Tuft & Needle Mattress Reviews

Tuft & Needle initially launched in 2012 after its two founders saw a problem in the current mattress industry and all the expensive middlemen involved with buying a mattress. Upon opening up their website, Tuft & Needle quickly rose to popularity with their flagship mattress, the T&N Original.

Since then, Tuft & Needle started selling another two mattress models along with pillows, bed frames, mattress toppers, and more, all at a great price. T&N offers two all-foam mattresses and one hybrid mattress so every sleeper can choose a bed right for them.

This review runs down the details of the three Tuft & Needle mattresses to help you decide if they’re the best fit for you.

The Good

• Mattresses are more affordable than most of their competitors, yet still high-quality
• Tuft & Needle prioritizes philanthropy by fundraising and volunteering for schools, nonprofits, and more
• Tuft & Needle’s warranty only requires 0.75-inch indentations for repair or replacements

The Not So Good

• Tuft & Needle mattresses lack adequate edge support
• There are no true firm mattresses available

Tuft & Needle Mattress Similarities

The three Tuft & Needle mattress in a boxes share similar characteristics unique to T&N products, primarily the patented foam used in the mattresses.

T&N Adaptive® Foam – The T&N Adaptive Foam is Tuft & Needle’s proprietary polyfoam in the top layer of all their mattresses. Traditional memory foam is outdated, sleeps hot, and isn’t incredibly durable, thus why more and more companies choose to craft their own mattress foams.

The Adaptive® Foam solves the issues of traditional memory foam—it’s durable, responsive, and breathable. The foam is infused with cooling gel and graphite to wick away heat and keep sleepers cool throughout the night. The Adaptive® foam feels and acts similar to latex foam, though T&N mattresses are more affordable than typical latex beds, but still stay cool as graphite-infused mattresses.

Certifications – All Tuft & Needle mattresses are CertiPUR-US ® certified, meaning the foam layers in the mattresses are free of harmful chemicals and are less likely to give off a “new mattress smell.” The mattresses are also GREENGUARD Gold certified, ensuring they meet strict chemical emissions standards and have minimal indoor pollution rates.

The Original and Mint mattresses both have the Intertek’s Clean Air Certification, so they comply with a low-emitting air quality test standard.

The two mattresses also have the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval™, which is given when everyday people test the products and determine they meet customer expectations.

Finally, the Original and Mint mattresses are Today’s Parent Approved, a product testing program based on a product’s quality, value, and ease of use.

The Basics – Every Tuft & Needle Mattress meet the following criteria:

• Sleep Trial – 100 nights
• Warranty – 10-year limited warranty
• Shipping & Returns – Mattresses ship within 1 to 5 days to the 48 states for free—shipment to Hawaii and Alaska cost a fee. Tuft & Needle also offers hassle-free returns and exchanges at no additional cost.
• Made in the USA – Tuft & Needle source their fabrics from North and South Carolina and assemble the mattresses in California.
• Fiberglass-Free – The three Tuft & Needle mattresses do not have fiberglass underneath the cover.

Tuft & Needle Mattress Comparison

Tuft & Needle specializes in all-foam mattresses with their popular Original and Mint mattress. However, just this year, T&N ventured into making hybrid mattresses and launched the T&N Hybrid. Here’s a quick run-down of the three T&N models:

T&N Original

The Tuft & Needle Original mattress is the most affordable option among Tuft & Needle’s line-up and is also inexpensive compared to other all-foam mattresses. It’s very minimalistic and only contains two layers of high-density foam.

The online mattress is medium-firm, though firmness is subjective and primarily based on your weight. The advertised firmness is typically based on average-sized sleepers (130 to 230 pounds), but mattresses feel softer for sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds and firmer for sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds.

The Original mattress doesn’t provide very good edge support since all-foam mattresses don’t have reinforced edges. Poor edge support limits a mattress’s usable surface, and while this isn’t a problem for single sleepers or if you buy a large mattress, couples or other sleepers in need of space might not jump for the Original mattress.

Back

Medium-firm mattresses are supportive and comfortable for most back sleepers. The Original mattress provides a solid, even surface to lay on, while still being soft enough to cradle the lower back and prevent lumbar spine pain.

Side

Most side sleepers will feel comfortable on the Original mattress due to its thick comfort layer. It provides just enough pressure relief for the hips and shoulders but keeps the spine aligned to prevent pain and discomfort. Plus-size side sleepers (230 pounds or more) are more prone to sinking and may experience some pressure build-up, but it’s minimal.

Stomach

The Original mattress is likely not firm enough for stomach sleepers, so their hips will sink and their spine won’t be properly aligned. Plus-sized sleepers, in particular, will sink into the mattress further and be uncomfortable. Some petite sleepers will be fine combo-stomach sleeping on the Original mattress, but strict stomach sleepers should try a firmer bed, such as a firm to extra firm mattress, to better support their body and promote proper spinal alignment during sleep.

Mint

The Tuft & Needle Mint mattress is optimal for side sleepers. It’s supportive and promotes healthy spinal alignment, but still plush. The mattress is a lofty 12 inches and has decent edge support, meaning you can sit at the edge of the mattress without feeling like you’re going to fall off.

The Mint mattress contains HeiQ NPJO3 technology in the cover to protect the mattress against odor-causing microbes and bacteria. The technology keeps your mattress clean and helps it last longer, as well.

T&N states the Mint mattress is a medium, however, customer reviews claim the mattress is more realistically medium-soft. Medium-soft mattresses work best for side sleepers and petite sleepers.

