Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
The reason so many people out there are in search of the best memory foam mattress is simple. As a material, memory foam is gentle, pressure-relieving, and cozy. It only makes sense that it’s been incorporated into beds all over the world, as it works to relieve tension and keep the sleeper cradled in a cushiony embrace (fun fact: memory foam was initially developed by NASA for use in aircraft seat cushions).
We’ve gone ahead and highlighted what we’ve found to be the 10 best memory foam mattresses, most of which are dense, thick, and have been modified with either a cooling infusion or open-cell structure. We also ran each of these beds through a number of tests in a variety of categories, such as responsiveness and motion isolation. While we wanted a diverse roundup full of memory foam mattresses with different strengths and weaknesses, we did place an emphasis on beds with good cooling and/or pressure relief. These are generally the two most important factors for comfort on a memory foam mattress.
Note: While a handful of these beds do have a layer of springs in their construction (thus technically making them hybrid mattresses), all of them have a substantial portion of memory foam in the comfort layer and elsewhere.
Our Top Pick for Best Memory Foam Mattress
Nectar tops our list for being an all-foam bed that’s competitively priced, pressure-relieving, and supportive. Unlike many memory foam options, it also sleeps cool.
Best Memory Foam Mattresses 2023
- Nectar – Best Overall Memory Foam Mattress
- Emma Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Helix Midnight – Best Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress for Couples
- WinkBeds GravityLux – Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
- Nolah Signature – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Pressure Relief
- Plank Firm – Best Memory Foam Mattress in a Box
- Bear – Best Memory Form Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Dreamfoam Essential – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best Memory Foam Mattress 2023 – Our Video Review
Compare the Best Memory Foam Mattresses
Nectar Mattress
Emma Mattress
Helix Midnight Mattress
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Bear Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
Rating
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Medium-firm: 7/10
Soft: 6/10
Multiple firmness options
Soft: 5.5/10
Multiple firmness options
Medium-firm: 7/10
Multiple firmness options
Multiple firmness options
Material
Foam
Foam
Hybrid
Foam
Foam
Foam
Foam
Hybrid
Foam
Cooling
--
✓
--
✓
--
--
✓
✓
--
Sleep Position
Back & Side
Back
Back & Side
Back
Back & Side
Back & Stomach
Back & Side
Back & Side
Back & Side
Nectar – Best Overall Memory Foam Mattress
The original Nectar mattress is a pressure-relieving, yet supportive, bed. It’s made with a thick layer of gel memory foam, which allows the sleeper to really sink into its surface.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I dreaded paying for a new mattress but my old one was 15 years old…buying a Nectar was the best choice I could have made! It is so comfortable and didn’t cost an arm and a leg. I would absolutely recommend this mattress to anyone!
The original Nectar mattress is a pressure-relieving, yet supportive, bed. It’s made with a thick layer of gel memory foam, which allows the sleeper to really sink into its surface.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I dreaded paying for a new mattress but my old one was 15 years old…buying a Nectar was the best choice I could have made! It is so comfortable and didn’t cost an arm and a leg. I would absolutely recommend this mattress to anyone!
The original Nectar mattress is a pressure-relieving, yet supportive, bed. It’s made with a thick layer of gel memory foam, which allows the sleeper to really sink into its surface.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I dreaded paying for a new mattress but my old one was 15 years old…buying a Nectar was the best choice I could have made! It is so comfortable and didn’t cost an arm and a leg. I would absolutely recommend this mattress to anyone!
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
Though memory foam can be slightly expensive, the Nectar offers budget-conscious shoppers a memory foam option that doesn’t break the bank (be sure to check for current discounts and coupons). That makes it one of our favorite mattresses. With its all-foam construction and blend of comfort and support, we think the Nectar could appeal to a wide variety of sleepers.
This is also one of our favorite mattresses for joint pain. We actually tested this in our mattress lab using our pressure map test. We lie a pressure map across the mattress surface, and this device uses our body heat when we lay down to determine how much pressure we’re putting on certain areas. The buildup of pressure is measured with colors; areas of low pressure are indicated in blue and green, while areas of moderate to high pressure are indicated in yellow, orange, and red. After testing the Nectar, we found great results for back pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain in the back and side-sleeping positions.
What our tester says: “I felt so comfortable back and side sleeping on the Nectar. It does a great job of cushioning your joints and allowing you to sink into the mattress a little, but it doesn’t totally suck you in and make you feel stuck.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many customers with back pain have glowing things to say about the Nectar’s ability to alleviate it. Seniors or folks with joint pain also marvel at the Nectar’s ability to relieve pressure from sensitive areas.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
- The comfort layer of memory foam should contour to the shape of side sleepers’ bodies offering a good amount of pressure relief right.
- The foam gets firmer toward the bottom of the bed, creating a good amount of support for back sleepers while keeping them lifted up.
- Another benefit of memory foam is that it excels at isolating motion. So if you sleep with a partner, you’re unlikely to feel each other’s movements on the Nectar.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
- Combination sleepers may have a hard time switching positions on the slow-moving memory foam of the Nectar.
