Softest Mattress in a Box (2024)

The firmness options of this mattress lineup start with the AS1, which is the firmest option in the lineup. The higher the number, the softer the mattress. When you get to the AS5, you’ve gotten to the softest option that offers the most pressure relief.

As we mentioned, the most popular from this level is the AS3. This is a true medium mattress that offers lots of versatility that can accommodate a wide variety of sleepers.

Back sleepers and stomach sleepers should stick to the lower numbers, while side sleepers can stick to the higher ones. Regardless of which option you choose, the highly breathable plant-based memory foam will offer you hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking comfort that can help you keep cool all night long.

In line with the meticulous standards of the esteemed sleep science community, here are some objective tester notes on the Amerisleep AS5 Mattress. Leveraging our expertise in evaluating mattresses for back pain relief, we surveyed thousands  of testers on their real user experiences to guide potential buyers. 

These tester notes offer valuable insights into the comfort, health benefits, and overall satisfaction derived from the Amerisleep AS5 model. Our professional opinions aim to empower consumers in making informed decisions when selecting a mattress tailored to their needs.

Meg – Asheville, NC: After extensive mattress research, Meg, from Asheville, NC, expresses immense satisfaction with her choice of an unfamiliar brand. Sleeping on the mattress for almost four months, Meg describes it as the best ever, offering a luxurious, soft feel while maintaining durability. As a side sleeper, Meg appreciates the support without waking up sore and highlights the week-long break-in period for optimal comfort. The A5 hybrid is endorsed as a worthwhile investment, addressing concerns of potential buyers hesitant about mattress reviews.

Cheryl – Summerville, SC: Cheryl’s experience with the mattress is overshadowed by dissatisfaction with the cover, citing slipperiness of the sheets and an unexpected lack of give when sitting or lying on it. Despite the mattress feeling soft upon pressing, the cover’s restrictive nature prompts Cheryl to end the test it after 30 days. The expectation of a top-of-the-line, plush mattress is not met due to the cover’s limitations, leading Cheryl to prefer a higher-quality alternative when choosing a permanent mattress.

Eric – Palm Springs, CA: Eric acknowledges the AS5’s soft and plush feel with excellent support but notes a practical inconvenience. The corners of the bed, unfortunately, lack the design to hold the fitted sheet in place, requiring constant readjustment after each use. While praising the comfort and support, Eric highlights the recurring need to tuck in all four corners as a notable drawback for potential buyers to consider.

The construction of your AS mattress depends on its firmness level and construction. All the mattresses in the AS lineup feature Amerisleep’s proprietary Bio-Pur® plant-based memory foam. This amazing foam offers cooling breathability and responsiveness that traditional memory foam just cannot match.

Every mattress also features Amerisleep’s special cover of Refresh fabric. This fabric has thermoreactive minerals that convert body heat into infrared energy, which can promote restorative rest.

Depending on the firmness you select, the mattress may also contain the HIVE® targeted support system and a layer of Active Flex material for added softness.

You also have the choice to customize your support layer. The AS lineup features both hybrid mattresses and all-foam mattresses. If you choose the hybrid, you’ll get a support layer of pocketed coils that can adapt to your body and cradle your pressure points.

If you choose the all-foam mattress, you’ll get a durable Bio-Core® support layer that keeps you lifted and supported as well as cradled and comfortable.

Lying down on the Zoma Start, the first thing you’ll notice is that it is highly responsive for an all-foam mattress. This is all thanks to the layer of bouncy Reactiv™ transition foam that springs back as soon as you move and offers dynamic support.

This medium mattress also offers tons of versatility for all kinds of sleepers. It is on the more supportive end of a medium feel. So it can accommodate some back sleepers and virtually all combo sleepers at once. This is perfect for combo sleepers who tend to favor their backs. It also is a good fit for those who suffer from back pain.

