travel foam bed mattress

Air Mattresses As the name implies, an air mattress is filled almost entirely with air. Inflating these mats requires you to either blow air through a valve or use a pump. What you gain is weight savings: At a given thickness, an air mat might weigh half or even less than a comparable self-inflating mattress. Moreover, air mattresses are the most compressible pad option. Even insulated models with synthetic or down-fill bonded to the interior can be rolled into a compact size, which makes storage and transport very easy. This is great for backpacking, but overall comfort does fall short compared with a self-inflating pad. Air mats lack the squishy and supportive feel that you get with foam. Foam Pads Your classic sleeping mat is made of closed-cell foam. These pads don’t require any inflating to set up—just unroll it and you’re done. The big upside is there’s no risk of getting a puncture, but closed-cell foam is by far and away the least comfortable mattress type (there's a reason that none made our list above). They are very thin (less than 1 inch vs. 2 inches or more for a self-inflating or air mat), so they can’t disguise bumps in the ground beneath you. But if you’re the type that can comfortably crash on a friend’s floor—and we mean directly on the floor—save yourself some coin and get a foam pad like the Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest . This pad will set you back around $30 and offer all the comfort your steel body requires. If you’re like the rest of us, however, one of the other pads from our list above will suit you much better.  

Sleeping Mats vs. Air Beds

With plenty of sleeping space in your camping tent , you may have the luxury to decide between a traditional sleeping mattress or a full-on blow up air bed. So which one should you choose? The main benefit of an air bed is it gets you farther off the ground for easier in and out (a cot can do the same). Further, the large size is great for couples, families, or if you just like to spread out. And if you’re trying to save some dough, air beds are friendlier for use at home for guests, especially if you choose a two-person queen-sized air bed. In terms of comfort, however, we give the standard sleeping mat the upside, particularly those that have foam in the construction.

A cot may stretch the definition of a sleeping mattress—which is why we haven't included any on our list above—but it’s a viable and popular way of sleeping in a tent. Many people like cots because there's no risk of deflation, the sturdy metal structure gets you off the ground, and they can also double as a couch for hanging out during the day. Comfort-wise, they usually fall in the mid-range, although you can always add a mat overtop.

The most important consideration is whether you can transport the cot and fit it inside your tent. Most cots only fold in half, so they are extremely large. If you’re bringing a few cots, it may be impossible to squeeze everything into your vehicle. And inside your tent, the tall height of the cot may run into the sloped walls. But if you have the space and are willing to haul it around, a cot can be a great choice for camping. Some of our favorite options are Coleman’s ComfortSmart Deluxe, REI’s Kingdom Cot 3 , and Mountain Summit Gear’s Horizon Cot.

In the same way buying your mattress at home is a personal decision, not everyone will agree on which camping mattress type is best. The good news is that most quality mattresses are in fact quite comfortable. We give the edge to self-inflating pads for the cushy but supportive foam that makes them a little more comfortable to us, but back sleepers, side sleepers, and even stomach sleepers should be happy with most of the models that made out list.

For some general guidelines regarding pad thickness, side sleeping puts a higher percentage of weight around the hips and shoulders, so a pad or air bed that’s 3 inches thick or more is advisable. Back sleepers—depending on personal preferences—can get away with a thinner pad. And if you're a finicky sleeper, it's not a bad idea to upgrade to a premium pad like the 4.25-inch thick Therm-a-Rest MondoKing . It's true that tolerant sleepers can deal with less, but if you camp out a lot, it's often worth the investment.

In addition to thickness, sidewall design can also have a sizable impact on sleeping comfort. This is a pretty key differentiator between budget/mid-range self-inflating pads and high-end designs: In general, you can expect cheaper pads to taper and slope downward along the sides, while many premium models boast vertical sidewalls that allow you to enjoy the entire, flat platform. Standouts in the latter category include the Therm-a-Rests MondoKing 3D, Nemo Roamer, and Exped’s DeepSleep and MegaMat collections . Combined with their generous cushioning, these pads offer excellent all-around comfort and will feel the most like your mattress at home. By comparison, tapered sidewalls—like what you get with budget designs like the Sea to Summit Camp SI—eat into the amount of usable space, meaning you’re getting a little less length and width than the specs suggest.

In the spirit of comfort, camping pads and mattresses have a much larger footprint than their backpacking cousins. Some are offered in the smaller 72-inch length, but many start at approximately 77 inches, and extend to 80 to 85 inches (the XXL version of the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is 80 x 30 inches). The longer length is great for taller folks, but just about everyone can appreciate the extra width. 20-inch pads are standard fare for backpacking and usually mean at least one arm is sliding off the pad during the night. The 25 or 30-inch widths you get with a camping pad (extending as wide as 60-inches for a queen-size air bed) are a welcome relief and can make a real difference in nighttime comfort. Active sleepers that roll around in their sleeping bag will also appreciate the additional space.

A camping mattress’ ability to insulate you from the cold ground is measured in R-value, and a higher number indicates better protection. Not all manufacturers provide the spec, but it's a helpful tool when available. In the heat of summer—especially at lower elevations—you can get away with almost no insulation in most cases (an R-value in the 1-3 range should suffice). For three-season use, we recommend getting a pad with at least an R-value of 3. If you’ll be out in the winter, potentially sleeping on top of snow, get a mattress with a rating above 5. And for these conditions, it’s often a good idea to combine your inflatable mattress with a foam pad, not only for a boost in insulation, but also a level of security should your inflatable pad spring a leak.

Camping is typically a drive up and unload kind of activity, so the weight and packed size of your gear isn’t always the number one consideration. And in choosing your camping gear, it’s almost always worth taking the more comfortable and durable route rather than the lightest or most compressible. That said, if you don’t have a whole lot of extra space in your rig (or home for long-term storage), it’s worth checking the specs before buying a massive camp bed. For example, the Hest Sleep System Sleeping Pad measures 14 x 25 inches and weighs a whopping 26 pounds. At the other end of the spectrum are crossover car camping and backpacking options like Nemo's Quasar 3D (2 lb. 1 oz. with a 9 x 5.5-in. packed size) and Sea to Summit's Camp SI (2 lb. 7 oz. and 8 x 13.5 in. for the Rectangular Wide model). The sweet spot for comfort, durability, and practicality is somewhere in between for most campers.

With weight out of the equation, most camping mattresses are very durable. Their thick fabrics are far less likely to get a puncture or spring a leak than a backpacking model, which is nice if you plan to sleep outside without a tent or have kids and/or dogs. There are, however, still differences between models, which is why we suggest checking the denier ratings (if available). For camping mats, denier ranges from about 50D to 150D (the Nemo Quasar is one exception with a thin 30D shell), with the higher numbers offering greater tear and puncture resistance. The underside of a pad often gets the most abuse, so it’s a good idea to look into that thickness in particular. And finally, material quality matters, so you can expect a pricier option of a similar denier to provide superior durability.

The majority of camping mattresses are self-inflating and utilize a familiar twist valve. Opening the valve allows the pad to work its self-inflating magic and expand the foam. Depending on the model, you may or may not need to blow a few extra breaths to get the mat fully inflated. We’ve found that the quality of the valves does vary by price, and budget pads like the Coleman Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad have a flimsier plastic than premium options from REI or Therm-a-Rest, which impacts long-term durability. In addition, some of the large self-inflating pads, like the Exped MegaMat or Therm-a-Rest MondoKing, have two valves to shorten inflation and deflation times.

Having to manually inflate a large air pad or air bed can be a time-consuming and dizzying experience (or an impossible task in the case of an air bed), so most manufacturers will include some sort of pump. For instance, Nemo's Quasar 3D can be inflated easily by opening the stuff sack, connecting it to the mat, and folding the bag over to force air into the pad (very little breath required). Overall, we’ve found that air pad pumps aren't as simple as a self-inflating design, but they fully inflate their respective sleeping mats in only a few minutes.

The outdoor apparel world has seen a sizable uptick in the use of sustainable practices in recent years, and camping mattresses are no exception. Recycled materials are the most common measure, as seen in pads like the REI Co-op Trailmade and Camp Dreamer XL, Nemo’s Quasar 3D and Roamer, and Exped’s Dura 8R. The Quasar and Roamer are also certified as bluesign-approved, indicating that the materials and chemicals used during production meet strict environmental and health standards, and the Dura uses down certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which ensures the birds were treated humanely (e.g., no force-feeding or live plucking). A final way to shop sustainably is to buy from a Climate Neutral Certified brand like REI Co-op, who has made significant efforts to reduce—and eventually eliminate—greenhouse gas emissions during production and delivery. 

A final camping mattress consideration is how and where you’ll be storing it between trips. To maximize lifespan, it’s best to leave your self-inflating pad unrolled and with the valves open. This can create some challenges with a huge mattress like the Exped MegaMat Duo 10, but one possible location is storing it under a bed (provided you have the space). If you must leave a self-inflating pad rolled up in its bag, try to do your best to occasionally let it self-inflate to avoid long-term damage to the open-cell foam. Air mats are easier: When finished, open the valve, release all the air, and keep it in a storage sack to avoid accidental punctures. Finally, closed-cell foam pads require the least attention, although you’ll want to be sure not to leave any heavy objects on top of them to compress the material.

