Category: reviews

Do you remember the feeling when you have to get up in the middle of the night to drink water or go to the bathroom, but you have to turn on the light and then by the time you go back to bed you are awake, and you can’t seem to fall back asleep again? I know right, worst feeling ever!   

That is why our smart inventors came up with a brilliant idea – nightlight. Believe it or not, it was first invented in the 1960s because one inventor believed it would help his child to feel more secure. Even though decades have passed since then, many people use it for the same purpose.   

Most parents decide to buy it for their little ones who are scared of the dark or being alone. Also, it is very practical when you have guests over because they won’t trip over something or hit their little toe on the corner of the table and we know how painful that is. Even places that are public, like theaters, have built-in lights to ensure that emergency routes are visible.  

Since this is something that became a necessity in every household, you can find it in any size or shape from standard plugins to toys which have a light that is built in and projectors. Depending on the model prices might vary but usually, you can find a nightlight which costs below 30 dollars. Although there are many benefits to using this kind of a gadget, you should also pay attention to safety measures due to some risk factors for consumers.  

Today we will talk about the best nightlights for kids, giving you our top picks and also providing you with a buyer’s guide to know on what you should pay attention. Firstly, let’s see what the usual designs are.  

Nightlight Typical Designs and Features  

According to a definition of a nightlight, it should produce a soft and calming glow which will not interfere with your sleep cycle. Studies have shown that nightlight helps kids fall asleep easier and reduces their fear of night or darkness. Also, it is of great help to parents who have a newborn or toddler and have to check on them because they can continue sleeping even if the nightlight was turned on due to its soothing effect.  

Nightlights are light fixtures that are made for bulbs that are incandescent, halogen or CFL and LED lights. We will now review the differences between these choices.  

1. Incandescent bulb – Is an electric light bulb that works by means of incandescent – meaning when the filament gets heated to a specific temperature it emits light. The wattage is 60, and it can last 1000-2000 h, but it’s hot to touch, causing burns on your skin if touched directly. The cost is around 2 dollars or less than that.  
2. Halogen bulb – Is similar to an incandescent bulb that uses a gas called halogen that makes a chemical reaction with tungsten that has evaporated preventing it from sticking to the glass. The wattage is 60 and it can last 3600 h but it’s very hot to touch, even causing burns on your carpet, that is why it is usually made with quartz. The Cost is from 1 dollar to 3 dollars.  
3. CFL – is a compact fluorescent light that is made for energy saving and cost-friendly purposes. The light is emitted due to a combination of phosphors that emit one band of color individually that are all in range of ultraviolet light. The wattage is from 13 to 18, and it can last 6000-8000 h. Regarding the heat it is quite similar to an incandescent bulb, it will burn your skin if it is in direct contact. The cost is 2 dollars or less which is quite affordable compared with the strength you get.
4. LED – is a light emitting diode that gets the light solely due to electrons that move through a semiconductor material. This kind of system is called electroluminescence. The wattage is 10, and it can last 15 000- 30 000 h but unlike other lights due to a different way of transmitting the light, it doesn’t cause any burns, and the heat is minimal, not to mention the energy saving you’ll get plus it lasts longer than. The cost is from 3 dollars to 6 dollars.  

You could already guess that LED exceeds the needs of consumers even though it is a bit more expensive compared to the rest of them, but it is worth it. It doesn’t need as much energy as it is made in a different way. Since the heat is much lower you won’t have to worry about your kids hurting or burning themselves if they get up during the night or if you have to check up on them. It is essential, however, to keep in mind that led lights that are used for nightlight to use smaller diodes so, the strength and their life capacity is lower than average (approximately 1000-3000).   

Actually, the nightlights that are electroluminescence based do not contain a light bulb at all. The light is produced when the material reacts to the flow of the electrical current that it is attached to.   

In the early production the nightlight had a switch to turn it on and off, but nowadays you can get various types. For example, you can get those that contain sensors that turn on as soon as they sense motion or the ones that have a built-in timer so you can set up the time you want it to turn on and off automatically.   

We should also mention that most nightlights are not bed-friendly so it is not recommendable to let kids sleep with them.  

Here are the types of nightlights that consumers found the most practical: 

1. The ones that are portable – Like the title already says, the practicality of this source of light is that you can take it anywhere and everywhere since it runs on batteries so, it can be recharged easily. On the downside, the availability is limited, and the price is a bit higher than average. The lowest price is around 10 dollars, and it can go up to 40 dollars.  
2. The ones that are plug-in based – Usually the association with a nightlight is this system, and logically we should ‘plug it’ into some electrical outlet. The great thing about this type is that it is highly accessible meaning that more often than not you can find it in your local shop and at an affordable price (up to 10 dollars or lower). On the downside, it is necessary to be connected to an outlet, and if you use an incandescent type of light, it might damage textile materials due to high heat.   
3. The ones that are tabletop models – These are great if you want a light to stand on your nightstand or close to your bed. You can get ones that come with their own stand, lampshade, and pullcord or the ones that just stand alone. It can be connected to an electrical outlet or draw energy from batteries, depending on your needs/preferences. Due to these factors, it could be a great choice of reading light for kids instead of a typical tabletop lamp. Also, the price and availability are consumer friendly since the price can be found for less than 20 dollars and you can easily buy it in the usual shops. On the downside, depending on the softness of light, it can disrupt your or child’s sleep cycle, and it might be necessary to use electric outlet depending on the model.  
4. The ones that work as a projector – This system is great if your kids like to fall asleep with soothing images since it provides just that. The images can be chosen depending on the model, and it can be projected on the ceiling or wall. Also, you can find baby nightlight projector with soothing music to help your little ones fall asleep easier and faster. The price range is lower than 20 dollars. The only downside is that sometimes images might not be visible if the projector is located too close or too far.   
5. The ones that are built in toys – The big perk of this nightlight is the security. Since the light is built in the stuffed toy, it gives kids who are scared of dark maximum comfort so they can get a good night sleep. Guess what? It is the only model that is made especially for newborns and infants, so, it is bed friendly, and it runs on batteries. Of course, with this kind of advantage, there is a price to be paid. So, the downside is that the cost is higher compared to others ranging from 20 dollars to 40 dollars and the availability is limited. 

Our Picks for Best Nightlights  

Multi – Color Nightlight by Maxxima – The Best Value  

The great thing about this product is that it has multi-functions as well as the price range that is pretty affordable. They offer two products for around 11 dollars. Also, what makes it practical is that it uses LED bulbs and it can last around 100 000 h. Maxxima’s Multi-Color Nightlight produces light in white colors, red and blue and it’s very easy to use because, on the front of the nightlight, you have a switch that can be used for turning the light on and off as well as changing the colors.  

Some research says that the most soothing light is the red one and it doesn’t give any negative impact. It is light that is soft enough for your kids but bright enough for you to be able to move around, but it might be a problem if you prefer to have more light. That is why you have other colors to solve this problem.  

Also, what is cool about it is that it offers sensors that are automatic and unless another source of light appears it will stay turned on. Due to its practical size, it is an excellent choice for people who want to use it in hallways. You can be assured that all three options for color, would help your kids feel less scared and more comfortable to fall asleep.   

Maxxima offers a warranty of one year in case something happens to your nightlight.  

Recommended for: 

• People who have newborns and toddlers   
• People whose house has hallways that are really dark   
• People who have someone in their family who is scared of the dark   

 

Key Points: 

• One year warranty   
• Uses plugin system
• Variety of light choices
• Automatic sensor nightlight  

 

Gummy Bear Nightlight by Gummygoods – Best portable nightlight  

This light will excite your inner child. I don’t know about you but I was a big fan of gummy bear sweets as a kid, and I think kids still love them. So, I was happy to know that somebody else shared that joy and made a gummy bear that you can have and not be tempted to eat them.  This light not only is a fun and creative way to embellish your room but it is practical in many ways.   

Firstly, it is portable and bed friendly, that means it is completely safe for your kid to carry it around and snuggle with it during the night. It contains a LED light that is built inside of this bear made of rubber, so with the squeeze of his little tummy the light will be activated, and the light is ambient only but that works great cause the bear comes in five colors to choose from – pink, red, purple, blue and green. Also, if you wish you can hang it on the wall or just put it to stand on your night table.  

Secondly, it contains a timer that works in two ways -a timer that is infinite meaning it will stay on unless you squeeze it to turn off, and a timer that lasts 1h and then automatically turns off. These options will work with any needs that your child has.  

And lastly (although I’m sure you’ll find many benefits than stated) it comes with a battery – low indicator. Gummygoods Gummy Bear Nightlight will blink twice, and after 30 seconds, you can replace batteries. Since it is a portable nightlight, it runs on two AA batteries only. It is safe for your kids as you need a coin-shaped tool or the coin itself to open the battery compartment. If you want, you can get a port for charging on the wall, but it depends on the model. 

Gummygoods offer a warranty of 90 days.  

Recommended for: 

• Kids who prefer a toy-like huggable nightlight   
• Newborns and toddlers  
• Children who need a bit more time to fall asleep  

 

Key Points: 

• Variety of body color choices  
• A portable nightlight  
• Warranty of 90 days  

 

Slumber Buddies by Summer Infant – The Best Projector Nightlight  

The advantage of Slumber Buddies Projector Nightlight is that it doesn’t look like a nightlight at all so you can rest assured that your kids will feel safe next to it. Why do we say that? The design looks just like an ordinary plush toy, but it is not.  

It has a plastic shell on the back that has starry shapes engraved, and it projects them when it’s turned on. You have various models like a hippo, bee, elephant, lamb and a butterfly and you can choose between amber nightlight colors, green or blue light. Pretty great range of choices.  

In addition to all of that, you have recorded nature sounds and five lullabies: Heart beats, Hush little baby, Frolic Rhodes, Brahm’s lullaby and Babbling Brook. They will make your little ones feel calm even if the outside world is a bit noisy. You also have an option to choose your preferred volume level from the three levels that are available.  

If your kid still doesn’t have a fixed sleeping pattern and needs more time before he/she hits the dreamland, no need to worry this projector nightlight contains an automatic shut off program that will shut down in 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes.   

Unfortunately, the lights cannot be manually changed if they stop working, but you don’t have to worry as Summer Infant offers one year warranty. It is portable, bed-friendly, and it uses three AAA batteries. This plush nightlight weighs only one pound, so it is pretty light to any child (of course newborns are the exception).  

Recommended for: 

• Newborns and toddlers who have trouble falling asleep
• Active kids who want to play in the middle of the night (it will be entertaining enough for them to fall asleep to)
• Children who like to listen to lullabies before sleep  

 

Key Points: 

• Variety of models and light choices
• Variety of lullabies
• One year warranty
• Portable nightlight  

 

The Rest by Hatch Baby – The Most Innovative Nightlight  

If you are interested in a new gadget and find typical nightlights boring, look no further this nightlight can be controlled by –wait for it- your phone and you don’t need to be in the room to do it. It is a great way to adjust settings how you want without disrupting your kids’ sleep while you enter their room.

 

They understand that most parents of very young children can’t get enough of sleep so that is why they designed a nightlight that will promote healthy circadian rhythm and production of melatonin. The best thing about this product is how customizable it is. There are a variety of colors, patterns and sounds to choose from and you can adjust all of it from brightness to hues and the volume. Also, you get a free app to do all that with. If you feel like you need a decorative nightlight, it is good to know that you can even accessorize it how you want with coverlets that have interesting and creative patterns and they are sold in the set of three. If you suddenly want to make some additional changes after you finish accessorizing but worry that everything you did will be lost, you will be glad to hear that you can save multiple favorite settings. 

One consumer recommended that you should try to help kids learn which color is their cue to get up, as it will save you the trouble of going to their room. It is not only good for parents who have older children to help them gain the sleep and morning routine, but also for new moms who struggle with breastfeeding, providing soothing sounds to help your little ones feel safe and more comfortable during their feeding time.  

Because Hatch Baby Rest uses high technology, this would be a good choice for people who are willing to expand their budget to enjoy the privileges that go with it, and they offer one year warranty.  

Recommended for: 

• Newborns and toddlers  
• Kids who are scared of the dark  
• Kids who like to fall asleep to the sound of white noise machines  

 

Key Points: 

• High-tech system and design   
• Unique nightlight with an app control system  
• Warranty of one year  

 

VAVA Baby Nightlight by VAVA – Our Editor’s Choice  

Is a cute egg-shaped nightlight that produces very soft light and it is very convenient, especially for babies. But don’t let that simple design fool you, it uses just as much of high technology as the previous model, in a different way. The use is pretty simple – if you wish to adjust the softness tap at the top and hold it to change, to change the light color click on the logo and to turn it off just double tap on it. VAVA Baby Nightlight also contains a one-hour timer that you can activate by tapping twice on the logo.  

The light contains a bulb that is an eye-friendly LED of three-watt, that way it won’t have a blue light effect and it will not disrupt your kids’ sleep. If you charge the battery for three hours, it can last 80h, and since it uses the rechargeable battery, it comes with charging base and USB cable. Baby nightlight is made of a material that is resistant to shock and waterproof so you can even take it when camping and hang it somewhere and adjust the light that is to your liking.  

Recommended for: 

• Newborns, young kids, and toddlers  
• Parents who like camping   
• Mothers who are breastfeeding  

 

Key Points: 

•  The light that is yellow  
• Mode for breastfeeding and a timer  
• People who like tabletop types  
• Controls that are touch sensitive
   

Now that we covered those aspects, we should not forget these few tips:  

Safety Measures and Nightlights    

How to avoid the risk of fire – If the model that you use contains bulb that is CFL or incandescent it can cause a fire if it is close to something that is flammable due to the production of high heat. It is not common, but the best way to prevent it is to: 

• set your nightlight somewhere that is not close to carpet, curtains or touching the bed.  
• not put a material that is flammable over the nightlight  

• avoid overheating by using bulbs that have a lower wattage  

How to avoid poisoning – Inform yourself if the nightlight that you are using contains a toxic material called methylene chloride, so in case it breaks you should throw it away in a manner that is safe to prevent fatal consequences if it is in direct contact with the skin or inhaled.   

How to avoid electric shock – In case it is not specified otherwise on the model, most nightlights are not intended to stay outdoors due to the risk of them getting wet that applies to closed damped areas like a patio with pool or hot tubs, even garages and it should never be plugged on electricity when outdoors.

Important factors to consider before your purchase:   

Before making any decision, it would be very useful to check out these tips when you are comparing models and brands to make sure you get the best deal for your needs.  

