Vaya Foam Mattress Review (2024): Thoughts After Testing From Dr. Jordan Burns

Welcome to our thorough review of the Vaya Mattress, written by Dr. Jordan Burns, a trusted chiropractor who knows a lot about how your spine affects your sleep. He’s not just talking about his chiropractic experience and understanding of spinal health in our article. He’s also made a detailed video on YouTube sharing his thoughts.

Our aim is to give you a fair and complete view of this foam mattress, so you can decide if it’s right for you. Dr. Burns’ video review is a great way to get a deeper understanding of the mattress. You can find the link to the video below.

As a chiropractor and sleep health expert, I’m always on the lookout for mattresses that can provide both comfort and support for a restful night’s sleep. When the team at Vaya offered to send me one of their popular foam mattresses to test and review, I was eager to give it a try.

In this article, I’ll take you through my hands-on testing process and final verdict after personally using the Vaya all-foam mattress.

I. Mattress Layers, Materials and Construction

As I unboxed the Vaya Mattress and examined its interior construction, I was pleased to discover a straightforward yet thoughtful foam design optimized for coolness, comfort and support. Vaya keeps things simple, using just two layers of their proprietary foam along with a soft breathable cover.

At every step, Vaya has carefully balanced support and cool gentle contouring to promote healthy and restful sleep. The open-cell comfort layer wicks away heat for a cool night’s sleep while the base foam keeps your body lifted and your spine neutrally aligned.

The core base foam layer provides a sturdy foundation, giving robust support to relieve pressure points no matter your sleeping position or body type. As I pressed down, I could feel this dense foam pushing back evenly to keep my spine properly aligned. This firm base prevents sagging and sinkage, especially valuable for heavier sleepers.

Nestled atop the base foam is Vaya’s comfort layer, engineered specifically to cradle your body in cushioning relief. It has an open-cell structure that allowed airflow to pass through the foam and wick away heat when I laid down. This helps sleep cool, complemented by the breathable stretch-knit cover that further circulates air near the mattress surface.

I also noticed how this comfort foam layer gently contours to the curves of my shape rather than making me feel stuck. As I changed positions throughout my tests, it responded quickly to relieve pressure on my shoulders, hips and other zones while keeping me resting atop the mattress.

This blend of cradling pressure relief and easy mobility makes the Vaya foam comfort layer well-suited for combination sleepers like myself who shift positions during the night.

Meanwhile, the soft cover provides a cozy sensation against your skin for drifting off to dreamland with a smile on your face. After personally testing the thoughtful Vaya Mattress construction, I understand how they deliver exceptional comfort and support at an affordable price point.

I should also note that as I first unboxed it, I noticed no bothersome off-gassing smells which can occur with some foam mattresses fresh out of their packaging. This is especially important when shopping budget mattresses like the Vaya, as many mattress manufacturers will try to skimp on quality materials to achieve a lower price.

II. Sleeping Positions

When testing mattresses, I always carefully analyze their performance for different sleeping positions. As both a side and back sleeper, I need a mattress with good balance – not too soft but not overly firm.

I’d categorize the Vaya Mattress as a true medium on the firmness scale, excellent for combination sleepers like myself. I found it provided plenty of cushioning comfort when I lay on my side, with my spine staying neutrally aligned.

For strict stomach or back sleepers who prefer extra firm support, the Vaya may feel too plush. However, the Vaya earned top marks in my book for accommodating side, back, and combination sleepers who shift positions throughout the night.

III. Response Time

Responsiveness is another crucial quality I examine in any mattress I test. By responsiveness, I mean how quickly the mattress reacts when pressure is applied or lifted.

Using 10-pound medicine balls, I evaluated how the Vaya Mattress response time compared to other models I’ve reviewed. Again, I awarded high marks by giving it a 9 out of 10, as the Vaya bounced back rapidly after compressing under the weight. This responsiveness helps keep the spine properly aligned all night long as you change positions.

There was no reason to not include the Vaya Mattress in the top mattress list that I compiled for 2024.

IV. Motion Transfer and Edge Support

If you sleep next to someone, you’ll want a mattress that doesn’t let motion travel across it easily. With a mattress for motion isolation, your partner moving around won’t wake you up as much.

Strong edges are good too – they make it simpler to get in and out of bed.  And with good mattress edge support, two people can use the whole mattress without feeling like they’ll roll off the sides.

So when picking out a mattress for couples, check how well it absorbs movement and keeps its shape along the edges. That will help you both sleep soundly through the night.

Motion Isolation

When sleeping with a partner, you also want to consider how well a mattress isolates motion transfer. Using medicine balls once more, I checked for disturbance across the mattress surface when pressure is applied only to one side.

The Vaya Mattress showed impressively minimal motion transfer between its sides. I barely noticed any vibration on the opposite side of the bed when compressing just one edge. This motion isolation earns the Vaya top ratings for couples, ranking a 9 out of 10 as you won’t disturb your sleeping partner with every toss and turn.

