The reason so many people out there are in search of the best memory foam mattress is simple. As a material, memory foam is gentle, pressure-relieving, and cozy. It only makes sense that it’s been incorporated into beds all over the world, as it works to relieve tension and keep the sleeper cradled in a cushiony embrace (fun fact: memory foam was initially developed by NASA for use in aircraft seat cushions).
We’ve gone ahead and highlighted what we’ve found to be the 10 best memory foam mattresses, most of which are dense, thick, and have been modified with either a cooling infusion or open-cell structure.
Note: While a handful of these beds do have a layer of springs in their construction (thus technically making them hybrid mattresses), all of them have a substantial portion of memory foam in the comfort layer and elsewhere.
Best Memory Foam Mattresses 2023
- Nectar – Editor’s Pick
- WinkBeds GravityLux – Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
- Helix Midnight – Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress for Couples
- Bear Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain
- DreamCloud Original – Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress
- Loom & Leaf – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Nolah Signature – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Pressure Relief
- Plank Firm – Best Memory Foam Mattress in a Box
- Puffy – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids
- Cocoon Chill – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best Memory Foam Mattress 2023 – Our Video Review
Compare Best Memory Foam Mattresses
Nectar Mattress
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Helix Midnight Mattress
Bear Mattress
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
Puffy Mattress
Cocoon Chill Mattress
Rating
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Multiple firmness options
Soft: 6/10
Medium-firm: 7/10
Medium-firm: 7/10
Multiple firmness options
Soft: 5.5/10
Multiple firmness options
Soft: 6/10
Multiple firmness options
Material
Foam
Foam
Hybrid
Foam
Hybrid
Foam
Foam
Hybrid
Foam
Foam
Cooling
--
✓
--
✓
✓
--
--
✓
--
✓
Sleep Position
Back & Side
Back
Back & Side
Back
Back
Back & Side
Back & Side
Combination
Back & Side
Back & Side
Our Methodology
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in Sleepopolis’ 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.
When selecting beds for our roundup of the Best Memory Foam Mattresses, we took an extra-close look at the category of materials. As comfortable as memory foam is, it can be tricky when it comes to areas such as cooling and support, so it’s important that the materials in each bed have an effective balance of these traits. All of the products reviewed on this page scored at least a 4 out of 5 on materials. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
Nectar – Editor’s Pick
The original Nectar mattress is a pressure-relieving, yet supportive, bed. It’s made with a thick layer of gel memory foam, which allows the sleeper to really sink into its surface.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The original Nectar mattress is a pressure-relieving, yet supportive, bed. It’s made with a thick layer of gel memory foam, which allows the sleeper to really sink into its surface.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The original Nectar mattress is a pressure-relieving, yet supportive, bed. It’s made with a thick layer of gel memory foam, which allows the sleeper to really sink into its surface.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Though memory foam can be slightly expensive, the Nectar offers budget-conscious shoppers a memory foam option that doesn’t break the bank (be sure to check for current discounts and coupons). That makes it one of our favorite mattresses. With its all-foam construction and blend of comfort and support, we think the Nectar could be especially comfortable for back sleepers and side sleepers.
Some other benefits of the Nectar: A couple of hundred dollars worth of accessories — such as a mattress protector, cooling pillow, and sheets — are included in the purchase price. The bed also has a 365-night trial period and forever warranty.
Why the Nectar Is Our Top Memory Foam Pick
The comfort layer consists of a thick layer of memory foam, which should contour to the shape of your body and offer you a good amount of pressure relief right as you lie down. So if you’re a side sleeper who needs relief at the shoulders and hips, the Nectar should get the job done. At the same time, the foam gets firmer toward the bottom of the bed, creating enough support for back sleepers and keeping them lifted up.
Also, while the dense construction of memory foam has a reputation for sleeping hot, the comfort layer has an infusion of gel to help dissipate heat and cool you down.
Construction and Materials
Before the comfort layer, there’s a cover made from a quilted blend of polyester and nylon. It’s soft, breathable, and designed to wick away heat.
After the comfort layer, a transition layer of dynamically adjusting foam gives you a little bounce before easing into a thick base layer of support foam. This layer keeps the mattress from being too soft, ensuring that support we mentioned for back sleepers.
How It Tested
Because the Nectar is so good at relieving pressure, we think it could go a long way toward soothing anyone with back pain or shoulder pain. And like many foam mattresses, it excels at motion isolation, meaning you should be able to sleep with a partner without feeling each other’s movements at night.
We also found that the cover and gel infusion do indeed help the Nectar sleep cooler than the average memory-foam mattress. That being said, if you’re a particularly hot sleeper, you may want to seek out a cooler-sleeping construction with coils.
Finally, combination sleepers may have a hard time switching positions on the slow-moving memory foam of the Nectar. And stomach sleepers will likely need a firmer and more supportive mattress.
Learn more in our full Nectar mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best best mattress page for more options.
WinkBeds GravityLux – Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
The WinkBeds GravityLux is a memory foam mattress with several different firmnesses available. The WinkBeds GravityLux is a memory foam mattress with several different firmnesses available. The WinkBeds GravityLux is a memory foam mattress with several different firmnesses available.WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
While WinkBeds is known for their flagship mattress, which has a traditional innerspring feel, the brand also has a memory foam model called the WinkBeds Gravity Lux. It’s available in several different firmnesses. We reviewed the Firm model and found it to be a good match for back sleepers. It’s also outfitted with cooling technology that should appeal to hot sleepers.