• Backpacking Sleeping Pads

Sleeping pads designed for backpacking are about keeping weight as low as possible, while retaining enough warmth and comfort. The downside of then using your lightweight backpacking pad while camping is that it’s another opportunity for the thin fabrics to spring a leak. It’s strange to say, but we’ve found that the easygoing camping life can actually be more damaging to your lightweight gear than being in the backcountry. Whatever the reason, we’ve had backpacking pads that never leaked catch a dog’s nail or other hazard and deflate on the simplest of camping trips.

We do understand the financial motivation to only purchase a single pad, and there are options that cross over nicely. Of the mattresses that are most comfortable for camping, we recommend Nemo's Quasar collection and Sea to Summit’s Comfort Light designs. For a full list of our recommendations, see our article on the best backpacking sleeping pads . Back to Our Top Camping Mat Picks   Back to Our Camping Mat Comparison Table

Learn More About Outdoor Gear

Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Review

Camping Gear Reviews

Best Camping Tents of 2024

Best Camping Sleeping Bags of 2024

Best Rain Jackets of 2024

How to Choose a Camping Stove

Sleeping Pad R-Value Explained

Best Duffel Bags of 2024

Best Camping Chairs of 2024

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Table of contents

10 Best Camping Mattresses of 2024

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The right camping mattress can be a real game changer on a trip, and some options are so comfy that you might just forget you’re not on your mattress at home. In the last eight years, we’ve spent over 200 nights in desert and high country campgrounds, testing 30 mattresses for their comfort, durability, packability, ease of use, and warmth. It was hard work, but somebody had to do it!

If you’re revamping your camping setup, consider checking out a dynamite sleeping bag to pair with your mattress, and a cozy blanket to wrap up in while reclining in a comfy camping chair . For folks who camp in especially chilly conditions, check out our list of the best base layers to stay extra toasty while you sleep.

Quick Picks for Camping Mattresses

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

Best camping mattress overall: Exped MegaMat 10 LXW ($260)

Most luxurious camping mattress for two: NEMO Roamer Double ($400)

Best value camping mattress: REI Camp Dreamer XL ($179)

Best all-foam camping mattress: HEST Foamy – Wide ($349)

Most affordable & lightweight crossover mattress: Paria Recharge XL ($100)

Most comfortable camping mattress: Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D XXL ($275)

Durable & comfy camping mattress with pillow attachments: Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe LW ($249)

Supportive, soft & low profile camping mattress : Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap XL ($180)

Lightweight & thick mattress for summer nights : Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe XL ($230)

We’ve revisited our long-standing favorites with fresh insight, and added some new, top-performing mattresses to the list:

• The NEMO Roamer Double earns its spot as a durable, luxurious camping mattress for sharing with a partner or pup.
• The cushy and luxurious all-foam HEST Foamy lands near the top of the list as a warm 4-season mattress that’s nearly as comfortable as your bed at home.
• We added the Paria Recharge XL , a super affordable crossover mattress for camping and backpacking that’s impressively lightweight and warm.
• The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D XXL gets the nod as one of the thickest, softest, and most comfortable mattresses we tested.
• The Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap XL earns a spot thanks to its supportive construction and cozy, low-profile design.
• One of our all-time favorite backpacking pads gets a height upgrade with the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe XL , perfect for backcountry or frontcountry camping.

• Exped MegaMat 10 LXW

Best camping mattress overall

Price: $260

Dimensions (LxWxH): 77.6 x 30.3 x 4 in.

Weight: 5 lb. 11.7 oz.

Style: Self-Inflating

Other Styles: Medium Wide, Long Wide, Double

R-Value: 8.1

• Cozy fabric on top
• Spacious for all sleeping positions
• Durable materials
• Easy to inflate
• Deflates quickly
• Convenient stuff sack design
• Stays inflated
• Mini pump is included & effective
• Bulky packed size

The Exped MegaMat 10 LXW is at the top of our list as a super cushy camping mattress that’s durable, spacious, warm, and impressively easy to use.

The MegaMat is as comfy as camping mattresses come. With four inches of foam and air, this mattress can stand up to rocky and uneven campsites – you won’t feel pressure points, lumps, or uneven ground and you won’t bottom out while sitting up. It also offers a striking R-value of 8.1, making it one of the warmest pads on this list. 

The two valves are easy to inflate and deflate: simply unroll the mattress, open the inflation valve, and wait about 10 minutes. When it’s nearly full, you can top it off with a couple of deep breaths to find your perfect firmness. In the morning, the one-way deflation valve makes for a fast and easy tear-down by dumping air quickly.

We’re especially big fans of the smart storage bag included with the MegaMat. Not all mattresses come with such a sturdy, durable, protective stuff sack, but this wide, spacious bag is easy to load and easy to carry thanks to a large handle. And, at 5 pounds, 11 ounces when packed, it’s as portable as large camping mattresses get.

The only downsides of the MegaMat are its packed size and price. This Exped model is large, so you’ll want to account for space in your vehicle or long-term storage – especially if you have more than one. It’s also on the pricier side, but we think you’ll find it pays itself off on the very first night of deep, restful, warm sleep at camp.

We recommend and use the Long X-Wide version for ultimate comfort since it allows you to fully sprawl out. That said, the regular wide version is an outstanding choice for those with limited space in the car or tent. On the flip side, the Duo is a stellar two-person option for families or couples that like to share.

If you’re ready to get some of the best outdoor sleep of your life and want to wake up feeling refreshed, you’ll love the Exped MegaMat.

• NEMO Roamer Double

Most luxurious camping mattress for two

Price: $400

Dimensions (LxWxH): 78 x 52 x 4 in.

Weight: 8 lb. 4 oz.

Style: Self-inflating

Other Styles: XL Wide, Car Camping

• Comfortable material on top
• Durable construction
• Packs small for a double mattress
• Lightweight
• Quick inflation & deflation
• Toggles to connect mattresses
• Pump sack included

You’ll notice many mattresses on this list come in a double version – but few are as comfortable, durable or easy-to-use as the NEMO Roamer Double . If you’re looking for a bed-away-from-bed to share with your partner or dog bff, look no further.

When it comes to comfort, the Roamer is top-tier. NEMO integrates a cushy foam layer on top of the air chamber for a luxurious night of rest, and the soft polyester surface is as cozy as they come. This combination of foam and air creates very little bounce, so if your partner is tossing and turning in the night or gets up for a bathroom break, you’ll barely notice them moving around.

Still, the Roamer packs down relatively small for a 2-person mattress. It measures 26 inches by 11 inches once rolled up, so you’ll need to reserve storage in your car or at home when it’s not in use. But, the Roamer rolls up much smaller than other double (and many single) mattresses, thanks to two compression straps and a durable stuff sack.

This option is also a durable workhorse. We’ve found it stays reliably inflated even when temperatures swing from below-freezing to 70°F. And, even after days of abrasive, sharp dog nails, rugged shoes, and wily kids, the MegaMat showed no signs of damage or wear and tear.

The main con of the NEMO Roamer is the premium price tag. But, for $400, you’ll be making a long-term investment in your comfort with one of the premier mattresses on the market, and it will last for many years with minimal care. For couples and families that want a stellar night of rest, the Roamer is one of the most versatile two-person sleeping pads available.

If you’re also looking for a sleeping bag for two, we highly recommend NEMO’s Jazz Double , which attaches to the NEMO Roamer in a pad sleeve on its underside. We also love the economical and ultra-comfy Kelty Tru.Comfort Double . Both bags rank highly on our guide to the Best Sleeping Bags for Camping .

• REI Camp Dreamer XL

Best value camping mattress

Price: $179

Dimensions (LxWxH): 78 x 30 x 4 in.

Weight: 6 lb. 6 oz.

Other Styles: Double

R-Value: 6.6

• Excellent value
• Comfortable
• Pump doubles as a pillow
• Easy to pack
• Pump Included
• Storage sack is large
• Not as durable as top 2 choices
• A bit challenging to roll up
• Pump is not as easy to use as others

The REI Camp Dreamer XL is a comfy and user-friendly camping mattress that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for the best quality for the price, the Camp Dreamer is an outstanding value.

At less than half the price of competitors, the Camp Dreamer is budget-friendly but doesn’t skimp on comfort. This pad is four inches thick, which makes for a lavish experience, and the velvety surface material is easy to sleep on. The 6.6 R-value means you’ll stay toasty even when temperatures dip below freezing, making this REI model perfect for spring, summer, and fall camping.

The Camp Dreamer is also one of the most efficient self-inflating pads we tested, filling up in half the time of other models: in our testing, it took around five minutes to inflate, whereas other mattresses on this list can take more than 10. As with most self-inflating options, open the valve, wait for the mattress to fill on its own, top it off with a couple of breaths, and you’re ready for a siesta.

