Best Mattress of 2024

Written by Logan Block, Mattress Reviewer

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 300 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.

Learn more

Just Updated

We’ve recently re-reviewed our picks for the best mattresses of the year and added additional insight from our testers in the lab. If a bed is on this list, you can be confident we’ve personally tested it and scored it as a 4 out of 5 or higher.

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So you want to find the best mattress for your needs, but have no idea where to start. Not only are there choices to be found at brick-and-mortar establishments, but there are hundreds more swirling in the world of digital brands. So, what are the best mattresses of 2024?

Keep in mind that the word “best” is subjective. Different sleepers require different characteristics from a bed, so what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why we kept a wide range of categories in mind when presenting our best mattresses. Our hope is that most folks should find not just the “best” mattress, but the mattress best for them.

To select the very best mattresses, we put the models through a series of tests to determine how well they perform in certain areas such as cooling, responsiveness, and more. Since there’s no one-size-fits-all mattress, we tried to choose beds with different strengths. Some are more cooling than others, some are better at pain relief. But one thing’s for sure: all of these beds are quality options, and all of these beds were meticulously tested by the Sleepopolis team.

Our Best Overall Mattress Pick

The Helix Midnight mattress earns the top spot due to its medium-firm feel that can appeal to a variety of different sleepers, regardless of sleeping position or body type. Plus, the support layer of individually wrapped coils provides a lift that can relieve pressure on your shoulders and lower back.

The 17 Best Mattresses of 2024

• Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress
• DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
• Nectar – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
• WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back Pain
• Saatva – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress
• Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
• Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Mattress
• DreamCloud Premier – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Helix Dawn – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
• Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
• Bear Star Hybrid – Best Mattress That Won’t Sag
• Nolah Evolution – Best Hybrid Mattress
• Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Couples
• Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress
• Titan Plus – Best Mattress For Heavy People
• Emma Original – Best Value Mattress
• Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress

Best Mattress 2024 Video Review

What We Look for in the Best Mattresses

Our Methodology

The ultimate “best mattress” isn’t going to look the same for everyone, but there are a few factors that should remain absolutely excellent regardless of the brand: materials, value, and support.

A mattress with quality materials ensures the lifespan of a mattress, and creates a safer sleeping environment absent of toxic emissions.

Mattresses with a fair value aren’t necessarily the cheapest, but they are listed at a reasonable price considering their overall construction, material quality, and special features.

When a mattress has strong support, it doesn’t mean it’s firm. A supportive bed is able to lift the body into a neutral spinal alignment, preventing aches and pains.

Firmness and Sleeping Position

The mattress industry firmness scale measures mattresses on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest possible mattress, and 10 is the firmest. A 6.5 out of 10 is considered a true medium-firm mattress, offering a balanced feel of comfort and support. When deciding which firmness is best for you, you’re going to need to consider your preferred sleeping position.

Strict side sleepers, or those who primarily sleep just on their sides, are going to want a softer mattress somewhere between a 5 and 6.5 on the firmness scale. They need a plusher surface to contour to the hip and shoulder, the areas these folks put the most pressure on while sleeping in this position.

Strict stomach sleepers don’t do well with a soft mattress because it causes the hips to bow out of alignment. So, we recommend a firmer mattress, somewhere between a 7 and 10 on the firmness scale. That way, their hips and more likely to stay uplifted and in line with the rest of the spine throughout the night.

Strict back sleepers require a balance of comfort and support, so soft foams fill in the lumbar region and the support layer keeps the hips lifted. Because of this, we recommend these shoppers get a mattress with a medium firmness, or 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale.

Combination sleepers, or those who switch sleeping positions throughout the night, will need to approach things a bit differently. First and foremost, they’ll want to consider a responsive mattress, or one that keeps them lifted and makes it easy to switch from back sleeping to side sleeping to stomach sleeping. When it comes to firmness, they’ll want to find something that accommodates both or all of their preferred sleeping positions.

For more information, see our Sleepopolis Firmness Guide.

Most Common Mattress Types

While there are hundreds and hundred of different mattresses on the market, our team at Sleepopolis likes to group them into four types.

Innerspring mattresses place a large emphasis on support and use coils to achieve a supportive, bouncy feel. The comfort layers are thinner on innerspring models, so these are typically firmer beds ideal for stomach sleeping or combination sleeping.

Memory foam mattresses don’t use coils for support, they use high-density foams. You can find memory foam beds of all sorts of firmnesses, but typically, their contouring and pressure-relieving properties are most useful for side sleepers and those with joint pain.

Hybrid mattresses are the best of both worlds and adopt traits from innerspring and memory foam beds. At the base, there are coils for support, but the top of the bed is layered with a plusher comfort foam. These mattresses also vary in firmness depending on the model, and their feels vary widely.

Latex mattresses utilize either Dunlop or Talalay latex foam to create a naturally cooling and responsive sleeping surface. Many hot sleepers and eco-conscious shoppers tend to gravitate toward this type.

Compare the Top Rated Mattresses of 2024

Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress

Expert Opinion

Helix offers an extensive selection of hybrid mattresses, and the Midnight is right in the middle in terms of firmness. It has a medium feel that will appeal to a wide range of sleepers, which is why we chose it as our Best Overall pick. One of the areas the Helix Midnight excels in is its pressure relief. When lying down on it, you’ll get some immediate relief on the lower back and shoulders, while still getting a bit of a lift from the support layer of individually wrapped coils.

We know this because we put the Helix Midnight through our pressure map test, which involves setting a mat down on the mattress and using it to track areas where the most pressure builds up. While lying down on the mat, our map showed mostly blue and green, indicating low pressure buildup. There was a bit of yellow at the hip, showing the Helix Midnight may not be great for side sleepers with hip pain. But because the map didn’t show any orange or red, most back and side sleepers should be comfortable on this bed.

What our tester says: “I love that the Helix Midnight offers solid edge support — you can use the whole bed! It also has great motion isolation, which makes it a nice option for couples. I also really like this bed for combination sleepers. The mattress is bouncy, making it easy for you to roll over or switch positions at night without worrying that you’ll get ‘stuck’ in the bed.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

A lot of reviews mention the Helix Sleep Quiz, which takes 30 seconds and helps shoppers find the best Helix model for their needs. Many shoppers bought the Helix Midnight because of the sleep quiz, and a lot of these folks have positive reviews.

Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• Motion transfer refers to how much movement ripples across a mattress. We determine this by dropping a steel ball onto the bed and measuring its vibrations with a seismometer. The Helix Midnight has low motion transfer, which means partners aren’t likely to feel each other moving around at night.
• Back sleepers should appreciate the Helix Midnight’s balance of comfort and support. They’ll get some cushioning in the lumbar region, and the coils will help keep their spines neutrally aligned. 
• Side sleepers also require a mixture of comfort and support. They should get some pressure relief and contouring at their shoulders and hips. These are areas where they put the most pressure on while sleeping. For extra pressure relief, we recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe, the standard Helix Midnight’s luxury version.

Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• Heavy sleepers over 250 pounds probably won’t get the support they need on the Helix Midnight. They’d be better off on the Helix Plus — the brand’s bed made especially for larger body types. 

Learn more in our full Helix Midnight mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best online mattresses.

DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers

Expert Opinion

Combination sleepers change positions throughout the night, so they need a responsive mattress that makes it easy to move around. A mattress with too much sinkage makes it difficult to change from stomach sleeping to side sleeping and so on. 

In our mattress lab, the DreamCloud Original scored exceptionally well. We found it to be super responsive with a bouncy and “on top of” feel. While lying on the mattress, we were able to switch from one position to the next without feeling stuck in the material. We attribute this to the DreamCloud’s hybrid construction, which includes a springy layer of individually-wrapped coils.

What our tester says: “Because it’s supportive and responsive, I think the DreamCloud is a solid choice for combination sleepers, as well as back sleepers who need a neutral spinal alignment.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

There are roughly 8,700 reviews on DreamCloud’s company site, and a number of verified shoppers write about how responsive the mattress is and how comfortable it is to switch sleeping positions. And in a different context, the word “responsive” is also tossed around when it comes to shoppers praising DreamCloud’s stellar customer service.

Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress

• The policies offered by DreamCloud are difficult to beat, with an extremely generous 365-night trial, as well as a lifetime warranty. 
• With cooling gel infusions in the foam to the sheer number of coils in its construction, there’s a lot of room for airflow in the DreamCloud, so it sleeps nice and cool.
• While its responsiveness does result in a lower motion isolation score, many couples should still appreciate the way its bouncy feel enhances mobility during sex. 

Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress

• Its tall height results in added durability, but it also makes it a heavier bed-in-a-box. We recommend grabbing a friend to assist you with the unboxing and moving process. 

Learn more in our full DreamCloud mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Nectar – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Expert Opinion

Throughout the night, sleeping on your side puts a lot of pressure on two areas: the shoulder and the hip. If you have too firm of a mattress, it can lead to extra discomfort and even unnecessary pain at these areas. To prevent this, you need a pressure-relieving mattress like the Nectar Original.

In fact, the Nectar is so cushioning that it tested excellently for shoulder pain and hip pain. During this testing, we also determined that this mattress should support side sleepers under 250 pounds. These results were all determined by our pressure map, which showed very low pressure (only blue and green) while back and side sleeping.

What our tester says: “My favorite thing about the Nectar Premier is its great pressure relief. This medium-soft mattress is a great fit for side sleepers looking for plush comfort. It might also be a nice fit for sleepers who deal with shoulder pain. If you’re a back sleeper looking for a new mattress to replace your old Nectar Lush (which has been discontinued), I’d also consider the Premier.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

In the comments, there are a few categories of people who seem to have the most success with the Nectar: back sleepers, side sleepers, and couples. We think this is probably because of the Nectar’s balanced feel, excellent pressure relief, and good motion transfer results.

Pros of the Nectar Mattress

• We found that the Nectar’s medium feel (6 out of 10 on our firmness scale) should provide a balanced feel for back sleepers under 250 pounds.
• This is one of our favorite value mattresses on the market today. You can currently find a queen for under $700 after discounts.
• The company offers a generous 365-night trial and lifetime warranty to protect their customers’ purchases.

Cons of the Nectar Mattress

• Stomach sleepers will find that the Nectar is far too soft to properly support their sleeping position throughout the night. We recommend you check out one of the best mattresses for stomach sleeping instead.

Learn more in our full Nectar mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back Pain

Expert Opinion

The best mattress for back pain is somewhat subjective, as different body types and sleeping positions will find relief in different ways. But one aspect of the best mattresses for back pain that our experts find to be standard across the board is the need for a sufficient balance of comfort and support. For instance, side sleepers require a plusher feel to cushion the shoulders, but they still need a supportive base to lift the hips into a healthy alignment. 

We think that the WinkBed is ideal for delivering a balanced feel, regardless of who you are. Its hybrid construction allows for a plusher feel on top and tons of spinal support at the foundation. We also love that there are three firmness options (Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer), as well as a slightly more expensive model called the Plus designed for heavier sleepers.

To ensure we give shoppers the best possible recommendation for their back pain, we put the WinkBed (as we do with hundreds of other mattresses) through our pressure map test. On the Luxury Firm model, the WinkBed’s medium option, we saw all blue and green (low pressure) in the back-sleeping position. The soft comfort foams should fill in the lumbar region and ease or prevent back pain for these folks.

What our tester says: “I’m a fan of the WinkBed Plus’s bouncy and supportive feel, which is especially good for combination sleepers and back sleepers. I’d also recommend the Plus to couples, since it has some nice motion isolation.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

The WinkBed is marketed as an ideal option for back pain, and many customer reviews back this up, regardless of which firmness they chose.

Pros of the WinkBed Mattress

• Most side sleepers should find sufficient hip and shoulder pressure relief on the Softer model, and they won’t have to sacrifice proper support.
• Because of its tall coils, the WinkBed has a traditional innerspring feel: bouncy, responsive, and supportive.
• Hybrid mattresses and innerspring mattresses are often a good fit for hot sleepers because the coils leave so much space to flow through the bed. The WinkBed is no different.

Cons of the WinkBed Mattress

• It’s an affordable luxury mattress, but still not exactly a budget option, so if you’re wanting a super-cheap model, we recommend looking at the best mattresses under $1,000. 

Learn more in our full WinkBed mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain.

