Founded in 2012, Tuft & Needle has become one of the largest bed-in-a-box retailers on the market, a pretty remarkable feat considering that the company has spent most of its operative years selling only one mattress. But that all changed when, much to the clamor of fans on Reddit, the brand finally unveiled its second model: the Tuft & Needle Mint.
Today, I’ll be taking a side-by-side look at the Mint and its predecessor, trying to suss out what makes them similar and, more importantly, what sets them apart. And who knows—by the end of this comparison, you might just discover the bed of your dreams!
Short on time? Skip to the end for my review summary!
Tuft & Needle vs Tuft & Needle Mint
Product
Firmness
Score
Tuft & Needle vs Tuft & Needle Mint
Product
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Score
Tuft & Needle Mint vs Original: Which is Better for You?
The Tuft & Needle Original mattress is a simple, no-frills all-foam mattress. The Mint is the upgraded version, with an additional layer of foam not included in the original bed. If you want to learn more about each of these mattresses in detail, check out our full length Tuft & Needle mattress review or Tuft & Needle Mint mattress review.
Now, not everyone has the same needs (or wants!) from their mattress, so let’s talk about who each of these beds will be best for.
Who Should Buy Tuft & Needle Mint
- The Mint is a great choice for side sleepers, who will get all the necessary pressure relief on their shoulders and hips.
- Hot sleepers will also appreciate the graphite infusion in the top layer of foam, especially if you’re a hot sleeper who loves the feel of a memory foam mattress.
- The Tuft & Needle Mint also isolates motion well, making it a good choice for couples.
Who Should Buy Tuft & Needle Original
- The original Tuft & Needle is a great choice for back sleepers, who will get lots of support to ensure a neutral spinal alignment.
- As far as budget buys go, the Tuft & Needle is a really solid choice. It’s a good quality online mattress that won’t break the bank.
- Hot sleepers who like foam beds will also appreciate that the Tuft & Needle sleeps fairly cool.
Tuft & Needle Mint vs Original: Similarities and Differences
Tuft and Needle has advertised the Mint as a sort of “next step” for the brand, so you’ll notice that it takes a lot of elements from the retailer’s flagship mattress, but elevates them to new levels of comfort. In this way, the differences between the two beds are really based in how the new model seeks to extend what was already working well in the original.
Main Similarities
- The T&N and Mint beds are built entirely of foam, which means they’re designed with both pressure relief and support in mind. While the newer model boasts an additional transition layer (making for three sections as opposed to the T&N’s two), a straightforward foam construction acts as the solid base upon which each mattress expresses its distinct personality.
- An integral part of both beds’ designs is an emphasis on cooling. In the T&N, we see this in the moisture-wicking cover and the graphite infused into the foam comfort layer. In the Mint, the cooling is achieved with the addition of 30% more graphite and gel beads split between two layers. So while cooling is big for both mattresses, the way it’s expressed makes for an important difference between the two.
- Neither of these mattresses are supportive enough for heavy sleepers, who weigh 250 lb or more. It’s important for folks with a heavier body weight to have a sturdy, durable mattress that will support their body and maintain their alignment. If that’s you, I’d recommend checking out our best mattresses for heavy people to find a more supportive option.
Main Differences
- While they are close on our firmness scale, the Mint is just a touch softer than the T&N. That softer feel makes the Mint a better pick for side sleepers.
- The Mint features a transition foam layer and reinforced edge support that the T&N is lacking. Those extra features make the Mint a little pricier than the T&N, although both mattresses are still great budget buys.
- The Mint has much better motion isolation abilities than the T&N, which is important for couples. A bed that can isolate motion will prevent your partner’s movements from waking you up.
Tuft & Needle vs Tuft & Needle Mint
Product
Firmness
Score
Tuft & Needle vs Tuft & Needle Mint
Product
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Score
Tuft & Needle Mint and Original Mattress Feel Comparison
Let’s get down to how these mattresses feel. Knowing what we know about these Tuft and Needle sisters, we could probably make some guesses as to how they’re going to sleep (the Tuft and Needle Mint will be like the T&N… but better?). To figure out whether or not this hypothesis is true, let’s gab about the factors that contribute to each bed’s vibe.
First up: firmness. Since everyone feels the firmness of a mattress differently, I brought in three other testers to help me try out each of these Tuft & Needle beds. Below is the graph showing the average firmness rating for the mattresses.
Tuft & Needle Mint
My testers gave the mattress an average firmness of rating of 6.5, which syncs up perfectly with the industry standard for medium firmness.
I personally gave the mattress a 6, finding it to be just a touch softer than medium firm. While you’ll feel some good support from the high-density poly foam in the foundation layer, the five inches of Enhanced Adaptive Foam up top are going to allow you to really sink into the structure for immediate comfort. This mix of pressure relief and support is going to be great for a variety of sleepers, but especially those who slumber in multiple positions.
Tuft & Needle Original
My testers gave the T&N an average rating of 6.75, which is just a hair above the industry standard of 6.5 for medium firmness.
