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If you’ve ever had the chance to recline on a memory foam mattress, chances are, you were pretty impressed. Developed by NASA engineers, this type of mattress actually molds to your body and gives you the feeling of almost sinking into it while also being lifted up with full support. It’s a popular choice among the different mattress varieties out there for obvious reasons—it’s pressure-relieving, supportive, often hypoallergenic, and many of them boast impressive technologies, including cooling and repositioning.
Our top memory foam mattresses picks
Best hybrid memory foam mattress: Helix Midnight
A hybrid memory foam mattress is a good option for those looking for some of the features a memory foam can provide with a few traditional qualities of a more standard coil spring mattress. The Helix Midnight provides just that—its hybrid design features a synergistic combination of springs and foam, providing pressure relief in all the right places, contouring to your unique body shape. Its reinforced sides don’t cause you to sink in the midsection. The springs are individually wrapped and reduce motion, which makes it ideal for couples. It’s also infused with gel, making it a great cooling mattress choice for those who sleep hot. Shopping tip: The Helix Midnight also made our list of the best mattresses for back pain.
Specifications:
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10-year
- Height: 11.5 inches
- Price Range: $702.20-$1,311.60
What we like:
- Combines memory foam with supportive coils
- Sufficient edge support
- Gel-infused cooling
What we don’t like:
- Stitches come loose for time
The bottom line:
A comfortable hybrid mattress with solid edge support and built-in cooling properties.
HELIX MIDNIGHT
Best memory foam mattress for back pain: Bear Original
When you’re dealing with back pain, you need a mattress that provides sufficient lumbar support while still being comfortable enough to let you sleep right through the night. The Bear Original does this by utilizing three layers of foam (a cooling gel memory foam layer, followed by a dynamic foam layer for consistent pressure relief, then a thick layer of stabilizing, high-density support foam) under a breathable Tencel cover. The end result is that it’s comfy, but without allowing you to sink in and further injure your back. Still not convinced? It also comes with a free sleep accessory set, worth $400, including two pillows, a sheet set, and a mattress protector.
Specifications:
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Trial period: 120 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Height: 10 inches
- Price range: $511 - $1,099
What we like:
- Comes with free sleep accessory set
- Free shipping
- Financing available
What we don’t like:
- Some customers found it a little too firm
The bottom line:
The Bear Original is durable, comfortable, and supportive enough for those struggling with back pain.
Bear Original
Best memory foam mattress for side sleepers: Nolah Original
It might sound weird, considering it’s easily the most common sleeping position, but sleeping on your side can actually mess your body up over time. That’s because it puts pressure on some areas (most notably the hips and shoulders) while leaving your spine improperly aligned overnight. To combat this, choose a mattress that cradles those pressure points while keeping your back straight. The Nolah Original does this with its three layers of medium-firm foam, designed to give where appropriate but keep your back stable. It’s also extremely durable, so it should last you for some time.
Specifications:
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Trial period: 120 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Height: 10 inches
- Price range: $649 - $1,559
What we like:
- AirFoam cradles pressure points while supporting your spine
- Cooling Tencel cover
What we don’t like:
- Some reviews complain of a lack of edge support
The bottom line:
The Nolah Original’s blend of comfortable yet supportive foams makes it ideal for side-sleepers.
Nolah Original
Best affordable memory foam mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Essential
Since mattresses can get seriously expensive, it’s good to know there are more affordable options. While there are a handful of worthwhile cheap mattresses out there, our pick in this instance is Brooklyn Bedding’s Dreamfoam Essential. As well as being surprisingly comfortable and supportive for the price, it’s also very versatile, with 22 different sizes available, each with a choice of five different thicknesses (which also dictate the firmness level–told you it was versatile!)
Specifications:
- Firmness: Medium-soft to firm, depending on thickness
- Trial period: 120 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
- Height: 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 inches
- Price range: $205.50 - $524.30
What we like:
- 22 different sizes to choose from–with five different thicknesses, this takes it to 110 different sizes available!