Saatva Classic – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress

Expert Opinion

When you test as many beds as we do, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But the Saatva Classic is a sturdy, high-quality mattress that offers a luxury feel at a more affordable price. So, there was no question that it had to take the spot for best affordable luxury mattress. Feel-wise, it’s an innerspring mattress that comes in three different firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm.

While testing out the Luxury Firm, we found it to be bouncy, responsive, and supportive. We perform our motion transfer test primarily for couples; a low motion transfer shows that they won’t be disturbed by each other’s movements during sleep. We dropped a 10-pound steel ball on the mattress surface from heights of four inches, eight inches, and 12 inches. We found high motion transfer results on the Saatva, showing that while it may not be the best for couples, it’s a really responsive option. We attribute this to its coil-on-coil construction — i.e. two separate layers of springs. This indicates the Saatva is a fantastic option for combination sleepers and for sex, as switching positions and sexual activity both require being able to move around easily.

What our tester says: “The Saatva classic is a bouncy, high-quality mattress with durability and great edge support. I think it’s a nice option for back sleepers and combination sleepers. I appreciate how the Saatva Classic comes in three different firmness levels and two different heights, so sleepers can choose the model that works best for their needs.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

It was no surprise that many of the customer reviews highlighted Saatva’s delivery and customer service. They’re one of the few mattress companies that offers free mattress delivery, as well as free mattress setup. They’ll even remove and dispose of your old mattress.

Pros of the Saatva Mattress

• Because it’s available in three very different firmness levels, the Saatva has a model for side sleepers (Plush Soft), back sleepers (Luxury Firm), and stomach sleepers (Firm). Combination sleepers should be able to easily change positions on any of these beds.
• With so many coils in its construction, there’s a lot of room for airflow in the Saatva, so it sleeps nice and cool.
• Saatva offers free white glove delivery service with every mattress. That means a delivery team will bring the (uncompressed) bed into your room of choice, set it up, and remove your old mattress at no additional cost. 

Cons of the Saatva Mattress

• Due to its bounciness, the Saatva has fairly high motion transfer. This likely won’t be a problem for most couples, but if you or your partner are light sleepers, you might wake each other up with your movements. Many of the best memory foam mattresses offer better motion isolation.

Learn more in our full Saatva mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best luxury mattresses.

Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Pressure Relief

Expert Opinion

Pressure-relieving mattresses are fantastic options for anyone suffering from joint pain or wanting maximum cushioning. We recommend that they seek out softer beds with thicker, more effective comfort layers that take pressure off sensitive areas. You’ll see a lot of side sleepers gravitating toward soft mattresses as well, as thicker comfort layers reduce pressure buildup and ease the weight put on the hips and shoulders. The Bear Elite Hybrid has three different firmness options, but the Soft model makes for our favorite mattress for pressure relief on the market.

During our pressure relief test, we found that the memory foam layers helped keep us cushioned, but the dual layers of coils still gave us the support we need for a neutral spinal alignment. On our pressure map test, the Bear Elite Hybrid proved to be a solid option for back pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain; we didn’t see any indications of pressure buildup in these areas.

What our tester says: “I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most side sleepers. I think they’ll get the needed pressure relief and contouring at the shoulders and hips on this bed. But if they want even more cushioning, then I’d opt for the Soft model.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

A lot of customers highlight the Bear Elite Hybrid’s ability to be cushy yet supportive, which for them makes it a great option for joint pain and back pain.

Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

• The Bear Elite Hybrid has a cover made of Celliant, a material that’s cooling and may promote blood flow and recovery (the studies on this so far are small, but promising). While we haven’t verified this ourselves (except for the cooling), these factors all make the Bear a popular choice among those with an active lifestyle.
• Those with joint pain should feel cradled by the Soft model’s two memory foam layers.
• The Bear Elite Hybrid isolates motion well, but is still responsive enough for sex. It sleeps pretty cool and even scored decently on edge support. This means it’s a solid option for many couples, who should be able to spread out and utilize the entire surface of the mattress.

Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

• Even though the Bear Elite Hybrid has support from its coils, we still recommend the Firm model and not the Soft model for stomach sleepers.

Learn more in our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best soft mattresses or the best mattresses for joint pain.

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Mattress

Expert Opinion

When we just place a hand on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, its cover is literally cool to the touch. But the mattress’s cooling capabilities don’t stop there. When we lie down, we don’t feel at all like we’re going to overheat. There’s plenty of air circulating between the coils in the support layer, and the foams in the bed have infusions of gel and copper, which absorb body heat and release it, rather than trapping it in the layers. Hot sleepers should be especially comfortable on this mattress. 

What our tester says: “My favorite thing about this bed is how cooling it is. Hot sleepers who enjoy a soft feel should enjoy the Phase Change Material and breathable pocketed coils. I also appreciate how soft and cuddly this bed is. It feels similar to a lot of luxury hybrids on the market right now, but is a little cheaper than these beds.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Many couples comment on how cooling the Aurora Luxe is, despite there being extra body heat from two people sleeping together. There were many reviews that recommended other shoppers opt for the Cloud Pillow Top, which provides extra cushioning and cooling.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress

• Although the Aurora Luxe is a luxury hybrid mattress, Brooklyn Bedding owns its own factory, so you can often find the bed at a value price.
• The Aurora Luxe comes in a variety of firmnesses, so most sleepers should find a version that suits their needs. We tested the Medium model and liked it best for back and side sleepers since its comfort layers provide lots of cushioning and joint pain relief.
• The comfort layers are good at isolating motion, but the mattress is still responsive enough for sex. However, it is worth noting that the Aurora Luxe’s edge support isn’t the strongest.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress

• Larger folks who weigh more than 250 pounds are better off looking at our best mattresses for heavy people. 

Learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best cooling mattresses.

DreamCloud Premier – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Expert Opinion

When it comes to finding a good mattress for back sleeping, we think the most important thing to remember is that there needs to be a balanced feel. The mattress should have the cushioning pressure relief to ease tension at the hips, but it should also have the support to keeps the hips lifted and properly aligned with the rest of the spine.

The DreamCloud Premier excels at this balance, and consequently, it’s our favorite mattress for back sleepers. While testing, we found that it worked especially well for back sleepers under 250 pounds. For these folks, it should have a slightly firmer-than-average feel (about a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale). Our pressure map test also showed little pressure at the hips for back sleeping, which tells us that the DreamCloud Premier is a fine choice for back pain.