Emily – Mooresville, NC: Emily shares her satisfaction with testing the Zoma king-size starter mattress, emphasizing its perfect balance between firmness and softness. Having tried other memory foam mattresses, she finds the Zoma to be exceptionally comfortable, catering to both her preference for a softer feel and her partner’s preference for a firmer mattress. Their shared positive experience on the first night reflects the mattress’s ability to accommodate varying comfort preferences.

Eunice T. – Hanover, MD: Eunice describes the Zoma Hybrid as a supportive and cloud-like luxury after transitioning from nearly two months on an air mattress. The mattress’s arrival is noted as well-packaged and manageable for two people to lift. Eunice highlights the proper support without the need for additional pillows, catering to both side and stomach sleepers. The bed’s ability to minimize movement transfer and alleviate back and leg pain contributes to a highly recommended sleep experience, even endorsed by their dog.

Curtis S. – Phoenixville, PA: Curtis, still within the 100-day testing period, expresses initial reservations about the Zoma mattress, finding it firmer than expected with a subtle bounciness that he compares to sleeping on a fully inflated air mattress. Despite fast shipping and clear setup instructions, Curtis is uncertain about its suitability for him, noting a potential adjustment period. He observes a dip in sleep quality tracked by his smart ring, remaining open to reassessment over the next few weeks.

The Zoma Start starts off with a cooling, ventilated cover that breathes all night to wick away heat and sweat. This cover works with the gel memory foam comfort layer to ensure your sleep surface stays cool all night. The gel memory foam also offers a high degree of compression and pressure relief to ensure you get the contouring you need.

Underneath the comfort layer, you’ll find a bouncy transition layer made of Reactiv™ foam. This layer offers buoyancy and dynamic support. It also springs back as soon as you move to ensure that the sleep surface does not have issues with body impressions or slow response time.

Finally, a layer of highly durable base foam ensures there is no sinkage in this mattress. It keeps you lifted onto the sleep surface and provides total spinal alignment. Best of all, this base foam layer increases the durability of the entire mattress.

You can expect it to fight sagging and soft spot development for at least 10 years. That means it will last just as long as many more expensive mattresses.

The Vaya Mattress’s near-universally comfortable feel has a touch of plushness to provide luxury. No need to overspend to offer guests a cushioning surface where they can lie down and relax after a long day of travel.

Most sleepers will enjoy the gentle cradling the surface offers, though a few guests may prefer a more firm surface. Toppers are an excellent way to change a too-soft or too-firm mattress, so it’s smart to keep one on hand if you frequently have guests over.

Mary B. – USA: Mary tested the Vaya and describes the Vaya mattress as excellent, highlighting its soft top and firm underlayer. The use of regular foam, instead of memory foam, prevents excessive sinking, creating a comfortable bed for her at 140 lbs. While acknowledging that someone over 200 lbs might have a different experience, Mary finds the mattress very comfortable, offering a well-balanced feel.

Cooper – USA: Cooper, who has experienced back pain for decades due to lifting heavy animals, celebrates the relief brought by the Vaya mattress. Previously investing in a $2800 Beauty Rest mattress that failed to address the issues, Cooper notes the Vaya’s effectiveness in eliminating back pain, describing it as a miracle. The mattress’s coolness and ease of handling during delivery contribute to an overwhelmingly positive experience, making it a highly recommended product.

Maxine – USA: Maxine expresses admiration for the Vaya mattress, praising its comfort and support despite being a relatively affordable mattress-in-a-box. Despite a frustrating shipping process that caused delays beyond the estimated delivery, Maxine remains satisfied with the mattress’s quality, affordability, and customer service. The comfort experienced by Maxine, her partner, and even her cat outweigh the inconvenience of the shipping delays, making Vaya a preferred choice for future upgrades.

Under a breathable cover sits a soft layer of Vaya Comfort Foam. This topmost layer in the Vaya Mattress responds quickly like latex, but contours closely to your curves for the ultimate pressure relief. Instead of feeling stuck or trapped in this layer like you would in traditional memory foam, you can maintain a neutral spine no matter the position you choose.

