Best Mattresses of 2021: Top Brands Reviewed

When looking for a good mattress, customers want a high-quality bed that’s both comfortable and supportive. While some budget-friendly options may appear to offer great value, the materials may lack quality, which are more likely to break down faster, increasing pressure points, misaligning the spine, and causing muscle pain.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help customers find the best, high-quality mattress. Most top mattresses on our list are made with excellent materials at a good price point. In our guide, we’ll review our top recommendations, as well as everything you need to consider before buying a new mattress.

Best Mattresses of 2021

The Amerisleep AS3 is our favorite mattress because of its excellent pressure-relieving foam. It’s an excellent choice for any type of sleeper, but especially side and combination sleepers. All types of sleepers talk about how using the AS3 has improved their sleep and helped with different pains, including back, hip, and knee issues.

Amerisleep is an Arizona-based company specializing in eco-friendly mattresses. They sell nine mattresses, both foam and hybrid: the AS1, AS2, AS2 Hybrid, AS3, AS3 Hybrid, AS4, AS5, AS5 Hybrid, and Organica. The AS3 and its counterpart, the AS3 Hybrid, are a true medium and have the most balanced feels among all Amerisleep mattresses. The AS2 and AS2 Hybrid are slightly firmer than the AS3, and the AS4 is slightly softer than the AS4.

The AS3 is 12 inches thick with 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, 2 inches of Affinity foam, and a 7-inch Bio-Core® base. The polyester blend mattress cover incorporates FDA-determined Celliant® technology.

Bio-Pur® is a plant-based foam— Amerisleep replaces part of the petroleum with castor oil during the manufacturing process. As a result, the mattress produces little to no off-gassing. Pressure-relieving Bio-Pur® sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam and allows sleepers to feel like they’re sleeping on the mattress, not in it.

The Affinity layer features HIVE® technology — a 5-zoned support system, providing firmer support to the head, back, and legs, with a softer give to the shoulders and hips. This enhanced support layer aligns the spine for even body distribution.

The supportive Bio-Core® base is made using eco-friendly methods, and also has little to no off-gassing odor. The Bio-Core® reinforces the top layers by providing consistent support.

The Amerisleep AS3 includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty. The mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes.

Zoma’s mattresses are designed to boost your sleep quality, muscle pain, and physical performance. Of their three mattresses, the Zoma Mattress, Zoma Start, and Zoma Hybrid, the Zoma Mattress has one of the most balanced feels, which is why it’s so high on our list today.

The Zoma Mattress is 11 inches tall and consists of 2 inches of Triangulex™, 2 inches of Reactiv™, and 7 inches of Support+. The mattress cover is a polyester blend fabric.

The zoned support of the Triangulex™ provides deeper compression to heavier parts of the body, like the hips and shoulders, making the Zoma one of the best mattresses for back pain. Reactiv™ feels like latex with a responsive bounce for easy movement. The Support+ base reinforces the top layers and prevents sagging.

While the Zoma is a mattress for athletes, it’s also a great choice for hot sleepers. Cooling gel is infused in the top layers of foam to relieve pressure, align the spine, and prevent overheating. The bed’s balance of support and comfort layers make it suit most sleeping positions and body types, as well. After sleeping on the Zoma Mattress for just a few nights, customers say how the bed has improved their pain and stopped them from waking up frequently throughout the night.

The Zoma Mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. The mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes.

If you’re shopping for a luxuriously soft mattress, an Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid might be the perfect choice. As Amerisleep’s most luxurious and soft bed, the AS5 Hybrid is excellent if you’re looking to step up your sleep. Unlike its memory foam counterpart, the AS5, the AS5 Hybrid contains coils for extra bounce and support.

The AS5 Hybrid has a soft top layer of Bio-Pur® foam, with some added features and bounce to keep you supported as you sleep. Most soft mattresses don’t provide enough support while also being soft, but AS5 Hybrid users commend the bed for cushioning their bodies and helping their sleep while still remaining supportive.

Soft mattresses can be troublesome because many of them lack the features needed to prevent spinal misalignment. Amerisleep reduces the chances that you’ll become stuck in your bed with its Active Flex layer underneath the Bio-Pur® foam top. Active Flex is a material that’s quick to respond to your movements without negating the top layer’s soft feel.

The bed’s pocketed coil layer is arranged to provide targeted support. The coils underneath your torso are grouped for more support, while the coils under your head, shoulders, and legs promote a plush feel.

Amerisleep produces its AS5 Hybrid in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes. Every Amerisleep mattress includes a 100-night trial and a 20-year warranty.

The Zoma Hybrid is one of the best hybrids for athletic recovery. It has the same recovery foams as the classic Zoma Mattress, with pocketed coils for some extra bounce. It’s a bit softer than the Zoma Mattress, with a medium-soft feel rather than a medium. The softer feel makes this bed a better choice for side sleepers who are petite or have joint conditions.