Back

The Mint mattress is likely too soft for average and plus-sized back sleepers. However, it’s a comfortable mattress for lightweight sleepers and evenly distributes their weight, preventing pressure points and promoting neutral spinal alignment.

Side

Side sleepers will love the Mint mattress because it’s soft and cradling for the hips and shoulders, yet still supports the spine, keeping it neutral while you sleep.

Stomach

The Mint mattress is a bit too soft for strict stomach sleepers. A petite combo-stomach sleeper can get away with this mattress, but the majority of stomach sleepers should skip this mattress for something more firm and supportive for their hips.

Hybrid

The newest model in the Tuft & Needle lineup is the Hybrid Mattress, a soft, yet durable bed. Hybrid mattresses contain both pocketed coils and foam and are supportive yet still very cradling. By individually wrapping the steel springs, the springs are more durable and quiet compared to traditional innerspring mattresses.

The Hybrid mattress is five layers and contains two sets of coils. The first layer of coils are small nano-coils for extra bounce and the second layer are large, standard-size coils built for spinal support. The mattress is highly responsive, but as a result, it doesn’t isolate movement as well as all-foam mattresses.

With every purchase of a Hybrid mattress, T&N donates a set of twin bed sheets to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving beds to children and families in need.

Back

Back sleepers typically sleep well on medium mattresses, just like the Hybrid, as they provide enough cradling and support for healthy spinal alignment and minimal pressure. However, plus-sized back sleepers might not receive enough spinal support on the Hybrid mattress and may find the mattress uncomfortable.

Side

The Hybrid mattress provides great support and comfort for average-size side sleepers. The foam comfort layer hugs your hips and shoulders, though some customer reviews note uncomfortable pressure build-up when side sleeping. The Hybrid mattress is best suited for combo-side sleepers, but may not be great for strict side sleepers.

Stomach

Stomach sleepers need a firm sleeping surface or their hips will sink, taking their spine out of healthy alignment. The Hybrid mattress is a good option for petite and average-sized combo-stomach sleepers. However, plus-sized stomach sleepers and strict stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer mattress so they receive better support.

Tuft & Needle vs The Competition

Bear

• Bear mattresses optimize athletic performance and recovery, but are also great for pressure relief and spinal support.
• Just like Tuft & Needle, Bear carries two all-foam mattresses and one hybrid mattress.
• Bear mattress covers contain Celliant®, an FDA-determined medical tool for better sleep and muscle recovery.
• Bear’s Original mattress is a memory foam mattress similar to the T&N Original, only firmer, and it has three layers instead of two. The Bear Original mattress is ideal for couples and combination sleepers, just like the T&N Original.
• The Bear Pro mattress is Bear’s higher-end memory foam mattress, just like the Mint is to T&N. The Bear Pro has one more layer of foam than the Mint, but is similar firmness and support-wise.
• The Bear Hybrid has five layers, just like the T&N Hybrid, however, the Bear Hybrid only has one coil system.
• Bear mattresses come with a longer warranty than Tuft & Needle mattresses, though Bear mattresses are more costly.
• Bear mattresses are firmer than T&N mattresses, so plus-sized sleepers may find them more comfortable and supportive.

Is Tuft & Needle Right For You?

Tuft & Needle mattresses work well for lots of sleepers. However, those in search of extra support and firmness may have to skip T&N for a different mattress brand.

Pros

• Suited for petite and average-sized sleepers
• Back, combo, and side sleepers do well on T&N mattresses
• Good for environmentally-conscious shoppers
• Shoppers on a budget will enjoy the affordable mattresses

Cons

• Plus-sized sleepers won’t receive enough support
• Most stomach sleepers will experience sinkage with all T&N mattresses

FAQs

How long do Tuft & Needle mattresses last?

T&N mattresses come with a 10-year limited warranty, though warranties typically last longer than the mattress. Based on T&N mattress performance, they should last roughly 6 years with nightly usage.

How long does it take for a Tuft & Needle mattress to expand?

Since T&N mattresses are vacuum-sealed, it can take several hours for them to expand and be usable. T&N notes it can take nearly 5 days for the mattress to completely fill out and feel normal, but you can still use it within a few hours.

How do you open a Tuft & Needle mattress?

Open your mattress as soon as possible, or at least within three weeks of receiving it to prevent damaging it. Your mattress is vacuum-sealed, rolled up in multiple layers of plastic, and tucked into a large box. It’s useful to have another person help you open up your mattress as they can be quite heavy.

Once your box is in your bedroom, open it and tip the box over. Wriggle the rolled-up mattress out and place it on your bed frame (or wherever you plan on using your bed). Next, cut open the first layer of plastic and unroll the mattress so it’s laying flat. Cut the remaining plastic so the mattress starts expanding, and then wait for it to expand before putting on the sheets and blankets.

Where can you try out Tuft & Needle mattresses?

T&N isn’t exclusively online—they have three retail storefronts in Glendale, AZ, Glendale, CA, and Austin, TX. Also, T&N is sold through third-party retailers and wholesale-retail stores. If you can’t find T&N sold near you, take advantage of their 100-night sleep trial to see if you enjoy their mattresses!

How do you care for a Tuft & Needle mattress?

T&N recommends spot-cleaning because the mattress covers should not be removed or machine-washed. This can distort and shrink the fabric. When it comes time to clean your mattress, use a mild detergent mixed with water and gently dab dirty areas until they’re clean. Make sure your mattress cover is completely dry before replacing the covers and blankets.

It’s a good idea to always use a mattress protector with your mattress. While the mattress covers are resistant to pilling and tears, they’re not waterproof and dark stains can void your mattress warranty.