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. So, what are the best mattresses of 2024?
Keep in mind that the word “best” is subjective. Different sleepers require different characteristics from a bed, so what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why we kept a wide range of categories in mind when presenting our best mattresses. Our hope is that most folks should find not just the “best” mattress, but the mattress best for them.
To select the very best mattresses, we put the models through a series of tests to determine how well they perform in certain areas such as cooling, responsiveness, and more. Since there’s no one-size-fits-all mattress, we tried to choose beds with different strengths. Some are more cooling than others, some are better at pain relief. But one thing’s for sure: all of these beds are quality options, and all of these beds were meticulously tested by the Sleepopolis team.
Our Best Overall Mattress Pick
The Helix Midnight mattress earns the top spot due to its medium-firm feel that can appeal to a variety of different sleepers, regardless of sleeping position or body type. Plus, the support layer of individually wrapped coils provides a lift that can relieve pressure on your shoulders and lower back.
The 17 Best Mattresses of 2024
- Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress
- DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Saatva – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress
- Nectar – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Mattress
- Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
- DreamCloud Premier – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Helix Dawn – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
- Nolah Evolution – Best Hybrid Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Couples
- Bear Star Hybrid – Best Mattress That Won’t Sag
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress For Heavy People
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress
- Emma Original – Best Value Mattress
- Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress
Best Mattress 2024 Video Review
What We Look 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, our team selected beds with all sorts of firmnesses so there’s an option for every sleeper.
Type of Mattress
We took special care to make sure there were a variety of different mattress constructions represented in this roundup, as we recognize that every sleeper has unique preferences. While there are hundreds and hundred of different mattresses on the market, we 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, we 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 Mattress | Nectar Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | DreamCloud Premier Mattress | Helix Dawn Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Titan Plus | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Emma Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- | ✓ | -- | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sleep Position | Back & Side | Back | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Combination | Back & Side | Combination | Back | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back | Back & Stomach |
Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress
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
Expert Opinion
Helix offers an extensive selection of hybrid mattresses, and the Midnight is right in the middle in terms of firmness. It has a medium feel that will appeal to a wide range of sleepers, which is why we chose it as our Best Overall pick. One of the areas the Helix Midnight excels in is its pressure relief. When lying down on it, you’ll get some immediate relief on the lower back and shoulders, while still getting a bit of a lift from the support layer of individually wrapped coils.
We know this because we put the Helix Midnight through our pressure map test, which involves setting a mat down on the mattress and using it to track areas where the most pressure builds up. While lying down on the mat, our map showed mostly blue and green, indicating low pressure buildup. There was a bit of yellow at the hip, showing the Helix Midnight may not be great for side sleepers with hip pain. But because the map didn’t show any orange or red, most back and side sleepers should be comfortable on this bed.
What our tester says: “I love that the Helix Midnight offers solid edge support — you can use the whole bed! It also has great motion isolation, which makes it a nice option for couples. I also really like this bed for combination sleepers. The mattress is bouncy, making it easy for you to roll over or switch positions at night without worrying that you’ll get ‘stuck’ in the bed.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
A lot of reviews mention the Helix Sleep Quiz, which takes 30 seconds and helps shoppers find the best Helix model for their needs. Many shoppers bought the Helix Midnight because of the sleep quiz, and a lot of these folks have positive reviews.
Highlights of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- Motion transfer refers to how much movement ripples across a mattress. We determine this by dropping a steel ball onto the bed and measuring its vibrations with a seismometer. The Helix Midnight has low motion transfer, which means partners aren’t likely to feel each other moving around at night.
- Back sleepers should appreciate the Helix Midnight’s balance of comfort and support. They’ll get some cushioning in the lumbar region, and the coils will help keep their spines neutrally aligned.
- Side sleepers also require a mixture of comfort and support. They should get some pressure relief and contouring at their shoulders and hips. These are areas where they put the most pressure on while sleeping. For extra pressure relief, we recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe, the standard Helix Midnight’s luxury version.
What to Keep in Mind about the Helix Midnight Mattress
- Heavy sleepers over 250 pounds probably won’t get the support they need on the Helix Midnight. They’d be better off on the Helix Plus — the brand’s bed made especially for larger body types.
Learn more in our full Helix Midnight mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best online mattresses.
DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
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
Expert Opinion
Combination sleepers change positions throughout the night, so they need a responsive mattress that makes it easy to move around. A mattress with too much sinkage makes it difficult to change from stomach sleeping to side sleeping and so on.
In our mattress lab, the DreamCloud Original scored exceptionally well. We found it to be super responsive with a bouncy and “on top of” feel. While lying on the mattress, we were able to switch from one position to the next without feeling stuck in the material. We attribute this to the DreamCloud’s hybrid construction, which includes a springy layer of individually-wrapped coils.
What our tester says: “Because it’s supportive and responsive, I think the DreamCloud is a solid choice for combination sleepers, as well as back sleepers who need a neutral spinal alignment.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are roughly 8,700 reviews on DreamCloud’s company site, and a number of verified shoppers write about how responsive the mattress is and how comfortable it is to switch sleeping positions. And in a different context, the word “responsive” is also tossed around when it comes to shoppers praising DreamCloud’s stellar customer service.
Highlights of the DreamCloud Mattress
- The policies offered by DreamCloud are difficult to beat, with an extremely generous 365-night trial, as well as a lifetime warranty.
- With cooling gel infusions in the foam to the sheer number of coils in its construction, there’s a lot of room for airflow in the DreamCloud, so it sleeps nice and cool.
- While its responsiveness does result in a lower motion isolation score, many couples should still appreciate the way its bouncy feel enhances mobility during sex.
What to Keep in Mind about the DreamCloud Mattress
- Its tall height results in added durability, but it also makes it a heavier bed-in-a-box. We recommend grabbing a friend to assist you with the unboxing and moving process.