- Stomach sleepers will likely need a firmer and more supportive mattress.
Learn more in our full Nectar mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best mattress page for more options.
Emma Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The Emma Mattress is an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress designed and manufactured in Germany. Its all-foam construction provides great support and comfort that back sleepers and stomach sleepers will enjoy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Emma Mattress is an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress designed and manufactured in Germany. Its all-foam construction provides great support and comfort that back sleepers and stomach sleepers will enjoy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Emma Mattress is an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress designed and manufactured in Germany. Its all-foam construction provides great support and comfort that back sleepers and stomach sleepers will enjoy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Emma Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Emma Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Emma Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
Stomach sleepers notoriously need a firm, supportive mattress to keep the hips propped up and in proper alignment. Memory foam mattresses are often soft and not supportive enough for these folks, but that isn’t the case with the Emma Original. We would highly recommend this bed to lightweight or average-weight stomach sleepers.
It has a firmness of 7/10, and while this is just slightly above medium firm, the mattress’ quality materials add to the level of support throughout the night. A responsive transition layer ensures sleepers won’t sink too far into the comfort layer. A super-thick, high-density foam layer creates the base of the mattress, and the foam foundation layer includes zoned support, which is known for promoting spinal alignment.
What our tester says: “If you crave a supportive foam mattress that still gives you some contouring, the Emma won’t steer you wrong. It features a moderate level of body-contouring and sinkage, but its Airgocell layer balances things out on top.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many customers shared their appreciation for the generous 365-night trial. The Emma Original might give them a good sleep, but the trial gives them peace of mind.
Pros of the Emma Original Mattress
- As mentioned, this bed is ideal for lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers. However, its level of support is definitely appropriate for lightweight and average-weight back sleepers as well.
- Partners will likely be fans of this mattress, as it’s plenty responsive for sex, provides good edge support, and cools sleepers down quite a bit.
- The cover of the Emma Original is designed for cooling, as it wicks away moisture and also regulates the temperature. Beneath is a comfort layer of pressure-relieving foam that’s open-celled for additional breathability.
Cons of the Emma Original Mattress
- We definitely recommend that larger body types over 250 pounds select a more supportive mattress option.
Learn more in our full Emma Original mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal or check out our best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Helix Midnight – Best Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress for Couples
The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that will appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that will appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that will appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
If you go to Helix’s website, you can take a mattress quiz, which will recommend one of their mattresses from over a dozen different memory foam hybrid models. For couples, we suggest the brand’s most popular model, the Helix Midnight. It has a thick layer of memory foam that absorbs most movement. At the same time, the coils below add some sturdy support for two bodies, plus they make the mattress responsive enough for couples to change positions during sex.
When testing out the mattress, we found it very easy to move around, and we also found this bed has impressive edge support. The Helix Midnight also went through our motion isolation test. If a mattress has poor motion isolation, you’ll likely feel disturbed by your partner moving around at night. By dropping a 10-pound steel ball from three different heights onto the mattress, we measured the disturbance. We found pretty low disturbance overall, meaning the Midnight has good motion isolation.
What our tester says: “I thought the Helix Midnight had a slightly softer and responsive feel, which makes it work for a variety of sleepers. It could be a nice solution for two partners who have different sleep positions and need a comfy happy medium.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
All around, customers seem to think of this mattress as a well-rounded option. They say that its price, cooling, pressure relief, and support create a balanced and comfortable sleeping space.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- While testing this mattress for back-sleeping, we felt our spine supported by the coils and found that the pressure-relieving Memory Plus foam did an excellent job contouring our lower back.
- Likewise, the foam gave us the cushioning side sleepers need at the shoulders and hips.
- On top of the Helix Midnight, there’s a Soft Touch cover that’s airy and breathable. This helps the mattress keep a cool temperature, which is also important for couples, as two bodies emit more heat than just one.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- The main group of people we wouldn’t recommend this mattress for is heavier sleepers over 250 pounds, who may not get the support they need.
Learn more in our full Helix Midnight mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best mattress for couples page for more options.
WinkBeds GravityLux – Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
The WinkBeds GravityLux is a memory foam mattress with several different firmnesses available. The WinkBeds GravityLux is a memory foam mattress with several different firmnesses available. The WinkBeds GravityLux is a memory foam mattress with several different firmnesses available.WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
While WinkBeds is known for its flagship mattress, which has a traditional innerspring feel, the brand also has a memory foam model called the WinkBeds Gravity Lux. It’s available in several different levels of firmness.
We reviewed the Firm model and found that its cooling technology may appeal to hot sleepers. It has a cover made of Tencel, an eco-friendly cotton substitute derived from eucalyptus. The material is soft and breathable, in addition to being cool to the touch. Deeper into the mattress, the comfort layer has been constructed with AirCell memory foam — a material with an open-cell design that sleeps much cooler than traditional memory foam.