The Vaya Base Foam is the second and final layer of the Vaya Mattress. Thanks to its durable construction, the Vaya Base Foam ensures the soft layer above it won’t sag or cause back pain.

Along with the Vaya Mattress, Vaya offers the Vaya Hybrid. It features the same Vaya Comfort Foam as the Vaya Mattress and has a medium feel, but it contains pocketed coils in the place of the Vaya Base Foam. This construction provides extra bounce, making it easier to switch positions.

You’ll notice the plush feel of this mattress as soon as you lie down. The soft layers cradle your pressure points and relieve pain all over your body. This is perfect for sleepers who need extra cushioning (like side sleepers and lightweight sleepers).

Don’t let the soft feel fool you, though. The Sunset Luxe can still keep you lifted onto the surface of the bed, thanks to its high-density comfort layer. It also fights the overheating common in softer mattresses using a combination of breathable coils and cooling cover options.

Barrett W. – USA: Barrett W. expresses satisfaction with the mattress after two months of testing, emphasizing its cool sleeping experience and luxurious feel. As a side sleeper, Barrett appreciates the outstanding edge firmness and the positive impact on shoulder pain. While adjusting to the softness, Barrett finds the mattress well-made and considers it a worthwhile try for those looking to buy, especially for those seeking comfort as a side sleeper.

Tyler S. – USA: Tyler S. provides a mixed review, describing the mattress as comfortable but noting issues with edge support and center “ballooning” when two people are on it. Despite these concerns, Tyler acknowledges that they haven’t fallen off the mattress, humorously providing a positive aspect. The overall sentiment suggests that while the mattress is okay, there are some stability issues, particularly around the edges.

Janet H. – USA: Janet H. offers a detailed evaluation of various Helix Luxe mattresses. Finding Dusk and Midnight Luxes too firm, Janet notes that the Sunset Luxe works better for her, although still not as soft as marketed. She suggests additional plush layers for enhanced comfort and emphasizes the suitability of Sunset Luxe for side sleeping. Janet acknowledges the challenge of finding the perfect bed but provides insightful options for potential adjustments, considering different toppers for various Helix Luxe mattresses.

The first layer of the Sunset Luxe is the cooling cover. For this, you have two options: breathable TENCEL or thermoconductive GlacioTex fabric.

Next comes the layer of Memory Plus Foam. This high-density comfort foam offers tons of contoured pressure relief without sacrificing buoyancy and lift. So you can get a soft mattress that doesn’t let you sink.

Underneath the comfort layer is a layer of Helix Dynamic Foam that helps enhance responsiveness even over springs alone. And the high-grade polyfoam transition layer provides seamless progression to the coils below.

Finally, the supportive pocketed coil core offers dynamic lift and support. It also features reinforced coils around the perimeter and in the middle. This offers center and edge support to keep you lifted in the middle and on the sides of the bed.

The Saatva Classic provides all the comforts you’d expect out of an innerspring mattress. It bounces just like an innerspring mattress. And it’s highly breathable all the way through, just like an innerspring mattress. So those who have gotten used to the innerspring feel don’t have to worry about losing it if they purchase the Classic.

On the other hand, you also don’t have to worry about all the problems inherent to innerspring beds when you sleep on the Classic. The adaptable pocketed coil support layer makes the Classic much more contouring than a regular innerspring mattress. It also increases the motion isolating capabilities of the bed.

Mark P. – USA: Mark P. praises the Classic Plush Soft mattress, specifically the Queen Classic Luxury Firm, after five months of testing. Initially concerned about insufficient support as a side sleeper, Mark finds the Plush Soft variant to be an excellent choice, providing the same support as the Luxury Firm but with added padding. Mark recommends the mattress, especially for side sleepers, emphasizing the company’s overall quality.

Dawn L. – USA: Dawn L. shares a mixed experience with the Classic Luxury Firm, finding it too hard despite multiple indications that it was the right choice for her needs. Acknowledging good customer service, Dawn opts to exchange for the Plush Mattress but still finds it not entirely right. After customer service recommended a memory foam topper, the comfort improved, and Dawn appreciates the company’s efforts to make things right.

