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 Mattress 2024 Pick
The Helix Midnight mattress earns the top spot due to its medium-firm feel that can appeal to a variety of different sleepers, regardless of sleeping position or body type. Plus, the support layer of individually wrapped coils provides a lift that can relieve pressure on your shoulders and lower back.
The 17 Best Mattresses of 2024
- Helix Midnight – Best Mattress 2024
- Saatva – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress
- DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Nectar – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
- DreamCloud Premier – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Mattress
- Helix Dawn – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Nolah Evolution – Best Hybrid Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Couples
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress For Heavy People
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress
- Bear Star Hybrid – Best Mattress That Won’t Sag
- Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress
- Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Value Mattress
Best Mattress 2024 Video Review
What We Looked for in the Best Mattresses
Firmness
Our testers measure mattresses on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest possible mattress, and 10 is the firmest. A 6.5 out of 10 is considered a true medium-firm mattress, offering a balanced feel of comfort and support. When collecting the best possible mattresses for this roundup, 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 | Saatva Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Nectar Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | DreamCloud Premier Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Helix Dawn Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Titan Plus | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||
| Best For |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
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Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
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Back Pain, Hip Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers
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Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers |
Hot Sleepers,
Back Pain, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Couples |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Couples,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers,
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,
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Hot Sleepers,
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Helix Midnight – Best Mattress 2024
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
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.
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.
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.
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