We also found the Camp Dreamer is relatively lightweight and portable at only six pounds, six ounces. We love when large mattresses are easy to carry, and two wide buckles, a massive closure flap, and an oversized storage duffel make packing up easy. 

Compared to the MegaMat and Roamer, the Camp Dreamer falls a bit short when it comes to durability. We’ve found that after a couple of seasons of use, it isn’t uncommon for the Camp Dreamer to develop weld splits near the inflation valves. However, we find this award winner is still an outstanding value – our team enjoyed many dozens of trips before we ran into any durability issues.

We also didn’t find the pump sack as easy to use as others on this list. The larger bag was a bit cumbersome to set up, and the nozzle didn’t always stay attached. But with practice and a bit of focus, using the pump sack gets easier.

And if you’re looking for an excellent two-person version, we also highly recommend the Camp Dreamer Double . For a luxurious and convenient camping pad that costs less, the REI Camp Dreamer XL is one of the best on the market.

HEST Foamy – Wide

Best all-foam camping mattress

Price: $349

Weight: 13 lb.

Style: Foam (no inflation)

Other Styles: Short, Regular

R-Value: 8.8

• Fast, one-step setup
• Very comfortable
• Fitted sheet included
• Premium build quality
• Durable shoe “mat” & side phone pocket
• Clips can attach 2 mattresses
• Can’t adjust firmness
• Huge packed size
• Cumbersome to pack up

If you’re looking for a luxury camping mattress, then the Hest Foamy is the sleep system of your dreams. This memory foam, ultra-premium option earns a top spot as one of the most heavy-duty and ultra-cushy mattresses we’ve ever tested for camping.

As the name implies, the Foamy uses two high-quality layers of supportive memory foam to align and support your curves and relieve all pressure points. With an impressive R-value of 8.8, the Foamy is the warmest mattress on this list, ensuring a cozy night’s sleep even in the coldest conditions. And, Hest includes a fitted sheet to turn this mattress into a bed – you’ll barely notice the difference.

The Foamy is easy to set up and use. Since there’s no air needed and no chamber to fill up, it deploys in one step – simply unroll the mattress, and you can lay down. Hest adds small but impressive extra details like a phone pocket on the side of the mattress and clips to connect two mattresses. The partial carrying case doubles as a mat for shoes or wet gear, and at 30 inches wide, you’ll have plenty of room to sleep like a starfish. 

On the downside, you can’t alter the firmness of the Foamy, unlike the precise adjustments that self-inflating options allow. We also find the memory foam is somewhat heavy: at 13 pounds, it takes a bit more energy and time to roll up and transport, and it is bulky to store.

Though the Foamy is expensive, we think this price represents an exceptional value for a burly top-of-the-line mattress that’s built to last. Where inexpensive mattresses will fail every couple of years and need to be regularly replaced, the Foamy does not: it should last for many seasons with minimal care, and could easily become your go-to basecamp mattress.

For folks whose top priorities are comfort and convenience when it comes to a camping mattress, this is the one.

Paria Outdoor Products Recharge XL

Most affordable & lightweight crossover mattress

Price: $100

Dimensions (LxWxH): 76 x 23 x 4 in.

Weight: 1 lb. 10 oz.

Style: Manual

Other Styles: Ultralight, Double

R-Value: 4.7

• Very lightweight
• Excellent for car camping or backpacking
• Comfortable lengthwise baffles
• Small packed size
• Thick & well-structured
• Very affordable
• Lifetime warranty
• Not as warm feeling as R-value suggests
• Valve location at corner is awkward
• Can take a while to manually fill up

The Paria Outdoor Products Recharge XL is one of the lightest and most affordable options on our list. If you’re looking for a comfy, versatile, and durable single-person sleeping pad for long summer backpacking trips or relaxing weekend camping, the Recharge is a great choice.

This pad is perfect for multi-day trips since it weighs only 1 pound, 10 ounces, and packs down to an efficient and compact eight by five inches. But, it’s still a posh frontcountry bed for car camping at four inches thick, so side and stomach sleepers will have an easy time catching Zs. 

For such a lightweight mattress, the Recharge punches above its weight in terms of comfort. A thin layer of foam insulation gives the mattress a cushy and soft feel, but it airs up as firmly as you need. We’re big fans of the lengthwise baffles, which give superior back and side support. And, we appreciate the stuff sack is slightly oversized, so we’re not wrestling with fabric when packing the pad away.

In our experience, the actual warmth of the Recharge XL does not match its listed R-value, so we recommend this mattress primarily for warm weather trips. In theory, pads that are third-party tested with an R-value like this Paria model (at 4.7) should keep you warm to 10-20°F. However, we found it was too cold to use below 30°F, so you’ll want to add more substantial insulation or swap for a better-insulated pad when the mercury really drops.

That said, for only $100, the Recharge is an unrivaled budget option. We highly recommend it for overnights in temperate weather. For beginner backpackers who want a dynamic sleeping pad, seasoned campers who need a backup option, or folks with an eye for a great deal on quality, lightweight gear, the Paria Recharge is worth a closer look.

Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D XXL

Very comfortable camping mattress

Price: $275

Dimensions (LxWxH): 80 x 30 x 4.25 in.

Weight: 5 lb. 8 oz.

Other Styles: Large

• Very thick mattress
• Comfortable & quiet material
• Easy & fast to inflate
• High-quality construction
• Pairs with other MondoKing mattresses
• Can be challenging to roll up
• Pump sack challenging to connect to valve

The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is one of the thickest, cushiest mattresses on the market. Most of the mattresses on this list are four inches deep, but the MondoKing is 4.25 inches. That extra ¼ inch of foam might not seem like much of a difference, but we think you’ll notice: the extra padding makes for one of the most inviting and comfortable siestas of any mattress we tested. It swallows roots, rocks, and other obstructions on the ground, so you can sleep like a princess – but without the pea.

The MondoKing is hands down one of the most comfy, reliable, and easy-to-use mattresses Therm-A-Rest makes for camping. The surface has a chamois feel that’s plush and soft on the skin. Most of the mattresses on this list are well insulated, but with an R-value of 7, the MondoKing is one of the warmest. We also like the high-flow valves, which are really important for mattresses with such impressive volume.

The pump sack and mattress valves could be more effective. The plastic of the pump sack nozzle is stiff and can be challenging to attach to the mattress intake valve. We also found the pump sack nozzle tends to slip out of the intake nozzle easily because there isn’t any texture or threading to keep it inside.

That said, if you’re looking for a really spacious and super cushy mattress to take your camping slumber to the next level, the MondoKing will make you feel like royalty.

• Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe

Durable & comfy camping mattress with pillow attachments

Price: $249

Dimensions (LxWxH): 79 x 29 x 4 in.

Weight: 5 lb. 13.3 oz.

Other Styles: N/A

R-Value: 6.5

• Best-in-class construction
• Fast inflation & deflation
• Special fabric on pad keeps Sea-To-Summit pillows in place
• Warm in freezing temperatures
• All-in-one valve can be finicky
• Pump not included

Just like its name suggests, the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe is a cushy, luxe camping mattress with an expansive surface area. If you’re seeking a spacious and durable mattress for getting shut-eye in your car, on a cot, or from dusk ‘til dawn in your tent, the Comfort Deluxe will stand the test of time.

This mattress is seriously durable – year after year, we’ve put this Sea to Summit model through the wringer. Our team has relied on the Comfort Deluxe for camping, festivals, sleeping in the car on road trips, and even as a guest bed when friends and family come to visit. We’ve found the thick foam is nearly impenetrable. It easily withstood cat and dog nails, bouncy kids, and hundreds of times being rolled and unrolled, but keeps on re-inflating and performing with no issue.

What sets the Comfort Deluxe apart is its ultra-soft sleep surface that’s designed to keep Sea to Summit pillows from slipping and sliding out from under your head. We’ve found this is a small design feature that works at keeping the pillow in place, instead of needing to readjust your pillow every time you roll over.

The biggest con of the Comfort Deluxe is its single valve can be touchy. The all-in-one valve means you’ll inflate, fine-tune the firmness, and dump all the air out from the same valve, which also means two caps share the singular opening. That places a lot of pressure and activity on it, so you’ll want to be a bit more careful with this valve than other mattresses.

Due to the valve position at the corner, the caps tend to flop downwards onto the ground which makes it more susceptible to taking in dirt, which then makes it more challenging to open and slower to self-inflate. So, you’ll want to make sure you’re regularly keeping the caps clean and out of the dirt.

Having said that, its 6.5 R-value will keep you warm year-round. We prefer the Large Wide version of this pad, but regular and double (2-person) sizes are also available. If you’re looking for comfort, long-term durability, and warmth, you can’t go wrong with the Comfort Deluxe.

Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap XL

Supportive, soft & low profile camping mattress

Price: $180

Dimensions (LxWxH): 77 x 30 x 3 in.

Weight: 5 lb. 2 oz.

