Most Comfortable Mattress

Comfort isn’t just about softness, it’s also about how your body is supported. The most comfortable mattress has the right level of comfort and support based on your body weight and sleeping position. Comfort is how the mattress reduces pressure buildup, particularly in heavier sections of your body. This is why the top mattress layers are also referred to as comfort layers. Support indicates the bed’s ability to hold the body in place, preventing sagging.

The most comfortable mattress relieves pain-causing pressure points and keeps the spine in alignment for better sleep.

Most Comfortable Mattresses

The AS5 Hybrid is the softest hybrid model offered by Amerisleep and is easily one of the most comfortable mattresses out there, thus why it topped our list today. The AS5 Hybrid has a soft, plush feel without the sleeper sinking too deep into the mattress. The mattress also comes in a memory foam variation, simply called the AS5, if you prefer a bed with less bounce.

The comforting foam of Bio-Pur® is a plant-based memory foam. It’s breathable and more responsive than traditional memory foam. We love how Bio-Pur® feels around the body, relieving pressure points without causing night sweats. And if you’ve ever struggled with joint pain or hip and shoulder pain, reviewers note how they hardly face those issues after switching to the AS5 Hybrid.

Bio-Pur® is also eco-friendly and has minimal off-gassing odor, a chemical smell that comes off strong in traditional memory foam. Plus, the bed is CertiPUR-US® certified, which guarantees the foam quality.

Active Flex is a responsive transition foam with incredible softness, and works with Bio-Pur® to reduce muscle tension. Active Flex automatically adjusts to shifting weight, preventing you from feeling trapped inside the mattress.

The mattress’s pocketed coils distribute weight making you feel consistently supported. It also includes firmer coils on either sides of the bed for better edge support—you won’t have to worry about falling off the bed at night.

The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

The AS3 is Amerisleep’s most popular mattress. Unlike the AS5 Hybrid we just mentioned, the AS3 has a medium firmness, which generally appeals to a wider audience. As a side or combination sleeper, you’ll love the soft and responsive feel under the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers enjoy the support under the spine without sinking.

The reassuring comfort layer of Bio-Pur® alleviates pain by eliminating pressure points. This soft, yet responsive plant-based memory foam conforms to your body without trapping heat, allowing you to sleep deeper, recovering from the day’s activities.

Affinity enhances contouring properties of Bio-Pur® for deeper comfort and better sleep. Affinity incorporates HIVE® sleep technology. Hundreds of hexagonal-shaped segments form five zones of support. Areas under the shoulders and hips feel softer, and areas under the head, back, and legs feel firmer.

Bio-Core® is a durable support foam built to last. Your body will feel supported without the risk of sagging.

With a 4.7 out of 5 star rating, it’s no wonder the Amerisleep AS3 is their most popular mattress. Customers call the AS3 the most comfortable mattress they’ve ever slept on, citing how they aren’t in pain when sleeping on it and feel supported despite the bed still being soft.

The Amerisleep AS3 mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

The Zoma Mattress is an excellent choice for those with an active lifestyle. In fact, pro athletes in the NFL, NBA, MLB, USL, and DECA have praised the Zoma mattress as their secret weapon for getting better sleep and improving athletic performance. The mattress’s CertiPUR-US® certified foams pull heat away from the body, reducing inflammation and possibly improving muscle recovery.

Cooling gel memory foam forms around your body, relieving pressure points in your shoulders and hips without making you feel hot. This comfort layer also includes Triangulex™ sleep technology to give three zones of support. The surface feels softer under your head, shoulders, and legs, and firmer under the back and hips. Triangulex™ enhances lumbar support and cradles the hips, reducing back pain.

The latex-like feel of Reactiv™ gives a responsive bounce making it easier to switch positions and not feel stuck. Reactiv™ also encourages spinal alignment, for less aches and pains during sleep.

Support+ distributes your weight across the sleep surface and supports your body without fear of sagging.

The Zoma Mattress has a medium feel which works well for most sleeping positions, but is especially useful for side sleepers and combination sleepers. If you prefer firmer beds, consider Zoma’s newest mattress model, the Zoma Start. And if you’d rather have a softer bed, the Zoma Hybrid has a medium-soft feel and is great for petite individuals.