• Cost – Make sure you determine a budget before searching and inform yourself what would be the most reasonable cost that you would pay for a bulb or nightlight because some nightlights can cost up to 40 dollars or lower.  
• Nightlight bulb types – This pretty much depends on your budget if you want a lower price option or a safer option. The CFL and incandescent bulbs are cheap, but they heat up quickly and may cause damage if you are not careful. On the other hand, LED bulbs are very safe and last longer, but they are pricy. If you are looking for a compromise, nightlights that are electroluminescence are the right choice since the price is fair and they don’t contain bulbs at all.  
• The size of the nightlight – General information of the nightlight dimensions, including the weigh and shape, will help you determine if it will work well with the space that you envisioned it with but also pay attention to the position of the outlets. 
• Nightlight lifespan – On average most night lights last from 7-10 years depending on the price of the model and their warranty. Usually, the models that have higher price use materials that make the nightlight more durable so if you decide to buy the cheapest model you might have to replace it often, and the total cost would surpass the cost of a higher quality nightlight. So, think twice before you make a purchase.  
• Charging methods of a nightlight – Depends on a model but here is an important thing to consider. Go to your child’s room and check for the outlet locations. If you find that the only outlet location is next to the bed, it might not be very wise to use the plugin night light since it has a higher chance of setting a fire. A safer choice would be to use the nightlight that requires batteries.  
• Nightlight and sensor – Nowadays most of them are motion sensor nightlights that get activated as a person enters a room and they have an automatic on and off daylight sensor that is activated and deactivated depending on the day. If you prefer a manual setup, you can still find some of them although they are not as common as they were in the past.  
• Light emission – The most recommended choice is a nightlight that has a red light emission because the white and the blue light even though brighter interrupt the production of melatonin that helps your child sleep better.  
• Warranty coverage – Most depend on the model some doesn’t have a warranty at all while others can go up to ten years, but the usual warranty is no longer than one year.  

The Good and the Bad Sides of Nightlight  

Most products have pros and cons and after a long time of comparing and doing research to give you the latest information we concluded that there are many benefits to using nightlight and there is only one downside to its usage. We encourage you to compare and decide for yourself.  

Nightlight Pros  

Disruption of the sleep is minimal – The key to a good quality nightlight is the softness of the light. The best nightlights usually use electroluminescence or LED lights that create the best softness of the light for perfect melatonin stimulation the brighter the light the opposite effect gets stronger. It is not only great for your kids but for you as a parent as well, so you can get right back on the sleep track after you finish checking up on your kid compared to bright lights that make you more awake than you are in the mornings.  

High visibility – You might think – “The point of the nightlight is to make the visibility only for the necessary movements, not the other way around” and you do have a point, to some extent. As we talked about in this article, the purpose of the nightlight is for you to be able to move freely without disrupting your sleep pattern on your way to the bed. Also, most of the kids’ rooms are everything but tidy, toys laying everywhere, they somehow ‘magically reappear’ even if you’ve put them back on their place, so if you want to survive back and forth to your room without having Lego stuck under your foot – the nightlight would be a good idea. We recommend to put it where the stairs are for higher safety.  

A way to relieve stress – Due to fear of the dark, some kids might feel intense stress and anxiety when they are alone even if the parents are in the room next to theirs. Nightlight will soothe and calm them down and give them a sense of security, so should they wake up during the night, they could return to their dream with ease and in no time.  

Expense effective – Since we did discuss the cost of the light bulb and which one would be the best, to understand better how it will affect your financial state, imagine this scenario. Hypothetically, let’s say that your electricity bill is calculated 0.10 dollars per kWh. If you use three light bulbs of seven watts that can last up to 3000h, that would be enough to light up one room for one year. The annual cost would be approximately 20 dollars or less meaning you would spend 6 dollars per bulb.  

Nightlight Cons  

Light perception – Humans perceive light in wavelengths. The shortest wavelength is violet or purple, longer ones are green, blue, orange, yellow and the longest one is red. The light that is white is a combination of all colors at once since our eye sees all light in wavelength at once.  

The production of melatonin– a hormone that helps you have a healthy sleep cycle- is tightly connected to the exposure to light. This hormone is produced when there is little to no light present. Another hormone called cortisol makes you feel alert when your body perceives natural daylight. The light that is colored blue and white trick our brain into thinking it is day time, so our body doesn’t produce enough of melatonin, and naturally that makes falling asleep harder.  

The red light, however, was proved to not interfere whatsoever due to its long wavelength. Sadly, most of the nightlights have white or blue light although if the light is soft then it will not cause any trouble for sleep and some models even have adjustable light settings for optimal color and softness. If you have a chance to buy a red nightlight, we strongly encourage you to do so.  

 + Bonus Tips for Better Sleep  

You could try these tips in addition to using a nightlight, to ensure the best sleep quality for your kids: 

• Establish when to go to sleep and when to wake up – On average kids who go to school need around 11h of sleep to feel rested but it is vital to follow natural habits of your child 
• Make a routine before bedtime – Kids need to stick to a schedule before it becomes a habit for them. So do the essentials, brush teeth, bathing and other bathroom business. It will help them to prepare mentally that it is bedtime and they should sleep.  
• Screening time should be limited – As we mentioned blue light interferes with melatonin production and as we all know most of the electronic devices emit a fair amount of it. If you limit kids time with those devices around two hours before bed and do activities like reading or drawing (paper materials only) it will help them fall asleep faster.  
• Regulate room temperature – The temperature of the room should be slightly cooler to help the production of the melatonin.  
• No sugar before bed – Avoid food and drinks that contain caffeine and sugar before bed and intake products like dairy, banana, nuts and leafy greens that trigger sleepiness.  
• Rocking babies before bed is a no-no – Even though this can have a soothing effect on the child, it can cause a disorder called sleep onset association, later in life. To soothe them it would be a good idea to give them something that will make them feel secure and safe like a doll, plush toy or a blanket (I think we all had our blankie when we were kids so this is a trustworthy method)  

Truth to be told, despite all of our efforts some things can be out of our control such as children developing a sleep disorder, but nothing is lost. Nowadays we have so many articles, researches and studies, so inform and educate yourself about what sleeping disorders are and are not and how to approach them to get the best possible result.  

 

According to the research carried out by the American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, 45% of adults in the US occasionally snore, while 25% are habitual snorers. This problem is more frequent in males and gets worse with age. Snoring can be a symptom of severe health issues such as sleep apnea. Most snorers find relief by using anti-snoring mouthpieces, also known as mouthguards. Mouthguards reduce snoring by holding the tongue in place or pushing the jaw forward. These devices are divided into two categories – MADs (mandibular advancement devices) and TRDs (tongue retaining devices). Mandibular advancement devices move the lower jaw forward, while tongue retaining devices, as the name suggests, hold the tongue in place and prevent air blockage.

If you are thinking about buying a mouthguard, there are certain things you should consider. MADs are created individually and molded to the user’s teeth. However, although they are customizable, and can be adjusted, they may cause physical discomfort. TRDs are cheaper and cause less discomfort, but their one-size-fits-all design may not be suitable for some users. Below, you will find our top 5 anti-snoring devices available today. Our choices are based on careful product research and analysis, as well as customer experiences. In order to create this guide, we have consulted with 5 sleep experts and conducted more than 120 hours of research.

ZQuiet (MAD)

Highlights: plastic, non-adjustable, universal design, 30-night sleep trial

As mentioned above, most MADs are molded to the user’s mouth. However, the ZQuiet comes with a universal design that automatically adjusts to the user’s mouth. This is done by using a hinged design which eliminates the need to push the jaw forward and therefore prevents pain or discomfort typically caused by standard MADs.

Unlike some restrictive mandibular advancement devices, the ZQuiet allows users to breathe both through their nose and mouth. The special design of the product also eases the process of opening and closing the mouth, as well as moving the jaw side to side. Lastly, this product is very budget-friendly. The price is affordable and comes with a backed by a 30-night sleep trial. The product was designed by a dentist, and it’s FDA approved.

Recommended for:

• Jaw pain sufferers
• Sleepers who don’t prefer high jaw advancement
• Sleepers who care about cost-effectiveness

Good Morning Snore Solution (TRD)

Highlights: plastic, non-adjustable, universal design, 30-night sleep trial

The Good Morning Snore Solution is a small, lightweight tongue retaining device that effectively stabilizes the tongue and therefore reduces snoring. The device has a universal size, but it’s compact enough to accommodate most mouth sizes. The shape of the mouthguard also allows it to be cleaned easily. You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to buy the Good Morning Snore Solution. The only downside is that this anti snoring device is a bit pricey. However, it is possible to get two devices at a discounted rate as part of a bundle package. Good news is that in case you are not satisfied, the Good Morning Snore Solution is backed by a 30-night guarantee with full refunds.

Recommended for:

• Sleepers who do not prefer customized mouthguards
• Sleepers who prefer a lighter mouthpiece
• Jaw pain sufferers

VitalSleep (MAD)

 Highlights: plastic, adjustable, customized fit, 60-night sleep trial, 1-year warranty

VitalSleep anti-snoring mouthpiece is very affordable and comes with a customizable fit and can easily be adjusted to the shape and size of the user’s mouth. It can be adjusted by an allen wrench that is included in the purchase. For added customization, this product comes in a larger men’s size and smaller women’s size. In case the size doesn’t fit, the company offers free exchanges.

When VitalSleep is properly molded, the person wearing it can sleep in any position and breathe through their nose and mouth. In case the user is not satisfied, this product comes with a 60-night sleep trial and full refund guarantee. It’s also worth mentioning that VitalSleep is backed up with 1-year warranty. Most anti-snoring devices do not have any kind of warranty.

Recommended for:

• Sleepers who prefer a customized fit
• Sleeper without a strict jaw advancement preference
• Combination sleepers

AVEOtsd Mouthpiece (TRD )

 Highlights: silicone, non-adjustable, universal size, prescription required

The AVEOtsd is a lightweight tongue retaining device made from silicone and may be much comfortable and easier to wear than plastic. This device is specially designed not to advance the jaw, but to stabilize the tongue with its gentle suction system. The AVEOtsd keeps the tongue firmly between the upper and lower teeth and doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort. It comes in three sizes – small, medium and large. The majority of consumers opt for medium size. The advantage of this mouthpiece is that it never has to be adjusted or customized and doesn’t contain any moving parts. It’s very easy to clean and maintain. However, in order to get it, you need a doctor’s or a dentist’s prescription. The AVEOtsd is more affordable than other TRD devices, and it’s a high-value option for people with snoring problems.

Recommended for:

• Sleepers who prefer lighter anti snoring devices
• Sleepers who do not prefer customized mouthpieces
• Jaw pain sufferers

SnoreRX (MAD)

Highlights: plastic, adjustable, customized fit, 30-night sleep trial

The SnoreRx is an anti-snore device sleep aid that comes with an eye-catching design and a calibrator on each side to aid with adjustments. The mouthpiece can be adjusted up to 6 millimeters in 1mm increments, making it perfect for sleepers with different jaw advancement preferences. The Snore rx can be adjusted manually at any time in a very simple way. You just need to squeeze its sides to slide the upper and lower trays. The mouthpiece comes with a price that is significantly more affordable than other ‘bite-and-boil’ mouthpieces with a customized fit. Unlike most MAD devices, it doesn’t require a doctor’s or a dentist’s prescription. The product is backed up with a 30-night sleep trial and comes with a full refund.

Recommended for:

• Sleepers who prefer a customized mouthpiece fit
• Sleepers with varying jaw advancement preferences
• Sleepers who care about cost-effectiveness

Best Anti-Snoring Devices 2018 Buying Guide

As mentioned in the beginning, according to the research carried out by the American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, 45% of adults in the US snore occasionally, while 25% are habitual snorers. Young adults aged 18-24 years are 25% less likely to snore than older adults. Snoring is more likely to occur to men, and it gets worse with age. There are no proven ways to cure snoring, and most individuals (and their partners) find relief by using anti-snoring devices. These simple devices suppress snoring either by pushing down the tongue or advancing the jaw forward. Most anti-snoring mouthpieces don’t require a doctor’s or a dentist’s prescription and come with an affordable price of $100 or less. Before buying an anti-snoring device, you should learn more about this sleep related condition, as well as how anti-snoring treatments and technology works. We will also cover some considerations you should have in mind when purchasing a mouthguard. Lastly, this guide will also cover our top picks.

How Do Anti-Snoring Devices Work?

We start snoring when the upper airway is restricted. The restriction of upper airway causes a tickling sensation at the back of the throat which as a result produces a harsh and often loud, gurgling sound. Snoring can be caused by multiple factors, starting from obesity to consumption of alcohol or antidepressants. Obesity or being overweight is one of the leading causes of snoring. Excessive skin and fat around one’s throat restricts the circulation in the airway and causes snoring. Cold or allergy related congestion can also cause snoring. Lastly, snoring can be caused due to the consumption of alcohol or antidepressants which make the throat relax.

It is also important to mention that most adults snore due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by temporary loss of breath during sleep. OSA, as the name suggests, is caused by a physical obstruction in the airway that impairs normal breathing. Due to the condition, the sleeper may experience dozens of breathing-loss episodes per night. Apart from OSA, snoring can also be caused by central sleep apnea. CSA occurs when the brain is unable to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, and as a result, causes snoring. Sleep apnea is a condition that should be taken seriously because it increases the risk of severe health conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.

Unfortunately, there is still no known cure for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea treatment includes using CPAP machines which deliver a steady stream of air to the user, or BiPAP machines which deliver air at variable pressurization rates based on the user’s breathing patterns. Continuous positive airway pressure machines alleviate the symptoms of OSA, while bi-level positive airway pressure machines are mostly used to relieve central sleep apnea symptoms. These machines are very effective in eliminating the breathing-loss episodes that occur due to sleep apnea. However, they are often expensive ($200 is the base price) and require a doctor’s prescription.

Anti-snoring sleep aids can also be used to alleviate sleep apnea, and they are a more cost-effective option that CPAP and BiPAP machines. Anti-snoring mouthpieces are also a hassle-free alternative to standard sleep apnea treatment. These devices should if not stop snoring immediatelly, at least reduce or fix loud snoring.

Stop snoring devices reduce snoring by creating a physical barrier between the soft, vibrating tissues in your mouth and the throat. These mouthpieces and mouthguards can be divided into two categories – MADs (mandibular advancement devices) and TRDs (tongue retaining devices).

Mandibular Advancement Devices

MADs reduce snoring by moving the lower jaw forward and expanding the airway. The mouthpiece presses down the tongue and breathing muscles attached to the mandible. Typically, mandibular advancement devices are molded to the user’s teeth, and many of them come with an adjustable lower tray that can be moved forward or backward. Some products are specially designed to be used with CPAP/BiPAP machines. Mandibular advancement devices are designed to do the following:

• Stabilize your jaw in the case it recedes during sleep
• Advance the jaw slightly forward to open the airway
• Depress your tongue so it doesn’t block your breathing by falling back at the throat
• Ensure that soft palate tissue doesn’t impair normal breathing

Tongue Retaining Devices

TRDs don’t push the mandible forward but reduce snoring by stabilizing the tongue. Tongue retaining devices expand the gap between the tongue and the back of the throat by pulling the tongue forward. TRDs usually look like clear pacifiers. The tongue fits into an opening at the front, and creates gentle suction that pulls it down and away from the back of the throat. These products don’t require molding according to the user’s teeth and mouth. Most of them come in one size.