I personally gave the mattress a 7, as the bed features a lot of buoyant support. While you’ll slightly sink into the T&N when you first lie on it, the bounce of the Adaptive Foam coupled with the foundational high-density poly foam is going to lift you up and out of the structure. This means that as you press further into the bed, the bed is going to press back up to meet you, preventing you from feeling stuck in the mattress. A wide range of sleepers will like this quality, but back and stomach sleepers will be particularly pleased.
Comparing What it’s Like to Sleep on the Tuft & Needle Mint and the Original
Now, when shopping for a new mattress, it’s important to take your body type and primary sleeping position into consideration. That’s because different weights require different support levels and different sleeping positions will get spinal alignment, pressure relief, and support from their mattresses in different ways. Here’s my breakdown for different types of sleepers.
Tuft & Needle Mint
Back — Light to average weight back sleepers will do well on the Tuft & Needle Mint. It offers a nice balance of support and pressure relief.
Side — The Mint is really well-suited to average weight side sleepers, as they’ll sink into the foam just enough to get contouring and cushioning around pressure points like hips and shoulders. Light side sleepers may find the Mint mattress a bit firmer, but I think it can still work for them, as they should still get necessary pressure relief.
Stomach — I don’t think the Tuft & Needle Mint is a good choice for stomach sleepers of any weight. Stomach sleepers need a firm, supportive mattress that’ll keep their hips in line with their shoulders to maintain spinal alignment. Sinking hips can lead to back pain.
Body Weight — I would also say that the Tuft & Needle Mint isn’t a good choice for heavier sleepers, who weigh 250 lbs or more. It doesn’t have enough support for heavier weights, so I’d only go with this mattress if you’re light to average weight. See our best mattresses for heavy people to find a better option.
Tuft & Needle Original
Back — If you’re a back sleeper in the light to average weight category, I think you’ll definitely like the Tuft & Needle mattress! It offers nice support for your spine and some pressure relief around the lower back.
Side — I don’t think the T&N is a great choice for side sleepers of any weight, as they’ll need a bit more pressure relief than this firm mattress can offer.
Stomach — Light stomach sleepers will likely find the T&N to be just the right firmness to keep their hips elevated. Average to heavy weight stomach sleepers won’t get enough support from this bed though.
Body Weight — I’d only recommend the T&N to light to average weight sleepers. It’s not going to be supportive enough for heavier people, who weigh 250 lbs or more. Heavy sleepers may want to consider an innerspring mattress or hybrid mattress, that is a bit sturdier and more supportive.
Comparing Tuft & Needle Mint and Original Prices
There’s a cost difference between these two beds, with a Queen size Mint coming in at $895 when compared to the $575 price tag of a T&N Queen. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck regardless of the Tuft & Needle you choose, but if value is important to you, I’d suggest going with the flagship model. All prices are listed before discounts.
| Size | Tuft & Needle | Mint |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | $645 | $745 |
| Twin XL | $695 | $845 |
| Full | $795 | $995 |
| Queen | $895 | $1,195 |
| King | $1,095 | $1,395 |
| Cali King | $1,095 | $1,395 |
Tuft & Needle vs Tuft & Needle Mint
Product
Firmness
Score
Tuft & Needle vs Tuft & Needle Mint
Product
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Score
Comparing Tuft & Needle Mint and Original Mattress Materials
As we discussed up top, the biggest thing you’ll notice is that the Mint is going to take what the T&N’s working with and twist it into something a bit more advanced.
I’m going to walk you through a brief synopsis of each bed’s specific construction below, but would encourage you to also check out our full reviews of the T&N and Mint.
Tuft & Needle Mint
Cover – The cover of the T&N is made of a thin polyester/Tactel blend. Tactel is a cotton substitute known for its moisture-wicking properties, which means it’s going to dry a lot faster than a traditional cotton fabric would. This fabric will help with both cooling and breathability throughout the mattress.
Comfort Layer – The comfort layer is comprised of 3” of Tuft & Needle’s proprietary Adaptive Foam. This material is soft enough to provide some quality pressure relief to the sleeper, but also bouncy enough to prevent that stuck-in-the-bed feeling. This section is also infused with gel and graphite, which helps stretch the cooling properties of the cover into the rest of the structure.
Base Layer – And finally, the base, which is built with 7” of high-density poly foam. This layer acts as the foundation for the bed, giving it its structure and support.
Tuft & Needle Original
Cover – The cover is set in a pleasant charcoal color and made of a polyester blend. The fibers are knit together, which makes for a thick and cozy feel. I should add that the fabric is resistant to peeling, so it’s an especially resilient material.
Comfort Layer – The comfort layer is built with 3” of Tuft and Needle’s Enhanced Adaptive Foam. This material is similar to the one used in the T&N, but with some added oomph. In addition to being incredibly soft and responsive to pressure, it’s also infused with 30% more graphite than the Adaptive Foam used in the flagship model. This material helps draw body heat away from the sleeper for a cool night’s rest.