The Zoma Mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

The Vaya Mattress may only have two foam layers, but the bed’s simplicity works in your favor as it makes it more affordable. You can score a queen size mattress for under $500 on Amazon.

The mattress’s high-quality materials and excellent support it gives easily stacks up with other brands. The Vaya Mattress has extra cushioning under the shoulders and hips, perfect for side sleepers looking for better pressure relief. While the traditional Vaya Mattress is made entirely of foam, Vaya also offers the Vaya Hybrid. It has the same medium feel as the Vaya Mattress, but it contains pocketed coils for added bounce and breathability.

The highly responsive feel of Vaya Comfort Foam forms to the body and relieves pressure without the body sinking. Based on customer reviews, people enjoy the plush, but supportive feel of the bed, describing the bed as “cloud-like.” Plus, Vaya Comfort Foam adjusts to shifting weight without losing support.

Durable Vaya Base Foam supports the body without risk of sagging. This long-lasting base enhances pressure relief in the comfort layer for deeper compression in the shoulders and hips.

The Vaya Mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Customers will love the luxurious feel of the Tuft & Needle Mint mattress. Instead of one, the bed contains two proprietary T&N Adaptive® foam layers to optimize pressure relief in heavier sections of the body, like the shoulders and hips.

T&N Adaptive® foam soothes tense muscles and reduces heat providing customers a better night’s sleep. This special foam contains graphite and ceramic gel beads. Graphite pulls heat away from the body, while ceramic gel beads absorb and disperse heat. You won’t have to worry about overheating.

Also, the ceramic gel beads stack under pressure, boosting support in the comfort layer and may reduce back pain.

The high-density support foam promotes healthy posture and distributes weight to even out wear, helping the mattress last. This durable support layer includes a 4-inch thick foam perimeter for better edge support. Customers can sleep without fear of rolling off the bed. Reviews note how well sleeping on the mattress has improved their bodily aches and pains, making it easier for them to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed in the mornings.

The T&N Mint has a medium-firm feel, though it’s still slightly softer than T&N’s flagship mattress model, the Tuft & Needle Original, thanks to its dual-layered comfort foam. Tuft & Needle’s most luxurious mattress, the Tuft & Needle Hybrid, is even softer than the Mint and contains pocketed coils if you prefer a little extra bounce at night.

The Tuft & Needle Mint mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

The Purple® Hybrid Premier features a proprietary hyper-elastic polymer. This special material has a unique feel, different from memory foam or latex. Reviews describe the sensation as different, but customers fell in love with the conforming surface and the extra cushioning under the shoulders and hips.

The Purple Grid™ contains temperature-neutral hyper-elastic polymer, a special gel-like material. You’ll love how the hyper-elastic polymer responds to adjusting weight for pressure relief without losing support. The Purple Grid’s™ air channels also keep you cool.

With the Purple® Hybrid Premier, you get two options for the Purple Grid’s thickness, 3 or 4 inches thick. Purple® recommends the 3-inch variation for combination sleepers and couples who have different firmness needs, while the 4-inch version is best for side sleepers and larger people looking for a cradling feel from their bed. Both thicknesses end up being softer than Purple®’s other mattress models, the Purple® Mattress and Purple® Hybrid.

The poly-foam transition layer encourages spinal alignment and prevents you from sinking into the support layer for less pressure.

High-density poly-foam boosts pressure-relieving properties in the top layers for enhanced comfort. It also gives consistent support with little risk of sagging.

The Purple® Hybrid Premier includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

The two-sided design of the Nolah Signature 12 mattress is an excellent option for customers with changing firmness preferences. It’s the upgraded version of Nolah’s most basic mattress model, the Nolah Original 10. As a flippable bed, Signature 12 mattress offers two firmness options—soft and firm.

The soft side contains a 2.5-inch layer of AirFoam™ for a plush feel in your shoulders and hips, perfect for side sleepers who have more pressure points in those areas. Sleepers who use the soft side state how the bed has helped with their chronic hip and shoulder pain and how, despite this side being softer, they can still move around in bed easily.

The firm side has a 1-inch layer of AirFoam™ for less sinkage and more floating on the bed’s surface, a comfortable mattress firmness for back and stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer bed. Reviews mention how this side of the bed improved people’s back pain and posture.

AirFoam™ is injected with extra air to form more air pockets, enabling better air circulation inside the mattress. Hot sleepers will appreciate AirFoam™’s breathability, preventing sleep disruptions from night sweats. AirFoam™ also conforms to your body, relieving pressure points for a restful night’s sleep.

High-resilience foam is stronger and more durable than latex. The responsive bounce makes it easier to climb in and out of bed and further prevents heat traps.

High-density foam reinforces the support and contouring properties of the comfort layers. This durable base foam gives long-lasting support to your body and won’t sag.

The Nolah Signature 12 mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

What to Look For in the Most Comfortable Mattress

The most comfortable mattress can help you stay in deeper sleep longer. Comfort is about how the mattress feels to you—how soft or how firm depends on your body weight and sleeping position. A too-soft mattress causes heat traps, while a too-hard bed creates pressure. Before choosing the best mattress, consider your body type, sleeping position, and mattress type. Also take a look at available sleep trials and warranties.

Firmness Level

Firmness level signifies how a mattress feels to the sleeper. Some sleepers find a firm mattress more comfortable, while others prefer a softer mattress. To find the right mattress, choose a firmness level based on your body type and sleeping position.

Body Type

Individual weight affects the firmness level you choose. For example, plus-size sleepers need a firmer surface for more support. A firmer bed may feel too hard for lightweight sleepers who need a softer surface.

• Lightweight Sleepers

Lightweight sleepers weigh less than 130 pounds. They need a softer surface to enable contouring, pressure relief.

• Average Weight Sleepers

Average weight sleepers weigh between 130 to 230 pounds. A medium feel gives a balance of comfort and support.

• Plus-Size Sleepers

Plus-size sleepers weigh more than 230 pounds. A firmer surface better supports a heavier body without risk of sagging.

Sleeping Position

Each sleeping position requires the right amount of comfort and support to fill in gaps between the body and the mattress. Side sleeping creates bigger gaps, like areas under the neck and waist. For example, side sleepers need a bed with more cushion to fill in larger gaps. In contrast, stomach sleepers press more of their body against the mattress and have smaller gaps.

• Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is the most common sleep position. Many sleepers find it the most comfortable. Side sleeping also includes benefits, like better breathing and reduced acid reflux.

Placing a pillow between the knees reduces pressure build-up in the hips.

Side sleepers need a soft to medium mattress. A softer bed is more cushioned under the shoulders and hips.

• Back Sleeping

Back sleeping aligns the spine by placing the body in a neutral position. Back sleepers may face health risks, including snoring and sleep apnea. Gravity may cause the soft tissue at the back of the throat to collapse obstructing airways.

The best mattresses for back sleepers are typically medium to medium-firm. This surface cradles the hips and prevents the body from sinking too deep.

• Combination Sleeping

Combination sleepers toss and turn, switching between 2 to 3 sleep positions during the night. Combination sleepers enjoy better breathing and reduced acid reflux. They also may experience back pain or sleep apnea.

Combination sleepers need a medium to medium-firm sleeping surface. This firmness maintains spinal alignment for combination sleepers who cycle through multiple positions during the night.

• Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least common sleep position. Lying on the stomach places intense pressure on the spine and could lead to neck strain and back pain.

Placing a thin pillow under the hips may reduce pressure. Some stomach sleepers are most comfortable sleeping without any pillows.

Stomach sleepers need a medium-firm to firm mattress. The firmer feel keeps the body resting on top with no deep sinkage.

Mattress Types

There are six types of mattresses—memory foam, innerspring, latex, hybrid, airbed, and waterbed. Each has their own feel, like the conforming sensation of memory foam versus the bounciness of an innerspring.

An extremely comfortable mattress has cooling features. Breathable materials and air-promoting designs regulate temperature, resulting in fewer sleep disruptions from overheating. Hot sleepers may appreciate a mattress with better breathability to avoid night sweats.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a polyurethane foam treated with chemicals to increase viscosity. Memory foam, or viscoelastic foam, forms to the body’s natural curves and maintains its shape. Memory foam beds provide excellent pressure point relief and motion isolation. Sleepers are less likely to wake from sleep partner movement.

A basic memory foam mattress contains a comfort layer of memory foam and a support layer of high-density foam.

A significant drawback to memory foam is heat retention. Traditional memory foam has a dense structure and restricts airflow. Mattress manufacturers add cooling materials or alter the structure to improve airflow and create a more comfortable mattress.

Cooling materials, like plant oils, gel, and copper or graphite infusions, regulate temperature.

• Plant Oils

Manufacturers replace a portion of petroleum with plant-based oils during production. Adding plant oils produces a responsive memory foam that reduces heat retention.

• Gel

Cooling gel is mixed in or swirled, or gel beads are added during the production process. Gel memory foam absorbs and disperses body heat, but gel can only disperse so much heat before it starts to retain it.

• Copper or Graphite Infusions

Copper and graphite are natural heat conductors and draw away heat. Copper also has antimicrobial properties.

Manufacturers alter the structure or add ventilation holes to improve airflow and regulate temperature. More airflow pushes warm air from the body out and brings in cool air.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are common in most households. They’re also standard in college dorm rooms and hotels. Innersprings sleep cool because of the open support structure. Steel coils also have bounce and edge support.

A typical innerspring mattress contains a thin comfort layer of foam or fiberfill and a support layer of innerspring coils. The comfort layer is usually a pillow top or Euro-style topper. Innerspring beds with a pillow top are also known as pillow-top mattresses.

Drawbacks to innerspring mattresses include motion transfer, where unrestricted movement travels across the mattress, and little to no pressure relief. Adding a mattress topper may improve pressure relief in innerspring beds. Innerspring mattresses may be the least expensive, but they’re also the least durable.

Latex

Latex is like memory foam: both share pressure relief and motion isolation. Unlike memory foam, latex mattresses have a responsive bounce and provide better cooling.

There are two types of latex foam: synthetic and natural. Synthetic latex is created from a chemical process. It’s less durable with more off-gassing odor. Natural latex is made from rubber tree sap and is more durable than other mattress materials.

Natural latex production process results in one of two foams: Dunlop or Talalay. Dunlop latex is denser and more durable. Talalay latex has a softer feel and may include a zoned support system.

A latex mattress contains a comfort layer of latex and a support layer of high-density foam or latex.

Latex mattresses can be expensive, depending on how much natural latex they contain.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine two mattresses into one. Memory foam or latex relieves pressure points and reduces motion transfer. Innerspring coils offer bounce and cooling.

A hybrid mattress has a comfort layer of memory foam or latex and a support layer of innerspring coils. Most hybrid mattresses contain layers of foam, not just a single memory foam layer.

Drawbacks to hybrid mattresses include overheating, motion transfer, and less pressure relief. Hybrids are heavy and more expensive than other mattress types because they contain more materials and layers.

Hybrid mattresses have cooling features like natural latex or gel memory foam. The open structure of innerspring coils allows more airflow inside the bed.

Airbeds

Consumers can create custom comfort and support by altering air levels inside an airbed.

Airbeds can contain up to six air chambers, and may also include a memory foam or latex comfort layer. Unlike other mattress types, airbeds are meant as a temporary sleeping solution. Airbeds are portable and easy to use, making them an ideal choice for guests.

Waterbeds

Waterbeds were popular during the 60s and 70s. Though not as popular today, they’re still available to buy. Waterbeds consist of a thick vinyl bag filled with water, resting on a base. Waterbeds are higher maintenance since they are prone to leaking.

Like airbeds, waterbeds rely on a single element for comfort and support—water. The amount of water determines the bed’s firmness level. Waterbeds have a specific surface structure that restricts water motion. Surface structures include free-flow, semi-waveless, and waveless.

Free-flow mattresses allow full motion of water with no restrictions. Semi-waveless water beds contain foam bolsters or baffles to restrict movement. Waveless waterbeds have no water motion and the same feel as a regular mattress. But regular mattresses might be better than a waveless waterbed because they last longer and need less maintenance than a waterbed.

Sleep Trials and Warranties

Before purchasing a new mattress, check out available sleep trials and warranties. These perks reassure customers of a long-lasting product with consistent comfort.