ANTI-SNORING DEVICE TYPE	MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICE (MAD)	TONGUE RETAINING DEVICE (TRD)
Function	Mandible advancement to expand the airway	Isolates tongue from the throat to expand the airway
Sizing	Molded or fitted to the user’s teeth	Universal size
Adjustment	Has adjustable lower trays	Mostly not adjustable
Material	Silicone or plastic	Silicone or plastic
Breathing function	Allows free breathing through the mouth	Some models can have tiny holes for mouth breathing
Side effects	Jaw discomfort Excessive drooling Dry mouth Tooth pain	Excessive drooling Dry mouth
Additional features	Bruxism aid	Denture-friendly
Expected lifespan	Two years or less	Two years or less
Average cost	$75 to $150	$100 or less

In order to meet the standard requirements for medical devices sold in the US, all MAD and TRD pieces must undergo rigorous evaluations and certifications. Before buying a specific MAD and TRD mouthpiece, it is advised to research the certification status of the product. Although some anti-snoring devices can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription, it’s recommended not to use these anti-snoring aids without an approval from your physician. In case snoring persists despite regular use of an anti-snoring mouthpiece, you should also consult with your doctor.

Benefits of Using Anti-Snoring Devices

The biggest benefits of using these devices compared to CPAP or BiPAP machines are low price, non-invasive treatment, no noise, and low maintenance requirements. Let’s take a closer look.

Low-Cost Investment

One of the biggest benefits of using a stop snoring aid is a low-cost investment. When it comes to price, CPAP or BiPAP machines have a base price of $200, and the starting price of standard MAD or TRD models is only $40. Keep in mind that custom mouthguards can be costly, but compared to CPAP or BiPAP machines, they are still more affordable.

MAD and TRD mouthpieces do not require the user to undergo a medical procedure, and most of them don’t require a prescription. Anti-snoring devices are an effective sleep aid, but unfortunately, they don’t work for all people. If you are one of the few that doesn’t get the desired results, it is good to know that you won’t lose your money. Most companies, such as SnoreRx and ZQuiet that sell anti-snoring mouthpieces offer a full refund in case you are not satisfied.

Non-Invasive

Sometimes, the only solution for snoring may be surgery. However, before opting for such invasive treatment, it is better to try at least if some of the non-invasive options help you. Anti-snore devices are entirely safe to use. It is also worth mentioning that an invasive procedure may lead to a variety of side-effects.

The main benefit of using anti-snore devices is that you can always return the product to the seller, and basically try and fail until you find a method that works for your problem. However, this isn’t the case with invasive solutions like surgery, and what is once done cannot be undone. Possible errors or results may have permanent consequences on your lifestyle and health.

No Noise

Unlike CPAP and BiPAP machines which are quite loud, anti-snoring mouthguards produce no noise when being used.

Low Maintenance

Lastly, both MADs and TRDs are very easy to clean and maintain. After every use, all you need to do is to place them in hot water to sterilize the device against germs and bacteria. Also, these devices should be stored in a protective case.

Portable

Unlike CPAP and BiPAP machines, stop snoring devices are very easy to carry. All anti-snoring mouthpieces are portable and come with their own case. They are small and lightweight which is also ideal for traveling. In case you are traveling through security in an airport, bulky CPAP and BiPAP machines may trigger a TSA inspection. Of course, convenience is not the most critical factor when deciding your health, but if you frequently travel (for example for work), this may be an important consideration.

More Energy

As you undoubtedly know, there is nothing better for your health than getting a good night’s sleep. If you have sleep apnea or frequently snore, the quality of your sleep will be disrupted. Waking up refreshed and full of energy is priceless, and anti-snoring devices may sometimes be the solution to get more sleep and wake up every morning revitalized.

Increased Health and Vitality

Many studies have warned us that a chronic lack of sleep can have severe consequences on our health. For example, chronic sleep deprivation may affect your memory capacity, lead to hormonal imbalances and weight gain, and much more. By using a stop snoring aid and improving the quality your sleep, you will also make a positive effect on your overall health. Keep in mind that lack of sleep may make you irritable and more prone to make personal or work-related accidents.

Disadvantages of Using Anti-Snoring Devices

Although these products don’t cause the same level of discomfort as CPAP and BiPAP therapy, MADs and TRDs may cause some physical discomfort, and side effects such as dry mouth and excessive salivation, jaw pain and stiffness.

It is also important to keep in mind that MADs and TRDs are specifically designed to reduce snoring and not to tackle any other symptoms of sleep apnea. Therefore, when it comes to OSA or CSA treatment, CPAP and BiPAP machines are much more effective. Compared to these machines, most anti-snoring mouthpieces have a short life span, because they are designed to be used from six months to two years.

Considerations Before Purchasing

Here are some factors you should keep in mind before shopping for an anti-snoring device. The following section should help you compare brands and different models easier.

Should You Opt for MADs or TRDs?

The first thing you should consider before shopping is if the device is a MAD or a TRD. The choice between the two comes down to your own preferences. If you prefer adjustable mouthpieces, you will most likely opt for a MAD, and if you are looking for a universal size, you will most likely select a TRD model. MADs adjustment rate can sometimes be very specific (for example, from one millimeter to one-sixteenth of an inch. However, there are also some models that don’t mention a specific level of adjustment. Lastly, some products even come with a calibrator that displays the current settings and can be reset to the original settings.

Price

Standard anti-snoring devices are available for $100 or less. However, custom devices can be costly and cost $2,000 or more. If the customized fitting is important to you, it’s better to select a MAD that a one-size-fits-all TRD.

Do You Have Dentures?

Many people with dentures also have problems with sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy such as MADs can be used to treat sleep apnea and snoring, but the process is rather complicated. The biggest problem for snorers with dentures is that they have no natural attachment points for an oral appliance. However, MADs can be made to work for patients with dentures if they attach with dental implants.

Since sleep apnea is more common among elderly patients, many snorers may already have implants in place. To properly use MADs, they simply need to remove their denture as normal, and replace them with a mandibular retaining device.

When it comes to TRDs, things are not that complicated. Actually, the process is very simple. Since TRDs resemble pacifiers and don’t require attaching the device to the user’s teeth, they can be worn easily by patients with dentures.

Do You Breathe through Your Mouth?

If you prefer breathing through your mouth while sleeping, MADs may be more suitable for you than tongue retaining devices because most models allow you to freely open and close your mouth, move your jaw and similar. Some tongue retaining devices come with tiny holes that allow mouth breathing, but other models may be problematic. Although some TRDs come with perforated holes, some users still find them uncomfortable for mouth breathing.

Do You Have a Problem with Teeth Grinding?

Bruxism can be caused due to many different reasons. However, this condition can often be found in patients suffering from sleep apnea. Researchers believe that teeth grinding in sleep apnea patients occur as an unconscious response to the collapsed airways. By tightening the jaw muscles, you actually unconsciously prevent restrictions of airflow. Good news is that by using MADs, you can treat bruxism and reduce snoring at the same time. MADs have been shown to be effective in treating bruxism no matter whether or not it is caused by obstructive sleep apnea. TRDs cannot be used to treat or prevent teeth grinding.

Is Your Snoring Caused By Sleep Apnea?

These devices are very effective for reducing or completely eliminating snoring. However, when it comes to sleep apnea snoring, this type of device may not suffice. For sleep apnea related snoring, it’s best to use a CPAP or BiPAP machine. Anti-snoring mouthguards, as the name suggests reduce snoring, and are not able to target other sleep apnea issues such as nighttime loss of breath.

Do You Need a Prescription?

Generally speaking, lower priced models and those that have a simple design do not require a prescription. However, more advanced and expensive devices may require a prescription. Before purchasing a model, it is best to research all the requirements carefully, and to consult with your doctor. Based on you’re the cause of your snoring, your doctor may help you select the best anti-snoring device on the market. 

Trial Periods

Some anti-snoring devices come with a trial period, meaning you can return the product within a specific timeframe if you are not satisfied with it. Most trials last from 30 to 90 days.

Certification Status

Before purchasing a model, we encourage you to check whether or not the device was certified. In most cases, the certification status of the product can be seen on its packaging or the official website of the company.

Additional Stop Snoring Products and Tips

If a mandibular advancement device or a tongue retaining device cannot reduce your snoring, here are some other stop snoring products, snoring remedies that work as well as strategies and accessories you can use:

CPAP or BiPAP Machines

We mentioned before that CPAP and BiPAP machines are very effective at reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring. However, this type of treatment may be expensive and uncomfortable to use. Also, you need a doctor’s prescription in order to get one. Another problem is that is you are sharing a bed with someone; they may be bothered by the noise the machine makes. Here are some of the critical details about CPAP and BiPAP machines, and how they alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea and reduce snoring.

CPAP Machines

CPAP machine is a continuous positive air pressure device that is designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea. It works by increasing the positive air pressure until its prescribed rate, therefore allowing continuous and undisrupted breathing. Average price goes from $200 to $800.

BiPAP Machines

Bi-level positive air pressure devices are specifically designed to treat central sleep apnea. These devices work by increasing and decreasing pressure at variable rates, depending on the user’s breathing. The average price goes from $800 to $1,700.

Non-Mask Devices

If anti-snoring mouthpieces don’t help you and CPAP/BiPAP machines are too loud too expensive for your budget, you may opt for a simpler sleep apnea treatment such as non-mask devices. One example of such devices is Provent. Provent is FDA-approved sleep apnea treatment, and it was introduced by researchers at Stanford University. The Provent features two disposable devices with air filters that are placed inside both nostrils and doesn’t include using a sleep mask or hooking yourself up to a generator. Before opting for such a device, it’s vital to consult with your doctor. 

Anti-Snore Pillow – Optimal Pillow Loft

If you have sleep apnea, you should avoid sleeping on your back with your head elevated. To reduce snoring, consider getting a pillow that will put your head and neck in a more comfortable position. Pillow thickness generally has three categories – high, medium or low. Pillow thickness is also referred as pillow loft. High-loft means the pillow is thicker than five inches, medium-loft means it’s thicker than three inches, and low-loft means the pillow is thinner than three inches. When it comes to selecting the right pillow thickness for yourself, you should have the following factors in mind.

Body Weight

If you are a bit heavy, low loft pillows will be more suitable for you. Heavy people sink into their mattress and a low loft the pillow will create a nice barrier between your head and the sleep surface. If you are more light-weight, high-loft pillows may be more suitable because you do not sink deeply into your bed.

Head Size

If your head is larger than average, a high-loft pillow will provide excellent support. When your head size is average or below average, you will find more comfortable using pillows with medium or low thickness.

Shoulder Length

Higher-loft pillows are usually needed for people with broader shoulders, while people with narrow shoulders usually receive enough support from pillows of medium or low thickness.

Mattress Firmness

If you have a soft mattress, you will also prefer using a low loft pillow. A high loft pillow will create an unnecessary large barrier between your head and sleeping surface. However, if you have a firm mattress, thicker pillows may provide better cushioning and support.

Adjustable Bed

If you have a problem with snoring, anti snore adjustable beds may help because they enable you to customize the angle of the mattress at the head and sometimes also at the foot. Lifting the upper part of your bed a bit may reduce snoring and allow you to sleep with less disruption. It’s worth mentioning that some adjustable beds come with anti-snore features, and are specifically designed for snorers.

Most adjustable beds also have remote or app-based controls, and can support at least 600 pounds. However, you should know that these beds are quite expensive and the average price point is from $1,000 to $3,000.

The Simmons Bedding Company is one of the oldest mattress companies that launched in 1870. The flagship model is the Simmons Beautyrest that has been available since 1925. But, today they offer nine different innersprings in the Black collection – the Tatiana, Calista, Mariela, Katarina, Raquel, Desiree, Natasha, Christabel, and Sonya. They also sell sixteen other innersprings and hybrids in the Silver and Platinum collections.

Saatva was founded long after Simmons Bedding, in 2011. The company’s flagship Saatva model is a Medium innerspring mattress with Bonnell coils in the support core, high-density polyfoam in the base layer, memory foam and polyfoam in the comfort layers, and a transition layer made of pocketed coils. Saatva also sells two other models. One is a flippable latex mattress Zenhaven and the other is a memory foam model Loom & Leaf.

We will compare the Saatva’s flagship model and the Mariela mattress from Simmons Bedding because both beds have similar design options, sleeper experiences, and construction.  The Mariela has comfort layers made of foam and latex, with pocketed coil support and transitional foam. In this guide, we will examine the unique qualities and downsides of both mattresses.

Looking at the overall qualities, the Simmons Beautyrest Black Mariela is suitable for all types of sleepers in any weight group, those who sleep hot or people who like responsive beds. The Saatva mattress is also suitable for all weight groups and hot sleepers. The difference between these two is that Saatva is an excellent choice for individuals who like moderate conforming or suffer from aches and pains in sensitive areas like back, neck or hips.

Mattress Construction

Each model has a different material composition, firmness, and thickness. The firmness levels for both beds are Medium Firm 6, and Firm 7.5, while Saatva has a Medium Soft 4 and the Mariela is available in Soft 3.5 also. The thickness is eleven and twelve inches for Saatva and fourteen and fifteen inches for Mariela. The weight for Saatva is 110 lbs, while the Mariela is slightly heavier with 114 to 120 lbs of weight. The cover of the Mariela is made from quilted fabric with polyfoam, and the Saatva’s is made from organic cotton Euro-Top with 1/2″ Dacron fibers and 1 1/2″ polyfoam. The Saatva’s comfort layer consists of one layer of 3/8″ memory foam, one layer of 7/8″ Polyfoam, and one layer of 4″ Recycled 14.5-Gauge pocketed coils, while Mariela’s model has gel memory foam layers, polyfoam memory foam, and synthetic latex. The Mariela’s support core is made of transitional polyfoam and pocketed gauge coils, while the Saatva has one layer of 4″ recycled 13-gauge Bonnell coils and one layer of 7″ recycled 13-gauge Bonnell coils.

Saatva Mattress Details

Saatva offers an innerspring mattress in three firmness options –  4, 6, or 7.5 firmness level, and two thickness profiles – 11 1/2″ or 14 1/2″ thickness. The bed weighs 120 lbs and can be found at an affordable price of  $1099 for a Queen size.