Edge Support

After rolling around to check if motion transfer, I scooted over to the side of the mattress to to test the edge support. While motion isolation measured high for the all-foam Vaya, edge support was just average, ranking a 7 out of 10.

Sitting near the perimeter, I noticed more sinkage and instability than some competing foam mattress models. However, for those who mainly sleep near the middle of the bed, this shouldn’t pose an issue. Still, if you plan on sharing the mattress, have a chronic condition that limits mobility, or simply like to sleep near the edge, it’s important to keep in mind.

V. Cooling and Breathability

Based on my in-depth testing, I found the Vaya Mattress to perform very well when it came to sleeping cool and breathable comfort. Its thoughtful construction using open-cell comfort foam and a ventilated stretch-knit cover succeeds in promoting airflow and heat dissipation.

As I laid down on the Vaya Mattress, I immediately noticed the cool-to-the-touch sensation of both the foam and cover materials. The open-cell structure of the comfort layer allows warm air near the body to pass through and escape, rather than body heat accumulating inside the mattress. I could feel a subtle yet refreshing airflow circulating underneath me as a result.

Complementing the breathable foam, Vaya’s soft and flexible cover incorporates ventilation channels running along its surface. These allow even more passive airflow directly next to the sleeper’s body for enhanced temperature regulation. Throughout my overnight testing, I required little readjustment or blanket kicking due to overheating.

So assessing the Vaya mattress’ cooling abilities and breathability, I rated it a strong 8 out of 10. While it lacks some more advanced cooling technologies featured in certain premium mattresses, the Vaya still outperforms the majority of value-priced all-foam models. Any hot sleepers on a budget would sleep comfortably cool and content on this quality yet affordable mattress.

So if you tend to wake up in a sweat or need extra airflow for a restful night’s sleep, the breezy Vaya Mattress delivers.

VI. Durability and Longevity

Examining the layers firsthand, I noticed intricately cut foam with no stray fibers or uneven edges. This precision manufacturing ensures the foam retains its structure integrity over years of continuous use. The stitching and fabric of the mattress cover also appeared sturdy, with robust seam reinforcement that shows attention to detail in this durable mattress.

When testing foam mattresses, softening, sagging and impression marks over time are a common durability complaint. However, the dense base foam layer in the Vaya mattress provides lasting reinforcement to resist premature sagging or permanent body indentations. This firm structural foundation complements the softer contouring comfort foam up top for balance.

Vaya also backs up their impressive build quality with a mattress warranty lasting a full decade. Within those 10 years, Vaya offers hassle-free repairs or replacements if any defects in materials or craftsmanship cause impairment. This exceptional protection policy demonstrates Vaya’s faith in the lasting durability expected from their thoughtfully designed mattresses.

Unless you strongly prefer coils or latex and other natural materials over pure foam mattresses, Vaya makes for a smart and reliable choice.

VII. Potential Drawbacks

As with any product, no mattress is perfect across the board for every sleeper’s preferences. Some may find the Vaya Mattress too plush or conforming, while strict back sleepers may require extra reinforcement.

At only 12 inches thick, the Vaya also won’t suit those seeking an ultra-thick, pillow top model. (However, the Vaya Hybrid model they also carried and that I reviewed is closer to this ideal, for anyone interested.)

While I also think the Vaya Mattress scores particularly well as a cooling mattress considering its price point, outdoing many of its similarly low-priced competitors, I cannot claim that it offers the most cutting-edge coolness technology.

Sleepers who are prone to running hot or who live in an especially warm climate may benefit from a mattress with more focus on coolness and sleep technology that promotes temperature neutrality. For shoppers who are on a tight budget and still want to stay cool, I would recommend checking out the Zoma Start mattress.

These drawbacks aside, however, the medium Vaya still suits a wide range of sleep positions and body types.

VIII. Trial Period, Warranty, Pricing and Sizes

For shoppers like myself carefully comparing specs and prices, the Vaya Mattress excels as a high-value option. It comes in far under the price tags of big-name rivals like the Casper and Tuft & Needle original mattresses. Vaya is also available in the usual mattress sizes, from twin to California king.

Vaya also offers flexible 0% APR financing, allowing you to split payments over multiple months with no hidden fees. Along with the 100-night trial, it makes trying out the Vaya Mattress nearly risk-free. You can save greatly, too, with one of the year’s big mattress deals:

• Best MLK Day Mattress Sales
• Best Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Best Sleep Awareness Week Mattress Sales
• Best Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• Best 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Best Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Best Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Best Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Best Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

As an all-foam model priced under $1000, Vaya relies on exceptional materials and craftsmanship rather than costly bells and whistles for their flagship mattress.

Vaya Mattress Dimensions and Prices

IX. Customer Reviews

Scouring through customer reviews, I found mostly rave reviews from Vaya sleepers. Many praised both the comfort level and back support from this responsive foam mattress.