What our tester says: “My favorite thing about this mattress is its durability. This is a long-lasting mattress that won’t start to sag anytime soon. This is an especially nice feature for a foam mattress to have, since memory foam normally starts to break down earlier than other mattress materials.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester
What Customers Say
Even though some customers say the GravityLux was priced a bit higher than other beds, they also mentioned it delivered on quality and was worth the cost. A lot of folks comment on the balanced feel of the WinkBeds Gravity Lux, praising its careful balance of comfort and support.
Pros of the WinkBeds Gravity Lux Mattress
- We found the Firm model to be a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. This is ideal for back sleepers who need a good amount of support and pressure relief they need.
- The mattress has more responsiveness and support around the lower back and more softness at the shoulders. This might help lessen back pain and keep your spine in a neutral alignment.
- When we ran the mattress through our motion transfer test, we found it to be adept at isolating motion. So if you share your bed with a partner who’s easily woken up, you should both be able to sleep soundly on this bed.
Cons of the WinkBeds Gravity Lux Mattress
- Stomach sleepers will likely need a firmer and more supportive mattress altogether, such as the WinkBed Plus.
Learn more in our full WinkBeds Gravity Lux mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best cooling mattress page for more options.
Nolah Signature – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Pressure Relief
The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.
The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.
The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
As the flagship mattress of Nolah, the Signature is made from something called AirFoam — essentially the brand’s own take on memory foam. It helps the Nolah Signature create enormous pressure relief, especially for back sleepers and side sleepers, who should get some sinkage mixed with support. When looking at the mattress’ firmness, it clocks in at a 5.5 out of 10, meaning that when we lie down on its surface, it feels very soft and cuddly.
Of course, we had to put the Nolah Signature’s pressure relief to the test. Our pressure map showed that there was only blue and green for back-sleeping, so it should be a great mattress for back sleepers with back pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain. We also tested pressure relief for side sleepers, which we did see more yellow (moderate pressure) on. This should still be plenty comfortable for side sleepers, but perhaps a bit too firm for those with severe shoulder or hip pain.
What our tester says: “If you like the feeling of sinking into your bed, the Nolah Signature could be what you’re looking for. The foam allows for sinkage and for you to feel hugged. This feel can also be alleviating for side and back sleepers who experience back pain.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many side sleepers and folks with joint pain say that the Nolah Signature is true to the superlative we’ve assigned it. Customers certainly praise the pressure relief on this mattress.
Pros of the Nolah Signature Mattress
- Back sleepers and some side sleepers with joint pain should feel a good deal of sinkage and contouring in areas with higher pressure buildup.
- We found that, true to Nolah’s goal, the AirFoam is a lot more breathable and cooler-sleeping than traditional memory foam. Hot sleepers should have no problem sleeping on the Nolah Signature.
- Some partners should also enjoy how cool this bed sleeps, as well as its strong edge support and how well it isolates motion. However, they should know that the Nolah Signature’s slow-sinking feeling doesn’t make it the best mattress for sex.
Cons of the Nolah Signature Mattress
- Stomach sleepers probably aren’t going to be comfy on the Nolah Signature. They’ll need something with more firmness and support.
Learn more in our full Nolah Signature mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal.
Plank Firm – Best Memory Foam Mattress in a Box
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. This is my 4th foam mattress. Lasting firmness is one of the challenges I have come across with the mattresses. This is the most firm I have purchased and after a few weeks, I am still happy.
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. This is my 4th foam mattress. Lasting firmness is one of the challenges I have come across with the mattresses. This is the most firm I have purchased and after a few weeks, I am still happy.
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. This is my 4th foam mattress. Lasting firmness is one of the challenges I have come across with the mattresses. This is the most firm I have purchased and after a few weeks, I am still happy.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
When we say “mattress in a box,” we mean any bed that can be rolled up, compressed, and delivered right to your doorstep. The Plank Firm — created by Brooklyn Bedding — is a truly impressive bed in a box because it’s so firm. After sleeping on it, you’ll find it hard to believe that it was ever pliant enough to be rolled into a tube-like shape.
It’s also unique in that it’s flippable, with both a firm side and an extra-firm side. The firm side comes in at a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale and the extra-firm side scores an 8.5 out of 10.
What our tester says: “The Plank Firm gives two distinct options for sleepers who want a firm mattress. However, the firm and the extra firm side mostly appeal to the same type of person. I felt really nice support for my spine and hips while stomach and back sleeping.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customer Say
Some customers purchased the Plank Firm for their guest room, and they’re happy with this decision because the dual firmness allows them to flip the mattress per their guest’s sleeping preferences.
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
- We think stomach sleepers will be comfortable on both sides of the Plank Firm.
- Back sleepers should be comfortable on the firm side. Even combination sleepers could find both sides to be responsive enough to change positions, as long as they prefer a firm bed.
- It isn’t always easy for folks over 250 pounds to secure a supportive-enough mattress, but the Plank Firm might be just what they’re looking for.
