Best Full-Size Mattress, Expert Reviewed

Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor

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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.
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Just Updated

We’ve recently re-reviewed all of our top full-size mattress picks and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.

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Finding the best full-size mattress can be a great sleeping option for kids, single adults, and anyone who has a guest room. Its size makes it a more spacious bed than a twin, without taking up as much space as a king or a queen. Of course, finding the perfect fit is going to depend on one’s personal preferences, preferred sleeping position, body weight, whether or not they sleep with a partner, and other factors. 

Below, you’ll find our curated list of the best full-size mattresses, each personally tested for factors like firmness, pressure relief, motion isolation, and more. We highlighted each bed for who we think it’s best for, so hopefully, you can find one that suits your needs. 

Our Top Pick for Full-Size Mattresses

The Nectar landed at the top of our list because of its high-quality foams — which offer plenty of deep contouring and pressure relief — as well as its affordable price.

Best Full-Size Mattress – Our Picks For 2024

• Nectar – Best Overall
• DreamCloud – Best Full-Size Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Helix Midnight – Best Full-Size Mattress for Side Sleepers
• WinkBed Plus – Best Full-Size Mattress for Couples
• Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Full-Size Hybrid Mattress
• Bear Star Hybrid – Best Full-Size Mattress for Back Pain
• Saatva – Best Full-Size Innerspring Mattress
• Nolah Natural – Best Full-Size Organic Mattress
• Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Full-Size Mattress for Hip and Shoulder Pain
• Leesa – Best Full-Size Memory Foam Mattress

Best Full-Size Mattresses Video Review

Compare the Best Full-Size Mattresses

Nectar – Best Overall

Expert Opinion

The Nectar is an all-foam mattress that’s both budget-friendly and high-quality — a combination of traits that led us to select it as the best full-size mattress. As of this writing, a full is less than $600 after discounts have been applied. That’s why it also consistently makes our list for the best mattress under $1,000. This mattress-in-a-box has a thick top layer of conforming memory foam that provides a lot of pressure relief at the shoulders, hips, and lumbar region.

When we lie down on the Nectar, we experience contouring in all of these areas. At the same time, a layer of firmer foam below prevents you from sinking too far into the bed. We think this mixture of comfort and support makes the Nectar an excellent option for back sleepers and side sleepers.

What our tester says: “The Nectar comes at a really affordable price, making it a great choice for budget-savvy shoppers.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

The Nectar has been a major player in the mattress industry for a while now, and has over 47,000 reviews on its website. It has an average score of 4.7 out of 5, with lots of folks praising the bed for how well it alleviates their pain.

Pros of the Nectar Mattress

• We think the Nectar is a great mattress for anyone with joint pain or arthritis. Its thick memory foam layer should provide the contouring and cushioning that these sleepers need. It also provides enough support to prevent undue pressure from developing at the joints.
• Those who enjoy the sinkage of traditional memory foam should feel especially comfortable on the Nectar.
• During our motion-transfer test, the Nectar provided to be adept at isolating movement. That means if you’re a couple who shares your bed with a partner, neither of you should feel each other moving around at night.

Cons of the Nectar Mattress

• Because of its plushness, we found it a bit difficult to switch sleeping positions on the Nectar. This could be an issue for combination sleepers who need to move around at night.

Think the Nectar is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nectar mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best overall mattresses.

DreamCloud – Best Full-Size Mattress for Back Sleepers

Expert Opinion

Simply put, the DreamCloud is a back sleeper’s dream. It’s a luxury hybrid mattress that has strong coils to help with spinal alignment, but also soft foams and a pillow top to assist with pressure relief in the lumbar region. Folks who sleep on their backs tend to need this tricky blend of comfort and support.

When we tested out the DreamCloud on our back, we felt very comfortable, receiving some contouring up top while also getting a supportive lift from the bottom. But we also wanted to confirm its pressure-relieving abilities by running it through our pressure map test. While back sleeping, the map lit up almost entirely blue, with just a faint trace of green. This tells us that the mattress puts little to no pressure on the back, and should be comfortable for back sleepers.

What our tester says: “I really appreciate how well this bed could work for couples. They won’t overheat on the DreamCloud, and shouldn’t feel too disturbed by each other’s movements.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

With over 7,500 reviews on the company’s website, the DreamCloud has an average 4.6 out of 5 rating. Several folks comment on its balance of comfort and support, although some people have found it to be a taller-than-usual bed, which is something to keep in mind if you’re a shorter person.

Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress

• We really like the DreamCloud for couples for several reasons — one being that it sleeps super-cool. Since two bodies overheat more than one, you’re probably going to want to look for a bed with some cooling tech. Luckily, the DreamCloud has gel infusions and airflow-promoting pocketed coils.
• The responsive nature of the DreamCloud makes it easy to move around on, which should appeal to combination sleepers who need to switch positions.
• Online shoppers can rest assured that their purchase is protected by a lifetime warranty. They also have a full year-long trial to test out the DreamCloud once delivered, so there’s plenty of time to determine if this is the best mattress.

Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress

• Side sleepers will likely find the DreamCloud to be too firm.

Think the DreamCloud is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full DreamCloud mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for back sleepers.

Helix Midnight – Best Full-Size Mattress for Side Sleepers

Expert Opinion

The Helix Midnight is a full-size hybrid mattress, and we think its pleasant, medium-soft feel makes it a great choice for side sleepers. Side sleepers need a bed that they can sink into so that their hips and shoulders stay in a nice alignment and are properly cushioned to help alleviate and prevent pain. The Helix Midnight has a soft cover and a memory foam comfort layer to accomplish just that.

To verify the Helix Midnight’s pressure-relieving abilities, we turned to our trusty pressure map. When looking at the results, we saw almost no pressure at the shoulders, and only slight pressure buildup at the hips. These results tell us that the bed should be comfortable for most side sleepers, but if you’re someone who struggles with chronic hip pain, you may want to pair the bed with a mattress topper to make it even softer.

What our tester says: “The standard Midnight is a nice choice for side sleepers. It won’t put too much pressure on your shoulders, hips, or other sensitive joints. The Midnight Luxe could also be a good fit for these sleepers since it feels a bit plusher.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

With many bed-in-a-box mattresses, there’s an adjustment period where the bed fully expands and the sleeper has to break it in. But many of the reviewers on Helix’s website comment on how the Midnight feels comfortable right away.

Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• Not only does it have low motion transfer (so you’re unlikely to feel your partner tossing and turning at night) — it has some nice bounce for sex and sturdy edges to help the mattress feel bigger. All of this makes the Helix Midnight an excellent choice for couples.
• Thanks to a breathable cover and coil layer, the Helix Midnight sleeps pretty cool. If you’re a hot sleeper who’s looking for an ultra-cooling bed, we’d check out the souped-up version, the Helix Midnight Luxe. It has a more breathable cover than the original Helix.
• During testing, we found it easy to move around and switch positions on the Helix Midnight, so it should be a good fit for combo sleepers.

Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• While this mattress does include memory foam, its coil construction prevents it from maintaining a slow-moving and traditional memory foam feel. So if you’re a true lover of memory foam, you may want to seek out another option.

Think the Helix Midnight is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Helix Midnight mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for side sleepers.

WinkBed Plus – Best Full-Size Mattress for Couples

Expert Opinion

Because couples sleep two bodies to a bed instead of just one, they need a supportive mattress that isn’t going to sag under their weight. We’d say that the WinkBed Plus is a great full-size option for them, as it is specifically designed for heavier weights. This firm mattress is made with strong, steel coils that provide extra support for two people. Some other bonuses for couples: it has bouncy support, as well as a cushy pillow top that results in motion isolation, meaning you’re unlikely to feel disturbed by your partner’s tossing and turning.

We experienced this mattress at about an 8 out of 10 on out mattress firmness scale. But we also wanted to see how the bed felt for the type of person it was designed for. So we brought in our colleague Paulie, who has a larger body type and is a professional power lifter. While he experienced the WinkBed Plus as being slightly softer than we did (a 7.5 out of 10), he still felt supported and didn’t feel any sagging. We think the WinkBed Plus should also be comfortable for sleepers (and couples) of average weight, but just know that it might feel a bit firmer to them.

What our tester says: “The WinkBed Plus uses durable foam and highly supportive pocketed coils. It’d make a great bed for heavier folks disappointed with other options on the market.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

The various WinkBeds have almost 8,500 reviews on the brand’s website. For the Plus, many heavy couples have commented how comfortable it is, and how they almost never wake up with any aches or pains.

Pros of the WinkBed Plus Mattress

• As far as sleeping positions go, we think the WinkBed Plus should be most comfortable for back sleepers of all weights, and light and average weight stomach sleepers.
• The WinkBed Plus helps hot sleepers stay nice and cool, thanks to a breathable cover, naturally cooling latex comfort layer, and airflow-promoting pocketed coils.
• This is a responsive mattress, so combination sleepers should be able to move around and switch positions with ease.

Cons of the WinkBed Plus Mattress

• With an emphasis on durable and quality materials, the WinkBed Plus costs more than other mattresses and isn’t the most budget-friendly option.
• We think it’s probably too firm for side sleepers, even those weighing more than 250 pounds.

Think the WinkBed Plus is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full WinkBed Plus mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for couples.

Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Full-Size Hybrid Mattress

Expert Opinion

A full mattress doesn’t offer as much room to spread out as a bigger size such as a queen or a king. So if you sleep with a partner or like to use the whole surface of your bed, you’ll want a mattress with strong edge support, which you’re more likely to find on a hybrid built with both foams and coils. And when it comes to sturdy hybrid mattresses, one of our favorites is the Emma Hybrid Comfort.

Constructed with durable yet cushioning foam and a bottom layer of pocketed springs, the Emma Hybrid Comfort has plenty of support both in the center of the mattress and along its perimeter. When we laid down on it to test it out, we felt propped up and “on top” of the bed. Even on a full size, you should be able to spread out without fear of sinking or falling off the edge. In terms of firmness, we scored the Emma Hybrid Comfort at a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, so it’s definitely firmer than your average bed — hybrid or otherwise.

What our tester says: “The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a mattress that combines foams and sturdy coils, so customers get the best of both worlds in terms of comfort and support. Hybrid mattresses are all very versatile when it comes to overall feel, and the Emma Hybrid Comfort is no exception.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

When totaling the customer reviews on the Emma website, the Hybrid Comfort has an average star rating of 4.5 out of 5. According to the brand, the most praised features of this mattress are its firmness and support, with almost 80 reviews specifically calling out these traits.

Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress

• Back sleepers should get enough support to keep their spine neutrally aligned. 
• We think stomach sleepers should also be comfortable on the Emma Hybrid Comfort. The supportive coils should help keep their hips lifted and in line with their shoulders.
• The Emma Hybrid Comfort sleeps cool due to its breathable foams and all the space between its coils. We think it’s a good pick for hot sleepers.

Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress

• Being a firmer mattress, it’s probably not going to give side sleepers the cushioning they need at the shoulders and hips.

Think the Emma Hybrid Comfort is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best hybrid mattresses.

Bear Star Hybrid – Best Full-Size Mattress for Back Pain

Expert Opinion

If you find yourself waking up with a sore back every morning, it might be time to invest in a new mattress. The Bear Star Hybrid mattress, formerly known as the Bear Hybrid mattress, is a great full-size bed for back pain because it provides a blend of comfort and support. We found that its foam comfort layer combats pressure buildup at our hips. Meanwhile, the high-density foam base and springy coils prevented us from sinking too far into the mattress. This balanced feel promotes a straight spinal alignment, which is one of the best ways to avoid back pain.

We also measure a mattress’s effect on back pain by using something called a pressure map. It involves spreading a mat across the mattress that reads how much pressure the bed puts on different parts of our body. The results are color-coded, with blue meaning no pressure, green meaning light pressure, yellow meaning moderate pressure, orange meaning high pressure, and red meaning very high pressure. The Bear Star Hybrid displayed almost no pressure around the back area in all three sleeping positions, which tells us it isn’t likely to cause any back pain.

What our tester says: “I feel comfortable and supported when I’m sleeping on my back. The pressure map backs this up by showing all blue on the map and no pressure building up on my back or hips. My hips don’t feel like they’re sinking in too far and my spine feels as though it’s staying in alignment.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

We found the Bear Star Hybrid to be a medium-soft mattress, and so have many of the bed’s customers. On the Bear website, many of them comment on the balanced feel.

Pros of the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress

• We like the full-size Bear Star Hybrid because of its hand-quilted Celliant cover. Celliant technology purportedly helps with muscle recovery and blood flow, which makes the bed a popular choice among athletes who need to recover after a long workout.
• The Celliant in the cover has cooling properties, and the foam is infused with cooling gel. These characteristics all make the Bear Star Hybrid a good pick for hot sleepers.
• The same balance of comfort and support that makes the Bear Star Hybrid ideal for back pain also makes it a solid option for back sleepers.

Cons of the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress

• With a 6/10 firmness, the Bear Star Hybrid won’t be firm enough to support proper spinal alignment in this sleeping position.

Think the Bear Star Hybrid is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for back pain.

Saatva – Best Full-Size Innerspring Mattress

Expert Opinion

If you’re on the hunt for a high-quality full-size mattress with a traditional innerspring feel, we recommend the Saatva Classic. It comes in three firmness options (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm), so most sleepers should be able to find an option that suits their needs. We’d recommend side sleepers go with the Plush Soft, back sleepers opt for Luxury Firm, and stomach sleepers choose Firm. But no matter which model you pick, you’ll get a good deal of support, responsiveness, and bounce.

When we laid down on the Saatva, we found it very easy to move around, thanks to the bounciness of the mattress’s double layer of coils. This tells us it’s also a good option for combination sleepers. Also, even though the Saatva tends to be a more expensive luxury mattress, a full is going to be a bit less expensive than a queen. You can usually find one for under $1,600 after discounts.

What our tester says: “Overall, I experienced the Saatva as a medium-firm to firm mattress, but I still felt some nice cushioning from its quilted Euro pillow-top.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

The Saatva has almost 3,000 reviews on the company’s website, with many customers singling out the speed and convenience of their mattress delivery. The brand actually offers free white glove delivery, which means they’ll send someone to your house to set up your new bed for you.

Pros of the Saatva Mattress

• The Saatva has a strong innerspring build. Anyone worried about sagging should really like this bed.
• The solid edge support is great for maximizing mattress space, and the responsive nature of the bed makes it ideal for sex. Both of these traits should appeal to couples.
• This is a durable mattress that should support most folks over 250 pounds. For something even more supportive, try the Saatva HD — a bed built specifically for heavy people.

Cons of the Saatva Mattress

• We test a mattress’s motion transfer by dropping several steel balls of different weights onto the bed and measuring the subsequent vibrations with a seismometer. The higher the vibration, the more movement is rippling across the surface. The Saatva had high motion transfer, so if you sleep with a partner and either of your are light sleepers, you may wake each other up with your tossing and turning.

Think the Saatva is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Saatva mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best innerspring mattresses.

Nolah Natural – Best Full-Size Organic Mattress

Expert Opinion

If sustainability is your main concern when looking for a new full-size mattress, we think the Nolah Natural could be the right bed for you. It incorporates an organic wool and organic cotton cover. Beneath that lies an all-natural Talalay latex comfort and transition layer. Recycled steel coils provide support, and at the very bottom is another layer of organic cotton and wool.

When we tested out the Nolah Natural, we found it to be cozy, yet responsive. While it scored a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale (which is medium soft), we also found it very easy to move around on the mattress’s surface and change positions. There’s softness and contouring, but also a good deal of bounce.

What our tester says: “If organic and eco-friendly materials are important to you, then this is a great fit. This Nolah mattress has GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic wool, GOTS certified organic cotton, natural Talalay latex, and recycled steel. It’s free of harmful chemicals and substances.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

On Nolah’s website, the Nolah Natural has an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5. Several folks call out the craftsmanship and durability of the materials.

Pros of the Nolah Natural Mattress

• Beyond its eco-friendliness, the Nolah Natural is also a good choice for hot sleepers. Talalay latex is a naturally cooling material, and the recycled coils promote airflow. 
• This mattress should support a neutral spinal alignment for back sleepers of all body types.
• As a softer mattress, the Nolah Natural should ease pressure off of sensitive areas for side sleepers, specifically the shoulder and hip.

Cons of the Nolah Natural Mattress

• We recommend stomach sleepers stick with a firmer mattress, since the Nolah Natural likely won’t be able to properly support their hips.

Think the Nolah Natural is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nolah Natural mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best organic mattresses.

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Full-Size Mattress for Hip and Shoulder Pain

Expert Opinion

We understand that those who suffer from hip pain and shoulder pain need a soft, pressure-relieving full-size mattress that will cushion their pressure points. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a great choice for these sleepers, as it has three layers of foam above its pocketed coil layer, which ensures that sleepers will experience a cloud-like feel. We recommend folks also opt for the pillow top model for maximum comfort.

We should note that, like many Brooklyn Bedding models, the Aurora Luxe comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm. We tried out the Medium and put it through our pressure-map test. For back sleepers, we saw almost no pressure buildup at the shoulders and hips. Side sleepers showed a little bit of pressure in these areas, but this shouldn’t be an issue at all on the Soft model.

What our tester says: “Sleepers who struggle with shoulder or hip pain might also appreciate the soft feel of this mattress.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Across nearly 4,200 reviews on the Brooklyn Bedding website, the Aurora Luxe has an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5. Many folks speak to its cooling abilities, and best of all, you can actually see each reviewer’s sleeping position, body type, age range, and other traits. This allows you to find the opinion of someone who’s similar to you.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress

• This bed is made with a cooling cover and each of its foam layers is made with cooling technology. This is another perk for those who suffer from pain, as they tend to struggle to fall and stay asleep, so they certainly don’t need to be woken up from overheating.
• The Aurora Luxe excels in cooling, edge support, and responsiveness. These are three of the qualities we love to see in a good mattress for couples.
• Because it’s available in three different firmnesses, we think there’s an Aurora Luxe model for everyone. Side sleepers should opt for the Soft, back sleepers should opt for the Medium, and stomach sleepers should opt for the Firm.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress

• Even the Firm model won’t be supportive enough for heavier sleepers over 250 pounds. They should check out some of our best mattresses for heavy people instead.

Think the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for shoulder pain.

Leesa – Best Full-Size Memory Foam Mattress

Expert Opinion

If you’re after a full-size bed and love memory foam, then the Leesa might be the right pick for you. The Leesa is our pick for the best full-size memory foam bed because it offers the sought-after qualities of contouring and pressure relief. It has a slightly firmer feel than most memory foam mattresses, which makes it an ideal choice for back sleepers or anyone after a bit more support.

One of the main reasons so many people love memory foam is because of its ability to relieve pain. When we put the Leesa through our pressure-map test, we were pleased to find out that there was little to no pressure on any areas of the body for back sleepers. Side-sleeping showed little to no pressure in the lumbar region and hips, but a little bit of pressure on the shoulders.

What our tester says: “The Leesa has a doughy, cushiony feel. You’ll experience some nice pressure relief and contouring on this mattress, thanks to layers of memory foam and breathable foam.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Leesa has almost 20,000 reviews on their website, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 for their flagship mattress. Many reviewers comment on the durability of the foam — how it doesn’t feel too saggy over time and makes a great fit for a guest room.

Pros of the Leesa Mattress

• It sleeps cooler than many all-foam beds, thanks to a comfort layer made from breathable foam. We think it could be a great choice for hot sleepers.
• Budget shoppers wanting a full-size bed for a reasonable price should love the Leesa, which is often priced at under $1,000 for a full-size after discounts.
• Some combination sleepers (especially back-side combination sleepers) should appreciate the responsive quality of the Leesa.

Cons of the Leesa Mattress

• Stomach sleepers probably won’t feel well-supported on this bed, and may experience their hips dipping too far into the material and out of alignment.

Think the Leesa is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Leesa mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best memory foam mattresses.

What Is A Full-Size Mattress?

A full-size mattress, also known as a double mattress, is a bed larger than a twin yet smaller than a queen. It measures 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. It’s ideal for single sleepers wanting a bit more width than a twin. While couples can fit on a full, they would be better off with the additional space a queen provides.

What To Look For In A Full-Size Mattress

It’s important to note that not every full mattress is going to work for every sleeper. Here are a few of the factors you may want to consider while shopping:

Price

Of course, you’ll also want to consider cost. A common full mattress price is usually at least $800. Though that might sound like a big investment, you can’t put a price on quality sleep that’ll keep you feeling rested and refreshed each day. If you’re after a deal, we’d recommend shopping around the holidays, as brands tend to run sales around those times. We’d also check out our mattress coupons as well as our best cheap mattresses page for even more savings.

Materials

It’s a good idea to have a bit of knowledge of a bed’s composition before you go shopping. Mattresses can be made of foam, innerspring coils, latex, or a combination of materials. Those made with a combination of materials are called hybrid mattresses. Latex mattresses are great choices for green-shoppers, since latex is a natural material. Innerspring beds are the most traditional type of mattress, and can appeal to seniors and those who need added support. Foam beds are typically cheaper, and we’d recommend looking for the words CertiPUR-US Certified when shopping for a foam bed to ensure the foam is free of harmful chemicals and pollutants. Finally, you’ll also want to consider what your mattress cover is made of — from organic cotton to polyester, there’s a whole range of fabrics you might find in a cover.

What Are The Most Popular Mattress Certifications?

Here’s a list of some of the most popular mattress certifications out there.

• CertiPUR-US
• GREENGUARD Gold 
• Eco-Insitut 
• Global Organic Textile Standard
• Global Organic Latex Standard
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100

 

Durability

The durability of a mattress is typically dependent on two factors: construction quality and edge support. The quality of materials is important, of course; if you have low-quality foams, they’re more likely to sag prematurely. Edge support, or the strength of the mattress perimeter, is an indicator of durability.

Firmness and Feel 

Mattress firmness is measured on a 1–10 scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. Your preferred sleeping position is going to dictate which firmness level is best for you, but it also comes down to personal preference. If you like the feel of a firmer bed, but you’re a side sleeper, then a firmer memory foam bed could work for you, as long as it provides enough contouring. Most sleepers do best on a medium-firm bed in the 6–7 range. For more, see our mattress firmness guide.

Sleeping Position 

What position you sleep in is going to dictate what type of mattress is right for you. For example, side sleepers need a softer bed with contouring, which will help take some of the pressure off their hips and shoulders. Conversely, stomach sleepers need a firm bed with lots of support to keep their hips from sinking out of line with their shoulders. Back sleepers should opt for a medium-firm mattress that balances pressure relief and support. Finally, combination sleepers need a mattress that has enough bounce to make switching positions a breeze. See our guide to better sleep posture for more information.

Body Type

One of the considerations that’s just as important as your sleeping position is your body type. Different people of different weights won’t respond to a mattress the same way, as heavier sleepers compress more of the mattress layers. Also, heavier sleepers (those over 250 pounds) generally require a more supportive mattress to prevent the materials from bottoming out.

Temperature Regulation

If you tend to sleep hot, a cooling mattress could be a great investment. Typically, hybrid or innerspring beds are going to sleep cooler than an all-foam mattress, since they allow added airflow. However, some all-foam beds manage to sleep cool, thanks to cooling technology. When looking at mattresses made with foam, we’d keep an eye out for words like “copper-infused,” “graphite-infused,” or “gel-memory foam.” Latex foam is also naturally cooling. Lastly, a cover can make all the difference: those made with organic cotton or Phase Change Material, a fabric that actively works to dissipate body heat, are the best choices.

Edge Support

Edge support refers to how well a mattress holds up on the edges as compared to the center. Some beds tend to be less supportive on the edges, which is something couples and larger people should look out for. We’d recommend seeing if the brand mentions edge support or reinforced edges on their site.

Pressure Relief

If you suffer from any kind of pain, it’s very important to find a mattress that offers good pressure relief. That means the bed will evenly distribute your body weight, and prevent too much pressure from developing in one area. The best mattresses for pressure relief tend to be memory foam mattresses, which contour around joints, which helps to evenly distribute weight.

We measure every mattress’s ability to relieve pressure using a unique test called a pressure map. It involves rolling a specialized mat across the bed’s surface and lying down on it in each sleeping position (back, side, and stomach). The mat reads how much pressure is being put on various areas of the body, then displays the results on a computer via thermal imaging. Blue is on the lowest end of the scale, indicating no pressure. Red is on the highest end, indicating very high pressure. Check out the below pressure-map results for the all-foam Nectar.

As you can see, the results are mostly blue on the Nectar, showing that it’s an excellent mattress for pressure relief.

Trial and Warranty

We recommend paying close attention to a mattress’s sleep trial and warranty. A mattress’s sleep trial (typically 100 nights or more) allows you to test out the mattress in your home for a particular period of time. A warranty (typically 10 years or more) protects the customer from damages and defects upon delivery. It’s important to read the details, as every company has different policies.

For more information, see our article on how to return a mattress.

Shipping

Most online mattress brands these days sell bed-in-a-box mattresses, which ship compressed in a box. You’ll have to unbox these beds at home (we’d recommend doing so in the room you plan to use the mattress in). However, if you’d prefer to have someone set up your mattress for you, many companies offer white glove delivery, which means someone will come to your home, unbox your mattress, and place it where you’d like it.

Contouring

Contouring is particularly important for side sleepers. That’s because they’ll want their mattress to support their hips and shoulders and provide contouring at their midsection. Memory foam mattresses offer the most contouring, but poly foam and latex foam also offer a bit. Back sleepers might also want to look for a bed with some contouring, which can help support the lower back.

Motion Transfer

Motion transfer refers to how much movement is detectable from one side of the mattress to the other. A mattress with low motion transfer is going to be a better choice for couples, who won’t want to feel their partner’s every movement throughout the night. Memory foam is great at absorbing motion, whereas coils typically transfer motion. If you’re worried about motion transfer, we’d recommend a bed with a thick top layer of foam.

To test motion transfer, we drop several steel balls of varying weights onto a mattress, then use a seismometer to measure the level of vibration. Low vibrations mean low motion transfer. High vibrations mean high motion transfer. If you share a bed with a partner and one or both of you is a light sleeper, you’ll want a mattress with low motion transfer. Check out the motion transfer results of the Helix Midnight for an example.

These are fairly low motion transfer results, so we think the Helix Midnight is a solid choice for couples.

Do you have a lot of questions about sleeping with a partner? See our guide to sleeping as a couple.

Should Couples Buy a Full-Size Mattress?

Yes, couples can fit on a full-size mattress. However, we think couples would be more comfortable with a queen-size mattress or larger. A queen provides five more inches of width that can really make a difference with two sleepers, especially if one of you tosses and turns.

Pros And Cons Of A Full-Size Mattress

A mattress that works for one person may not work for another. Let’s take a quick moment to run down some of the benefits and drawbacks of a full-size mattress.

Pros

• Great for small rooms and guest rooms
• Less expensive than a queen
• Solid options for older kids and young adults

Cons

• Not quite big enough to comfortably fit couples
• May look odd in a large bedroom

Who Should Buy A Full-Size Mattress

A full-size mattress can work for almost anybody, but we think they’re particularly suited to single adults. They should have plenty of room on a full-size bed for these folks, and a full mattress takes up less floor space than a queen or king. They’re also a more economical choice, making them a good option for a guest room, if you have one.

A full-size mattress might work for some smaller couples, as long as they’re okay with a tighter squeeze. The benefit is that they’ll get their bed at a much lower price tag than a queen, king, or California king mattress.

They can also be a good fit for kids and teens who are still growing, or just want some added bed space. For more great options, see our roundup for the best full-size mattress for kids.

Full-Size Mattress Materials

Even though all full-size mattresses are going to be the same size, there’s a lot of variation in how they’re constructed. Here are some of the most common types.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are best known for their hug-like feel. While not all are accustomed tp it, those who are stand by memory foam’s gentle contouring and comfy sinkage. We recommend selecting a model with high-density foam at its foundation for the best durability.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine traits from both innerspring and memory foam mattresses. These beds have a nice comfort layer yet are also equipped with sturdy coils for support. These beds come in a range of firmnesses and feels.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses utilize a thinner comfort layer and a layer of support coils. This results in a bouncy (responsive), firm feel.

Latex

Latex provides a bouncy (responsive) quality to any mattresses it’s used in. It’s also a naturally cooling material, making it great for hot sleepers. We also recommend these mattresses to eco-conscious shoppers.

Airbed

These beds are different than air mattresses. Instead of inflating a plastic mattress, airbeds utilize air channels that can be more finely tuned or controlled. This results in a luxury mattress feel that can cater to your individual needs and preferences.

Full-Size Mattress Dimensions

General Info	Full-Size Bed
Dimensions	54 x 75 inches
How Much It Costs	$1,000 (depends on the mattress construction)
Who It’s Best For	Budget shoppers, young adults, older kids
Where to Use	Smaller bedroom or guest room

Full vs Other Mattress Sizes

Next, let’s take a look at how full-size beds compare to other mattress sizes.

Full-Size vs Queen-Size Mattresses

A standard full-size mattress is 54 x 75 inches, whereas a queen mattress is 60 x 80 inches. You may think a few inches can’t make that much of a difference, but if you sleep with a partner, it may actually be the deciding factor in morning arguments about sleeping on top of one another. Generally, full-size mattresses are best for solo sleepers.

Not only is a full-size mattress a few inches smaller, it’s generally a few pounds lighter. This means they can be easier to carry up to apartments or into guest rooms. Full-size mattresses can weigh anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds. Here’s a sizing chart to illustrate the dimensional differences between a full and a queen, in addition to several other mattress types.

Size	Measurements
Twin	38″ x 75″
Twin XL	38″ x 80″
Full	54” x 75”
Full XL	54” x 80″
Queen	60” x 80”
King	76” x 80”
California King	72″ x 84″

Aside from size and weight, one main difference between a full and queen mattress is price. A full mattress (also known as a double) is going to be a few hundred dollars cheaper than a queen-size mattress. If you are okay with having a little less bed space, you can save quite a bit purchasing a full-size mattress over a queen-size bed.

Full-Size vs Twin-Size Mattresses

A standard full-size mattress is 54 x 75 inches, whereas a twin mattress is 38 x 75 inches. These beds differ in their width; both mattress sizes are the same length (75 inches). Twin mattresses are fantastic for smaller rooms and kids. On the other hand, full mattresses provide an extra 16 inches that can accommodate older kids or young adults. We’d also recommend full mattresses to combination sleepers, since the additional width gives them plenty of room to move around.

Full-Size vs Double Mattresses

Many assume that full and double mattresses are two completely different sizes. In fact, they are the same size. Full and double beds are terms that are used interchangeably amongst brands.

Accessories For Your Full Mattress

There are a number of ways to make your full mattress more comfortable. Check out the following mattress accessories.

Bed Frame

While not fully necessary, we believe a bed frame to be a crucial investment in the mattress world. Elevating your mattress on a frame keeps it up and away from contaminants like dirt and dust. There are a number of different types of bed frames out there, but if you want to know our favorites, see our roundup for the best bed frames.

Sheets

The right sheets are a small investment that can make a huge difference. If you’re sleeping with old sheets that now have holes or feel far less soft than they once did, you should check out our best bed sheets roundup. When choosing sheets, we recommend considering temperature (cozy or cooling), pricing (affordable or luxury), and overall feel (crisp or silky).

Toppers

Mattress toppers are intended to change the feel of the mattress. Many know about toppers that make your mattress softer, but there are many models on the market that can make your bed firmer as well. For some of the best options, see our favorite mattress toppers.

Pillows

The best pillows on the market promote great spinal alignment and an amazing rest. That’s why it’s so important to change pillows about every couple of years.

FAQs

What are the dimensions of a full-size mattress?

Full-size mattresses measure 54 x 75 inches. They are the same length of a twin bed but wider.

How big is a full-size mattress?

A full-size mattress is wider than a twin mattress and smaller than a queen mattress.

How long does it take for a full-size bed-in-a-box mattress to expand?

Like all sizes of bed-in-a-box mattress, it’s best to give a full-size mattress 24 to 72 hours to expand. This lets the mattress fully stretch itself out, and can also allow for any off-gassing.

Who is best suited for a full-size mattress?

Older kids or young adults wanting a great first mattress are best suited for a full. It provides more room for a twin, but it can still fit in smaller rooms. It’s also cheaper than a queen, which is ideal for the younger population or anyone avoiding the cost of a larger mattress.

What is the average price for a good full-size mattress?

Most quality full-size beds cost around $500-$1,500. Keep in mind this depends on the materials used. For example, the best latex mattresses are generally priced much higher than the best memory foam mattresses.

How much does a full-size mattress weigh?

Full-size mattresses weigh between 50 and 100 pounds. Of course, this depends on the materials used in the mattress’s construction. Each model varies in weight, but you can often find details on company sites.

How We Chose These Mattresses

We’ve reviewed more than 220 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.

Because mattress size isn’t one of our categories, we looked at how much each of these beds costs for a full, then compared that to its overall score. In order to recommend the highest-quality mattresses, we stuck with products that have an overall score of 4 out of 5 or higher. Click here to learn more about our methodology.

Summary

Mattress	Best For	Price (Full)	Coupon	Review
Nectar	Overall	$1,049	Nectar Coupon	Read Our Review
DreamCloud	Back Sleepers	$1,199	DreamCloud Coupon	Read Our Review
Helix Midnight	Side Sleepers	$1,248	Helix Coupon	Read Our Review
WinkBeds Plus	Couples	$1,699	WinkBed Coupon	Read Our Review
Emma Hybrid Comfort	Hybrid	$1,319	Emma Coupon	Read Our Review
Bear Star Hybrid	Back Pain	$1,498	Bear Coupon	Read Our Review
Saatva	Innerspring	$1,895	Saatva Coupon	Read Our Review
Nolah Natural	Organic	$1,899	Nolah Coupon	Read Our Review
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe	Hip and Shoulder Pain	$1,865	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
Leesa	Memory Foam	$1,099	Leesa Coupon	Read Our Review

Bridget Chapman

Former Senior Product Editor

About Author

Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and the former senior commerce editor at Sleepopolis, where she did everything from test out mattresses to writing about how to fall asleep fast. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course, getting some quality Zzz’s.