Zoma wraps the hybrid’s coils to limit motion transfer and mattress noises. Your movements are absorbed rather than carried across the mattress. If foam mattresses aren’t cutting for you, as they weren’t for many Zoma Hybrid users, the Zoma Hybrid is bouncy, making it easier to move around at night.

The hybrid’s blend of cooling comfort foam with a breathable coil base makes it an excellent choice for hot sleepers. If you’ve ever woken up in a sweat, you might want to switch to a Zoma Hybrid.

The Zoma Hybrid is also a good budget option if you want a bouncy and comfortable mattress. Many quality hybrids cost more than $1000, but most of the hybrid’s size options are under $1000.

You can choose a twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king size Zoma Hybrid. Like the Zoma Mattress, the hybrid includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

It’s hard to find a high-quality bed for less than $1,000, but the Vaya Mattress is made with long-lasting materials, comes with a standard 10-year warranty, and only costs $595 for a queen! Plus, it’s designed to offer comfortable sleep for side, back, and combination sleepers—so it’s suitable for the majority of sleepers.

When compared to pricier beds, sleepers say the Vaya Mattress is no different, if not better. Sleeping on the Vaya helped people sleep better, improved their pain, and made them look forward to getting into bed.

The Vaya is medium in firmness and contains 2 layers, altogether it is 12 inches thick. Vaya also offers a hybrid variation of the Vaya Mattress, the Vaya Hybrid, if you’re looking for a similar mattress, only with more bounce and breathability.

The first layer of the Vaya is 3 inches of cushioning Vaya Comfort Foam to relieve pressure and ease aches and pains. Below, is a sturdy 9-inch core layer to withstand wear and tear and keep you lifted. Both foam layers are breathable and porous to resist heat buildup.

Although Vaya designs their bed to suit all sleepers, they understand it might not be everybody’s best sleep solution—that’s why they offer a risk-free, 100-night sleep trial with every mattress purchase.

If you don’t love the Vaya Mattress after a couple of months, simply give them a call and they will initiate the return process and send you a full refund! If you do decide to keep the Vaya, you’ll be backed with 10 years of warranty coverage, protecting you from sags as small as .75 inches thick.

While Amerisleep has long been conscientious about creating eco-friendly mattresses, the Organica is their most natural bed yet. It has a medium feel, similar to Amerisleep’s AS3 or AS3 Hybrid, but the Organica has entirely different materials from any other Amerisleep mattress out there. Also, as an all-natural bed, it understandably costs a bit more than other Amerisleep beds.

The Organica is topped with Joma wool and Talalay latex, supported by responsive pocketed coils and Dunlop latex, all of which is wrapped in a cotton mattress cover. The medium feel the Organica’s materials create is suitable for most sleeping styles. The pocketed coils make the bed nice and springy, so you aren’t left feeling stuck in bed.

The Organica has four certifications from independent organizations:

• The yarn is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard.
• The wool and latex are certified under the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® as free of harmful chemicals.
• The latex is also certified by the Rainforest Alliance and the eco-INSTITUT for its sustainably sourced materials and low VOC emissions.

Like other Amerisleep mattresses, the Organica comes with free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 20-year warranty.

The Avocado mattress is 11 inches tall with 2 inches of Dunlop latex, 8 inches of individually-wrapped recycled steel coils, and 1 inch of Dunlop latex as a base. Organic cotton and natural wool covers the mattress.

The Avocado mattress is made from organic materials sustainably sourced, so it’s a great option for those seeking an eco-friendly mattress. Other Avocado mattresses—including the Avocado Vegan, Avocado Latex, Avocado Vegan Latex, and Organic Luxury Plush—are just as, if not more, eco-friendly than the Avocado, but the Avocado is the most affordable and balanced option of the bunch.

And if you’d prefer an entirely plant-based bed, the Avocado Vegan is the same thing as the classic Avocado, only it contains cotton in place of the wool.

Dunlop latex is a dense, durable material made from the sap of rubber trees. Dunlop latex gives the Avocado mattress a responsive sleep surface— customers will feel like they’re sleeping on, not in the mattress. As many reviews have stated, it’s easier for sleepers to move around and get in and out of bed on the Avocado compared to other beds.

Pocketed coils in the base are made from recycled steel. This supportive layer provides excellent air circulation for exceptional cooling and reduces motion transfer. The organic cotton cover is GOTS-certified, while the wool lining acts as a natural flame retardant and wicks away moisture.

The Avocado mattress has a medium-firm feel, but for an additional charge, customers can add a 2-inch Dunlop latex pillow top for extra plush comfort to alter the sleep surface to a medium feel.

The Avocado mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty. It’s available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes.

The Bear mattress is 10 inches tall and contains 2 inches of graphite-infused memory foam, 3 inches of responsive poly-foam, and 5 inches of high-density support foam. The polyester mattress cover incorporates FDA-determined Celliant® technology.

The Bear is one of the best mattresses for athletes and those with an active lifestyle. Bear offers two other mattresses designed for physical recovery, the Bear Pro and Bear Hybrid. The Bear Pro has a slightly more advanced build than the original Bear, being 12 inches thick and containing four layers of foam rather than the Bear’s 10-inch profile and three-layer design.

