Written by Bridget Chapman , Senior Product Editor
Finding the most comfortable mattress for you depends on factors such as body weight, preferred sleeping position, and even body temperature. There are a lot of options out there, so we recognize that sifting through all the different mattress types on the market can get overwhelming. That’s why we put together a list of the most comfortable mattresses of the year.
When it comes to buying a new mattress, price can matter. In fact, the mattress market is expected to see a $25.89 billion increase in the next seven years, so it’s important to put your money towards the right choice for you. I tried to include a variety of price points in this roundup, so you can choose a bed that’s within your budget. The beds on this roundup range from $998 to $2,634 for a queen size mattress. I want to note that these mattress companies frequently offer sales and discounts, so you’re very likely to get these beds for even cheaper.
If you’re looking for the most comfortable mattress possible, Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta says “prioritize material durability, a strong support core, comfortable foam layers, suitable firmness, motion isolation, edge support, warranties and trial periods. Read reviews, consider reputable brands and look for certifications.” And if you don’t want to take my word for it, you can skip down to my buying guide for a few tips on picking the most comfortable mattress for your needs all on your own.
Our Top Pick for Most Comfortable Mattress
Helix Midnight Luxe is our pick for the most comfortable mattress because its balanced hybrid construction should give sleepers plenty of spinal support, while the cooling pillow top and dual memory foam comfort layer provide soothing pressure relief.
Most Comfortable Mattresses of 2024
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Overall
- Emma Original – Most Comfortable Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers
- Saatva – Most Comfortable Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- The WinkBed – Most Comfortable Mattress for Seniors
- Nolah Evolution – Most Comfortable Mattress for Hip Pain
- Bear Original – Most Comfortable Mattress for Athletes
- Titan Plus – Most Comfortable Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Most Comfortable Hybrid Mattress
- Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – Most Comfortable Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Birch Luxe – Most Comfortable Organic Mattress
Read on for more in-depth information about each mattress, or skip down to the bottom to find a handy chart that compares the mattress type, price, superlative, and review of each brand.
Our Video Review of the Most Comfortable Mattress
Comparing the Most Comfortable Mattresses
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| Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Emma Mattress | Saatva Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Titan Plus | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress | Birch Luxe Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Hot Sleepers,
Kids, Back Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain,
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Hot Sleepers,
Back Pain, Side Sleepers |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers |
What We Look For In The Most Comfortable Mattress
Support
When you are looking for the most comfortable mattress, one major concern of yours may be the supportiveness of your mattress. We know how important support is in your mattress, so we used a pressure map to test the supportiveness of each of these mattresses on various body parts in various sleeping positions to help you find the most comfortable and supportive mattress you can.
Materials
When looking for mattresses that are the most comfortable, one of the first things we consider is the quality and type of materials they are made with. Every sleeper finds different things comfortable, so we made sure to include and test mattresses made with the highest quality foam, latex, and springs to ensure you are getting a high-quality and comfortable mattress.
Firmness
Firmness is another thing that every sleeper has a preference for. Because of this, we included a wide array of mattresses with various firmness levels to help you find the best one for you and your needs. We tested each of our mattresses against our firmness scale, which ranks mattresses from 1-10 with 10 being the firmest, to help you find the perfect firmness for you.
Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Overall
Helix has a line of six hybrid mattresses, each with a different level of firmness. The Midnight is one of their medium models. It has enough contouring for side sleepers, but should still be supportive enough for back sleepers, as long as they don’t mind a softer bed. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I like the Helix Midnight Luxe for back sleepers and side sleepers. The medium-soft to medium-firm feel should give these folks the right balance of comfort and support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
The Helix Midnight Luxe, Helix’s most well-known mattress on their luxury line, is our top pick for comfort. It’s a versatile option that accommodates a number of sleeping positions, body types, and health needs. While testing in our mattress lab, we found it offers the firm coil support most back sleepers need to keep their spines straight at night. At the same time, its gentle memory foam layer contours to the lower back to offer some pressure relief in the lumbar region.