Learn more in our full DreamCloud mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
Saatva Classic – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
When you test as many beds as we do, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But the Saatva Classic is a sturdy, high-quality mattress that offers a luxury feel at a more affordable price. So, there was no question that it had to take the spot for best affordable luxury mattress. Feel-wise, it’s an innerspring mattress that comes in three different firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm.
While testing out the Luxury Firm, we found it to be bouncy, responsive, and supportive. We perform our motion transfer test primarily for couples; a low motion transfer shows that they won’t be disturbed by each other’s movements during sleep. We dropped a 10-pound steel ball on the mattress surface from heights of four inches, eight inches, and 12 inches. We found high motion transfer results on the Saatva, showing that while it may not be the best for couples, it’s a really responsive option. We attribute this to its coil-on-coil construction — i.e. two separate layers of springs. This indicates the Saatva is a fantastic option for combination sleepers and for sex, as switching positions and sexual activity both require being able to move around easily.
What our tester says: “The Saatva classic is a bouncy, high-quality mattress with durability and great edge support. I think it’s a nice option for back sleepers and combination sleepers. I appreciate how the Saatva Classic comes in three different firmness levels and two different heights, so sleepers can choose the model that works best for their needs.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
It was no surprise that many of the customer reviews highlighted Saatva’s delivery and customer service. They’re one of the few mattress companies that offers free mattress delivery, as well as free mattress setup. They’ll even remove and dispose of your old mattress.
Highlights of the Saatva Mattress
- Because it’s available in three very different firmness levels, the Saatva has a model for side sleepers (Plush Soft), back sleepers (Luxury Firm), and stomach sleepers (Firm). Combination sleepers should be able to easily change positions on any of these beds.
- With so many coils in its construction, there’s a lot of room for airflow in the Saatva, so it sleeps nice and cool.
- Saatva offers free white glove delivery service with every mattress. That means a delivery team will bring the (uncompressed) bed into your room of choice, set it up, and remove your old mattress at no additional cost.
What to Keep in Mind about the Saatva Mattress
- Due to its bounciness, the Saatva has fairly high motion transfer. This likely won’t be a problem for most couples, but if you or your partner are light sleepers, you might wake each other up with your movements. Many of the best memory foam mattresses offer better motion isolation.
Learn more in our full Saatva mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best luxury mattresses.
Nectar – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
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
Expert Opinion
Throughout the night, sleeping on your side puts a lot of pressure on two areas: the shoulder and the hip. If you have too firm of a mattress, it can lead to extra discomfort and even unnecessary pain at these areas. To prevent this, you need a pressure-relieving mattress like the Nectar Original.
In fact, the Nectar is so cushioning that it tested excellently for shoulder pain and hip pain. During this testing, we also determined that this mattress should support side sleepers under 250 pounds. These results were all determined by our pressure map, which showed very low pressure (only blue and green) while back and side sleeping.
What our tester says: “My favorite thing about the Nectar Premier is its great pressure relief. This medium-soft mattress is a great fit for side sleepers looking for plush comfort. It might also be a nice fit for sleepers who deal with shoulder pain. If you’re a back sleeper looking for a new mattress to replace your old Nectar Lush (which has been discontinued), I’d also consider the Premier.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
In the comments, there are a few categories of people who seem to have the most success with the Nectar: back sleepers, side sleepers, and couples. We think this is probably because of the Nectar’s balanced feel, excellent pressure relief, and good motion transfer results.
Highlights of the Nectar Mattress
- We found that the Nectar’s medium feel (6 out of 10 on our firmness scale) should provide a balanced feel for back sleepers under 250 pounds.
- This is one of our favorite value mattresses on the market today. You can currently find a queen for under $700 after discounts.
- The company offers a generous 365-night trial and lifetime warranty to protect their customers’ purchases.
What to Keep in Mind about the Nectar Mattress
- Stomach sleepers will find that the Nectar is far too soft to properly support their sleeping position throughout the night. We recommend you check out one of the best mattresses for stomach sleeping instead.
Learn more in our full Nectar mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back Pain
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
Expert Opinion
The best mattress for back pain is somewhat subjective, as different body types and sleeping positions will find relief in different ways. But one aspect of the best mattresses for back pain that our experts find to be standard across the board is the need for a sufficient balance of comfort and support. For instance, side sleepers require a plusher feel to cushion the shoulders, but they still need a supportive base to lift the hips into a healthy alignment.
We think that the WinkBed is ideal for delivering a balanced feel, regardless of who you are. Its hybrid construction allows for a plusher feel on top and tons of spinal support at the foundation. We also love that there are three firmness options (Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer), as well as a slightly more expensive model called the Plus designed for heavier sleepers.
To ensure we give shoppers the best possible recommendation for their back pain, we put the WinkBed (as we do with hundreds of other mattresses) through our pressure map test. On the Luxury Firm model, the WinkBed’s medium option, we saw all blue and green (low pressure) in the back-sleeping position. The soft comfort foams should fill in the lumbar region and ease or prevent back pain for these folks.
What our tester says: “I’m a fan of the WinkBed Plus’s bouncy and supportive feel, which is especially good for combination sleepers and back sleepers. I’d also recommend the Plus to couples, since it has some nice motion isolation.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The WinkBed is marketed as an ideal option for back pain, and many customer reviews back this up, regardless of which firmness they chose.
Highlights of the WinkBed Mattress
- Most side sleepers should find sufficient hip and shoulder pressure relief on the Softer model, and they won’t have to sacrifice proper support.
- Because of its tall coils, the WinkBed has a traditional innerspring feel: bouncy, responsive, and supportive.
- Hybrid mattresses and innerspring mattresses are often a good fit for hot sleepers because the coils leave so much space to flow through the bed. The WinkBed is no different.
What to Keep in Mind about the WinkBed Mattress
- It’s an affordable luxury mattress, but still not exactly a budget option, so if you’re wanting a super-cheap model, we recommend looking at the best mattresses under $1,000.
Learn more in our full WinkBed mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Mattress
The Brookyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s more high-end mattresses. It’s got a ton of cooling features in it that can help hot sleepers sleep cool all night. It’s also available in three different firmnesses, so it can accommodate all of the sleeping positions. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“First and foremost, I’d recommend this mattress to hot sleepers. This bed sleeps nice and cool thanks to special phase change technology and gel infusions. The Aurora Luxe is also a nice pick for back sleepers. This mattress in the Medium model is medium-soft, so it should contour the hips while also lifting them into alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
When we just place a hand on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, its cover is literally cool to the touch. But the mattress’s cooling capabilities don’t stop there. When we lie down, we don’t feel at all like we’re going to overheat. There’s plenty of air circulating between the coils in the support layer, and the foams in the bed have infusions of gel and copper, which absorb body heat and release it, rather than trapping it in the layers. Hot sleepers should be especially comfortable on this mattress.
What our tester says: “My favorite thing about this bed is how cooling it is. Hot sleepers who enjoy a soft feel should enjoy the Phase Change Material and breathable pocketed coils. I also appreciate how soft and cuddly this bed is. It feels similar to a lot of luxury hybrids on the market right now, but is a little cheaper than these beds.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many couples comment on how cooling the Aurora Luxe is, despite there being extra body heat from two people sleeping together. There were many reviews that recommended other shoppers opt for the Cloud Pillow Top, which provides extra cushioning and cooling.
Highlights of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
- Although the Aurora Luxe is a luxury hybrid mattress, Brooklyn Bedding owns its own factory, so you can often find the bed at a value price.
- The Aurora Luxe comes in a variety of firmnesses, so most sleepers should find a version that suits their needs. We tested the Medium model and liked it best for back and side sleepers since its comfort layers provide lots of cushioning and joint pain relief.
- The comfort layers are good at isolating motion, but the mattress is still responsive enough for sex. However, it is worth noting that the Aurora Luxe’s edge support isn’t the strongest.
What to Keep in Mind about the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
- Larger folks who weigh more than 250 pounds are better off looking at our best mattresses for heavy people.
Learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best cooling mattresses.
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
Expert Opinion
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Saatva Rx is our pick for the best mattress for shoulder pain — it was designed specifically to provide relief at the joints, as well as the back. The brand envisioned it as “the first luxury mattress specifically designed for sleepers with chronic back and joint conditions,” and when we laid down on it, we immediately felt both cradled and supported. Essentially, the mattress’s layers alternate between foam and springs, meaning there’s a constant balance of comfort and support that should give you plenty of pressure relief without making it feel like you’re stuck in the bed. When assigning the Saatva Rx a firmness rating, we gave it a 6.5 out of 10, which is the industry standard for medium firm.
But here at Sleepopolis, we just don’t go off of feel when evaluating a mattress’s pressure-relieving abilities; we also put every bed we test through our pressure map test. In the case of the Saatva Rx, the map lit up almost entirely blue, with just a touch of green while back sleeping and side sleeping. This indicates a high level of pressure relief. We can confidently say that this bed isn’t going to worsen any shoulder pain you experience. In fact, it should help alleviate it.
What our tester says: “The Saatva Rx is an excellent match for average weight back sleepers. As someone who falls into this category, I felt extremely comfortable on the Saatva Rx. This bed is highly supportive, so I felt my spine was neutrally aligned and supported. But the bed still offers plushness and comfort.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
As one of Saatva’s newer mattresses, the Rx currently has just 65 customer reviews on the brand’s website. But most of them are raves, giving the bed an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. When searching for the term “back pain,” almost half of these reviews call out the mattress for helping soothe their aches and pains.
Highlights of the Saatva Rx Mattress
- We found the Saatva Rx to be that unique mattress that’s a good fit for all three primary sleeping positions: back sleeping, side sleeping, and stomach sleeping. No matter how you sleep, you should get an optimal blend of comfort and support.
- Because there are several layers of coils, the Saatva Rx has plenty of room in its construction for airflow. This should help hot sleepers stay nice and cool.
- There’s enough responsiveness in the Saatva Rx for combination sleepers to be able to easily switch sleeping positions.
What to Keep in Mind about the Saatva Rx Mattress
- Unsurprisingly, the Saatva Rx comes with a high price tag and may not be the best option for budget shoppers. They should take a look at our page of the best cheap mattresses instead.
Learn more in our full Saatva Rx mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for shoulder pain.
DreamCloud Premier – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
The DreamCloud Premier’s construction is a thoughtful, luxurious take on the company’s flagship mattress. It uses a hybrid of foam and coils to achieve a firmer feel that’s still pressure-relieving. We think many back sleepers and stomach sleepers should appreciate this mattress. With such versatility and many special features, the Premier is well-equipped to cater to couples. Learn more in our DreamCloud Premier video review.
What our tester says:
“From the cashmere cover to the Euro top, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck with this bed. I really like how this mattress combines sturdy support with cozy pressure relief — making it a great choice for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
Expert Opinion
When it comes to finding a good mattress for back sleeping, we think the most important thing to remember is that there needs to be a balanced feel. The mattress should have the cushioning pressure relief to ease tension at the hips, but it should also have the support to keeps the hips lifted and properly aligned with the rest of the spine.
The DreamCloud Premier excels at this balance, and consequently, it’s our favorite mattress for back sleepers. While testing, we found that it worked especially well for back sleepers under 250 pounds. For these folks, it should have a slightly firmer-than-average feel (about a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale). Our pressure map test also showed little pressure at the hips for back sleeping, which tells us that the DreamCloud Premier is a fine choice for back pain.
What our tester says: “The DreamCloud Premier should be a great choice for back sleepers. It provides nice support, while also providing some sinkage, comfort, and pressure relief. Plus, the pocketed coils included in this mattress should offer enough support to keep sleepers’ spines neutrally aligned, helping them to avoid back pain.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
On DreamCloud’s website, the Premier has over 5,500 reviews and an average customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Highlights of the DreamCloud Premier Mattress
- The DreamCloud Premier has a hybrid construction of foam at the top and sturdy coils at the bottom. This helps the mattress sleep cool, as the coils leave plenty of room for airflow.
- As one of DreamCloud’s more luxurious models, the Premier has several high-end features, including a soft cashmere-blend cover.
- Average weight stomach sleepers should get the support they need to keep their hips lifted and aligned with their shoulders, which is crucial for preventing back pain.
What to Keep in Mind about the DreamCloud Premier Mattress
- During testing, we found this bed to lack the proper support for folks over 250 pounds. For super-durable beds that can support extra weight, take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Learn more in our full DreamCloud Premier mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Helix Dawn – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The Helix Dawn is one of the firmest mattresses offered by the company. Its construction provides good comfort for heavy people and stomach sleepers, both of whom need extra support to keep from sinking uncomfortably below the mattress surface. Like the other Helix mattresses, it can be upgraded to the Luxe version if you’re willing to pay a little extra for luxury features. To learn more, check out our video on Helix mattresses.
What our tester says:
“I really appreciate how supportive these mattresses are. Stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and heavy people (those over 250 pounds) could all benefit from the firm feel of this bed. No matter which model you choose, the Helix Dawn really delivers on lumbar support.” Logan Block, former Sleepopolis content director and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
At Sleepopolis, we recognize four sleeping position types: back, side, stomach, and combination. Each sleeper requires a different mattress, as the qualities that make a mattress fitting for some folks don’t always apply to others. Stomach sleepers, in particular, require a firmer mattress, which is usually a 7 to 8 out of 10 on the industry firmness scale. When you’re stomach sleeping, you don’t want your hips to bow into the mattress, and a firmer option helps prevent this, promoting a healthy spinal alignment.
For most of you stomach sleepers out there, we’re going to suggest the Helix Dawn. At a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, it’s Helix’s firmest option, made specifically for folks who rest in the prone position. There are high-density foams and individually wrapped coils towards the base of the mattress that elevate stomach sleepers’ hips. And the durable, quality construction helps ensure that this mattress will continue to support these folks for years to come.
What our tester says: “Stomach sleepers should enjoy both the standard Helix Dawn and the Helix Dawn Luxe. I’d recommend sticking with the standard Helix Dawn if you prefer more of an extra-firm feel to your mattress.” – Logan Block, former content director
What Customers Say
With 1,200+ reviews on Helix’s website, many verified shoppers comment on how the Dawn is really comfortable for stomach sleeping. Some of these folks even felt their back pain improve with the use of this mattress.
Highlights of the Helix Dawn Mattress
- Most back sleepers, regardless of body type, should find the Dawn to be a nice fit, especially if they’re partial to a firmer feel.
- Many people over 250 pounds should find the Helix Dawn provides sufficient support, but you can also check out the Helix Plus, a mattress made for heavier sleepers.
- The Helix Dawn is available in a Luxe option, which includes extra cooling features and a plush pillow top.
What to Keep in Mind about the Helix Dawn Mattress
- Because it places such an emphasis on a firmer feel, it’s not plush enough to cushion side sleepers. The Helix Midnight should be a much better option for these shoppers.
Learn more in our full Helix Dawn mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
Pressure-relieving mattresses are fantastic options for anyone suffering from joint pain or wanting maximum cushioning. We recommend that they seek out softer beds with thicker, more effective comfort layers that take pressure off sensitive areas. You’ll see a lot of side sleepers gravitating toward soft mattresses as well, as thicker comfort layers reduce pressure buildup and ease the weight put on the hips and shoulders. The Bear Elite Hybrid has three different firmness options, but the Soft model makes for our favorite mattress for pressure relief on the market.
During our pressure relief test, we found that the memory foam layers helped keep us cushioned, but the dual layers of coils still gave us the support we need for a neutral spinal alignment. On our pressure map test, the Bear Elite Hybrid proved to be a solid option for back pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain; we didn’t see any indications of pressure buildup in these areas.
What our tester says: “I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most side sleepers. I think they’ll get the needed pressure relief and contouring at the shoulders and hips on this bed. But if they want even more cushioning, then I’d opt for the Soft model.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
A lot of customers highlight the Bear Elite Hybrid’s ability to be cushy yet supportive, which for them makes it a great option for joint pain and back pain.
Highlights of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
- The Bear Elite Hybrid offers an optional cover (available for a fee) that’s made of Celliant, a material that’s cooling and may promote blood flow and recovery (the studies on this so far are small, but promising). While we haven’t verified this ourselves (except for the cooling), these factors all make the Bear a popular choice among those with an active lifestyle.
- Those with joint pain should feel cradled by the Soft model’s two memory foam layers.
- The Bear Elite Hybrid isolates motion well, but is still responsive enough for sex. It sleeps pretty cool and even scored decently on edge support. This means it’s a solid option for many couples, who should be able to spread out and utilize the entire surface of the mattress.
What to Keep in Mind about the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
- Even though the Bear Elite Hybrid has support from its coils, we still recommend the Firm model and not the Soft model for stomach sleepers.
- The Celliant cover that may help in muscle recovery and keeps the mattress cool must be purchased separately for around $130.
Learn more in our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best soft mattresses or the best mattresses for joint pain.
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
Expert Opinion
Being a hybrid mattress, the Nolah Evolution combines various foams with a bottom layer of coils for a mixture of comfort and support. It comes in three different firmness levels: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested out the Luxury Firm and found it to be a tad on the softer side, scoring a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale (for context, medium-firm is 6.5 out of 10). We think it could be a good fit for a variety of sleepers. And like any good hybrid, it has several different cooling features.
What our tester says: “I love how the Nolah Evolution comes in three different firmness models, so you can choose the best fit for you. One of my favorite features is the soft pillow top. It’s a great touch for anyone that suffers from shoulder or hip pain, as it allows you to sink into bed for a plusher feel.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Customers praise the customer service at Nolah, saying that the company representatives were patient and accommodating. Many folks had good experiences with returns and refunds as well.
Highlights of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- Since there are three different firmnesses to choose from, we think there’s something for everyone. Side sleepers and back sleepers will likely be most comfortable on the Plush or Luxury Firm depending on their firmness preferences, and the Firm model may work for stomach sleepers.
- The mattress’s proprietary foams are designed to be a cooler alternative to memory foam, and the coils allow lots of air to flow through the bed’s construction. This means the Nolah Evolution should be a good choice for most hot sleepers.
- During testing, we found that the Nolah Evolution had decent motion isolation, which muffles smaller movements. Also, couples can stretch out because of the bed’s exceptional edge support. At eight inches tall, the Nolah Evolution’s springs are wrapped in Edge-Tech support foam, which holds up the sides of the bed, as well as the middle.
What to Keep in Mind about the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- Heavy people should seek out a firmer, more supportive mattress that can accommodate heavier weights.
Learn more in our full Nolah Evolution mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Couples
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
When recommending the best mattress for couples, we tell sleepers to take several factors into account: namely cooling, edge support, responsiveness, and a the ability to isolate motion. We think the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid checks all of these boxes. When measuring its vibrations with a seismometer, we found that its foams were able to effectively dampen movement, meaning you and your partner aren’t likely to feel each other tossing and turning. Its layer of coils make it easy to change positions (a plus for sex), and the edge support is strong enough for both of you to be able to spread out and use the whole surface of the bed. Finally, the coils make way for plenty of airflow, so the mattress should have no problem cooling down two bodies at once.
We should also note that, like most of Brooklyn Bedding’s mattresses, the Signature Hybrid is available in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm. That means there’s a firmness here for every sleeping preference. We tested out the Medium version and gave it a score of 6.5 out of 10 — the industry standard for medium firm.
What our tester says: “In general, this mattress isolates motion well, has strong edge support, and sleeps fairly cool — all of which are factors that make the Signature Hybrid a strong choice for couples. In fact, I actually included this bed on our roundup of the best mattresses for couples.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
As Brooklyn Bedding’s most popular model, the Signature Hybrid has more than 11,000 reviews on the brand’s website and an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. When searching the term “couples”, 308 reviews come up — many of them with five-star ratings for the bed’s ability to accommodate two sleepers.
Highlights of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- The different firmness levels allow the Signature Hybrid to accommodate every sleeping position. We recommend that side sleepers go for the Soft, back sleepers opt for the Medium, and stomach sleepers stick with the Firm.
- This is a true budget option. You can often find a queen size for under $1,000 after discounts.
- The mattress’s responsiveness should make it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions.
What to Keep in Mind about the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- There aren’t a ton of bells and whistles on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. If you want some extra features, you should check out our list of the best luxury mattresses.
Learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for couples.
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
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for a highly durable mattress, a bed with springs in its construction is much less likely to sag than an all-foam mattress. But you’ll also want some additional features to ensure longevity, such as a lifetime warranty. The Bear Star Hybrid has both. When we laid down on it to test it out, we felt very supported by its bottom layer of coils, which extend all the way to the edge of the bed. This gives the mattress strong edge support (another key to preventing sagging). We felt like we could lie all the way near the edge without falling off. The brand’s forever warranty is a testament to this sturdiness.
In terms of feel, we actually found the Bear Star Hybrid to be a softer bed. We gave it a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, and think that it could be a good fit for back sleepers and side sleepers alike. It’s cushioning enough to provide pressure relief, while still being supportive enough to help you maintain a neutral spinal alignment.
What our tester says: “I felt like the Bear Star Hybrid had great edge support and edge coils when I sat on the side of it and when I laid down near the edge.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The Star Hybrid is newer than many of the other Bear models. As such, it only has a little over 60 customer reviews on the brand’s website. But its average rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars, with several users praising its soft-but-not-too-soft feel.
Highlights of the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
- As a brand, Bear caters to athletes and those with an active lifestyle. That’s why the Star Hybrid has a cover made of Celliant — a material designed to absorb your body’s heat, then redirect it back to you as energy to assist with blood flow and muscle recovery. While we haven’t personally verified these claims, you can read more about Celliant’s clinical trials here.
- An added benefit of Celliant is that it helps mattresses sleep cool. Considering this trait and the mattress’s airflow-promoting coils, we think it’s a good option for hot sleepers.
- The mattress’s cooling and strong edge support make it a natural fit for couples. You and your partner should be able to spread out and use the entire surface of the bed. You also won’t have to worry about heating up too much.
What to Keep in Mind about the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
- Stomach sleepers probably aren’t going to get the firmness or support they need on the Bear Star Hybrid. They may want to check out our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers instead.
Learn more in our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses that won’t sag.
Titan Plus – Best Mattress For Heavy People
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Dreamed up by Brooklyn Bedding, the Titan Plus is an extra-sturdy hybrid mattress designed for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds. During testing, we found that this mattress’s combination of high-density foam and individually wrapped coils performed especially well for these larger body types, as well as average weight back and stomach sleepers. And because of its exceptional durability, it’s also a mattress that won’t sag, propping you up and allowing you to use the entire surface of the bed.
We also measure a mattress’s ability to prevent sagging by testing out its edge support — essentially the strength of a bed’s perimeter. When we sat on the edge of the Titan Plus, we didn’t feel as if we were sliding off. The entire structure felt sturdy and supportive. This tells us that it should last heavy sleepers (and other body types) more than 10 years.
What our tester says: “The materials under the Titan Plus’ hood are sturdy and durable. You get just the right amount of cozy mobility on top, but the theme here is support. Heavier people with back problems will likely enjoy the lower body alignment the Titan Plus provides.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Several customers took time to note the Titan Plus’s price point. For a firm and durable mattress, many felt the $1,249 for a queen was an excellent value price.
Highlights of the Titan Plus Mattress
- In addition to edge support, the Titan Plus scored well in motion isolation. These are two crucial qualities of a good mattress for couples.
- Sleepers with back pain should feel incredibly supported by this mattress, which prevents the hips from sinking out of alignment. But the Titan Plus also has cushioning foams to comfort sensitive joints, especially at the lumbar area.
- This mattress tested very well for responsiveness, meaning combination sleepers should find it easy to change sleeping positions.
What to Keep in Mind about the Titan Plus Mattress
- Lightweight sleepers probably won’t be comfortable on the Titan Plus, as they will find it too firm. For better options, see our roundup of the best mattresses for lightweight sleepers.
Learn more in our full Titan Plus mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
There are a number of reasons why someone might want a firmer mattress, which usually measures somewhere between a 7 and 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, heavier people, and people with back pain can benefit. If you’re looking for an “on top of” feel and a truly firm bed, we recommend the Plank Firm. The most unique aspect of this bed is its flippable nature. On the Firm side, we measured a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, and on the Ultra Firm side, we measured an 8.5 out of 10.
During testing, we determined that the firm side is best for lightweight back and stomach sleepers, average-weight back and stomach sleepers, and heavy back sleepers. The Ultra Firm side should better suit average to heavyweight stomach sleepers. Still, even with enhanced firmness and support, the Plank Firm doesn’t lack comfort. On either side of the bed, there are comfort foams and quilted material to help cushion sensitive areas.
What our tester says: “I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
With 3,000+ reviews on the Plank Firm site, this mattress excites many folks who have been searching relentlessly for a truly firm bed. There are also a number of shoppers who found the Plank Firm helps relieve or alleviate their back pain. One particular customer, Alma H., found the Plank Firm because it was recommended by her physical therapist.
Highlights of the Plank Firm Mattress
- The “on top of” feel created by the Plank Firm, as well as the responsive nature of this mattress, makes it a big win for combination sleepers.
- This mattress is an all-foam bed that has a wonderful ability to isolate motion, a plus for anyone sharing a bed with a partner or pet.
- We were impressed with the edge support, especially for an all-foam bed. Overall, we didn’t feel the perimeter sink too much under our weight while sitting on it or lying down.
What to Keep in Mind about the Plank Firm Mattress
- Regardless of body type, side sleepers will feel too much pressure buildup at the shoulder and hip. We recommend they opt for one of the best soft mattresses instead.
Learn more in our full Plank Firm mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best firm mattresses.
Emma Original – Best Value Mattress
The Emma mattress is an all-foam bed, meaning that it includes four layers of foam in its construction and it doesn’t include any coils or springs. However, these are not all layers of memory foam (which you might have been thinking). Instead, the Emma uses Point Elastic Airgocell foam, HALO memory foam, and HRX (High Resiliency Extra) Supreme Foam throughout its build. These dense foams create a firm mattress, which is actually uncommon for this kind of bed. Because of this firmness, the Emma is a good fit for back, stomach, and combination sleepers who like more of an “on top” feel to their mattress. Check out more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Emma is a great choice for back sleepers. Although this is an all-foam mattress, it should have the right combination of comfort and support that these folks need. Stomach sleepers should also find the support they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
When we use the term “value mattress,” we aren’t always talking about price. Sometimes, we might recommend a more expensive mattress if we think you’re getting a good deal for your money. With the Emma Original, however, you get both: a high-quality bed at an extremely affordable price point. It’s built with sturdy yet breathable foams that should last a good long while for an all-foam mattress, and you can usually get a queen size for well under $1,000 after discounts. As of this writing, it’s actually under $600 once promotions have been applied (keep in mind that mattress prices can and do often change).
When lying on the Emma Original, we found it to have a rather firm feel, especially considering that it’s made entirely of memory foam. We rated it a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale — slightly higher than the industry standard for medium firm. And while we wouldn’t say it’s the coolest-sleeping mattress in the world, its open-celled foams definitely make it cooler than most foam beds.
What our tester says: “I think the Emma is a great choice for back sleepers. Although this is an all-foam mattress, it should have the right combination of comfort and support that these folks need.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
On Emma’s website, its flagship mattress has more than 65,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. 71 percent of the reviews mention how high-quality the bed is for its price.
Highlights of the Emma Original Mattress
- Back sleepers should get a little bit of pressure relief at the lumbar region while getting the lift and support they need to maintain a proper spinal alignment.
- Stomach sleepers should also be comfortable on the Emma. The foams are firm and supportive enough the keep their hips lifted and in line with their shoulders.
- Combination sleepers should find that it’s easy to switch sleeping positions on the Emma Original. That’s pretty impressive for any all-foam bed. These types of mattresses often give you a sinking feel that makes it difficult to move around. That’s not the case with the Emma.
What to Keep in Mind about the Emma Original Mattress
- Side sleepers will probably need a firmer mattress that contours their shoulders and hips. They can find plenty of options over at our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Learn more in our full Emma Original mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for the money.
Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress
The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re prone to allergies, want to avoid toxic chemicals, or simply need to feel good about the materials you’re sleeping on, we highly recommend an organic mattress. There’s a long road to being qualified as a truly organic mattress, as you have to be eligible for a host of certifications for emissions and materials. The Birch Natural is one such mattress.
At the very top of the Birch Natural, there’s an organic cotton cover that lies over a layer of organic wool. These components work together to provide lots of breathability and pressure relief. A transition layer, which leads folks into the thick support system of individually wrapped coils, is made up of all-natural Talalay latex (known for its cooling and responsive nature). Overall, this construction supplies a 7 out 10 firmness (just a touch over medium-firm) and keeps sleepers more on top of the mattress than in it.
What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, former staff writer
What Customers Say
Some customers left reviews years after purchasing the Birch Natural, proudly claiming that it’s just as supportive and comfortable as the day they received it.
Highlights of the Birch Natural Mattress
- Its responsive nature makes it such a suitable option for combination sleepers, who need a bed that’s easy to move around on.
- With so many naturally cooling materials, we scored the Birch as a 4 out of 5 for cooling.
- All of these high-quality materials contribute to this latex hybrid’s durability, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 for its construction and enhancing its overall lifespan.
What to Keep in Mind about the Birch Natural Mattress
- We found the responsiveness of this mattress, while beneficial for sex, cuts down on the motion isolation. So, not all couples are going to find what they need here, especially if they’re light sleepers. For more information, see our Ultimate Guide for Sleeping as a Couple.
Learn more in our full Birch mattress review or click here for our best deal. Find additional options in our roundup of the best organic mattresses.
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.
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. We’ve selected mattress options that could help with several different types of pain. We 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 We 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, we 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. We 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, we 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. We 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, we 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, we 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, we 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. We can provide this information for you with our pressure map, but if you are 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 Alleviate Pain?
A mattress that has strong pressure relief and support is key for helping with pain. Without pressure relief, you can wake up stiff and sore — which we know you don’t want. Along with relief around your pressure points, your body needs support to achieve a proper spinal alignment.
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 we 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. We 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, we 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
Shipping and Handling
Shipping costs can be a pricey addition to your mattress purchase. The good news is that a lot of mattress retailers now offer free shipping, meaning that you do not have to worry about an expensive additional cost. We break down the shipping policies of the all of the mattresses on this list in their reviews, but we do recommend looking on the individual websites to be sure you are not caught off guard by shipping costs. Some companies also offer help setting up your mattress once it is delivered. This may be for an extra cost, or it may be included in the cost of purchase. Setting up a new mattress on your own can be challenging, so whether or not it is worth it to pay for set up depends on your specific needs.
Returns and Exchanges
Mattress returns can be challenging to navigate. It is somewhat common for mattress retailers to offer a return after 30 nights of sleeping, but before the end of the sleep trial. This can be a somewhat brief window, so we advise you to be aware of their return policy so you do not miss it. Some companies also only offer exchanges, and some do not offer either. There is not a one size fits all policy when it comes to mattress returns, so we recommend being well versed in a companies policy before purchasing a mattress from them. It is also worth noting that taking a mattress out of your home by yourself can be challenging, so looking into exactly how the retailer will help you return your mattress is a good idea.
Sleep Trial
A sleep trial refers to the number of nights you can test out a mattress. A lot of mattress retailers will accept a return within the sleep trial period they offer, but some have other policies. Often, sleep trials are 100 nights, but there are some that are much fewer, and other that are a full year. This is worth looking into when buying a new mattress because it can affect the return policy, and it is especially important if you are buying a mattress online without trying it in person first. We outline the sleep trial’s of all of the mattresses on this list, bit we recommend familiarizing yourself with the details of the company you decide to buy from before making a purchase.
Warranty
Mattress warranties can refer to a couple of different things. Some companies will replace your mattress if it has any issues within a certain time frame, and others will only accept a return. Mattress warranties are generally around 10-years, but some can be lifetime and some do not offer a warranty at all. We generally suggest replacing your mattress around 10 years of use anyway, so a lifetime warranty is not necessarily indicative of a better mattress, it is just a different policy. Understanding the warranty can be helpful, however, for navigating any issues that might arise with your mattress, and we recommend looking into the warranty of the company you decide to purchase from before you buy a mattress.
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, however, 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, we’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. Things like coils and porous materials 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 nights sleep. If you are a hot sleeper, you can check out our recommendations for the best cool mattresses to find one that will help you keep your temperature regulated throughout the evening.
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.
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 we 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 suppotr, but are still gentle on sensitive joints. Factors like support, edge support, and firmness can be extra important for older sleepers. We’d recommend taking a look at our best mattresses for seniors to find a feel that will work well for you.
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. We also suggest keeping an eye out for cooling elements, as it can be important to maintain a cool bed when sleeping with a partner. We’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 are 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 are looking for a college dorm mattress, you might want to save money and be practical with a twin bed. Perhaps you are 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 are shopping for a college dorm room, a twin might be all that will fit. However, if you are 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 are looking for.
How We Picked The Best Mattresses Of 2024
When we test a new mattress, we (not surprisingly) lie on it to give you our personal opinions on its feel, but we don’t ask you to take our word for it. Once we’ve tried the mattress ourselves, we test it with a pressure map, seismometer, and more methods to give you objective measures of a bed’s motion transfer, pressure relief, bounce, and edge support capabilities. We also evaluate our test mattresses layer by layer to examine their materials and cooling tech. This helps us ensure each brand is living up to its marketing promises.
Pressure Relief
One of our most important tests is for pressure relief. Pressure relief is a measure of how evenly distributed your weight is on a mattress. A mattress with great pressure relief cushions pressure points at the shoulders, hips, and lower back to prevent you from waking up stiff and sore in the morning. A few examples of pressure-relieving beds can be found in our best pillow top mattresses article.
To test out pressure relief, we use a pressure map test. A tester lies down on a pressure mat in several different sleeping positions. The mat records the pressure exerted and creates a “pressure map” that shows areas of low pressure in blue, medium low pressure in green, medium pressure in yellow, medium high pressure in orange, and high pressure in red. Those results let us know how pressure-relieving a mattress will be in each of the main sleeping positions. Take a look at an example of a pressure map result below.
Bounce
Our bounce test lets us know how responsive a mattress is. This is important for combination sleepers who need a responsive bed that’s easy to move around and change positions on. It’s also important for couples looking for a mattress that’s one of the best mattresses for sex. Our bounce test is quite simple, we just drop a 10-pound steel ball onto the mattress and measure how high it bounces. The higher the ball bounces, the more responsive the mattress. Latex mattresses tend to do quite well on this test. Take a look at us performing the bounce test below.
