In the world of online mattresses it seems that just about everyone has heard of Casper. And it’s not without good reason. Over the last two years Casper’s success has helped grow the online mattress industry faster than anyone could have imagined. As demand for high quality mattresses online has grown so has the number of start-up companies stepping up to create their own innovative and comfortable mattress.
By all accounts, the Casper is a pretty good mattress. The design, build, and materials strike a balanced feel that’s suitable for many sleepers. However, as the industry has grown so has competition. Over the last two years several new mattress companies have stepped up to the plate to challenge Casper. A few of these companies have more than succeeded and developed exceptionally well built and designed products that are turning many heads.
Over the last year I’ve had more and more readers ask me for Casper alternatives. The following mattress companies are four of my favorites that are each helping to innovate and reshape the mattress industry for the better.
Leesa
Launching at the end of 2014 Leesa has quickly gained a significant following as more sleepers every day discover the balance of the Leesa’s design. Leesa is a 10″ all foam mattress built from different types foams.
The top layer of the Leesa is 2.0″ of Avena foam. Avena foam is a latex foam alternative. It has the same great feel, comfort, bounce, and cooling you get from latex. However, it offers improved durability and longevity over latex. This layer sits on top of a 2.0″ memory foam layer that relieves pressure and provides support. Finally, both of these layers sit on a 6.0″ high-density support foam base.
Leesa uses 4.0″ of comfort foam (2″ of Avena + 2″ of memory foam). Leesa is one of the first online mattress companies I tested that used 4″+ comfort foam. The difference between 3″ and 4″ of comfort foam may not sound like much, but trust me, the feel difference it creates is significant. The additional foam improves the balanced feel, deep compression support, and body contouring.
Additionally, the usage of Avena instead of latex foam also serves to improve the longevity and durability of the mattress. Lastly, Leesa’s cover provides great cooling, has a sharp aesthetic, and is quite resilient to damage.
Leesa compares similarly to the design, feel, and build quality of Tempur-pedic. You can try the Tempur-pedic Cloud Prima & Flex Supreme (it’s a bit of a cross between the two) to get an idea of how the Leesa feels. See my Leesa vs. Tempur-pedic comparison for more info.
On a personal note, I really love Leesa’s commitment to their community and helping others. From their very first day Leesa has been supporting their Leesa 1-10 program. For every 10 mattresses that Leesa sells they donate 1 mattress to homeless shelters and others in need. They have already made significant donations to the Norfolk Union Mission and Bowery Mission in NYC in 2015. It’s really refreshing to see a company that cares as much about making a positive impact as they do about creating a great product.
The Leesa is priced at $940 for a Queen. However, when you use this discount promo code it brings the price down to $865.
Loom & Leaf
Loom and Leaf is the spiritual child of online mattress sage, Saatva. Saatva was one of the first online mattress companies to start selling online 4 years ago. Saatva, a luxury coil-on-coil mattress, launched Loom & Leaf (their luxury foam mattress) earlier this year and it is rapidly becoming one of the most popular online mattresses.
The Loom & Leaf is built from 4 different layers of foam. L&L uses 6.5″ of comfort foam (2″ gel foam, 2.5″ memory foam, and 2″ of transitional foam) on top of a 5.5″ support foam base. At 6.5″ of comfort foam the Loom & Leaf has one of the thickest comfort layers I’ve tested. This extra thickness adds longevity to the mattress and will also improve deep compression support. Additionally, the L&L uses a 5/8″ layer of foam within the cover. This is the thinnest padded cover I’ve seen, making it a great compromise between those who like a traditional look and feel, but want to try more of a modern contouring foam support
What really makes the Loom & Leaf special is their material selection. Loom & Leaf is made using a 100% organic cotton cover, plant-based foams, and natural thistle as the flame retardant (as opposed to a fire sock). Is it 100% organic and all natural? No, but it is natural where it counts. This compromise allows the price to remain more reasonable, while still having some of the more important natural and organic material components.
The Loom & Leaf mattress is $1,099 for a Queen (sadly no discounts) and is available in 2 firmness levels, medium (5.5 out of 10) and firm (8-8.5 out of 10).
Helix
The Helix mattress is one of the most unique mattress concepts I’ve tested to date. Every Helix is made custom ordered based upon the specific needs, desires, weight, body type, medical conditions (if any), and other personalized information for each sleeper.
The Helix mattress is built from 4 layers of latex, microcoils, poly foam, and support foam. My personalized Helix mattress included 2.0″ responsive poly foam, 2.4″ microcoils, 2.0″ poly foam, and 4″ of support foam. Since each Helix is customized to an individual sleeper’s specs the layer thicknesses, order of layers, foam density, and firmness will all vary a bit. Some Helix mattresses may have a little more or less of any particular material in order to get the right feel and support.
The Helix feel will vary based on your personalized setup, however, in general it has a higher degree of bounce, quick response, and sleeps cool due to the use of latex and microcoils. The hug and contour is not dramatic like a memory foam, but more balanced and generalized in the way it compresses and contours to your body. This prevents any type of a stuck feeling, but still allows sleepers to experience great pressure relief and good support.
What makes the Helix mattress different is simply the customization. There are very few companies, online or offline, that are attempting custom mattress designs. Having this level of customization all for $995 for a Queen is virtually unheard of. Additionally, Helix is one of the very best mattresses for couples due to the customization. Helix can split customize a mattress, creating two distinct feels on each side in Queen, King, and Cal King sizes.
The Helix mattress is $995 for a Queen and drops to $945 when you use this promo code. Helix is available in a wide array of feels and firmness levels based on your customization quiz.
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding isn’t your run of the mill startup. In truth, they are one of the largest mattress manufacturers in the country. Unlike most online mattress companies, Brooklyn Bedding owns their own factory. It’s a massive 145,000 sq. ft. super warehouse that cost $7MM to build. I was able to take a tour a little over a year ago…the place is impressive. Owning their own factory allows Brooklyn Bedding to have better control of their manufacturing, materials, and of course, offer the best price.
The Brooklyn Bedding mattress is built using three layers of foam. The top layer is a 2.0″ layer of Talalay latex. The second layer is a 2.0″ layer of Dunlop latex. And finally, the bottom layer is a 6.0″ high density support foam base. The two different layers of latex combine to create great bounce, cooling, support, and consistency.
The biggest difference between Brooklyn Bedding and many of the newer online mattresses simply comes down to the cover. Brooklyn Bedding uses 0.75″ of super soft foam in the cover, creating a quilted padded cover. This gives the mattress a very traditional look and feel, with a sizable portion of the comfort and feel coming from the padded cover itself (and less so from the foams). If you prefer the traditional padded feel vs. more of a hugging body contour, the Brooklyn Bedding mattress is a great option.
The Brooklyn Bedding mattress is $750 for a Queen and drops to $712.50 when you use this promo code. Brooklyn Bedding is also available in three firmness levels, so you’re covered whether you prefer soft, medium, or firm feel.
Summary
The biggest and perhaps most important question…who should buy each of these mattresses? All four of these mattresses are among my personal favorites, but there are certainly pros and cons to each. Your specific needs and desires will likely sway you a bit more towards one or another. I’ve included the following summaries to help you decide what’s best for you.
Leesa
You should buy the Leesa if you prefer more direct contact with the contouring and supportive foam layers. The thin cover gives Leesa a feel and aesthetic similar to Tempur-pedic mattresses. Leesa offers a highly balanced feel in terms of firmness, comfort, and support designed to be well suited for the vast majority of sleepers. Great value for the money.
- $865 for a Queen (with discount)
- Read my full Leesa Review
- Grab the $75 Sleepopolis promo code
- Visit Leesa.com
Loom & Leaf
You should buy the Loom & Leaf if you like the traditional aesthetic look, but don’t want an excessively padded cover. Additionally, L&L uses natural materials. The 12″ profile also offers improved deep compression support. Build quality offers great cooling, support, deep compression support, and comfort. This is the most expensive of these 4 mattresses (especially for the King), but you do get some nice extras.
- $1,099 for Queen
- Read my full Loom & Leaf review
- No discounts available at this time :(
- Visit LoomandLeaf.com
Helix
You should buy the Helix mattress if you have very specific needs, you like a very firm or very soft mattress, you and your partner have very different needs, or you otherwise would benefit from being able to customize a mattress to your exact specifications. This is 2nd most expensive mattress on this list, but also the most customizable of any mattress I have tested to date.
- $945 for a Queen (with discount)
- Read my full Helix review
- Grab the $50 Sleepopolis promo code
- Visit HelixSleep.com
Brooklyn Bedding
You should buy the Brooklyn Bedding mattress if you prefer the traditional look and feel from a padded cover and you want an all latex comfort layer. The 4″ of latex offers great bounce, comfort, and cooling. This is the least expensive of these 4 mattresses (partly due to owning their own factory).
- $712.50 for a Queen (with discount)
- Read my full Brooklyn Bedding review
- Grab the 5% Sleepopolis promo code
- Visit BrooklynBedding.com
Got questions about which mattress is right for you?
Drop me a comment down below, email me directly via my contact form, or check out my full list of mattress reviews and mattress comparisons for more information.
Hello!
We have been sleeping on the Loom and Leaf Relaxed Firm mattress for two months. The picture on their website shows a slightly tufted cover but upon delivery the cover is in fact deeply tufted. (The picture is SO misrepresented on their website!) We both felt like we were sleeping on peaks and valleys and hated it from night one. The company sent us their mattress topper for free and extended our warranty. I feel the mattress topper is a bandaid for a product that should be right to begin with. I really want a smooth mattress top. I also do not feel like I am sleeping cool with the extra layer and that is important to me. Last week we asked for our money back, and customer service has been excellent returning our money while allowing us to shop for a new mattress. I am 5’8″ 190# and a side and back sleeper, my husband is 5’9″ 150#, always a back sleeper. I think about a 6 out of 10, 10 being the firmest, sounds about right for us. What do you reccomend? Based on reviews I’m thinking Leesa, Amerisleep AS3, or Nest Bedding (unsure which product). Thank you so much for your awesome blog and advice!
Hi,
My wife and are looking at replacing our king-size tempurpedic we purchased around 2002. We got it in a Brookstone and it’s 8″ thick, I have no clue what model it is. Obviously it has served us well, but I feel it sleeps hot and I believe one of the mattress in a box would serve us well. I’ve narrowed down my choices to the Amerisleep AS3 or the Nest Alexander Signature (medium). We are both side sleepers but my wife does occasionally sleep on her back, she’s 5’7″ 150 and I’m 5’10” 230. Do you have a recommendation of the 2?
Hi Nick,
Two great mattresses, very hard to choose between! I wouldn’t say one is better than the other, but they do have a slight difference in feel. The Next Alexander Signature has just a bit more “bounce” to it than the Amerisleep AS3 in my opinion, and a bit more sink/hug. Two quality choices though, I suspect you’d be happy with either!
Best,
Logan
I have had a sleep number for about 6 years. It’s just ok. I still have lower back pain. It isn’t much different than an air mattress. I’m looking for a change. I am 5’0 and 135 lbs with very wide hips and a small waist. I am mostly a side sleeper. My dogs (55-65 lbs) also sleep with me. I sleep very hot. So….I need a soft bed that won’t make me sweat and also won’t bounce me around a lot when my dogs get in bed at night. Do any beds take into account dogs jumping up? (My sleep number is the worst with them in the bed).
Hi Christina,
I’d start with my side sleeper recommendations: https://sleepopolis.com/best-mattress/best-mattress-for-side-sleepers/. Some good pressure-relieving options for side sleepers there (in my opinion).
If you’re thinking about a dog jumping on the bed, a foam bed is probably your best bet. When thinking about motion transfer, generally memory foam is the best for reducing motion across the bed, but other foam brands (and even certain spring mattress brands) do a pretty good job as well.
-Sleepopolis
My husband and I are both tall, 6’6′ and 6’2″ and a bit overweight although we are both losing weight. My husband says he prefers a “firm” mattress, although I’ve noticed that when we stay in a hotel, he seems to enjoy a mattress with a slightly softer top as long as there is firm support underneath. I have fibromyalgia and don’t like a mattress that is too firm, but I don’t like super-soft either. In the past, I haven’t enjoyed memory foam mattresses because I feel suffocated. Maybe the best words to describe are “cloud-like with support.” Part of that comes from the fact that I get overheated easily while sleeping and sometimes sweat quite a bit. I would like something that is cooling plus any suggestion you have for preventing sweat from penetrating into the mattress. Finally, I am allergic to latex, so would like to avoid exposure in top layers or outgassing. Is there a suggestion for a good compromise for us? We will be getting a standard king size mattress.
Based on the information you’ve provided, I would recommend taking a look at the Helix and the WinkBed. Both of these mattresses offer more of a floating feel with a softer top and firmer level of support. Additionally, each of these mattresses provide high levels of deep compression support, therefore you should not have any issues with a lack of support.
Oh, boy..where do I start?
First off, we are a retired couple. BIG people. This is what concerns me:
1. Do not want another innerspring mattress in my life.
2. Been all over the Internet searching. Oddly, we’ve decided on the Knickerbocker top of the line bedframe emBrace. The bed is only going to be as good as the frame and foundation.
3. Looking to purchase the Zinus High Profile 9 inch foundation. It looks sturdy and I believe it is rated for 2000 pounds, which would also include the combined weight of bed and occupants.
4. Now the mattress. We want a King, medium firm to this side of really firm. I am a side sleeper, husband is back sleeper.
5. Warranty is important. Another thing I will add, although I am still overweight, I’ve lost 40 lbs and am continuing to lose. We are on a fixed income, so we can’t just throw money away on another mattress as our bodies change. Is there such a thing as a sweet spot for mattresses that can be able to handle that change?
6. We both have health issues that impact our movement, so we wake up with aches and pains. Husband is a cancer survivor with lymphedema, I have rheumatoid arthritis. We will need something with good edge support, as we just don’t bolt out of bed and hit the floor in the mornings. It takes time to get up out of bed.