Other Styles: Regular, Large

• Comfortable foam mapping
• Lower profile
• Supportive & firm
• Easy to inflate & deflates quickly
• Valves stick out
• Noisy fabric
• Tapered at edges – elbows & knees can bottom out

If you’re looking for a supportive and low-profile mattress for sleeping in your car or a night under the stars, the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap XL combines comfort, warmth, and convenience in one package.

At three inches thick, the LuxuryMap is the slimmest option on this list – all of our other top choices are four inches or more. This makes it a good choice for when headspace is limited when sleeping in the back of a vehicle or on a cot. But, this model still boasts a warm R-value of 6, so you’ll stay warm in freezing temperatures without the bulk of many of the other options. 

The LuxuryMap is named after its unique foam mapping design, which offers slightly softer foam at the shoulders, torso, and hips for extra relief, comfort, and support. The effect is a spacious, balanced, and soft layer that makes for a relaxing and robust night of sleep.

The valves on the LuxuryMap are not the sleekest – they protrude from the mattress – but they’re among the easiest to use and fastest for inflating and deflating. One allows for intake, and fills quickly; the other is to dump air as you roll up the pad. In the end, we don’t mind the bulky valves since they are so efficient and easy to access.

While we think the LuxuryMap offers excellent comfort and warmth, we found a few elements a bit less luxurious. All corners of this Therm-A-Rest model are tapered, so our knees and elbows would occasionally bottom out as we neared the edges. We also found if the mattress is under inflated, you’ll feel the rigid baffling of the interior structure – which isn’t the most comfortable. But, this is easily solved by adding a bit more air to the mattress and firming it up.

That said, the LuxuryMap is a compelling choice for campers seeking comfort, warmth, and affordability. With its simple setup and cozy sleeping surface, you’ll sleep easy no matter where you choose to lay your head.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe XL

Lightweight & thick mattress for summer nights

Price: $230

Dimensions (LxWxH): 77 x 30 x 4 in.

Weight: 2 lb. 2 oz.

Other Styles: Regular, Regular Wide, Large

R-Value: 3.7

• Effective & fast pump sack included
• Comfortable horizontal baffles
• Good for both car camping & backpacking
• Durable for the weight
• Highly packable
• Best for summer due to lower R-value
• Rounded edges reduce usable space
• Bulky valves

One of our all-time favorite backpacking sleeping pads gets a luxury car camping makeover with the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Luxe XL . If you’re looking for a thick but lightweight pad that packs small for warm-weather backpacking or camping, the NeoAir Luxe is a great choice.

At four inches thick, this mattress is the plushest version of the NeoAir line. It feels airy and comfortable but is easy to inflate and deflate after a long day of backpacking, fishing, or playing with the kids. While the two pounds and two ounces of the XL size is a bit heavy for backpacking, the regular is just over one and a half pounds and works well in a pinch.

We also love the attention to detail. Narrow horizontal baffles feel supportive and extra cushy, so you don’t get the bouncy or airy feeling of traditional backpacking pads. We like the double valves for inflating and deflating the pad, and we’re big fans of the oversized, efficient pump sack that makes blowing up your mattress as fast as possible. 

Our biggest knock on this mattress is its low R-value: at 3.7, this pad is best used for fair-weather adventures that don’t dip below 30°F. Luckily, there is a NeoAir for most niches, so if you want a warmer, better-insulated version with a lower profile, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is an excellent option. I f you’re looking for a lighter pad, consider the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT .

This model is also a bit spendy, so for a lower price, but with similar features, consider the Paria Recharge XL (above). However, this pad offers an excellent value considering its durability, ease of use, and featherlight portability.

Product Comparison Table

What’s most important to you in a camping mattress.

We don’t mind paying a bit more for a high-quality camping mattress that’s reliable and comfortable, since we’ll use it a lot on year-round adventures. That said, you don’t have to break the bank to elevate your sleep game – there are outstanding sleeping mattresses and outstanding pads at different price points.

Best value mattress

• Paria Outdoors Recharge XL

Best high-end mattresses

• Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D

The days of waking up with an achy body due to a floppy, thin, and insufficient camping mattress are over! These are not your parents’ camping pads, and our top choices will help you catch all the Zs between your adventures. The following pads are plush and comfortable and offer a luxurious outdoor sleep experience.

Most comfortable mattresses

EASE OF USE

Comfort plays a big part in how we feel about a camping mattress, but it’s only part of the equation. If a pad is great to sleep on, but a huge pain to inflate, deflate, and pack, it simply doesn’t make the cut for this list, and it shouldn’t make the cut for yours. Our favorite pads are convenient and designed with ease of use in mind.

Easiest mattresses to inflate, deflate, and pack up

Camping mattresses are generally made with thick, abrasion-resistant materials and fabrics, so they’re reliably durable. But, some are more rugged than others. Whenever you’re using an inflatable pad or mattress, it’s a good idea to carry a repair kit with Tenacious Tape or self-adhesive patches just in case. And if you tend to be rough on your gear, consider prioritizing durability.

Most durable camping mattresses

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

Those looking for a single sleeping pad that can do it all – from camping to backpacking – will want to go with the most minimal pad on this list, since a light and compact pad will be easier to carry and take up less storage space.

But, keeping weight and bulk to a minimum isn’t as important for car camping as it is for backpacking. That’s why if you like to car camp, we recommend choosing a mattress based on comfort and budget first, and packability second.

Lightest/smallest pads

• Paria Outdoors Recharge XLs
• Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Luxe XL

Heavier/bulkier pads

SLEEP SYSTEMS FOR TWO

If you do a mix of camping solo and with a partner, consider using two separate mattresses side-by-side for more versatility. However, many couples and families prefer to sleep on extra wide 2-person mattresses. Double mattresses don’t have a space in the middle, so you can easily share bedding and cuddle up without drifting apart. The best part? Modern mattress designs minimize bounciness and recoil. That means when you’re taking a 1 AM bathroom break, you’re less likely to wake up the person sleeping next to you.

B est camping mattresses for couples

• REI Camp Dreamer Double
• Exped Megamat Duo

The REI Campwell XL (orange) isn’t as cushy as some, but it’s compact, affordable & versatile

The REI Camp Dreamer XL & Exped Megamat 10 LXW are some of the comfiest car camping mattresses on the market

Pads like the REI Camp Dreamer XL & Exped Megamat 10 LXW self-inflate partially, so all you have to do is top them off

The HEST Sleep System is very durable & one of the most comfortable options out there for extended trips

If you’re short on space choose a pad that;s comfy,, yet compact like the REI Campwell XL

The REI Kingdom Insulated Sleep System has fitted sheets & a quilted blanket to mimic your bed at home

Critical Camping Mattress Considerations

The more space you have to spread out while sleeping, the more comfortable you’ll be! That’s why we recommended the thickest, widest, and longest version of every mattress on this list. That said, for many adventures where your sleeping system size matters, be sure to find the right fit. Although shorter folks will be fine on most regular-sized pads, tall people and tosser-turners may want to size up to a long, wide, or XL version to give themselves plenty of room.

It’s also crucial to take gear dimensions into consideration when choosing a camping mattress. Account for the floor dimensions of your tent (or vehicle) to determine which ones will fit best. Check out our Tent Size Guide for more information.

Thicker mattresses will feel cushier, comfortable, and warm since there are usually three or four luxurious inches of material and air insulating you from the ground. They cradle your shoulders and hips when you lay on your side, and you won’t bottom out when you sit up. It used to be the norm to use thin pads for camping, but these days we save the lightest and thinnest gear for backpacking trips. That said, there are some excellent low-profile options on our list if you prefer a more minimalist approach, want a pad that you can take camping and backpacking, or if space-savings is a concern.

INFLATION STYLE

Self-Inflating

Some pads and mattresses are self-inflating, which means they automatically take in air when you open the valve. Simply leave them alone for a while, then all you have to do is top them off with a few lung-fulls of air to firm them up. Self-inflating pads are easy and convenient, although they aren’t totally work-free.

Larger mattresses typically include a hand pump, or you can use an electric pump, to quickly fill a high-volume pad. They allow you to adjust your mattress as firm as you like. With pumps, there’s no lung power required, so you aren’t blowing moisture inside the pad – which can lead to a cold sleep and mildewy or moldy interior. The downside? You’ll have to remember to bring the pump, working batteries or a power source, and the correct nozzle.

MICRO-ADJUSTMENTS

Micro-adjustments are the very small amounts of air that you can release to dial in the precise level of firmness you want. Usually, this is done by pressing a small release button in the valve. This feature allows you to adjust your mattress at any time – even in the middle of the night – without worrying all the air will dump out when you pull the plug.

If you’d like to get a little higher off the ground, you may want to consider using a cot in addition to your camping mattress. Cots are nice during long trips and extended basecamps, and the extra height can be helpful for folks with mobility issues and chronic pain. A few of our favorites are the TETON Sport Camp Cot , REI Kingdom Cot 3 , and the Coleman Trailhead II Cot .

R-value is a measure of warmth. The higher the number, the better insulated the mattress will be – reducing the rate at which the ground draws away your body heat – and the warmer it will feel. Even if you’re in the warmest sleeping bag in the world, lying on a cold surface will make for a chilly night. 