Emma Original – Most Comfortable Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers
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
Lightweight sleepers under 150 pounds experience mattresses a little bit differently than average weight or heavier sleepers. Because they don’t compress into the layers quite as much, beds tend to feel firmer to them. We think that lightweight sleepers could be especially comfortable on the all-foam Emma. They shouldn’t sink too far into the mattress, so they’ll feel extremely supported by the bed’s bottom layer of ergonomically designed memory foam.
Saatva – Most Comfortable Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
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
Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to keep their hips lifted up in line with their shoulders. This will keep their spines neutrally aligned and help prevent back pain. Thanks to our mattress testing methods, we found the Saatva is a firm innerspring mattress that does just this and should work well for stomach sleepers of any weight. The Saatva has three different firmnesses, but we definitely recommend the Firm version for maximum support.
The WinkBed – Most Comfortable Mattress for Seniors
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
Seniors tend to prefer more traditional innerspring mattresses, so the WinkBed should be right up their alley. It’s a Euro pillow top hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel. This bed is delivered in a box, which is a nice feature for seniors who don’t want to deal with a mattress store. We do recommend checking the weight of the box before trying to lift it.
Nolah Evolution – Most Comfortable Mattress for Hip Pain
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
The right mattress for relieving hip pain will have a cushioning top layer that allows you to sink in a little. This sinkage will cushion the pressure points at your hips and shoulders, which will help relieve pain in those areas. During our pressure map test, we found the Nolah Evolution showed low pressure at the hip and shoulder, meaning this is a comfortable option for those who battle joint pain at night.
Bear Original – Most Comfortable Mattress for Athletes
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
The Bear Original was designed for athletes. The company offers an additional mattress cover on the Bear Original that is made of a material called Celliant. Many studies suggest that this material could help with athletic recovery by promoting blood flow while you sleep. During testing, we found that Celliant is extremely breathable, which helps the mattress sleep cool — an essential trait if your body temperature is up after a rigorous workout. This cover does cost an additional $130, however, so make sure to keep that in mind before clicking “check out” on the Bear Original.
Titan Plus – Most Comfortable Mattress for Back Sleepers
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
As a general rule, back sleepers thrive when sleeping on a medium-firm to firm mattress, which means they should seek out a bed that’s around a 6.5–7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. That’s roughly what most sleepers around 200 pounds should feel on the Titan Plus, a bed made with ultimate support and durability in mind. Back sleepers also need a mattress that fills in the lumbar region while lifting the body into alignment, and with its hybrid construction, the Titan Plus achieves both.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Most Comfortable Hybrid 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
Hybrid mattresses combine the comfort of foam and the support of coils, making them a good match for just about anyone. And when it comes to these types of beds, the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe is one of the best hybrids we’ve tested. While it has zoned coils in its support layer, its foams treat sleepers to a good amount of softness and pressure relief. This was further exemplified on our pressure map test, where we saw effective cushioning while back sleeping in particular.
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – Most Comfortable Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress, available in three firmness levels. We tested the Medium-Firm model and felt it was just softer than average, but could still work for all three sleeping positions — a rare find among mattresses. It also has some effective cooling technology built into it, which helps to keep sleepers cool throughout the night. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I really think the medium-firm model is a great fit for all sleeping positions. Yep, the Leesa Sapira Chill is one of those unicorn mattresses that provides a great balance of comfort and support for a wide range of sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Expert Opinion
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid combines sturdy coils and cushioning memory foam. When we tested it in our lab, we found it performed incredibly well for side sleepers, as its thick gel-infused comfort layer offers plenty of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. In fact, because of its multiple firmness options, this bed should suit side sleepers of most body types. Our pressure map revealed very little pressure buildup while side sleeping, even at the hip and shoulder. So, whether you’re a perfectly healthy side sleeper or if you have issues with joint pain, you should feel contoured and comfortable.
Birch Luxe – Most Comfortable Organic Mattress
Similar to the Birch Natural, the Birch Luxe Natural blends Talalay latex foam with sturdy coils that are zoned for support. We think it’s a good fit for back sleepers and stomach sleepers who enjoy a firmer bed. Its luxury upgrades include a softer cover with organic cotton and cashmere, plus the mattress has earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. To learn more, see our video review.