- Extremely affordable
- Hypoallergenic
What we don’t like:
- Some customer reviews claim it’s not as soft as they’d hoped
The bottom line:
A customizable, highly affordable memory-foam mattress that works well for difficult spaces and kid frames.
Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Essential
Best medium-firm memory foam mattress: Leesa Original Hybrid Mattress
Admittedly, this mattress from Leesa isn’t 100% memory foam–being a hybrid, it also features a core of supportive, individually wrapped coils. But these coils are sandwiched between layers of foam that make all the difference, providing comfort and pressure relief for sore spots while still keeping your body supported in the way you’d expect of a medium-firm mattress. It also has free shipping and a 100-night trial, so you’ve nothing to lose by trying it out!
Specifications:
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Trial period: 100 days
- Warranty: Ten years
- Height: 11 inches
- Price on publish: $787 - $1,349
What we like:
- Low motion transfer
- Supportive
What we don’t like:
- Might be too soft for sleepers who switch between side and stomach sleeping
The bottom line:
A hybrid mattress that combines memory foams with coils to support your body while still keeping you comfortable.
Leesa Original Hybrid Mattress, Queen
Best budget memory foam mattress: The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
If you’re looking for a top-notch memory foam mattress that features innovative technologies and won’t break the bank, consider the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress. It’s made with five layers of CertiPUR-US® certified foams that provide support and pressure relief in all the right areas, is great for all sorts of sleepers, including stomach, side and back, and comes with an impressive 365-night home trial and forever warranty.
Specifications:
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial: 365 days
- Warranty: Forever Warranty
- Height: 12 inches
- Price Range: $359-$1,138
What we like:
- Affordable
- 365-night home Trial
- Forever Warranty
What we don’t like:
- The sides offer less support than the middle
- Returns can be a hassle
The bottom line:
An affordable memory foam mattress that doesn’t skimp on the quality.
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress - Queen
Best cooling memory foam mattress: The GhostBed Luxe
The company likes to refer to this bed as the “coldest bed in the world,” which sounds enticing to those who tend to run hot through the night. It has an impressive 7-layer construction, which includes their signature Ghost Ice cover which instantly cools to the touch and provides a comfortable plus support system. It’s also CertiPUR-US®️ Certified, which means it’s free from potentially harmful chemicals.
Specifications:
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial: 101 nights
- Warranty: 25-year
- Height: 13 inches
- Price Range: $1,298-$2,895
What we like:
- Ultra cooling
- 7 layers of comfort
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
- A bit soft for back sleeper
The bottom line:
A mattress designed for hot sleepers to have a cooler, more restful night’s sleep.
The GhostBed Luxe
Best memory foam mattress for couples: DreamCloud Premier Mattress
As a hybrid mattress, the DreamCloud Premium combines both memory foam with six layers of innerspring coils. It has a luxury feel thanks to its cashmere-blend cover, yet the motion-controlling technology of the memory foam will be sure to prevent night-waking, which is what makes it an ideal choice for couples. Good to know: The DreamCloud Premier Mattress also made our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers and the best hybrid mattresses.
Specifications:
- Firmness: More firm
- Trial: 365-night
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Height: 14 inches
- Price Range: $584-$1,498
What we like:
- Lifetime warranty and year-long trial period
- Motion reducing
What we don’t like:
- Height is too tall for short customers
The bottom line:
A memory foam mattress with superior motion isolation, ideal for couples who are tired of (and from) waking each other up.
The DreamCloud Premier
Read the full Dreamcloud premier Review>>>
Best memory foam mattress for a heavy person: Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax Hybrid is a hybrid mattress that mixes the best features of memory foam with more traditional pocketed springs. It’s made up of three layers—a base, comfort, and top layer. Each layer provides something unique. The base layer is made of the pocketed springs that provide ample support, which can come in handy for heavier people. The comfort layer is the memory foam which provides pressure relief and the top layer is Airgocell foam, which provides cooling.