What our tester says: “The DreamCloud Premier should be a great choice for back sleepers. It provides nice support, while also providing some sinkage, comfort, and pressure relief. Plus, the pocketed coils included in this mattress should offer enough support to keep sleepers’ spines neutrally aligned, helping them to avoid back pain.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

On DreamCloud’s website, the Premier has over 5,500 reviews and an average customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Pros of the DreamCloud Premier Mattress

• The DreamCloud Premier has a hybrid construction of foam at the top and sturdy coils at the bottom. This helps the mattress sleep cool, as the coils leave plenty of room for airflow.
• As one of DreamCloud’s more luxurious models, the Premier has several high-end features, including a soft cashmere-blend cover.
• Average weight stomach sleepers should get the support they need to keep their hips lifted and aligned with their shoulders, which is crucial for preventing back pain.

Cons of the DreamCloud Premier Mattress

• During testing, we found this bed to lack the proper support for folks over 250 pounds. For super-durable beds that can support extra weight, take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.

Learn more in our full DreamCloud Premier mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for back sleepers.

Helix Dawn – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

Expert Opinion

At Sleepopolis, we recognize four sleeping position types: back, side, stomach, and combination. Each sleeper requires a different mattress, as the qualities that make a mattress fitting for some folks don’t always apply to others. Stomach sleepers, in particular, require a firmer mattress, which is usually a 7 to 8 out of 10 on the industry firmness scale. When you’re stomach sleeping, you don’t want your hips to bow into the mattress, and a firmer option helps prevent this, promoting a healthy spinal alignment. 

For most of you stomach sleepers out there, we’re going to suggest the Helix Dawn. At a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, it’s Helix’s firmest option, made specifically for folks who rest in the prone position. There are high-density foams and individually wrapped coils towards the base of the mattress that elevate stomach sleepers’ hips. And the durable, quality construction helps ensure that this mattress will continue to support these folks for years to come. 

What our tester says: “Stomach sleepers should enjoy both the standard Helix Dawn and the Helix Dawn Luxe. I’d recommend sticking with the standard Helix Dawn if you prefer more of an extra-firm feel to your mattress.” – Logan Block, former content director

What Customers Say

With 1,200+ reviews on Helix’s website, many verified shoppers comment on how the Dawn is really comfortable for stomach sleeping. Some of these folks even felt their back pain improve with the use of this mattress.

Pros of the Helix Dawn Mattress

• Most back sleepers, regardless of body type, should find the Dawn to be a nice fit, especially if they’re partial to a firmer feel. 
• Many people over 250 pounds should find the Helix Dawn provides sufficient support, but you can also check out the Helix Plus, a mattress made for heavier sleepers. 
• The Helix Dawn is available in a Luxe option, which includes extra cooling features and a plush pillow top.

Cons of the Helix Dawn Mattress

• Because it places such an emphasis on a firmer feel, it’s not plush enough to cushion side sleepers. The Helix Midnight should be a much better option for these shoppers.

Learn more in our full Helix Dawn mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Expert Opinion

It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Saatva Rx is our pick for the best mattress for shoulder pain — it was designed specifically to provide relief at the joints, as well as the back. The brand envisioned it as “the first luxury mattress specifically designed for sleepers with chronic back and joint conditions,” and when we laid down on it, we immediately felt both cradled and supported. Essentially, the mattress’s layers alternate between foam and springs, meaning there’s a constant balance of comfort and support that should give you plenty of pressure relief without making it feel like you’re stuck in the bed. When assigning the Saatva Rx a firmness rating, we gave it a 6.5 out of 10, which is the industry standard for medium firm.

But here at Sleepopolis, we just don’t go off of feel when evaluating a mattress’s pressure-relieving abilities; we also put every bed we test through our pressure map test. In the case of the Saatva Rx, the map lit up almost entirely blue, with just a touch of green while back sleeping and side sleeping. This indicates a high level of pressure relief. We can confidently say that this bed isn’t going to worsen any shoulder pain you experience. In fact, it should help alleviate it.

What our tester says: “The Saatva Rx is an excellent match for average weight back sleepers. As someone who falls into this category, I felt extremely comfortable on the Saatva Rx. This bed is highly supportive, so I felt my spine was neutrally aligned and supported. But the bed still offers plushness and comfort.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer

What Customers Say

As one of Saatva’s newer mattresses, the Rx currently has just 65 customer reviews on the brand’s website. But most of them are raves, giving the bed an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. When searching for the term “back pain,” almost half of these reviews call out the mattress for helping soothe their aches and pains.

Pros of the Saatva Rx Mattress

• We found the Saatva Rx to be that unique mattress that’s a good fit for all three primary sleeping positions: back sleeping, side sleeping, and stomach sleeping. No matter how you sleep, you should get an optimal blend of comfort and support.
• Because there are several layers of coils, the Saatva Rx has plenty of room in its construction for airflow. This should help hot sleepers stay nice and cool.
• There’s enough responsiveness in the Saatva Rx for combination sleepers to be able to easily switch sleeping positions.

Cons of the Saatva Rx Mattress

• Unsurprisingly, the Saatva Rx comes with a high price tag and may not be the best option for budget shoppers. They should take a look at our page of the best cheap mattresses instead.

Learn more in our full Saatva Rx mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for shoulder pain.

Bear Star Hybrid – Best Mattress That Won’t Sag

Expert Opinion

If you’re looking for a highly durable mattress, a bed with springs in its construction is much less likely to sag than an all-foam mattress. But you’ll also want some additional features to ensure longevity, such as a lifetime warranty. The Bear Star Hybrid has both. When we laid down on it to test it out, we felt very supported by its bottom layer of coils, which extend all the way to the edge of the bed. This gives the mattress strong edge support (another key to preventing sagging). We felt like we could lie all the way near the edge without falling off. The brand’s forever warranty is a testament to this sturdiness.

In terms of feel, we actually found the Bear Star Hybrid to be a softer bed. We gave it a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, and think that it could be a good fit for back sleepers and side sleepers alike. It’s cushioning enough to provide pressure relief, while still being supportive enough to help you maintain a neutral spinal alignment.

What our tester says: “I felt like the Bear Star Hybrid had great edge support and edge coils when I sat on the side of it and when I laid down near the edge.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

The Star Hybrid is newer than many of the other Bear models. As such, it only has a little over 60 customer reviews on the brand’s website. But its average rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars, with several users praising its soft-but-not-too-soft feel.