What our tester says:
“I love that the Birch Luxe Natural is an eco-friendly model. I think a lot of people would find comfort in knowing there are no harmful chemicals in this bed and it’s made from organic materials. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, I think the Birch Luxe could be a great option for you. It’s firm, yet breathable.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Expert Opinion
A crucial consideration for many is the materials that go into a mattress’s construction. With the organic Birch Luxe, you don’t have to worry. Organic cotton, organic wool, natural Talalay latex, and pocketed coils create this high-quality hybrid mattress. We like this bed for back sleepers and stomach sleepers of most body types, as it has a firmer feel.
What Is A Comfortable Mattress
Although it would make mattress shopping easier, there is no one-size-fits all mattress with a magically comfortable construction. With this reality in mind, how do we determine what a truly comfortable mattress is? A truly comfortable mattress has the proper balance of comfort and support for your sleeping position and body type. It can also include any special features if needed, such as a Euro-top, a cooling cover, or reinforced edge support.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Comfortable Mattress
Finding the best comfortable mattress isn’t just about the bed itself. It’s also about taking your own traits as a sleeper into consideration, including sleep position, body type, whether you sleep hot, etc. From there, you can figure out what materials and construction are right for you. Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors.
Price
Most durable, high-quality mattresses cost between $800-$1,500. This larger range is due to the fact that not all mattresses share the same construction. Latex mattresses are known for their durability and are generally priced higher than memory foam mattresses, which often have shorter lifespans. For some of the most affordable options, see our roundup for the best cheap mattresses.
Mattress Materials
Which Mattress Material is the Most Comfortable?
It depends on what you like. If you’re someone who feels most comfortable on soft, pressure relieving mattresses, memory foam might be the way to go. But if you associate comfort with firm support, an innerspring mattress could work better for you.
Memory Foam
Memory foam beds are definitely the most popular mattress type when you think of a comfortable bed. Foam beds give you a hugging, cradling feeling. They are great for pressure relief so will make great mattresses for side sleepers or anyone experiencing neck or chronic pain. The main con that customers struggle with is the heat absorption a lot of foam beds have. Although traditionally not the best mattress for hot sleepers, look out for cooling gels, breathable covers and phase chasing materials for extra cooling.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of foam mattresses and innerspring. They have one layer of springs and one layer of foam. These mattresses are generally cooling, supportive, and comfortable, and they come in various levels of firmness, which many sleepers love.
This combination of factors makes hybrid mattresses a crowd favorite, but they can be pricey so keep that in mind. Hybrid mattresses can be comfortable for most sleeping positions depending on your firmness level choice.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are made of two layers of coils, or springs, and topped by a thinner layer of foam. These mattresses generally offer good support and are exceptionally cooling, as their coils provide great breathability. They are extremely comfortable because of these factors and we usually recommend them for stomach sleepers who need a little extra support and help keeping their spine aligned.
Latex
If you’re looking for an organic material be sure to check out latex beds. Natural latex is made from extracting latex from rubber tree sap. They tend of have a higher price tag because of their production costs and organic nature but they perform great. Natural latex is breathable, cooling, supportive and tends to perform great in motion isolation. If you are curious about latex mattresses you can check our list of the best latex mattresses.
We’ll also note here that if you feel more peace of mind on natural or organic beds, there are a few options you can check out. Natural latex mattresses or mattresses that use CertiPUR-US® Certified foams could fit the bill for you. Our best natural organic mattress guide can help you find a mattress that meets those criteria.
Airbed
No, airbeds are not the same as the air mattresses one might use for camping. Airbeds feel a lot more like a traditional mattress, and they include air channels that you may adjust at your leisure. These channels control the mattress’s firmness, so you can pinpoint your own comfort level. This makes airbeds a versatile option that fits just about anyone.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position will help you determine which type of mattress might feel most comfortable to you. Take a look at the list below to see what mattress types are best for your sleeping position. And once you’ve found the right bed, peruse our Guide to Better Sleep Posture to get an even healthier night’s sleep.
- Side sleepers often do best on soft, pressure-relieving mattresses. These sleepers might want to opt for memory foam or pillow top mattresses that offer some sinkage and body-contouring.
- Back sleepers can be happy on most different mattress types. If you’re not sure where to start, look into medium-firm hybrid mattresses, which often feel comfortable to a wide variety of sleepers.