Specifications:
- Firmness: Medium firm
- Trial: 365 night
- Warranty: 10-year
- Height: 11 inches
- Price Range: $359-$749
What we like:
- Super affordable
- Designed to support added weight
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t have the best longevity
The bottom line:
A comfortable but sturdy and durable mattress, suitable for heavier people.
Emma CliMax Hybrid
Best memory foam mattress in a box: Casper Original Mattress
As one of the very first companies to offer a “bed in a box,” Casper continues to provide excellent service, not only in terms of their delivery, but also its caliber of mattress. Its Original Memory Foam Mattress is one of the earliest mattress generations and it’s still popular, especially for those suffering from debilitating back pain. Despite coming in a box, Casper offers some impressive features, including its signature foam with AirScape® Technology, which cuts down on trapped heat, as well as its three ergonomic zones that help ensure proper spinal alignment.
Specifications:
- Firmness: Firm
- Trial: 100-night risk-free
- Warranty: 10-year limited
- Height: 11 inches
- Price Range: $716-$1,356
What we like:
- Cooling technologies
- Ease of delivery
- Zoned support
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers claim it’s too firm
- Doesn’t always hold its shape
The bottom line:
A classic and reliable memory foam mattress, delivered right to your door.
Casper Sleep Original Foam, Queen Size Memory Foam Mattress - Medium Firm Bed in a Box with AirScape Cooling + Zoned Support - 100-Night Trial - 10 Year Warranty - CertiPUR-US Mattress, Light Grey
Best luxury memory foam mattress: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt®
As one of the most reputable brands in the mattress industry for memory foam mattresses, it’s no surprise Tempur-Pedic offers a high-quality mattress like this one, which has received thousands of positive reviews for its pressure-relieving and motion-canceling abilities. Each of the three layers adapts to your individual shape, weight and temperature to alleviate pressure points and increase breathability, so you can sleep more soundly through the night. Not ready to commit to a new mattress but still want to boost your comfort? The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper made our list of the best mattress toppers.
Specifications:
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial: 90-night risk-free
- Warranty: 10-year
- Height: 11 inches-13 inches
- Price Range: $1,699-$3,398
What we like:
- Offers pressure relieve
- Absorbs motion
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
- Limited trial
The bottom line:
A high-end, luxury mattress with a price tag to match.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt®
Best gel memory foam mattress: Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
Gel memory foam mattresses incorporate an additional layer of gel-infused memory foam that enhances the overall comfort of the sleeping experience. This mattress offers ultimate cooling, pressure relief, and back support thanks to its high-density foam layers that contour to your body to provide stable support throughout the night, as well as pressure-relieving abilities. This mattress is hypoallergenic, features an antimicrobial organic cotton cover and is CertiPUR-US® certified, which means it’s not only healthier for you, but also the planet. Shopping tip: Saatva also made our list of the best places to buy bedding, in case you also need to upgrade your sheets, blankets and pillows.
Specifications:
- Firmness: Firm
- Trial: 365-night
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Height: 12 inches
- Price Range: $1,295-$2,540
What we like:
- Lifetime warranty and free in-room delivery and setup
- CertiPUR-US®-certified foam
- Cooling abilities
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers say it’s too firm
- There’s a $99 refund fee
The bottom line:
A mattress with gel-infused foam for extra cooling and pressure relief.
Cal King Ultra Premium Firm Memory Foam Mattress Handcrafted for Pressure Relief & Back Support, Get Your Beautyrest | Loom & Leaf By Saatva
How to choose a memory foam mattress
Here are the factors you should consider when shopping for the best mattress for a better night’s sleep.
Do your research
Before selecting a memory foam mattress, it’s a good idea to look into all the options available. There are so many different brands, each with their own unique offerings, price ranges, and innovative technologies. It’s wise to make sure you’re well versed in all of the varying types of memory foam mattresses before you settle on one that makes the most sense for your preferences, physicality and lifestyle.