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress
- This mattress probably isn’t going to work for side sleepers or anyone living with extreme hip or shoulder pain. They’ll likely benefit from a softer mattress with more pressure relief.
- Any light sleepers who share their bed with a partner should note that the Plank Firm has fairly high motion transfer. While that may be uncommon for most all-foam beds, the foams here are extremely bouncy and responsive.
Learn more in our full Plank Firm mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best bed-in-a-box mattress page for more options.
Bear – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain
We appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an awesome option for anyone struggling with back pain. The Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. We appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an awesome option for anyone struggling with back pain. The Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. We appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an awesome option for anyone struggling with back pain. The Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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 lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
The Bear is a firm all-foam mattress that still manages to have some body-contouring, thanks to a memory foam comfort layer infused with graphite gel. We felt a lot of pressure relief in the comfort layer — good news for anyone who struggles with back pain. They should feel the right balance of comfort and support to keep their spine neutrally aligned. Also, the Bear offers a cover made of Celliant that can be added to this mattress for an additional $130. Research suggests this material assists with blood flow and muscle recovery, which is why the Bear might be such a good fit for those with an active lifestyle. Its potential healing properties might also help with back pain as well.
We put the Bear’s back pain relief to the test using our pressure map. The results showed entirely blue in the back-sleeping position, which are some incredible results.
What our tester says: “I really appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it a great option for back sleepers struggling with back pain.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many combination sleepers like that the Bear has a feel that allows them to move about the mattress without sinking into the layers.
Pros of the Bear Mattress
- The Bear clocks in at a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale. We think this level of firmness — plus the mattress’ supportiveness — makes it a highly suitable match for back sleepers.
- Because the mattress is so responsive, combination sleepers should be able to easily switch positions at night.
- The Bear’s cooling capabilities make it a good match for couples. It should be able to easily cool down two bodies at once. Couples should also enjoy its ability to isolate motion, plus the responsiveness of the foams make it one of the best mattresses for sex.
Cons of the Bear Mattress
- Strict side sleepers are probably going to find the Bear mattress too firm.
- By contrast, strict stomach sleepers who require more support are better off seeking out a bed with a layer of coils.
Learn more in our full Bear mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best mattress for back pain page for more options.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress. It comes in three firmness levels and with an optional Cloud Pillow Top, so sleepers can pick the best model for their needs. It also has cooling tech in nearly every layer, which means it sleeps super cool!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress. It comes in three firmness levels and with an optional Cloud Pillow Top, so sleepers can pick the best model for their needs. It also has cooling tech in nearly every layer, which means it sleeps super cool!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress. It comes in three firmness levels and with an optional Cloud Pillow Top, so sleepers can pick the best model for their needs. It also has cooling tech in nearly every layer, which means it sleeps super cool!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a memory foam hybrid, meaning it has a layer of individually wrapped coils at the bottom and softer layers of foam above. There are actually three layers of foam here, which is where the added softness comes from. We rated it at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which is soft enough to contour side sleepers’ shoulders and hips — the areas of the body where they put the most pressure. We should note that the Aurora Luxe is Brooklyn Brooklyn Bedding’s luxury model, so it has a number of upgraded features such as extra-tall coils and a cover made of cooling Phase Change Material. It’s also available in three different firmnesses: Soft, Medium, and Firm (we tested out the Medium).
To get some more evidence of how the Aurora Luxe would perform for side sleepers, we turned to our trusted pressure map. While on our side, the map was entirely blue at our shoulders, but showed a touch of yellow at our hips. This is something to keep in mind if you’re a side sleeper with hip pain. If so, you might want to opt for the Soft model of the mattress.
What our tester says: “Most side sleepers should appreciate the pressure-relieving sinkage this mattress offers in the Soft model. I also love how it comes in three different firmness models. So, different types of sleepers can pick the best option for them.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are about 3,300 customer reviews for the Aurora Luxe on Brooklyn Bedding’s website, and the mattress has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. Almost 40 of these reviews specifically mention side sleeping and how comfortable that position is on the bed.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
- Despite being a softer mattress, the Aurora Luxe is responsive, thanks to its layer of springs. This makes it a good mattress for combination sleepers and one of the best mattresses for sex.
- We think back sleepers should also be comfortable on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. They should get the requisite spinal support from the springs and contouring at the lumbar region from the memory foam.
- The coils allow for a lot of breathability in the mattress, which helps it sleep cool. Almost every layer also has an infusion to further assist with cooling, such as copper and gel.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
- This isn’t a very cheap mattress, so it may not be the best option for budget shoppers.
Learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best mattress for side sleepers page for more options.
Dreamfoam Essential – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Dreamfoam Essential is a very affordable memory foam mattress that is available in multiple heights.
The Dreamfoam Essential is a very affordable memory foam mattress that is available in multiple heights.
The Dreamfoam Essential is a very affordable memory foam mattress that is available in multiple heights.
Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
A memory foam mattress isn’t always going to be the best for back sleepers. Some foams just aren’t strong enough to give them the spinal support they need over time. But the Dreamfoam is a bit different from other foam mattresses in that it comes in a variety of thicknesses: 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″, 14″. We think the 12″ and 14″ models could be a good fit for back sleepers, as they’ll be firmer and supportive enough to promote a neutral spinal alignment. This is due to an extra-tall layer of high-density poly foam at the bottom of the mattress, with the softer traditional memory foam up top.
When we tested out the Dreamfoam Essential, we felt comfortable and supported, with the memory foam filling in our lumbar region and the poly foam lifting us up. Overall, we’d rate it at a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which is fairly firm.
What our tester says: “I aappreciate the price point of this mattress. No matter which size and height combo you choose, you should be able to get this mattress for under $1,000. ” – Logan Block, former content editor
What Customers Say
There are almost 4,000 reviews on the Dreamfoam Essential’s website, and the mattress has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. About 350 of these reviews come from confirmed back sleepers, with many of them saying that the Leesa has soothed their back pain.
Pros of the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress
- The responsiveness of the foam makes it easy to move around and switch positions. So we think it’s a good mattress for combination sleepers.
- The Dreamfoam is also available in several RV sizes. So if you’re someone who likes to travel, it could be a good fit for your motorized home.
- Manufactured by Brooklyn Bedding (who owns their own factory), the Dreamfoam is very affordable, starting at $524 for a queen size and fluctuating depending on thickness.
Cons of the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress
- This mattress is most likely going to be too soft for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds.
Learn more in our full Dreamfoam Essential mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best mattress for back sleepers page for more options.
Casper
The Casper Original is an all-foam mattress that is a great option for back sleepers who want a balance of support and pressure relief. Combination sleepers will appreciate this mattress's responsiveness, which makes it easy to change positions throughout the night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. "From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."
The Casper Original is an all-foam mattress that is a great option for back sleepers who want a balance of support and pressure relief. Combination sleepers will appreciate this mattress's responsiveness, which makes it easy to change positions throughout the night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. "From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."
The Casper Original is an all-foam mattress that is a great option for back sleepers who want a balance of support and pressure relief. Combination sleepers will appreciate this mattress's responsiveness, which makes it easy to change positions throughout the night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. "From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."
Casper Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Financing Options
Casper Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Financing Options
Casper Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Financing Options
The Casper mattress is an all-foam bed made with three layers that work together to provide pressure relief and support for the lower back, hips, and shoulders. It clocks in between medium-firm and firm on the firmness scale, so it’s soft enough to keep most sleepers’ spines aligned throughout the night.
The bed achieves its balanced feel through a zoned support system. This design makes the foam firmer at certain spots and softer at others. On our pressure map, the Casper showed primarily blue and green in the back and side-sleeping positions, showing that this mattress should work well for joint pain and back pain.
What our tester says: “I think this mattress could be a great fit for back sleepers. Not only is it easy to move around and change positions, but the bed does a great job of positioning the spine in a nice, even line.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Casper shoppers highly value the customer service, saying that Casper representatives are happy to help through every step of the buying process. This includes the decision-making, as well as any delivery issues or refund needs.
Pros of the Casper Mattress
- The Casper had solid motion-transfer results, plus it’s a fairly responsive mattress that should be good for sex. This makes it a great mattress for couples
- The responsiveness of the foams makes it easy for combination sleepers to change positions and get comfortable in a short period of time.
- Back and side sleepers should get the amount of comfort and support they need.
Cons of the Casper Mattress
- Stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer and more supportive mattress than the Casper — perhaps something with a layer of coils.
Sold on the Casper? Get the best deal online here. Still deciding? Read more about it in our full Casper mattress review.
How Much Does a Memory Foam Mattress Cost?
Naturally, price is a huge consideration when buying the best mattress for you. Even the cheapest bed is going to run you up at least a few hundred dollars, plus you’re looking at a long-term investment that you want to last for many years.
So, how much does the typical memory foam mattress cost?
A queen size memory foam mattress can cost anywhere from about $500 to $3,000. Most of the mattresses we chose for this roundup land in the middle of this range, which we think is a fairly average price for a high-quality memory foam mattress.
How We Test the Best Memory Foam Mattresses
Our team at Sleepopolis believes in physically testing as many mattresses as we can, so we are better able to provide you with expert information. We run our mattresses through a number of tests (cooling, motion isolation, responsiveness, and more), but with memory foam mattresses, we wanted to dive deeper into our testing process for pressure relief. That way, you can get an idea of how sinking and contouring the memory foam is.
To do this properly, we utilize a pressure map, which is a pad that we place on top of the mattress surface. When we test a mattress out in different sleeping positions, the pressure map uses our body temperature to map our heat and identify areas of pressure buildup. Any parts of the body colored blue suggests low pressure, green suggests moderate pressure, and yellow, orange, and red suggest high pressure.