7. Split king or king? I figure if push comes to shove and we absolutely need to buy one more bed before we see the Pearly Gates, perhaps it would be best to buy a split king. If I continue to lose weight, what we buy now may not work in a few years. Also, how the heck do people put sheets on split kings? Is it hard to have two separate sets of sheets (I’m envisioning myself cursing, losing my religion, and trying with my arthritic self to put sheets on the thing, or do we go with just one sheet? Husband is one who sweats since the cancer, side effects that we can live with, but I sure don’t want to share in the experience with him, which is why I’m thinking of separate sheets.
Overall, what I am looking for is a mattress or two split king mattresses that have minimal compression and sink, so probably something around 12 to 14 inches. Breathable, cool foam. (We have a foam topper on an ancient bed, and it has helped. But, time to bury this old bed and get a new one).
Lastly, we are also considering placing either a king folding bedboard on top of the foundation to help distribute the weight. The Knickerbocker frame is rated in the industry as the best for not breaking or bending. However, it has only one central horizontal support, so we already know we are going to need that foundation and either a thinner piece of plywood or the bedboard to add on top of either the frame itself or the foundation to distribute the weight more evenly.
Tall order, I know, but please help us since there are so many mattresses out there! I look at reviews, and even the best of them have a few very negative reviews, so I am half worried about making a purchase on our income.
Hi Marilyn,
Based on everything you’ve shared, I have a few options in mind. That said, I would recommend a split King with two separate sets of sheets. The sheets will each need to be Twin XL to ensure they’re a proper fit for each mattress.
Now, in my opinion, the Helix and Loom & Leaf firm mattress are two good options. Both mattresses do a fine job of supporting heavier sleepers while still providing comfort. I would suggest reading my reviews on both of these mattresses to gain a better understanding of how each mattress will feel. Below are my reviews for each mattress:
Helix – https://sleepopolis.com/mattress-reviews/helix-mattress-review/
Loom & Leaf – https://sleepopolis.com/mattress-reviews/loom-and-leaf-mattress-review/
Hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions, comments, or concerns , thanks!
I’ve had an Amerisleep Revere bed for 60 days now, and my hands and arms have been going numb every night when sleeping on it. I tend to sleep on my back and my side, and like a somewhat firm mattress. However I realize that the firmness may be contributing to the problem. This is my first memory foam bed. I’m not sure how I feel about memory foam after sleeping on it. It seems like overall it is more comfortable (except for the numbness issue!), but it is slightly warm – not intolerably – and I do love that the whole bed doesn’t bounce or squeak when I shift. But relief from the numbness has become a top priority. I can still return the Revere and Amerisleep may offer a replacement. Should I try their Liberty (AS3) or ask for a refund and try something else? What would you recommend?
Hi Lisa,
I’m sorry to hear the Revere is not working out for you. That said, the AS3 (Liberty) was the first mattress that came to my mind after reading through your comment.
In my opinion, this mattress is soft enough to get rid of the numbness in your hands and arms but still firm enough to meet your preference of a firmer mattress. If it were up to me, I would give Amerisleep another shot and test out their newly revamped AS3 mattress.
Keep up the good work. I sleep on my sides only, and go back and forth, not on my back due to sleep apnea. I am 160lbs 5’7″ male. I purchased the Loom and Leaf relaxed firm and even with a topper it is too stiff for me, does not contour my body at all, without the topper it would be like a rock to me. I am going to give this mattress to a friend. My budge is about $1000. What can I get that when I lay in it all pressure points are relived, plush/plush. Helix? Need help please, haven’t slept well in a while.
Thanks for the positive comments, Eric! Sorry to hear that Loom & Leaf didn’t work out for you. If you’re looking for something a bit softer I would recommend Helix or the soft Brooklyn Bedding.
Helix review: https://sleepopolis.com/mattress-reviews/helix-mattress-review/
Brooklyn Bedding review: https://sleepopolis.com/mattress-reviews/brooklyn-bedding-mattress-review/
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you so much for your great reviews! We are looking to purchase a new bed for a guest room — so it will need to cater to a variety of bodies and preferences. Any thoughts on what might be the best overall crowd pleaser? Thank you!
Hi Sadie!
I would suggest one of the options from this list – https://sleepopolis.com/best-mattress/best-mattress-for-side-sleepers/
Side sleeping is by far the most common position, so having a mattress that’s well suited to that will be a great “all around” type of an option.
Please let me know if there are any other questions I can help with! Thanks!
Thank you for all the research and information!! I am having a really hard time making a decision. I have always used traditional pillow top mattresses and sleep fine. My fiance is very interested in a foam mattress as she has really bad back, hip, and shoulder pain. I am a side/stomach sleeper, she is a stomach sleeper for the most part. My biggest concern is that she runs very hot, especially when sleeping. I was all set to go with the Purple or Leesa and saw numerous reviews on their site that states they are too warm..
Help!
I’d be more than happy to provide you with as recommendation for a few mattresses that may work for you and your fiance. If you could please answer a few more quick questions I’ll be able to make the best selection for your needs:
What is your preferred firmness on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is the most firm (and as hard as the floor)?
Do you have a price that you need to stay under?
What size mattress are you looking for?
How much do you weigh? (this is important for support, feel, and cooling)
Thanks!
Hi! I would love a recommendation! My husband and I currently have my grandfathers old mattress (about 17 years old and the only one we’ve ever had) so we have NO idea what our preferences are. But I find I have back and hip pain every time I sleep. He could honestly sleep anywhere and be fine. I’m a bit on the bigger side at a little over 200lbs and a side sleeper. Any advice would be very appreciated!
Hi Pella!
I would be more than happy to help with a mattress recommendation. Based on the information you’ve shared, I would recommend taking a look at my Best Mattress for Back Pain page – https://sleepopolis.com/best-mattress/best-mattress-for-back-pain/
After exploring this page, let me know how these mattresses sound and we can move forward with a personalized recommendation.
Thanks!
I’m definitely a toss and turn sleeper! I get ear aches if I’m on one side of my head too long (my mom is the same)
I had always thought support and firmness were the same thing! So with my sore hips would that mean a mattress that’s on the softer side but still firm would be best?
Possibly. Most likely it means that your mattress just isn’t providing enough support right now.
You can have a mattress that’s both soft or firm, but still supportive. A new mattress that meets your comfort needs (and has enough support for your weight / body type) will yield better performance and most likely reduce your hip pains.
Love your reviews on everything! My husband and I are in need of a better/bigger bed. We currently have a queen spring mattress and every single time he moves (which is often) I get woken up. I’ve been researching and looking at the Loom and Leaf for a while now, but the price kind of scares my husband.
I am 5’8 170lbs and hes 6′ 175lbs. I am a side sleeper with back, neck and hip issues, and he sleeps in any position and has a really bad back and shoulders. Would the L&L be a good choice for us?
Hi Jamie,
Thank you for your kind words!
The Loom & Leaf is a great mattress and in my opinion, could indeed be a good fit for the two of you. The motion transfer on this mattress is minimal, the support is top notch, and the pressure relief is another added bonus.
Based on everything you’ve shared, the Loom & Leaf sounds like a very good option for you and your husband.
I’m a side sleeper and my husband is a back/ side sleeper. He likes a little less firm mattress and I prefer a more firm mattress. I’ve been waking up through out the night (for the last two months) with severe lower back pain; including scatica pain. I’m not sure which bed to go with. I’m leaning towards the Leeds yet I’m just not sure. My husband does prefer to be “swaddle”. What do you suggest…..
Thanks for your input.
Elyse
Hi Elyse,
Sorry for the slow reply!
Since you and your husband have fairly different needs you have a few options.
1) Go with a Split King, which is 2 Twin XLs. In this configuration you both get the exact type of firmness and feel you need.
2) Go with a customizable mattress, like Helix, where you can both get the exact firmness and feel you need.
3) Go with a mattress that’s a compromise between your needs.
Between those options, which would you say you prefer?
Hello–I am 130 pounds, side and back sleeper with neck, hip and shoulder issues. Husband is 190 side and back sleeper with neck and shoulder issues. We both sometimes sleep hot. We want to replace our king with one that we can get up a turned staircase. Your advice is appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Callie,
I would be more than happy to help! Just a few follow up questions before I make a recommendation:
What is your preferred firmness on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is the most firm (and as hard as the floor)?
Do you have a strong preference for or against a particular material type (ex. memory foam, latex foam, coils, hybrids, etc.)?
Do you have a price that you need to stay under?
Thanks!
Not sure if my attempt to reply went through so trying again. Firmness–somewhere in the middle–like feeling support at all points and don’t want pressure on shoulders, hips etc. No preference on material–we have occasionally slept on a memory foam which we liked, but for the heat factor. It wasn’t a high quality mattress so perhaps a better quality wouldn’t come with temperature issues. Price is not a particular issue although on the principal of the matter, I wouldn’t want to pay more just for a known name, if I can get same quality with a lesser known brand. Thank you!
Thank you for answering those questions. Based on the information you’ve shared, I would recommend the following mattresses:
Leesa – 6 out of 10 firmness (10 being the most firm), balanced levels of sinkage and hug, good bounce, very good support
Loom & Leaf – 5.5 out of 10 firmness, a little more plushness in the cover for better pressure relief and immediate softness upon lying down, very good support
Helix – 100% customizable, personalize the Helix with your preferred firmness, support, bounce, and cooling
Hi, I hope you can help figure out best mattress for me. I’m 210 pounds, sleep mostly on side, but on back also. I have fibromyalgia so very sensitive to feel and smell. I’m testing a Tuft & Needle now, but it’s not working for me. Not enough hug/soft feel, and not sure support level is right either. Adding foam topper felt softer, but still didn’t sleep well and made sitting on edge of bed to dress very unsupportive. I was about to order the Purple, but saw review from obese side sleeper saying it wasn’t good. Not sure now, am also considering Zotto, Loom & Leaf (little pricey for me), Casper, Amerisleep – Liberty, and Leesa. Too many choices — help please.
Hi Jeanne,
I would be more than happy to help. So, you’ve got lots of options here. So let’s just talk through these one by one.
Leesa – one of the better choices, uses a responsive top layer of Avena + memory foam, creates a nice moderate type of a feel, 6 out of 10 firmness
Loom and Leaf – classic memory foam feel, but it’s coupled with a quilted cover, which does a great job of relieving pressure
Amerisleep Liberty and Zotto – we have two different mattresses here, but they have a very similar feel, so we’ll discuss at the same time. 5 out of 10 firmness with a very classic memory foam type of a feel, lots of hug, lots of contour, slower response
My gut is telling me you should go either Leesa or Loom & Leaf. Leesa because it’s very well balanced. Loom and Leaf because it also strikes a nice balance, leaning more towards the memory foam camp, but balanced out by the quilted top cover.
Liberty and Zotto are great, but my fear is you won’t love them because of the very classic memory foam feel (slower response, more hug, more sinkage). If you are very sure you like that feel, then by all means, consider them as well. Otherwise, I feel like Leesa or Loom and Leaf are going to be better choices in your case.
Hope this helps to clear things up a bit.
Hey Sleepopolis,
I appreciate all the work you put into these reviews. I have watched a ton of your videos and decided on the Amerisleep Colonial. I was surprised by the firmness and don’t think it is soft enough for me. I can’t justify the price if I’m not 100% satisfied.
Do you have a recommendation on a softer mattress?
Hi Brian,
I’m sorry to hear the Colonial is not working out for you. That said, I do believe there are other options out there for you.
Based on your experience with the Colonial, I would recommend taking a look at the Saatva (soft), Nest Bedding Alexander Signature (soft), and Helix mattress. All three of these have excellent support and should feel a good bit softer than the colonial.
Whatever I buy has to be compatible with my antique iron bed. The present
traditional mattress and box springs sets on the frame supported with slat under the box springs .The height from the top of the mattress to the floor is 36 in. I am primarily a side sleeper, and prefer a firm mattress… But I want something that will stay firm. I am 5ft 8 and weigh about 160
What would you recommend ?
Based on the information you’ve shared, I would recommend the following:
Loom & Leaf in the hard firmness – 8.5 out of 10 firmness, uses natural materials, 12″ thick, exceptional deep compression support, great cooling, good response
Nest Bedding Alexander (all foam) in the hard firmness – 8 out of 10 firmness, 13″ thick, exceptional deep compression support, good cooling, good response
Helix – 100% customizable / personalizable mattress, you’ll be able to customize it to your exact firmness, feel, support, bounce, and cooling preferences
Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help, thanks!
Hi. My husband and I are shopping foam mattresses. we have an old farm house and space restraints getting mattresses and box springs up our stairwell. These bed in the box ads are very appealing. Here are our needs: he is 6 ft and about 240 lbs i am 5’6 and 170 lbs. i have arthritis in my neck, back and hips. He has mechanical back issues and shoulder pain. he is a back and side sleeper and i am all of the above lol. we have pets so we are wanting to upgrade to a king with split box springs. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
Hi Tracy,
Based on the information you’ve shared I would recommend taking a look at the Loom & Leaf, Amerisleep Revere, and Helix mattress. Each of these could be a good fit for the two of you.
My wife and I love our Serta Savant Plush we bought 4 years ago on clearance from a store going out of business. We paid $750 for a queen. We want a king and find the price to replace with the same bed better than $2200. Any suggestion for a better priced option? We are sold on foam. I’m intrigued by Leesa and L&L, but am worried we’ll find them too firm without the edge support. I’m a 170 stomach sleeper. Wife is a 125 side sleeper. Best bet?
Hi Doug,
Based on your needs, desires, and budget I would recommend you take a look at the Amerisleep Colonial, Nest Bedding Alexander Signature (soft version), and the Loom and Leaf Relaxed Firm version. The Colonial is a 4 firmness, Alexander Signature soft is a 3.5, and the Loom and Leaf is a 5. All 3 of these offer excellent build quality, material quality, and overall performance. I think it’s really a question of the precise firmness you need.
The edge support on the Colonial and Loom and Leaf is pretty good as far as memory foam mattresses go. The Alexander Sig. leaves something to be desired, but that’s mostly because it’s so soft. It’s really hard to get amazing edge support in an all foam mattress.