- Stomach sleepers normally need firm support. Without firm support, their hips will sink into their mattresses, creating a bend in the spine that can lead to pain over time. Some good options for these sleepers could be innerspring, hybrid, or latex foam mattresses. Mattresses that feature firm polyurethane foam (aka poly foam) could also work for these folks.
- Combination Sleepers usually prefer bouncy, responsive mattresses that make it easy to change positions throughout the night. If you’re a combination sleeper unsure where to start, check out latex or innerspring mattresses.
Body Type
Your body type and weight play a big role in determining what type of mattress will work for you. Depending on how your weight is distributed, you may need extra support around your hips. If you’re someone who carries most of their body weight in their hips, consider a mattress that offers zoned support, which essentially means that a mattress is firmer in certain areas and softer in others. As a brand, Casper has been a pioneer in this field, outfitting its flagship mattress with foams that are firmer in the center of the bed and softer at the shoulders and feet.
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average-Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| < 160 pounds | 160 – 230 pounds | > 230 pounds |
Similarly, heavier people (over 250 pounds) tend to need a mattress that features a strong support system. Innerspring, hybrid, and latex mattresses tend to work best for these sleepers. Some mattress brands also offer models made specifically with heavier folks in mind. We’d recommend checking our best mattress for heavy people roundup to explore some of these options.
Lighter people (under 130 pounds) should consider their weight when purchasing a mattress. Some beds might feel firmer to these sleepers because they don’t sink into the top foams as far as an average weight person would. These sleepers might be most comfortable on pillow top mattresses or softer beds. If you do purchase a bed that feels too firm, a mattress topper could help.
Couples
If you sleep with a partner you’ll want to consider things like motion transfer, edge support, and cooling technology when choosing a bed. You’ll also need to compromise on things like firmness level and feel to ensure both partners are happy. Check out our best mattress for couples, or read more on this guide for sleeping as a couple. Check out how we test for motion isolation.
We test for motion isolation by dropping 10 pound weighted balls from different heights and using a seismograph machine to measure the amount of motion felt across the mattress. The bigger the spikes, the worst the mattress has performed for motion isolation. Typically, mattresses like memory foam and latex have better motion isolation because of their softer feel. We also test motion isolation with our red wine test by placing a glass of red wine on one end of the bed and having one of our testers lay in various sleeping positions on the other end. This gives us an immediate answer how the mattress performs.
Firmness
Your preferred firmness level will depend a lot on your preferred sleeping position. But if you’re not sure where to start, most people find medium-firm mattresses universally comfortable. When testing mattresses, we place each mattress on our firmness scale that ranges from 1-10, 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest mattress you’ve ever laid on. We consider a 6.5 a perfect medium-firm mattress. For more information on choosing a comfortable firmness level, you can head to our Mattress Firmness Guide.
Our Firmness Recommendations by Weight and Sleeping Position
| Weight | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
| Lightweight (Less than 130 pounds) | Soft (5) to Medium-Soft (6) | Soft (5) to Medium-Firm (6.5) | Medium-Firm (6.5) to Firm (7) |
| Average weight (130 to 250 pounds) | Medium-Soft (6) to Medium-Firm (6.5) | Medium-Soft (6) to Firm (7.5) | Medium-Firm (6.5) to Extra-Firm (8) |
| Heavy weight (More than 250 pounds) | Medium-Firm (6.5) to Firm (7) | Medium-Firm (6.5) to Extra-Firm (8) | Firm (7) to Extra-Firm (8) |
Pressure Relief
Having a mattress with adequate pressure relief is crucial for any sleeper. Without pressure relief, you’re far more likely to have pressure build on sensitive areas. In turn, this can cause or alleviate back pain and joint pain. We prioritize pressure relief when testing for the most comfortable mattress, as it’s impossible to get cozy when feeling pressure.
We use a thermal pressure map to help us identify which pressure point each mattress might have and where a mattress might stand out. As you can see in this pressure map example, green and blue mean the mattress is supporting the sleeper, versus the yellow and red which show use where someone might feel pain from lack of support. In general, the heavier parts of your body such as your shoulders, back and hips need the most support to stay comfortable.
The best mattresses for pressure relief vary from person to person, as different sleeping positions and body types need varying levels of pressure relief. See our roundups of the best soft mattresses and the best mattresses for joint pain for excellent options.