Above, you can see our pressure map test results for the Helix Midnight. We laid on it in the side-sleeping and back-sleeping positions, and there are images from each. For back sleeping, you can see almost all blue, with the smallest touch of green. This indicates that back-sleeping on the Helix Midnight will likely be an extremely pressure-relieving experience, regardless if you suffer from back, hip, or shoulder pain.
You can see a bit more pressure buildup for side sleepers. There are still magnificent results at the shoulders, but you can see a spot of yellow at the hip. This shows that there’s a little pressure here, which could be felt by some folks struggling with hip pain. With this information, we can conclude that the Helix Midnight is great for back-sleeping and side-sleeping, but side sleepers with hip pain should be a little cautious.
Other Important Considerations When Buying A Memory Foam Mattress
- Firmness: Like any mattress, memory foam beds can range from soft to firm. You’ll want to choose one that fits your preferences and your sleep needs. Generally, we recommend side sleepers choose a soft mattress, back sleepers choose a medium-firm mattress, and stomach sleepers choose a firm mattress.
- Motion Transfer: Memory foam is known for being great at absorbing motion, which keeps sleepers from being disturbed by a restless partner. But motion transfer will vary from mattress to mattress, so you’ll want to take it into consideration when choosing between several memory foam beds.
- Pressure relief: Almost all memory foam mattresses offer great pressure relief. In general, softer memory foam will have a bit more pressure relief than firmer memory foam. If you suffer from joint pain or sleep on your side, you may want to opt for more pressure relief than other sleepers.
- Temperature: Memory foam tends to trap body heat and sleep hot. To avoid this, look for memory foam with a gel, copper, or graphite infusion. You can also opt for a memory foam hybrid, which includes breathable pocketed coils to help the mattress sleep cooler.
- Ease of Movement: Memory foam is known for offering a cozy hug-like feeling, but this can make some sleepers feel “stuck” in bed. If that sounds like you, you should look for firmer memory foam hybrids that don’t offer as much sinkage as softer all-foam beds.
- Edge Support: Edge support is a measure of whether or not you’ll feel supported while sleeping all the way on the side of your bed. Generally, memory foam hybrids offer better edge support because their steel coil layers can support more weight. This can increase the lifespan of your mattress and make it feel a bit larger.
- Off Gassing: Bed-in-a-box mattresses made with memory foam often have an “off-gassing period,” during which they release any gasses trapped during compression. This isn’t dangerous, but can mean your mattress may smell bad for a few hours. If this is a big concern for you, we’d recommend opting for plant-based memory foams, which often release fewer odors during the off-gassing period.
- Company Policies: Warranty length and sleep trial periods are two important things to consider when choosing a new mattress. We’re very happy with the warranties and trial periods the featured companies offer.
How Long Should the Trial & Warranty Be?
In general, we recommend looking for a company that offers at least a 10-year warranty and 100-night (or longer) sleep trial. These are both great indications that you’re buying from a reputable mattress brand.
Memory Foam Mattresses for Different Types of Sleepers
So, which of the above considerations should matter most to you? Depending on your sleep needs and preferences, you may prefer a specific type of memory foam mattress.
- Back sleepers: Back sleepers generally fare best on memory foam mattresses with a medium-firm to firm feel, since they’ll need support to keep their spines neutrally aligned. We think these folks could be happy on an all-foam or hybrid memory foam mattress.
- Side sleepers: We generally recommend side sleepers opt for all-foam memory foam mattresses with a soft to medium-soft feel. These sleepers tend to prefer plenty of deep sinkage and cushioning around the shoulders and hips, which makes all-memory foam beds some of the best options out there for them.
- Stomach sleepers: We recommend stomach sleepers opt for a memory foam hybrid, or a memory foam mattress that uses some other, firmer foams in its top layers as well. Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress that helps lift their hips up in line with their shoulders, and the sinkage most memory foam mattresses offer might feel quite uncomfortable to these folks. We recommend they stick to the firmest possible memory foam model available if they’re set on a memory foam bed.
- Combination sleepers: Similarly, the sinkage memory foam offers is often not ideal for combination sleepers who need to move around easily at night. We’d recommend these sleepers stick to firm memory foam hybrids that offer less sinkage than traditional memory foam mattresses.
- Hot sleepers: Hot sleepers should opt for gel-infused memory foam hybrids that help dissipate body heat. If you sleep particularly hot, a mattress that includes memory foam beneath a layer of more cooling latex or poly foam might also be a good solution for you.
- Heavy sleepers: Heavy sleepers can benefit from a memory foam mattress that offers deep compression support. This means they need thick, dense memory foam mattresses that will offer them body-contouring, rather than low-density memory foam mattresses that will “taco” around their bodies. Memory foam hybrids could also be a good solution for these sleepers.
Who Should Buy a Memory Foam Mattress
- Side sleepers looking for pressure-relieving sinkage should enjoy the feel of memory foam beds.
- Sleepers with joint pain might also like the gentle, cushioning feel of memory foam to help alleviate some pressure at these sensitive points.
