Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress 15 Plush Review: The Ultimate Mattress for Side Sleepers

Since the average innerspring mattress has a maximum lifespan of around seven years or so, it was beyond time for me to start searching for a replacement for my own basic mattress, or better yet, a major upgrade. As someone who understands that there is no universal one-size-fits-all “best mattress,” I spent a considerable amount of time researching models that would be an excellent fit for me and my unique sleep needs. Considering my preference as a side-sleeper, how I feel particularly warm in bed, and my lightweight body type, Nolah’s extra-plush Evolution mattress seemed like a particularly attractive option.

After sleeping on my new Evolution for just over four months, I can safely say that this luxury mattress is leagues better than my previous bed. While it worked wonders for soothing my sore back, neck, and shoulders, the ultra-squishy firmness level of this mattress may not be a perfect fit for everyone’s bedroom. To help you make the decision, I’ve collected all of the details of the Nolah Evolution’s price points, features, and overall performance to help you determine if it’s the best choice for you.

Nolah evolution 15 specifications

Nolah Evolution pros and cons

Nolah Evolution price

The Nolah Evolution is available in a variety of sizes, priced accordingly:

• Twin: $1,499
• Twin XL: $1,599
• Full: $2,299
• Queen: $2,499 (Note: I tested the Queen size)
• King: $2,699
• California King: $2,699
• Split King: $3,198

Nolah Evolution design

The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress that uses seven layers of premium materials for a luxurious feel, starting with its combination cotton and Arc'teryx cover. The first thing you are likely to notice when touching its pillowy topmost layer is how crisp and cool it feels, and it works alongside the ultra-soft and spongy Euro topper layer underneath to effectively wick away heat and moisture from your body as you sleep.

Its innovative AirBreath gusset separates the uppermost layers from the trio of supportive and pressure-relieving foam layers beneath to direct excess body heat away to be vented along the mattress’s edges for an overall more breathable and cooler feel. The uppermost comfort layer was designed for added flexibility around your shoulders and upper torso so they slightly sink into the mattress when you are on your side, alongside a firmer lumbar area for added support. Next is a thicker layer of CoreComfort for uniform support across your entire body that also aligns your spine, followed by an inch-high layer of transition foam that effectively absorbs the majority of the motion from the layer of individually wrapped springs underneath; if you sleep with a partner and they get up during the night, chances are slim you’ll feel a thing.

Speaking of which, these eight-inch tall steel coils excel at pressure relief and provide noticeably more support towards the center of the mattress. Although Nolah claims the coils provide extra edge support, this may refer to the Evolution’s firmer models, as I effortlessly slide right off the edge when I’m ready to get out of my plush bed.

Beneath the layer of springs is a sturdy foundation layer made of plant fibers for added stability. The Evolution’s sides and bottom are covered with a thick and resilient embroidered border fabric that was clearly made to endure for years to come, and features rugged integrated handles for easy carrying with a partner to help.

Nolah Evolution firmness

Nolah rates the Plush Evolution mattress as a four or five out of ten on their firmness scale, and although it may sound contradictory at first, it feels like sleeping on a supportive marshmallow cloud. It’s rare to find a mattress with this level of pure softness, and it took a while to stop smiling when I got into bed because of how I’d comfortably sink into the mattress a bit.

Lightweights like myself will get the most from the super-plush version, and while all sleeping positions are comfortable, I found myself falling asleep remarkably faster when I turned onto my side. The Evolution’s soft design excels at removing pressure from your shoulders, neck, and hips, while promoting a natural spine-aligning posture by allowing your sides to sink into the mattress just enough so your body feels equally supported with a cloudlike level of resistance. If you have aching muscles or sore joints throughout your body, I can only imagine how effective the plush Evolution’s exceptional support would be to help your body relax for superior sleep and less pain overnight.

I understand why many mattress brands make a big deal about edge support, but as a lightweight who sleeps in the middle of the mattress, I didn’t mind effortlessly slipping off its squishy sides when I got up to start my day. However, as much as I appreciate the pillowy feel of the plush Evolution, I recommend heavier sleepers check out the firmer editions with stiffer edge support instead.

Nolah Evolution support and comfort

I thought my old mattress was more than satisfactory before my Nolah arrived, but I didn’t know how bad it was until I slept on a mattress as luxurious as the Evolution. Again, as a lightweight, I deeply appreciate how its extra-squishy feel allows my shoulders, ribcage, and hips to sink into the mattress just enough to comfortably align my spine. As a writer, I spend more time than I should on my laptop and I get a stiff neck and shoulders from time to time, but I felt significantly more limber and relaxed after just one night of snoozing on the Evolution, and my body only felt more flexible in the weeks and months since I began testing this model.

I should note that I’ve always preferred sleeping on my side, and while I’m comfortable enough reading or scrolling through social media while sitting upright or lying on my back, perhaps the biggest surprise I had about the Evolution was how quickly I fell asleep after turning onto my side.

As a Florida man, I also appreciated another huge benefit of the Evolution’s design, as it feels significantly cooler than an average mattress. I went from occasionally waking up in a sweat in the winter months because I miscalculated how many blankets I needed, to a dependably cool and cozy sleeping experience every night regardless of how wildly the temperature changed during the night.