Pros of the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress

• As a brand, Bear caters to athletes and those with an active lifestyle. That’s why the Star Hybrid has a cover made of Celliant — a material designed to absorb your body’s heat, then redirect it back to you as energy to assist with blood flow and muscle recovery. While we haven’t personally verified these claims, you can read more about Celliant’s clinical trials here.
• An added benefit of Celliant is that it helps mattresses sleep cool. Considering this trait and the mattress’s airflow-promoting coils, we think it’s a good option for hot sleepers.
• The mattress’s cooling and strong edge support make it a natural fit for couples. You and your partner should be able to spread out and use the entire surface of the bed. You also won’t have to worry about heating up too much.

Cons of the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress

• Stomach sleepers probably aren’t going to get the firmness or support they need on the Bear Star Hybrid. They may want to check out our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers instead.

Learn more in our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses that won’t sag.

Nolah Evolution – Best Hybrid Mattress

Expert Opinion

Being a hybrid mattress, the Nolah Evolution combines various foams with a bottom layer of coils for a mixture of comfort and support. It comes in three different firmness levels: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested out the Luxury Firm and found it to be a tad on the softer side, scoring a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale (for context, medium-firm is 6.5 out of 10). We think it could be a good fit for a variety of sleepers. And like any good hybrid, it has several different cooling features.

What our tester says: “I love how the Nolah Evolution comes in three different firmness models, so you can choose the best fit for you. One of my favorite features is the soft pillow top. It’s a great touch for anyone that suffers from shoulder or hip pain, as it allows you to sink into bed for a plusher feel.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Customers praise the customer service at Nolah, saying that the company representatives were patient and accommodating. Many folks had good experiences with returns and refunds as well.

Pros of the Nolah Evolution Mattress

• Since there are three different firmnesses to choose from, we think there’s something for everyone. Side sleepers and back sleepers will likely be most comfortable on the Plush or Luxury Firm depending on their firmness preferences, and the Firm model may work for stomach sleepers.
• The mattress’s proprietary foams are designed to be a cooler alternative to memory foam, and the coils allow lots of air to flow through the bed’s construction. This means the Nolah Evolution should be a good choice for most hot sleepers.
• During testing, we found that the Nolah Evolution had decent motion isolation, which muffles smaller movements. Also, couples can stretch out because of the bed’s exceptional edge support. At eight inches tall, the Nolah Evolution’s springs are wrapped in Edge-Tech support foam, which holds up the sides of the bed, as well as the middle.

Cons of the Nolah Evolution Mattress

• Heavy people should seek out a firmer, more supportive mattress that can accommodate heavier weights. 

Learn more in our full Nolah Evolution mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses.

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Couples

Expert Opinion

When recommending the best mattress for couples, we tell sleepers to take several factors into account: namely cooling, edge support, responsiveness, and a the ability to isolate motion. We think the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid checks all of these boxes. When measuring its vibrations with a seismometer, we found that its foams were able to effectively dampen movement, meaning you and your partner aren’t likely to feel each other tossing and turning. Its layer of coils make it easy to change positions (a plus for sex), and the edge support is strong enough for both of you to be able to spread out and use the whole surface of the bed. Finally, the coils make way for plenty of airflow, so the mattress should have no problem cooling down two bodies at once.

We should also note that, like most of Brooklyn Bedding’s mattresses, the Signature Hybrid is available in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm. That means there’s a firmness here for every sleeping preference. We tested out the Medium version and gave it a score of 6.5 out of 10 — the industry standard for medium firm.

What our tester says: “In general, this mattress isolates motion well, has strong edge support, and sleeps fairly cool — all of which are factors that make the Signature Hybrid a strong choice for couples. In fact, I actually included this bed on our roundup of the best mattresses for couples.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

As Brooklyn Bedding’s most popular model, the Signature Hybrid has more than 11,000 reviews on the brand’s website and an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. When searching the term “couples”, 308 reviews come up — many of them with five-star ratings for the bed’s ability to accommodate two sleepers.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• The different firmness levels allow the Signature Hybrid to accommodate every sleeping position. We recommend that side sleepers go for the Soft, back sleepers opt for the Medium, and stomach sleepers stick with the Firm.
• This is a true budget option. You can often find a queen size for under $1,000 after discounts.
• The mattress’s responsiveness should make it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• There aren’t a ton of bells and whistles on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. If you want some extra features, you should check out our list of the best luxury mattresses.

Learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for couples.

Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress 

Expert Opinion

There are a number of reasons why someone might want a firmer mattress, which usually measures somewhere between a 7 and 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, heavier people, and people with back pain can benefit. If you’re looking for an “on top of” feel and a truly firm bed, we recommend the Plank Firm. The most unique aspect of this bed is its flippable nature. On the Firm side, we measured a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, and on the Ultra Firm side, we measured an 8.5 out of 10.

During testing, we determined that the firm side is best for lightweight back and stomach sleepers, average-weight back and stomach sleepers, and heavy back sleepers. The Ultra Firm side should better suit average to heavyweight stomach sleepers. Still, even with enhanced firmness and support, the Plank Firm doesn’t lack comfort. On either side of the bed, there are comfort foams and quilted material to help cushion sensitive areas. 

What our tester says: “I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

With 3,000+ reviews on the Plank Firm site, this mattress excites many folks who have been searching relentlessly for a truly firm bed. There are also a number of shoppers who found the Plank Firm helps relieve or alleviate their back pain. One particular customer, Alma H., found the Plank Firm because it was recommended by her physical therapist.

Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress

• The “on top of” feel created by the Plank Firm, as well as the responsive nature of this mattress, makes it a big win for combination sleepers.
• This mattress is an all-foam bed that has a wonderful ability to isolate motion, a plus for anyone sharing a bed with a partner or pet.
• We were impressed with the edge support, especially for an all-foam bed. Overall, we didn’t feel the perimeter sink too much under our weight while sitting on it or lying down.

Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress

• Regardless of body type, side sleepers will feel too much pressure buildup at the shoulder and hip. We recommend they opt for one of the best soft mattresses instead.

Learn more in our full Plank Firm mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best firm mattresses.