- Anyone looking for deep sinkage and body-contouring will enjoy the feel of a memory foam bed. If you’re looking to feel “hugged” by your mattress, this is the material for you.
- Couples often really like memory foam mattresses because they absorb motion well. This means you’re unlikely to be disturbed by a bedmate tossing and turning or getting out of bed.
- Sleepers with latex allergies might want to check out this alternative type of foam mattress.
- Folks who want a mattress that makes no noise will really like how quiet memory foam is.
Who Shouldn’t Buy a Memory Foam Mattress
- If you prefer to feel more “on-top-of” your mattress, you won’t like the sinkage memory foam mattresses provide. You might want to opt for one of our best latex mattresses instead.
- Especially hot sleepers might find even the most cooling memory foam mattresses sleep too warm for their tastes. If that sounds like you, check out one of our best cooling mattresses.
- If you’re looking for a bouncy feel, memory foam mattresses are the opposite of what you need. Try one of our best innerspring mattresses.
How it Feels to Sleep on Memory Foam
Now that we’ve gone over all those important buying considerations, let’s take a second to talk more in-detail about how memory foam feels when you’re lying down on it.
This term describes how memory foam molds and conforms to the curves of the body. That conforming feel is not only comfortable, but also helps alleviate tension at sensitive spots such as the shoulders, hips, and lower back.
Another hallmark of memory foam is its deep sinkage, which allows sleepers to feel as though they’re being enveloped in a cushioning embrace. Though some may say this results in a “stuck-in-the-bed” feel that makes it difficult to move around, others — such as side sleepers — might feel pain relief and a healthy spinal alignment.
Memory foam is often described as “viscoelastic,” meaning the more pressure applied to the foam, the deeper it will compress. This type of compression doesn’t happen in an instant, but over the course of several seconds (the duration depends on the specific foam).
What is Memory Foam Used For?
This cushiony material is used predominantly in mattresses, but it can also be spotted in pillows, seat cushions, blankets, and even shoe insoles.
Memory Foam vs Latex
Latex feels taut and bouncy. Rather than contour to your body, it will lift you up and out of bed. Latex is also more naturally cooling than memory foam, which hot sleepers might appreciate. In short, if you’re looking for slow-moving sinkage, choose memory foam. If you’re looking for bouncy cooling, choose latex.
Memory Foam vs Hybrid
A hybrid mattress normally combines top layers of memory foam with steel coils. The result is a nice balance between pressure relief and support. We’d recommend hybrids to sleepers who like the feel of memory foam, but want to trade out some of its sinkage for responsiveness.
Memory Foam vs Innerspring
The bulk of an innerspring mattress is made up of steel coil support layers, which create a traditionally springy feel. After initial pressure relief from thinner top comfort foams, you’ll normally feel a strong amount of support. This tends to be a great fit for stomach sleepers and heavier body types.
Memory Foam Complaints
Now that you know all of the great things about memory foam, let’s take a second to explore a few of the major drawbacks of the material.
As we discussed, memory foam has a bit of a reputation for overheating at night, mostly because the material is so dense that it has a tendency to trap body heat. This can be highly uncomfortable for some sleepers, particularly those who already run hot.
Thankfully, many brands nowadays mitigate this by either infusing their memory foam layers with a cooling agent (usually a cooling gel, cooling beads, copper, or graphite) or employing an open-cell design that promotes airflow throughout the mattress.
Though memory foam’s slow response to pressure can be a big plus for some sleepers, it can be a real drag for others, especially those who like to move around and change positions at night (combination sleepers, take note). Any material that has a slow response to pressure is going to produce a quasi-stuck feeling, which limits a sleeper’s overall mobility.
You can avoid this problem by snagging a memory foam mattress that also utilizes latex, a much bouncier material known for lifting sleepers up and out of bed.
What Makes the Best Memory Foam? Density, Thickness, and ILD, Explained
- Density: Density refers to how much actual foam material is built into the layer of a bed. As a general rule, the higher the density of the foam, the greater lifespan it’s likely to have. However, high-density foam usually sleeps hotter than low-density foam. In my opinion, the sweet spot for memory foam density is in the 3.0–5.0 PCF (pounds per cubic foot) range. This provides enough longevity and durability without being so dense that you create serious heat-retention issues.
- Thickness: To get the classic sinkage and body-contouring feel, you’ll want at least four inches of memory foam, either in one thick layer or several thinner layers. Having less than four inches of foam between your body and the support layer of your bed can create a “support wall” that will minimize the beneficial effects of memory foam.
- Indentation Load Deflection (ILD): This is a measure of how much pressure it will take to compress a piece of memory foam. Foams with a high ILD rating will normally feel initially firmer than foams with a low ILD rating, since it will take more weight to get them to conform to your body. If you’re looking for a soft feel, you can still choose a mattress with a high ILD rating. It’ll just take you a few more minutes to sink into the bed.
Different Types of Memory Foam
Let’s wrap up this guide by briefly touching on the most popular types of memory foam. While this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the memory foam variations available online, it does highlight the types you’re most likely to run into in the sleep landscape.
