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What better way to start your morning than by showing up well-rested, and what better way to rest than on a new mattress? With new technology and developments in sleep science, we know more about what it takes to get a good night’s sleep and how important it is—and you don’t have to wait for Daylight Saving Time and Sleep Awareness Week to have it on your mind (though any reason is a good reason). Traditional coil innerspring models have evolved, and modern designs come with foam materials that can literally shape to our bodies. With cooling gels, foam, plush pillow tops, and breathable materials, we can stay cool, relaxed, and comfortable all through the night. Moreover, you’re no longer stuck shopping in stores with pushy salespeople. One of the best mattresses can show up at your doorstep once you decide on the best option for you from our extensive list.

How we chose the best mattresses

While it’s easy to assume that all mattresses offer similar performance, several factors affect their functionality. Several years of experience covering home goods and furniture and extensive product research went into choosing our final curated selection. We reviewed over 30 mattresses and weighed many practical considerations when making our recommendations, including:

Type: Foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses each have benefits, so we considered all three types for this guide.

Firmness: There is no perfect mattress firmness level, so we included plush, medium, and firm options in this guide to suit various sleep preferences.

Thickness: Mattresses range in height from about 5 inches to 20 inches. While thickness doesn’t necessarily relate to quality, most people find a thicker one more comfortable. Considering that, we only selected mattresses with heights of 10 inches or more.

Trial period: Since buying a mattress is such a personal decision, many manufacturers offer trial periods to help you test them out and ensure the right fit. We preferred brands that offered trial periods of 100 nights or more.

Value: Buying a mattress is a major investment that can last a decade or more, so it’s worth it to save up to buy a high-quality model. That being said, we still considered value when making our recommendations and only included products that we considered to be a great price for the quality provided.

Size: In order to fairly compare the prices of all our recommended mattresses, this guide primarily features details for queen-sized mattresses (which measure 60 by 80 inches), though all models listed are also available in other sizes. This consideration is particularly important for our “Best for RVs” buy.

The best mattresses: Reviews & Recommendations

While we can’t always control the stress in our daily lives, we can control the quality and comfort of our nightly rejuvenation by selecting the best mattress for our bodies. The right bed will provide you with optimal support and comfort. Whether you prefer firm support or a plush, soft mattress, you can choose from many options in many price ranges, so we’ve helped narrow it down.

Best overall: Helix Midnight Elite Mattress

Helix

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Specs

  • Type: Hybrid
  • Height: 16 inches
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Available in: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Provides 100-night trial: Yes

Pros

  • Superior comfort
  • Designed with cooling technology
  • Made without harmful chemicals

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Requires deep-pocketed sheets

If you’re looking to upgrade your sleeping experience all around, consider the award-winning Helix Midnight Elite Mattress. At 16 inches thick, it’s known as the “tallest mattress on the internet.” This hybrid mattress features a quilted top with two layers of microcoils specifically designed for back support and five layers of high-density foam. The Helix is wrapped in GlacioTex Elite Phase Change cooling fabric that dissipates each user’s heat. Plus, you can rest easy knowing that these mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold-certified for using low amounts of potentially harmful VOCs. And you can test it out for 100 days to ensure it’s right for you.

Best cooling: Casper Snow Max Hybrid Mattress

Tony Ware

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Specs

  • Type: Hybrid
  • Height: 14 inches
  • Firmness: Medium-Soft
  • Available in: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Provides 100-night trial: Yes

Pros

  • Features enhanced cooling technology
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Hybrid model features foam and springs
  • Subject to 10-year limited mattress warranty

Cons

  • Stomach sleepers could find it too soft

Casper is a pioneer in the online bed-in-a-box market, so when you purchase a mattress from them you can, well, rest assured you’re getting a quality product. And the company’s new 2024 line-up is as refreshing as the sleep you’ll get on a Casper mattress, specifically the Snow Max (an evolution of the Wave Hybrid Snow). After a month with a Queen Snow Max (shown above) we can confidently say that thanks to its combined features it is a Goldilocks mattress: balanced in temperature regulation, support, and motion isolation, so just right. I brought it up from the mail room easily enough with a cart (or bring a partner, as a Queen is 111 pounds), then opened it one Saturday morning. It was ready to enjoy the evening of the day it arrived, with minimal residual smell.