The bed’s cover is made from cotton and quilted with foam. This combination gives the sleeper immediate comfort and relief to sleepers. The mattress also has a pillow-top part that has a thin memory foam layer over the individually wrapped coils. With this layer on top, the bed has high bounce, comfort, and firmness. The sleeper will be able to sleep comfortably without sinking in too deep. The coils in the layer under also has a  foam edge support wrapped around that makes sure that there is an excellent lift along with the bounce.

Just like the majority of innerspring mattresses, Saatva also has a lifespan of six to seven years, with the pillow-top lasting much less than the bed because of its below-average durability. Because people sleep hot on mattresses made with foam and memory foam, Saatva is made with traditional innerspring construction that makes the bed an ideal option for individuals who need a cooler sleep surface. But, unfortunately, it doesn’t absorb or minimize motion, so motion isolation is a bit problematic, especially for couples, which is consistent with other innersprings. But it is relatively responsive and virtually silent when you put weight on it.

Additionally, customers report that the Plush Soft and Luxury Firm models are better for sex. With the close body conforming that helps alleviate pains and aches, regardless of the sleep position. The comfort layer with the coil-on-coil construction and memory foam are responsible for giving the sleeper close conforming and targeted pressure relief, even more than other innersprings. However, there were many complaints about the off-gassing odor that disappeared in a few days.

Simmons Beautyrest Black – Mariela

The main distinguishing attribute of the whole Black collection is the unique triple braided pocketed coil technology that is located at the center of the support core. Apart from offering extraordinary conformity, motion isolation, and bounce, the beds also have the longest lasting deep compression coils you can find. Out of the many Black models, we are going to discuss one model in particular.

Mariela is an innerspring model that comes in multiple firmness options, but it is also accompanied by a high price of $2,599 for a Queen size. The bed weighs 114 lbs, and it has excellent air circulation in the layer with pocketed coils that cools the bed and keep it bouncy enough to rank as suitable for most couples.

The comfort layer is made of standard memory foam and latex. The Plush option also has a top layer made of gel memory foam that makes the bed softer on touch. The support core has pocketed coils encased in edge support polyfoam. The edge support is the most significant advantage for the Mariela because it uses transitional foam and coils that reinforce the entire mattress and reduce the sinkage around the areas where people sit. Along with that, the product does not have any off-gassing issues because the coil layer will air out any unpleasant smells.

The durability of the mattress is slightly lower than for Saatva, with an expected lifespan lasting five years. The excellent air circulation in the layer of pocketed coil is what helps cool off the bed and provide a comfortable temperature. The thick comfort system provides many degrees of conforming that depends on the firmness you choose. Because of the dense foam and synthetic latex layers, it can absorb motion transfer better than other innerspring models. It is also responsive, which makes it a suitable option for most couples. However, some creaks and squeaks can be expected, but the thick comfort layers and pocketed coils will minimize the noise to a great extent.

Sizing and Pricing

The Saatva is available in all six mattress sizes, while Mariela is available in only five – it comes without a twin size. Looking at all the prices, Saatva, being one of the most affordable mattresses on the market, is much cheaper than the Mariela, for all sizes. The twin price for Saatva is $599. Twin XL has a price of $695 for Saatva and $1,999 for Mariela. The full size has a more significant difference in price, with Saatva costing $899 and Mariela $2,369. The same goes for the Queen size, with $1,099 for Saatva and $2,599 for Mariela. The prices for King and California King are $1,499 for Saatva and $3,299 for Mariela.

Sleep Position Ratings

The Saatva is available in multiple firmness and thickness profile options that will allow all sleepers to figure out the most suitable bed for themselves. Unlike many other innerspring models, the Saatva makes minimal noise, with good motion isolation and close conforming. The Mariela also offers many firmness and thickness options. It can accommodate any sleeper, no matter their weight and sleep position.

Individuals in the lightweight group – those with less than 130 pounds, will sleep well on their side or stomach on both Saatva and Mariela. Side sleepers in the average weight group – between 130 and 230 pounds, will sleep very good on Saatva, and very good on Mariela, while stomach sleepers will sleep well on both. As for the heavyweight group, stomach and side sleepers in will sleep good on both brands. However, back sleepers in all weight groups will sleep excellent on the Mariela, while back sleepers in the lightweight group won’t find Saatva that comfortable.

Sleep Trials, Warranty, and Delivery

Both brands have you covered on the warranty. Saatva has a 180-month partially warranty with a 120-day sleep trial. Simmons Beautyrest has a 120-month non-prorated warranty without a sleep trial. The company won’t cover the costs of mattress replacement and repairment, and with Saatva, mattress returns require a transportation fee of $99.

As we said, Saatva’s warranty is partially prorated, which means the company will cover all repairs and replacements, but only in the first two years. During the next thirteen years, the owner will have to pay a fee of $99 each way for any repair or replacement. However, Saatva does offer Fairness Replacement Option for replacements that you can use to replace a defective mattress for different percentages of the price: 30% up to the fifth year, 50% from the fifth to the tenth, and 75% from the tenth to the end of the warranty. The mattress will arrive within four days, but it is not compressed for shipping. Saatva does not offer shipping for Hawaii, Alaska, or overseas U.S. territories. However, there is a free White Glove delivery that includes old mattress removal.

Simmons Beautyrest is a bit strict on their policies. They do not have a sleep trial included in the warranty. They also don’t accept returns or give refunds to purchasers. Because of this, customers will need to refer to both the sleep trial and return policy of the seller that sells them the Mariela mattress. However, the warranty is entirely nonprorated, even though it will be voided if you do not use a proper support system for the bed that includes either a frame with at least five slats made of hardwood or metal, a reliable platform on top of a slatted system or a frame with rigid central support. The warranty covers 1″ or more in-depth sagging or indentations of the sleep surface, including physical flaws that cause damages to the foam when in proper care and use. Simmons Beautyrest does not have mattresses shipping for customers because they only sell products through third-party retailers, so customers need to see the seller’s shipping and delivery options.

Recommendations

When choosing a bed for yourself and your sleeping partner, you need to consider many different facts and requirements. So let’s summarize both models with some recommendations on choosing the mattresses.

If you and your partner like responsive beds, you should consider getting Mariela. Additionally, Mariela is suitable for those who tend to sleep hot or just like the feel of that a high-profile bed can offer. However, Mariela is not ideal for individuals who need a less responsive bed with close body conforming or for those that like low- to medium-profile foundations.

For those that generally like sleeping on spring models with extra cushioning in the comfort layers, Saatva is an excellent choice. The same goes for people who sleep hot, sleep with a partner, or just like thicker-than-average beds. However, if you an average or below-average thickness level is what suits you better, the Saatva is not the right choice for you.

 

For all those sleepers who prefer the unbeatable comfort and contouring features of the memory foam material, today we will be comparing two brands which are well known for their memory foam models. Amerisleep and Tempur-Pedic have mastered the production of various all-foam or hybrid beds with this material as their key component, which is why we decided to represent and compare their series of mattresses.

About the Brands

Amerisleep is an US-based brand founded in 2007, and they focus mostly on online sale while having only one brick-and-mortar store in Arizona. Their current mattress offer is based on only five all-foam models, which provide a decent palette of options for sleepers with different needs and preferences. On the other side, Tempur-Pedic has been present on the US mattress market since 1992 and is known for changing the models and names of collections in their offer more often than the other brands, so bear in mind that the ones we will be discussing today are in their current offer. A lot of customers are often confused by this since a lot of Tempur-Pedic’s discontinued older models are still available in some online stores such as Amazon. Besides all-foam models, Tempur-Pedic also sells hybrid models, which we will also mention, but the focus will be on their foam beds.

Amerisleep Mattresses Review

This brand offers memory foam models of similar construction, but with different comfort levels, before introducing their models, we are briefly going to target all the things they all have in common.

The first thing is the Celliant thread, which is in the cover of every Amerisleep mattress. The special thing about it is the fact that it contains different thermo-reactive minerals, which transform body heat into highly beneficial infrared light. So besides being breathable, their covers have the properties which increase blood flow, and naturally control the body’s temperature.

The company did not use any chemically-based fire retardants; instead, they placed a fire guard which is designed to fit the bed like a sock, and it is made of rayon and silica sand blend. Amerisleep’s specially designed fire guard has a GreenGuard certification, which guarantees that this is a safe product and that it does not cause any indoor air pollution.

When it comes to memory foam they use a custom formulated 4.0-pound Bio-Pur foam can be found in all of their models, although its thickness varies between 2 and 3 inches, depending on a model. This memory foam is designed to be supportive, comfortable, and not so much heat conductive. Just be careful not to mix it with Amerisleep’s another proprietary memory foam called Bio-Pur+, which is pricier and more advanced in terms of airflow due to its different cell structure.

Another foam Amerisleep uses is present in their advanced models, and it uses surface modification technology (SMT). This is what they place as a transitional layer, it has a specific design, almost like zoned, which provides enhanced pressure relief for lower back and shoulders, but also helps with thermoregulation because it is very breathable. For the base, they always use the Bio-Core layer, and the thickness of this foundation can vary between 6 and 9 inches.

Finally, what makes Amerisleep different from the others is the way they produce them, and this could also be the most efficient way of dealing with memory foam’s biggest drawback, hot sleeping. Amerisleep uses the variable pressure foaming process, which allows them to produce their models indoor, while most of the memory foam products have to be built in the open air. By doing so, they have greater control over the process, eliminate air pollution, and can create larger cellular structures which is why these memory foam beds, without a doubt, sleep cooler than any other.

After going through some of the main characteristics, we are now going to represent you the five models from the brands’ current offer.

Amerisleep AS1

Amerisleep AS1 is their mattress with most simple construction, and lowest price, so it can be considered as an entry level model. It has only two foam layers, and the first one is the 8 inches thick Bio-Core foundation layer, it is eco-friendly and prevents the mattress from sagging. On top of it is a 2 inches thick coat of Bio-PUR foam, which is more breathable than any traditional memory foam. Both layers are encased in the Celliant yarn cover which contains even 13 thermo-active minerals.

When it comes to firmness, this 10 inches high mattress is their firmest model, and it can be considered as an 8 or 9 on the firmness scale. Hence, we recommend it mainly to back and stomach sleepers, because it would put too much pressure on the shoulders and hips of side sleepers. Although most of the all-foam models struggle with edge support, this one does not have that problem since the edges showed a decent level of support while lying close to them.

Amerisleep AS2

The AS2 is medium-firm, and with its 12 inches, it is slightly thicker than the previous model due to the additional transitional layer. The Bio-Core base is 7 inches thick, the transitional Affinity layer is 3 inches, and on top is the 2 inches thick Bio-Pur comfort coat and the Celliant cover.

Although it is medium firm, it is still firm enough to be too much for side sleepers, while the stomach and back sleepers can enjoy comfortably on it.

Amerisleep AS3

The most versatile Amerisleep mattress and the one with the universal comfort level is their AS3 model, which is also the brands best seller. Its construction is similar to the AS2, 7 inches thick foundation, 2 inches of “zoned” transitional layer, and 3 inches thick comfort layer, all wrapped up in Celliant cover. On the firmness scale, this model is a medium option, comfortable for the vast majority of sleepers, including side sleepers who will love its close contouring and pressure relieving features.

Amerisleep AS4

For all sleepers who prefer more cushioning, medium soft AS4 represent the ideal balance of soft and responsive sleeping surface. To achieve that, the construction of this mattress is a bit different, but the base is still 7 inches thick, the transitional layer is here only 1 inch thick, while the final comfort layer is 4 inches high. There is, of course, the breathable Celliant cover to wrap up the construction of this model. This mattress is perfect for all types of sleep positions, and for everyone who likes the feel of being in bed, but without the feeling of being stuck.

Amerisleep AS5

The most luxurious and soft mattress from Amerisleep is their AS5 model, described as a 2 or 3 on the firmness scale, with 14 inches of height this is their highest, softest and most expensive model. Hence, it comes with a more complex construction than the other models. The core base remained 7 inches thick, while the transitional, ergonomic Affinity layer is 2 inches. The addition is the 2 inches of Active flex foam, which can be found only in AS5 mattress. Active flex is more bouncy, and it provides, even more cushioning, which is why AS5 is softer than other models. On top of it, they placed 3 inches of comfort foam and the Celliant cover. The AS5 is the best for side sleepers because it will gently hug their body and soothe their pressure points.

Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Review

Unlike Amerisleep, Tempur-Pedic organizes their selection of mattresses in three collections, ProAdapt, LuxeAdapt and Breeze, which together have ten models.

All-foam Tempur-Pedic models have high-quality memory foam, which is very durable and provides consistent close conforming. Their hybrid models have better temperature regulation, better edge support, and also exceptionally long life-span.

The main drawback is their high price, but the brand tries to compensate for that with quality, durability, and free white glove delivery within the contiguous US, which is rare among the mattress manufacturers.

Besides various firmness options, Tempur-Pedic offers variations in terms of construction with its two hybrid beds.

Another thing to bear in mind is that Tempur-Pedic does not disclose any details about the used materials or construction of their products, which many dislike about them as it seems that they are not transparent enough.

Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt

This line has four models, which can roughly be divided and described as soft, medium, medium hybrid, and firm. Although the construction can slightly vary from one model to another, here we are going to represent the main components of Tempur-Pedic foam models from their Pro-Adapt line.

The construction starts with a thick layer of dense polyfoam (or coils for hybrid), and upon it, there are several other foam layers, transitional foam, and usually two different layers of memory foam for support, comfort, contouring, etc. The cover is removable, but suitable for machine washing, and has cooling properties due to the phase-changing material they incorporated.

Although mattress from this series comes in three different firmness levels, soft, medium, and firm, this is the most subjective category and depends a lot on sleepers’ personal body features. The more you weight, the softer the bed will feel to you. All memory foam mattresses tend to feel firm for the first second or two, but after that, the material will start molding to your body curves, and it will soften while you sink in.

Side sleepers who are more petite or lightweight should opt for the soft comfort level, while others who weigh more should go for medium or firm. On the other hand, stomach and back sleeping are not such demanding positions, and it will all depend on sleepers’ firmness preferences.

Tempur-Pedic LuxeAdapt

With only two options in this premium LuxeAdapt line, soft and firm, it should not be hard to decide between them. Both models are all-foam mattresses, 13 inches high, and share similar construction. The soft version can be described as a 6, while the firm one is a 4, so they are both on the medium side of comfort, without being too firm or soft.

Construction starts with a standard foundation of sturdy polyfoam and a thin transitional polyfoam layer, next is the layer of supportive Tempur APR+ memory foam, and on top is a Tempur-ES comfort memory foam layer. In firmer version, there is also a layer of APR+ support memory foam, but above it is the Tempur’s standard comfort foam. The cover in this line is removable and suitable for machine washing, but its best feature is the fact that is cool to the touch, thanks to the SmartClimate dual cover system.

