, so keep that in mind when buying or taking advantage of the trial period.
While pushing into the top of the Nolah, you will feel the soft Viscose cover and the 2-inch foam layer. The experience is similar to memory foam in feel. The mattress’ responsiveness when pushing into it and releasing is in the middle of traditional slow memory foam and the quick elasticity of latex.
As previously mentioned, Nolah works wonders for side sleepers. The company touts stats about offering four times less pressure on hips, shoulders, and back areas than other beds, which is a top priority for those on their sides.
Back and stomach sleepers will typically find the support they need to be comfortable with their alignment.
However, significantly heavier individuals who sleep on their back or stomach may need to consider another mattress. The bed’s plush feel may not offer the necessary support from sinking into the bed.
If you are considering this brand, it is a low-risk investment due to the 120-day trial period that includes free shipping and pick-up.
Unlike traditional beds that have inexpensive innersprings and continuous coils, foam and memory beds are wonderful when it comes to motion transfer. Nolah is no exception. There is virtually no motion transfer on this bed.
While motion transfer is not important to everyone, it can be essential to light sleepers with partners or pets. Nolah performs slightly above average to comparable beds in regards to edge support.
As to be expected of foam beds, you will sink down deeper than sitting on innersprings while sitting on the edge. Most of your time will be spent sleeping on the mattress, so this is a minor detail for most buyers.
While lying down on the edge, the bottom layer of polyurethane offers firm support. You will not roll off the mattress, but stay comfortably in place. This is crucial for individuals who sleep on or near the edge.
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (dollars) |
| Twin | 39” x 75” x 10” | 549 |
| Twin XL | 39” x 80” x 10” | 649 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 10” | 799 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 10” | 949 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 10” | 1,069 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 10” | 1,069 |
Are you in the market for luxury but don’t think you can find it a bed-in-a-box brand? Are you convinced that you will always sleep too hot on foam?
Veteran brand Brooklyn Bedding has introduced the Brooklyn Aurora as its high-end hybrid that combines coils and foam. With an incredible amount of quality at a fraction of the cost you would pay in a retail store, we really think it stands out among other bed-in-a-box brands, as it has fantastic cooling capabilities.
Want an all foam feel. The pressure-relieving foams of this mattress are supported by a base layer of pocketed coils, which give it a higher bounce that helps you change positions and an improved airflow that allows the bed to sleep cooler, compared to some all-foam brands.
The Brooklyn Aurora is a luxury hybrid that is compressed into a box and shipped to your home. The mattress has handles on the side for easy placement and can be used on a variety of foundations including platforms, slatted frames, adjustable bases, and box springs. Foundations especially designed for the brand’s mattresses can be purchased on the company’s website.
The cover’s top is made from a cotton blend with technology that the company calls phase-change thermo knitting, which adapts to your body heat and helps to keep the surface temperature-regulated. It has a soft and luxurious feel that is noticeably cool to the touch.
In total, the hybrid has a thickness of 13 inches. The first layer is a 1.5-inch layer of copper gel Energex™ foam with TitanCool™ technology. This quick-responding layer provides pressure relief that does not overheat because the highly conductive gel helps to transfer heat away from the body.
The second layer is 2 inches of hyper-elastic TitanFlex™, which is the company’s latex-alternative that is extremely strong and will not pose a problem for sleepers with latex allergies. It provides additional contouring with added bounce.
The third layer is a 1-inch swirl visco-elastic memory foam, which forms a transitional layer between foam and support coils and helps to elevate the mattress’ motion isolation. It has a gel infusion for further cooling.
The fourth layer is made from 8-inch Quantum edge pocketed coils that provide edge-to-edge support, durability, and stability. Coils along the sides of the mattress are reinforced for additional structural integrity in the edges. The fifth layer is a 1-inch base layer of foam that forms the bed’s foundation underneath the coils.
The Brooklyn Aurora scored the Medium option of this mattress at a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest. The company offers two other firmness levels, the Soft and the Firm, which they’ve scored at 3 and 7, respectively.
With a high-end hybrid design, the Brooklyn Aurora really delivers all the best features of both foam and coils, incorporating top-of-the-line pressure relief and support. At 13 inches high, the bed feels substantial and sturdy compared to some thinner models.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the cover is cool to the touch and soft. Lying down, you will notice some sinkage through the first three foam layers that give this mattress a gently cradling cloud-like feel.
Aurora’s materials do not allow you to sink too deep and most are quick responding, so you will not feel stuck. The Quantum coil unit offers a good, deep bounce and support, and hyper-elastic TitanFlex™ adds some additional bounce in the comfort layers. Both the quick response of the materials and the bounce make for easier repositioning.
Back sleepers will benefit from the foam’s contouring in their lumbar region while still experiencing the spine-aligning support of pocketed coils.
Side sleepers, who tend to sleep with their weight concentrated onto a smaller surface area, are particularly prone to pressure in their hips and shoulders, the heaviest points of most bodies. This bed will cradle these points for excellent pressure relief, while the supportive coils will keep the spine well-aligned. Side sleepers who need additional pressure relief may consider trying the Soft option of this bed.
Stomach sleepers tend to experience the most sinkage in their hips, which can create an uncomfortable dip that misaligns their spine. Most stomach sleepers will be well supported by the hybrid’s Medium option, but those with heavier weight considerations may want to try out the Firm option.
Both the height and support features make this hybrid an excellent choice for sleepers who are significantly heavier because there is not as much risk of bottoming out compared to some other bed-in-a-box brands.
If you sleep with a partner and one or both of you sleep light, you will want to look at a bed’s performance in the motion transfer category.
Brooklyn Aurora performs pretty well with motion transfer and this is owed to the layer of memory foam and the pocketed coils. Memory foam has an excellent reputation for absorbing movement, and wrapping each coil individually helps to ensure that motion does not transfer from one coil to the next. There is slightly more motion transfer than an all-foam or memory foam bed, but that is to be expected of a bed with coils.
The Brooklyn Aurora really excels with edge support, especially when compared to other bed-in-a-box options. An edge-to-edge coil system that is reinforced with stronger coils along the sides helps to ensure your body weight is well-supported whether you are sleeping in the bed’s center or the edge. Even with your weight concentrated in a sitting position, you will feel the strong support of the coils underneath you.
Couples take up more surface space, so stronger edge support can be even more beneficial for partners who need to use a larger area of the bed.
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (dollars) |
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 13” | 999 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 13” | 1,199 |
| Full | 53” x 75” x 13” | 1,499 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 13” | 1,699 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 13” | 1,999 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 13” |
1,999 |
Overall, there’s no such thing as the “ultimate mattress” that will suit everyone in every situation. We have to consider the age, sleeping position, medical conditions and other preferences to be able to choose a particular type, material, and ultimately the mattress brand. We’re hoping that this guide was comprehensive enough for you to make your choice now. Research a bit more if you have to, read some reviews and comparisons to get a clear picture.
Co-founder of Counting Sheep and Sleepaholic