Why the WinkBeds Gravity Lux Suits Hot Sleepers
The WinkBeds Gravity Lux has a cover made of Tencel, an eco-friendly cotton substitute derived from eucalyptus. It’s soft and breathable, in addition to being cool to the touch. You’ll also find that the cover has been stitched with a foam that’s infused with gel, which should also help with cooling.
Deeper into the mattress, the comfort layer has been constructed with AirCell memory foam — a material with an open-cell design that sleeps much cooler than traditional memory foam. While memory foam mattresses sleep hot, all of these features should help the WinkBeds Gravity Lux keep a low temperature.
Construction and Materials
From the top down, you’ll experience the Tencel cover, the comfort layer of AirCell memory foam, then a transition layer of zoned Progression foam. This material is also designed by WinkBeds, and is firmer in certain areas and softer in others. For instance, it has more responsiveness and support around the lower back and more softness at the shoulders. This should help prevent back pain and keep your spine in a neutral alignment.
At the very bottom of the mattress, you’ll find a support layer of high-density Atlas Core form. This provides further support and is extremely durable, especially for memory foam. It should help keep the mattress from sagging.
How It Tested
We found the Firm model to be a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. As we said, this is ideal for back sleepers, who should get the amount of support and pressure relief they need. This model is probably too firm for side sleepers, although they could be comfortable on the Soft or Medium models of the WinkBeds Gravity Plus. Stomach sleepers will likely need a firmer and more supportive mattress altogether, such as the WinkBed Plus.
We already talked about how good this mattress is at cooling for an all-foam bed. But we should also mention how good it is for couples. When we ran the WinkBeds GravityLux through our motion transfer test, we found it to be adept at isolating motion. So if you sleep with a partner who’s easily woken up, you should both be able to sleep soundly on this bed. The edges of the mattress also feel strong and supportive, so you should both feel like you can spread out without falling off.
Learn more in our full WinkBeds Gravity Lux mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best cooling mattress page for more options.
Helix Midnight – Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress for Couples
The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that will appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that will appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that will appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
If you go to Helix’s website, you can take a mattress quiz, which will recommend one of their mattresses from over a dozen different hybrid models. A hybrid construction means that the bed has a substantial amount of memory foam in its layers, but coupled with a support layer of innerspring coils. Of these beds, the Helix Midnight is most popular because it’s a good match for a wide variety of sleepers, including back sleepers, side sleepers, and even couples.
Why the Helix Midnight Suits Couples
The Helix Midnight has a thick layer of memory foam that absorbs most movement. At the same time, the coils below add some sturdy support for two bodies, plus they make the mattress responsive enough for couples to change positions during sex. Pair that with the mattress’ impressive edge support, and you’ve got the ideal bed for lovebirds.
Construction and Materials
On top of the Helix Midnight, there’s a Soft Touch cover that’s airy and breathable. This helps the mattress keep a cool temperature, which is also important for couples, as two bodies emit more heat than just one.
Next comes the comfort layer of memory foam. It’s actually made from something called Memory Plus Foam — a more responsive material that allows you to easily move around. After that, a layer of transition foam blends into the mattress’ support layer of individually wrapped coils. These create the support needed for two bodies, in addition to leaving lots of room for air to flow through the bed.
Lastly, there’s a base layer of foam at the bottom of the bed that helps absorb the motion of the springs and prevents the mattress from sagging.
How It Tested
In the area of pain relief, we found that the pressure-relieving Memory Plus foam did an excellent job contouring our lower back, hips, and shoulders. That’s why the Helix Midnight is such a good fit for back sleepers and side sleepers.
As we mentioned, it’s also an especially cooling bed that should help hot sleepers keep a low temperature. And it’s worth diving a little bit further into the Helix Midnight’s edge support performance. Two sides of the Helix Midnight actually have edges reinforced with a foam perimeter, allowing you and your partner to sit or lie near the edge of the bed without feeling like you’re going to fall off.
The only group of people I wouldn’t recommend this mattress for is heavier sleepers over 250 lb, who may not get the support they need from the Helix Midnight.
Learn more in our full Helix Midnight mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best mattress for couples page for more options.
Bear – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain
I appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an awesome option for anyone struggling with back pain. The Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an awesome option for anyone struggling with back pain. The Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an awesome option for anyone struggling with back pain. The Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
The Bear is a firm mattress that still manages to have some body-contouring, thanks to a memory foam comfort layer infused with graphite gel. It’s also a unique mattress in that it was designed with athletes in mind — something we’ll get into in a bit.
Why the Bear Suits Sleepers With Back Pain
The comfort layer creates a lot of pressure relief — good news for anyone who struggles with back pain. They should feel the right balance of comfort and support to keep their spine neutrally aligned.
Also, the Bear has a cover made of Celliant. Some believe that this material assists with blood flow and muscle recovery, which is why the Bear might be such a good fit for those with an active lifestyle. While we can’t verify the science behind Celliant, its potential healing properties might be able to assist with back pain as well.
Construction and Materials
After the Celliant cover and comfort layer of memory foam, a transition layer of responsive foam helps create an “on-top-of-the-bed” feel. Below that, a thick layer of support foam creates some added firmness. This helps the Bear clock in at a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale. We think this level of firmness — plus the mattress’ supportiveness — makes it a highly suitable match for back sleepers. And because the mattress is so responsive, combination sleepers should be able to easily switch positions at night.
How It Tested
The Celliant cover is soft and breathable, and goes a long way toward helping the Bear sleep cool for an all-foam mattress. The infusion of graphite gel in the comfort layer also helps dissipate heat.
The Bear’s cooling capabilities make it a good match for couples. It should be able to easily cool down two bodies at once. Couples should also enjoy its ability to isolate motion, plus the responsiveness of the foams make it one of the best mattresses for sex.
Strict side sleepers are probably going to find the Bear mattress too firm, and strict stomach sleepers who require more support are better off seeking out a bed with a layer of coils.
Learn more in our full Bear mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best best mattress for back pain page for more options.
DreamCloud Original – Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress
The DreamCloud Mattress is a luxury hybrid mattress made with layers of memory foam and pocketed coils. It offers a great combination of support and pressure relief that back sleepers will really enjoy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The DreamCloud Mattress is a luxury hybrid mattress made with layers of memory foam and pocketed coils. It offers a great combination of support and pressure relief that back sleepers will really enjoy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The DreamCloud Mattress is a luxury hybrid mattress made with layers of memory foam and pocketed coils. It offers a great combination of support and pressure relief that back sleepers will really enjoy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
While most of the beds on this list are made entirely of foam, we did include a few hybrid memory foam mattresses, such as the DreamCloud. It has coils at the base that provide enough support to keep the hips in line with the shoulders. Simultaneously, the soft foam cradles the sensitive areas like the lower back and neck.
Why the DreamCloud Is a Great Hybrid Pick
Many sleepers who invest in a hybrid are going to want the best of both worlds — the softness and contouring of foam combined with the supportiveness of coils. And the DreamCloud delivers on both of these fronts. It’s also a luxury hybrid, meaning it’s a mattress designed with durable materials, similar to what you might find in a high-end hotel.
Construction and Materials
The DreamCloud is taller than many other mattresses because it has more layers. First, there’s a luxurious cover made of a cashmere blend. It’s quilted with foam, making it a layer all by itself. Sleepers should experience some pressure relief right away. Underneath that is a comfort layer made of gel memory foam.
Next, a transition layer of firmer poly foam seamlessly blends into a support layer of individually wrapped coils. This is where the DreamCloud gets its firmness, responsiveness, and springiness. On our mattress firmness scale, we found this bed to be a slightly firm 7 out of 10. This makes it a good fit for back sleepers and combination sleepers, who should have no trouble switching positions.
The last layer of the DreamCloud is a thinner layer of poly foam, creating a surface that the coils can bounce off of.
How It Tested
For a hybrid mattress, the DreamCloud isolates motion quite well, making it a good option for couples. They should also appreciate how cooling it is (the gel infusion and airflow-promoting coils go a long way), as well as the mattress’ solid edge support.
Here at Sleepopolis, we also put our mattresses through a pressure map test, which measures how much pressure is placed on certain areas of the body when someone’s lying down. Looking at the results, the DreamCloud should be comfortable for anyone experiencing shoulder pain or back pain.
We should say that strict side sleepers will likely find the DreamCloud to be too firm, and would probably be better off on a bed that’s softer and offers deeper pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.
Learn more in our full DreamCloud mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best hybrid mattress page for more options.
Loom & Leaf – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Loom & Leaf is a pressure-relieving memory foam mattress. It offers deep sinkage and contouring, and its foam layers absorb almost all movement, making it a great option for couples.
The Loom & Leaf is a pressure-relieving memory foam mattress. It offers deep sinkage and contouring, and its foam layers absorb almost all movement, making it a great option for couples.
The Loom & Leaf is a pressure-relieving memory foam mattress. It offers deep sinkage and contouring, and its foam layers absorb almost all movement, making it a great option for couples.
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
When compared to other popular mattress materials, memory foam is known for its plush, luxurious feel. So, if you’re a side sleeper who’s in the market for a true luxury memory foam mattress, I’d recommend checking out the Loom & Leaf. Dreamed up by Saatva, its an all-foam bed that treats you to plenty of contouring and pressure relief.
Why the Loom & Leaf Suits Side Sleepers
The top two layers of the Loom & Leaf are made with a thick stretch of memory foam, providing ample space for deep body-contouring and pressure relief, especially at the shoulders and hips. These are the areas where side sleepers put the most weight and pressure, so they’ll want a mattress that caters to those parts of the body.
We should clarify that the mattress is available in two different firmness levels: Relaxed Firm and Firm. We recommend the Relaxed Firm for side sleepers, which comes in at about a 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale.
Construction and Materials
The Loom & Leaf is topped by an organic cover that’s soft, cozy, and breathable. Directly below that comes the two memory foam layers we mentioned. Both of them offer deep sinkage and contouring.
Next comes a standard transition layer that should keep you from sinking too far into the mattress. Although side sleepers will definitely want some sinkage and softness, they still need to be supported, and the transition layer assists with this. After that, a stretch of even firmer high-density poly foam serves as the mattress’ base, giving you one last bit of support.
How It Tested
As we said, side sleepers should be most comfortable on the Loom & Leaf, although average-weight back sleepers, heavy back sleepers, and average-weight stomach sleepers should find a good match in the Firm model, which came in at an 8 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale.
While The Loom & Leaf’s top section of memory foam has been infused with gel to help actively cool the sleeper, we didn’t find this to be the coolest-sleeping mattress in the world. If you’re not an especially hot sleeper, you should be fine, but if you tend to keep a high temperature at night, you’re better off looking at our best cooling mattresses.
The Loom & Leaf has strong edge support, so we think it could be a great option for couples, who should be able to spread out toward the ends of the bed and still feel supported. They should also enjoy the mattress’ ability to isolate motion. You should be able to sleep next to your partner without you disturbing each other with your movements at night.
Learn more in our full Loom & Leaf mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best mattress for side sleepers page for more options.
Nolah Signature – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Pressure Relief
The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.
The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.
The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
With its original memory foam mattress, Nolah set out to create a bed with all the strengths of memory foam (deep pressure relief, contouring, softness) and few — or none — of the drawbacks. Let’s dive further into the brand’s Nolah Signature bed to see how they succeeded.
Why the Nolah Signature Excels at Pressure Relief
As the flagship mattress of Nolah, the Signature is made from something called AirFoam — essentially the brand’s own take on memory foam. It helps the Nolah Signature create enormous pressure relief, especially for back sleepers and side sleepers, who should get some sinkage mixed with support. When looking at the mattress’ firmness, it clocks in at a 5.5 out of 10, meaning this is a soft and cuddly bed.
Construction and Materials
After an organic cotton cover that helps wick away moisture comes a comfort layer of AirFoam. This blends into a transition layer of high-resilience foam, followed by a support layer of high-density foam that prevents you from sinking to the bottom of the bed. Although there’s some support here, you’ll mainly be feeling the deep pressure relief of the AirFoam up top.
How It Tested
We found that, true to Nolah’s goal, the AirFoam is a lot more breathable and cooler-sleeping than traditional memory foam. Hot sleepers should have no problem sleeping on the Nolah Signature.
Couples should also enjoy how cool this bed sleeps, as well as its strong edge support and how well it isolates motion. However, they should know that the Nolah Signature’s slow-sinking feeling doesn’t make it the best mattress for sex.
In the area of pain relief, the Nolah Signature’s soft foams could be a good choice for anyone suffering from back pain. Back sleepers with shoulder pain and hip pain should also be comfortable here, although side sleepers who struggle with these issues might need an even softer bed. Likewise, stomach sleepers probably aren’t going to be comfy on the Nolah Signature. They’ll need something with more firmness and support.
Learn more in our full Nolah Signature mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal.
Plank Firm – Best Memory Foam Mattress in a Box
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
When we say “mattress in a box,” we mean any bed that can be rolled up, compressed, and delivered right to your doorstep. The Plank Firm — created by Brooklyn Bedding — is a truly impressive bed in a box because it’s so firm. After sleeping on it, you’ll find it hard to believe that it was ever pliant enough to be rolled into a tube-like shape.
Why the Plank Firm Is an Excellent Bed In a Box
There are only a handful of flippable beds in a box out there, and the Plank Firm is one of them, created with both a firm side and an extra-firm side. The firm side comes in at a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale and the extra-firm side scores an 8 out of 10. Stomach sleepers should be comfortable on both sides, and back sleepers should be comfortable on the firm side. Even combination sleepers could find both sides to be a good match, as long as they prefer a firm bed.
We should also point out that the Plank Firm could be an excellent match for heavy sleepers over 250 lb. It isn’t always easy for larger folks to secure a supportive-enough mattress, but the Plank Firm might be just what they’re looking for.
Construction and Materials
Believe it or not, the Plank Firm is made entirely of foam. Its core is composed of a layer of high-density base foam that’s a staggering 7” thick. That’s where most of the firmness comes from.
Both sides have some quilted foam up top, although it’s thicker on the firm side than it is on the extra-firm side. You can also opt for a cooling cover that wraps around the entire mattress.
How It Tested
Both firmness levels can do wonders for folks suffering from back pain. That being said, the mattress probably isn’t going to work for side sleepers or anyone dealing with extreme hip or shoulder pain. They’ll likely need a softer mattress with more pressure relief.
We found that the Plank Firm slept a bit hot without the cooling cover, so we recommend that add-on for any especially hot sleepers.
Couples should note that the Plank Firm has fairly high motion transfer. While that may be uncommon for most all-foam beds, the foams here are extremely bouncy and responsive.
Learn more in our full Plank Firm mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best bed-in-a-box mattress page for more options.
Puffy – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids
The Puffy is an all-foam bed-in-a-box with a medium firmness that is great for a wide range of sleepers. It also does a good job of reducing aches and pains, thanks to its balance of support and pressure relief.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Puffy is an all-foam bed-in-a-box with a medium firmness that is great for a wide range of sleepers. It also does a good job of reducing aches and pains, thanks to its balance of support and pressure relief.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Puffy is an all-foam bed-in-a-box with a medium firmness that is great for a wide range of sleepers. It also does a good job of reducing aches and pains, thanks to its balance of support and pressure relief.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Puffy Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
101 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Puffy Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
101 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Puffy Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
101 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
The original Puffy mattress is offered in a number of sizes and is our favorite memory foam mattress for kids. Its stain-resistant cover helps combat messes and serves to preserve this high-quality bed. Additionally, the levels of cushioning and support are ideal for lightweight sleepers.
Why the Puffy Is a Great Mattress for Kids
The Puffy is a 6/10 on our firmness scale, so it has a medium-soft construction. During testing, we found back-sleeping and side-sleeping kids should feel incredibly comfortable on this mattress. Even as they develop and their body types change, the Puffy is able to support back and side sleepers up to 250 pounds. So, it’s a solid long-term investment.
Construction and Materials
The Puffy starts off with a cover that’s hypoallergenic and stain-resistant, so it’s safe for kiddos with allergies. The comfort layer of this mattress consists of soft, gel-infused memory foam to keep kids comfy and cool.
The transition layer of this mattress is made from a more responsive foam to ease kids into the thickest foam layer. It also serves to keep the hips lifted and properly aligned with the rest of the spine.
At the bottom of this mattress is a thick base layer of high-density foam that gives sleepers adequate support.
How It Tested
We love the Puffy mattress for lightweight to average-weight back and side sleepers. Stomach sleepers or folks over 250 pounds will likely need a much more supportive bed.
Unlike some memory foam mattresses, the Puffy uses cooling gel to help dissipate body heat. While the Puffy won’t do as good of a job at cooling as hybrid, latex, or innerspring beds, it should still keep most kids nice and cool.
But how does the Puffy perform for couples? It’s a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, there are its cooling capabilities, plus it has great motion isolation, so you and your partner should be able to sleep through the night without waking each other up. On the other hand, the Puffy isn’t the most responsive mattress in the world, so it probably isn’t going to be the best bed for sex.
Learn more in our full Puffy mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best mattresses for kids page for more options.
Cocoon Chill – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Cocoon Mattress is a budget friendly, bed-in-a-box mattress with a basic design that should be great for anyone looking for a short-term solution. This all-foam mattress does very well for back sleepers looking for a memory foam feel.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Cocoon Mattress is a budget friendly, bed-in-a-box mattress with a basic design that should be great for anyone looking for a short-term solution. This all-foam mattress does very well for back sleepers looking for a memory foam feel.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Cocoon Mattress is a budget friendly, bed-in-a-box mattress with a basic design that should be great for anyone looking for a short-term solution. This all-foam mattress does very well for back sleepers looking for a memory foam feel.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Cocoon Chill Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Cocoon Chill Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Cocoon Chill Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
While it can often be difficult to find a memory foam mattress that’s both soft and supportive, the Cocoon Chill seems to fit the bill. Made entirely of foam, it has a streamlined construction that should suit back sleepers, as well as side sleepers, and even lightweight stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
Why the Cocoon Chill Suits Back Sleepers
Memory foam often gets a reputation for not being supportive enough, but this isn’t the case with the Cocoon Chill. Because it has a mixture of traditional foam, responsive foam, and supportive foam, it’s a fantastic match for back sleepers, giving them soft pressure relief while also giving them a slight lift. This helps keep the spine in a neutral alignment.
Construction and Materials
Even for a memory foam mattress, the Cocoon Chill has a simple construction. The entire mattress is draped with a super-cool cover made from Phase Change Material (PCM). Then, there’s a memory foam layer for comfort and contouring
This bed has a responsive layer to transition sleepers into the base. This base is made of supportive high-density polyurethane foam.
How It Tested
The Cocoon Chill is a solid option for lightweight sleepers of all body types, as well as most average-weight back and side sleepers. Combination sleepers likely won’t receive adequate responsiveness to comfortably switch positions with ease.
For a foam mattress, we found the Cocoon to be cooling as promised. Phase Change Material, which assists with temperature regulation, is used in the cover and helps absorb body heat.
The Cocoon Chill is an overall solid option for couples. In our lab, we found the Cocoon Chill tested well for motion transfer and cooling. Its edge support was decent, but nothing to boast about. In terms of responsiveness, we found the Cocoon Chill didn’t score well, since its foam sinks sleepers in the bed rather than keeping them “on top.”
Learn more in our full Cocoon Chill mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best mattress for back sleepers page for more options.
Casper
The Casper Original is an all-foam mattress that is a great option for back sleepers who want a balance of support and pressure relief. Combination sleepers will appreciate this mattress's responsiveness, which makes it easy to change positions throughout the night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. "From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."
The Casper Original is an all-foam mattress that is a great option for back sleepers who want a balance of support and pressure relief. Combination sleepers will appreciate this mattress's responsiveness, which makes it easy to change positions throughout the night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. "From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."
The Casper Original is an all-foam mattress that is a great option for back sleepers who want a balance of support and pressure relief. Combination sleepers will appreciate this mattress's responsiveness, which makes it easy to change positions throughout the night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. "From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."
Casper Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Financing Options
Casper Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Financing Options
Casper Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Financing Options
The Casper mattress is an all-foam bed made with three layers that work together to provide pressure relief and support for the lower back, hips, and shoulders. It clocks in between medium-firm and firm on the firmness scale, so it’s soft enough to keep most sleepers’ spines aligned throughout the night.
Why the Casper Is a Good Memory Foam Mattress
The bed achieves its balanced feel through a zoned support system. This design makes the foam firmer at certain spots and softer at others.
Combination sleepers should be comfortable on the Casper. It’s fairly responsive for an all-foam bed, making it easy to change positions and get comfortable in a short period of time. Back sleepers and side sleepers should also get the amount of comfort and support they need.
Construction and Materials
The comfort layer is made of Airscape foam, which is similar to memory foam, but aerated to prevent the bed from overheating. Next up is the transition layer, where you’ll find the bed’s zoned support system. At the very bottom of the mattress, a base layer of high-density foam creates a lot of foundational support.
How It Tested
The aerated foam really helps the Casper sleep cool in comparison to other memory foam mattresses.
In the area of pain relief, we found that the mattress excelled at soothing back pain and shoulder pain, even if the bed is a bit too firm and responsive to address hip pain.
The Casper also had solid motion-transfer results, plus it’s a fairly responsive mattress that should be good for sex. For these reasons, we find it to be a great option for couples.
Sold on the Casper? Get the best deal online here. Still deciding? Read more about it in our full Casper mattress review.
How Much Does a Memory Foam Mattress Cost?
Naturally, price is a huge consideration when buying a the best mattress for you. Even the cheapest bed is going to run you up at least a few hundred dollars, plus you’re looking at a long-term investment that you want to last for many years.
So, how much does the typical memory foam mattress cost?
A Queen-size memory foam mattress can cost anywhere from about $500 to $3,000. Most of the mattresses I chose for this roundup land in the middle of this range, which I think is a fairly average price for a high-quality memory foam mattress.
What Else to Consider When Buying A Memory Foam Mattress
- Firmness: Like any mattress, memory foam beds can range from soft to firm. You’ll want to choose one that fits your preferences and your sleep needs. Generally, I recommend side sleepers choose a soft mattress, back sleepers choose a medium-firm mattress, and stomach sleepers choose a firm mattress.
- Motion Transfer: Memory foam is known for being great at absorbing motion, which keeps sleepers from being disturbed by a restless partner. But motion transfer will vary from mattress to mattress, so you’ll want to take it into consideration when choosing between several memory foam beds.
- Pressure relief: Almost all memory foam mattresses offer great pressure relief. In general, softer memory foam will have a bit more pressure relief than firmer memory foam. If you suffer from joint pain or sleep on your side, you may want to opt for more pressure relief than other sleepers.
- Temperature: Memory foam tends to trap body heat and sleep hot. To avoid this, look for memory foam with a gel, copper, or graphite infusion. You can also opt for a memory foam hybrid, which includes breathable pocketed coils to help the mattress sleep cooler.
- Ease of Movement: Memory foam is known for offering a cozy hug-like feeling, but this can make some sleepers feel “stuck” in bed. If that sounds like you, you should look for firmer memory foam hybrids that don’t offer as much sinkage as softer all-foam beds.
- Edge Support: Edge support is a measure of whether or not you’ll feel supported while sleeping all the way on the side of your bed. Generally, memory foam hybrids offer better edge support because their steel coil layers can support more weight. This can increase the lifespan of your mattress and make it feel a bit larger.
- Off Gassing: Bed-in-a-box mattresses made with memory foam often have an “off-gassing period,” during which they release any gasses trapped during compression. This isn’t dangerous, but can mean your mattress may smell bad for a few hours. If this is a big concern for you, I’d recommend opting for plant-based memory foams, which often release fewer odors during the off-gassing period.
- Company Policies: Warranty length and sleep trial periods are two important things to consider when choosing a new mattress. I’m very happy with the warranties and trial periods the featured companies offer. In general, I recommend looking for a company that offers a at least a 10-year warranty and 100-night (or longer) sleep trial. These are both great indications that you’re buying from a reputable mattress brand.
Memory Foam Mattresses for Different Types of Sleepers
So, which of the above considerations should matter most to you? Depending on your sleep needs and preferences, you may prefer a specific type of memory foam mattress.
- Back sleepers: Back sleepers generally fare best on memory foam mattresses with a medium-firm to firm feel, since they’ll need enough lumbar support to keep their spines neutrally aligned. I think these folks could be happy on an all-foam or hybrid memory foam mattress.
- Side sleepers: I generally recommend side sleepers opt for all-foam memory foam mattresses with a soft to medium-soft feel. These sleepers tend to prefer plenty of deep sinkage and cushioning around the shoulders and hips, which makes all-memory foam beds some of the best options out there for them!
- Stomach sleepers: I recommend stomach sleepers opt for a memory foam hybrid, or a memory foam mattress that uses some other, firmer foams in its top layers as well. Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress that helps lift their hips up in line with their shoulders, and the sinkage most memory foam mattresses offer will feel quite uncomfortable to these folks. I’d recommend they stick to the firmest possible memory foam model available if they’re set on a memory foam bed.
- Combination sleepers: Similarly, the sinkage memory foam offers is often not ideal for combination sleepers who need to move around easily at night. I’d recommend these sleepers stick to firm memory foam hybrids that offer less sinkage than traditional memory foam mattresses.
- Hot sleepers: Hot sleepers should opt for gel-infused memory foam hybrids that help dissipate body heat. If you sleep particularly hot, a mattress that includes memory foam beneath a layer of more cooling latex or poly foam might also be a good solution for you.
- Heavy sleepers: Heavy sleepers need a memory foam mattress that offers deep compression support. This means they need thick, dense memory foam mattresses that will offer them body-contouring, rather than low-density memory foam mattresses that will “taco” around their bodies. Memory foam hybrids like the DreamCloud could also be a good solution for these sleepers.
Who Should Buy a Memory Foam Mattress
- Side sleepers looking for pressure-relieving sinkage should enjoy the feel of memory foam beds.
- Sleepers with joint pain might also like the gentle, cushioning feel of memory foam to alleviate some pressure at these sensitive points.
- Anyone looking for deep sinkage and body-contouring will enjoy the feel of a memory foam bed. If you’re looking to feel “hugged” by your mattress, this is the material for you.
- Couples often really like memory foam mattresses because they absorb motion well. This means you’re unlikely to be disturbed by a bedmate tossing and turning or getting out of bed.
- Sleepers with latex allergies might want to check out this alternative type of foam mattress.
- Folks who want a mattress that makes no noise will really like how quiet memory foam is.
Who Shouldn’t Buy a Memory Foam Mattress
- If you prefer to feel more “on-top-of” your mattress, you won’t like the sinkage memory foam mattresses provide. You might want to opt for one of our best latex mattresses instead.
- Especially hot sleepers might find even the most cooling memory foam mattresses sleep too warm for their tastes. If that sounds like you, check out one of our best cooling mattresses.
- If you’re looking for a bouncy feel, memory foam mattresses are the opposite of what you need. Try one of our best innerspring mattresses.
How it Feels to Sleep on Memory Foam
Now that we’ve gone over all those important buying considerations, let’s take a second to talk more in-detail about how memory foam feels when you’re lying down on it.
This term describes how memory foam molds and conforms to the curves of the body. That conforming feel is not only comfortable, but also helps alleviate tension at sensitive spots such as the shoulders, hips, and lower back.
Another hallmark of memory foam is its deep sinkage, which allows sleepers to feel as though they’re being enveloped in a cushioning embrace. Though some may say this results in a “stuck-in-the-bed” feel that makes it difficult to move around, others — such as side sleepers — might feel pain relief and a healthy spinal alignment.
Memory foam is often described as “viscoelastic,” meaning that, the more pressure applied to the foam, the deeper it will compress. This type of compression doesn’t happen in an instant, but over the course of several seconds (the duration depends on the specific foam).
FAQ
Q: What is memory foam used for?
A: This cushiony material is used predominantly in mattresses, but can also be spotted in pillows, seat cushions, blankets, and even shoe insoles!
FAQ
Q: What is memory foam used for? A: This cushiony material is used predominantly in mattresses, but can also be spotted in pillows, seat cushions, blankets, and even shoe insoles!Memory Foam vs Latex
Latex feels taut and bouncy. Rather than contour to your body, it will lift you up and out of bed. Latex is also more naturally cooling than memory foam, which hot sleepers might appreciate. In short, if you’re looking for slow-moving sinkage, choose memory foam. If you’re looking for bouncy cooling, choose latex.
Memory Foam vs Hybrid
A hybrid mattress normally combines top layers of memory foam with steel coils. The result is a nice balance between pressure relief and support. I’d recommend hybrids to sleepers who like the feel of memory foam, but want to trade out some of its sinkage for responsiveness.
Memory Foam vs Innerspring
The bulk of an innerspring mattress is made up of steel coil support layers, which create a traditionally springy feel. After initial pressure relief from thinner top comfort foams, you’ll normally feel a strong amount of support. This tends to be a great fit for stomach sleepers and heavier body types.
Memory Foam Complaints
Now that you know all of the great things about memory foam, let’s take a second to explore a few of the major drawbacks of the material.
As we discussed, memory foam has a bit of a reputation for overheating at night, mostly because the material is so dense that it has a tendency to trap body heat. This can be highly uncomfortable for some sleepers, particularly those who already run hot.
Thankfully, many brands nowadays mitigate this by either infusing their memory foam layers with a cooling agent (usually a cooling gel, cooling beads, copper, or graphite) or employing an open-cell design that promotes airflow throughout the mattress.
Though memory foam’s slow response to pressure can be a big plus for some sleepers, it can be a real drag for others, especially those who like to move around and change positions at night (combination sleepers, take note). Any material that has a slow response to pressure is going to produce a quasi-stuck feeling, which limits a sleeper’s overall mobility.
You can avoid this problem by snagging a memory foam mattress that also utilizes latex, a much bouncier material known for lifting sleepers up and out of bed.
What Makes the Best Memory Foam? Density, Thickness, and ILD, Explained
- Density: Density refers to how much actual foam material is built into the layer of a bed. As a general rule, the higher the density of the foam, the greater lifespan it’s likely to have. However, high-density foam usually sleeps hotter than low-density foam. In my opinion, the sweet spot for memory foam density is in the 3.0–5.0 PCF (pounds per cubic foot) range. This provides enough longevity and durability without being so dense that you create serious heat-retention issues.
- Thickness: To get the classic sinkage and body-contouring feel, you’ll want at least four inches of memory foam, either in one thick layer or several thinner layers. Having less than four inches of foam between your body and the support layer of your bed can create a “support wall” that will minimize the beneficial effects of memory foam.
- Indentation Load Deflection (ILD): This is a measure of how much pressure it will take to compress a piece of memory foam. Foams with a high ILD rating will normally feel initially firmer than foams with a low ILD rating, since it will take more weight to get them to conform to your body. If you’re looking for a soft feel, you can still choose a mattress with a high ILD rating. It’ll just take you a few more minutes to sink into the bed.
Different Types of Memory Foam
Let’s wrap up this guide by briefly touching on the most popular types of memory foam. While this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the memory foam variations available online, it does highlight the types you’re most likely to run into in the sleep landscape.
Traditional Memory Foam
Classic, or traditional, memory foam is a slower-moving material (taking several seconds to adapt to your changes in movement), thereby offering a deeper and more pronounced hug and contour. It’s also denser than the other options in this section, which means it’s more likely to overheat.
Gel-Infused Memory Foam
Gel-infused foam feels very similar to traditional memory foam, but is slightly less dense. A gel infusion throughout the foam opens up the dense structure to promote airflow and breathability.
Copper Infused Memory Foam
Like gel, copper works to open up dense memory foam and promote airflow. Copper is also naturally cooling, which takes the cooling properties of this foam one step further. In some cases, it’s even substituted for graphite.
Plant-Based Memory Foam
This material replaces a portion of the petroleum products in traditional memory foam with plant-based oils. These foams can also feel more cooling than traditional memory foam, and are preferred by many eco-friendly shoppers. Brands like Amerisleep currently use plant-based memory foam.
Open-Cell Memory Foam
It has a similar feel to traditional memory foam, but has been manufactured with tiny air pockets for added breathability. This results in a material that has a faster response time and overall better air circulation, which helps with temperature regulation throughout the night.
How Long Does a Memory Foam Mattress Last?
So, just how long does a memory foam mattress actually last you? That depends on several different factors, which I’ll go over below.
Cleaning
A lower-quality memory foam mattress should last you 3–5 years before it starts to sag, and a high-quality memory foam mattress should last about 7–10 years. To ensure that your bed reaches its maximum lifespan, I recommend adding a mattress pad and reading our How to Clean a Mattress guide to learn about proper maintenance.
Accessories
Using the proper bed frame or box spring can also extend a mattress’ lifespan. Check out your brand’s warranty information to learn more about what type of frame will work best. Adding a mattress topper to an older mattress can also extend its lifespan by a few years. I’d recommend adding a firmer topper to a mattress that’s starting to sag to add some additional support.
Disposal
When it comes time to get rid of your old mattress, check with the manufacturer to see if they have a removal or recycling policy. Many brands that offer white glove delivery will also remove your old mattress and responsibly take care of it for you. If that isn’t an option, research your local mattress recycling collection centers and see if there’s a drop-off location nearby. And if your bed still has some life left in it, you can donate it to a local charity or shelter. Lastly, you can list your used mattress for free on an online site such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
When is the Best Time to Buy a Memory Foam Mattress?
Mattress brands run sales throughout the year, with many falling in line with holidays such as Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. And we’ll of course always keep you informed on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube about the latest deals so you can find the bed that’s 100 percent right for you.
FAQs
Is a memory foam mattress good?
Memory foam mattresses can be great for those in need of pressure relief! The material is well known for its body-contouring hug, which allows sleepers to sink deeply into the bed for relief at the shoulders and hips.
Do you need a boxspring with a memory foam mattress?
Totally up to you! You don’t need a box spring for any of the mattresses mentioned in this video, but if you prefer the feel of a box spring to that of a traditional bed frame, feel free to go with it.
Can you flip a memory foam mattress?
It depends on the bed. Some memory foam mattresses (like the Layla mentioned here) are flippable, so will work regardless of how you orient them. Others, however, aren’t designed to be flipped at all as they only feature memory foam on one side of the bed.
Is a memory foam mattress good for back pain?
It really depends on how you sleep! Though most memory foam mattresses will probably be too soft for strict back sleepers, side sleepers with aches and pains in the lower back may find that a memory foam mattress is able to alleviate tension along the spine. If you are struggling with pain at night be sure to look at the top mattresses for back pain.
The Best Memory Foam Mattresses of 2023
| Mattress | Best | Price After Discounts (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar | Editor’s Pick | $1,043 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| WinkBeds GravityLux | Cooling Memory Foam | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Helix Midnight | Hybrid Memory Foam for Couples | $1,249 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Bear Original | Memory Foam for Back Pain | $998 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| DreamCloud | Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress | $1,798 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Loom & Leaf | Memory Foam for Side Sleepers | $2,395 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Nolah Signature | Memory Foam for Pressure Relief | $1,599 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Plank Firm | Memory Foam in a Box | $1,482 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | |
| Puffy | Memory Foam for Kids | $1,799 | Puffy Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Cocoon Chill | Memory Foam for Back Sleepers | $1,239 | Check Out Our Coupons | Read Our Review! |