The soft version is excellent for side sleepers, while stomach sleepers should rather go for the firm model, because their hips will sink in too much, and they could develop lower back pain. Back sleepers should enjoy both versions, depending on their preferences.

Tempur-Pedic Breeze

Tempur Breeze series comes in two types of construction, hybrid (Pro Breeze) and all-foam (Luxe Breeze), both are available in two firmness levels, and these are their newest and most luxurious mattresses introduced in 2019.

The Luxe Breeze series comes in firm (3,5) and soft (5) version, and it is claimed that these mattresses should sleep up to 8 degrees cooler than the average memory foam model. Both beds are 13 inches high and use Tempur’s latest and most advanced foam technology called Tempur CM+.

For the foundation layer, they placed a coat of sturdy and dense foam, on top of it is their newer CM+ material which does an excellent job of promoting airflow and keeping it cool throughout the night. Next foam layer has a phase-changing material which absorbs the heat, and then there is the dual cover which also has cooling properties, and it is removable and washable. From the construction, we can see that Tempur-Pedic went above and beyond to deal with heat conduction since almost all parts of their structure have some role in the process of temperature regulation.

When it comes to other features, this model is hard to beat, it has excellent motion isolation, support, and comfort in both soft and firm types, and it is an ideal choice for sleepers who are ready to invest in the quality of their sleep.

Comparing Warranty, Prices and Other Terms

Tempur-Pedic is known for their high prices, but Amerisleep is not the cheapest brand out there either, so here we are going to summarize their prices and the terms and conditions that they offer.

Features	Amerisleep	Tempur-Pedic
Warranty	20 years	10 years
Sleep trial period	100 nights	90 nights
Refund	Full	Full
Shipping	US and Canada	US and Puerto Rico
Delivery	Bed-in-a-box	White glove delivery, beds are not compressed

 

All Amerisleep models are available in six standard mattress sizes, while with Tempur-Pedic that varies slightly from one collection to another, and we are going to address that in a specific chart. When it comes to non-standard dimensions, Tempur-Pedic offers split Queen and split King, while Amerisleep offers split King only. For the sake of this comparison, we are going to take current prices for the two main sizes of the mentioned mattresses and put them side to side. Keep in mind that the listed prices are current, and they can vary due to promotions, special offers, etc.

Size	AS1	AS2	AS3	AS4	AS5	Pro Adapt	Luxe Adapt	Breeze
Queen	$1199	$1299	$1399	$1699	$2099	$2899	$3699	$4199
King	$1399	$1599	$1699	$1899	$2299	$3599	$4399	$4899

 

Amerisleep (all models)	Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt	Tempur-Pedic LuxeAdapt	Tempur-Pedic Breeze
Twin	Twin	/	/
Twin XL	Twin Long	Twin Long	Twin Long
Full	Double	/	Double
Queen	Queen	Queen	Queen
King	Split Queen	/	/
California King	King	King	King
Split King	California King	Split King	Split King
/	/	California King	California King
/	Split California King	Split California King	Split California King

 

The Final Verdict

We tried to represent you both brands and their memory foam selections genuinely. In the end, it all comes down to your personal preferences, but we would like to point out a few more things.

If you are into materials and care about the surface you sleep on, it might be essential to you that the Amerisleep mattresses are produced with plant-based memory foam, in comparison to Tempur-Pedic which did not disclose or provide enough information about the foam they use. Tempur-Pedic uses different covers for their models, but they are mostly breathable, easily removable, and in Breeze series with cooling properties. On the other hand, all Amerisleep models have the Celliant fabric cover, which we already mentioned. Both companies use their proprietary memory foams and continuously improve them, but from the data we collected, it seems that Amerisleep uses processes that are more environmentally friendly.

This does not mean that Tempur-Pedic is using any harmful materials or processes. They simply tend to keep these details a secret, but the fact that they are not very transparent about their products might seem shady to some sleepers. Regardless of that, and the fact that they have higher prices, Tempur-Pedic is still among the best-selling mattress brands, which is why many sleepers trust them and their quality. However, many new brands are starting to take over the mattress market, and Amerisleep with its innovative approach and technology is definitely one of them, so if you are looking for the right memory foam model with a reasonable price, do not be afraid to rely on Amerisleep beds.

 

It is not a secret that sleeping on a memory foam provides that special feeling which most sleepers would describe as sleeping on a cloud. Hence, the foam is today widely popular and used, and it is hard to find a bed without at least one foam layer in it. But today we will be comparing models that are entirely made of foam,  and we are going to focus on some of the “younger” brands on the market, such as Loom & Leaf and Leesa, so stay tuned to find out more about them.

About the Brands

As one of the youngest brands, Leesa was founded recently, in 2015, but they are far from newbies, and the company quickly earned its place on the top, along with some other brands that have much longer tradition and presence on the bedding market. Currently, Leesa offers only two models, Leesa Hybrid mattress formerly known as Sapira, and the one that made them famous, the all-foam Leesa mattress, which is the one we will be reviewing today. Besides their amazing product, Leesa as a company tends to raise social awareness, and it does that by donating one mattress to charity organizations for every ten mattresses that are sold. Currently, the number of donated beds goes beyond 30.000.

If you have heard about Saatva, then you probably know that Loom & Leaf was founded as their subsidiary brand, but they do business separately although Saatva owns them, and they use Saatva’s facilities for the manufacturing of their model, the same as the Zenhaven does. Since they can also be considered as newcomers, Loom & Leaf progressed pretty quickly and became one of the best-selling bed-in-a-box brands. In their offer is currently only one model, Loom & Leaf mattress by Saatva, and that is the one we will be comparing to Leesa.

Leesa Mattress Review

Leesa’s 10 inches high bed has three foam layers in its construction, starting with 6 inches thick, dense foam as a support layer, which provides stability and support for all body types and sleep positions. The next layer is named “Recovery,” and it is 2 inches thick memory foam for enhanced pressure relief and contouring since it is placed in the middle, it does not trap the heat as much as it does when it is placed on top, right beneath the body of the sleeper. The final layer is a comfort layer of premium Avena foam with the same thickness. Avena mimics the qualities of natural latex, and it is very responsive, breathable, and durable. The soft lycra and polyester blend cover is tightly woven, and it has incorporated fire retardant fibers in it.

This model comes in only one, medium firm, comfort level, and targets the vast majority of sleepers who are satisfied with the balance between support and softness. It does not feel firm, and it will feel comfortable even to the side sleepers who usually have problems with mattresses that are on the firmer side. There is also enough support for back and stomach sleepers, and there will be a little bit of sinkage, but just enough to feel the cradling features of memory foam, and not to feel trapped in a bed.

Since all-foam models are notorious for their poor edge support, we cannot expect from Leesa to perform as well as some hybrid models with reinforcement around the perimeter. There will be some sagging when you sit on the edge, but it’s not the worst we have seen since the dense and resilient foundation does a decent job in supporting the entire structure, and there is no need to worry about rolling over during the night.

Leesa does not use any cooling gels or technologies; instead, they played it smart with placing heat conductive memory foam in the middle, and breathable Avena foam on top. In addition, the Avena layer is convoluted to enhance airflow and temperature regulation. Thanks to that, Leesa performs pretty well in terms of heat regulation, better than most all-foam models, which is why we highly recommend it to all sleepers who tend to sleep hot.

The fact that they used latex-like Avena foam, and traditional memory foam, means that Leesa combines the best of both worlds. There is the adaptiveness of memory foam, but without heat trapping, and fast responsiveness of Avena.

Although this model does not come in various firmness options, that does not have to be necessarily a drawback, since the more choice you have, the harder you will make a decision, and there will always be that thought that maybe some other model would feel slightly better.

Loom & Leaf Mattress Review

The Loom & Leaf also comes with all-foam structure, but with four layers and 12 inches high profile it is slightly taller than Leesa. As a core, they placed 5.5 inches high polyurethane foam, which is very dense, stiff, and it supports the body of the sleepers and secures proper spinal alignment. The next layer is 2 inches high transitional foam layer, and then the third layer is 2.5 inches thick dense visco-elastic memory foam, which contributes to the adaptiveness, and because it is so dense it prevents deep sinkage. The final foam layer is 2 inches thick gel-swirl visco-elastic foam, which slowly adapts and responds to body pressure, while its design and gel keep the sleeping surface cooler. The luxury appealing cover is made from organic cotton, and it is extra soft thanks to the plush padding underneath.

Unlike Leesa, Loom & Leaf comes in two comfort levels called Relaxed Firm and Firm. The Relaxed Firm can be described as medium firm or a 6 six on the firmness scale, and it will feel comfortable to most sleepers, while for the ones who prefer more support and firmer feel, there is another option which is a proper 8 on the scale. We recommend the Relaxed Firm to side sleepers as their shoulders and hips will be cradled, while stomach and back sleepers can opt for the one which feels the best for them.

Like with Leesa, the level of edge support is pretty decent here too, despite the fact that this is an all-foam mattress. In terms of heat regulation, Loom & Leaf performs just as well as Leesa, if not better. Breathable cover from pure organic cotton, cooling gel, convoluted design, and the arrangement of foam layers help with heat dissipation and keep the optimal temperature of the sleep surface.

With their two firmness options, Loom & Leaf widens the range of potential customers and targets the ones who prefer firmer feel too, such as, overweight sleepers or some stomach sleepers who seek higher support because sleeping on softer surfaces can cause lower back pain.

Loom & Leaf created a mattress which is more durable than the average foam model, and it will also perform better in the long run.

Comparing Warranty, Prices and Other Terms

Although they seem quite similar, these models are in different price ranges, and their terms and conditions are also slightly different, so in the charts below, we will summarize information in one place.

Features:	Loom & Leaf	Leesa
Warranty	15 years	10 years
Sleep trial period	120 nights	100 nights
Shipping	Free, 7-15 days	Free, 1-5 days
Firmness	Medium firm and firm	Medium firm
Thickness	12 inches	10 inches
Refund	Full	Full
Price	$$	$

 

Size:	Loom & Leaf	Leesa
Twin	$849	$505
Twin XL	$999	$590
Full	$1399	$760
Queen	$1499	$845
King	$1799	$1015
California King	$1799	$1015

 

The Verdict

It is never easy to decide, but if you were reading carefully, you probably know which one is your favorite by now. Both models offer the unbeatable memory foam comfort, but if you are on a budget then Leesa might be more in your range, although both models cost less than some of the most popular memory foam beds. Also, ask yourself if you want a firmer mattress or a more medium feel, how much do you weigh, what is your preferred sleep position, etc. These things should be taken into consideration, but to help you out a bit more, here are our lists of reasons why you should buy Leesa or Loom & Leaf.

Choose Loom & Leaf if:

• You are overweight or prefer sleeping on your stomach. Although it is incredibly comfortable, foam can have a negative effect on the posture of sleepers who need more support to bear their weight, which is why Loom & Leaf’s firm model should be the ideal solution for those sleepers.
• You are into organic materials. Leesa has an elegant cover, but there are not many things that can compete with pure, organic cotton, which Loom & Leaf uses for their plushy and airy cover. It is also perfect for everyone who tends to avoid synthetic fabrics close to their skin.
• You are a value seeker. Loom & Leaf uses denser foam layers, and it also comes with a longer warranty, so if you are ready to invest in your sleep, this is an excellent mattress to begin with.
• You tend to sleep hot. Number one memory foam drawback has been successfully eliminated, which is why we recommend it to all sleepers who live in warm climate areas, or those who avoided sleeping on memory foam because they were worried about sweating and overheating.
• You do not want to worry about delivery. Loom & Leaf mattress is pricier, but it comes with great service included. The delivery is free, as well as the in-home assembling, and the removal of the old mattress, so if you do not want to deal with unboxing and setting the bed, you do not have to, and the best part is that it is free.

Choose Leesa if:

• You are on a budget. Let’s face it, we would all buy the most luxurious and expensive mattresses if we could, but just because we cannot afford premium models, it does not mean that we do not deserve to rest on a high-quality sleeping surface.
• Safety is important to you. Leesa has a flame retardant implemented in its cover, which makes it fire resistant without the use of any dangerous chemicals, which could potentially be harmful to sleepers’ health.
• You prefer having a bit of bounce. Due to the Avena foam, Leesa does not entirely have that traditional feel of memory foam, this unique blend enables high responsiveness, bounce and close conforming, all in one.
• You are looking for a medium level of firmness. Having too many options may confuse some sleepers, and even lead to wrong decisions. That is why you cannot go wrong with Leesa if you are looking for a perfect balance between firmness and softness.
• You share a bed with your partner. In terms of motion isolation, Leesa performs exceptionally well, which makes it perfect for couples, or sleepers who like sleeping with pets.

Purple was launched in 2015 by two brothers, Terry and Tony Pearce. In 1989 they were creating products from carbon fibers, and in 2013 they were able to use a machine called Mattress Max for molding and producing more substantial pieces of elastic polymer for mattresses. They started their company with a Kickstarter campaign where they collected money to make King size models. The Purple flagship mattress, called the Original Purple, is Medium Firm, or 6.5 on the firmness scale. It is made with the Smart Grid comfort layer that contains a flexible polymer grid and buckling-column gel and with the high-density polyfoam support core. Apart from their flagship model, they also have other mattresses models, pillows, seat cushions, and other products made from hyper-elastic-polymer. All of their products are Greenguard gold and CertiPUR-US certified.

The Nectar Sleep started working in 2016. Ever since they launched their business, they have had a strategy of cheeky marketing, and they focused on product development. Today they have evolved to be one of the most significant competitors in the business of online mattress market. Their flagship model is the Nectar Mattress that has three layers of memory foam in the comfort system and high-density polyfoam in the support core. What makes the bed unique is the use of Tencel lyocell in the cover.

Mattress Construction

Both beds are made of multiple layers with different thickness and density that are put in a particular way to offer people the best possible experience. To better understand the models and what they offer, we need to take a closer look at the construction inside the Purple and Nectar models. Both models are Medium Firm or 6.5 on the scale, but the thickness differs. The Nectar model has a 9 ½ inches thickness and 110 pounds, while the Purple is thicker with 11 inches and lighter with 74 pounds.

The Purple’s support core is made from four inches of 2 PCF HD polyfoam, while the comfort layer has the elastic Polymer grid, two inches of buckling-column gel, and  3 ½ inches 1.8 PCF Polyfoam. The bed has many layers under its Smart Grid. The soft and breathable cover is made up of a mixture of lycra, polyester, and viscose. The fabric is very thin so it allows quality airflow into the bed. Since the fabric is used in athletic clothing, it is also stretchy with outstanding moisture wicking abilities and temperature regulation. The base layer is made of four inches thick polyfoam that is dense enough to give the sleeper optimal structural support. On top of it is a transitional layer that is made of three inches thick polyfoam. Above this layer is the final one that contains the signature smart comfort grid. This grid includes a hyper-elastic polyfoam that is two inches thick and temperature neutral. Every cell of the grid will bend easily and buckle when pressure is applied so the sleeper will get proper support and pain relief.

