Written by Logan Block, Mattress Reviewer
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. With all this information out there, what are the actual 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. As Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta says, “The [best] mattress adapts to your preferred sleeping position, whether you’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper. Importantly, the mattress isn’t too hard or too soft, striking a balance that’s just right for your body.”
That’s why I kept a wide range of categories in mind when presenting our best mattresses. My hope is that most folks should find not just the “best” mattress, but the mattress best for them. Sleepopolis has helped 12,544 people find a mattress in 2024, so hopefully there’s something on this list for everyone.
To select the very best mattresses, I 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, I tried to choose beds with different strengths. Some have better at cooling technology, some excel at pain relief, and some are more affordable than others (for context, the average cost of these beds is $1,748 for a queen size before discounts) . But one thing’s for sure: all of these mattresses are quality options, and all of them were meticulously tested by the Sleepopolis team.
Our Best Mattress 2024 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 8 Best Mattresses of 2024
- Helix Midnight – Best Mattress 2024
- DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
- Nectar Premier – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution – Best Hybrid Mattress
- Bear Star Hybrid – Best Mattress That Won’t Sag
- Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Value Mattress
Best Mattress 2024 Video Review
What I Looked for in the Best Mattresses
Firmness
Our testers measure 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 collecting the best possible mattresses for this roundup, I selected beds with all sorts of firmnesses so there’s an option for every sleeper.
Type of Mattress
I took special care to make sure there were a variety of different mattress constructions represented in this roundup, as I recognize that every sleeper has unique preferences. While there are hundreds and hundred of different mattresses on the market, my colleagues and I 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.
Budget
Sometimes, the best mattress can be the most luxurious and top-of-the-line bed, but for others, the best mattress is one that’s high-quality yet affordable. To accommodate sleepers with a variety of budgets, I listed luxury options, budget options, and everything in between. Overall, our team believes in these mattresses and their overall value. They’re listed at a reasonable price considering their overall construction, material quality, and special features.
Compare the Top Rated Mattresses of 2024
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| Helix Midnight Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | Nectar Premier Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Best For |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Back Pain, Hip Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers,
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Hot Sleepers,
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Helix Midnight – Best Mattress 2024
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
My Expert Opinion on the Helix Midnight
Helix offers an extensive selection of hybrid mattresses, each with a different level of firmness, and the Midnight is right in the middle. When I tested it out, I got some immediate relief from the top layer of foam at the lower back and shoulders, while still getting a bit of a lift from the support layer of individually wrapped coils. After lying on it for a while, I rated it as a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which is the industry standard for medium firm. If you’d like to try out the mattress yourself to see if it’s an ideal fit, Helix offers a 100-night trial period, in addition to a 10-year warranty.
DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
My Expert Opinion on the DreamCloud Mattress
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, I found the DreamCloud to be super-responsive with a bouncy and “on top of” feel. While lying on the bed, I was able to switch from one position to the next without feeling stuck in the material. I attribute this to the DreamCloud’s hybrid construction, which includes a springy layer of individually wrapped coils. You can try it out in your own home during a generous 365-night trial period. The mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty — a further testament to the bed’s high-quality materials.
Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
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
My Expert Opinion on the Saatva Rx
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Saatva Rx is my 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 I laid down on it, I 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, I gave it a 6.5 out of 10, which is the industry standard for medium firm.
I should note that the Saatva Rx is an expensive mattress, but like all of Saatva beds, it does come with a 365-night trial period, lifetime warranty, and free white glove delivery. So the brand will send someone to your home with an uncompressed mattress (Saatva doesn’t roll their beds up into boxes) and set it up for you. They can even remove your old mattress.
Nectar Premier – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
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
My Expert Opinion on the Nectar Premier
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 Premier. In fact, the Nectar is so cushioning that it tested excellently for shoulder pain and hip pain. When I looked at the pressure map results for lying on my side, the graphic was almost entirely blue, indicating little to no pressure buildup. As an added bonus, Nectar offers a 365-night trial period and lifetime warranty, so you have plenty of time to figure out if this is the best side-sleeper mattress for you.
WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back Pain
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
My Expert Opinion on the WinkBed
The best mattress for back pain is somewhat subjective, as different body types and sleeping positions will find relief in different ways. But one common trait that our experts find to be standard across the board is 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.
Nolah Evolution – Best Hybrid Mattress
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
My Expert Opinion on the Nolah Evolution Mattress
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. I 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). I think it could be a good fit for a variety of sleepers, who should appreciate its durable build and luxurious proprietary materials such as AirFoamICE (a more breathable alternative to memory foam). The brand clearly believes in the durability of this bed, as evidenced by the lifetime warranty and 120-night trial period.
Bear Star Hybrid – Best Mattress That Won’t Sag
The Bear Star Hybrid is a softer hybrid mattress with memory foam and innerspring coils. It offers pressure relief, contouring, and solid support for many sleeper types, but especially back, side, and combination sleepers. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“After testing out the Bear Star, I found it to be really cozy. I loved how plush the surface of the mattress felt as I was lying on it, but I still felt super supported. Lying on my back and my side, I felt comfortable and would definitely sleep on this at night in my own home.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
My Expert Opinion on the Bear Star Hybrid
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 I laid down on it to test it out, I 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). I felt like I could lie all the way near the edge without falling off. The brand’s forever warranty is a testament to this sturdiness, and it also comes with a 120-night trial period.
Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Value Mattress
The Silk & Snow Hybrid mattress is a medium-firm mattress made with cooling gel-infused foam and individually wrapped coils. This mattress has excellent cooling abilities, making it a good choice for anyone who tends to overheat at night. The medium-firm feel also makes this bed a good fit for a variety of sleeping positions and body weight. The Silk & Snow is made with high-quality materials, yet has a low price point, so you’ll get the best bang for your buck.
What our tester says:
“The Silk & Snow Hybrid incorporates cooling gel infusions, which are designed to combat the heat trapping nature of memory foam. The bed also has coils, which allow for more airflow within the bed than a solid foam bed.” – Amelia Jerden, former senior staff writer
My Expert Opinion on the Silk & Snow Hybrid
Mattresses are no doubt an important purchase, but they can sometimes be a bit too expensive for some shoppers. Is it that hard to find a high-quality bed without breaking the bank? I assess a mattress’s value by evaluating various performance factors and comparing them to the mattress’s cost and company policies. I chose the Silk & Snow as the best value mattress because it’s made with high-quality materials, has excellent cooling abilities, and is compatible with a variety of sleeping positions and body types. This mattress is great on its own, but it’s even more appealing when you look at its price tag (from $650 to $950 before discounts or coupons). With many similar mattresses on the market costing almost $2,000, this price is a steal. It also comes with a 15-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial.
Why Trust Sleepopolis to Help you Find the Best Mattress
At Sleepopolis, we have personally tested over 300 mattresses to help every sleeper get the best night’s sleep they can. Our expert testing methods allow us to review beds in an unbiased, honest, and most importantly, helpful way. Using our knowledge of mattresses, pressure relief, and pain relief, we have compiled a list of the best overall mattresses for every kind of sleeper and their individual needs. Below you can read more about our methodology for testing and how we picked the 17 best mattresses of the year.
What to Consider When Buying a New Mattress
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.
Hear from the Experts:
Why is a Mattress Crucial for Good Quality Sleep?
“Sleep is crucial for overall health, as it supports physical recovery, mental clarity, and emotional stability. A good quality mattress helps maintain proper spinal alignment, reduces pressure points, and enhances comfort, leading to more restful sleep. Poor sleep quality can contribute to various health issues, including stress, anxiety, and chronic conditions, making a good mattress crucial for restorative rest.”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
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 Material
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are made of two layers of springs, or coils, and generally topped with a smaller layer of foam for comfort. They often have a firm, bouncy feel and work well for stomach, back, and combination sleepers. These mattresses are exceptionally cooling due their breathable layers of springs, and can offer great support for various types of sleepers. They are also an older model of mattress construction, so they are great for those who prefer a more traditional mattress feel. Innerspring mattresses can be bouncy, which some sleepers prefer, but may not be ideal for couples or those who sleep with pets in their beds. However, they are generally very durable, making them a good investment piece. You can check out our best innerspring mattresses to learn more.
Memory Foam
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. These mattresses, while they do not have any coils, can still be supportive, and may be the right choice for sleepers who like to feel hugged or experience joint pain, as they can be very forgiving on various parts of the body. These mattresses also generally have good motion isolation, making them good for people who sleep with pets or other people in the bed. They can be somewhat limited in their cooling capabilities, however, so they may not be ideal for warmer sleepers. Some high-quality foams can be expensive however, and cheaper options are generally less durable, making this a less budget friendly option. Take a look at the best memory foam mattresses to learn more about these beds.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses use a mix of foam and coil support, and their feels vary widely. Hybrid mattresses are a good pick for almost any kind of sleeper, as they have the best of both worlds. They are supportive while still being contouring and comfortable. Their coils provide great cooling, and the top layer of foam can make the bed hugging and soft. However, there are also very firm hybrid beds, making them a very versatile option. Depending on how much support, pressure relief, and firmness you want, there is a hybrid bed for you. One downfall of these mattresses is that they are generally more expensive, but there are certainly more affordable options. Check out the best hybrid mattresses to find out more.
Latex
Latex mattresses are often made with eco-friendly Dunlop or Talalay latex foam. These beds are naturally cooling because of their porous construction. natural latex is also an organic material, meaning that it is environmentally stable, and also allergen resistant. These are a great option for hot sleepers, or those who are easily irritated by typical mattress allergens like dust or chemical found in some foams. However, latex beds can be bouncy, meaning they have poor motion isolation are not ideal for couples or people who sleep with pets. Natural latex mattresses can also be expensive, because they are sources from natural and organic materials. Combination sleepers and heavy people often like these beds as they are easy to move around in and can offer good support. Check out the best latex mattresses for more on this natural material.
Air Mattresses
Air mattresses use air to support the sleeper overnight. Some of the best adjustable beds are advanced air mattresses. These can be a good option for those looking for a budget friendly mattress, or a good storable mattress, as they are easy to let the air out of and store or pack. These are also a great option for people who like to camp, or have kids. Air beds can be very bouncy however, so they may not be a good option for people who share beds. They are also not very supportive. 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. I’ve selected mattress options that could help with several different types of pain. I generally look out for factors like pressure relief, support, firmness, and contouring when considering if a mattress would be good for pain relief. You can learn more about these individual tests below, and do a deep dive into the specific kinds of pain with our best mattresses for shoulder pain, best mattresses for back pain, best mattresses for hip pain, or best mattresses for sciatica articles.
Common Areas of Pain When Sleeping and What Mattresses do I Recommend?
Hip Pain
Hip pain, like all kinds of pain, can be caused by chronic issues, injuries, or poor sleep. If you sleep with your legs to the side of you or bend your knees in an odd way in your sleep, you may experience hip pain. Additionally, a mattress that does not align your hips and spine properly may cause or worsen hip pain.
Hip pain can be a particular issue for side sleepers and stomach sleepers, as they put more pressure on their hips when they sleep. Stomach sleepers may also put one or both legs out to the side when they sleep, which can worsen or lead to hip agitation.
For sleepers with hip pain, I recommend a medium-firm mattress, somewhere between a 6 and 7.5 on our firmness scale to provide the most support possible while still promoting contouring. I also suggest memory foam mattresses for these folks, as it can provide the contouring and pressure relief needed.
Neck Pain
Neck pain when sleeping might be the result of a pillow that lacks support, issues with spinal alignment from a mattress, or other issues not associated with sleep. Either way, the wrong sleep accessories can worsen and cause neck pain. To avoid this, I recommend sleepers with neck pain opt for a mattress that has a mix of pressure relief and support. Keeping your spine aligned and your neck in a healthy and not strained position during the evening can be helpful for alleviating neck pain.
Neck pain can affect any sleepers, but side sleepers and stomach sleepers are most likely to experience worsening or onset neck pain, as they may not be supporting their neck enough during their sleep. I recommend trying back sleeping if you are experiencing pain or soreness in your neck when you sleep to try and promote healthy alignment across your spine and neck. You can also look into our picks for the best pillows for neck pain to help support your head and neck.
Back Pain
Back pain is common for a lot of people, regardless of how they sleep. It is often caused by poor posture, injuries, or overuse of the spine throughout the day. For these reasons, as with any other pain, I recommend seeing a doctor for long-lasting, chronic, or severe pain. However, there are elements in a mattress that can help with back pain.
For sleepers with back pain, I suggest a mattress that promote spinal and hip alignment, as well as pressure relief around the lower back and lumbar region. Keeping the hips lifted can help keep the spine properly aligned, which may help relieve pain. Zoned support around the lower back and contouring across the body may also be features that help alleviate back pain. Back sleepers are generally thought to experience back pain then sleeping, but side sleepers and stomach sleepers may also struggle with back pain. In all cases, looking for pressure relief, contouring, and spinal support are important.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is most commonly associated with side sleepers. However, if you have a shoulder injury or chronic pain, you can experience shoulder and joint pain in any position. For sleepers with shoulder pain, I recommend beds that offer deep contouring, and pressure relief, and those that are generally softer (below a 6.5 on the Sleepopolis firmness scale) to cradle any sensitive joints.
It is important to look for a mattress that relieves pressure around the shoulder if you struggle with shoulder pain. I can provide this information for you with our pressure map, but if you’re testing mattresses on your own, look out for mattresses that feel like they give way to your shoulder without feeling saggy. You don’t want to lose out on support, but you also don’t want the mattress to feel too firm against a sensitive joint.
Can your Mattress Cause Pain?
The short answer is yes. A mattress that has poor support, not enough or too little firmness, or is low quality can contribute to pain around your body. If you are experiencing chronic pain or pain due to an injury, these elements in a mattress may also contribute to or worsen pain, but I do recommend seeing a doctor for more serious pain issues. The best place to start is to consider if your mattress is meeting your firmness, support, and contouring needs. This is based on your preferences and your unique sleep position.
Price
A mattress is generally an investment piece, and there are mattresses on the market that will cost a pretty penny. One thing to keep in mind is that a pricier mattress is generally made with higher-quality materials and better construction. However, like anything on the market, a higher price does not always equal a better product. There are plenty of budget-friendly mattresses available that can help you get an excellent night’s sleep. If you want a durable value mattress, you can check out the best cheap mattresses. We also have a roundup of our favorite mattresses under $1,000, and a list of the best mattresses for the money.
You might also be interested in treating yourself, in which case you can check out our recommendations for the best luxury mattresses and the best hotel mattresses if you are looking for a luxurious, vacation-like sleep.
One thing that causes the price of a mattress to go up is shipping and handling fees. I break these extra costs down below, but they can be extra expensive if you are shopping outside the United States. If this is the case, I recommend checking out the best mattresses in Canada for more information on mattress shopping internationally.
Sales
Mattresses often go on sale, whether that be around the holidays or sales unique to the retailer. Holidays like Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day often promote a lot of sales for mattress companies. You can also check out our page of mattress coupons to find the best deals for your new mattress.
Company Policies and Extra Fees
How Much Should I Spend on a Mattress?
How much you should spend on a mattress depends almost entirely on what you are looking for in your bed. The quality of materials, construction, size, and brand can all determine the cost of your mattress. In general, however, a regular queen-sized mattress is generally somewhere in the ballpark of $1,500. But they can range anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500. We recommend setting a budget for yourself before shopping so you can stick to your parameters.
Cooling Technology
If you’re looking for a mattress that sleeps cool, I’d recommend opting for a latex, hybrid, or innerspring mattress. These beds tend to promote airflow and be more breathable than air beds or all foam mattresses. This is important for keeping a low temperature at night. Materials like coils and porous foams are helpful to keep a mattress cool. Other things you can look out for are cooling materials like gel infused foams or cooling covers, which will help keep the mattress cool for a restful night’s sleep. If you’re a hot sleeper, you can check out our recommendations for the best cooling mattresses to find one that will help you keep your temperature regulated throughout the evening.
Hear from the Experts:
Why is Cooling Technology in a Mattress Important?
“Cooling technology in a mattress is important because it helps regulate body temperature, promoting deeper and more restorative sleep. I recommend your sleeping temperature for optimal rest be between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 19 degrees Celsius). Maintaining a cool sleeping environment can prevent overheating, which can disrupt sleep cycles and lead to increased wakefulness during the night.”
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 and strong edge support. These elements can be important for both the durability and usage of your bed. I also suggest keeping an eye out for cooling elements, as it can be important to maintain a cool bed when sleeping with a partner. I’d recommend taking a look at the best mattresses for couples for some examples/ 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.
Mattress Size
Mattress size is important for a couple of reasons. The first is your preferences. Some people enjoy the cozy feel of a full or twin mattress, while others like to spread out on a bigger bed. The second consideration is price. Larger mattresses are more expensive, so understanding your budget may help you narrow down what size is best for you. Third, who is sleeping in the bed? If you’re shopping for yourself and a partner, or possibly more than two people, then you may want more room, and might want to consider a queen or larger. However, if you’re looking for a college dorm mattress, you might want to save money and be practical with a twin bed. Perhaps you’re shopping for a guest room mattress, in which case you might want to opt for a safe bet of a queen or full.
The last consideration is the size of the room in which the mattress is going. Again, if you’re shopping for a college dorm room, a twin might be all that will fit. However, if you’re looking for a bed for a master bedroom, you might want to go a little bigger. Considering these factors together can help you narrow down exactly what you’re looking for.
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
Lightweight sleepers will often find mattresses firmer than average-weight sleepers. These sleepers are usually more comfortable on softer mattresses, as they can find better pressure relief and support on a bed that will contour their body more. To learn more you can take a look at the best soft mattresses.
Sleepers over 250 pounds
Heavier sleepers generally 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.
Sleeping Recommendations By Age Group
Kids
Young children have rapidly growing and changing bodies with specific sleep needs. There are a lot of brands that make beds specifically for the needs of kids. These mattresses include things like flippable construction for growing bodies, liquid-resistant covers, and various size options not found in regular mattresses. To learn more you can check out our picks for the best mattresses for kids.
Teens
Teenagers are still growing, and they have specific sleep needs, too. Mattresses that are supportive, comfortable, and contouring can be important for any growing body, and I recommend looking at our suggestions for the best mattresses for teenagers to learn more.
Seniors (over 65)
Older sleepers generally prefer more traditional feeling mattresses that offer mobility and support, but are still gentle on sensitive joints. Factors like support, edge support, and firmness can be extra important for older sleepers. I’d recommend taking a look at our best mattresses for seniors to find a feel that will work well for you.
How I Picked The Best Mattresses Of 2024
When I test a new mattress, I (not surprisingly) lie on it to give you my personal opinion on its feel, but I don’t ask you to take my word for it. Once I’ve tried the mattress myself, I 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. I also evaluate our test mattresses layer by layer to examine their materials and cooling tech. This helps me 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 tester lies down on a specialized mat in several different sleeping positions. The mat records the pressure exerted and creates a “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 me 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.
Responsiveness & Bounce
Our bounce test lets me 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. I 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 a tester 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. I use a seismometer and a steel ball (like you see below) to measure motion transfer.
During this test, I 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 these motions and creates a graphic like the one below. A graphic with small lines tells umea mattress is good at isolating motion. Large lines tell me that you’ll likely feel disturbed by a restless partner on a certain mattress. I also like to use a red wine test, where I place a glass of red wine on a mattress and see how much motion causes the glass to tip. The more motion that is require to make the glass fall over, the better the motion isolating capacity the mattress has.
Edge Support
Our edge support test lets me 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.
To test for edge support, I sit or lie on the side of the bed and see how far it sinks. If the edges feel sturdy and do not sink, that is an indicator of strong edge support. I also like to measure how far exactly the edges sink using a measuring tool.
Value and Company Policies
Once I’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 I 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.
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. I 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 my 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.
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