Titan Plus – Best Mattress For Heavy People

Expert Opinion

Dreamed up by Brooklyn Bedding, the Titan Plus is an extra-sturdy hybrid mattress designed for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds. During testing, we found that this mattress’s combination of high-density foam and individually wrapped coils performed especially well for these larger body types, as well as average weight back and stomach sleepers. And because of its exceptional durability, it’s also a mattress that won’t sag, propping you up and allowing you to use the entire surface of the bed.

We also measure a mattress’s ability to prevent sagging by testing out its edge support — essentially the strength of a bed’s perimeter. When we sat on the edge of the Titan Plus, we didn’t feel as if we were sliding off. The entire structure felt sturdy and supportive. This tells us that it should last heavy sleepers (and other body types) more than 10 years.

What our tester says: “The materials under the Titan Plus’ hood are sturdy and durable. You get just the right amount of cozy mobility on top, but the theme here is support. Heavier people with back problems will likely enjoy the lower body alignment the Titan Plus provides.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Several customers took time to note the Titan Plus’s price point. For a firm and durable mattress, many felt the $1,249 for a queen was an excellent value price.

Pros of the Titan Plus Mattress

• In addition to edge support, the Titan Plus scored well in motion isolation. These are two crucial qualities of a good mattress for couples.
• Sleepers with back pain should feel incredibly supported by this mattress, which prevents the hips from sinking out of alignment. But the Titan Plus also has cushioning foams to comfort sensitive joints, especially at the lumbar area.
• This mattress tested very well for responsiveness, meaning combination sleepers should find it easy to change sleeping positions.

Cons of the Titan Plus Mattress

• Lightweight sleepers probably won’t be comfortable on the Titan Plus, as they will find it too firm. For better options, see our roundup of the best mattresses for lightweight sleepers.

Learn more in our full Titan Plus mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.

Emma Original – Best Value Mattress

Expert Opinion

When we use the term “value mattress,” we aren’t always talking about price. Sometimes, we might recommend a more expensive mattress if we think you’re getting a good deal for your money. With the Emma Original, however, you get both: a high-quality bed at an extremely affordable price point. It’s built with sturdy yet breathable foams that should last a good long while for an all-foam mattress, and you can usually get a queen size for well under $1,000 after discounts. As of this writing, it’s actually under $600 once promotions have been applied (keep in mind that mattress prices can and do often change).

When lying on the Emma Original, we found it to have a rather firm feel, especially considering that it’s made entirely of memory foam. We rated it a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale — slightly higher than the industry standard for medium firm. And while we wouldn’t say it’s the coolest-sleeping mattress in the world, its open-celled foams definitely make it cooler than most foam beds.

What our tester says: “I think the Emma is a great choice for back sleepers. Although this is an all-foam mattress, it should have the right combination of comfort and support that these folks need.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

On Emma’s website, its flagship mattress has more than 65,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. 71 percent of the reviews mention how high-quality the bed is for its price.

Pros of the Emma Original Mattress

• Back sleepers should get a little bit of pressure relief at the lumbar region while getting the lift and support they need to maintain a proper spinal alignment.
• Stomach sleepers should also be comfortable on the Emma. The foams are firm and supportive enough the keep their hips lifted and in line with their shoulders.
• Combination sleepers should find that it’s easy to switch sleeping positions on the Emma Original. That’s pretty impressive for any all-foam bed. These types of mattresses often give you a sinking feel that makes it difficult to move around. That’s not the case with the Emma.

Cons of the Emma Original Mattress

• Side sleepers will probably need a firmer mattress that contours their shoulders and hips. They can find plenty of options over at our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Learn more in our full Emma Original mattress review or click here for our best deal.  Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for the money.

Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress

Expert Opinion

If you’re prone to allergies, want to avoid toxic chemicals, or simply need to feel good about the materials you’re sleeping on, we highly recommend an organic mattress. There’s a long road to being qualified as a truly organic mattress, as you have to be eligible for a host of certifications for emissions and materials. The Birch Natural is one such mattress. 

At the very top of the Birch Natural, there’s an organic cotton cover that lies over a layer of organic wool. These components work together to provide lots of breathability and pressure relief. A transition layer, which leads folks into the thick support system of individually wrapped coils, is made up of all-natural Talalay latex (known for its cooling and responsive nature). Overall, this construction supplies a 7 out 10 firmness (just a touch over medium-firm) and keeps sleepers more on top of the mattress than in it.

What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, former staff writer

What Customers Say

Some customers left reviews years after purchasing the Birch Natural, proudly claiming that it’s just as supportive and comfortable as the day they received it.

Pros of the Birch Natural Mattress

• Its responsive nature makes it such a suitable option for combination sleepers, who need a bed that’s easy to move around on.
• With so many naturally cooling materials, we scored the Birch as a 4 out of 5 for cooling.
• All of these high-quality materials contribute to this latex hybrid’s durability, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 for its construction and enhancing its overall lifespan.

Cons of the Birch Natural Mattress

• We found the responsiveness of this mattress, while beneficial for sex, cuts down on the motion isolation. So, not all couples are going to find what they need here, especially if they’re light sleepers. For more information, see our Ultimate Guide for Sleeping as a Couple.

Learn more in our full Birch mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best organic mattresses.

How To Find the Best Mattress for You

If you didn’t find a mattress you wanted above, you might benefit from one of our more specific mattress guides. Below are a few of our recommendations based on body type, age, sleeping position, pain management, and more. You can also take a look at our guide on how to chose a mattress that fits your needs, and if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, consider taking our mattress quiz for a personalized recommendation.

Sleeping Position

• Side sleepers do best on soft to medium-firm mattresses that cushion pressure points at their hips and shoulders. Check out our best mattresses for side sleepers.
• Back sleepers need an appropriate balance of pressure relief and support to keep their spines in a straight line, and they’ll typically find that in a medium-firm mattress. They can find some high-quality options in the best mattress for back sleepers roundup.
• Stomach sleepers need a firm bed that keeps their hips aligned with their shoulders. Learn more about why that’s important in our best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
• Combination sleepers usually prefer mattresses that are easy to move around and change positions on. We recommend these sleepers stick to a bouncy mattress with a medium-firm feel, like the ones in our best mattresses for combo sleepers.