Hi Sleepopolis, First off let me thank you for all of the information you’ve shared on your site. My wife and I recently purchased a new amerisleep liberty mattress. Both my wife & I have been waking up with numbness in our arms. This is definitely something new for the both of us, and a little concerning. Is this normal with a memory foam? We have had a traditional mattress for many years, and decided to try something new, not sure if we’re making a mistake or not. I’m 6’2 about 185 my wife is much smaller about 5’1 130, and we both pretty much sleep every which way. I’m not sure if we need a mattress that is more firm or less? We were on a pillow top before. The main three I was considering was the liberty of course (seems like I chose wrong) the loom & leaf, and the leesa. After purchasing of course I read about the liberty not being the best for stomach sleepers, they’re site of course states differently. Wish I would’ve seen your article first. Any help as to which of the other two would be best, would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time.
Hi Erik,
Thank you for your kind words!
This is not necessarily a case of memory foam affecting you, but more or less an issue with firmness. As a stomach sleeper you’re probably sinking a little to deep around your hips, which is causing awkward angles and probably the numbness you’re experiencing.
Out of the Leesa and Loom & Leaf, you’re really hard pressed to go wrong with either. Neither of these mattresses are going to offer the style or level of sinkage that the Liberty did. If I could break down each of these mattresses I would say:
Buy Leesa if you want the best overall value a medium firmness that has a modern Tempur-pedic style cover and feel
Buy Loom and Leaf if you want something slightly softer than Leesa, but still a medium, but also with a little more plushness in the cover for better pressure relief and immediate softness upon lying down
I’ve been reading your site for a few months now, and I can’t thank you enough for all the great insight you’ve provided.
I have made the decision to get a Leesa for myself; however, I also need to purchase an additional mattress for my guest room. Do you recommend buying two Leesa mattresses (makes me a tiny bit nervous without having tried it), or is there a different brand you’d recommend for the guest bedroom? It seems like the Leesa blows the competition away.
Thanks!
Hi Christen,
Thank you for your kind words!
Are you on a time crunch? If not, I would recommend waiting until your first Leesa arrives before purchasing a second. This way, you can fully test the Leesa and decide whether or not it’s the mattress for both you and your guest room.
Even if you decide it’s not a good fit for you, you will have more information to inform your next mattress buy.
Hope this helps!
Sleepopolis, My husband andi have always had the traditional spring beds. After a year of researching online mattresses I was convinced that I wanted the wink bed. Now I’m not sure, wondering if the amerisleep is what we should go for. My husband and I are in our 60’s, heavy (200 plus) and have arthritis , upper back pain and such.i ordered the purple bed foundation king ( don’t want the split style).going from a queen to king.
Any thoughts? I’m ready to order if I can make a decision ; )
Hi Gigi,
While I am a fan of the Amerisleep mattress line, I do believe the WinkBed may be the more appropriate choice for you. You two are already familiar with the feel of innerspring mattresses and the WinkBed is a tough innerspring to beat. The comfort, support, pressure relief, and cooling of the WinkBed make for a very well rounded mattress. I do not think you will be disappointed on the WinkBed.
Hi Sleepopolis
Im wondering you thoughts on ghost bed ? I haven’t seen any mention of it in the comments . I’m 6′ -215 lb.s a back and side sleeper . Thinking I’d like medium firm and something cool . L&L and a Ghostbed are at the top of my list then Leesa and Brooklyn bedding. I’m coming from a traditional mattress . Thanks …
Ghostbed isn’t a bad mattress by any stretch, however, there are a number of mattresses that I prefer over them…L&L, Leesa, and BB would all be on that list.
If you’re looking for more of a medium firm you would be better served by Leesa, BB, or Loom and Leaf. The Ghostbed has a slightly firm feel and quite a dense feeling. Coming from a traditional mattress + being a side sleeper, I think you’d find it too firm.
Cheers Sleepopolis,
I’ve been enjoying your site as a resource for mattresses. I am in desperate need for a new mattress as my current one is old and has a massive sink hole in the middle.
I am a back and stomach sleeper, 5’10”, float around 190 pounds, and have broader shoulders than waist. I have a tight budget as a college student and would really like to spend under 750 for a full size mattress. The cheaper the better for me.
What dother you recommend?
Thank you!
So far I am considering the Leesa, Ghostbed, and Brooklyn bedding in firm. Brooklyn bedding is very tempting due to the lowest price and free pillows and sheets thrown in.
Hey Craig,
So if price is the primary consideration I would recommend taking a look at the Love & Sleep, Dreamfoam Bedding Ultimate Supreme Gel, and eLuxurySupply. All of those are less than $600 for a full and really hard to beat.
I would say Leesa, GB, and BB are all a step up in overall performance from those 3, but obviously you are spending a little bit more money. In each of these cases all of them are excellent mattress and it’s more a matter of feel. Based on your needs and desires any of these would be a good fit. It really boils down to feel.
If you want more response with a more balance type of a sinkage go with Leesa, BB, or Love and Sleep.
If you want a more pronounced hug and more contour go with Dreamfoam Ultimate Dreams Gel Supreme or eLuxury.
If you want something slightly firmer go with Ghostbed
Thank you for the reply! Great info. Brooklyn Bedding is convincing me to spend a little more with the pillows and sheets at only 617.50 for a full.
Now do you think their “firm” model is what I want based on my info?
As far as feel I think a balance type of sink age would be best for me. I can be a hot sleeper at times especially when my girlfriend is around, so I’d rather not have that count our.
Thanks again!
Hey Craig,
I’m so sorry about the slow reply to you. I took a few days off for the holidays and found myself up to my eyeballs in comments and emails.
To answer your question, I think you’d really be more comfortable on the firm. Nothing about your sleeper profile makes me think you should get the firm. Unless you really think you want and will like a firmer feel, the medium is likely going to meet your needs better.
Hi Sleepopolis,
I was wondering if you could help me. I am looking to upgrade beds in size and quality. I currently have a queen serta. I am a predominately stomach sleeper that moves around a lot and sometimes sleeps on my side. I am 5′ 7″ and about 165 lbs. I have been looking at Casper and Brooklyn Bedding and was wondering if you have suggestions for which would be better for my sleep style or if there is a better option?
What would you say is your ideal firmness on a 1-10 scale, w here 10 is the most firm?
I’d really appreciate your help …
I’m a 66 year old woman, with some slowly progressing arthritis. I’m a stomach and side sleeper who used to love a firmer mattress but finds lately she needs more “cushioning.” Recently I’ve been waking in the morning with substantial lower-back/hip pain. I think I probably need a new, better mattress for my getting-older body.
I’ve been looking at Casper, but I’m nervous about its “memory foam” component. Years ago I tried a TempurPedic and hated its molding “effect;” it seemed that every time I changed position, the mattress was moments behind, ever so slowly re-molding itself. Kept me awake most of the night.
I also find I need a “cooler” sleeping mattress now, one that doesn’t trap my body heat and keep me tossing and turning to try to stay cool.
Which mattress would you recommend for me, given all of the above? Your experienced opinion would be MOST appreciated.
I’d be happy to help!
Just a few questions.
On a 1-10 scale, where 10 is the most firm, what would you say is your ideal firmness?
How much do you weigh?
Do you have a price you’re trying to stay under?
What size mattress?
If you’d prefer to keep your responses private please email me via dan@sleepopolis.com
Thanks!
Purchasing a mattress is hard! My daughter, who lives out-of-state is having terrible back pain and I think it’s pretty obvious she needs a new mattress. I am overwhelmed by the choices. She was all ready to purchase a purple mattress but I’m trying to do some research. It’s overwhelming. She wants a memory foam. She is medium weight and sleeps in different positions. Can you steer me in the right direction? Some of my choices are Revere by Amerisleep, Leesa, Loom and Leaf by Saatva. Please help..thanks!
Hi Patty,
You’re on the right track with all of those. Those were all of the mattresses I was going to recommend for you.
The Amerisleep Liberty is worth of consideration as well, as it’s similar to the Revere, just slightly softer. The Leesa is going to be a bit more responsive and doesn’t have a classic memory foam feel. It’s not a bad or good thing, it’s just the nature of the feel. If she wants more of a memory foam feel you probably want to consider something else though.
Loom and Leaf is one of my all time favorite memory foam mattresses. The Relaxed Firm version should be a great fit for you.
Lastly, I’d recommend you also take a look at the Nest Bedding Alexander Signature (medium version). It’s another solid memory foam choice.
At the end of the day between any of these mattresses you are really hard pressed to go wrong, even more so given the trial periods.
I’m looking to buy a split king adjustable bed. We’ve had a pure bliss (nature) latex bed for the last 5 years. I’m a big guy and it was overly compressed after the 2nd year. The company ‘sleep city’ did not honor their warranty and said that the box spring (purchased as part of the package) was compromised. So we’re thinking of the adjustable beds – it’s just that there are too many variables to choose from, different layers etc. The Cloud Prima Tempurpedic was recommended and I can get the whole package for $3.2k. Now I’m seeing sleep science has this whole set up for around $2.4k http://m.costco.com/.product.100007850.html?&EMID=B2C_2016_1209_1207_iphone I’m weigh in almost 350. Just looking for some direction – I’ve researched and gotten too much info.
Hi Andrew,
I wish I had a better answer here. Unfortunately, I just haven’t done enough testing into adjustable bases to be able to give a definitive answer. I have heard good things about the Tempur-pedic bases though. However, I’m unfamiliar with Sleep Science.
Some of my readers have purchased this one and been pleased with it – http://amzn.to/2hnFbwv, It’s an amazingly good deal for the price point. Given that you’re covered by Amazon’s return policy with it, it might at least be worth trying given how much less expensive it is.
Hi,
We are thinking to change our mattress and currently we liked the Tempurpedic medium firm for a memory foam mattress and the beauty rest black platinum firm mattress. Which one would you recommend from Casper, Purple, Leesa, Tuft and needle?
Hi Arika,
Based off the information you’ve shared, I believe the Leesa or Purple mattress are the most appropriate options. Casper and Tuft & Needle are fine mattresses, but the performance of the Leesa and Purple simply outweigh them, in my opinion. Now, if I had to choose between the Leesa and Purple, I would suggest the Leesa for starters. Reason being, this mattress is going to feel closer to the Tempurpedic than the Purple. Purple’s top layer of hyper-elastic polymer tends to provide somewhat of a floating feeling while the Leesa has the ability to offer some contour due to the 2nd layer of memory foam.
Hi, I’m conflicted between the Leesa, Brooklyn Bedding, and Loom & Leaf. My main area of concern is the materials used in the Leesa and BB as they don’t really make much mention of it like Loom & Leaf does. Do you know if the materials in the Leesa or BB have any smell or off-gassing? Any odors related to fire retardant chemicals?
Leesa is a 2″ layer of Avena foam, which is a type of poly foam. It has a density of 3.5 PCF. Leesa’s core is a 2″ layer of memory foam, which has a PCF of 4.0. Lastly, their base is a 6″ layer of poly foam with a density of 1.8 PCF.
Brooklyn Bedding is 2″ of blended (40% natural, 60% synthetic) Talalay latex on top of 2″ of 100% synthetic Dunlop latex on top of 6″ of 1.8 PCF poly foam.
No chemical FR in either. They both use a silica based fire sock that melts when it burns in order to put out flames.
They both have a slight odor for the first couple of days, but it goes away quickly. It has more to do with the glue and nothing do with the FR though.
Hello!
I’ve read so many Q&A’s and yet I still need to ask you about me ;)
I have unlimited budget because I want to do it “right”. It seems that memory foam is where it’s at for new and improved sleeping so that got me here looking at all your reviews. I’m 5.9′ 135 and am a back sleep/side sleeper. I currently am in a Heavenly bed softer choice and love it but am buying for a second home. My main concern is heat, I wake up at night and am over heating 1:30-4am every night so anything that holds in heat will be awful. Should I stick with a Saatva spring type mattress or should I move on to the memory foam technology? Is the best Amerisleep liberty or Loom & Leaf? And then I’m open to anything I missed!
Hi Brittney,
I’d be happy to help!
So, first up, if you’re really concerned about heat you may want to re-think the memory foam mattress type. Memory foam has come a long way, but for very warm sleepers it’s still going to be warmer than a latex, coil, or hybrid mattress. To that end, I think the Loom and Leaf or Amerisleep line would probably be too warm for you based on your needs.
If you really like the idea of memory foam I’d say one possible option would be the Nest Bedding Alexander Hybrid. It uses layers of memory foam on top of coils, so you get the best of both worlds.
Or if you want to make sure you keep cooling as the prime focus then I’d recommend you opt for a more traditional coil mattress, where the Saatva or Winkbed could be the top two choices for you.
Hello,
If you had to choose between one of your 4 recommendations above for an overall great queen guest bed, which would you choose? It will likely get a lot of use so we want everyone who sleeps in it to love it…
Thanks for your help!
Hi Sleepopolisika,
I would recommend the Leesa for your guest room needs. The reason I like Leesa for this is it just strikes a perfect balance in so many areas.
Latex and memory foam as materials can be very polarizing for some sleepers…people tend to love or hate them. Leesa being a combination of these types of materials creates a nice mix that’s neither latex or memory feeling.
Helix could also serve this same objective for similar reasons. If you do go with Helix you’d just want to fill out the quiz with average sleeper needs and preferences for the types of guests who would sleep on it.
Please let me know if there are any other questions I can help with. Thanks!
I am around 150-160 lbs, average height and build, but my husband is 6′ tall and a little over 300 lbs. Right now we have one of the cheapest TempurPedic mattresses but we are getting some depressions in the foam that do not bounce back. I’m worried that because of my husband’s size we won’t find a foam mattress that can hold up. And I really like the foam! What brand would you recommend for our situation?
Would you be open to a hybrid mattress? These mattresses contain both foam and coils. This style mattress allows for comfort from the top half of the mattress and great support from the bottom half. If you would like to try one of these mattresses, I would recommend the Nest Bedding Alexander hybrid, the WinkBed, or the Saatva mattress. Each of these are top notch and could very well be a good fit for the two of you.
Thank you for your reviews!