When you’re choosing a camping mattress, consider the R-value that works best for your camping conditions. Higher R-values above six are best for cold nights around 40°F and below, but these mattresses are usually thicker, bulkier, and heavier. We recommend lower R-values like five and below for warm summer nights in the 40s (or warmer), as well as for backpacking trips, since they tend to be a bit thinner, compact, and lightweight.

Honorable Mentions

The following hiking shoes didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these pairs of shoes might be perfect for you:

REI Campwell XL – The REI Campwell XL is one of the most affordable, warm, and high-performing camping mattresses around. It offers an excellent balance of comfort and packability, which is ideal for those with limited space to store gear. Featuring a comfy foam top and a soft fabric surface that wicks moisture and keeps you in place, the Campwell is also impressively warm well below freezing, with a stout R-value of seven.

At 2.5 inches, the Campwell isn’t as thick as some of the other mattresses on our list, but it’s still very relaxing and provides a great night’s sleep at a very budget-friendly price. The Campwell is offered in regular, but we prefer the XL size since the extra width is comfier for our arms and legs to spread out.

Why trust us?

We understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously.

• Our recommendations are completely independent and based on hands-on experience.
• We test outdoor gear for a living – we’ve logged over 20,000 trail miles and 1,000 nights in the wilderness.
• Our team has thru-hiked some of the most iconic long trails, including the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Long Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, Arizona Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, as well as extensive peak bagging, and international treks.
• We field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
• We travel to industry trade shows to stay up-to-date on product innovations.
• We continuously update our guides throughout the year and when new products launch.
• We treat recommendations to our readers as if they were for our family and friends.
• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to feedback. If you think we’ve missed a worthy product or got something wrong, we’d love to know about it.

Need more Camping Sleep Gear advice?

10 Best Camping Sleeping Bags of 2024

10 Best Backpacking & Camping Pillows of 2024

10 Best Camping Blankets of 2024

10 Best Backpacking Quilts of 2024

10 Best Camping Tents of 2024

10 Best Tent Stakes of 2024

10 Best Hammocks for Backpacking & Camping in 2024

10 Best Camping Chairs of 2024

7 Best Multitools of 2024

Backpacking & Camping Tent Size Guide

Best 4-Season Tents of 2024

10 Campfire Safety Tips

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Sleep Comfortably Even if You Travel a Lot With a Travel Mattress

But, clearly, you cannot find one of these if you don’t have a clue what to pay attention to. Well, what do you think I am writing this article for? To help you find just the perfect mattress for you, your kid or really, anyone else you care about. Without further ado, let us start with a buyer’s guide.

How to buy a Mattress for Travel?

Is it supportive and comfortable.

Of course, there are also uncomfortable travel mattresses, so try to stay away from those.

The next thing to consider is the weight of the mattress. Some models are heavy thus they are much harder to carry with you often. So, if you plan to camp every once in a while or you simply want a mattress that is easy to transfer , you will need a lighter one.

Is it Hypoallergenic?

In case you or your kids are suffering from allergies, well, your travel mattress should be hypoallergenic . So, keep that in mind when buying.

How easy can you fold it?

One more thing to keep in mind is how easy your travel mattress topper is to fold. This is especially important if you plan to put it in the trunk of your car. Because, trust me, the last thing you need is to buy a mattress that will be just too big to fit into the trunk. So, be smart and look for the tri-fold mattress as this one will make easy work of folding, storing and transporting .

Where will you store it?

Speaking of storing, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to think about where you will keep the mattress when not in use.

Also, you want to buy a travel mattress pad that comes with a warranty . This will give you the peace of mind because you will know that you spent your money wisely.

On the other hand, you do not need to spend a fortune in order to find a good travel mattress. In fact, mid-priced travel mattresses offer good comfort and support, are easy to fold and some models even come with a warranty . Of course, you can buy a high-end model, but, before you do, ask yourself is it really worth it.

The Best Travel Mattress - Milliard Tri Folding Mattress Review

Naturally, there are many travel mattresses on the market. But, not all of them can give you what you need. Luckily, you won’t have to look for the one that can, because I have already done that for you. Here we have Milliard Travel Mattress – perfect for camping, sleepovers, and even for guest bed .

Made of high-quality foam, this mattress offers great support , while also providing you with comfort . Add to that air flow and you will sleep like a baby .

This mattress folds easily, and you will not have any difficulty with carrying it with you on your trips .

As for safety, no need to worry about that, since this mattress is CertiPUR-US® certified. Best of all, it comes with a removable cover so you can wash it in the machine . That way, the mattress will always smell fresh .

As for the downside, this mattress may be too thin for bigger people. Also, some people think this mattress is too firm. So, I guess that it depends on whether you like softer or firmer mattresses. I find this mattress comfortable and supportive, and the fact it is easy to move and store makes this mattress my favorite.

Learn More About Milliard Tri Folding Mattress

Final Thoughts

Well, my friends that would be all I have to share with you about travel mattresses. I hope that you will find this article useful and that you will find the best travel mattress for your needs (and your wallet). A good travel mattress makes all the difference, so you will sleep soundly every time. Just keep in mind the features you need to focus on, and you can’t make a wrong decision.

• An ideal travel blanket to go along with this mattress

Review Summary

Milliard Tri Folding Mattress has indeed met all our expectations as a travel mattress. Being lightweight and foldable it is quite portable. Its foam provides excellent support. Must buy for everyone looking for a portable mattress as an alternative to air mattresses.

• Comfort ★★★★★
• Portability ★★★★★
• Support ★★★★★
• Overall Rating ★★★★★

Written By Noah Smith

Noah is a freelance writer who has traveled over 32 countries so far. Onebagger is the place where he shares trip details, travel itineraries, planning and booking tips and travel tales. His aim- to help you plan your travel adventure on your terms, choose best travel gear and to your budget.

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The Best Memory Foam Mattresses You Can Buy Online

By Caira Blackwell

Waking up with aches and pains—particularly in your lower back, hips, or shoulders—is no way to start your day. If you want or need a pressure-relieving mattress that cradles you all night, you may be a good candidate for a memory-foam mattress. We’ve weeded through dozens of memory-foam mattress options to recommend three that will work for most people.

For a traditional coil mattress or one that combines springs and foam, see our reviews of the best innerspring mattresses and the best hybrid mattresses . If you’re on a tighter budget, check out our guide to the best cheap mattresses (under $500) .

Everything we recommend

Leesa Original Mattress

Cradling memory foam that doesn’t sink.

Combining the gentle cradle of a classic memory foam with an underlying firmness, this mattress hugs you without hampering movement. At around $1,000, it’s a great value, too.

Buying Options

25% off MSRP all sizes w/WIRECUTTER25

Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress (Relaxed Firm)

A memory-foam mattress with a luxe feel, no bounce.

A thick quilted top and high foam densities make this luxe model feel substantial and durable. It arrives unboxed, so it’s also less likely to off-gas in your home.

Novaform 14″ ComfortGrande Advanced Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Best foam mattress under $1,000.

This Costco favorite is a great value, with foam as dense as that of many mattresses costing twice as much. Testers loved its cuddly yet supportive feel, but some found it too firm.

What makes a good memory-foam mattress

Whether it offers a deep sink or a gentle cuddle, a great memory-foam mattress should conform to your body and relieve your pressure points.

We looked for beds with dense, durable memory foams or polyfoams and sturdy covers.

A memory-foam mattress is a good choice if you sleep with a partner and want to minimize motion transfer.

You should be able to try sleeping on your memory-foam mattress before committing, and companies should offer at least a 10-year warranty.

The 10-inch Leesa Original Mattress is a Goldilocks memory-foam mattress—not too firm, not too sinky. A favorite in our most recent round of group testing, this mattress has an underlying firmness and a softer top, which together provide equal amounts of cuddle and support. Our testers appreciated that they could move around easily, without feeling sucked into the mattress or stuck in one spot.

This mattress offers good pressure relief and is supportive enough to be comfortable for both back- and side-sleepers. However, it offers very little edge support. And, due to its relatively low foam densities, we don’t recommend it for people who weigh over 200 pounds.

The mattress comes with a 100-day trial period and a 10-year warranty.

Saatva’s Loom & Leaf Mattress (Relaxed Firm) was the best-looking and arguably the best-feeling memory-foam model we tested. Its thick quilted cover prevents the top from feeling spongy, and there’s virtually no motion transfer.

Compared with cheaper memory-foam mattresses, the 12-inch Loom & Leaf model is made with denser foam; this may help it last longer and also makes it good for people who weigh over 200 pounds. It comes in two firmness levels and should work for a variety of sleep positions.

Its lifetime warranty and 365-day trial period are particularly generous. But if you do end up returning your Loom & Leaf Mattress, you have to pay a shipping fee of nearly $100.

Wirecutter testers who liked the 14-inch Novaform ComfortGrande Advanced Gel Memory Foam Mattress , sold by Costco, consistently noted its comfortably supportive feel and good value. It provides a loose cuddly sensation without a pronounced memory-foam sink.