Mattress Construction

• Innerspring mattresses rely on coil support systems. They often have a firm, bouncy feel and work well for stomach, back, and combination sleepers. You can check out our best innerspring mattresses to learn more.
• Hybrid mattresses use a mix of foam and coil support, and their feels vary widely. Check out the best hybrid mattresses to find out more.
• Foam mattresses don’t include any coil support. They use layers of foam to both cushion and support the sleeper. Memory foam mattresses are a popular type of all-foam mattress that offer a lot of body-contouring and pressure relief. Take a look at the best memory foam mattresses to learn more about these beds.
• Latex mattresses are often made with eco-friendly Dunlop or Talalay latex foam. These beds are naturally cooling and bouncy. Combination sleepers and heavy people often like these beds. Check out the best latex mattresses for more on this natural material.
• Air mattresses use air to support the sleeper overnight. Some of the best adjustable beds are advanced air mattresses. Learn more in our roundup of best air mattresses.

Pain Management

Choosing a sleep surface that helps mitigate pain is especially important for sleepers who live with chronic pain. We’ve selected mattress options that could help with several different types of pain. Depending on what you need, we’d recommend looking at the best mattresses for shoulder pain, best mattresses for back pain, best mattresses for hip pain, or best mattresses for sciatica articles to learn more about pain management solutions.

How Can Your Mattress Alleviate Pain?

A mattress that has strong pressure relief and support is key for helping with pain. Without pressure relief, you can wake up stiff and sore — which we know you don’t want. Along with relief around your pressure points, your body needs support to achieve spinal alignment.

Here are the areas that need the most support depending on your preferred sleeping position:

• Back sleepers: Lower back and shoulders
• Side sleepers: Shoulders and hips
• Stomach sleepers: Hips

Price

• If you want a durable value mattress, check out the best cheap mattresses.
• If you’re more interested in finding a high-quality bed that’s worth the price, take a look at the best mattresses for the money.
• If you’re on a strict budget, see our best mattresses under $1,000.

Hot Sleepers / Cooling Technology

• If you’re looking for a mattress that sleeps cool, we’d recommend opting for a latex, hybrid, or innerspring mattress. These beds tend to promote airflow, which is important for keeping a low temperature at night.
• You can see our favorite breathable beds in our roundup of best cooling mattresses.

Body Type and Body Weight

We recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call “average” (130 to 250 pounds).

• Sleepers under 130 pounds will often find mattresses firmer than average-weight sleepers. We’d recommend these sleepers take a look at the best soft mattresses to make sure they get the pressure relief they need.
• Sleepers over 250 pounds need a bed that offers extra support to prevent premature mattress sagging. Overall durability and edge support are usually important concerns. To learn how to choose a mattress for your body type, visit our page for best mattresses for heavy people.
• Kids have rapidly growing and changing bodies with specific sleep needs. Learn how to prioritize your child’s sleep health in our best mattresses for kids.
• Seniors (over 65) generally prefer more traditional feeling mattresses that offer mobility and support, but are still gentle on sensitive joints. We’d recommend taking a look at our best mattresses for seniors to find a feel that will work well for you.
• Teens are still growing, and they have specific sleep needs, too. Learn more about choosing a comfortable mattress for them in our best mattresses for teenagers.

Sleeping with a Partner

• If you share a bed with a partner (or pet), it’s important to choose a mattress that features low motion transfer. We’d recommend taking a look at the best mattresses for couples for some examples, as well as beds with impressive edge support, cooling features, and other needs that couples may consider.
• Similarly, couples in search of the best mattresses for sex can check out our guide for beds that are responsive and comfortable enough for getting close.

How We Picked The Best Mattress Of 2024

When we test a new mattress, we (not surprisingly) lie on it to give you our personal opinions on its feel, but we don’t ask you to take our word for it. Once we’ve tried the mattress ourselves, we test it with a pressure map, seismometer, and more methods to give you objective measures of a bed’s motion transfer, pressure relief, bounce, and edge support capabilities. We also evaluate our test mattresses layer by layer to examine their materials and cooling tech. This helps us ensure each brand is living up to its marketing promises.

Pressure Relief

One of our most important tests is for pressure relief. Pressure relief is a measure of how evenly distributed your weight is on a mattress. A mattress with great pressure relief cushions pressure points at the shoulders, hips, and lower back to prevent you from waking up stiff and sore in the morning. A few examples of pressure-relieving beds can be found in our best pillow top mattresses article.

To test out pressure relief, we use a pressure map test. A reviewer lies down on a pressure mat (like the one you see above) in several different sleeping positions. The mat records the pressure exerted and creates a “pressure map” that shows areas of low pressure in blue, medium low pressure in green, medium pressure in yellow, medium high pressure in orange, and high pressure in red. Those results let us know how pressure-relieving a mattress will be in each of the main sleeping positions. Take a look at an example of a pressure map result below.

Bounce

Our bounce test lets us know how responsive a mattress is. This is important for combination sleepers who need a responsive bed that’s easy to move around and change positions on. It’s also important for couples looking for a mattress that’s one of the best mattresses for sex.

Our bounce test is quite simple, we just drop a 10-pound steel ball onto the mattress and measure how high it bounces. The higher the ball bounces, the more responsive the mattress. Latex mattresses tend to do quite well on this test. Take a look at us performing the bounce test below.

Motion Transfer

Another important test is our motion transfer test. Motion transfer is a measure of how much movement travels from one side of the mattress to the other. If you sleep with a partner or pet, this is a measure of whether or not you’ll feel disturbed by them tossing and turning at night. We use a seismometer and a steel ball (like you see below) to measure motion transfer.

During this test, we drop the steel ball onto the mattress from heights of four inches, eight inches, and 12 inches to mimic various movements, from tossing and turning to jumping on the bed. The seismometer records all this motion and creates a graphic like the one below. A graphic with small lines tells us a mattress is good at isolating motion. Large lines tell us that you’ll likely feel disturbed by a restless partner on a certain mattress.

Why Motion Isolation Matters

If you’re a solo sleeper, you may not care about your mattress’s motion isolation abilities. However, people who sleep with a partner, kid, or pet can appreciate a mattress that minimizes motion transfer. Mattresses with good motion isolation can help prevent you from being disturbed by their movement throughout the night.

Edge Support

Our edge support test lets us know if you can sleep (or sit) all the way on the edge of a mattress without feeling like it might collapse. Innerspring mattresses often have very strong edges. Edge support is important because strong edges can make your mattress feel a little bigger since you can spread out across its entire surface area. Strong edge support also prevents premature sagging in the middle of your mattress, because you’re able to evenly distribute your weight.