The Nectar mattress has a similar construction as Purple, but with a few differences. The comfort layer has one inch of quilted gel memory foam, one inch of 4 PCF gel memory foam and three inches of 3.5 PCF memory foam, while the support core components are made of six inches HD polyfoam. The cover of the bed is made of cotton and Tencel fibers, which is an eco-friendly material famous for its breathability and softness. Mixed with these two materials is an inch of gel memory foam that is quilted into the cover. With this combination, the cover will give the sleeper immediate comfort and temperature regulation. The base of the bed is made from six inches of high-density polyfoam. The polyfoam gives the bed stability and a firm foundation for the soft foams that are over it. The transitional layer above is made from memory foam that has a quick response to pressure. The top layer that is directly under the cover is made from three inches of memory foam. This layer has a prolonged reaction so the sleeper will be able to sink into the bed and get satisfying pressure relief. The transitional layer will also give the person a firmer base and extend the contouring when they sink deeper.

After taking a look at the construction, let’s look at the sizes. The Nectar mattress is available in all six sizes, while the Purple is not available in regular twin size. The prices for Nectar are $399 for regular twin and $469 for twin XL, while the Purple twin XL will cost $699. When comparing both models in twin sizes, Nectar is cheaper than the Original Purple. The prices for full bed are $599 for Nectar and $899 for Purple, while the Queen size will cost $699 for Nectar and $999. The prices for King and California King are $1,299 for the Original Purple and $899 for Nectar. You can notice that the Nectar is more affordable than Purple, with their lower prices that have a difference of $400 for the King sizes. If you have a tighter budget, Nectar would be a better choice for you. For those who do not know anything about the dimensions,  you can take a look at our mattress size chart.

Firmness

FInding the optimal firmness level is essential when choosing a mattress. A mattress that is too soft or too firm will cause you to have problems with falling asleep, leading to many sleepless nights and different sleep positions that might not suit you. However, defining firmness is individual. There is a scale that goes from one to ten, and companies use it to describe levels of firmness for sleepers to choose. Of course, there aren’t many models that have one or ten. Both the Nectar and the Original Purple are 6.5 on the scale or Medium Firm as described.

With the Nectar, you can quickly sink into the bed, and experience the soft foam’s contouring. Back sleepers in the lightweight and heavyweight group will sleep good, while those who have between 130 and 230 pounds will sleep very good. Side sleepers will have an average sleeping experience, no matter how much weight they have. Stomach sleepers won’t have such a pleasant experience with Nectar since it offers fair sleep to those with less than 130 pounds and a night of slightly better sleep for those with more 130 pounds.  Just like with other memory foam models, heavier individuals and stomach sleepers will find the bed too soft.

Based on customer reports, the firmness of the Original Purple is more subjective, so it depends on the sleepers weight and sleeping position. Side sleepers with more than 130 pounds of weight will have a good sleeping experience, while those with less than 130 pounds will sleep better on this model. However, back sleepers with less than 130 pounds will have a slightly lower quality sleep than those with more 130 pounds. As for stomach sleepers, they will have the same experience as they would with the Nectar.

Heat Regulation

Many individuals have problems with overheating during the night, so their bed needs to have the right components in the comfort and support layers that will maintain the surface cool during the entire night. Since both mattresses have memory foam in their construction, it can be a bit problematic for individuals who sleep hot. When the body sinks too deeply into the bed there is no space for airflow that will cool the sleep surface down.

Usually, traditional memory foam models are not capable of dispersing heat properly, so many consumers complain about the adverse effects of the material. However, even though both models have much memory foam in their construction, they do offer temperature neutrality. The Nectar does sleep warm a bit, but since the cover has lyocell with gel memory foam in the layers below, the bed has more breathability than any other model with memory foam. The Purple has better temperature neutrality, and many sleepers reported they slept reasonably cool during the night.

Responsiveness, Bounce And Noise

The responsiveness of the bed refers to how much it can adjust the support to the sleeper’s body. If a mattress has excellent responsiveness, it means it can modify its cushioning to the pressure that specific parts of the body apply to the bed. Proper responsiveness, as well as conforming are essential for proper spinal alignment.

Both models have a very responsive sleeping surface but in different ways. Nectar’s layers contour the body without being too soft, while the Purple’s smart comfort grid compresses proportionally to the weight that is applied. The Purple might have slightly less contouring than the Nectar, but it will still be very supportive for the spine, neck, and back.

Since the Purple has its top hyper-elastic layer, it will quickly bounce back to its original shape. The Nectar has some bounce as well, but just like other memory foam models, it is not responsive enough for the majority of couples. However, the Nectar has excellent motion absorption that minimizes movement to a significant extent, so individuals who sleep with a partner will have a good night of sleep without any disruptions. The Purple also has excellent motion isolation but based on customer reports, Nectar is much better for individuals who get awaken easily due to motion transfer.

Warranty, Sleep Trials, and Off-Gassing

The Purple company gives an entirely non-prorated 120-month warranty with a 100-day sleep trial for its Original Purple. The trial does not have a mandatory break-in period, so you can return the mattress at any point within the sleep trial and get a full refund for the price that they purchased the product. The warranty includes sagging or indentations that measure one inch or deeper and any cracks in the mattress material that happened even with proper care, but the warranty will be voided if the mattress is not used with a proper flat, solid or non-spring foundation.

The Nectar mattress has an entirely non-prorated lifetime warranty that covers sagging or indentations that measure one and a half inches or more, manufacturing defects of the cover, and physical flaws in the mattress that lead to splits or cracks. However, there are small charges that can occur. With the first ten years of ownership, repairing or replacing the bed will cost you nothing, but after these ten years, owners will need to pay $50 for shipping each way for both repairs and replacements. If the bed is determined to be defective, these charges will be refunded to you. The product also has a 365-day sleep trial that does not have a break-in period.

Even though the Nectar has White Glove delivery available, neither of these models has old mattress removal. Both models have small and non-harmful off-gassing after unpacking, but it will go away after a couple of hours.

Reasons to Buy the Original Purple

The Purple has the most innovative technology to offer, with its hyper-elastic polymer grid that gives is one of the best heat regulation solutions. For hot sleepers and those who have more than 130 pounds, this is an ideal choice. Along with that, the Purple is also suitable for sleepers who prefer firmer beds and moderate body conforming, as well as couples who get awaken easily because of movement or noise. The Original Purple mattress is also excellent for back and side sleepers because of its construction that offers great pressure response and conforming to the body. However, it is not suitable for individuals who like softer beds with very close conforming, those who have less than 130 pounds or people who have a tighter budget.

Reasons to Buy the Nectar

The Nectar Mattress is also suitable for people who like firmer surfaces and prefer moderate conforming and those who tend to sleep hot. What makes the Nectar different from the Purple is that it is also excellent for individuals with persistent aches and pains in their lower back, neck, or shoulders. Apart from that, those who sleep with a partner will also find this model ideal. Because of its excellent motion isolation, it is perfect for people who awaken easily because of noise or movement. However, same as with Purple, if you have less than 130 pounds or like softer beds that give close conforming, the Nectar may not be a suitable option for you.

Looking for a new mattress can sometimes be a very stressful thing to do. People can’t find all the right information online, going to a lot of stores can be exhausting, and the products are hard to compare if you don’t write everything down. That is why we constantly review beds and all the products that should help you get a good night’s rest. We have taken this very seriously since we know how important sleep is in every aspect of your life. Poor sleep leads to serious health conditions, weight gain, impaired cognitive performance, weak immune system, and it is bad for your overall quality of life. That is why we have created many guides, to help you get the right product, and enjoy all the benefits of sound slumber.

Today, we compare two models, the Leesa and Helix Midnight. They are both considered medium in terms of firmness, they have been on the market for about the same time, and are in the moderate price category. Let’s see how they both compare in construction, features, and other ratings so you can make the right buying decision.

Leesa vs. Helix – Basic Info

Leesa was founded in 2014 and Leesa mattress is their flagship model. Leesa mattress is an all-foam model with comfort layers made of polyfoam and memory foam, while the base provides enough sturdiness and support thanks to the high-density polyfoam. The model is considered medium in terms of firmness, rated five on a 1-10 scale. Keep in mind that the brand also offers Leesa Hybrid mattress, formerly the Sapira, but in today’s review, we’ll focus on Leesa and how it compares with the competition.

Helix Sleep has been on the market since 2015, and their main focus was making quality hybrid mattresses. We’ve chosen their Helix Midnight for this comparison, as it also offers medium firmness with a 5.5 rating. The bed comes in two versions, and you can choose between Standard and Luxe design. The Standard model comes with a high-density polyfoam base, and single-gauge pocketed coils, which gives this bed enough stability and proper support. The comfort system consists of memory foam layer and polyfoam as a traditional layer between the springs and the rest of the mattress. Luxe design comes with an additional gel-infused memory foam layer for extra comfort and cooling effect, and the coils are zoned for better support. Beside the Helix Midnight, they offer five other hybrid models in both Standard and Luxe versions: the Sunset, Dusk, Moonlight, Twilight, and Dawn. There is also a model specially designed for heavier sleepers – the Nightfall mattress, and two dual firmness beds, the Dual Balanced, and Dual Extra. Keep in mind that we will only focus on Helix Midnight and how it compares to Leesa, but you can check other reviews on our website if you are interested in different models.

Mattress Construction

If you want to see how your mattress will stand the test of time, you can do so by looking at the way it is constructed. If the company uses quality materials and their manufacturing process is good with a lot of attention to detail, it is almost certain that their products will perform well and have a long lifespan.

The Leesa is an all-foam model that comes at a medium firmness. Most people love the foam feel, and it is the most used materials in comfort layers. What people like the best about this material is that it contours nicely to the body curves, and it offers pressure relief in the spots such as hips, shoulders, lower back, and knees. These spots can be sore if the body weight falls on them instead of spreading evenly on the surface. Besides this, foam offers excellent motion isolation and is silent when bearing weight. However, these models sometimes tend to sleep hot, have weak edge support, and are not responsive enough, so some people might not like them because they might sink in and feel trapped. That can make it harder to switch positions during the night, or to have sex.

The Leesa has a 6” high-density polyfoam base that provides a stable foundation for the whole bed, and it allows even weight distribution. Two 2” comfort layers provide a medium firm feel, which is a great balance between proper support and contouring. This is what many sleepers prefer, and most will find it satisfying no matter their sleep position preference or body weight. The cover is made of polyester and Lycra spandex blend, which allows elasticity, breathability, and also comes with some moisture-wicking abilities. The 10” profile is standard for mattresses, while the 71 pounds in Queen size is slightly lighter than other mattresses, so moving and handling it won’t be a problem.

Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress, meaning that it has both innerspring and foam components. This brings the best of both worlds, with coils, there is better support and a stronger edge, as well as good ventilation since there is enough room between the springs for the air to flow freely. That allows the bed to sleep cooler, which is exactly what memory foam needs as it tends to retain heat. On the other hand, the foam provides closer conforming and pressure relief, making it suitable for people who experience back pain and aches.

The Standard Helix Midnight has a high-density polyfoam base that provides a solid foundation for the whole bed. Pocketed single-gauge coils give additional support to this high-density layer. On top of it lays a transitional polyfoam layer, while the comfort system is made of memory foam that offers medium firmness, and closer conforming, while still sleeping more on the mattress rather than sinking in. With a 10” profile and 84 pounds in Queen size, it is lighter than other hybrid models, so you shouldn’t have many problems moving it.

The Luxe model has a similar construction with a few additions. It has a gel-infused layer added in the comfort system, which provides additional cooling and closer conforming for more pressure and pain relief. The coils in the core are zoned, with thinner ones in the area where your shoulders rest, and a thicker one for the lumbar area. This provides more targeted support, which is particularly suitable for heavier people. The cover is made with phase change materials that ensure proper temperature regulation, so it’s a nice little addition for sleeping cool during hot summer nights and warming up during the winter. The Luxe edition has a 14” profile, making it thicker than standard models. It also weighs 120 pounds in Queen size, so it might be a little too heavy for a single person to handle it, and you might need additional help.

Available Sizes and Pricing

Both models are available in all six standard sizes. Here are their dimensions and prices depending on the selected option.

Size	Width	Length	Price (Leesa/Helix Midnight Standard/ Luxe)
Twin	39”	75”	$525 $500 $895
Twin XL	39”	80”	$695 $600 $1,145
Full/Double	54”	75”	$855 $750 $1,345
Queen	60”	80”	$995 $895 $1,595
King	76”	80”	$1,195 $1,145 $1,945
California King	72”	84”	$1,195 $1,145 $1,945

 

Performance Comparison

When it comes to durability, both brands haven’t been on the market long enough, so we can’t determine this with 100% certainty, but we can say that there were no major user complaints so far. You can expect your mattress to have at least an average lifespan of 7-8 years for both of these models.

The Leesa mattress is a little softer, so it will conform a bit closer, providing better pressure relief. However, some heavier sleepers have stated that it doesn’t offer enough support for their weight, and that’s where Helix Midnight performs a lot better.

Off-gassing is a term used to describe a specific rubbery smell that new mattresses have. Since both models have foam in the construction, you can expect a little bit of odor, but it is very mild and will disappear within a day or so.

Sleeping too hot can be a problem for many users, so it’s essential that the bed doesn’t retain heat. Since the Leesa is an all-foam model, it naturally sleeps a bit hotter, but they have done a good job, and it provides enough temperature neutrality for most sleepers. This is, however, where the Helix Midnight performs much better, since it has an innerspring core, allowing better airflow and sleeping much cooler.

When it comes to edge support, as expected, Helix Midnight performs much better. Due to its hybrid construction, and additional foam layers reinforcing the whole bed, the edge is rather strong. With the Leesa, you can expect some sinkage around the perimeter, most commonly in the place where you usually sit in the morning.

Both beds have excellent motion isolation, which is especially impressive for Helix Midnight since hybrids often lack in this department. This makes them perfect for people who share their bed with a partner and are easily woken up by their movement during the night. The Leesa also makes no noise when bearing weight, while with Helix Midnight, you can expect some since there are springs in its construction. The innerspring core, however, makes for a bouncier bed, so it is a better choice for sex. Foam lacks responsiveness, so it might not be suitable for some couples as they might feel stuck.

Sleep Ratings

We rated these beds primarily based on their abilities to provide proper spine alignment, and the overall comfort while sleeping. These criteria are somewhat subjective and can vary based on a sleeper’s weight and position preference. Here is what we found out.