Traditional Memory Foam
Classic, or traditional, memory foam is a slower-moving material (taking several seconds to adapt to your changes in movement), thereby offering a deeper and more pronounced hug and contour. It’s also denser than the other options in this section, which means it’s more likely to overheat.
Gel-Infused Memory Foam
Gel-infused foam feels very similar to traditional memory foam, but is slightly less dense. A gel infusion throughout the foam opens up the dense structure to promote airflow and breathability.
Copper Infused Memory Foam
Like gel, copper works to open up dense memory foam and promote airflow. Copper is also naturally cooling, which takes the cooling properties of this foam one step further. In some cases, it’s even substituted for graphite.
Plant-Based Memory Foam
This material replaces a portion of the petroleum products in traditional memory foam with plant-based oils. These foams can also feel more cooling than traditional memory foam, and are preferred by many eco-friendly shoppers. Brands like Amerisleep currently use plant-based memory foam.
Open-Cell Memory Foam
It has a similar feel to traditional memory foam, but has been manufactured with tiny air pockets for added breathability. This results in a material that has a faster response time and overall better air circulation, which helps with temperature regulation throughout the night.
How Long Does a Memory Foam Mattress Last?
So, just how long does a memory foam mattress actually last you? That depends on several different factors, which we’ll go over below.
Cleaning
A lower-quality memory foam mattress should last you three to five years before it starts to sag, and a high-quality memory foam mattress should last about seven to 10 years. To ensure that your bed reaches its maximum lifespan, we recommend adding a mattress pad and reading our How to Clean a Mattress guide to learn about proper maintenance.
Accessories
Using the proper bed frame or box spring can also extend a mattress’ lifespan. Check out your brand’s warranty information to learn more about what type of frame will work best. Adding a mattress topper to an older mattress can also extend its lifespan by a few years. We’d recommend adding a firmer topper to a mattress that’s starting to sag to add some additional support.
Disposal
When it comes time to get rid of your old mattress, check with the manufacturer to see if they have a removal or recycling policy. Many brands that offer white glove delivery will also remove your old mattress and responsibly take care of it for you. If that isn’t an option, research your local mattress recycling collection centers and see if there’s a drop-off location nearby. And if your bed still has some life left in it, you can donate it to a local charity or shelter. Lastly, you can list your used mattress for free on an online site such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
When is the Best Time to Buy a Memory Foam Mattress?
Mattress brands run sales throughout the year, with many falling in line with holidays such as Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. And of course, we’ll always keep you informed on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube about the latest deals so you can find the bed that’s 100 percent right for you.
FAQs
Is a memory foam mattress good?
Memory foam mattresses can be great for those in need of pressure relief. The material is well known for its body-contouring hug, which allows sleepers to sink deeply into the bed for relief at the shoulders and hips.
Do you need a box spring with a memory foam mattress?
Totally up to you. You don’t need a box spring for any of the mattresses mentioned in this list, but if you prefer the feel of a box spring to that of a traditional bed frame, feel free to go with it. We do always recommend checking with the manufacturer to make sure you’re using the right type of mattress base so it doesn’t void the warranty.
Can you flip a memory foam mattress?
It depends on the bed. Some memory foam mattresses are flippable, so will work regardless of how you orient them. Others, however, aren’t designed to be flipped at all as they only feature memory foam on one side of the bed.
Is a memory foam mattress good for back pain?
It really depends on how you sleep. Though most memory foam mattresses will probably be too soft for strict back sleepers, side sleepers with aches and pains in the lower back may find that a memory foam mattress is able to alleviate tension along the spine. If you are struggling with pain at night be sure to look at the top mattresses for back pain.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in Sleepopolis’ mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
When selecting beds for our roundup of the Best Memory Foam Mattresses, we took an extra-close look at the category of materials. As comfortable as memory foam is, it can be tricky when it comes to areas such as cooling and support, so it’s important that the materials in each bed have an effective balance of these traits. All of the products reviewed on this page scored at least a 4 out of 5 on materials. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
Best Memory Foam Mattresses of 2023
| Mattress | Best | Price After Discounts (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar | Best Overall | $1,049 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Emma Original | Memory Foam for Stomach Sleepers | $1,053 | Emma Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Helix Midnight | Memory Foam Hybrid for Couples | $1,373 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBeds GravityLux | Cooling Memory Foam | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Signature | Memory Foam for Pressure Relief | $1,799 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Plank Firm | Memory Foam in a Box | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | |
| Bear Original | Memory Foam for Back Pain | $998 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Memory Foam Hybrid for Side Sleepers | $1,865 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Dreamfoam Essential | Memory Foam for Back Sleepers | $524 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
Bridget Chapman
Sources
Gordon Ian L. Effect of shirts with 42% Celliant™ fiber on tcPO2 levels and grip strength in healthy subjects: A placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Textile Science and Engineering. 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8351537/