A few months ago I read amazing reviews for the Lucid Plush 14″, and was just about to buy it, but then I heard about many other mattresses and I’m overwhelmed.
From what I’ve read and heard from friends, Leesa may be now my top choice. I was wondering if you knew anything about the Lucid Plush 14″ and how they would compare.
I made the terrible mistake of sleeping in a sofa bed for 6 months, about two years ago. Since then I’ve had pretty bad back pain. I’m more on the heavy side, would like something that wouldn’t be too warm. Sleep on my back and side (changes) I think I would like medium firmness. I have never bought a mattress…
Do you think Leesa would be good? Have you tried Lucid?
Thanks!
Hi Ale,
The Leesa could certainly be a good choice. I have tested the Lucid mattress and I definitely would not recommend it over the Leesa. I found it to be overly enveloping, warm, and just not all that comfortable. Based on everything you’ve shared, it does sound as if the Leesa would be the most appropriate choice.
You helped me with a Helix mattress a few months ago. I’m just about at the end of my 100 night trial and the mattress was great for the first 2 months or so, but lately, within the last 2-3 weeks my upper back has been bothering me, which is new for me. In the past it was always my lower back. Just your thoughts – firmer, softer, not mattress related at all?? I usually start out on my side, then at some point end up on my back if it matters.
Thanks again
Rob
Sorry to hear the Helix is starting to give you trouble, Rob. Just a few questions for you to ensure I’ve got enough information to help.
What firmness did you choose on your Helix?
What is your weight?
Did you make any specific selections on your Helix regarding support, medical issues, or other needs?
Thanks for getting back to me. I went with a medium firm which seemed great until recently. I don’t recall doing anything special as far as anything else. I weigh right at 200. I have emailed Helix to see what they had to say. About all they could offer was a topper to make it softer or firmer, or since I’m 3 days away from the 100 days, I could return it and start over. They asked if it felt like I was sinking in too much or not enough. I replied that I couldn’t tell. When I lay on it, it feels great. My gut feeling is maybe in the middle of the night it’s heating up from my body heat and softening up too much maybe?? And I should take them up on a firmer topper. I really don’t know. I’ve slept on mattresses that were too soft and they make my lower back hurt. I’ve slept on mattresses that are too firm and they usually make my hips and shoulders hurt. The Helix doesn’t really do either. It’s a different kind of middle back ribs area sort of pain. It’s weird.
Sure thing, Rob.
If the mattress is causing pain / trouble while sleeping, I would recommend just returning it. A topper is a band-aid at best, in my opinion. Great for short term fixes, but not for a brand new mattress (especially when you are in under trial period).
That said, there are a plethora of mattresses that could fix this issue. Based on your experience with the Helix, I would suggest looking into the brand new Sapira mattress and the Amerisleep Revere. I believe both of these could make for nice fits and potential winners.
I can’t totally explain it, but things are better, back to waking up feeling good and sleeping all night!!
The only thing I can think is that I did something, at work or somewhere, to my back. I have a fairly physical job, but in the past it was always lower back where I felt the pain from work. This time was different and I didn’t know why, still don’t I guess. So anyway all is good in my world again. I appreciate the help. Hopefully it’ll be smooth sleeping from here on out.
Thanks again
Rob
Glad to hear everything had made a turn for the better, Rob! As always, don’t hesitate to shoot me an email (dan (at) sleepopolis (dot) com) if you need any further assistance. I’m always more than happy to help.
I just tested out the Leesa and really did not like it. We only had it for 30 days but within a week or two my arms started to get numb. This is completely new. It has gotten worse over the past few days and I just have to return it. I’ve never had this happen before. Also within 15 days we started noticing a huge hump forming between my husband and I. It’s very noticeable now – and it’s been only 30 days. I can’t imagine how much worse it would be longer than 30 days. :(
I’m going to test out the Casper bed next and hope that it works out for me. I was considering the Purple as well. Who knows. I’m just happy that these companies allow us the return them with no issues. I’m hoping to find my goldilocks bed.
I’m 180# 5′ 5″ and husband is 220# 6″2′
I’m sorry to hear the Leesa mattress did not work out for you. Based on the information you’ve shared, it sounds like you could have received a defective Leesa. I have not heard of cases where that mattress began to lump up in the middle after 15 days.
That said, I do not blame you for wanting to try something new. Between the Purple and Casper, I would definitely recommend the Purple. Casper’s quality and performance just does not stack up well against the Purple, therefore I believe you’d be happier with Purple. See my full Purple vs. Casper comparison here for more info – https://sleepopolis.com/mattress-reviews/purple-vs-casper-mattress-review/
I have also bought the Leesa and me and my husband noticed a hump in between us and my arms will occasionally get numb. I thought I was the only one having this issue. We don’t know what to buy instead. My husband doesn’t mind the bed except he thinks the depressions on his side will get worse. We’ve only had it for a month. I am 5’2″ 120 my husband is 5’11” 185.
If the depression is that bad already you probably have a defective mattress. You could either 1) return it and try a different mattress or 2) file a warranty claim and get a new Leesa mattress
If you like the feel of the Leesa I would opt for #2, however, if the feel isn’t right you might consider switching it up (Helix, Brooklyn Bedding, and Purple all have a similar feel and similar price point, those would be good next choices).
I think I’ve narrowed down my choices to Novosbed, Brooklyn Bedding, and Saatva (this seems to be the closest to a traditional mattress) since they all have a Soft option. I’m 5’3″, 118 lbs, a restless stomach sleeper and prefers softer beds.
My previous mattress was a Stearns & Foster pillowtop bed. I really loved that mattress but did notice some lower back pain. I tried out the Tempur-Pedic Cloud mattress in store and liked it but it’s too expensive.
The Novosbed seems to be a good memory foam bed and I like that it comes with the Comfort Kit. Brooklyn Bedding says it provides more bounce which seems like it would be slightly closer to a traditional bed and better for “social” activities. Saatva clearly seems more like a traditional bed and I’m guessing is a hybrid type model.
I would appreciate any further tips to help me narrow it down. I’m still trying to figure out what would be better for me – memory foam, latex foam, or a hybrid.
I’m also curious if you need a box spring/base for the foam beds if you plan to put it directly on the floor or a platform style bed.
Thanks!
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
These are all 3 excellent choices. While I do believe Saatva is a very good mattress, I’m afraid the motion transfer is going to be a little much for your style of sleeping. As a fan of the softer feel, I honestly believe the Novosbed is the most appropriate option for you. Brooklyn Bedding makes a solid mattress as well, but the Comfort+ kit offered by Novosbed could be a game chasnger if you feel the mattress is slightly too firm or too soft.
All in all, you’re really hard pressed to go wrong with any of these mattresses. That said, I personally believe the Novosbed is the better of the 3 for your specific scenario.
Hello. I’m a 51 year old woman, 5’2 165 lbs. I have scoliosis and DDD. I thought I bought a decent bed about a year and a half ago but it feels like a rock. I am a stomach sleeper. Any recommendations? Thank you in advance for your help.
I’d be happy to help! Just a few other questions for you, Molly.
On a firmness scale of 1-10, where 10 is the most firm, what is your ideal firmness?
Do you have a strong preference between foam or coils?
Do you have a budget you’re trying to stay under?
We’re looking for a king mattress. We plan on putting it on a flat platform since using box springs requires 2 twins and in the past we could feel the edges in the middle through the king mattress. Currently we have been suffering (for 6 years!) with a top of the line split CA King Tempurpedic that we HATE. It even has moveable bases and massage. It’s the most uncomfortable bed we’ve ever had. It manages to be too firm and too soft at the same time. When you first lay on it it feels hard and not comfy to fall asleep. Then, you wake up in the middle of the night sinking like you’re in a hole and can’t get out. My husband is a light sleeper, tosses and turns a lot, has low back pain, and weighs 230 lbs. I weigh 150lbs, and am a deep side sleeper, and have chronic neck pain. At this point, cost is not really a concern if we can find a comfy supportive bed.
Based on the experience you had on the Helix and Tempurpedic Supreme Breeze, I would recommend looking into the Loom & Leaf as well as the Amerisleep Colonial. Both of these mattresses sleep very cool, land in that 4-5 range on the firmness scale, and offer very high levels of support. You’re really hard pressed to go wrong with either of these mattresses.
AmeriSleep Colonial vs. leesa would be good, but I think leesa is a firm kind of bed so it would be wise to pair it against the AmeriSleep liberty. AmeriSleep will win against leesa if Price isn’t a major factor. AmeriSleep would beat TemperPedic if price is a factor. Also AmeriSleep might have an upper hand on leesa based on foam quality and different firm-soft bed models. I’m going to be on my back for a few weeks because of surgery so i’m leaning towards AmeriSleep Colonial or Liberty.
Understandable. It sounds like the Amerisleep Colonial is probably the more appropriate choice for you if price is not a factor. Based off of the information you’ve shared, I do believe you’re making the right decision.
I’ve noticed you don’t do any comparisons with the Amerisleep mattresses. Is there any reason for this? Thank you.
Simply due to demand (or lack thereof). I don’t get as many Amerisleep comparison requests as I do for many other brands.
However, I can say I do have an Amerisleep vs. Loom and Leaf and Amerisleep vs. Tempur-pedic review coming soon.
Any others you’d like to see?
You have me a bit confused. Nowhere in your written review of the BB mattress, or your Youtube video, do you mention a “blend” of latex. I have been under the impression, from all that I have been reading throughout the internet, that both Talalay and Dunlop are “natural” forms of latex. I have assumed that the affordability was because there are only two relatively thin layers of the latex, and that the factory-direct marketing is a lot more cost effective than using retailers. What else is in the “blend”?
Hi Stan,
My apologies for the confusion. This is an area that I am leaning more about myself. I also thought that all latex was just latex, however, that is not the case. Doing my best to make updates around my site, videos, and reviews now.
Dunlop and Talalay latex are simply a type of latex based on how it’s actually made. Talalay is more consistent, but Dunlop is more durable.
If it doesn’t say 100% natural and/or 100% latex then you should assume it’s a blend. Very few mattresses with latex use 100% latex. Mattresses with 100% natural latex are usually going to be between $2,000-$3,000.
Brooklyn Bedding’s Talalay latex is 60% synthetic and 40% natural and the Dunlop layer is 100% synthetic. I just got done chatting with Brooklyn Bedding’s customer service and here’s what they said about the filler / synthetic materials:
“All synthetic materials are filler materials like sand , ground seashells, etc. Our latex is also Oeko-Tex Certified meaning that there are no toxic or harmful chemicals used in our material.”
Hope this was helpful. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you.
I have been doing a lot of research and I think I have narrowed my choice down to the Brooklyn Bedding hybrid. One factor that has swayed me is that the BB mattress has the two layers of latex foam. My wife has been having coughing issues that we think may be partly the fault of something in our present mattress which is near ten years old. I read that latex has many health benefits—hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, prevents mites, and emits no off gases. I do not find many references to the benefits of latex among your customer inquiries, nor do I find references to possible negative qualities of other kinds of mattress construction. Am I correct in assuming that the two layers of latex in the BB mattress are enough to provide the benefits mentioned?
Thanks for all the valuable information in your website.
Hi Stan,
Great question.
So the answer is “sort of”. A mattress that is 100% all natural latex from top to bottom will have the best level of all of those benefits you mention. Since BB is 4″ of latex + 6″ of polyfoam you get part of the way there. Additionally, that 4″ of latex is not all natural latex, it’s a blend. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it’s the reason it’s so affordable, but it is a case of pros and cons.
Even with a blend you do get most of those benefits you mentioned, just not at the same level as you would with a 100% latex (100% latex is very pricey, $2-3K).
Hi, Great site! Reading through these comments has been so helpful in narrowing down our options for buying a new queen memory foam mattress.
We started our search in store, but have realized that there are many great alternatives when buying online.
We’re coming from a traditional Sealy innerspring, which is fairly firm. Our tendency is to go more firm (since that’s what we’ve been used to), but have learned that firmer doesn’t necessarily mean more support.
In store, we tried a Serta Radiance Gold and several Tempupedics, including the Contour Elite (firm) and Flex Supreme Breeze (medium).
Since we’re new to memory foam and have never slept on it before, it’s hard to know what firmness or specific surface might be best. My guess is that something between the Contour Elite and Flex Supreme Breeze might be most preferable in terms of firmness, although we feel we might be able to adapt a bit assuming our comfort is better overall.
We’re both combo back/side sleepers, 140/170 lbs. My wife has been using a wedge pillow to help with reflux issues.
Other considerations are edge support – she’s complained about sliding off of a few models we tried in store, so we might prefer something with above average edge support. We’ve also been impressed by some of the longer warranties being offered, and by some mattresses using more plant-based/Eco-friendly foams.
The mattresses I’ve been considering buying at this point are the Loom and Leaf (relaxed firm?), Amerisleep Revere or Liberty (not sure which firmness), the Novaform Deluxe Comfort or Serafina Pearl Gel (both $650 at Costco, Serafina is top rated by Consumer Reports), or possibly the Leesa which is popular on this site.
We’re also looking to upgrade our base – right now we’re on an old slatted wooden futon frame, which I know isn’t ideal for most mattresses.
Thanks so much for any advice you may have!
Hi Joel,
Thank you for your kind words!
Based off of the information you’ve shared, I would narrow your list down to the Loom & Lead, Amerisleep Liberty, and Leesa. All 3 of these are excellent choices and could serve as a great mattress for the two of you. My immediate recommendation, the Loom & Leaf. After reading about your in-store experience, the Loom & leaf most closely resembled the difference in firmness you were looking for. After that, I would suggest the Leesa closely followed by the Liberty. Reason being, both of these mattresses have thinner cover compared to the quilted cover used in the Loom & Leaf. As side sleepers, the quilted cover could be a huge help regarding pressure relief.
All in all, you’re truly hard pressed to go wrong with any of these mattresses, but I would recommend the Loom & Leaf, followed by the Leesa, and finally, the Liberty.
Thank you thank you thank you!! I’m trying to decide for me and my husband. We both average 150 lbs (300 together). His body is uinform and im wider at the hips. He likes firm and I liked the pillow top mattress we had before (which he thought was too soft).
I’m a side and stomach sleeper and he is a back and side sleeper. Any recs for us?
We usually sleep great at hotels like the Marriott or holiday inn and would love a bed like that. And I love the option of returning after sleeping on the mattress for several weeks. Thank you for narrowing it down to 4 great ones. Which one would you think would best suit two people with slightly different needs? I also have a feather bed cover.
Based on the information you have shared, I would recommend the Leesa or Loom & Leaf. Both of these mattresses are top notch and seem as if they could be a great fit for your specific case.
If you’re going to continue to use the feather bed cover, I would suggest the Leesa. Reason being, the L&L has a quilted cover, therefore your feather cover might create too much of a squishy sort of a feel, creating support issues.
Thoughts on Helix vs Leesa?
Both are solid mattresses. I think the biggest difference comes down to the customization you can get with Helix.
If you want something in the medium range…say 5.5-6.5 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm, go Leesa. It’s the quintessential perfect medium foam mattresses.
If you need something softer or firmer than that then the Helix is the better option, due to the customization.
I NEED help. I wake up with back pain daily. I am a stomach sleeper so am a correct in saying that I think I need a firmer mattress? Please advise as to how firm and which mattress you would suggest. I’m ready to buy YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!
Thanks
I’d be happy to help! Just a few other questions:
How much do you weigh?
Also, what is your body type like (uniform? wider hips? heavier sections?)
How tall are you?
Sleepopolis,
My wife and I are looking for a new mattress and we have a stearns & Foster Rosecrest right now (it was a gift). I have lower back and hip pain with it and we would like to try a memory foam mattress as I think it might alleviate this issue. We both like a medium firm mattress but an issue might be that we are very different in size, i am 260 lbs and my wife is 110…I am a side sleeper and my wife is a side/back sleeper. Keeping cool is a priority. The options we have been looking at are Bear, Saatva and Leesa…any recommendations?
Hi Sleepopolis,
All 3 of these are great options, but I would actually recommend the Loom & Leaf over the Bear and Saatva. If you’re looking for that memory foam feel the L&L is an excellent option. If budget is more of an issue, I would recommend going with the Leesa. If you have a little more wiggle room in your budget, I would recommend the L&L as the deep compression support of this mattress is top notch for an all foam mattress.
Sleepopolis,
Thank you very much. And BTW…Awesome website!!!
You’re very welcome. I’m glad I could help! Thanks very much for your kind words :)
Hi Sleepopolis,
I’m interested in the Helix mattress but a little confused on what level of firmness to choose. I have a Kingsdown pillow top mattress right now and I prefer a softer mattress. Do you think the medium soft Helix is comparable?
Thanks!
Maurice
Hi Maurice,
Correct. I believe you’re on the right track. If you go with the soft version it is going to be very soft. Therefore, I would say you’re better off selecting the medium soft. Helix will also take into account everything else you mention in the quiz, helping to create the feel you’re looking for.
Thank you, Sleepopolis for your feedback. I’ll check out those 2 beds you recommended for me. Cheers!
You’re very welcome! Let me know if there’s anything else I can to help.
Sleepopolis,
Considering the Zenhaven to replace a 20 year old Beauty Rest. Any thoughts on the one, and the company? My wife doesn’t want something as hard as The Beauty Rest,I don’t want it to sag.
Thanks
As far as the company goes, they are pretty solid. Zenhaven is the sister company of Saatva, one of the leaders in the online mattress industry.
Overall, I’m very impressed with Zenhaven. It’s not cheap by any stretch, but you do get a certain level of material quality and performance that you really just cannot find anywhere else.
See my full review here: https://sleepopolis.com/mattress-reviews/zenhaven-mattress-review/
Hi Sleepopolis,
We are looking for a mattress for both of us but some needs are different. We want a cool memory foam. Currently on our 10 yr old spring mattress we wake up with shoulder and lower back pain. We are 59 and 52- 190 and 220 lbs. my husband likes firm and I like soft. I sleep on my side and he sleeps on side and stomach. We were thinking of the Amerisleep as I have vascular issues also. A topper would be ordered. So for pain, comfort, softness, min. heat, and 1 king bed it seems the Amerisleep would be best for us. Price is not an issue – we have learned you need to buy quality over price. Which Amerisleep ( revere, colonial, Liberty) and what else would you recommend we look at? We love the 30 day trial offer also.
Hi Carol,
Based on your needs, desires, and weight I think a split King is definitely a good choice here. A Liberty for you and a Revere for your husband seems like a good choice. That way, they are both 12″ still so the mattress will look nice with bedding off.
If you’re set on having a single mattress then going with the Americana may be the better choice. It’s easier to soften a mattress with a topper than it is to make it firmer. If you get the Americana you could add a topper to your size to add a little more softness.
You might also take a look at the Helix mattress. With the Helix you can each customize your own side of the mattress, getting the exact firmness you need. However, it’s not split into two separate beds, it’s still one solid mattress.
Please let me know if there are any other questions I can help with. Thanks!
-Sleepopolis
Hi Sleepopolis
A little follow up. I received my Helix yesterday!! So only one nights sleep to go by, but it felt great! I ended up buying a new bed frame and slat supports from ikea, because my old frame didn’t go all the way to the end of the mattress. I did go with the medium firm which seems right on. Like I said just one night, only time will tell how it holds up. Thanks again for the help!!
Rob
Hi Rob,
Glad to hear you enjoyed your first night! Your new setup sounds great as well.
Let’s hope this good night’s sleep is an ongoing theme in your house!
Thank you for responding Sleepopolis,
To answer your questions:
Firmness 7/10
Type: foam mattress
Size: Queen
Will need a delivery service. Recovering from illness, unable to carry heavy load.
Price: not an issue, but preference between $1000-2000.
Thanks again for your expertise.
Best,
Sheri
Thanks for answering those, Sheri. Based off of the information you have shared, I would recommend the Helix mattress and the Novosbed firm. The Loom & Leaf is a great mattress, but I do believe it would be too soft for your liking.
Sleepopolis,
We have tried Tuft and Needle and Casper. We loved the feel of the T&N but it was HOT! The Casper stays plenty cool but it causes a great deal of aches and pain. If I sleep in on a Saturday morning I am dealing with a headache all day. Trying to find something that would work. Any suggestions?
On a scale of 1-10, where 10 is the most firm, how firm would you say both T&N and Casper were?
I have several ideas for you, but I want to make sure we get the firmness / feel right.
Love your site! Thank goodness for you and it as I dread showrooms. Any recommendations for a person that weighs 95 pounds, side sleeper, and feels like the princess and the pea- meaning I notice pressure points *very* easily.
10 years ago I had a 3″ or 4″ memory foam topper I liked a lot but it wore out 5 years ago. It was a gift and I’m guessing it was on the high end for quality. I was then stuck with a cheap coil mattress so I bought a Casper bed; too firm, recived the topper for it which helped. It was OK but no-where near the comfort level I had hoped for.
Soooo…I don’t know what to get. I need to read your reviews in more depth. But could not find any info for lighter weight people. Thank you! ps: budget is that I think sleep is as important as having good health, and they go hand and hand, no? :)
Hi Angela,
Thanks for the background information. This is helpful!
Based on on your needs and desires it sounds like you need something closer to the soft end of the spectrum, probably in the 3.5-5 out of 10 firmness range. I would recommend you take a look at Helix or Nest Bedding Alexander (soft). Both are going to be a good bit softer than Casper and provide better low weight pressure relief, especially important for you at 95 pounds.
Please let me know if there are any other questions I can help with. Thanks!
-Sleepopolis
Hi Sleepopolis,
Great site and thank you for being so upfront in helping customers buy the right mattress.
I’m 52 years old, 195 lbs, side sleeper with lower back pains.
Currently own a 12 year old Tempurpedic Rhapsody with pillow top.
It’s sagging now and causing more back pain. Also, it’s too hot to sleep on. I do prefer firmness, but my pressure points need to be able to sink in a bit into the mattress and not lay straight on it.
I read your reviews on Loom & Leaf. Would you recommend that or another brand or two?
Thank you for your insight.
Sheri
Hi Sheri,
I’d be happy to help you!
If you could answer a few more questions this will help to make sure I identify the best choices for you:
What is your preferred firmness on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is the most firm (and as hard as the floor)?
Do you have a preference between spring or foam mattresses?
Do you have a price that you need to stay under?
What size mattress are you looking for?
Thanks!
-Sleepopolis
Thanks again Sleepopolis!
According to Helix, the medium-firm would be the choice for my weight, bmi, etc….. so I guess I’ll give it a go.
I think I’m just going to put the mattress on slats on my existing “regular” metal bed frame, is that what people normally do? Again, doing research, I came up with all kinds of options which I guess would work fine.
Thanks
Rob
No problem, Rob.
Sounds like a plan regarding the Helix mattress. Now, your frame should be a solid foundation. If you’re going to put the mattress directly on the frame, you’ll want to make sure the slats are stable and typically no further than 3-4″ apart. If this is not the case, I would suggest purchasing a wooden boxspring to place on top of your frame. This will ensure you have great support for the Helix.
Will do! I just need to decide between medium and medium firm. I’m thinking mediumaybe – supportive, a little sinkage, but still laying on top. I do tend to like the firmer feel though…..
I would suggest starting with medium. Firm is going to be quite firm, which is why I typically recommend starting with a medium level of firmness. If medium doesn’t feel right, then we can eliminate most medium mattresses all in all.
Thanks for the input!! Looking forward to a new mattress!! And good sleep! Sounds like I’ll be ordering a helix!!
My pleasure, Rob! Let me know how you like it once it arrives!
Hi Sleepopolis
I’ve started researching a new mattress recently and have been reading all kinds of reviews. It kinda sounds like it comes down to each individual as far as which mattress is best. I like the idea of the Helix with latex and micro coils, as well as being able to customize it. I’m 45 years old, have had back problems in the past and usually sleep on my back. I need support for my back, as well as hips and shoulders when I sleep on my side, which I do sometimes too. I’m finding that my coil spring isn’t supportive enough for my back and I wake up with shoulder or arm pain/tingling when I sleep on my side. It’s about 2 years old, has a dip in my “sleeping spot”. I guess my main concern is getting a Helix, or something else if it’s a better choice, and liking it, then having it start to sag, or end up with an indention where I’ve been sleeping after 6 months or something. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rob
Hi Rob,
Thanks for all of this background information.
Almost every mattress is going to naturally sag and indent over time. This is just the nature of the materials used in the mattresses. What you want to look for is a mattress that has a warranty that stands behind the materials. Almost all warranties will specify an indentation depth required before they’ll replace the mattress. The best ones will replace in the 0.75-1.0″ range, average companies replace at 1.5″, and mediocre companies replace at 2.0″.
I would recommend looking for a mattress in the 0.75-1.0″ range. Helix covers any indentations above 1.0″, placing it in the best warranty category.
Based on your needs and the warranty coverage I feel like the Helix will be a good fit for you.
Hi Sleepopolis-
Love the site! Really appreciate your dedication to honest, straight forward reviews- especially since mattress buying is becoming an online phenomenon where we can’t try in-person. So very helpful.
So my question to you is: have you tried the nature’s sleep sapphire?
this one caught my eye upon researching the Purple mattress, which my husband and I have had some interest in, but stumbled upon a review that highly recommended the Sapphire.
I can only find reviews from bloggers and all say that they love the sapphire, but without a trial period I am a little nervous about purchasing one. The gel cover that provides a cool nights sleep interests me and the reviews on the purple tend to state that the latex topper can be too firm and uncomfortable for sleepers.
Our main concerns are that we like cool sleep. I sweat a lot through the night under too many covers and often kick them off. We are currently sleeping on my traditional Serta spring mattress that is every bit of 15 years old and needs to go.
We prefer something more on the firm side, but not at a 10 on the soft-firm scale. Maybe a 6 or 7. We’re both side sleepers, but tend to move around a lot throughout the evening.
thanks for your insight and dedication to detailed reviews!!
Candice
Unfortunately, I have not tried the Nature’s Sleep Sapphire. I have tried the Nature’s Sleep Emerald, which had a great feel, contour, and softness. However, I did find it warmer than other foam mattresses I have tested. I suspect the Sapphire would be similar in this area.
I really want to like Nature’s Sleep’s mattresses, however, the lack of the trial period is just crushing. Nature’s Sleep launched Ghostbed earlier this year, which is their bed-in-a-box mattress that comes with a trial period. https://sleepopolis.com/mattress-reviews/ghostbed-mattress-review/ Ghostbed is a great mattress, but it sounds like you need something a little bit softer.
You might consider checking out the Novosbed in the soft firmness, it sounds like it would be a good fit for you. See here: https://sleepopolis.com/mattress-reviews/novosbed-mattress-review/
Thanks for the recommendation on the hybrids Sleepopolis. I’m fairly confident I need a soft bed, especially after reading your explanation that softness is the initial feel of the top layer, and not the support. Sounds like my best options are the Voila King for $1169 (after your discount) or Saatva King for $1398 (after their $99 delivery). Any advantages to one over the other?
Also, should I consider the Helix or Brooklyn, as soft options?
Hi Rob,
The biggest difference between Saatva and the Voila is the top layer. Saatva uses a traditional pillow top, Voila uses a thin cover (like Tempur-pedic). Voila is very similar to the Tempur-pedic Contour Elite (in the soft version). It would be a good idea to go try that one in store if you can. Saatva will be similar to other plush pillow tops (Beautyrest has several similar models you’ll find in-store).
I think the Hybrids are probably going to do better for you, but the Helix and BB are certainly worth considering as well.
Hi Sleepopolis,
My husband and I are looking for a second king mattress for our guest bedroom but we will also use it for ourselves during the hot summer months as the guest room is infinitely cooler than our upstairs bedroom. We currently have a tempur-pedic cloud supreme and are pretty happy with it, but don’t want to spend that kind of money on a mattress we will only use regularly for a few months. We have been looking at the Leesa, YogaBed and Purple mattresses. We are on the heavier side, so that it something to consider as well. I am a side & back sleeper and my husband sleeps on his stomach and side mostly. What would be your recommendation?
Thanks for your help!
Elyssia
If you’d like something as close in similarity to the Cloud Supreme (except a bit cooler) go with the Leesa.
Purple is also an option, but it’s going to be very different than your current mattress. The Purple polymer is closer to a latex in terms of feel…some love the feel, others not so much. If you really love the feel of the Cloud Supreme I’m afraid you might not like it since it’s such a sizable transition, especially as you’ll only be using it for short periods or for your guests.
Hi Sleepopolis. we have been looking for (and unable to find) a comparison between tuft and needle and the nest love bed. How do you find these two stack up against each other? We are both stomach/side sleepers. He tends to sleep hot. We both prefer a pretty firm feel. Motion transfer is a big problem – I currently feel like I’m rolling toward him. Both of us aren’t huge fans of feeling like we are “sinking in” to the mattress – we’d rather be more on top of it. I also read that the love bed no longer uses latex – does that change your review of them at all? Thanks your help
Historically, I’d say Love Bed & T&N were quite comparable. The only major difference being the padded cover on the Love Bed. However, the recent re-design of the Love Bed has really pushed that mattress to the next level. The transition from Latex to Energex is a good transition. Energex has many qualities that are similar to latex, but it provides much better support and deep compression in the mattress.
As a stomach sleeper especially, you really need more support than the Tuft & Needle is able to provide. Love Bed provides much better support than Tuft & Needle in my opinion. I would highly recommend it over T&N.
Please let me know if there are any other questions I can help with. Thanks!
-Sleepopolis
I have a Purple (bought it through your coupon link), and after trying it for about a month, have a return scheduled for next Tuesday. Not sure what softness level I need, but I’m 240 lbs and sleep on my side and have an issue with sore hips from laying on them. The Purple lets my hips sink in, but I think I push the soft layer all the way down and my hips hit the harder layer under it. I’m returning it because I still have sore hips in the morning. Any suggestions what I might try next? We are sleeping on a 13 year old pillowtop spring mattress that was great for many years, but has been sagging badly for the last few years.
Hi Rob,
I would suggest taking a look at a few of the hybrid mattresses I have reviewed. The Nest Alexander Hybrid, Saatva, Voila, and WinkBed could all be very good alternatives to the Purple mattress. Hybrid designs work great for larger sleepers as they sleep cooler than most foam alternatives and also are able to better provide deep compression support, which sounds like was really lacking in the Purple for you.
Hi Sleepopolis, back in March we purchased the Loom & Leaf Luxury Firm based on several reviews from your site among others. After a couple of months of less than desirable sleep, we are looking at other alternatives. We both feel the bed is too firm and sleeps hot. We are not real big people, 185/125. We have been reviewing the Saavta Plush Soft as an alternative. Any other recommendations for us. Thanks in advance.
Hi Scott,
I’m sorry to hear the Loom & Leaf is not working out. The Saatva soft could be a good fit. It’s a good bit cooler and of course softer also. The Voila in the soft also would be worth considering. Also a good bit softer than cooler due to the hybrid design.
Sleepopolis, Im a big and Tall guy; 6’5″ 270Lbs. I also tend to run hot at night when i sleep. I like the reviews on the purple mattress. What do you think will it work for a big guy like myself.
Hi Marc,
The Purple could very well be a good choice for you. At 270 pounds you will see some deeper sinkage, but the mattress does have the ability to provide you with the support you need. However, I still think it’d be a solid option for you.
Hi Sleepopolis – Thanks for getting back to me. I was surprised that both of your recommendations were coil/foam hybrids. I never liked our pillow top, coil mattress as I found it too hard and, over time, there were permanent indentations in the mattress where we slept. Is there a reason you did not reco Brooklyn Bedding? It has the thickest layer of latex and I thought it might provide a soft, supporting, yet cool alternative? Thanks for your additional perspective. Deborah
BB could be an option, but I’m afraid it’s going to be one that could end up not providing enough support. At 260 / 260 your on the upper end of what BB can support comfortably. Usually heavier sleepers need a mattress that has a 5-6″ comfort layer and is at least 12″ thick. The Nest Alexander Hybrid & Saatva have thicker comfort layers, but more important they have pocketed coil support layers. This generally is a more breathable and cooler option for heavier sleepers.
Hi Sleepopolis,
My husband and I are both 60 years old, side sleepers and are on the heavy and tall side (260 and 220 lbs). We have only had coil/spring mattresses and have struggled finding one soft enough that doesn’t cause hip and lower back pain. I never tried a foam mattress because I heard that they were hot and we like it cold. We aren’t worried about price, but would like a generous ‘trial period/return policy’ since we have never tried latex/foam mattresses. What are your top recos?
Hi Deborah,
My top choices for you to consider would be the Nest Bedding Alexander Hybrid and the Saatva mattress. Both of these are made from high quiality materials and provide very good deep compression support. Overall, these two mattreses will allow you to sink inslightly, offering pressure relief to your joints while maintaining very good support throughout your body.
Hi Sleepopolis,
I was considering the Helix but now I’m not sure.You only compare it to the Casper and you rated it higher. So how does it compare to the others you have reviewed?
Hi Jacqui,
Helix is a very good mattress but sits in a bit of a unique space. If you’re a fan of customizing your own mattress, it doesn’t get much better than Helix. With that said, a vast majority of the mattresses I have tested thus far aim for sleepers who enjoy firmness levels of 5-7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, 10 being the most firm. Helix is a great option for those who are looking for less than this 5 out of 10 or anything above a 7. While there are other companies who make multiple firmness versions of their mattress, Helix is able to piece together each firmness level, striking a great balance between firmness, support, and comfort for those sleepers who enjoy a more unique firmness level.
Good Day!
My husband and I are looking to upgrade from a traditional Queen spring and have decided because of our different sleep habits to purchase two TwinXL’s that we will push together.
I am a side & stomach sleeper, 5’6″ 223lb and a Leukemia survivor with terrible tendencies to hot flashes at night. I do suffer from acid reflux but have it under control with medication.
He is 6’2 245lb and a side / back sleeper with back and hip pain from standing on concrete all day.
We both prefer about a 6-7 on the firmness scale with a slight feel of cushion / hugging to the top.
Is there a company that can accommodate us both in Twins or do I need to look at different companies for each of us?
Thank you!
Hi Helena,
There are several that could be the right choice for you. Just a few follow up questions.
1) Do you have a budget you’re trying to stay under?
2) Do you want a Split King because you both move around a lot during the night or because you have different feel needs? Just looking at your weight / firmness preference I don’t think you necessarily need a Split King.
3) Do you have a preference between latex, memory foam, hybrids, or coil mattresses?
Hello Sleepopolis, Marcus here again. So I have narrowed it down to the Leesa and the Brooklyn Bedding mattress. I’ve read the reviews and review comparisons for each of these mattresses and they seem to compare quite similarly, however, there is no direct comparison blog or video that you have done between them. Since I am in no rush to get a mattress yet (mostly due to budget restrictions at this time), would you consider doing a side by side comparison of the two mattresses (the Leesa mattress and the Brooklyn Bedding mattress)? If not, is price the only factor now? Or is the Leesa truly $100 more special than the Brooklyn Bedding mattress?
I will most certainly look into completing a review of the Brooklyn Bedding vs Leesa mattress. In the meantime, the main comparison point boils down to value. The BB mattress is a very good mattress, but does use slightly lower quality materials than the Leesa. Therefore, this is where the extra $100 comes into play. To be completely honest, I truly believe you would be happy with either of these mattresses.
Hello Sleepopolis, I am 5’10” and weigh 190lbs. I fall asleep on my side/stomach and wake up in a variation of the same position. Considering I don’t make much, I’m leaning towards the Brooklyn Bedding, Love Bed, Casper, or Leesa mattress. However, I do not know which is best for me. I’m having major back issues and I’m not even old enough to drink. I feel like I prefer a softer mattress because my arm falls asleep too easily on the current firm mattress I sleep on. Also, I live in L.A. and the weather is practically unpredictable so a mattress that can somewhat adjust to temperature would be nice but then again, I don’t know how much those four mattresses can offer for this price range in terms of softness/comfort, support AND breathability/cooling. Any advice helps, man. Thanks for the reviews!
Hi Marcus,
Out of the mattresses you have listed, I would go ahead and drop the Casper. This mattress simply does not stack up well against the others. Now with that said, the other three mattresses are fairly similar in many respects. If you’re looking for the best overall value, go with the Leesa. If you want to save a tad bit of money, go with Brooklyn Bedding. Finally, if you’re looking for that firmer, yet supportive mattress, the Love Bed is the one for you.
Please let me know if there are any other questions I can help to answer, thanks!
What are your thoughts about the Purple Mattress?
I have back problems/pain plus pain from Fibromyalgia.
I would definitely consider Purple among these 4 mattresses. Purple is an exceptional mattress and definitely worthy of consideration.
With regards to its performance for fibromyalgia, I cannot say for sure. I do not have a medical background and cannot offer medical advice or recommendations based on medical conditions.
However, the Purple offers great support and comfort by any definition.
I am a 5’7″, 270 lb. woman who falls asleep on her side and wakes up on her back. I like a firmer bed and have slept on foam or memory foam for many years. I just recently tried some inner spring mattresses and have had months of bad sleep due to back pain and hip pain. Back to foam it is! I’d like the bed to contour to my curves so as to relieve the back pain, but I’d also like to be able to change position without climbing out of a gully. That said, I am trying to decide between the Leesa, the Ghostbed, Brooklyn Bedding, or the Helix. I like the idea of the latex top, but will the latex contour or just have me sleeping in a hammock? What do you think?
Thanks for any advice you can provide!
Since you’re looking for a firmer feel and you’re a little heavier you’ll want to go with the Helix or the Brooklyn Bedding in the hard firmness. Ghostbed and Leesa are likely going to be too soft for you.
Hi Sleepopolis, My wife and I recently purchased the Loom & Leaf relaxed firm mattress. My wife is a side sleeper with back and hip pain. She found it to be too firm and has been uncomfortable. I myself have found that I am tossing and turning a lot. I called Loom & Leaf to return the bed and they talked me into trying a topper to try to soften the bed. We are going to try the topper and they are extending our 75 day trial. I assume that the bed will not be as cool though and that might be a deal breaker for me.What is your experience with these beds breaking in and softening over time? Also do you have any input on the topper
You might see a slight degree of increased softness over time, but it’s a short period. By 8’ish weeks most any break in that is going to happen has happened. I am doubtful it will be enough though.
Similar thoughts on the topper. The topper may increase the softness by 10-15%, but usually not much more than that. It sounds like you might need the Loom & Leaf Luxury Firm or another mattress that is closer to a medium. The L&L firm (and almost all beds labeled as “firm”) is extremely hard and firm, making it appropriate for only a very small percentage of sleepers.
I tried the Tempurpedic Cloud Luxe and Luxe Breeze. I could actually lie on my side with my wounded shoulder. Are any of these similar?
The Cloud Luxe & Luxe Breeze are very soft. The Love Bed & Brooklyn Bedding would be close in terms of firmness, however, I think they feel would disappoint you. They feel of Love Bed & Brookyn Bedding is more of a rounded contour, due to the latex construction.
Check out the Novosbed in the soft firmness – https://sleepopolis.com/novosbed (see here) – I think it would be the closest by far of any mattress available online to the Cloud Luxe & Luxe Breeze.
Thank you for your responding
Actually, I’ve just tried to lay on innerspring mattress of comfort scale 3 & 4, where 1 is the most firm(and as firm as a carpeted floor) in innerspring case.
I feel good 3 comfort scale at innerspring.
That’s why I’m looking for 3 comfort scale or similar firm of memory foam.
I’ve just guessed that about 7(memory foam) as a Number is equal to 3(innerspring).
But still I’m curious, because I’ve never tried memory foam and can’t compare.
Thanks a lot for your help!
I would actually venture to say that if you flipped the scale, you’re looking at an 7-8 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm. The memory foam may have different qualities than innerspring, but the firmness levels are still relatively similar. With that said, the feel of every mattress is completely subjective. Not to worry though, you will still receive very good levels of comfort and support from a memory foam mattress, as you would with an innerspring construction.
Hi Sleepopolis
I’ve read most of all review on this site.
First of all, thank you for your reviews, especially ‘tuft & needle’.
I’m considering ‘tuft & needle’ to ‘eLuxury Supply’.
But which one is firmer mattress? Because, I’m Asian and prefer firm.
Or what is your recommendation firm mattress?
Actually, I live in South Korea. So, I’ve never seen, heard and lain on these mattresses and brand.
I only definitely rely on your reviews. :)
Please let me know.
Thanks for your help!
They are fairly similar in terms of firmness.
On a scale of 1-10, where 10 is the most farm (and as firm as a carpeted floor), what would you say your ideal firmness is?
My husband and I are in the process of buying a new king mattress. We have a platform bed and prefer a firm (9-10) mattress. We are both side, stomach sleepers. My husband is 6’3″ and weighs 265, and I am 5’10 and weigh 165. We were looking
to buy a Tuft and Needle because of the Consumer Reports, but I happened to
find your site and I am totally confused.
Any suggestions you can give us would be greatly appreciated.
I’d be happy to help you find the perfect mattress!
Just want confirm, you want a 9 out of 10 firmness? A 9 is similar to sleeping on the floor with a little bit of padding and bounce. It is extremely firm.
If that does sound like what you’re looking for the best option by far is the Nest Bedding Alexander (all foam version) in the hard firmness. https://sleepopolis.com/nest-bedding/alexander-mattress/
Sleepopolis,
My boyfriend and I are looking to buy a new and bigger bed. We now have a full sized [cheap!] box spring and I wake up with lower back and hip pain. He is a tosser and turner and has trouble falling asleep. He is a back and side sleeper [snorer!] 5’9 and weighs 190. I am a back and stomach sleeper 5’6 160lbs and have hip impingement. My doctor has suggest something adaptable and suggested the sleep number bed but they are just too pricey. After reading countless reviews and looking at every website we are leaning towards the Leesa. Your website has been soo helpful – we had no idea where to start before running into Sleepopolis! We also have no idea what kind of firmness we both prefer. Which mattress you would suggest for us?
THANK YOU!
I’d be happy to help!
What is your preferred firmness on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is as hard as the floor?
Do you have a preference foam or coil?
Do you have a budget in mind?
Sleepopolis,
I appreciate your direct talk regarding the benefits of each of the listed options above. I am a natural latex fan. I like the bounce for the honeymooning and I have had hip replacement surgery and I have a number of pressure points that bother me during the night. I find myself (180lbs,6′)turning about 12 times a night (side & back sleeper). I find that a blend of latex and foam is more affordable (king size bed). My price range is around $1200 more if it is a great fit. I would appreciate your input. I like a little cushion, but do not want to sink into the mattress and cool sleeping is a must. Best regards,
If you’re looking for great bounce, latex + foam blended design, and under $1,200 your best options are going to be:
Leesa – technically, it’s 2″ Avena foam + 2″ memory foam + 6″ of support foam, but it’s very similar to latex, thin cover (like Tempur), $815 for a Queen (discount link: https://sleepopolis.com/leesa)
Brooklyn Bedding – 4″ of latex + 6″ of support foam, quilted padded cover, $712 (discount link: https://sleepopolis.com/brooklyn-bedding/)
Love Bed – 3″ of latex + 7″ of support foam, thicker padded quilted cover than most others, $749 (discount link: https://sleepopolis.com/nest-bedding/love-bed/)
Appreciate your research! After watching the reviews and comparing I’m thinking we’d like the Loom and Leaf but my husband is concerned about “coolness”, he doesn’t want to be cold. Will it be cold?
No, it will not be cold. The mattress simply doesn’t retain a substantial amount of body heat. This keeps it closer to room temperature and won’t warm up based on your body heat like lower quality foams can.
Hi Sleepopolis, your blog is very informative. I was wondering if you could give me your opinion though. So about two years ago I bought a cheap $300 foam mattress on Amazon(I was in college and broke). So here is the deal I am 25 years old and usually every morning when I wake my ankles and neck kinda hurt for a while, it does go away after about an hour or two. Do you think I need a mattress that is a bit more firm? When I sleep on other beds these problems do not occur, so I do think I just need a better quality mattress. I was thinking about buying a casper but then I found your blog and have also taken an interest in the Brooklyn bedding mattress you mentioned here. What do you reccomend? Please advise and thank you for your time.
Hi Eric,
No, I wouldn’t necessarily say that you need a firm mattress. Firmness does not equate support. If you bought a $300 mattress is very likely has poor support, which is why you’re probably waking up in pain (either because the support was bad from day one, or it has just gradually deteriorated over time).
The vast majority of sleepers like a mattress in the 5-7 firmness range, which is why I usually recommend something in that range if you’re not 100% sure what you need. At this point you simply need a mattress that isn’t cheap. Something in the $600-$900 range will give you a dramatic improvement in overall quality and performance.
I would say any of the 4 mattresses I discuss in this article (Loom & Leaf, Leesa, Brooklyn Bedding, or Love Bed) could be a good fit. It just comes down to budget and your personal firmness / feel preferences.
Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you.
Hello Sleepopolis,
My wife and I are currently sleeping on a 12 year old Serta mattress and it is definitely time for a new mattress. I am 6’1″ and weigh about 265lbs (side sleeper). My wife is about 5’4″ and weighs 170lbs (back and side sleeper). We prefer a mattress firmness between 6 and 7. What do you recommend?
Hi Raymond,
I would say your best options are going to be Loom & Leaf, Nest Bedding Alexander, or Leesa.
Since you’re a little bit heavier you need a mattress that has strong deep compression support. The thicker profile of the Loom & Leaf and Nest Bedding Alexander (medium) do a great job of providing that via increased height. Leesa can be a good option as well. The convoluted foam core is able to provide a similar level of deep compression support, but still with a lean 10″ profile.
See my mattress guide for heavier sleepers here for more information: https://sleepopolis.com/best-mattress/best-mattress-for-heavy-people/
Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help you, thanks!
-Sleepopolis
Hi Sleepopolis,
I can’t find you having much to say specifically regarding Brooklyn Bedding versus Casper, nor do have have a comparison on them yet either. These are the two I think I’ve narrowed my choices down to and curious for your input. Initially I’d be getting a twin for my 3 year old, test it myself, then get a king for me.
Hi Joshua,
I’m actually working on my full Casper vs. Brooklyn Bedding comparison next week. With any luck I’ll have that live towards the end of the next week also.
I prefer the Brooklyn Bedding to the Casper hands down. Brooklyn Bedding has 1) more comfort foam at 4″ vs. Casper’s 3″. This creates better overall comfort, better support, and better deep compression support. 2) BB has more bounce due to the all latex / extra latex thickness (4″ vs. 1.5″). This improves responsiveness, overall feel, cooling, and makes amorous activities more enjoyable. 3) BB is $138 cheaper than Casper (when you factor in available Sleepopolis discounts).
I don’t mean to pick on Casper too much. Casper isn’t a bad mattress by any stretch. When I first got my Casper I was fairly impressed with it. However, over the course of the last year many new mattress start-up companies have entered the market and really put the comparative pressure on Casper. In many ways Casper and BB are similar…BB just takes everything Casper does and makes each area a little bit better. If I had to choose between Casper and BB I would select Brooklyn Bedding every time.
Hi Sleepopolis,
Awesome site. I’m a 6’8″, 220 pound side-sleeper. Recently cured of sleep-apnea with jaw surgery. I’ve been sleeping on a 10 inch Dormia memory foam mattress I bought 10 years ago. I have no idea what the firmness is, but it now sags/slopes in towards the center, and causes me quite a bit of shoulder soreness at night. I’m looking into getting a Cal. King for the added length. Trying to decide between a Leesa or Loom & Leaf. I don’t mind the “hug” of the memory foam, but I also enjoy a soft top, which the Dormia definitely does NOT have.
Do you have any suggestions? You wrote the Leesa compares to the Tempur-flex supreme. Is there anything out there for me to get an idea of what the Loom&Leaf would be like?
Thanks,
John
Hi John,
Both the Leesa & Loom and Leaf have a fairly similar feel. I usually recommend my readers try the Tempur Flex Supreme to get an idea for both of them.
The biggest difference simply comes down to the cover. The Leesa has a thin cover, like all Tempur mattresses. This allows sleepers to more directly contact the foam layers. The Loom & Leaf has a padded quilted cover, which gives you a little more cushion and a slightly increased level of softness (5.5 out of 10 for L&L vs. Leesa, which is a 6 out of 10). Both mattresses have a balanced hug and body contouring (not super deep like traditional memory foam). The L&L just has more of a traditional cushion top feel.
Hi. Sleepopolis,
I am loving your blog! I appreciate all the legwork you’ve done and love the video comparisons. I’ve watched every video at least twice looking for a good mattress for my situation but after reading some of your recommendations to other commenters I’m torn. I was thinking Nest Alexander or L&L because they have a soft option but hearing your review on Leesa I’m wondering if I disregarded Leesa mattresses too soon based on their medium firm rating.
I’m a side sleeper/dreaded sprinter so I feel I need a memory foam mattress on the softer side. I had an older Tempurpedic (purchased about 8 years ago) but even that was too firm and I had to add a memory foam topper. That being said I have a spareroom mattress that my mom gave me because it was too firm for her and I had to add a 4″ memory foam topper to make it tolerable. Four inches of soft foam is a bit too soft for me and tends to cause backaches.
I am 5′ 8″ and weigh 160. I was planning to spend about $1000-$1200. I have no aversion to inner spring mattresses just always thought memory foam makes sense for side sleepers. Plus I love that “quicksand” feeling. Please help me select the perfect fit for me.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your kind words! I’m glad Sleepopolis has been helpful :)
To answer your questions. Don’t let Leesa’s “medium firm” rating scare you away. Leesa, Loom & Leaf, and the Alexander are all very similar in terms of firmness. However, the feel is a bit different in each of these. The biggest differences are as follows:
Leesa – has a true Tempur-pedic style feel, uses a thin cover to promote cooling and allow sleepers more direct contact with the foam layers. Additionally, is a great value for the price point.
Loom & Leaf – is a bit of an in-between cover. It’s technically a traditional padded / quilted cover, but the padding is only 5/8″ thick. This allows sleepers to feel the foam contouring more, just like with Tempur & Leesa. The extra cushion in the cover gives it a little extra immediate softness (from soft foam instead of contouring foam). Also, it is delivered via white glove delivery service, which is very important to some sleepers who don’t want to deal with setting a mattress up.
Alexander – uses a thick 1.5″ quilted padded cover. This gives it a very traditional feel, and it’s almost like a mini pillow top. The Alexander has more of a cloud like comfort to it.
Brooklyn Bedding – I know this wasn’t on your list, but it’s worth including here as well. Similar to the Alexander in many ways, but uses all latex comfort layers, which is quite nice.
Based on your needs I think any of these 4 could be great mattresses for you. It just depends on those minute differences and preferences that will sway you one way or another. Let me know if there are any other questions I can help with, thanks!
Sleepopolis,
I’ve read through quite a few of your reviews and I need some assistance/direction. I am currently sleeping on a Serta mattress (unsure of exact model) that was doing great until just recently. It wasn’t ultra firm, but maybe a 8.5. The problem is: I’m a big, round guy. I’m 5’6″ and weigh about 380 lbs. I’ve never really had back problems (surprisingly), but now it’s like electric jolts down my back first thing in the morning. After getting it stretched out all day, I’m okay, but now I look at going to bed as torture. I thought I had it in my mind that I was going to order a Tuft & Needle for the cooling and breathabilty, but now I’m just not sure.
Any help you can offer would be appreciated.
Carl
Hi Carl,
If you’re last mattress was an 8.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale then I would think Tuft & Needle is going to be too soft for you. Your best options would be the Loom & Leaf in the firm or the Nest Bedding Alexander in the firm. Both of those are thicker, which will give you better deep compression support and also offer that firmer feel, which will be comparable to your current level of firmness.
Hey Sleepopolis,
I’ve read/watched a lot of your reviews and still seem to be in a pickle – I believe I’m looking for a bed in a box (lessa, casper, etc.), but still not sure which one. I have a tempur pedic contour select something, from three years ago (yellowish brick before the new designs), that cost me well over 2k and leaves me waking up everyday soar and in pain. I don’t think it’s firm enough for me. Which of these companies do you think provides a firmer (yet still affordable) mattress. I’m open to anything: latex, foam around coils, gel-foam, whatever.
Thoughts? Thanks for the help and love the site.
Hi Justin,
Thanks for your kind words! I’m glad Sleepopolis has been helpful.
I would be happy to help provide you with a mattress recommendation. If you could please answer the following questions these will greatly help me to provide the best recommendation based on your preferences and needs:
What is your preferred firmness on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is the most firm?
What positions do you primarily sleep in during the night?
Do you have a price that you need to stay under?
What size mattress are you looking for?
How much do you weigh? (this is important for sinkage, especially as it relates to cooling)
If you’d prefer to keep these responses private please send me an email via https://sleepopolis.com/contact/
Hi Sleepopolis.
We bought a Leesa two months ago and much like CH I’ve been waking up with upper/middle back pain every morning. I’ve never really paid much attention to how I sleep before, but I supposed I’m somewhere between a side and stomach sleeper. I find the Leesa VERY comfortable to lay on and experience uninterrupted sleep (as compared to my aging traditional spring mattress), however, the pain that I wake with is unacceptable. My conjecture is that that the foam mattress allows me to wretch my body into a contortion that the spring mattresses I’ve slept on my entire life have not permitted, thereby causing me the mid-back pain (conversely, I have less neck stiffness with the Leesa than with a spring mattress). For the time being, my wife and I are experimenting by moving back into our old spring mattress to see if my symptoms improve. So far, the pain is reduced, but I FORGOT how terrible the motion transfer is on a traditional mattress. To add one last layer to this analysis, you should know that my wife likes a softer mattress while I prefer on that is more firm. I am mulling over a switch to the Saatva Luxury Firm mattress as a compromise on all fronts (spring vs foam, firm vs soft, motion transfer vs good “bounce”). What are your thoughts?
Hi Brandon,
I’m sorry to hear the Leesa isn’t working out for you. But I’m sure we can find a mattress that’s a better fit for you. Just a few follow up questions:
1) Do you definitely want to stay with foam? or are you wanting to try a spring mattress again?
2) On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most firm, what would you rate the Leesa? What would you say your ideal firmness is?
3) How much do you and your wife weigh?
4) Is your wife experiencing the lower back pain as well or just you?
5) Do you like the feel of the Leesa? Would you rather have more, less, or the same hug / sinkage?
6) Do you like the Leesa’s thin cover design or would you rather have a traditional padded quilted cover?
Hi Sleepopolis.
Thank you for the quick reply. Here are the answers to your follow up questions:
1) I have no general preference between foam and spring mattresses. I miss the bounce and greater edge support of a spring mattress, but love the reduced motion transfer that foam provides.
2) I’d ideally buy a mattress with a 7-8 firmness, but my wife would purchase something in the neighborhood of a 4. I’d put the Leesa right at a 5.5, which was a reasonable compromise.
3) I’m 6’1″ and approx 185 lbs. My wife is 5’3″ and approx 105 lbs.
4) My wife is not experiencing any soreness, other than some brief adjustment discomfort when transitioning between mattresses (1-3 days).
5) I think the feel of the Leesa is pretty interesting. About a decade ago, I slept on an early iteration of a Tempurpedic. I thought it felt like slow moving sand underneath me and I hated it. Foam technology has come a long way! It is soft and cozy, yet still somehow supportive. In general, I like the feel of the Leesa, but for some reason I wake up sore and remain so throughout the day. If anything, a tad less sinkage would be my preference.
6) I have no cover/top design preference, but my wife tends to LOVE when we stay places with extravagant pillow tops. That being said, she has no complaints about the Leesa, so we could go either way on that one.