It’s best for back- and stomach-sleepers, or for side-sleepers who like firmer mattresses. Its foam densities suggest that it should be durable, but we don’t recommend it for people who weigh more than 200 pounds.

The Novaform ComfortGrande comes with a 20-year warranty. And thanks to Costco’s generous return policy —the best we’ve seen—you can return the mattress for a full refund at any time.

The research

Why you should trust us, what to know about memory-foam mattresses, best memory-foam mattress for a controlled sink: leesa original mattress, best high-quality memory-foam mattress: saatva loom & leaf mattress (relaxed firm), best memory-foam mattress under $1,000: novaform 14″ comfortgrande advanced gel memory foam mattress, care and maintenance, how we picked and tested memory-foam mattresses, other good mattresses, the competition, frequently asked questions.

Wirecutter has been researching and testing mattresses for this guide since 2016. Over that span of time, we’ve done the following:

• We’ve visited mattress factories, stores, showrooms, and trade shows.
• We’ve interviewed experts—both in the mattress industry and in materials science—to better understand what makes a quality mattress.
• We’ve pored over good-quality online owner reviews to look for feedback trends, and we’ve read the fine print concerning the warranties and return policies of each of our picks.
• We’ve tested nearly 30 foam mattresses with dozens of testing-panel participants.
• We’ve slept on most of our top contenders for at least a week.

If you wake up with aches and pains around your shoulders, hips, or lower back, you might benefit from a mattress that conforms more to the curves to your body and offers more support. That’s where memory-foam mattresses excel: They tend to let you sink in and cuddle you while still offering support to your joints. But finding a Goldilocks option can be grueling because dozens of identical-looking models are available, and mattress companies frequently use different words to describe firmness or feel.

As you begin your search, here are a few things to know about foam mattresses:

Most foam mattresses claim to be medium-firm—the medium-rare of the mattress industry—but our tests indicate a huge range within that middle. Still, the stated firmness level can give you an indication of whether you’ll find a mattress comfortable. Side-sleepers—whose body weight is concentrated on their hips and shoulders throughout the night—tend to do better on the softer end of medium-firm. Stomach-sleepers tend to need a firmer medium-firm, not only to keep their head and neck aligned but also to cradle their knees or the front of their hips. A true medium-firm mattress often works best for back-sleepers, who distribute their weight evenly and need support for the spine’s natural curve.

Memory-foam mattresses are also more likely to retain heat. Foam is a dense material with low breathability, and it tends to trap body heat. These mattresses conform around the body, and that means you’re lying more inside the mattress than on top of it. If you know that you’re a hot sleeper, you may want to look into hybrid or innerspring mattresses, which have better airflow, or latex mattresses , which are inherently more breathable.

Another, very general guideline: If you weigh more than 200 pounds, consider investing in a mattress with higher foam densities : Memory foam and polyfoam should be at least 4 pounds per cubic foot and 2 pounds per cubic foot, respectively. (Mattresses with higher foam densities are also typically more expensive.) Throughout this guide we’ve noted the mattresses we do and don’t recommend for people who weigh more than 200 pounds.

Keep in mind that mattress preference is subjective. We’ve structured this guide in a way that recommends the mattresses that may suit back-, side-, or stomach-sleepers, but those are just our suggestions, not lines in the sand. If you’d like additional guidance on how to gauge whether a mattress is properly supporting and cushioning you, see our mattress buying guide .

Who it’s for: The Leesa Original Mattress is for side- and back-sleepers weighing under 200 pounds who like to feel cuddled by their mattress but don’t want to fully sink in.

How it feels: This mattress is on the medium side of medium-firm.

Why it’s great:

It gently cradles without deeply hugging. This mattress creates a loose cradling sensation, as opposed to the all-out hug that classic memory-foam mattresses offer. Many testers liked that it had a gentle sink, offering cushioning on pressure points such as their hips and shoulders while still being supportive enough to keep the spine aligned. One tester described it as having “the right amount of squish.” Another said they liked how they would “sink into it and immediately relax and want to go to sleep.”

The foam densities are good for people who weigh less than 200 pounds. At 3 pounds per cubic foot, the Leesa Original Mattress’s memory-foam density is the minimum we expect from a good-quality mattress. For example, the Loom & Leaf Mattress , which costs about $800 more, uses foams with densities of 4 to 5 pounds per cubic foot. But the Leesa Original Mattress’s foam density is decent, and we expect it to hold up for years, without sagging or forming major depressions, for people who weigh under 200 pounds.

It balances motion isolation and resilience. The motion isolation is good enough that you won’t jostle a partner throughout the night. But in our experience this mattress had a muted springiness that one tester said made it easy to get up out of bed.

It’s a decent value. This mattress is on perma-sale for around $1,000, which is a decent price for the delicate balance it strikes between softness and support. It’s a modest-looking mattress, with its polyester-viscose knit cover and 10-inch height. Yet when we tested it against similarly priced and even pricier mattresses, this Leesa model was a favorite.

The return policy is good—if it’s your first Leesa mattress. If you don’t love your mattress, you can initiate a return after 30 nights (you have up to 100 nights to try it). Leesa will arrange for a pickup, and it will refund your entire purchase. However, only your first Leesa mattress is eligible for a return. If you buy another mattress from the company, and you don’t like that one either, you won’t be able to return it. (You can try the Leesa Original Mattress at select stores to test it yourself.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The edge support isn’t great. The edges of the Leesa Original Mattress caved under weight, noticeably more so than the edges of our other picks. When we slept near the edge, it felt like we might fall off the bed entirely.

It isn’t a good choice for people who weigh more than 200 pounds. Due to this mattress’s poor edge support and 3-pounds-per-cubic-foot foam density, we don’t think it’s suitable for people who weigh over 200 pounds.

If you like a softer mattress, this model probably isn’t for you. In our most recent round of testing, the testers who disliked this mattress—often side-sleepers—noted that it was either too firm or somehow soft yet too rigid. One tester simply wrote that it was “too soft and too hard at the same time.” Some side-sleepers who really prefer an extra-plush mattress may not like it and may want to try the Loom & Leaf Mattress instead. We have noticed online reviews more often describe it as too firm than too soft, and that impression aligns with our testing.

It doesn’t have a classic memory-foam feel. If you know that you like a mattress that you slowly sink into, the Leesa Original Mattress is not your ideal choice. Try the Loom & Leaf Mattress or the more affordable Novaform ComfortGrande instead.

• Materials: memory foam, polyfoam; polyester-blend cover
• Thickness: 10 inches
• Firmness options: only one available
• Free trial period: 100 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

Who it’s for: Saatva’s Loom & Leaf Mattress comes in two firmness levels. The Relaxed Firm model is best for side-sleepers. Back-sleepers may prefer the Firm version. Both mattresses are good for people who weigh more than 200 pounds.

How it feels: The Relaxed Firm model feels medium-firm. The Firm version feels much firmer.

It has been a longtime favorite. The Loom & Leaf Mattress has been a Wirecutter pick since 2019. Through multiple rounds of testing, testers have appreciated this mattress’s plentiful cushioning, which doesn’t feel overly sinky or enveloping (like the hardcore hug of a traditional memory-foam mattress). It feels much cushier than most all-foam models we’ve tested, with substantial support balanced by the right amount of give. In our recent testing, one person noted that the Loom & Leaf Mattress “seemed the most well-rounded and supportive in the most sleep positions.”

It’s made with high-density foams and built to last. Of the five mattresses we tried in our most recent round of testing, this mattress has the densest foams. The top layer is 4 pounds per cubic foot, and the memory-foam layer beneath it is 5 pounds per cubic foot; most online-order mattresses, by contrast, use foam with a density of only 3 pounds per cubic foot. Those densities suggest good durability, including for people who weigh over 200 pounds.

It has a luxe look and feel. Whereas most memory-foam mattresses have a thin, sock-like cover, the Loom & Leaf Mattress has a plush quilted top that makes the upper layer soft enough to cradle your pressure points while the underlying firmness of the mattress keeps your spine aligned. That quilted cover also provides additional cushioning between your body and the memory-foam layer, so the surface feels more pillowy. We like that the company is transparent about the materials it uses, from the cover to the fire retardant; by contrast, many foam-mattress companies refuse to reveal specifics about how their beds are made.

It’s not a bed-in-a-box. Although we recommend some bed-in-a-box options, we appreciate that this mattress is shipped by movers who will carry it all the way to your bed frame for you. And because this mattress isn’t vacuum-sealed in plastic, it off-gasses in the factory, not in your home. Plus, you don’t have to wait for it to inflate for hours (or never, if your bed-in-a-box is defective, as we’ve experienced with some cheaper mattresses).

The edge support could be better. Although the edge support is adequate—you probably won’t roll off the bed in the middle of the night—it’s still not as firm as what you might get with a hybrid mattress like Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt (Medium Hybrid) , a pick in our guide to hybrid mattresses . Still, the Loom & Leaf Mattress’s edge support is better than that of the Leesa Original Mattress and the Novaform ComfortGrande .