A few outliers complained of the mattress being slightly too firm or soft for their liking. But that’s the reality with any “one-size-fits-most” mattress model on the market, and no well-tested mattress can have a truly 100 percent perfect rating. For me and most combination sleepers, the medium Vaya hits that sweet spot between cushioning pressure relief and robust support.

One recent review from Melanie H. offered glowing feedback on the comfort, support and pain relief provided by the Vaya Mattress. As someone suffering from long-term back issues and old sports injuries, Melanie found the Vaya mattress perfect in firmness – not too hard or too soft. Within the first month of sleeping on it, she woke up with less pain and stiffness, making it easier to rise in the mornings.

Clearly, the Vaya mattress delivered on both cushioning pressure relief while keeping the spine aligned. However, Melanie didn’t praise every single aspect of the Vaya Mattress.

As I mentioned, I did not experience any bothersome off-gassing when I first unboxed it. Still, Melanie had a different experience with the off-gassing smell. Due to a sensitive nose, she noticed a mild yet detectable off-gassing odor from the mattress that lingered for about a week and a half before dissipating.

Though never overwhelming, it was enough that a scent-sensitive individual may want to consider airing out the Vaya Mattress in a separate room for the initial 10 days or so after unboxing.

X. Environmental Impact

Today’s consumers also care deeply about eco-friendly and ethical manufacturing. Here as well, Vaya delivers with their mattresses made in the USA.

Their proprietary foam layers hold certification from CertiPUR-US®, a third-party organization attesting to stringent standards for minimal emissions and environmental safety. For health-conscious folks like myself, this gives great peace of mind.

XI. Maintenance and Care

Caring properly for your mattress is crucial to promote longevity and hygiene. I suggest using a waterproof mattress protector to shield your Vaya Mattress from spills and stains over its lifetime. For routine cleaning, simply spot treat any marks on the cover fabric with warm water and mild detergent as needed. Rotating or flipping is not required for the Vaya Mattress, as the comfort layer sits on top.

As someone who values quality sleep for health, I always recommend washing bedsheets weekly and giving your mattress periodic “air-outs” by stripping the bed, perhaps even freshening the mattress up further with a sprinkling on baking soda. Follow these simple steps and your Vaya Mattress should maintain its fresh and restful feel for over a decade!

XII. Final Verdict

After personally testing out Vaya’s popular foam mattress, I happily give it a final score of 8/10. For all-foam construction at an affordable price point, you’ll struggle to find better performance and quality on the market today.

With cool breathability, minimal motion transfer, strong edge support and durable construction, the Vaya Mattress excels in nearly all the metrics I find essential for a healthy night’s sleep. If you change positions frequently or enjoy cushioning pressure relief from memory foam, I wholeheartedly recommend giving the Vaya mattress serious consideration for your next upgrade. Sweet dreams!

Dr. Jordan Burns’ Final Score Tally

FAQs

Is the Vaya Mattress good for side sleepers?

Yes, the Vaya Mattress is an excellent choice for side sleepers. Its plush, conforming foam layers provide pressure relief on the shoulders and hips, which is crucial for side sleepers. The mattress’s responsiveness and flexibility also make it easy for side sleepers to change positions throughout the night.

Does the Vaya Mattress sleep hot?

No, the Vaya Mattress is designed to promote cooling and breathability. The open-cell structure of the comfort layer allows air to flow through the mattress, while the ventilated stretch-knit cover further enhances temperature regulation. Dr. Burns found the mattress to perform well in terms of sleeping cool, especially considering its affordable price point.

Is the Vaya Mattress durable?

The Vaya Mattress is built to last, with precision manufacturing and high-quality materials. The dense base foam layer provides lasting reinforcement to resist sagging and body indentations over time.

Additionally, Vaya offers a 10-year warranty that covers repairs or replacements for any defects in materials or craftsmanship.

How well does the Vaya Mattress isolate motion?

The Vaya Mattress excels at motion isolation, making it a great choice for couples. Dr. Burns noticed minimal disturbance across the mattress surface when pressure was applied to one side, giving the mattress a 9 out of 10 rating for motion isolation.

This means that partners can sleep soundly without being disturbed by each other’s movements.

Is there a trial period for the Vaya Mattress?

Yes, Vaya offers a 100-night trial period for their mattress. This means that customers can try out the mattress in the comfort of their own home for up to 100 nights. If they are not satisfied with the mattress, they can return it for a full refund within this period, making the purchase nearly risk-free.

Is the Vaya Mattress eco-friendly?

Yes, the Vaya Mattress is made with eco-friendly and ethically sourced materials. The mattress is manufactured in the USA, and its proprietary foam layers are CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning they meet stringent standards for minimal emissions and environmental safety. This certification provides peace of mind for health-conscious consumers who prioritize eco-friendly products.