Bert D. – USA: Bert D. recounts a two-year testing experience with the Classic Queen, originally recommended the Plush model for side sleeping with sleep apnea. Despite the mattress being near-perfect for back sleepers, Bert finds it too firm for his side-sleeping needs. Attempts to soften it with a topper prove unsuccessful, and Bert advises potential buyers that the mattress is ideal for non-side sleepers, praising the helpful staff despite his personal challenge with the firmness.

The Saatva Classic starts out with a three-inch contouring Euro top. This layer offers pressure relief and comfort to tired joints. It’s also wrapped in a hypoallergenic organic cotton cover treated with GuardinTM botanical antimicrobial treatment that prevents bacteria, mold, and other icky things from flourishing in your mattress. This is a boon for allergy sufferers everywhere.

Below the Euro-style pillow top, you’ll find the high-density memory foam layer. This layer increases pressure relief above and also helps the mattress transition from foam and fibers to steel coils.

The first support layer of the Classic sits right underneath the transition foam layer. These adaptable pocket coils add contoured support to the Classic to help keep your spine in optimal alignment. This is also the coil layer that helps neutralize motion transfer.

The coil layer that provides innerspring bounce and breathability is the open coil support core right below the pocketed coils. These ultra-strong coils are 13-gauge tempered steel, so you won’t have to worry about sagging for a long time.

These networked coils are also surrounded by a perimeter railing system made of high-density foam. That means the Classic mattress boasts superior edge support to go along with its dual support cores.

The AS5 is a plush mattress, so it offers adequate support and tons of pressure relief. Its layers of plush foam work with the resilient coils to create a true-soft feel that doesn’t sacrifice support in favor of cushioning. That means you’ll get enough lift to fight sinkage and all the pressure relief you want.

The AS5 starts off with the Refresh cover. This highly breathable and silky smooth cover improves your sleep by converting your body heat into far infrared energy. This energy is associated with improved circulation and sleep quality. It also means your sleep won’t be interrupted by overheating.

Next up, the Bio-Pur® plant-based memory foam forms a plush and contouring comfort layer. This plant-based memory foam is a step up from traditional memory foam. It’s more responsive and more breathable than a traditional memory foam without losing any contouring.

Below, you’ll find a transition layer of Active Flex material. This foam adds softness to the AS5 while at the same time helping to maintain buoyancy and responsiveness in the comfort layer.

Finally, you get to the pocketed coil support layer. These coils bounce right back underneath you as soon as you move without transferring motion or making noise like open coils do. The reinforced coils on the sides also create superior edge support.

As a medium mattress, the Zoma Hybrid is excellent for side and combo sleepers looking to alleviate pain. Customer reviews agree that whether you’re an athlete or not, the Zoma Hybrid mattress will cradle your body’s curves, support your back, and improve your sleep.

Emily – Mooresville, NC: Emily, having recently tested the Zoma king-size starter mattress, praises it for achieving the perfect balance between firmness and softness. With experience in other memory foam mattresses, she finds the Zoma exceptionally comfortable and highlights its ability to cater to both her preference for a softer feel and her partner’s preference for a firmer mattress. The first night’s sleep left both partners impressed with the comfort provided by this mattress.

Eunice T. – Hanover, MD: Eunice T. eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Zoma Hybrid after nearly two months of sleeping on an air mattress. She appreciates the mattress’s proper support without the need for extra pillows, describing it as a delightful combination of supportive and cloud-like luxury. As a side and tummy sleeper, Eunice finds the mattress accommodating to her movements, and the absence of disturbance from her partner’s movements is a notable plus. She highly recommends the Zoma Hybrid, emphasizing its value for money and even noting her dog’s approval of the new sleeping experience.

Tina – Marshall, TX: Tina acknowledges the Zoma mattress as initially firm and great, praising its easy delivery process. However, after three years of testing, she points out the need for a replacement, especially for heavy-set individuals like herself. While the mattress served well initially, Tina’s recommendation is cautious, suggesting that it may not be suitable for long-term use by individuals with a heavier build.