Some owner reviews report sagging. We found complaints on Reddit about the Relaxed Firm version sagging after only a few months of use, especially for partnered sleepers. We haven’t noticed this issue in our at-home testing, but if it’s a concern for you, consider trying the Firm version (though when we tested that model, it felt tabletop-hard).

• Materials: memory foam, polyfoam; 100% organic-cotton cover
• Thickness: 12 inches
• Firmness options: Firm and Relaxed Firm
• Free trial period: You have up to 180 days to return or exchange the mattress, but you must pay a shipping fee of nearly $100
• Warranty: lifetime

Who it’s for: The Novaform 14″ ComfortGrande Advanced Gel Memory Foam Mattress is best for back- and stomach-sleepers, but it’s also good for side-sleepers who prefer firmer mattresses. We don’t recommend it for people who weigh over 200 pounds.

How it feels: This mattress feels medium-firm.

It’s a consistent crowd-pleaser. In five group tests over the past four years, the Novaform ComfortGrande has consistently beat out any other under-$1,000 mattress. In fact, some testers have preferred it to much pricier mattresses: Though it’s not as luxurious, the Novaform ComfortGrande has continued to hold its own against mattresses that cost thousands of dollars more.

It’s an exceptional value. At an online price of around $600 for a queen ($500 in store, but you have to haul it home yourself), the Novaform ComfortGrande is a rare value. This mattress has a billowy surface and a gentle, cradling cuddle similar to that of the more expensive Loom & Leaf Mattress , though it isn’t as plush. “It somehow manages to feel inviting and cushy, but my back is still well supported,” said a tester who’s a side- and back-sleeper. Plus, the Novaform ComfortGrande’s slightly quilted top and 14-inch height make it look sturdier than most all-foam mattresses in its price range.

It’s made with better materials than most under-$1,000 mattresses. The brand wouldn’t reveal the mattress’s exact foam densities to us, but it did say that the memory-foam layer was in the range of 3 to 3.5 pounds per cubic foot (typical of mattresses that cost around $1,000) and that the polyfoam was in the range of 1.8 to 2 pounds per cubic foot (similar to or denser than other options priced around $1,000 or more). For people who weigh under 200 pounds, we think the Novaform ComfortGrande will last as long as many of the more expensive foam mattresses of similar densities, such as the Leesa Original Mattress .

It has good motion isolation. Tossing and turning on this mattress won’t disturb a partner or pet in the middle of the night.

Costco has one of the best return policies we’ve seen. According to Costco’s generous return policy , you can get a full refund and have your mattress picked up if you have a problem with it, for no fee.

If you’re not a Costco member, there is a fee. You have to pay a 5% fee (about $30 extra for a queen when it’s not on sale) to buy the Novaform ComfortGrande. But even with the fee, this mattress is a great deal.

It isn’t a good choice if you weigh over 200 pounds. As mentioned above, the brand wouldn’t share exact foam-density numbers. Based on what the representatives did tell us, we can say that the top layer’s foam density (between 3 and 3.5 pounds per cubic foot) suggests that the Novaform ComfortGrande will sag more quickly if you weigh over 200 pounds. But if the polyfoam density of the mattress’s support layer is indeed close to 2 pounds per cubic foot, the bed probably won’t outright hammock, even for those who weigh over 200 pounds.

You could encounter complications during setup. We’ve seen some buyers complain that this mattress gives off a chemical smell for as long as several weeks after it first arrives. We did notice this scent ourselves, but it dissipated after a couple of days. Another recurring online complaint is that it takes a long time for the mattress to inflate to its full height—and in some cases it never fully puffs up at all. We didn’t have this problem, but if you do, note that we’ve initiated complaints to Costco customer service several times to see how the company would respond, and each time the representatives were happy to offer a full refund.

The edge support isn’t great. As on most all-foam mattresses, the edges of this bed tend to cave under weight. Sleeping near the sides doesn’t feel like you’re going to fall off, but sitting on the edge does feel precarious.

It isn’t an especially plush mattress. Mattress feel is subjective—what’s too soft for some people is too firm for others. But at the time of our research on the Novaform ComfortGrande, we spotted more complaints about its firmness. If you usually like a super-plush mattress, or you’re a side-sleeper who is prone to sore shoulders, this model isn’t for you; in that case, we suggest the Loom & Leaf Mattress , if you have the budget for it.

• Materials: gel-infused memory foam, polyfoam
• Thickness: 14 inches
• Firmness options : only one available
• Free trial period: According to Costco policy, you can return the mattress for a full refund at any time.
• Warranty: 20 years (PDF)

Mattresses can collect a lot of unwanted nastiness—including dust mites, dead skin, and liquids (water droplets, sweat, pee) that may drive you to trash it before its expected shelf life is up. For step-by-step cleaning instructions, read our dedicated guide to how to clean your mattress .

In our most recent round of foam-mattress testing, we tried seven sub-$1,000 mattresses and four mattresses priced over $2,000. Here’s what we looked for:

• A generous free-trial period: We looked for mattresses from companies that give you at least a month to try out a mattress and that send a refund if you don’t like it. (We do realize that returned mattresses often end up in landfills, since it’s difficult to donate or recycle them . That’s why we also strongly suggest trying them in a store first, whenever that option is available.)
• At least a 10-year warranty: That’s the standard. Anything less than that makes us nervous.
• Good customer service: For our initial research, we looked at Better Business Bureau reviews. For our final picks, we dug deeper into online customer reviews, and we anonymously exchanged emails and live-chatted with customer service to see how the representatives responded.
• Durability: It’s hard to predict the future, of course, but you can make a good guess about how long a mattress will last by looking at its specs. According to mattress experts we interviewed, people who weigh less than 200 pounds will be adequately supported by a minimum memory-foam density of 3 pounds per cubic foot and a minimum non-memory-foam polyfoam density of 1.8 pounds per cubic foot. Those who weigh more than 200 pounds should seek higher-quality memory foam with densities of 4 to 5 pounds per cubic foot and polyfoam that is denser than 1.8 pounds per cubic foot (at least in the layers closest to the top surface). Less-dense foams can compact more easily, causing an indent or a slope in the bed over time. Besides asking mattress companies for specs, we also assessed buyer reviews to determine whether sagging and general quality deterioration were an issue.
• Decent edge support: A dedicated border of firmer foam can help create a sturdier edge, making it easier to do things like sit and tie your shoes. However, most memory-foam mattresses we’ve tested don’t have particularly good edge support, since the foams have to be extremely dense to not give under a person’s weight. Even then, without the support of springs, sitting on the edge may produce a deep imprint that is slow to bounce back. If strong edge support is important to you, consider an innerspring or hybrid mattress.
• Minimal motion transfer: All-foam mattresses are inherently good at keeping movement isolated from edge to edge, unlike hybrid or traditional spring mattresses.

We’ve been testing foam mattresses since 2016. As our method has evolved over the years, we’ve conducted various rounds of brand-concealed tests with dozens of panelists who vary in height, weight, age, and sleep styles (including back-, side-, and stomach-sleepers). We wrap each mattress in an encasement so that testers aren’t swayed by price tags or preconceived notions, and then we prompt them to evaluate and rank the mattresses based on their impressions. Of course, at the end of the day, our impressions are wholly subjective: If possible, it’s still best to try out a mattress in a store before you make up your mind.

Although we liked the following mattresses, they fell short of our main picks for various reasons. But one of these may be right for you.

The Serta iComfortECO Ultimate (F40HD) is a luxe all-foam mattress that garnered many positive reviews in our most recent round of panel testing. People liked that it had a cozy plush top yet felt springy. One tester said that it “strikes a nice balance between firm and supportive and soft.” Though we liked this mattress overall, we were disappointed that Serta wouldn’t share specific foam densities with us. The most information the company offered on this mattress, which costs $3,000, was a foam-density range between 3.5 and 5 pounds per cubic foot—a wide range that spans the difference between a decent mattress and a great one. At a hefty 139 pounds (by comparison, the Loom & Leaf Mattress weighs 93 pounds) and a lofty 15 inches high, this mattress does seem capable of lasting a long time; we will continue to test it at home and update this guide with our findings. This mattress comes with a 120-night trial and a 10-year warranty .

We’ve tested Tempur-Pedic’s Tempur-Adapt Medium (all foam) and Tempur-Adapt Medium Hybrid (with coils), and they’re both good options if you know that you like a slow-sink cradling sensation. The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Medium is an extremely well-made medium-firm mattress containing some of the densest foams we’ve tried: Its memory-foam layer is 4.5 pounds per cubic foot, and its top polyfoam layer is 2.5 pounds per cubic foot (right up there with the Loom & Leaf Mattress Relaxed Firm). However, the extreme memory-foam sensation of this mattress is an acquired taste. In our most recent round of testing, many testers said this mattress felt like a “hard slab of foam” when they initially stretched out on it.