Sleep Trial

Sleep trials allow customers to try a new bed within the comfort of their own home. Most sleep trials last between 90 to 120 nights. Bed in a box mattress companies offer longer sleep trials, lasting at least 100 nights. An excellent option for those trying a new type of mattress for the first time. For example, switching from an innerspring to a memory foam mattress.

If the customer doesn’t like the bed, most mattress brands will issue a full refund.

Should the mattress not come with a sleep trial, look for a return policy. Return policies are an okay substitute, but only last 30 days.

Warranty

Warranties protect the mattress from manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1 inch. This measurement depends on the brand. Most high-quality beds come with a standard 10-year warranty. It only applies to the original purchaser. Mattress warranties can’t be transferred to third parties.

If a new mattress isn’t possible right now, bedding accessories, like mattress toppers and pillows, may increase comfort.

Bedding Accessories

The right bedding accessories can complement the most comfortable mattress by enhancing pressure relief and altering the surface of your current mattress. Mattress toppers add softness or support, while pillows cradle the head and neck. Read on to learn more about how these accessories may improve your sleep.

Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers alter the bed’s surface, adding softness or support. Mattress toppers are an excellent way of increasing pressure relief in beds. While only a temporary fix, mattress toppers can also add support to a sagging mattress. If your current mattress has a visible sag and is outside its warranty, it may be time for a new bed.

Pillows

Pillows cradle the head and neck, aligning the spine. To find the best pillow, consider the loft, or height. Pillow loft is determined by sleeping position. Each sleeping position creates a gap between the body and the mattress. For the best comfort, the amount of cushioning fills in these gaps.

• Side Sleepers

The best pillow for side sleepers has a medium to high loft, 5 inches or more. Side sleeping creates a larger gap and needs a higher loft for better support. Body pillows are also an excellent option for side sleepers. The long shape supports the head and neck and can also be placed between the knees to relieve pressure in the hips.

• Back Sleepers

The ideal loft for back sleepers is a low to medium, between 3 to 5 inches thick, to cradle the head and neck.

• Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers need a medium loft, no higher than 5 inches. This loft maintains alignment for each sleep position.

• Stomach Sleepers

The best pillow for stomach sleepers has the lowest loft, no higher than 3 inches. Stomach sleepers have the smallest gap. A pillow higher than 3 inches could strain neck muscles and arch the spine. Some stomach sleepers find better comfort sleeping without a pillow.

Other Important Factors

Is memory foam good for side sleepers?

Memory foam is an excellent choice for side sleepers. Viscoelastic foam forms to the body’s curves, relieving pressure. Memory foam is also available in different firmness levels to appeal to any type of sleeper.

Can a hard mattress cause back pain?

While a firm mattress is recommended for back pain, a too-hard bed may worsen discomfort. The right firmness should be based on your sleeping position and body weight. Firmer mattresses are more comfortable for back and stomach sleepers, and plus-size sleepers.

What is the best type of mattress?

There is no one “best” type of mattress since everybody has different sleep needs. Memory foam is a popular option because it’s contouring and pain-relieving, which works for people with aches and discomfort, but other mattress types can suit other sleep needs. Eco-friendly shoppers usually prefer latex, while those looking for cooling mattresses tend to like hybrids.

To determine the best type of mattress for you, think about how you would like your sleep to improve. If you’re too hot at night, choose a hybrid. If you wake up with aches and pains, memory foam is probably more suitable.

When should I replace my mattress?

Over time, mattress materials break down, losing support. Most high-quality beds last between 7 to 9 years—its lifespan is reflected in the warranty period. If you notice a visible sag in your bed, or if you wake up feeling sore, it might be time for a new mattress, especially if the bed is outside of its warranty.

How much does a comfortable mattress cost?

When looking at queen sizes, most people spend around $1,000 to $2,000—so the average price of a high-quality queen size mattress is around $1,500. However, you can sometimes find quality mattresses for less than a grand, too. We advise spending any less than $500 on a queen size mattress, though.

Conclusion

To improve sleep quality, replacing your old mattress may be the solution. Over time, mattresses wear out from continued use and may cause discomfort. Materials break down and result in a visible sag. A new bed may provide better comfort.

The most comfortable mattress provides an even amount of comfort and support, cushioning the shoulders and hips and aligning the spine. Cooling materials, like gel memory foam, can enhance comfort, keeping heat away for a better night’s sleep.