Thank you for all of your help!
One question for you: Does it help you if/when I make my purchase to use the coupon codes associated with your site? I assume it should, but want to make sure I’m doing all I can to give back. Your site is helpful and your willingness to provide user feedback is much appreciated!
Hi Brandon,
Thanks for this extra information. This is very helpful.
Based on all of this information it really sounds like you might want to consider a split bed option. With your wife needing a 4 firmness and you needing a 7-8, combined with the difference in your weight, it’s going to be very difficult to find a mattress that meets both of your needs. If you didn’t already have a Leesa, it would have been my first pick for you. It’s universal comfort feel is designed to find a perfect balance of support and comfort, regardless of your weight (the transitional support properties of the Avena help to achieve that). However, since we already know that fit doesn’t work for you that rules out a good chunk of other similar mattresses.
I believe the Helix mattress could be a great choice for you.
Helix mattress + $50 discount – https://sleepopolis.com/helix
Helix mattress review – https://sleepopolis.com/mattress-reviews/helix-mattress-review/
The Helix allows you to customize the mattress based on your personal preferences, but more important than that…it allows you to split a Queen, King, or Cali King down the middle so that both you and your wife can each customize your own side. Additionally, the split mattress is contained within the same cover, so you still have a modern and sleek aesthetic without looking like you have two separate mattresses. Your other best option would be to go for a split king, which would also allow you to both choose your own mattress, but they would be two completely separate mattresses. If you’d rather go this route let me know and I can pull together a few recommendations for both you and your wife based on your needs.
To answer your last question, yes it does help me if you make your purchase via one of my links and promo codes. If you go through one of my links to make a purchase Sleepopolis will receive a small referral fee. These fees help to support Sleepopolis and help me pay for the expenses associated with the site (mattress storage, video / photo equipment, dedicated web servers, security vs. digital attacks, etc.) and ultimately help me to keep cranking out top notch reviews and content. If you’re interested you can find my full list of disclosures and how the process works here: https://sleepopolis.com/disclosures/
Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you!
-Sleepopolis
I’ve read your reviews and comparos and I can’t help but want to take advantage of your expertise Sleepopolis. Excellent site by the way. I most definitely will use your links for a future purchase.
I have never owned a foam based mattress of any kind but they are appealing to me especially after the national advertising campaigns some are running.
So my question is: I am (mostly) a side sleeper. I prefer soft over firm, thinking my present conventional mattress is probably a 5. But I do not want to be swallowed up, feel hot,( I tend to run pretty warm body wise), or feel like I am encased in foam.
Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Hi Chase,
Thanks for your kind words! I’m glad Sleepopolis has been helpful to you. I’d be happy to help you find a great mattress, just a few more questions to make sure I make the best recommendation for you:
Do you have a preference between spring or foam mattresses?
What positions do you primarily sleep in during the night?
Do you have a price that you need to stay under?
What size mattress are you looking for?
How much do you weigh? (this is important for sinkage, especially as it relates to cooling)
Hi Sleepopolis, I have a short term rental cabin and am looking for a king mattress to replace my traditional queen mattress. I’ve reall been labor intensive over this for a few weeks now, checking out all the major online mattress companies. Trying to find a bed that will appeal to the most people. Since most people are only there for 2-4 nights I want to stay away from the idea of “getting used to the feel” as no time for that. It has to feel luscious from night one. Do you have a suggestion that stands out for my purposes. Thank you so much! Nancy
Hi Nancy,
I would say any 4 of the mattresses in this post would be a great place to start. They are well extremely well made, backed by great companies, have great support, a medium firmness, are responsive, sleep cool, and are very affordable. You’d be hard to go wrong any of these 4 for your guest room.
My husband and I have been through about 3 mattresses in the past 2 years and just can’t seem to find one that sleeps comfortably. Both of us are big people, he is a stomach sleeper and I am a side sleeper. I tend to wake up with back pain because I roll over to my back a lot in my sleep and the mattress we have now doesn’t work for that. I’ve read through all of your info and the comments, but I can’t make a decision. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated!
I’d be happy to help you find a great mattress, Jamie. If you could please answer the following questions these will help give me the information I need to make a recommendation for you:
What is your preferred firmness on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is the most firm?
Do you have a preference between spring or foam mattresses?
What positions do you primarily sleep in during the night?
Do you have a price that you need to stay under?
What size mattress are you looking for?
How much do you weigh? (this is important for sinkage, especially as it relates to cooling)
I just happened to discover your reviews on you tube. So happy I did as I have become quite discouraged with the poor durability of mattress. I learned through others buying an expensive mattress does not mean you get a comfortable durable mattress.
I am trying to decide between spring and foam. I like a mattress to be firm, probably a 6 to 8 on a 1/10 scale with 10 being the most firm. I am 5’5, 125 lbs. Husband 5’10” 180lbs.
I like the traditional spring/bounce with the exception of when my husband tosses and turns all night long. Both of us sleep in every position.
I have foam pillows which I like but I keep the heat low in the winter as a result there are times the pillow is rock hard due to the cold temperatures.
Would the same thing happen with a foam mattress?
I had decided on the Saatva luxury firm but wonder if I should get the firm? I was drawn to the luxury firm as the description described it has similar to the mattress’s in the finer hotels (which I love). ( I also liked the Wink but believe the Saatva will be more firm).
Now I am reading your reviews about foam beds and am wondering if I should be looking at those? What would be the best foam bed for me to read about? Also the climate is cold most of the time…I don’t want a hard foam bed until my body warms it up. I thought I had it decided and now I am confused again! : )
What is the thickest softest bedding you would recommend? What do you recommend for pillows? I want to stay away from chemicals.
Thanks so much!
Skyy
Hi Skyy,
1) Most modern foam mattresses do not dramatically change their feel based on room temperature. Some may change slightly, but it’s nothing compared to older more traditional memory foams (similar to the pillow you’re probably sleeping on)
2) Unless you know for sure that you definitely want a firmer mattress I would recommend you opt for a medium firmness. In the Saatva Firm’s case, it’s quite firm. Their Luxury Firm (the medium firmness) is a 6 out of 10 and generally preferred by the majority of sleepers. I would recommend going in-store to try a few firm models out to confirm one way or another. Try the Tempur-pedic Flex Supreme for a medium 6 out of 10 and the Tempur-pedic Contour Elite for a firm 8-8.5 out of 10.
3) I think it would definitely be worth considering your foam mattress options as well. The 4 I have listed in this post are a great place to start.
4) When you say “thickest bedding” what do you mean? Sheets? Comforters? Something else?
5) For the pillow, I would definitely recommend the Nest Bedding Easy Breather https://sleepopolis.com/nest-bedding/natural-latex-pillow/ It’s the best pillow I have tested to date.
Let me know if there are any other questions I can help with. Thanks!
-Sleepopolis
Hi Sleepopolis,
I’m really enjoying your blog. I have been going back and forth between the Brooklyn Bedding Best Mattress Ever, the Leesa, and possibly the loom and leaf. My main priorities are something that sleeps cool (husband wakes up sweaty often) and something that will meet in the middle for my husbands desire for a firm mattress and my need for a little softness. I’m a side sleeper (hence the need for a little softness–I hate when there’s a lot of pressure against my shoulder/hip) and my husband is a back sleeper. I think memory foam is out as we used to have a tempurpedic and my husband hated the sinking feeling and it slept too hot. I actually liked it for the lack of pressure on my joints and slept like a dream….hope this gives you some good info. That said, I wasn’t totally into the sinking thing either. I’d also really prefer something with minimal to no motion transfer. Do you have a gut feeling on which mattress would work best for us to try first? Thank you!
Hi Kate,
I would say any of these 3 could be the right choice for you. Just a couple of questions for you…
What is your preferred firmness on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is the most firm?
How much do you both weigh? (this is important for sinkage, especially as it relates to cooling)
Thanks for responding! I’d say maybe around a 6 or so? I actually tried out a medium nest Alexander and medium nest love bed today–preferred the medium Alexander but found them both pretty comfortable. How would you say leesa and BME compares to the best beds? I’m small and thin–100 lbs. and my husband is 6′ and 170. I honestly really liked the Alexander but I worry the memory foam and cushy top layer will be too hot for my husband.
Hi Kate,
The biggest difference between each of those mattresses is simply the padded cover. The Alexander and Love Bed both use a thick 1.5″ padded cover. This gives it a thick traditional padded feel. In my experience, the padded cover did not cause the mattress to get any hotter. Brooklyn Bedding’s BME also uses a traditional padded cover, but it’s a bit more modest at only 0.75″ thick. So you get some of that traditional padded feel, but you also more dramatically can feel the bounce and responsiveness from the latex foams under. The Leesa uses a thin cover, like Tempur-pedic. This gives it a more modern look / feel and allows sleepers more direct contact with the foam layers so you can really feel the contour and hug. Lastly, the Loom & Leaf uses a traditional padded cover also, but it’s only 5/8″ thick. This makes it a bit of a compromise in my mind between traditional vs. modern covers. Like the Leesa, you’re able to feel the foam contour and hug to your body.
None of these mattresses sleep warm in my experience. They are all among the best mattresses for breathability and cooling that I’ve tested over the last year.
Thanks so much for all your insight! They all sound like such great mattresses! So tough to choose! I think I’ve narrowed it down to Leesa and the Nest products based on their great return policies. I really like the sound of the leesa and their price point, but I do live about 3 miles away from a Nest store so I was able to test their mattresses in person and was just blown away. So that may be what I end up doing. Also loved their bedding, pillows, and their more natural bent. I’ll let you know what I decide!
It’s hard to go wrong with any of these. Definitely let me know what you decide!
Do you have a recommendation between the Leesa and Casper? I’m a back sleeper, and have traditionally liked firm beds, except that I’ve been sleeping on a very firm one for a couple of years that has not helped my lower back pain issues one bit. This has led me to consider trying a bed that’s a little softer (but not too much, very soft beds tend to kill my back.)
Thanks for the help!
Definitely the Leesa. The Leesa is simply the better mattress in every area. Better support, better deep compression support, better bounce, better edge support, a thicker comfort layer, a more advanced cover, and they are a company that truly helps people (Leesa donates 1 mattress for every 10 they sell to homeless shelters).
You can find my full Leesa vs. Casper review here: https://sleepopolis.com/mattress-reviews/casper-vs-leesa-mattress-review/
Let me know if there are any other questions I can help with.
I found your review of the Loom and Leaf mattress very helpful. Can it be used on an adjustable base, and is there one you recommend. Thanks.
Hi Bobbi,
Yes, Loom & Leaf is compatible with adjustable foundations.
If you’re looking an adjustable foundation that’s a bit cheaper with fewer bells and whistles, it’s hard to go wrong with this one: http://amzn.to/1UxJVjU
If you want something a bit higher end, this one is great: http://amzn.to/1UxJWEs
We are tying to decide on which mattress to order. We were pretty sure we were going to go with the Leesa. We went to the store to try the Tempur-Pedic Flex Supreme since you said they were similar. We liked it but there was another Tempur-Pedic that was a bit softer that we preferred. So I’m wondering if we would get a softer feel from Brooklyn Bedding since they have a soft option. What do you think? Do you have a recommendation if we prefer something a bit softer? We are both side sleepers. He tends to have back pain and I get hip pain.
The BB would be similar, but it is going to have a different feel than Leesa and Tempur. Brooklyn Bedding uses a padding / quilted cover, this gives it a more traditional feel vs. Leesa / Tempur, which use a thin cover and allows the sleeper to engage directly with the foams.
The Amerisleep Colonial or Independence have the same type of thin cover design as Leesa / Tempur, but are a good bit softer than Leesa’s firmness (though they are quite a bit more expensive).
It all depends on your preferences regarding the padded cover vs. the thin cover design.
Hi Sleepopolis,
We bought a Leesa two months ago and I’ve been waking up with upper/middle back pain every morning. I’m a side sleeper, and I’m thinking maybe the mattress is too firm for my liking. My wife, also a side sleeper, likes the Leesa — so any alternative mattress will need to be in the same ballpark. I’m thinking the Nest Love mattress in medium might be a tad softer but I wanted to get your thoughts — and recommendations for other mattresses I should consider. Thanks!
Hi CH,
In terms of overall firmness, the Love Bed medium is about the same. However, it does have a deeper sinkage. The more pronounced sinkage would likely be an improvement for your specific needs as a side sleeper.
Unfortunately, there just aren’t that many options at a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale (Leesa is a 6). The Love Bed is going to be your best bet at this point to stay in the same firmness ball park, but see improved sinkage for you as a side sleeper. I’m afraid anything else will either be too close to the Leesa’ firmness / feel or is going to be too soft that your wife would start to see issues.
Hi Sleepopolis,
I really enjoy your website and your terrific reviews.
I’m really torn on which mattress to go for. I was just about to order a Tuft & Needle until my brother-in-law emailed me that he ordered one for his kids and it was way too soft. My wife and I prefer firm.
Then last week, I came across some good reviews on the the Nest Alexander and liked the idea of having 3 firmness options to choose from, and started leaning in that direction.
Now, after seeing your various reviews and comparisons of the Loom & Leaf, I’m leaning in that direction, and like the option of 2 firmness levels.
Cost is not a factor for me on this particular purchase, so would you suggest the Loom & Leaf and go with the firmer option, since we prefer firm mattresses? I’m 54 YOA, 185 lbs with some lower back pain. My wife is 43 YOA, 108 lbs with occasional low back pain.
Thank you for your input!
Bill
Hi Bill,
If you’re looking for firmer mattresses you really are looking at either the Loom & Leaf, Nest Alexander, Brooklyn Bedding, or Saatva. All of these are an 8-9 on the firmness scale (in their hardest firmness choice). If you like the Tuft & Needle, but just want something firmer, the closest mattresses to that would be the Loom & Leaf. Like the T&N, the L&L uses a thin cover so you engage directly with the foams for comfort and support.
Loom & Leaf is one of my personal favorites. Based on your background, needs, and desires I think you’d be hard pressed to go wrong with it.
Let me know if there are any other questions I can help with.