The top memory foam comfort layer is infused with graphite, pulling heat away from the body to improve muscle recovery. Responsive foam contours to the body, relieving pressure points and reducing pain. Each layer of foam is CertiPUR-US® certified, ensuring they are made without harmful chemicals.

FDA-determined Celliant® is a special technology that takes body heat and transforms it into infrared light. Infrared light is then re-absorbed back into the body as energy. As a result, sleepers wake refreshed and ready for the day. Many reviewers note how much better they’ve slept since switching to the Bear.

The Bear mattress has a medium-firm feel and is a good choice for back and stomach sleepers. The Bear mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Bear does require customers to keep the mattress for 30 days before they’ll accept any returns. It’s available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes.

The Nolah Original 10 mattress is 10 inches tall with 2 inches of AirFoam™, 1 inch of transitional foam, and 7 inches of high-density polyurethane foam. The mattress cover is made of viscose material for a soft, breathable sleep surface.

Of all Nolah mattresses, the Nolah Original 10 is the most simple. Compared to Nolah’s other mattresses, the Nolah Signature 12 and the Nolah Evolution 15, the Nolah Original 10 is the most affordable. It has a similar feel to the Evolution 15, but the Evolution 15 is more expensive and may be too thick for some people’s taste, as it’s 15 inches tall versus the Original’s 10 inches.

Designed specifically for side sleepers, the medium-soft feel of the Nolah Original 10 mattress uses their exclusive AirFoam™ to reduce pressure on the hips, shoulders, and back. AirFoam™ creates four times fewer pressure points than traditional memory foam. Plus, sleepers won’t feel trapped inside the mattress since the foam is so buoyant.

A special transitional foam layer lies between the AirFoam™ and the high-density base. This foam layer has a latex-like feel, producing a responsive bounce to align the spine and prevent excessive sinking, especially since the bed is a bit softer. Original 10 customers note how they feel like they’re sleeping on the mattress instead of inside it.

The Nolah Original 10 mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. The mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes.

The Original Purple® mattress is 9.5 inches tall and contains 2 inches of Hyper-Elastic Polymer®, 3.5 inches of poly-foam, and 4 inches of high-density foam. The mattress is encased in a flexible knit Lycra® blend cover.

The Original Purple® mattress is the only all-foam mattress Purple® offers at the moment. Conversely, the Purple® Hybrid and Purple® Hybrid Premier both feature pocketed coils. Still, the Purple® Hybrid is slightly firmer than the Original Purple®, while the Purple® Hybrid Premier is much softer than it.

Purple’s® exclusive Hyper-Elastic Polymer is shaped into the Purple Grid™ layer— the grid design minimizes pressure and motion transfer. This layer flexes and gives under heavier sections of the body without sacrificing support. Its grid-like structure provides maximum air circulation for better cooling. It won’t sag or go soft as quickly as soft as traditional memory foam, either, as backed by many customers who’ve owned the Original Purple® mattress for many years.

The Original Purple® mattress is a good choice for all sleepers and body types.

The Original Purple® mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Purple® does require its customers to keep the mattress for 21 days before requesting a return. The mattress comes in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes.

The Aviya® mattress is Aviya’s® only mattress, but it’s various firmness choices make it more than just a simple mattress. Regardless of the firmness option you choose, the bed is 12 inches thick and has 1 inch of high-density poly-foam, 1 inch of poly-foam, 8 inches of pocket coils, 1 inch of poly-foam, and includes a 3-inch thick, high-density foam edge. The cover includes a 1-inch quilted foam topper.

High-density poly-foam provides long-lasting comfort and enhances lumbar support while relieving pressure points and evenly distributing body weight. The layer of up to 1100 steel pocketed coils offers full-body support and healthy spinal alignment.

This mattress is a great option for heavy sleepers. The combination of high-density poly-foam and individually-wrapped coils prevents the mattress from bottoming out and gives the full comfort and support of a hybrid mattress. Many sleepers have noted how sleeping on the Aviya® mattress has drastically reduced their chronic pain, making it easy to sleep peacefully at night.

Customers can choose from three firmness levels: plush, luxury firm, and firm. Of those three choices, the luxury firm is the most popular option since it doesn’t feel too soft or too hard. This balanced feel works best for the widest variety of sleepers, so if you are ever uncertain about what firmness to choose, luxury firm is a good way to go.

The Aviya® mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. The mattress is available in the following sizes— twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king.

The Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid mattress is 13 inches tall with 3 inches of TitanChill Endurance® foam, 1 inch of transitional poly-foam, 8 inches of individually-wrapped coils, and 1-inch base support foam. The mattress cover is made of phase change fabric and encases the quilted memory foam topper.

Nest Bedding’s line-up is made up of eight mattresses: the Certified Organic Hybrid Latex, Natural Hybrid Latex, Alexander Signature Hybrid, Certified Organic All Latex, Love & Sleep, Alexander Signature Flippable, Natural All Latex, and FLIP Double Sided Hybrid. The only other bed on the Alexander Signature line-up is the Flippable which is made entirely of foam and has medium and firm sides.

The top layer of TitanChill Endurance® foam is a copper-infused memory foam that kills bacteria and pulls heat away from the body— a nice feature for hot sleepers. Another ideal feature for hot sleepers is the transitional poly-foam. Using SmartFlow technology, the egg crate-shaped foam promotes airflow inside the mattress, cooling down both the material and the sleeper.

Read More: Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide

What to Look For in the Best Mattress

Before going out and purchasing a mattress, it’s important to do some research. A mattress is an investment, one you want to make sure is right for you. Making a list of preferred features and setting a budget will help you narrow down your options and find the best mattress.

Types of Mattresses

The type of mattress you want affects your budget and decision. Each material is different, with its own set of pros and cons. Your choice should also be based on your favored sleep position.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is one of the most popular mattress materials. Sleeping on memory foam gives sleepers a “hugging” sensation— the material conforms to the body’s natural curves, relieving pressure points and reducing pain and stiff joints.

One major setback to memory foam mattresses used to be their heat retention; however, mattress companies have taken extra steps to rectify this problem. Now, sleepers can find different types of memory foam with some type of cooling technology. These foam types include:

• Plant-based: Castor oil partially replaces the petroleum during the manufacturing process. Plant-based foam produces little to no off-gassing odor and improves internal air circulation.
• Gel-infused: Gel beads are infused into the memory foam to absorb and disperse body heat to regulate temperature.
• Copper-infused: Copper is a natural heat conductor, and pulls heat away from the body. Copper may also improve blood circulation.
• Graphite-infused: Graphite is normally used to cool down high-heat devices like PCs. Graphite removes heat away from the body to regulate temperature.

A typical memory foam mattress may have one to two memory foam comfort layers with a high-density poly-foam base. Softer, low-density memory foam contours to the body without sagging, while the poly-foam base supports the body and aligns the spine.

To determine the quality of foam, customers need to look at a foam’s density and ILD rating.

A foam’s density determines how well the mattress will support the body. Density is defined by pounds per cubic square foot. Memory foam and poly-foam vary in density readings.

Memory Foam:

• Low: 2.5 to 3.9
• Medium: 4.0 to 5.4
• High: 5.5 and higher

Poly-foam:

• Low: 1.8 and lower
• Medium: 1.8 to 2.5
• High: 2.5 and higher

The lower the density, the softer the foam, and in contrast, the higher the density, the firmer the foam. Customers can expect to pay more for foam with a higher density because of the larger amount of material. Be aware that low-density foam is less durable than high-density foam.

ILD stands for Impression Load Deflection. ILD measures the firmness of the mattress by measuring how much pressure is required to make a 4-inch indentation on the surface of a mattress.

The higher the ILD rating, the firmer the mattress. Most memory foam beds have an ILD rating between 8 to 20 in the comfort layer. Here’s what customers can expect in a memory foam layer based off the ILD rating:

• Extremely soft: 8 to 10
• Very soft: 11 to 15
• Soft: 16 to 21

When looking for a memory foam mattress, or a mattress that contains any type of foam, look into the foam’s density and ILD rating. Both will determine the quality and lifespan of a mattress.

Innerspring

Chances are, you most likely grew up sleeping on an innerspring mattress. Innerspring mattresses contain steel coils and a pillow top as the comfort layer.

An innerspring mattress has a foam comfort layer, a felt pad, a steel coil support system, and a poly-foam base. Steel coils create a firm sleeping surface, provide good edge support, and offer excellent air circulation.

To determine the quality of an innerspring mattress, customers should look at the coil gauge and the coil count.

The gauge measures the thickness of a steel coil. Gauge is measured in millimeters. The thicker the coil, the more durable and firmer the sleep surface. Likewise, the thinner the coil, the less durable and softer the sleep surface.

Below are the measurements for both the thickest and the thinnest coil gauge— thicker numbers will be lower, while thinner measurements are higher.

• Thickest: 12mm
• Thinnest: 18mm

Another way to determine the quality of an innerspring mattress is through the coil count. A coiled layer will contain between 500 to 1,000 steel coils for a good-quality mattress. An innerspring with less than 300 coils can result in a less durable mattress.

While high-end mattresses may contain more than 2,000 coils, keep in mind the coil’s gauge— if a mattress has a high coil count, but the coil gauge is high, chances are the quality is poor. Always look at the gauge and coil count before committing to an innerspring mattress.

Latex

There are two different kinds of latex— synthetic latex and natural latex. Synthetic latex mixes natural tree sap from rubber trees with synthetic polymers, and it’s less expensive than natural latex.

Natural latex is made by extracting sap from rubber trees and whipping it to form latex. There are two types of natural latex— Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex is denser and more durable.

Talalay latex contains strategically placed holes in the material to create zoned support. Talalay is softer, less durable, and more expensive than Dunlop latex.

A latex mattress typically contains a latex foam comfort layer and a high-density foam base. Some mattress companies make their mattresses with all-latex layers, but with different densities and ILD ratings to alter the firmness levels.

Customers should look at the density and ILD rating of the latex layers to determine quality. As previously stated, density is how the mattress supports the body and is measured by the number of pounds in a cubic square foot. Measuring density for latex is the same for memory foam.

The ILD rating determines the firmness of the mattress. Since Talalay latex is softer than Dunlop latex, Talalay latex will have a lower ILD rating. General ILD ratings for latex include:

• Extremely soft: 8 to 10
• Very soft: 11 to 15
• Soft: 16 to 21

When looking for a quality latex mattress, customers should pay attention to the latex type,  (synthetic or natural latex), density, and ILD rating.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress combines the best of both worlds— the conforming, pressure-relief of memory foam with the cooling coils of an innerspring. For a hybrid mattress to be a true hybrid, it must contain a comfort layer at least 2 inches thick and a layer of coils.

A typical hybrid mattress contains a pillow top, a memory foam, poly-foam, or latex comfort layer, individually-wrapped coils, and a poly-foam base.

The idea behind the hybrid mattress was to create the perfect bed with all the benefits of foam and coils. While this may be true, a hybrid mattress also runs the risk of drawbacks to both a memory foam mattress and an innerspring mattress, like heat retention and pressure points.

To determine the quality of a hybrid mattress, customers should look at a foam’s density and ILD rating, and a coil’s gauge and coil count.

Waterbeds

Waterbeds were a popular trend in the 60s and 70s. While not as common today, waterbeds are are still available for purchase. A waterbed relies on water as both the comfort layer and the support layer.

A waterbed contains a thick, vinyl bag filled with water, resting on top of a sturdy base. Most waterbed manufacturers include a water cleaner. Waterbeds need to be checked regularly for leaks, cleaning, and water consistency.

The firmness of a waterbed is easily adjusted by altering the amount of water inside the vinyl container. Water evenly distributes body weight and relieves pressure points through its contouring abilities, though it may not be as effective as memory foam.

The surface structure of a waterbed depends on the restriction of water motion. Waterbeds have three different surface structures— free-flow, semi-waveless, and waveless.

A free-flow waterbed has no restrictions, leaving the motion of the water to move around freely. Semi-waveless waterbeds partially restrict water motion using foam bolsters and baffles. A waveless waterbed has no water motion and is similar in feel to a regular mattress.

If customers like a waveless waterbed, it might be better to choose a regular mattress which will last longer and requires less maintenance.

Airbeds

Like waterbeds, airbeds use only one element for both comfort and support— air. Airbeds, like waterbeds, are also more customizable when it comes to firmness. Customers can add or remove air based on their preferences.

An airbed can contain multiple air chambers. Basic airbeds contain one to two air chambers, while more high-end airbeds can contain as many as six air chambers for zoned support. Some airbeds might include a memory foam or latex comfort layer.

Unlike other mattress types, airbeds may not last as long. Airbeds are meant and built for temporary use, like as a guest bed or for campouts. Breakdowns most often occur in the mechanical part of the airbed, like the electric air pumps.

Organic Materials

For customers looking for a more eco-friendly option, there are some mattresses made with organic materials. These materials are made without the use of potentially harmful chemicals. The most common non-toxic mattress materials include:

• Plant-based memory foam
• Natural latex
• Recycled steel coils
• Organic cotton pillow top

While sustainably sourced and eco-friendly, organic materials are also very expensive. If a customer prefers an organic mattress, they should budget accordingly.

Finding The Best Mattress Size

The mattress size you choose depends on a variety of factors: price, available space, if you are sleeping with or without a sleep partner, and body size.

Finding The Best Mattress For Your Sleeping Position

A person’s preferred sleeping position can determine the type of mattress they buy. Sleeping position isn’t just about finding a comfortable position— it’s about making sure your spine is properly aligned during sleep.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is not only one of the most common sleep positions— but it’s also one of the healthiest. Side sleeping improves breathing while reducing snoring and lowering the risk of developing sleep apnea. Sleeping on the right side in particular offers side sleepers even more health benefits by removing pressure off of vital organs and improving heart health.

Side sleepers will probably prefer a medium to medium-soft mattress because they offer a completely balanced feel— they aren’t so soft that you sink in, misaligning the pelvis and shoulders (which can cause pain), and they’re also not too firm. When it comes to mattress type, side sleepers should choose a bed that eliminates pressure points and isn’t too firm; we recommend memory foam, hybrids, and some latex foam (as long as it’s medium or medium-soft).

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping is another healthy sleep position, by setting the spine in neutral alignment. However, there is some risk to back sleepers, including snoring and developing sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when gravity causes soft tissue at the back of the throat to collapse or the tongue falls back, blocking air passage through the throat.

Back sleepers typically prefer a bed that won’t sink down too much since their weight is evenly supported across the surface. If they choose a bed that’s too soft, their entire body might sink down, causing them to feel “stuck” or trapped in the mattress. Most back sleepers prefer a firm to medium-firm bed, with a few enjoying medium mattresses as well.

When it comes to mattress type, back sleepers can enjoy most, if not all types of beds: innersprings, hybrids, latex, or memory foam. The key is to find the most comfortable firmness and ensure it does not create pressure points.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least common and least recommended sleeping position due to its health risks. Stomach sleepers are more likely to experience neck pain from twisting their necks at awkward angles to breathe at night. If they’re not receiving the right support in their hips, gravity pulls weight from the midsection of the body down, straightening the natural curve of the spine, resulting in lower back pain.

We do not recommend stomach sleeping because of the potential pain and injury it can cause. However, if you’re in the habit, choose a firm to medium-firm mattress that will not sink down too far, which will throw your spine out of alignment. A memory foam, latex, or hybrid is probably your best bet, though some might like an innerspring because they are often naturally firmer in feel than the other three.

Combination Sleeping

A combination sleeper switches between two to three sleep positions each night. While they experience the benefits of all three, like better breathing, less snoring, and healthy spinal alignment, they also face the same health risks, like neck pain and sleep apnea.

Combination sleepers have the biggest advantage when it comes to choosing a bed. They could be comfortable on most mattress types and with any mattress firmness— however, the most comfortable and supportive mattress for them will depend on their dominant sleeping position. If you aren’t sure what your dominant position is, pay attention to how you’re sleeping when you wake up. This is probably your preferred position.

If you’re still not sure which type or firmness of mattress is best, choose a medium-firm to medium-soft model, as these are “in-between” firmnesses and will offer a nice, balanced feel to keep you supported all night, no matter the position you’re in.

Bed-in-a-Box Brands

Online mattresses or beds-in-a-box are an affordable and popular option. Since these kinds of mattresses are only available online, the middleman is cut out, and companies can afford to offer high-quality materials for a lower cost.

Bed-in-a-box brands are more convenient for customers who don’t want to face pressure to buy or jump from store to store searching for the best mattress. Beds-in-a-box are also a low-risk buy due to their extended sleep trials and standard warranties. Each mattress is made to order, so it may take some time, but customers can expect to receive their new mattress within 7 to 10 business days.

Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are a great option for utilizing living space. They’re a great choice for parents with more than one child. Bunk bed frames use thinner, smaller mattresses, usually twin sizes, and no bigger than a full size.

Bunk beds can hold between 2 to 3 sleepers. Bunk bed frames are made of metal or wood. They also include a ladder or a set of stairs with some type of barrier to prevent the sleeper from rolling off the bed at night.

Futons

A futon has the dual purpose of acting as both a couch and a bed. The right futon should accommodate sitting and sleeping. Futons are good choices for adults on a tight budget and with limited living space like studio apartments. Before choosing a futon, decide if it will be used regularly or as a guest bed.

Sleeper Sofas

Similar to a futon, sleeper sofas also serve a dual purpose as both a couch and a bed. Sleeper sofas are a great option for guests and for adults with limited living space. Most customers purchase a sleeper sofa to serve as a guest bed rather than a regular bed.

RV Mattresses

RV mattresses are not as well known but are excellent choices for those who like to travel or for those who’ve adapted RVing as a lifestyle. As indicated in the name, RV mattresses are ideal for RVs and campers. While not necessarily known for comfort, RV mattresses are designed to provide the best sleep possible while on the road.

Smart Mattresses

Smart mattresses have only recently come out thanks to advancing technology. Smart mattresses use the latest tech normally found in wearable devices like those that track heart rate. The technologies in smart mattresses monitor your sleep patterns, automatically adjust the internal temperature of the bed when falling asleep, and dim the lights as you doze off.

Customizable Options

Some mattress companies offer beds with customizable options. This type of feature is a great option for sleepers with specific needs or couples with different sleeping preferences.

A split king is one option, where two twin XL mattresses are placed side by side— each mattress with a different firmness. Another option is a dual-sided mattress with two different firmness sides.

Price

The price for a mattress depends on what type of materials a mattress contains and the size of the mattress. As previously stated, organic materials will cost more. Customers can expect to pay somewhere within the average price range for the following types of mattresses (all price ranges are for queen-size beds):

• Memory foam: $600 to $1299
• Innerspring: $700 to $1200
• Latex: $1500 to $2500
• Hybrid: $1200 to $2000
• Waterbed: $50 to $1500
• Airbed: $150 or less

Latex and hybrid mattresses come with a higher price tag, followed by memory foam and innerspring mattresses. Waterbeds and airbeds are the least expensive, but they’re also the least durable.

The Best Mattresses for Specific Needs

Some customers may be on the lookout for a mattress to fulfill specific needs, like cooling properties for hot sleepers, or pressure relief from medical conditions.