Consider your needs
When choosing any mattress, your weight and preferred sleeping position are essential considerations. “Generally speaking, lighter people will do better with a softer mattress, while heavier people will do better with more firmness,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Side sleepers generally need a mattress that is more soft, while stomach and back sleepers do better with a mattress that is more firm.”
Factor in additional features
Memory foam mattresses offer more than just comfort. In fact, many of them boast additional features including cooling technologies that can facilitate a better night sleep for you and your sleeping partner if you have one. Since memory foam can sometimes trap heat, having this kind of technology is critical. Dimitrui recommends looking for memory foam mattresses that have cooling features, including open cell foam or gel-infused foam.
Test out mattresses in person
Even in today’s day and age, there are plenty of mattress companies that offer in-person testing. This can give you the opportunity to lie on different memory foam mattresses so you can experience what it’s like first hand. If you’re not keen on an in-person visit, you can take advantage of many of the return policies and trials brands offer to allow you to test the mattress out in your own home with a money-back guarantee.
How we selected the best memory foam mattresses
We reached out to qualified sleep experts to get an understanding of what to look for in a memory foam mattress. We also combed through customer reviews and spoke first-hand to customers to get an idea of what they liked most from their memory foam mattress and what specific features they sought out when shopping for one.
How long does a memory foam mattress last?
According to Dimitriu, a memory foam mattress will typically last you anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on the brand. To increase the longevity of your memory foam mattress, be sure to take good care of it by rotating it regularly, placing a mattress protector over the top and ensuring that the room is not too humid or dry.
The best memory foam mattress brands
Nowadays, there are so many brands selling memory foam mattresses, but the original memory foam mattress was the Tempur-Pedic. The brand is the gold standard on the market and continues to offer a wide range of memory foam mattresses from which to choose.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How often do you replace memory foam mattresses?
The general lifespan of a memory foam mattress is about five to 10 years, but you will know that it is time to replace your memory foam mattress if it starts to lose its shape, it starts sinking in the center or on one of the sides, if you wake up with pain or stiffness, or if it starts to develop a foul smell, according to Dimitriu.
Are memory foam mattresses healthier?
Memory foam mattresses offer a great deal of features that can contribute to overall health and wellness, including features that relieve pressure on your joints and back muscles. Additionally, because the memory foam maintains its shape better than standard spring or coil mattresses, there’s less movement when one partner lies down or gets up. This can help reduce sleep disturbances and facilitate a more restful night’s sleep.
When is the best time to buy a memory foam mattress?
The best time to buy a memory foam mattress is typically during a holiday weekend when many mattress brands offer competitive prices and steal-worthy sales—think Memorial Day, Labor Day, and even Black Friday. For even more details on how to get the best deal, read our guide to the best time to buy a mattress.
How much does a memory foam mattress cost?
The average price of a memory foam mattress is about $1,000, however, this can vary significantly. You can expect to pay anywhere between $700 to $4,000 on a memory foam mattress, depending on the size and specifications of the mattress, as well as the brand.
What is a hybrid mattress versus memory foam
When shopping for memory foam mattresses, you may come across a type called a “hybrid mattress.” This is a type of mattress that combines the memory-foam technology with a more traditional type of mechanism such as innerspring coils or even latex. Some people prefer this type of mattress because it offers the best of both worlds. Mattresses entirely memory foam-based are made from a material (viscoelastic polyurethane foam) that conforms to the shape of the body. While this type of mattress can provide pressure relief, some people don’t like that they tend to trap heat. In these cases, a hybrid mattress can come in handy.
No matter what memory foam mattress you decide to go with, it’s a good idea to do your research and know what to expect, including the specific features that the mattress provides, its warranty, and trial offerings, as well as customer reviews about its longevity and overall worth.
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