The Leesa has a medium firm feel, which is perfect for average sized individuals, as well as lighter and heavier people who like the right balance of contouring and support. It is a suitable choice for every type of sleepers, no matter if you plan on resting on your back, side, stomach, or you switch it up during the night. It provides proper support with superb conforming and pressure relief, so it’s a suitable choice for most sleepers.

Helix Midnight also offers medium firmness and is suitable for all weight groups, but lighter individuals may like the Standard version better, while the heavier ones will probably prefer the Luxe. Back and side sleepers will find the most benefits of this mattress, while stomach sleepers may have some problems if they are in the heavyweight group.

Delivery, Sleep Trial, and Warranty

Leesa ships to the US, Canada, the UK, and Germany for free. This usually takes 3-7 business days. They also offer a White Glove delivery with bed installation and old mattress removal for an additional fee of $150. Helix delivers to the US and most of Canada, and while the US shipments are free, buyers from Canada will need to pay additional $250.

Both brands offer a 100-night sleep trial with a 30-day break in period. It means that you will use the mattress for a month, and if you don’t like it afterward, you can return it for a full refund.

You’ll get a 10-year warranty for the Leesa and the standard version of Helix Midnight, and 15-year guarantee for the Luxe version. Warranties cover all the defects that might appear as well as sagging and sinkage over one inch deep. Less than that is not included in the coverage; neither are changes in the person’s sleep preference or the damages connected to misuse or improper cleaning. Keep in mind that mattresses get a bit softer over time, so always choose a slightly firmer model than what you consider suitable.

Which One To Choose?

Go for the Leesa if you like the all-foam feel, but want to sleep slightly cooler. It is great for people who like a medium firm mattress with reasonable conforming. Also, it is a perfect choice for couples because of the superior motion isolation and quietness when bearing weight. On the other hand, it is not a good choice if you don’t like the foam feel and close conforming, or you’d like a more responsive surface.

You should choose Helix Midnight if you sleep exceptionally hot and experience night sweats. This model will help you sleep cooler thanks to its breathability and temperature regulating properties. It is suitable for people who like medium firmness with a good balance between support and contouring. It is also ideal for those who need good motion isolation with minimal noise. Helix Midnight is not a good option if you don’t like the classic innerspring feel, or want a firmer surface with minimal conforming.

 

Both Helix and Tuft & Needle are well established, although still relatively new companies on the market. Tuft & Needle was launched in 2012 with its flagship T&N mattress. Besides that one, the company offers the gel and graphite infused Mint Mattress.

Helix was founded in 2015, but most of their best sellers were introduced in 2018. In addition to the Helix Midnight, our pick for this article, they sell hybrids like Moonlight, Sunset, Twilight, Dawn and Dusk, and heavier weight-friendly Nightfall. Their extensive product line also includes dual-firmness beds like Dual Extra and Dual Balanced.

As you can see, these two manufacturers already have a lot on display, hoping to suit everybody’s taste and need. The reason we have chosen to compare only the two mattresses and not include the rest in this article is simple – out of all the beds mentioned, they are the most alike, automatically making one’s choice between them the most challenging.

The pros and cons list based on which you will make a final decision extends further than just the costs, warranties and the firmness of your bed. Do you experience back pain? Would you prefer flatter, bouncier surfaces or close conforming while you sleep? Do you sleep with a partner, and do they keep accidentally waking you up?

Everybody has different needs, but there are some repeating, universal factors to consider before making the purchase. These criteria are important, as it is through them that you will be able to make an informed decision and make the most out of your new bed at the end of this article. But first, let’s take a look at the Helix and T&N individually.

Tuft & Needle

This idea behind this mattress’ design is simple and efficient. Made from only two layers, T&N mattress features a 1.8 PCF high-density polyfoam base and a 2.8 PCF polyfoam comfort layer. This combination makes for a medium firm (6.5), supportive surface covered with a blend of polyester and rayon.

The bed is ten inches thick, which meets your average mattress thickness, but the Queen size weighs only 72 pounds, making it lighter even compared to some all-foam beds, and easy to move or rotate as needed.

The Helix Midnight

The Helix Midnight comes in two versions, with some vital differences in their construction. The Midnight consists of a comfort layer made of memory foam, a transitional layer made of polyfoam, and a pocket coil and high-density polyfoam support core. Its cover is made from polyester and stretch. The Midnight is ten inches thick and weighs 84 pounds in Queen size, which is a bit heavier than the T&N, but most people still don’t find it challenging to lift.

The Helix Midnight Luxe has a double comfort system from standard and gel memory foam. Its support configuration differs from the Midnight, too, featuring thinner, higher-gauge coils under the shoulder area, and lower-gauge coils below the hips. The transitional polyfoam and high-density polyfoam base are the same as with the Midnight, and its pillow-top cover is to blame for the difference in the profile compared to the standard Midnight, at least to some extent. As a result, the Luxe is 14 inches tall and its weight in Queen size is 120 pounds, which is considerably heavier than its standard version, making it a bit difficult to handle for many customers. Despite their different construction, both the Midnight and the Midnight Luxe are ranked as medium firm (5.5).

Durability

Obviously, you want your bed to last as long as possible once you set it up in the bedroom. Like most similar designs, the T&N is supposed to stay in shape for about six or seven years. However, this particular model hasn’t been around for long so we can’t say for sure. A similar case is with the Helix Midnight Luxe. What we do know for certain is that the standard Midnight lasts up to seven years on average, so that would be the safest pick for this category.

Motion Isolation

Couples, pay attention to this one. Sleeping together is good for your health if you can manage to maintain it without interruptions. Even if you aren’t particularly sensitive to motion during sleep, your companion’s tossing and turning on a more responsive surface might wake you up. In such a scenario, one partner’s sleepless night might quickly become the other one’s, too. T&N is a solid choice here. Despite being completely memory foam-free, this bed keeps the rest of its surface almost wholly unphased when you switch positions or first lay down. The Helix Midnight offers similar motion isolation, above average compared to other hybrids.

Noise

Another factor for couples’ consideration; excessive noise is a known sleep disruptor. Environmental noise pollution may be avoided to an extent, but what if the sound comes from your bed? Well, the Midnight’s coils are designed to be as quiet as possible, but it’s still louder than all-foam mattresses. The T&N, on the other hand, made this issue almost non-existent. When bearing weight, this bed makes next to zero noise.

Edge Support

Edge support refers to the sinking potential around the bed’s perimeter in case the owner leans or sits at the edges often. It is generally not advisable as the bed might deviate from its original form over time. If you insist on it, the T&N will most likely develop indentations after a while as edge support is not one of its stronger suits. However, the Midnight excels in this category due to its added layers and coil configuration.

Conforming

The mattress’ ability to adapt to your body is beneficial for various spine alignment issues, relieving pain from your back, neck, shoulders and relaxing your pressure points. This is due to the way a conforming mattress shapes to fit your form without letting you sink too deep into the surface and deform your posture. Of course, a lot of this depends on your sleeping position and weight, but higher conformity is universally recommended for people facing these problems.

To serve this purpose, both mattresses may be good enough, but the winner is the Midnight. It hugs around your body quite tightly compared to the T&N, which does the job on par with most similar beds but ranks lower in this case.

Odor

Some off-gassing upon unpacking and assembling your new mattress is common, although you may be surprised at first. The smell doesn’t signify anything dangerous and usually dissipates after a few days, but for a highly sensitive individual, this may count as greater downside than for others. The T&N may be slightly more problematic in this scenario, as its smell is stronger than the Midnight’s. They both air out quickly, though, so try to focus on other, permanent features instead.

Temperature Regulation

The T&N is not bad at keeping you fresh during sleep, although there have been a few complaints on this account.  But the Helix Midnight does a far better job here thanks to the coil design. Without a doubt, this bed would take care of all the hot-sleeping struggles you may otherwise experience regularly.

Sex

The responsiveness commonly sought after when it comes to sex is less than ideal in the T&N, but a bit more promising in the Midnight. Although this bed is nowhere near excellent in this category, it does have a bouncier surface than its all-latex or foam competitors. You rarely get the full package of features in a single mattress, and this category is often among the first to be overlooked, but the Midnight certainly offers a compromise worth considering.

Sizes and Prices

Both models come in a range of six different sizes, from Twin to California King. When it comes to prices, the T&N is notably cheaper, starting with the $350 Twin and reaching $750 for both King and California King sizes, making it a no-brainer for a tight budget. The standard Midnight offers the Twin model at $500 and the California King for $1149, while the Luxe has even higher price listings, as the name implies. This model’s Twin is $895, already exceeding T&N’s California King price, and the Luxe’s California King comes at a $1945.

Sleep Trials, Warranty, and Delivery

The T&N

For this mattress, Tuft & Needle offers a 100-night sleep trial, without a mandatory break-in period. However, this applies only to owners who bought the product directly from Tuft & Needle or Huckberry. One household may receive only one sleep trial per year.

You may return the bed at any point, but for Alaska and Hawaii, Tuft & Needle won’t refund the shipping charges. Otherwise, the company will pick up the mattress for you and cover the shipping cost along with all other refunds necessary.

The warranty is entirely non-prorated and lasts ten years, or until the mattress leaves the US. It also becomes void if the bed isn’t used with an appropriate, firm support system. The warranty covers for indentations deeper than ¾ inches, manufacturing abnormalities with the zippers or seams, and physical defects that cause the foam to crack. It will not cover for sagging measuring less than ¾ inches, damage done due to neglect like burns, stains or scratch marks, and the owner’s custom repair wishes. The warranty only applies to the original owner of the bed and cannot be transferred to the next owner, should the mattress be sold.

Tuft & Needle ships all over the US. The delivery arrives between three and seven business days since the purchase has been made. For the customers from the contiguous US, free shipping is available, along with the same-day shipping for $50. Customers from Alaska or Hawaii may have to pay additional charges.

The Helix Midnight

The sleep trial for the Midnight lasts a 100 nights, too, but only after the mandatory 30-day period can you request to return your mattress. Helix will issue a full refund and pick up your bed for no additional money.

The warranty for the Midnight lasts ten years, and fifteen for the Midnight Luxe, both of them entirely non-prorated. The transportation costs for repairs must be paid by the customer, but up to $100 may be refunded by Helix should a defect be discovered.

Both Midnight and Luxe are to be used with a solid base surface. Otherwise, the warranty becomes void. Defects such as indentations deeper than an inch and other physical flaws with the damaged foam or cover surface will be covered by the warranty. However, sagging under 1 inch deep and misuse-related defects doesn’t qualify for the guarantee. As with the Tuft & Needle, this warranty can’t be transferred to another owner.

Helix delivers to most of Canada and the entire US. The Midnight delivery usually takes from three to seven business days, but the Luxe may take up to ten since the purchase was made. The UPS coordinates all Helix deliveries.

The Final Verdict

The T&N is a suitable choice if:

• You like a medium firm, moderately conforming surface
• You weigh 130 pounds or more
• You suffer from minor shoulder or back issues
• You and your companion wake up easily due to noise or movement
• Your budget is limited, but you want a foam bed

Keep looking if you weigh under 130 pounds, have different firmness preferences or want a more responsive mattress.

The Helix Midnight might suit you if:

• You are a hot sleeper and struggle to keep cool on foam beds
• You regularly experience back or neck pain
• You’d like a medium firm mattress that is moderately conforming
• You want coil beds but easily wake up due to noise or motion
• You seek a more responsive mattress but not at the cost of the factors above

This bed may not be the best pick if you want a surface that conforms more closely or you like lower-profile beds.

 

While first discovering the vast amount of information on beds, sheets, pillows and such, you might soon start to feel like you’re falling down a rabbit hole – to no surprise, as the data gets very detailed and specific to fulfill precise sets of demands. While that’s undoubtedly a good thing, as it means that everybody can find an item to suit them, it also means that the sheer quantity of choices will be overwhelming at the first encounter and often confusing. You will realize there are a few essential general criteria to measure these items by until you narrow your choices down to a couple of possible fits – and this is where our article aims to help you.

See, distinguishing a firm mattress from a soft one is not a problematic task, but distinguishing two beds with similar characteristics is where many people find themselves stuck. The nuances are what you will need to mull over to ultimately decide on an option you’re comfortable with.

In this article, we have chosen to cover one such case with the Loom & Leaf mattress and the Tuft & Needle mattress. Keep reading to find out how these two rank in categories such as durability, motion isolation, noise, etc. as well as how affordable each of them is, and what exactly you sign up for when you purchase them.

Tuft & Needle

The company exists since 2012 and produces all-foam beds. Besides the flagship T&N Mattress that they are most known for, they also designed the Mint Mattress, with a memory foam comfort layer infused with gel and graphite, a transitional polyfoam layer and the support core made of higher-density polyfoam.

For the purposes of this article, however, we will stick with the T&N. This model is made out of two components. The seven inch-thick base consists of 1.8 PCF polyfoam, a 2.8 PCF polyfoam comfort system that’s three inches thick and also infused with graphite and gel, with a rayon or polyester cover. This combination makes the T&N a medium firm with the 6.5 level of firmness, meaning it won’t be completely unyielding when you lay on it, but you also won’t sink in. This bed weighs only 72 pounds in Queen size and has a profile of ten inches, so it takes up the same space as an average bed, but lighter in weight even compared to other all-foams.

Loom & Leaf

Saatva, the company that created this bed, first set out in 2010 to make a luxury mattress that doesn’t cost a fortune. Besides the Loom & Leaf, they offer the Saatva (an innerspring with mixed foam) and the Zenhaven (a dual design made of latex).

The Loom & Leaf has a high-density polyfoam support core with two layers, a multi-layer comfort system consisting of gel and regular memory foam, and even a foam-padded organic cotton cover. This sums up to an even more layered and taller bed than the T&N, with a total of 12 inches thickness. The model is also quite a bit heavier – 93 pounds in Queen size make this bed somewhat tricky to lift and rotate.

The Loom & Leaf has two firmness options: medium firm (5.5) and firm (8). The Medium firm option offers closer conforming, which would suit side sleepers and lighter weighing individuals in general. The firm Loom & Leaf, on the other hand, works better for heavier people and those who prefer sleeping on their back or stomach, with lower conforming but more reliable support.

Durability

Loom & Leaf usually lasts about seven years on average, which is on par with other foam beds. After that period, some sagging is to be expected. This seems to be the case with the T&N as well, although this company has been present for a shorter while, which means that an accurate assessment hasn’t been formed yet. Similar durability of six to seven years is likely.

Body Conforming

Both models rank high in this category. T&N conforms closely to the sleeper’s body and is frequently listed as an optimal choice for people who experience chronic back pain and neck issues.

The Loom & Leaf offers similar conformity but coming in two firmness levels, so heavier-weighing people can expect the same pain relieving properties from this bed. In conclusion, both models are good for any position, as they enable enough support and hug tightly around you to ensure proper posture and minimum strain on your pressure points.

Temperature Regulation

Waking up in sweat is a common struggle of many people, earning it a category of its own when it comes to mattress evaluation. Some companies highlight the cooling feature in some of their products, but unfortunately, neither of these two models have temperature neutrality as their selling point. That being said, the T&N has a slight advantage over the Loom & Leaf, with a small number of owners complaining about hot sleeping. The Loom & Leaf, despite its cooling gel mechanism, still gets a bit more heat complaints from customers, but its verdict remains “good” compared to some other mattresses.

Motion Isolation

Although the T&N isn’t a memory foam model, its motion isolation is admirable. One could switch sides or get up from the bed with their partner barely noticing.

The Loom & Leaf isn’t behind on this. Next to no motion transfer occurs when one shifts positions on this bed, making it a very close call between the two and classifying both as couple-approved. Especially if you or your companion wake easily due to motion, both of the beds reviewed here are suitable for you.

Noise

Another regular couples’ complaint – bed rattle. When one partner can’t sleep, they often accidentally wake the other one, too, unless this feature is accounted for in the bed mechanism. Luckily, both T&N and the Loom & Leaf take care of this problem for you, not letting out a squeak while bearing weight and leaving you and your partner to snooze together in peace.

Off-gassing

An unpleasant smell is not unusual for many mattresses as you first buy them and bring them into your home, but this isn’t something to focus on unless some exceptional circumstances. They air out in a couple of days in most cases, but people with sensitive noses sometimes have issues with this. The Loom & Leaf and T&N are no exceptions here – most people won’t mind the odor itself unless they are worried about the chemicals’ effect on their health. Don’t give in to fear-mongering; due to their design and materials used, all foam beds have this property, but that doesn’t mean they are dangerous. The smell will dissipate quickly, and you will be left with a quality mattress should you choose any one of these models.

Edge support

The support around the perimeters in the T&N gets a passing grade, but nothing over that. Indentations can develop over time if you spend a lot of it sitting around the edges of your bed. The Loom & Leaf is a slightly better choice here, but in either case, avoid burdening the perimeters as much as you can if you want to prolong the mattress’ lifespan. Neglecting it will lead to deformations, and the key features of both designs like body conformity will lose their significance in supporting your spinal alignment and healthy posture.

Sex

The essential quality here is responsiveness. Unfortunately, neither of the models is an appropriate pick if this is an important factor for you. Consider the health benefits of the lack of bounciness in these designs, though, before you determine that responsiveness deserves the top shelf in your criteria. If so, other beds would definitely be more suitable, and we’ve set up a list of mattresses for sex to help you choose one to your liking.

To summarize, the T&N might suit you if:

• you like medium firm sleeping surfaces
• you tend to sleep hot on foam beds
• you prefer beds that aren’t too tall
• you or your companion are sensitive to noise or movement and wake up easily
• you weigh over 130 pounds

This model might not suit you if you prefer firmer/softer surfaces, weigh under 130 pounds or seek a more bouncy, less conforming bed.

The Loom & Leaf might be a good idea if:

• you like sleeping on a higher platform
• you suffer frequent shoulder or back pain and want a close-conforming bed
• you prefer mattresses on the firmer end
• you need a bed that’s supportive for heavier weight
• motion or noise wakes you or your partner easily

You may wish to reconsider if you weigh lighter than 130 pounds, you tend to sleep hot, want a lower-profile or less conforming bed.

Prices and Sizes

There is a total of six different sizes between these beds, starting with Twin and ending with the California King. Out of the two, T&N is over twice as affordable: the Twin size comes at $350, while the Loom & Leaf one costs $749. Loom & Leaf’s California King is $1699 compared to the $750 T&N. As you can see, the difference in prices is considerable; if the distinctions between these beds in other criteria we went over aren’t of significant concern, or your budget is limited the choice is obvious. However, there are a few last details you need to take a look at before you decide to make a purchase.

Sleep Trial, Warranty and Delivery

T&N

The sleep trial for this model lasts 100 nights.

Shipping charges’ refunds aren’t available for owners in Hawaii or Alaska who wish to return their purchase.

A household may get one sleep trial per year. The testing is offered only to customers who buy the products from Tuft & Needle or other authorized sellers.

The warranty for T&N lasts ten years and is non-prorated. It only applies if the mattress is used with a solid, firm foundation and doesn’t leave the US. The warranty isn’t transferable; it’s void for anybody who buys the mattress from the original owner and not from Tuft & Needle or an authorized seller.

The warranty will cover defects such as sagging marks deeper than ¾ of an inch, cracks in the foam or flaws with the zippers. It won’t cover for damage caused by neglect, such as burns, cuts, stains, indentations in the mattress less than a ¾ inch deep or any custom wishes from the customer.

Tuft & Needle delivers to customers all over the US. Free shipping usually takes between three and seven business days, while a same-day shipping option is available at $50. Hawaii and Alaska shipment may be additionally charged.

Saatva

With the Loom & Leaf mattress, this company offers a 120-night trial. The bed may be returned at any point.

A $99 shipping fee will be deducted from refunds of all mattresses. Customers may choose to exchange their bed for another one with this same fee taking place.

The partially prorated warranty lasts 15 years. For the first two years, Saatva offers to repair any defects for free, but should you request a repairment after that period, you will have to pay $198 transportation fee.

Saatva also offers something called the “Fairness Replacement Option.” It works like this: after the free-repair period of two years and up to the fifth year, owners can replace their defective bed for a new one at 30% of the original cost; starting the sixth year and up to ten, they pay 50% of the original price; from year 11 they must pay 75% for a new bed. In this case, the customers may choose to keep their original mattress in addition to the replacement.

The warranty applies only if the bed is supported by a metal frame with at least five legs, and vertical support for Queen size and above. As with the T&N, sagging deeper than ¾ inches will meet the cut, but the warranty will cover no less than that. Furthermore, only the original owners may use the warranty; they may later choose to sell it to a third party, but the warranty can’t be transferred.

Saatva doesn’t ship to Hawaii, Alaska and overseas US territories. They do offer the White Glove service for the contiguous US and most of Canada, which means your new mattress will be set up in your home and the old one removed for free. From the moment the purchase is made, the customer gets a timeframe of four hours in which their bed is to be delivered. If this timeframe isn’t met, they may request a full refund. Prior to the date of delivery, customers won’t pay cancellation charges.

 

Picking the right mattress can sometimes turn out to be a difficult decision. The information found online is not good enough to provide sufficient details about different products, making it hard to compare. Because of that, we have created numerous guides and reviews to help people choose new bedding products. When you have all the information in one place, it is easier to make the decision, and the more informed you are, the better it will be. Remember that price is not the only indicator of quality, and if you dig deep enough, you can find excellent products for a better value.

Today we review two beds that are more affordable to the average buyer, but both perform very well. Casper and Tuft and Needle have been on the market for about the same time, so let’s dig into their strengths and weaknesses and see how they compare.

Casper vs. T&N – Basic Info

Casper has been in business since 2014. The Casper is their flagship mattress, and it features a high-density polyfoam layer, in addition to comfort system that consists of three separate foam layers. It comes at a moderate price, and it is considered to be medium on a firmness scale, rating at 5.5 out of 10. The company also offers the Casper Essential, which is a memory foam mattress, and the Casper Wave that consists of foam and latex. However, this review will focus on the feature of their flagship bed, the Casper model.

Tuft & Needle was founded in 2012, so they have been around for a little longer than Casper. The T&N Mattress is their flagship model, and it is made entirely out of polyfoam, with a 7” high-density base, and a 3” comfort layer. It is considered inexpensive, and it is rated at 6.5 out of 10 on a firmness scale, making it a medium firm. Tuft & Needle also offers the Mint Mattress, which is also made of polyfoam, but with a gel-infused comfort layer for added cooling effect. However, we will concentrate on the T&N Mattress and see how it compares to the Casper.

Mattress Construction

The construction is essential when it comes to mattresses. If the manufacturer uses quality materials, has a good manufacturing process, and pays a lot of attention to details, you can expect to end up with a product that will provide you with superior comfort in many years to come.

Both mattresses are foam based, and this material has its good and bad sides, so while some people love it, others find it impossible to sleep on. Firstly, foam is incredible at pressure relief because of its conforming abilities, and you will experience less pain after sleeping on a material that hugs you tightly. With softer models, you tend to sink inside completely, while the firmer ones contour just a little bit so that you don’t feel trapped inside. Foam models also offer superior motion isolation and are silent when bearing weight, making it perfect for couples that are easily distracted by their partner’s movements during the night. A few drawbacks are that these beds tend to sleep hotter than other types, sometimes the edge support is not strong enough, and they don’t have the most responsive surface so some people might feel trapped inside and unable to switch positions easily during the night.

The Casper comes at a medium (5.5) firmness, it is 12” thick, and it weighs 85 pounds in Queen size, which is average, so moving and placing it won’t be a problem. The base is made of 5” of high-density polyfoam, that provides good foundation and stability for the rest of the layers. The comfort system consists of three layers, where the top and bottom ones are made of polyfoam while the middle one is made of memory foam. The cover is made of polyester, a breathable material with moisture-wicking abilities that has a light, soft touch. Recent additions to the construction feature zoned support, meaning it is slightly sturdier in the lumbar region for proper spinal alignment. You can now even choose the hybrid version of the Casper, but it costs additional $400.

The T&N Mattress has a medium firm (6.5) feel, it is 10” thick, and it weighs 72 pounds in Queen size, which is lighter than most other models, so you won’t need help maneuvering it. It is entirely made of polyfoam, with high density 7” base, and a 3” comfort layer. Because it is slightly firmer, it won’t hug the body as tightly as the Casper, but it provides enough contouring and pressure relief, making it an excellent choice for people who don’t like to sink in too much.  The cover is made of a mix of rayon and polyester, which means that it is highly breathable and ensures cool sleep for most of the night.

Performance Comparison

There are several things to consider when buying a new mattress. We want to see how these two beds compare to each other in terms of performance and sleep satisfaction from users. Let’s dig in.

Since both brands haven’t been on the market long enough to witness the actual life span of these products, we can only tell by the user experience so far. With Casper being active for five and T&N for seven years, that is slightly below the average lifespan of a foam mattress. However, so far it looks like both beds are performing excellent, as minimal saggings and deteriorations have been reported. Because of this, no matter which one you chose, you can expect it to serve you without any problems for 7-8 years, which is the average durability of foam mattresses.

Sleeping too hot is a problem for many users who sleep on all-foam beds, as they are less breathable and have a tendency to retain heat. However, we found that both these models performed well in this area, so we can say that they have good temperature regulation. They might not be the best choice for hot sleepers who often experience night sweats, but they are more than suitable for average users.

Both models perform well when it comes to conforming, and even though the T&N Mattress is a little firmer, it provides better contouring and pressure relief. If you are somebody who often experiences pains and aches, this model might be a better choice.

When it comes to features that are important for couples, both mattresses perform similarly. They offer excellent motion isolation and are silent when bearing weight. These qualities make these beds attractive for couples, as you won’t wake up your partner if you switch positions during the night or you need to go to the bathroom. However, we mentioned that all-foam beds are not so suitable for sex since they are not responsive enough, so if you are looking for a bouncier surface, you should skip these models.

When it comes to edge support, both of these models don’t perform so well in this area, and some sinkage around the perimeter may occur over time.

Finally, new mattresses often have a distinct, rubbery smell that most people find unpleasant. It is typical for foam beds to emit some odor when you first get them, but it should disappear shortly. This is where the T&N Mattress performs better, as there is less off-gassing reported, and it dissipates rather quickly. On the other hand, you can expect moderate off-gassing with the Casper.

Sleep Ratings

A mattress is an excellent choice if it provides proper spinal alignment and satisfying sleeping comfort. Of course, these things vary between sleepers and can be somewhat subjective. We try to see how the mattresses perform while people of different weight groups rest in different positions. Here is what we found out.

The Casper is excellent for every sleeping position. Even though back, side, and combo sleepers will find the most benefits, stomach sleepers will find it adequate at worst. Light and average weight sleepers reported feeling most comfortable while sleeping on the Casper, but surprisingly, heavier individuals think that it is quite good as well. Three-layered comfort system provides enough contouring and pressure relief, and users reported feeling fewer pains and aches after sleeping on this bed.

Since T&N Mattress is a bit on the firmer side, it doesn’t perform as well for petite sleepers. They don’t have enough weight to feel all the benefits of conforming and pressure relief as those who weigh at least 130 pounds. It is an excellent choice for heavier individuals who often have problems with support and sinkage on foam mattresses. Back sleeping seems to be the best-rated position on this bed, but side and stomach sleepers think it is more than adequate.

Available Sizes and Pricing

Size	Length	Width	Weight	Price
CASPER
Twin	75”	38”	56 lbs	$595
Twin XL	80”	38”	59 lbs	$695
Full/Double	75”	53”	73 lbs	$1,050
Queen	80”	60”	85 lbs	$1,095
King	80”	76”	104 lbs	$1,395
California King	84”	72”	102 lbs	$1,395
T&N MATTRESS
Twin	75”	39”	50 lbs	$350
Twin XL	80”	39”	52 lbs	$395
Full/Double	75”	54”	60 lbs	$495
Queen	80”	60”	72 lbs	$595
King	80”	76”	94 lbs	$750
California King	84”	72”	94 lbs	$750

 

Delivery, Sleep Trial, and Warranty

When it comes to transportation, sleep trial, and warranty, both companies offer similar things. Shipping is free, and while Casper delivers to all of US and Canada, T&N only delivers to the United States. Casper has a White Glove option, where they can install your products and remove your old mattress for a flat rate of $149. T&N doesn’t offer that, but they have the same day delivery for an additional fee of $50.

You’ll get a 100-night sleep trial for both models, and there is no necessary break-in period. If you are not completely satisfied with the product, you can exchange it during this period for a full refund.

The warranty that these companies offer lasts 10 years, and they cover all the malfunctions and defects that might arise. However, if you don’t use the proper support, your warranty will be voided. Damages caused by misuse and improper care are not covered. Also, keep in mind that these models get a little softer over time and that the company won’t replace your product if there is a sudden change in your sleep preference.

Which One To Choose?

We suggest picking the Casper if you weigh less than 230 pounds and like closer conforming. This bed is simply amazing for people who often experience pains and aches, and they will find much relief with the Casper. It is a perfect choice for couples, as it has superior motion isolation and makes no noise. However, you might want to skip it if you are heavier than 230 pounds, like a firmer feel with less conforming, or you tend to sleep exceptionally hot.

Go for T&N if you prefer a firmer surface with moderate contouring, and you weigh at least 130 pounds. It is also an excellent choice for co-sleeping, for the same reasons as the Casper. This bed comes at a below-average price, so it is great for value seekers. However, petite people and those who like softer feel may not like it as much, and they should probably go with a different option.