Motion Transfer
Another important test is our motion transfer test. Motion transfer is a measure of how much movement travels from one side of the mattress to the other. If you sleep with a partner or pet, this is a measure of whether or not you’ll feel disturbed by them tossing and turning at night. We use a seismometer and a steel ball (like you see below) to measure motion transfer.
During this test, we drop the steel ball onto the mattress from heights of four inches, eight inches, and 12 inches to mimic various movements, from tossing and turning to jumping on the bed. The seismometer records all these motions and creates a graphic like the one below. A graphic with small lines tells us a mattress is good at isolating motion. Large lines tell us that you’ll likely feel disturbed by a restless partner on a certain mattress. We also like to use a red wine test, where we 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.
Why Motion Isolation Matters
If you’re a solo sleeper, you may not care about your mattress’s motion isolation abilities. However, people who sleep with a partner, kid, or pet can appreciate a mattress that minimizes motion transfer. Mattresses with good motion isolation can help prevent you from being disturbed by their movement throughout the night. This can also be important for sleepers who already struggle to get a restful night of sleep, like pregnant people, new parents, or sleepers with pain.
Edge Support
Our edge support test lets us know if you can sleep (or sit) all the way on the edge of a mattress without feeling like it might collapse. Innerspring mattresses often have very strong edges. Edge support is important because strong edges can make your mattress feel a little bigger since you can spread out across its entire surface area. This may be an especially useful consideration for couples who want to use the entirety of the bed, and elderly people who need support when getting in and out of the bed. 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, we 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. We also like to measure how far exactly the edges sink using a measuring tool.
Materials
After all that testing, we open up each mattress’s cover to evaluate the materials inside. We go over each foam layer-by-layer to explain how the bed works to you. We also look for things like hypoallergenic covers, eco-friendly materials, CertiPUR-US® Certified foams, and cooling technology.
Understanding how the bed is made and what materials are in it can be important not only when considering things like support and comfort, but can also be important for shoppers who are cognizant of environmentally friendly or allergen-resistant materials. To help you find exactly what you are looking for, we like to understand exactly how the mattress is constructed.
Value and Company Policies
Once we’ve tested out a mattress’s feel, materials, and performance, our team evaluates each bed’s price, mattress warranty, shipping policies, sleep trial period, and customer service teams in the context of the mattress industry overall. This is how we decide if you’re getting a good deal on your new bed. All of our reviewers have great mattress knowledge to share and strive to offer informative, honest reviews of all of the beds they test. From there, we come up with an overall score for every mattress.
Buying a Mattress Online vs In-Store?
You might have noticed that all the mattresses we’ve recommended above are available online. That’s because the Sleepopolis team prefers buying mattresses in the digital space. But, whether you should buy a mattress online or in stores really depends on your preferences. To learn more about what works for you, check out our In Store vs Online Mattress Buying Guide.
We prefer buying online because online mattress retailers cut out overhead costs like salespeople and showrooms, which means you can normally save more money by choosing an online mattress. We also find buying online and having a bed shipped to my door more convenient. Regardless of what you decide, we’d recommend checking out our mattress coupons and promo codes page before purchase to ensure you get a good deal.
In Store vs Online Mattress Buying
Here at Sleepopolis, we prefer to buy our mattresses online. Here are a few reasons why:
- Convenience: Online mattresses get shipped right to your door in just the click of a button
- Money saving: Online retailers don’t require salespeople and showrooms, so their mattresses are typically less expensive. They also tend to have more deals and coupons offered.
- Trial periods: Because you can’t try the mattress out in the store, online retailers usually offer generous trial periods. This means you can actually sleep on the mattress instead of just laying down on it for a few moments. If you decide you don’t like it, you can usually return or exchange it.
FAQs
How much should I spend on a mattress?
While this is going to depend on your individual budget, a value mattress is generally considered to be one that’s under $1,000 for a Queen-size. So set that as your spending limit if you’re looking to save money. We think the Bear is an excellent cheap mattress, and you can often get the luxury DreamCloud for under $1,000 after discounts.
When is the best time to buy a mattress?
Many bedding brands launch huge sales around federal holidays, so keep an eye out for deals around President’s Day, Memorial Day, and even Labor Day. You’ll also naturally find a ton of deals around Black Friday. Check out our mattress coupons and promo codes page year-round to stay up to date on the latest discounts.
How often should I replace my mattress?
In general, you should replace your old mattress every 7–10 years. However, a mattress can sag prematurely if you don’t place it on a proper foundation or treat it roughly. You can also extend the life of an old mattress for a few months by adding a mattress topper.
Whenever you’re buying a new bed, it’s important to take a look at its warranty, which can also give you a good idea of how long it should last.
What is the best mattress for back pain?
Most people who struggle with back pain find that a firm or medium-firm mattress is best for them. This type of bed will help you keep your spine straight overnight, which can help alleviate a lot of pain. To find a mattress that can help with your specific back pain, check out our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain.
What’s the best mattress for stomach sleepers?
Of all the sleeping positions, stomach sleepers require the most support. With that in mind, they’re best off with a bed that’s reinforced with pocketed coils. If they’re looking at the mattresses on this list, the WinkBeds Plus and the Saatva could be good options. For a more expansive selection, they can always check out our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
What’s the best mattress for side sleepers?
Side sleepers are on the other end of the spectrum from stomach sleepers. While they still require some support, they tend to prefer softer beds (or medium-firm) that have a lot of cushioning for their shoulders hips. Many of the mattresses on this list should be a great match for side sleepers, most notably the Helix Midnight. We also have a roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
Since we wanted our roundup of Best Mattresses of 2024 to truly represent the best of the best, we took each bed’s overall score into account. All of the mattresses on this list have an overall score of 4 out of 5 or above. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
The Best Rated Mattresses of 2024
That’s it for our breakdown of the best mattresses of the year. If you’re interested in a side-by-side comparison of these beds, take a look at the chart below.
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