This hybrid mattress’s combined heat dissipating features—including a cool-to-the-touch cover, 2x the HeatDelete Bands of the Standard Snow (still a good buy if you prefer a less soft medium), and Phase Change Material—let us put on the crisp percale sheets and coziest flannel duvet cover without hesitation or sweat. Meanwhile, the Zoned Support Strips of firmer, but still airflow-friendly memory foam focused an ergonomic cradle as needed for the side sleepers to wake without aching shoulders or stiff spines. And the multiple layers of soothing and precision-cut foam atop the pockets flex coils mean minimal motion transfer, which is great in a household where sleep schedules aren’t always aligned as well as bodies once they settle into bed.

The Snow Max is a mattress that you can sink into without feeling submerged, and it has good edge support. With its 14-inch height, the Casper Snow Max fits sheets tightly, but rightly. And the comfort and cooling are as advertised, which is great for folks who were previously wary of memory foam. Want to complete the package? The Hybrid Snow Pillow used a breathable foam-and-fibers design to extend support for your neck and cooling for a more restful night’s sleep (available in Standard/King sizes). Like to watch a 4K projector in bed? We recommend a Backrest Pillow or two.

Best memory foam: Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress

Tuft & Needle

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Specs

  • Type: Memory foam
  • Height: 11.5 inches
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Available in: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Provides 100-night trial: Yes

Pros

  • Adaptive foam adjusts to the body
  • Designed with cooling technology
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Works with most frames
  • Removable cover is machine-washable

Cons

  • Not springy
  • Not the best for people with larger builds

This memory foam mattress has multiple layers of foam to form a strong base, ceramic gel beads for support, and a cooling gel inside the mattress. The top layer uses T&N adaptive foam, which contours to your shape and releases tension in your limbs. What’s more, it is swathed in a breathable cover to help cool the body. And you can rest easy knowing that this model is Greenguard Gold- and CertiPUR-certified, which means it’s free from harmful chemicals. That said, you may miss the springiness of mattress coils, and this option isn’t the best for stomach sleepers or people with larger builds.

Best for RVs: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding

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Specs

  • Type: Hybrid
  • Height: 13.25 inches
  • Firmness: Can choose between soft, medium, and firm
  • Available in: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king, short queen, RV king, RV bunk
  • Provides 100-night trial: Allows for 120-day trial

Pros

  • Designed with cooling fibers that absorb body heat
  • Available in soft, medium, or firm
  • Makes mattresses for RVs

Cons

  • Prominent logo
  • The mattress topper may buckle

Not going to be satified with any old mattress? Brooklyn Bedding provides more options to customize your mattress than most companies. The Arizona-based company (that’s right, not from the Five Boroughs) allows customers to choose between soft, medium, and firm mattresses to match their typical sleep orientation. And in addition to the usual lineup from twin through California king, Brooklyn Bedding also offers Bunk/King sizes specifically for RVs (not pictured above). That’s right; you can take the pressure off your joints and degrees off your body after a long day of driving, adventuring, or both.

The great thing about a bed-in-a-box is that it’s easy to get into and maneuver around an RV before unpacking (none of the exhausting contortionism required when navigating turns with a flat mattress. But what sets the Aurora Luxe mattress apart is its cooling technology. The mattress features a cover made with GlacioTex fibers and thermal-regulating foam that absorbs body heat. The fibers also allow for plenty of airflow. And the hybrid model is made with individually encased coils that provide support under the foam layers cushioning the body for a satisfying night’s sleep. It should be said that the sides can compress a surprising amount thanks to the pillowy top of the medium or soft, but that relaxing, reassuring hug might be worth it—just something to consider if you rest/roll around in a moving/uneven vehicle.