Nolah Evolution performance

In addition to getting superior sleep, I’m happy to note the Nolah Evolution exceeded expectations in every aspect I scrutinized. This extremely soft mattress kept me dependably cool and dry regardless of how toasty my home was, was obviously made to endure many years of use due to its top-tier construction and materials, and my own quality of sleep has never been better.

Yes, I’ll be the first to admit that the Evolution is a fairly pricey mattress, but as long as you purchase the best firmness level to match your weight, the enhanced level of productivity throughout the day, markedly more restful sleep, and pressure-relieving properties of this mattress are worth every penny.

Nolah Evolution delivery and setup

Like many mattress in a box brands, Nolah ships its mattresses via FedEx, and both the mattress and platform base the brand sent me arrived quickly. Although the cardboard box and its charming dream-inspired artwork arrived a little scuffed, the vacuum-sealed mattress arrived safe and sound. If you’re considering getting your own Nolah mattress, be on the lookout for special deals and bonus gifts; Nolah included a pair of pillows worth $149 with my order as an added bonus.

I’ve always liked clean lines and modern aesthetics when it comes to home furnishings, and Nolah’s simple, but rock-solid platform base was everything I hoped it would be. It’s sturdy, stable, sleek, easy enough to assemble, and it’s a versatile pick for any type of mattress.

The Evolution itself was a little heftier than I expected, but the plastic-wrapped queen-sized mattress wasn’t too difficult to remove from its box, carry down the hallway, and lay out on its companion frame. I’m used to ripping open vacuum-sealed mattresses and watching them expand, but since the 15-inch Evolution is so large and can only be slept on one side, it was disappointing to helplessly watch as it unfolded upside-down before I had a chance to flip it over. If that’s the worst I can say about setting this extra-cozy mattress up, Nolah is doing great.

It expanded to full size within minutes, and if you’re concerned about the unpleasant room-saturating chemical odor, or off-gassing, that comes with opening a new boxed mattress, don’t be; the Evolution had the tiniest bit of that signature smell, but even that small amount dissipated completely within a few hours.

Nolah offers a white glove setup service that includes removing your old mattress, assembling your new foundation, and setting up the mattress for $225.

Is the Nolah evolution for you? Who is this mattress best for?

If you’re a lightweight to average-sized sleeper, prefer to sleep on your side, warm-to-hot sleeper, or suffer from significant muscle, joint, or back pain, I highly recommend the plush Evolution mattress for its premium pressure relief, reliably cool and fresh feel, and lush pillowy full-body support.

Heavier-bodied sleepers should spring for either the luxury firm or firm editions of the Evolution mattress, and if you are 300 pounds or over, Nolah’s Evolution Comfort+ edition features the same coolness and spine-supporting comfort of the plush edition, but it was made especially for the needs of heavier people.

What sets the Nolah Evolution apart from other mattresses?

The Evolution’s excellent design stands apart from the competition due to its cool Euro topper and innovative heat-venting gusset layer, extra-rugged materials, and how these mattresses for side sleepers promote a perfectly aligned spine and full-body support. The Nolah Evolution also made Time Stamped Shopping’s lists of the best mattresses for heavy people, best king size mattresses, and best hybrid mattresses.

Other mattresses from Nolah

Nolah Original

Although it’s not quite as cool, supportive, and pressure-relief of the Evolution, the Nolah Original is every bit as durable and costs significantly less too.

Nolah Natural

Named after its signature layer of natural Talalay latex, this mattress feels as cool and refreshing as the Evolution, and its six layers are almost as supportive, but without the additional cost.

Nolah Evolution Comfort+

This special edition of the Nolah Evolution was made to provide the same level of spine-aligning support and full body pressure relief while accommodating sleepers weighing 300 pounds or more. Since the Comfort+ features a 1,000-pound weight capacity, it’s one of the best mattresses for large-bodied couples as well.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How long will the Nolah Evolution mattress last?

While your usage may vary, according to Nolah’s lifetime warranty, the brand expects buyers to get over 25 years of use from an Evolution mattress. After experiencing the premium construction of this durable mattress for myself, I believe them.

Are Nolah mattresses made in the USA?

Yes! Nolah Sleep and Nolah Technologies are based out of San Antonio, Texas, and its entire collection of premium mattresses are assembled at its Arizona facility.

Does the Nolah mattress come with a warranty?

Yes, Nolah includes an impressive and consumer-friendly lifetime warranty on all of its mattresses against manufacturer defects.

Does the Nolah mattress need a box spring?

No. The Nolah Evolution 15 is perfectly suited to any bed frame; feel free to use a box spring, slatted base, adjustable bed, or platform, as long as it’s the proper size and features a flat surface to place it on.

How does the Nolah mattress ship?

Nolah ships its mattresses in large cardboard boxes via FedEx, and buyers will be happy to know that shipping is free.

Final verdict

The Nolah Evolution Plush is dependably cool, was clearly designed to endure for many years to come, and feels like sleeping on a supportive marshmallow cloud. This ultra-soft mattress is absolutely worth the investment for side-sleepers and lightweights looking for a premium level of spine-aligning, pressure-relieving, and quality sleep night after night.