Transition Layer – Below the comfort layer, you’ll find an additional 2” of the brand’s Enhanced Adaptive Foam. This section is infused with gel beads, which help to extend the cooling properties of the top layer throughout the rest of the mattress. It’s also firmer than the comfort layer, functioning primarily as a transition between the different materials in the bed.
Foundation Layer – And finally, the base. This layer is comprised of 7” of high-density poly foam, which establishes the bed’s structure and acts as the support for the softer foams up top. This layer also features some added edge support, which helps to firm up the sides of the mattress so you’ll be able to use the entire surface area of the Mint.
Tuft & Needle Mint vs Original: Best Qualities
We’ve covered a lot of the similarities and differences between the original Tuft & Needle and the Tuft & Needle Mint. Here’s my thoughts on each bed’s best qualities.
Tuft & Needle Mint Best Features
- Given the bed’s good motion transfer results and added edge support, I’d say the Mint would make a good mattress for couples.
- The addition of the extra transition layer in the Mint also makes it a fantastic option for anyone who wants pressure relief without that stuck-in-the-bed feeling.
- As with the T&N, the Mint offers a fabulous balanced foam feel, combining satisfying sinkage with strong support throughout.
The Tuft & Needle Mint is an awesome budget mattress that combines high-quality materials with a low price tag. I’d highly recommend it to budget shoppers looking for a soft feel. This mattress is also really cooling for an all-foam bed, so it's great for hot sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Tuft & Needle Mint is an awesome budget mattress that combines high-quality materials with a low price tag. I’d highly recommend it to budget shoppers looking for a soft feel. This mattress is also really cooling for an all-foam bed, so it's great for hot sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Tuft & Needle Mint is an awesome budget mattress that combines high-quality materials with a low price tag. I’d highly recommend it to budget shoppers looking for a soft feel. This mattress is also really cooling for an all-foam bed, so it's great for hot sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Tuft & Needle Original Best Features
- This bed would be wonderful for anyone who sleeps hot. The moisture-wicking properties of the cover are particularly good at keeping things cool.
- The T&N would also be a solid pick for anyone concerned with value, as it provides a lot of great comfort for an affordable price.
- The mattress also provides a pleasant balanced foam feel, which will be great for anyone in search of both pressure relief and support.
The Tuft & Needle is a surprisingly supportive all-foam mattress that back sleepers will enjoy. It’s pretty breathable, which helps it sleep cool, and comes in at an affordable price, making it ideal for budget shoppers.
The Tuft & Needle is a surprisingly supportive all-foam mattress that back sleepers will enjoy. It’s pretty breathable, which helps it sleep cool, and comes in at an affordable price, making it ideal for budget shoppers.
The Tuft & Needle is a surprisingly supportive all-foam mattress that back sleepers will enjoy. It’s pretty breathable, which helps it sleep cool, and comes in at an affordable price, making it ideal for budget shoppers.
Tuft & Needle Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Company Policies
Tuft & Needle Policies
- Trial Period – 100-night sleep trial
- Shipping – Free in contiguous United States, fees may apply in Hawaii and Alaska
- Mattress Warranty – 10-year limited warranty
Tuft & Needle Customer Service
We rate customer service on a scale of Stellar, Great, Satisfactory, Poor. I determined these ratings based on my experience of reaching out to the customer service team with a question.
Tuft & Needle Sleepopolis Customer Service Rating
Satisfactory
I reached out to Tuft & Needle with a question via their chat box feature. When I submitted my question, I was prompted to enter my email address and informed that a representative would answer my question in a few hours by email.
I did receive a response a few hours later, which answered my question and included links to relevant information on their website. I gave a rating of Satisfactory because many other brands with similar chat features are able to answer a question within just a few minutes.
Comparing Other Models from Tuft & Needle
Tuft & Needle Hybrid
- The Tuft & Needle Hybrid features six inches of pocketed coils as the support layer and a thin layer of mini coils as a transition layer, in addition to T&N Adaptive Foam layers. These coils give the mattress a supportive, bouncy feel!
- It also has pretty impressive edge support and motion transfer, which couples will definitely appreciate.
- But, the Tuft & Needle Hybrid isn’t a great pick for side sleepers, as it doesn’t offer enough pressure relief.
- The Tuft & Needle Hybrid has the same 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty as the other beds.
- Want to learn more? Read our full Tuft & Needle Hybrid mattress review.
This mattress best suits combination sleepers thanks to its cushiony support and responsiveness. It's also a great choice for couples, with impressive edge support and cooling abilities.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. This mattress best suits combination sleepers thanks to its cushiony support and responsiveness. It's also a great choice for couples, with impressive edge support and cooling abilities.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. This mattress best suits combination sleepers thanks to its cushiony support and responsiveness. It's also a great choice for couples, with impressive edge support and cooling abilities.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
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Tuft & Needle Vs
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Tuft & Needle vs Tuft & Needle Mint
Product
Firmness
Score
Tuft & Needle vs Tuft & Needle Mint
Product
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Score