Best for durability: Nod Hybrid by Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle

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Specs

  • Type: Hybrid
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Firmness: Firm
  • Available in: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Provides 100-night trial: Yes

Pros

  • Provides firm support
  • Smaller footprint
  • Less expensive

Cons

  • Some users found it didn’t help back pain
  • Returns can be challenging

This Tuft & Needle mattress offers a hybrid construction, with layers of adaptive foam, slow recovery foam, and a layer of pocket coils with a foam base. It’s topped with a stay-cool material to prevent the heat that is associated with some foam mattresses. The hybrid style allows for the bounce and structure of traditional models combined with the muscle-relaxing comfort of modern memory foam.

Best eco-friendly: Tuft & Needle Original Queen Mattress

Tuft & Needle

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Specs

  • Type: Memory foam
  • Height: 9.5 inches
  • Firmness: Firm
  • Available in: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Provides 100-night trial: Yes

Pros

  • Relieves pressure
  • Foam is infused with cooling gel
  • Features adaptive, high-density foam

Cons

  • Foam mattresses require time to fully expand
  • May have a chemical smell when delivered

While traditional foam mattresses cause sleepers to sink into the material, this pick from Tuft & Needle uses an adaptive foam that’s designed to provide a firm level of support without making you feel trapped.

The brand’s proprietary foam features an open-cell structure that adapts to your body position as you sleep and is infused with graphite and gel beads to make the material more breathable and provide a cooling effect. The materials used are certified by CertiPUR-US as being free of harmful chemicals.

With a medium firmness level, this mattress should be suitable for most sleepers, but back sleepers will particularly appreciate this level of support. Tuft & Needle offers a 100-night trial period to ensure the mattress is right for you. According to the manufacturer, 95 percent of buyers keep their mattresses after the trial period ends. Like most foam mattresses, this model needs up to 72 hours to expand fully after delivery.

Best for back sleepers: Leesa Hybrid 11 Mattress

Leesa

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Specs

  • Type: Hybrid
  • Height: 11 inches
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Available in: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Provides 100-night trial: Yes

Pros

  • Hybrid design featuring pocket coils and foam
  • Features a ventilated comfort layer
  • Environmentally friendly

Cons

  • Because it comes rolled in a box, it will need time to expand
  • Some users say you can feel the springs

Back sleepers do best with a medium level of firmness that keeps their spines properly aligned while also providing cushioning at key pressure points like the shoulders and hips. This hybrid model from Leesa features pocket springs covered in a top layer of cozy memory foam. The comfort layer on top of the memory foam includes ventilation holes to prevent overheating as you sleep.

Innerspring mattresses are known for having higher levels of motion transfer than foam mattresses, meaning that if your partner gets up in the middle of the night, you’ll feel the mattress shift. This model, however, includes over 1,000 individually wrapped springs to reduce motion transfer. The coils span the entire mattress, so you won’t experience issues with the edges or corners sagging.

While medium-firm mattresses are ideal for back sleepers, they’re also an excellent all-around pick if your mattress needs to accommodate various sleep positions. And in terms of materials, this mattress is CertiPUR-US-certified.

Best for stomach sleepers: Casper Sleep Element Mattress

Casper

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Specs

  • Type: Foam
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Firmness: Firm
  • Available in: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Provides 100-night trial: Yes

Pros

  • Firm support for stomach sleepers
  • Perforated foam layer for air circulation
  • Made with sustainable materials

Cons

  • Foam mattress requires up to 72 hours to fully expand

Casper’s Element mattress is a budget pick constructed from three different types of foam and provides a firm support level. Stomach sleepers do best with a high level of support to alleviate pressure on their chests, shoulders, knees, and hips.

The top layer features a comfortable memory foam that relieves pressure by contouring to your body. The middle layer is made from AirScape, a perforated foam that provides air circulation that is beneficial for hot sleepers. The base layer is extra-firm and durable to provide the maximum level of support. As a bonus, each mattress uses eco-friendly textiles and is constructed with 121 recycled plastic bottles. (While the Element is no longer offered as part of Casper’s core mattress line, it is still available through Amazon for the time being.)