Hear from the Experts:
Why is Spinal Alignment so Important for Comfort?
“Having a sagging mattress, or a mattress that is too firm or soft for your sleeping position will create a lot of pressure points and chronic pain. It’s important to buy a mattress that has the firmness you find most comfortable based on your sleeping position, weight and lifestyle. If your spine is misaligned, you risk your hips, lower back or shoulders to sink and thus create acute pain. “
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Responsiveness
Responsiveness is a term used to describe how a mattress responds to the pressure we put on it. A mattress with high responsiveness is super bouncy and easy to move around on (typically innerspring and latex beds) while a mattress with low responsiveness has a slower response time (many memory foam mattresses).
The degree of responsiveness your dream mattress has is dependent on your individual needs as a sleeper. If you find yourself changing positions frequently at night, you’re probably going to want one of the best mattresses for combination sleepers. These beds have a higher responsiveness to make moving around on the mattress surface super easy.
Temperature Regulation
Temperature can play a huge role in the comfort of a mattress, and should definitely be taken into consideration when you’re choosing a new bed. Materials like memory foam tend to trap heat and can exacerbate hot sleepers’ problems.
If you sleep hot, look for a mattress that features cooling gel infusions or pocketed coils to promote airflow. In general, hybrid and innerspring mattresses tend to sleep fairly cool.
When it comes to cooling, we’d also be remiss not to talk about latex mattresses. Even though they can be more expensive than other mattress types, latex is a naturally cooling material that’s often a great fit for hot sleepers. If you struggle with waking up sweaty, you could find a solution in our best latex mattress roundup. And if you want to learn more about how body temperature affects sleep, dive into our article on thermoregulation.
Company Policies
Mattress Warranties
A mattress warranty is a company policy that guarantees your mattress will be replaced if it doesn’t hold to the standards the company outlines when you buy the mattress. The warranty can also give you a great idea of how long the mattress is expected to last for and how durable it is. Every company has different lengths however we recommend looking at warranties 10 years or more.
Sleep Trials
A sleep trial is something a lot of online brands have started offering so you can try the mattress for several weeks in the comfort of your own home. A sleep trial can vary per brand but we recommend looking at 60 days and more. This will give you enough time to break in the mattress and determine if its fits your sleep preferences, stays at cool as you need or if it relieves pressure in the way you need it to.
Shipping
Shipping a mattress straight to your door automatically makes the mattress more comfortable in our opinion. The ease, and simplicity if unparalleled and we have made sure that each brand we have recommended offers free shipping when purchasing a new bed. Some offer a service called white glove delivery at an extra cost which involves a full door to door service; shipping, hand delivery, set up in your desired space and the removal of your old mattress. This white glove delivery service is the ultimate level of comfort.
How to Pick the Most Comfortable Mattresses for Pain
Pain and low-quality sleep go hand-in-hand. Poor sleep can worsen pain, and uncomfortable pain can worsen sleep.
Back Pain
A mattress that feels medium-firm is one that’s generally best for back pain. The hips need to stay lifted and supported throughout the night, so it’s crucial to have a durable base material. Still, the hips should be cushioned enough to provide pressure relief at the hips. To see our favorite picks, check out our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain.
Hip Pain
Those suffering from hip pain should consider a medium-soft mattress. It’s just a touch below medium-firm and emphasizes pressure relief. But it still provides adequate support to keep the hips lifted throughout the night, which is crucial for achieving proper spinal alignment. For great options, see our roundup of the best mattresses for hip pain.
Shoulder Pain
Folks with shoulder pain should opt for a softer mattress, or one with a thicker comfort layer. That way, the comfort layers take pressure off the shoulder and help you wake up pain-free. For some of our favorite models, see the best mattresses for shoulder pain.
Arthritis
As with mattresses for shoulder pain and hip pain, best mattresses for arthritis excel at pressure relief and allow the joints lots of cushioning. If you’re a heavier sleeper or a stomach sleeper, you’ll definitely want a bit firmer of a mattress, but still something that provides the necessary comfort for your joints.