The mattress’s cover is breathable AirCloth, a soft and elastic material. The AirCloth encases the hybrid’s four layers for added comfort and protection.

The hybrid’s comfort layer is 2 inches of gel memory foam. The memory foam conforms to your body, providing coolness and pressure relief.

Underneath the gel foam is 2 inches of Reactiv™ foam. Reactiv™ foam is a springy material that limits sinkage and increases the bed’s adaptability. You’ll never feel trapped in bed, thanks to this layer.

The bed’s support core contains 7 inches of pocketed coils. The coils are wrapped to limit motion transfer without reducing the bed’s bounciness. When you move on top of the bed, the hybrid absorbs the impact rather than let it ripple across the mattress.

The base layer is an inch of hybrid foam that helps maintain the hybrid’s structure.

The Purple® Hybrid Premier is the most luxurious mattress Purple® offers, being the most luxurious with the most advanced design. Like Purple’s® other mattresses, the Purple Mattress and Purple Hybrid, the Purple® Hybrid Premier contains Purple Grid™ technology. However, it has the thickest layer of Purple Grid™, giving it a softer feel than the other two mattresses.

Karla F – USA: Karla F, a self-proclaimed picky mattress user, expresses love for the Purple Restore Plus soft mattress, describing it as the perfect blend of softness and support. As someone with back, hip, shoulder, and various other pain points, Karla appreciates the relief provided by this mattress. She recommends the accompanying pillow and attests to improved sleep quality with fewer aches and pains. Despite her discerning preferences, Karla is thoroughly pleased with her Purple Hybrid Premiere test.

Heather R – USA: Heather R, a back sleeper, acknowledges the comfort of the mattress in terms of firmness/softness but notes dissatisfaction with its shorter length compared to a standard queen. At 130lbs, Heather mentions that her weight is distributed well, and she and her 220lb husband no longer experience the sensation of sinking into a hole at night. However, she expresses irritation about the mattress being shorter than expected, suggesting that a California King would have been a preferable choice if the dimensions were known in advance.

Whitney R – USA: Whitney R, a co-sleeper, highlights the positive aspects of the Purple Hybrid Premiere Mattress in its soft King variant. Opting for an upgrade due to sagging issues with their first-gen Purple mattress, Whitney notes the disappearance of her husband’s shoulder pain with the previous generation hybrid mattress. While finding the new model extremely comfortable during testing, she mentions a slight improvement in her own shoulder pain. Whitney opted for the soft model, as the firm version was deemed too firm. Noteworthy concerns include motion transfer issues and the practical challenges of moving the heavy, non-bendable mattress. Despite these, the overall satisfaction with comfort and features is evident in Whitney’s feedback.

Purple’s® Hybrid Premier mattress features a Purple Grid™ layer on top, covered by a soft, breathable fabric. The Purple Grid™ is a flexible material that fully absorbs and supports the body’s natural curves to reduce pain and pressure.

This makes it suitable for people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. The Purple Grid™ design has thousands of air channels to neutralize body temperature and prevent heat retention. Based on customer reviews, sleeping on the Purple Grid™ has improved their chronic soreness and back pain.

Below this is a layer of 7.5-inch responsive support coils, which offer additional pressure relief and boost the mattress’s durability.

The Sparrow Signature Hybrid mattress features five layers of support and comes in six different firmness levels. There are four different types of foam in the mattress to offer a variety of comforting and cooling benefits.

These are accompanied by coils to provide a comfortable sleep all night long. Customers describe the bed like sleeping on a cloud. The mattress conforms under their body to relieve pressure while also isolating motion for those who share a bed, preventing partners from waking up periodically throughout the night.

TLC – USA: The tester started with the Raven flippable hybrid but found both sides unsuitable—too firm and not supportive enough. After exchanging for the Sparrow Medium and adjusting with a Plush topper, this tester is finally content. However, a noteworthy disclaimer is shared: the 365-night trial allows only one mattress exchange, which affects the Lifetime Renewal Exchange for the topper. This experience led to the purchase of the Plush topper instead of receiving a free Lifetime Renewal Exchange topper.

Tammie L. – USA: Tammie purchased the Sparrow Hybrid with the expectation that the Medium would offer both support and pressure relief. Contrary to Nestologist assurance, Tammie finds the Medium to be very firm, causing discomfort in the shoulder, hip, and lower back. Despite the well-made mattress, Tammie is currently experiencing some challenges breaking it in. On a positive note, she commends the mattress’s aesthetics and the remarkably quick delivery time, managing to unpack it herself at the age of 64.

Gail M. – USA: Gail M., a combination sleeper, rates the Sparrow mattress with a Comfort Rate of 2 and a Firmness level of Soft/Plush. Expressing a preference for a softer mattress, Gail acknowledges the option of adding inserts to adjust the firmness. While offering a Quality Rate of 4, indicating satisfaction with build and materials, Gail is considering exploring options to make the Sparrow mattress softer, as her boyfriend has suggested the possibility of using inserts for this purpose.

The cover on the Sparrow bed features 1 inch of gel-infused memory foam, as well as soft quilted thermal phase change fabric. Below is Energex™ foam, designed to provide a soft and cool feel when touched. This helps prevent hot sleeping and provides a cool, refreshing sleep all night long.

Below this layer is one inch of SmartFlow punched foam, meaning it’s perforated with holes that allow for airflow beneath the foam.

At the bottom is the support core, which includes 6 inches of individually wrapped Quantum zone support coils nestled between two layers of foam for added comfort. Each firmness option has strong edge support, making it easy to sleep near the edge of the bed without the feeling of rolling off.

Based on reviews, customers who switched to the Avocado Green Mattress say how much the bed has improved their pains, how the pillow top is excellent for their joints, and it supports their backs. The latex, cotton, and wool work together to ensure it feels cool when you first lie down and stays cool all night long.

How firm it will feel does depend on whether or not a shopper chooses the optional pillow top. The pillow top helps the surface hug a sleeper’s body better, readily easing pressure points.

Deb L. – USA: Deb enthusiastically praises the Avocado king mattress with a soft top, highlighting an immediate positive experience without any adjustment period. Having transitioned from a king mattress with 5 inches of latex, Deb expresses a high level of satisfaction after a month of use, emphasizing the hope for continued contentment with the mattress.

William I. – Not specified: William also shared feedback on the king-size standard mattress test with a pillow top from Avocado. While acknowledging a smooth selection and delivery process with helpful personnel, William notes that the mattress is firmer than expected. He expresses a neutral satisfaction, with the hope that the mattress will soften over time.

Dean C. – USA: Dean provides a balanced assessment of the Avocado mattress, praising its comfort and excellent construction. However, he points out a concern about heat retention, making the bed too hot for him to sleep with covers. Dean recommends the delivery option for the heavy king-size bed and appreciates Avocado’s return policy, indicating the possibility of exploring alternatives better suited to individual preferences.

This mattress is a hybrid of latex foam and innerspring coils. Plus, the materials in this bed have earned GOTS and GOLS organic certifications for their latex and cotton. The standard version of the Avocado Green Mattress contains wool, but if you prefer plant-based products, the Avocado Vegan Mattress is almost exactly the same bed only it contains cotton in the place of wool.

Beneath a quilted organic cotton cover is 3 inches of GOLS certified latex guaranteed to be free of harmful pesticides. With this mattress, you also have the option of adding their Euro-style pillow top for an additional 2 inches of luxury firm comfort. This topper comes in either a soft, plush option or a firm option.

The support layer of the Avocado Green features 1,414 spring coils. These coils are zoned to be more flexible around sensitive areas, so you never experience painful pressure points. The perimeter of the mattress has reinforced edge support to cut down on motion transfer and make moving around the bed more comfortable.