Best for side sleepers: Sealy Posturepedic Soft Feel Mattress

Sealy

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Specs

  • Type: Hybrid
  • Height: 13 inches
  • Firmness: Plush (soft); also available in medium and firm
  • Available in: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king
  • Provides 100-night trial: Yes

Pros

  • Targeted support in the center layer
  • Cooling foam is great for hot sleepers
  • A moisture-wicking cover helps you stay dry
  • 13-inch thickness

Cons

  • Heavy
  • More expensive than some models

A plush mattress is best for side sleepers because they need cushioning on their pressure points. This model from Sealy combines an innerspring system with a gel foam top layer for a perfect balance of 13 inches of comfort and support. One unique feature of this model is that it has targeted reinforcement in the middle third of the mattress, which is where the heaviest part of your body needs support.

The 660 coils are designed to prevent motion transfer, and the brand’s Stable Edge Pro coil system ensures the edges of the mattress don’t sag. The Euro Top cushion layer includes SealyCool Air Gel Foam, which adds breathability, making sleeping comfortable no matter the temperature. Each purchase includes a moisture-wicking protective cover that will improve the mattress’s longevity. While this mattress is soft, the same one is also available in medium and firm.

Best budget: Zinus Memory Green Mattress

Zinus

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Specs

  • Type: Memory foam
  • Height: 12 inches
  • Firmness: Plush (soft)
  • Available in: Narrow twin, twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, king, California king
  • Provides 100-day trial: No, provides 30-day trial

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Made without dangerous chemicals
  • Can support up to 500 pounds

Cons

  • Trial period shorter than most

Not looking to spend a lot? Typically, you can find deals on foam mattresses; prices get lower as the size and thickness get smaller. The Zinus Memory Green Mattress, for example, is full size and measures 12 inches thick for under $400. This budget pick is made with three layers of foam to conform to the body, allow for airflow, and provide base support. The makers compress and ship it in a small box that expands within 72 hours of opening the package. And it’s also CertiPUR-US-certified.

Things to consider when shopping for the best mattresses

The mattress marketplace is full of options. With hundreds of models and manufacturers, finding the right choice can feel overwhelming. You can pick from traditional and new materials and price points that range from reasonable to a splurge. Also, consider what type of comfort and support you want. While you should ideally try the model out in person, many online purchases come with free trials and easy returns. Finally, you should understand the construction and materials used. You want your mattress to be durable and retain its shape for many years.

Innerspring vs. memory foam

First, you should understand the difference between innerspring vs. memory foam. Traditional mattresses are designed with what is called innerspring construction, which is steel coils arranged in various configurations. While some manufacturers advertise that the more coils, the better the support—and, therefore, the better the quality—it’s important to consider the gauge of metal used in these springs. Thinner-gauge metal may not be as durable as a thicker gauge. Some are designed with a Bonnell-style coil or hourglass shape, a continuous wire coil, or individually pocketed springs. You can find highly-rated mattresses made with all of these coil styles.

Why does it matter? Coil construction is responsible for the bounciness. The top of the innerspring construction mattresses can include special layers of cushioning, such as a pillow top layer or infused gel. Shifting positions tends to be easy with innerspring mattresses due to the bouncy quality. Foam layers and plush pillow tops added to the top help suppress the bounce by absorbing some of the vibrations.

Qualities of memory foam

Many mattresses today are completely constructed out of foam. The memory foam mattress was invented in the 1960s, designed to soften and mold to your body when you lie on it. Once you get up, it springs back to its original shape. The top models use foam to relieve pressure in body areas that may hold tension. This malleable material conforms to the body and is made with good motion isolation, which is convenient for couples. What’s more, these costs vary from budget to high end. That said, some negative attributes associated with some foam construction mattresses include an initial “off-gas” chemical smell that will dissipate after a few days of being set up and lack of bounce. The foam can also trap body heat.

Though many manufacturers use polyurethane to create their foam layers, others use latex as well. Some include both (so be wary if you have sensitivities). Specific foams offer cooling, support, and pressure relief. Additional varieties include high-density polyfoam, high-resiliency polyfoam, open-cell memory foam, gel memory foam, and varieties of latex foam.

Hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses are made with both traditional construction (metal innerspring coil) and modern materials like foams and gels. They’re great for people who want the best of both mattress styles. A hybrid has the sturdy support of the innerspring coil, better edge support, and durability, along with the signature bounce. However, hybrids also incorporate the many benefits of new technology. Modern foam options offer superior comfort with the ability to mold to your body and relieve pressure in joints and muscles. Adding layers of foam or gel on top of the traditional base provides support and flexibility.

One of the complaints associated with foam-style mattresses is that it can be difficult getting in and out of bed. Sometimes the softness (lack of bounce) and molding quality can make the edge of the bed seemingly collapse when you sit on it. With an innerspring coil, you get some edge support and bounce that makes sitting on bed and getting out of bed easier.

Sleep position

Side sleepers are best served by a well-cushioned mattress because their hips and shoulders need to rest comfortably on the mattress. Back sleepers generally prefer a medium-firm option because they require plenty of spine support and cushioning for pressure points like the hips, lower back, and shoulders. Stomach sleepers should consider a firm mattress to provide support to the chest, stomach, knees, and hips. All-foam picks probably aren’t the best fit for stomach sleepers because they may cause you to sink in more in the middle, forming a U shape and putting a strain on your lower back.

Pain relief

The big question: Will it help you get a good night’s sleep? They will ensure you wake up without additional aches and pains and feel truly rested. The best mattress for back pain relief is a combination of flexibility and durability. It will conform to your body and provide full-body relief, but be supportive enough not to sink or sag.

People seeking pain relief should also consider temperature. Cooling fabrics, gels, and breathable fabrics will allow for an ideal sleeping experience with plenty of airflow. Look for ergonomic designs such as gel pads that help to align the spine, provide softer support under the shoulders, and firmer support around the hips and lower back.

Durability

Anyone who has spent a night tossing and turning in a friend’s basement on their ancient, broken mattress understands the importance of durability. The more durable the materials and construction, the more comfortable nights you will enjoy. Better quality spring construction will provide years of solid but flexible support. Look for foam that can withstand years of conforming to the body while remaining adaptable enough to return to its original shape after you get up.

The amount of wear and tear on the bed is just one factor affecting its lifespan. A rarely used mattress in a seasonal beach house will last longer than one a child jumps on every night. Laboratories test this durability with simulations of normal use and offer an idea of how well they will hold up in time. The longer a mattress can retain its original shape, height, firmness, and side/back support, the more durable it is. A mattress that can withstand eight or more years of wear and tear earns a high durability rating.

FAQs

Q: How much does a mattress cost?

The cost of a mattress ranges from about $3,000 for a premium pick like the Helix Midnight Elite Mattress to just over $300 for the budget-friendly Zinus Memory Green Mattress. In addition to cost, it’s worthwhile to consider the likely longevity of your purchase.

Q: How do you know when it’s time to replace your mattress?

Generally speaking, you should replace a mattress every 6 to 8 years. That being said, there’s no need to replace one that’s still comfortable and supportive. You’ll know it’s time to start shopping for a replacement if it begins to sag or you frequently wake up with back pain.

Q: Do you need a box spring?

Box springs were necessary when mattresses were thinner and less supportive, but most modern mattresses do not require a box spring and are designed to be used on platform-style bed frames.

Q: Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress?

Our recommendations cover a variety of types and styles to suit your needs best. The Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress is one of our top picks because of its adaptive foam construction. Our recommended choice for those on a budget is the Zinus 10-Inch Memory Foam Mattress for its supportive base and comfortable memory foam layer.

Final thoughts on the best mattresses

Buying a mattress doesn’t have to require hours of in-person shopping and haggling with salespeople. Now you can search hundreds of styles online and order them to your doorstep without hassle. Understanding the needs of your body, as well as the materials and construction, will help you pick a brand and model. Then, find the best mattress and look forward to restful nights and serenity ahead.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.