Cooling

Traditional memory foam is known to retain heat, but some memory foam mattresses use cooling properties like plant-based foam, phase changing material, or gel beads that can prevent overheating. Other beds, like innersprings or hybrids, already offer good air circulation due to the open structure of the coil layer. Latex naturally sleeps cool.

Couples

A bed with good motion isolation helps both individuals sleep better. Too often, a person wakes in the night due to the movements of their sleep partner. By sleeping on materials made to reduce or eliminate motion transfer, like memory foam or latex, both individuals get better sleep.

Light Sleepers

Light sleepers, or individuals who weigh 130 pounds or less, require a softer mattress. A soft to medium mattress allows a lightweight body to sink slightly into the bed, allowing for body contouring and pressure relief.

Heavy Sleepers

In contrast to light sleepers, heavy sleepers, or those weighing more than 230 pounds, need a thicker, firmer mattress. Heavy sleepers place more pressure on the mattress. A medium-firm to firm mattress with good edge support is a good choice for a heavy sleeper— the mattress shouldn’t bottom out and sleepers will receive a full level of comfort and support for a good night’s sleep.

Athletes

Athletes and those with an active lifestyle need a mattress that can not only improve their sleep, but help their bodies recover from the day’s activities. An ideal mattress will relieve pressure points and keep body temperature regulated. Phase changing material like FDA-determined Celliant® technology is a great option. Celliant® takes body heat and transforms it into infrared light before the light is reabsorbed back into the body as energy for a rejuvenating rest.

Adjustable Beds

Adjustable beds elevate sections of the body. This type of bed can be a good source of relief for some medical conditions like back pain, snoring, and poor circulation. Not all mattress types are compatible with an adjustable base.

Memory foam and latex work perfectly with innerspring beds because they are highly flexible. Some innerspring and hybrid models could work, but check with the manufacturer first before purchasing. Waterbeds and airbeds are not compatible with an adjustable base.

Mattresses for adjustable beds should be flexible and conforming. Memory foam, latex, and hybrids are your best bet, while innersprings should be avoided.

Finding The Best Mattress For Medical Conditions

For those seeking relief from the following medical conditions, talk with your doctor first before purchasing a new mattress. Health professionals are more in tune with your health, and can steer you towards the best mattress based on your current condition.

Back Pain

Those with back pain need a mattress with conforming pressure-relief. A medium to medium-firm mattress would be a good option. Avoid mattresses with a deep sag to prevent escalating back pain in misaligning the spine. Also avoid firm mattresses, because many firm mattress models lack body contouring properties.

Hip Pain

Hip pain may occur from sleeping on the side on a firm mattress with little to no contouring. Hip pain can also result from injuries or other medical conditions like advanced stages of cancer.

Neck Pain

Neck pain may result from sleeping on the wrong type of pillow. The right type of pillow will cradle the head and neck, while aligning the spine. Neck pain can also come from sleeping on an old, sagging mattress.

Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of joints from worn cartilage where the bones meet. Those who suffer from arthritis feel pain and stiffness in the affected joints. Anyone can develop arthritis, though it’s more commonly found in adults 45 and older.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when gravity causes soft tissue at the back of the throat to collapse or the tongue to fall back, blocking air passage. Many undiagnosed cases of sleep apnea are left untreated each year. If not treated, sleep apnea can lead to heart problems and high blood pressure.

Snoring

Snoring is the sound you make when air passes through relaxed tissue, causing the tissue to vibrate. While not a symptom of sleep apnea, snoring may lead to a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. To reduce snoring, sleepers can switch to the side sleeping position or slightly elevate the upper body with a wedge pillow or an adjustable bed frame.

Allergies and Asthma

Dust mites can infiltrate your mattress and irritate allergies. Dust mites are microorganisms that feed on dead skin cells. Innerspring mattresses in particular are perfect breeding grounds for dust mites and other allergens.

To accommodate those with allergies and asthma, some mattress companies use hypoallergenic and antimicrobial materials in their mattress covers such as copper and green tea to destroy bacteria and keep the mattress smelling fresh. Others use CertiPUR-US® foam, which is made with the highest manufacturing standards and free of potentially harmful chemicals.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, making them more brittle and sensitive to pain and pressure. A mattress with excellent body contouring can be a huge relief for osteoporosis-sufferers  by reducing pressure points and cradling the body. Mattresses with zoned support layers can prevent any pressure from building up in the heavier sections of the body like the hips and shoulders.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Sleep quality can affect restless leg syndrome. Less sleep worsens restless leg syndrome. Body contouring pressure relief and a sleep surface that aligns the spine in the neutral position can improve sleep and further reduce symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Finding The Best Mattress by Age Group

Your age can influence the type of mattress you buy. For example, medium to firm mattresses are good options for children, because they won’t restrict movement and potentially hinder growth and development.

Babies

Children 12 months and younger require 12 to 16 hours of sleep each night. Babies sleep on crib mattresses with a slightly firmer sleep surface, like a foam or coil bed. A softer surface may restrict breathing and disrupt sleep.

Toddlers and Kids

Once they’ve outgrown their cribs, toddlers (ages 1 to 3) and kids (ages 4 to 12) need a mattress to promote healthy spine alignment and proper support for a growing body. Toddlers and kids need between 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Depending on their specific needs and availability of space, twin, twin XL, and full sizes are great options for toddlers and kids.

Teenagers

Teenagers ages 13 to 17 need a mattress to promote spinal development. A bigger bed is a good idea to accommodate a growing body, like twin, twin XL, and full size mattresses. Teenagers need 8 to 9 hours of sleep a night.

Seniors

Seniors 55 years and older need a mattress to soothe pain and reduce medical conditions, especially joint pain. Seniors need less sleep, about 7 to 9 hours a night, but they have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep.

Sleep Trials, Warranties, and Return Policies

Features like sleep trials, warranties, and return policies reassure the customer of their mattress purchase and protect their investment. Make sure to read through the details of each to know what to expect from a mattress company, especially online bed-in-a-box companies. Being informed can narrow down your options and steer you towards the best mattress.

Sleep Trial

Along with lower prices, higher quality, and convenience of beds-in-a- box, customers also receive the bonus of an extended sleep trial. Sleep trials allow the customer to try a mattress within the comfort of their own home. Most online mattress companies offer a trial period of 90 to 120 nights.

Usually, if the customer is not happy with the mattress during this trial period, they can contact the mattress company and arrange for a full refund. Read through the details of each sleep trial before purchasing a new mattress— some companies require the customer to keep the mattress for 30 days before issuing a return. A 30-day trial period is the right amount of time for a body to adjust to a new mattress.

Warranty

Before buying a new bed, check to see if a warranty is included. Most mattress companies include a standard 10-year warranty with the purchase of a new mattress. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and flaws not caused through customer misuse, including sagging below a certain depth (usually 1 inch).

Always read the finer details of any type of warranty. A warranty outlines what the manufacturer expects of customers and what customers can expect from manufacturers. A great example of one of the warranty guidelines is water damage. If any liquid spills onto the mattress and the mattress doesn’t have a mattress protector, the warranty is void.

Return Policy

If a mattress doesn’t include a sleep trial, the next best thing to look into is the mattress’s return policy. A return policy usually lasts 30 days— about the same time it takes for the customer to break in a new mattress. While it may not be as long as a sleep trial, a return policy should allow customers to return or exchange the mattress if they’re not satisfied. Read the details of the return policy before finalizing a mattress purchase.

Read More: Mattress Buying Guide

Other Things to Consider

Which is the most comfortable mattress?

The most comfortable mattress all depends on your personal preferences, like your favored sleep position or firmness level. A firm mattress may be a good choice for a stomach sleeper, but a side sleeper needs a softer firmness to relieve pressure points in the hips and shoulders. A lengthy sleep trial is a perfect way to make sure the mattress you choose feels 100 percent comfortable to you.

How much should I spend on a high-quality mattress?

When looking at queen sizes, most high-quality mattresses fall anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000. However, you’ll find more affordable and more expensive models out there, too. When comparing mattress prices, evaluate the bed’s materials and technologies to gauge if you’re getting a good value.

What’s the best mattress for back pain?

The best mattresses for back pain should keep your spine aligned while still offering light cushioning. This design ensures there’s no pressure build-up around your lower back. Ideally, your mattress should be around a medium or medium-firm to minimize back pain.

Our usual recommendations on mattresses for back pain include the Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid, Zoma Mattress, Amerisleep Organica, Avocado Green Mattress, and Nolah Original 10”.

What’s the best mattress for side sleepers?

Side sleepers need mattresses with a soft or medium feel to properly cushion their shoulders and hips—the widest parts of the body—while keeping the spine aligned. Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are some of our favorites for side sleepers.

Some mattresses we recommend for side sleepers include the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid, Zoma Hybrid, Bear Mattress, and Aviya® Mattress.

What’s the best hybrid mattress?

A good hybrid mattress should feature a combination of pocketed coils and a comfort layer at least 2 to 3 inches thick. The comfort layer should also be made from memory foam, poly-foam, or latex. Lastly, we recommend a good warranty that covers any sagging that exceeds an inch.

A few hybrid mattresses we recommend include the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid, Amerisleep Organica, Zoma Hybrid, and Avocado Green Hybrid.

What’s the best mattress in a box?

Our advice for finding a high-quality mattress in a box is to consider the mattress type and the brand’s policies. Since you can’t feel bed in a box mattresses before making a purchase, it’s good to look for brands with sleep trials of 100 nights or longer. Other important policies include shipping and warranty policies.

Some bed in a box mattresses we recommend are the Amerisleep AS3, Zoma Mattress, Vaya Mattress, and Original Purple®.

Research Method

Conclusion

Now that you’re finally getting rid of your old mattress, it’s time to check out available options in mattress stores and online. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or wanting to splurge on a luxury mattress, we hope this guide helps you find that perfect mattress.