Our edge support test is very simple, we just sit and lie all the way on the edge of the bed.

Materials

After all that testing, we open up each mattress’s cover to evaluate the materials inside. We go over each foam layer-by-layer to explain how the bed works to you. We also look for things like hypoallergenic covers, eco-friendly materials, CertiPUR-US® Certified foams, and cooling technology.

Value and Company Policies

Once we’ve tested out a mattress’s feel, materials, and performance, our team evaluates each bed’s price, mattress warranty, shipping policies, sleep trial period, and customer service teams in the context of the mattress industry overall. This is how we decide if you’re getting a good deal on your new bed. All of our reviewers have great mattress knowledge to share and strive to offer informative, honest reviews of all of the beds they test. From there, we come up with an overall score for every mattress.

Buying a Mattress Online vs In-Store?

You might have noticed that all the mattresses we’ve recommended above are available online. That’s because the Sleepopolis team prefers buying mattresses in the digital space. But, whether you should buy a mattress online or in stores really depends on your preferences. To learn more about what works for you, check out our In Store vs Online Mattress Buying Guide.

We prefer buying online because online mattress retailers cut out overhead costs like salespeople and showrooms, which means you can normally save more money by choosing an online mattress. We also find buying online and having a bed shipped to my door more convenient. Regardless of what you decide, we’d recommend checking out our mattress coupons and promo codes page before purchase to ensure you get a good deal.

In Store vs Online Mattress Buying

Here at Sleepopolis, we prefer to buy our mattresses online. Here are a few reasons why:

• Convenience: Online mattresses get shipped right to your door in just the click of a button
• Money saving: Online retailers don’t require salespeople and showrooms, so their mattresses are typically less expensive. They also tend to have more deals and coupons offered.
• Trial periods: Because you can’t try the mattress out in the store, online retailers usually offer generous trial periods. This means you can actually sleep on the mattress instead of just laying down on it for a few moments. If you decide you don’t like it, you can usually return or exchange it.

FAQs

How much should I spend on a mattress?

While this is going to depend on your individual budget, a value mattress is generally considered to be one that’s under $1,000 for a Queen-size. So set that as your spending limit if you’re looking to save money. We think the Bear is an excellent cheap mattress, and you can often get the luxury DreamCloud for under $1,000 after discounts.

When is the best time to buy a mattress?

Many bedding brands launch huge sales around federal holidays, so keep an eye out for deals around President’s Day, Memorial Day, and even Labor Day. You’ll also naturally find a ton of deals around Black Friday. Check out our mattress coupons and promo codes page year-round to stay up to date on the latest discounts.

How often should I replace my mattress?

In general, you should replace your old mattress every 7–10 years. However, a mattress can sag prematurely if you don’t place it on a proper foundation or treat it roughly. You can also extend the life of an old mattress for a few months by adding a mattress topper.

Whenever you’re buying a new bed, it’s important to take a look at its warranty, which can also give you a good idea of how long it should last.

What is the best mattress for back pain?

Most people who struggle with back pain find that a firm or medium-firm mattress is best for them. This type of bed will help you keep your spine straight overnight, which can help alleviate a lot of pain. To find a mattress that can help with your specific back pain, check out our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain.

What’s the best mattress for stomach sleepers?

Of all the sleeping positions, stomach sleepers require the most support. With that in mind, they’re best off with a bed that’s reinforced with pocketed coils. If they’re looking at the mattresses on this list, the WinkBeds Plus and the Saatva could be good options. For a more expansive selection, they can always check out our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

What’s the best mattress for side sleepers?

Side sleepers are on the other end of the spectrum from stomach sleepers. While they still require some support, they tend to prefer softer beds (or medium-firm) that have a lot of cushioning for their shoulders hips. Many of the mattresses on this list should be a great match for side sleepers, most notably the Helix Midnight. We also have a roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

How We Chose These Mattresses

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.

Since we wanted our roundup of Best Mattresses of 2024 to truly represent the best of the best, we took each bed’s overall score into account. All of the mattresses on this list have an overall score of 4 out of 5 or above. Click here to learn more about our methodology.

The Best Rated Mattresses of 2024

That’s it for our breakdown of the best mattresses of the year. If you’re interested in a side-by-side comparison of these beds, take a look at the chart below.

Mattress	Best For	Price (Queen)	Coupon	Review
Helix Midnight	Overall	$1,332	Helix Coupon	Read Our Review
DreamCloud	Combination Sleepers	$1,332	DreamCloud Coupon	Read Our Review
Nectar	Side Sleepers	$1,049	Nectar Coupon	Read Our Review
WinkBed	Back Pain	$1,799	WinkBeds Coupon	Read Our Review
Saatva	Affordable Luxury	$1,995	Saatva Coupon	Read Our Review
Bear Elite Hybrid	Pressure Relief	$2,111	Bear Coupon	Read Our Review
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe	Cooling	$2,265	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
DreamCloud Premier	Back Sleepers	$1,832	DreamCloud Coupon	Read Our Review
Helix Dawn	Stomach Sleepers	$1,332	Helix Coupon	Read Our Review
Saatva Rx	Shoulder Pain	$3,295	Saatva Coupon	Read Our Review
Bear Star Hybrid	Not Sagging	$1,998	Bear Coupon	Read Our Review
Nolah Evolution	Hybrid	$2,499	Nolah Coupon	Read Our Review
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid	Couples	$1,332	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding	Firm	$1,332	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
Titan Plus by Brooklyn Bedding	Heavy People	$1,249	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
Emma Original	Value	$1,159	Emma Coupon	Read Our Review
Birch Natural by Helix	Organic	$2,123	Helix Coupon	Read Our Review

Sources

Caggiari Gianfilippo. What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. 2021. https://jorthoptraumatol.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5

Logan Block

Mattress Reviewer

About Author

Logan is the former content director of Sleepopolis. As content director, he reviewed new mattresses every week and curated the comparisons, best of pages, and video guides on the site. Logan perfected his method by personally testing over 200 different mattresses, so he’s not only able to discern the overall vibe of a specific bed, but to contextualize its feel within the bed-in-a-box market as a whole.

Combination Sleeper