When to Buy a Mattress
There are typically sales going on for brands throughout most of the year. However, it’s around these holidays where the best price slashes take place:
- Presidents’ Day (February)
- Memorial Day (May)
- Labor Day (September)
- Cyber 5 (November)
- Christmas (December)
Accessories to Make Your Bed More Comfortable
Finding the right mattress is extremely important, but what is a good mattress without good bedding? Adding accessories can elevate your comfort and lead to better sleep overall. If you’re wondering what sleep accessories you’ll need for your new mattress, look no further.
- Sheets: This one may seem obvious, but you’ll be surprised by the amount of sheet options on the market. With a variety of materials, weave styles, thread count, and fiber lengths, it can be hard to pick the best sheets for you. Head to our best bed sheets roundup for my favorite picks, and scroll to the bottom for some expert buying tips.
- Pillows: Finding the right pillow for your sleeping position is crucial for preventing neck and back pain. In short, stomach sleepers need a low lofted pillow, back sleepers need a medium loft, and side sleepers need a high loft. I go into more detail in my best pillows roundup, where I discuss the best types of pillows and what to look for.
- Mattress Toppers: If you find the perfect bed, you likely won’t need a mattress topper. However, toppers can help change the feel of your current mattress and add a bit of softness or firmness (depending on what you prefer.) I cover my top picks in my best mattress topper roundup.
- Mattress Protector: This is an great item to add to your bed to keep it clean and safe from spills and accidents. Mattress protectors are great for kids, or to put over an old dorm bed. Head to my best mattress protectors roundup for my favorite picks.
- Adjustable Bed Frame: If you struggle with pain or snoring, an adjustable bed may be a good idea. These beds raise and lower at the head and feet, allowing you to sleep at an angle that feels the most comfortable. You can also use an adjustable bed to easily read or watch tv sitting up. I cover my top choices in my best adjustable bed roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most comfortable mattress for side sleepers?
Side sleepers typically need soft (5.5) to medium-firm (6.5) mattress that offers plenty of cushioning and sinkage around the hips and shoulders. I would steer these sleepers towards all-foam or hybrid mattresses that contain layers of soft foams that provide good body contouring. Side sleepers place the majority of their weight on their hips and shoulders when sleeping, so be sure to check our pressure map tests to ensure the mattress can relieve that pressure.
What makes a mattress more comfortable?
If you’re wanting to make a mattress more comfortable, I would recommend looking into high-quality bedding and sleep accessories that are compatible with your sleeping position. If you want to adjust the feel of the bed, a mattress topper can add bit of extra cushioning or firmness. If you want to sleep cooler, look for cooling sheets and pillows. If you struggle with pain, you may want to invest in an adjustable bed frame.
How much should a comfortable mattress cost?
How much you’re willing to spend on a mattress is an entirely individual decision. We have great value mattresses that won’t break the bank featured on our best mattress for the money and best cheap mattress round ups. If you’re looking for luxury, we also have plenty of beds in our best luxury mattress roundup.
While I can’t provide an exact answer for how much you should spend, here’s my general rule of thumb for a queen-size bed:
- Cheap: <$1,000
- Budget: $1,000 to $1,500
- Average: $1,500 to $2,000
- Luxury: >$2,000
What type of mattress material is most comfortable?
The most comfortable material depends on your individual sleep needs. Memory foam is known for being cozy and cushioning, but this may not be comfortable for all sleepers. Latex is a great material for combination sleepers who need a responsive bed. Strong, steel coils may not sound comfortable, but they help with support and airflow, which can enhance a bed’s comfort. The materials within mattress covers can also help with comfort, such as organic cotton, Tencel, Celliant, or cashmere.
Most Comfortable Mattress: Details and Pricing
And that wraps up my list. You can review the chart below for one last look at all the coupons and information you need to choose between these beds.
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Overall | $2,373 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Emma Original | Lightweight Sleepers | $1,399 | Emma Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Stomach Sleepers | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBeds | Seniors | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Hip Pain | $2,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Original | Athletes | $998 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Titan Plus by Brooklyn Bedding | Back Sleepers | $1,249 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Hybrid | $2,265 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | Side Sleepers | $2,159 | Check Our Coupons | Read Our Review |
| Birch Luxe by Helix | Organic | $3,123 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |