Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleepopolis and a certified sleep science coach. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing. Lewis also has had articles featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, daughter, and lovable trash-panda of a dog, Olive.
Riley is a staff writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach at Sleepopolis. She’s a firm believer that there’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep. Riley graduated from Elon University with a degree in journalism and creative writing. In her free time, she loves to paint, cook, and spend time with family (especially her pets).
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
This mattress is available in different firmness options.
Customer Reviews
4.6/5
Size
Twin, Full
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Side Sleepers
This bed is ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Pros of the Helix Kids
The flippable nature works for numerous sleeping types, meaning it’s great for growing kids.
The mattress uses antimicrobial and hypoallergenic materials.
The Helix Kids has a stain-resistant eco-friendly finish called RUCO-DRI BIO NPE. This makes it a sensible choice for any kids who are potty training.
Cons of the Helix Kids
While this bed is built for youth, bigger kids such as teenagers or those approaching teenage years may not receive enough support. Those looking for more support should check out our best mattresses for teenagers.
Shipping
Free Shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free refunds after 30 days, as long as it’s still within the 100-night trial period.
When choosing the best mattress for your little one, you want to pay special attention to quality materials, adequate pressure relief for growing pains, and overall durability for long-lasting support. The Helix Kids checks all these boxes and is entirely tailored towards children between 3 and 12. It’s also made with completely non-toxic materials, earning a GREENGUARD Gold certification. Learn more about the Helix Kids in our video roundup of the best mattresses for kids.
What our tester says:
“What a great option for parents trying to find a mattress that will work for their growing child. I really liked the Helix Kids’ flippable, hybrid design. I found it offered high-quality materials and great support for younger people.”– Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Best Hybrid
Customer Rating
4.8
Saatva
Saatva Youth Mattress
Medium-Firm Feel
Designed for Kids 3–12
Flippable Design
Limited Time Offer
Take $300 off your order of $1,000 or more See Details
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
The Saatva Youth is unique in that it has two sides, each with a different level of firmness and meant for a different age group. Each group is likely to experience their respective side as a medium-firm 6.5 out of 10.
Customer Reviews
4.8/5
Size
Twin, twin XL, full
Kids
This mattress was designed for younger sleepers, and they can flip the bed as they grow.
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleepers
Lightweight back sleepers should get enough support for a neutral spinal alignment.
Stomach Sleepers
The Saatva Youth is supportive enough to prevent lightweight stomach sleepers’ hips from bowing into the mattress.
Pros of the Saatva Youth
It’s supportive while providing enough pressure relief for younger sleepers
The flippable design caters to a wide range of ages
There are several cooling features, including airflow-promoting coils and a soft and breathable cover
Cons of the Saatva Youth
Due to its kid-friendly design, the Saatva Youth isn’t going to be supportive enough for most adults. For options that can support grownups, see our roundup of the best mattresses.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period. Saatva charges a $99 pick-up fee
The Saatva Youth caters to little kids and younger teenagers alike with a unique dual construction. One side of the mattress is meant for children ages 3–7, while the other is meant for ages 8–12. Just flip it over as your child grows, and they’ll get a mixture of pressure relief and enough support for a neutral spinal alignment. Learn more in our video roundup of the best kids mattresses.
What our tester says:
“I found that this bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Best Value
Customer Rating
4.7
Nectar
Nectar Mattress
Medium-Soft
Cooling
Spring Into Savings
Save up to 50% on mattresses & up to 66% on bundles See Details
We rated the Nectar as a 6 out of 10, meaning it is just a touch softer than medium-firm.
Customer Reviews
4.7/5
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
If you sleep on your side, this bed will keep your joints cushioned.
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Nectar will provide a nice mix of cushioning and support.
Budget Shoppers
This affordable mattress is a great pick for those looking to save.
Pros of the Nectar
The Nectar offers a classic memory foam feel, with deep sinkage and contouring.
Side sleepers should enjoy how the soft foams relieve pressure on their shoulder and hip.
Back sleepers should also feel supported, but pleasantly cushioned on the Nectar.
Couples shouldn’t be too disturbed by movement, as the Nectar isolates motion well.
Cons of the Nectar
Stomach sleepers likely won’t get enough support for spinal alignment from the Nectar.
It incorporates some cooling materials but it’s not by any means the best cooling mattress.
The Nectar isn’t supportive enough to be one of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers, which accommodate folks weighing 250 pounds or more.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund and free returns within the 365-night trial period
The Nectar delivers on classic memory foam: it’s soft, contouring, and provides a slow-sinking feel. Still, it provides solid support for most light to average weight sleepers. The cushioning memory foam allows for plenty of pressure relief on pain points, like shoulders and hips. Side sleepers especially should enjoy the pressure relief. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think memory foam lovers should be happy on the Nectar. This bed has a classic memory foam feel, so there’s lots of sinkage, contouring, and pressure relief. This can be great for anyone with shoulder pain or hip pain since it gives them cushioning at sensitive pressure points.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Best Firm
Customer Rating
4.1
Leesa
Leesa Kids
Memory Foam
Free Shipping
100 Night Trial
Weekend Refresh Sale
Use code REFRESH25 and save 25% off mattresses See Details
Made with environmentally innovative foams certified by CertiPUR-US®
GreenGuard Cert.
GreenGuard Gold Certified for low chemical emissions
Kids
This bed is made for kids
Pros of the Leesa Kids Mattress
Leesa makes kids mattresses that have billions of micro-air capsules for a supportive and buoyant feel that is soothing to growing joints.
100-Night Trial
Free Shipping
Cons of the Leesa Kids Mattress
This mattress is not reversable for different ages.
Shipping
Free shipping
No Risk Trial
100 night risk free trial
The Leesa Kids mattress is ideal for growing kids. Your children need more support on their joints than you would expect. This bed is ideal for nurturing healthy sleep patterns at a young age.
Best for Pressure Relief
Customer Rating
4.6
Birch
Birch Kids Natural
Made In USA
Organic
Responsive Coils
Hybrid Mattress
100-night Trial and Lifetime Warranty
Free shipping
Spring Savings Event
Use code SPRING20 and save 20% off sitewide See Details
Hybrid, meaning this bed combines foam and coils in its construction.
Firmness
This mattress has two sides, one with a firmer feel for ages 3-7 and a reverse side with more plush feel for ages 8-12.
Customer Reviews
4.6/5
Sizes
Twin and Full
Pre-Teen Mattress
This mattress has a reversable side that fits a large age range of 3-12 years old.
GreenGuard Certified
The Birch Kids Natural Mattress has been GREENGUARD Gold Certified by UL Environment, one of the leading environmental health agencies in the world.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the Birch Kids
Made with natural & certified organic materials.
Reversible mattress has a firm and soft side for different age ranges.
Natural materials are typically better for kids with allergies since the mattress is hypo-allergenic.
Cons of the Birch Natural
Pricier than some other kids options.
Shipping
Free shipping and returns
Trial Period
100 Nights
Warranty
10 Year warranty
The Birch Kids Natural Mattress is designed to provide a comfortable and natural sleep experience for children. It’s crafted with natural and certified organic materials and features a unique 2-sided design. One side offers a firmer support suitable for children aged 3-7, while the other provides a softer feel for those between 8-12. Key selling points include its GREENGUARD Gold and GOLS certifications, ensuring low VOC emissions and safety, free shipping, available 0% APR financing, a 100-night sleep trial, and quick shipping within 2-5 business days.
Best For Back Pain
Customer Rating
4.8
Saatva
Saatva Rx Mattress
Medium-Firm Feel
Caters to Joint Pain
Unique Construction
Limited Time Offer
Take $300 off your order of $1,000 or more See Details
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the Saatva Rx a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. A 6.5 means that it’s a medium-firm mattress.
Customer Reviews
4.8/5
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
You should get enough cushioning for your lumbar region and enough support for a neutral spinal alignment.
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Stomach Sleepers
The Saatva Rx is supportive enough to prevent stomach sleepers’ hips from bowing into the mattress.
Pros of the Saatva Rx
It’s supportive while providing enough pressure relief for joint pain
The specially designed blend of comfort and support makes it a good fit for all three primary sleeping positions
There are plenty of cooling features, including airflow-promoting coils and infusions of gel and phase change material
Cons of the Saatva Rx
It’s a very pricy mattress. For less-expensive options, see our roundup of the best cheap mattresses.
Shipping
Free shipping and white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Free returns after at least 45 days and within the 365-night trial period
Designed specifically for sleepers with back pain and joint pain, the Saatva Rx features several layers that combine both foam and coils. This creates a blend of comfort and support throughout the entire mattress that’s cushioning enough for any aches and pains while still being sturdy enough for a neutral spinal alignment. Learn more in our Saatva Rx video review.
What our tester says:
“I found that this bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Best Memory Foam
Customer Rating
4.6
Nectar
Nectar Premier Mattress
Medium-Soft Feel
Cushioning Foam
Phase Change Material
Spring Into Savings
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Foam, for a soft, pressure-relieving feel and plenty of sinkage.
Firmness
This one scored 6 out of 10 on our scale, so we’d classify it as medium-soft.
Customer Reviews
4.6/5
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Lightweight and average weight side sleepers may like the body contouring the Premier offers.
Back Sleepers
If you’re a back sleeper looking for better spinal alignment, you’ll find it with this mattress.
Hip Pain
The Premier should provide plenty of pressure relief for side and back sleepers with hip pain.
Pros of the Nectar Hybrid
Includes a thick, contouring comfort layer that helps alleviate joint pain.
Isolates motion well, making it great for couples.
It tested well for edge support, so you should be able to spread out across the mattress surface.
This mattress gets its support from a seven-inch layer of high-density support foam.
Cons of the Nectar Hybrid
Stomach sleepers won’t get the support they need from the Nectar Premier.
The Nectar Premier isn’t quite supportive enough for sleepers over 250 pounds, instead our best mattresses for heavy people will offer that support.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund after 30 days and within the 365-night trial period
The Nectar Premier is a luxurious all-foam mattress equipped with quality materials. A moisture-wicking cover and gel-infused comfort layer create a cooling, thermoregulating mattress for hot sleepers. Perhaps its strongest attribute is its next-level pressure relief. Six inches of foam work to contour sensitive areas, but the high-density foam at the bottom of the bed provides plenty of support. Watch our video review to learn more.
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.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Our Pick
Customer Rating
4.6
Helix
Helix Kids Mattress
Kids Mattress
Stain Resistant
Hypoallergenic
Spring Savings Event
Use code SPRING20 and save 20% off sitewide See Details
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
This mattress is available in different firmness options.
Customer Reviews
4.6/5
Size
Twin, Full
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Side Sleepers
This bed is ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Pros of the Helix Kids
The flippable nature works for numerous sleeping types, meaning it’s great for growing kids.
The mattress uses antimicrobial and hypoallergenic materials.
The Helix Kids has a stain-resistant eco-friendly finish called RUCO-DRI BIO NPE. This makes it a sensible choice for any kids who are potty training.
Cons of the Helix Kids
While this bed is built for youth, bigger kids such as teenagers or those approaching teenage years may not receive enough support. Those looking for more support should check out our best mattresses for teenagers.
Shipping
Free Shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free refunds after 30 days, as long as it’s still within the 100-night trial period.
When choosing the best mattress for your little one, you want to pay special attention to quality materials, adequate pressure relief for growing pains, and overall durability for long-lasting support. The Helix Kids checks all these boxes and is entirely tailored towards children between 3 and 12. It’s also made with completely non-toxic materials, earning a GREENGUARD Gold certification. Learn more about the Helix Kids in our video roundup of the best mattresses for kids.
What our tester says:
“What a great option for parents trying to find a mattress that will work for their growing child. I really liked the Helix Kids’ flippable, hybrid design. I found it offered high-quality materials and great support for younger people.”– Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Buying the Right Mattress For You
Picking out a new mattress can be daunting. These five steps will help determine what kind of mattress is best for you.
Follow these 5 steps and ask yourself
Do you need an upgrade?
The general rule of thumb is to replace your mattress about every eight years. However, if you’re sleeping poorly or waking with aches and pains, it may be time for a change.
Do you need an upgrade?
The general rule of thumb is to replace your mattress about every eight years. However, if you’re sleeping poorly or waking with aches and pains, it may be time for a change.
Do you want foam or hybrid?
Foam mattresses typically offer a unique feel that contours your body and provides a slow sinking sensation. Foam mattresses work for many sleepers. Hybrid models offer a combination of foam and innerspring coils. This construction provides a mixture of contouring, support, and responsiveness. Combination sleepers, sexually active couples, and those who easily heat up at night often benefit from hybrids.
Do you want foam or hybrid?
Foam mattresses typically offer a unique feel that contours your body and provides a slow sinking sensation. Foam mattresses work for many sleepers. Hybrid models offer a combination of foam and innerspring coils. This construction provides a mixture of contouring, support, and responsiveness. Combination sleepers, sexually active couples, and those who easily heat up at night often benefit from hybrids.
What’s your budget?
A budget between $1,000 and $1,500 will cover most mattress options in the online market. Although a few quality mattresses can be purchased for less than $500, the materials will likely be cheaper, meaning they will likely break down more quickly than those made with higher-quality materials.
What’s your budget?
A budget between $1,000 and $1,500 will cover most mattress options in the online market. Although a few quality mattresses can be purchased for less than $500, the materials will likely be cheaper, meaning they will likely break down more quickly than those made with higher-quality materials.
Do you like soft, medium, or firm comfort?
We measure firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Most sleepers will enjoy a medium-firm mattress in the 5 to 7 range, but you may want to adjust based on your sleep position.
Side sleepers may want a softer mattress in the 5 to 6.5 range out of 10. Back sleepers may want a medium-firm mattress in the 5.5 to 7 range out of 10. Stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress in the 7 to 9 range out of 10.
Do you like soft, medium, or firm comfort?
We measure firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Most sleepers will enjoy a medium-firm mattress in the 5 to 7 range, but you may want to adjust based on your sleep position.
Side sleepers may want a softer mattress in the 5 to 6.5 range out of 10. Back sleepers may want a medium-firm mattress in the 5.5 to 7 range out of 10. Stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress in the 7 to 9 range out of 10.
What is your sleeping position?
Your sleep position, weight, and sleeping partner may affect the best mattress for you. Balanced support is essential in providing pressure relief and even weight distribution. Additionally, couples or sleepers who get hot easily may want a mattress with temperature-regulating technology to keep them cool through the night.
What is your sleeping position?
Your sleep position, weight, and sleeping partner may affect the best mattress for you. Balanced support is essential in providing pressure relief and even weight distribution. Additionally, couples or sleepers who get hot easily may want a mattress with temperature-regulating technology to keep them cool through the night.
Benefits of Buying Online
Greater selection
There is a wider range of companies to choose from online, so there is a great mattress for nearly every sleeper.
Greater selection
There is a wider range of companies to choose from online, so there is a great mattress for nearly every sleeper.
No sales teams or middlemen
You can find the perfect mattress for you without the hassle of aggressive sales teams. Plus, with no middlemen, the lower price gets passed to you.
No sales teams or middlemen
You can find the perfect mattress for you without the hassle of aggressive sales teams. Plus, with no middlemen, the lower price gets passed to you.
Risk-free trials with money-back guarantees
Most companies offer generous trial periods, usually 100 nights or longer, with a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t love your new mattress. So instead of rolling around on a mattress for five minutes in a showroom, you get to try your mattress out in your own home and actually sleep on it.
Risk-free trials with money-back guarantees
Most companies offer generous trial periods, usually 100 nights or longer, with a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t love your new mattress. So instead of rolling around on a mattress for five minutes in a showroom, you get to try your mattress out in your own home and actually sleep on it.
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 Nectar 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?
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How often should I replace my mattress?
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What is the best mattress for back pain?
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What is the best mattress for stomach sleepers?
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What is the best mattress for side sleepers?
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More Questions?
Purchasing a mattress is a big decision that impacts your health and well-being. Here at Sleepopolis, we want to help you get your best night’s sleep! Still have questions about finding the perfect mattress? Head over to our comprehensive mattress guide.