If you like the feel of Tempur-Pedic mattresses but want a little more give, many of our previous testers loved the Tempur-Adapt Medium Hybrid, a pick in our guide to the best hybrid mattresses . Tempur-Pedic’s return process is more onerous than those of most online brands—you have to pay the shipping cost, which can be well over $100. We recommend browsing in a store before buying. Tempur-Pedic offers a 90-night free trial and a 10-year warranty .

The original Nectar Memory Foam Mattress and the Nectar Premier Mattress are relatively generic bed-in-a-box options lacking a luxurious or distinctive feel. Though we appreciate that the Premier, which is $200 more, has a density of 3 pounds per cubic foot and is an inch thicker than the original version, it didn’t garner much of a reaction from testers in our 2023 mattress panel. One Wirecutter staffer who slept on it found it to be nothing special. However, for people who know that they like a softer all-foam mattress, the indistinctive feel of Nectar’s mattresses may be appealing. Nectar offers a yearlong trial period and a lifetime warranty, which may assuage any concerns. Read more in our full review of Nectar’s mattresses .

Tuft & Needle’s Essential T&N Original , which has had several names over the years, used to be our pick for a non-memory-foam foam mattress in this guide. We retested it along with the T&N Mint in our 2023 group testing, and we found that even though both options had high foam densities, neither model stood out in comparison with other all-foam mattresses. Both Tuft & Needle options, which are made with high-density polyfoam, had poor edge support and motion isolation. If you want adequate cushioning but don’t like that classic memory-foam sink, one of these mattresses may appeal to you. You have 100 days to try your mattress, and each one comes with a 10-year warranty.

The memory-foam WinkBeds GravityLux impressed some testers with its thick, pillowy top and its sturdy firmness underneath. It also offers strong motion isolation and edge support. Its memory-foam layer has a density of 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, which isn’t impressive but may be suitable for people who weigh less than 200 pounds. However, nearly all of our testers said this mattress was noticeably firm or too firm. WinkBeds offers a lifetime warranty and a 120-night free trial.

When we tested the Casper Original , we thought it had a cradling sensation as well as a bit of springiness, but overall it felt flimsy. Casper has now replaced the Original with the Casper One , part of the company’s new core line. According to Casper representatives, the One has the same responsive, bouncy feel and foam densities as the Casper Original. However, the new model no longer has “zoned support,” which featured firmer foam in the middle of the mattress, to hold up your hips, waist, and lower back. The Casper Original is still available on Amazon, and we plan on testing the Casper One soon. You can try Casper mattresses before you buy in one of the company’s many Sleep Shops . To learn more about the company’s offerings, read our full review of Casper’s mattresses .

The Purple Mattress features a “buckling column gel” foam, which is what Purple’s founders first used to create cushioned medical products. The company says its mattress is especially good at pressure relief, but our testers in 2018 couldn’t get past the “weird,” jiggly, crackly feeling they got when they stretched out on it. This was one of the most disliked mattresses in the room on our group-testing day, but it may be that the Purple Mattress’s unusual texture merely takes some getting used to. If you’re open to new textures and have back or joint issues, the Purple Mattress may be worth trying; it’s available at Mattress Firm and Macy’s stores nationwide.

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud is the company’s bed-in-a-box option. It feels more substantial than most popular bed-in-a-box mattresses, such as those from Casper and Leesa. And, in fact, it consists of denser foams than its competitors: 4.5 pounds per cubic foot of memory-foam-type foam (instead of the typical 3) and 2.5 pounds per cubic foot of base foam (instead of the typical 1.8). Of course, it’s also more than twice the price of other such mattresses.

The BedInABox Original comes from a company that has been in the online mattress biz since 2004—a pretty long time compared with most of the other companies. The memory-foam layer was about as dense as that of the Novaform ComfortGrande and similarly priced notable contenders. A staffer who slept on this mattress said it felt too “huggy” and “muddy.”

Built with cooling in mind, the GhostBed Classic is topped with a layer of latex (which is typically more breathable than memory foam), followed by a gel-infused memory foam. According to a staffer who slept on it, the combination worked, but he found the mattress extraordinarily firm, perhaps too much so for most people. However, considering that latex tends to last longer, that the GhostBed’s memory foam is a denser-than-usual 4 pounds, and that the mattress is exceptionally firm, it may be worth a try for people who weigh over 200 pounds. (The site recommends the Luxe version for those who weigh over 300 pounds.)

Our testers didn’t like the Helix Midnight . One tester who cast a vote for it as runner-up felt a plushness that would seem “fun in a hotel though not every day.” Because its foam density is slightly less than the typically serviceable 3 pounds per cubic foot (in this case it’s 2.5), this mattress is not suitable for people who weigh over 200 pounds.

Although the IKEA Matrand is a wallet-friendly memory-foam mattress, at 7.125 inches it’s thinner than most of the mattresses we’ve group-tested. That’s probably why testers compared the mattress to “sleeping on the floor,” even though its foam densities were similar to those of our picks.

At first glance, the Leesa Studio Mattress looks and feels like the Leesa Original Mattress , complete with a quilted cover (though it’s not as soft or thick) and a subtle melt-into-the-mattress memory-foam feel. Compared with the slightly less expensive Casper Element, this model feels more luxurious and offers more pressure-point relief, despite being quite firm overall. A caveat: The density of the upper foam layers is only 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, below the 3-pounds-per-cubic-foot minimum that experts say is necessary for a mattress to keep its shape over time for most people weighing under 200 pounds. That said, this model may be a good choice if you’re looking for an infrequently used guest-room bed, or if you’re not planning to use it for the 10 years that the warranty supposedly covers. Generally speaking, Leesa provides good customer service, transparency, and an elegant look. But if you don’t care about those things, you can save a few hundred dollars by opting for a mattress in our guide to the best cheap mattresses .

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Breeze Medium is a classic Tempur-Pedic mattress with dense foams and a substantial memory-foam sink. This mattress did not do well in our most recent all-foam test—many testers said it felt like a “slab of memory foam” that was too “flat and hard” to be comfortable.

Joanne Chen and Kevin Purdy wrote previous versions of this article, which was first published in 2016. Christina Colizza and Courtney Schley edited this article.

What’s most important to consider when buying a memory-foam mattress?

You have two things to consider. First and foremost is comfort, which typically depends on how well a mattress keeps your spine aligned while still offering good pressure relief . Second, consider the density of the foam, which is a good indicator of a mattress’s quality and longevity—generally speaking, the denser the foams that make up a bed, the more durable and supportive that bed will be. If you weigh less than 200 pounds, look for a memory-foam density of at least 3 pounds per cubic foot; if you weigh more than 200 pounds, aim for at least 4 pounds per cubic foot.

What is the best type of memory-foam mattress for side-, back-, and stomach-sleepers?

In general, a mattress’s firmness level—and how you perceive it—will determine how comfortable you are sleeping in a particular position. The idea is to keep your spine aligned (your back should never feel overarched) and your pressure points cushioned.

Most side-sleepers should do well with a mattress that’s medium-soft to medium-firm. You should be able to draw a straight line connecting the midpoints of your ears, shoulders, and hips. Your shoulders and hips should feel some give, as opposed to feeling pressed by the bed.

Back-sleepers tend to gravitate toward medium-firm mattresses. Lie on your back and try to slide your hand under your lower back. If you can just fit your hand through, the mattress is probably a good fit. If it’s too snug, the bed is probably too soft. If there’s too much space, the mattress may be too firm.

Stomach-sleepers may prefer a mattress that’s on the firmer side of medium-firm. If you feel an exaggerated pull, causing your back to overarch, the mattress may be too soft. If you feel the mattress pressing against your ribs, it’s probably too firm.

Is a cheap memory-foam mattress worth buying?

Very low prices generally come with a few trade-offs, including less transparency about materials, fewer layers, a cheaper cover, and not-so-great customer service. The biggest difference, however, lies in the mattress’s longevity; cheaper mattresses are typically made with less-durable foams, which means they aren’t likely to last as long.

That said, a cheap mattress is worth considering if you don’t expect to keep the same mattress for the next 10 years. A cheap mattress also makes sense if you’re shopping for a bed for a seldom-used guest room, or if you simply don’t want to spend a lot of money at a particular moment in time and don’t mind the compromises.

You can find several good options in our guide to cheap mattresses .

How thick of a memory-foam mattress should I buy?

During our past tests, people tended to like mattresses in the 10- to 14-inch thickness range. Mattresses that are thinner than the standard 10 inches are likely to feel flimsy—especially if the materials are cheap, which can make you feel as if you’re dropping into the bed’s bottom layer right away. Beyond that, however, thicker isn’t necessarily better; one 14.5-inch mattress that we tried felt a bit “princess and the pea” to some people. Picking the best mattress is really about the quality of the materials and how it feels to you personally.

What memory-foam mattress is best for back pain?

The rule of thumb for finding the best memory-foam mattress for back pain is similar to the rules for finding any mattress, according to science : Look for a bed that feels medium-firm to you. Researchers believe that this firmness level is most likely to support your spine’s natural curve regardless of your preferred sleep position, so your back stays aligned, not overstretched.

How long do memory-foam mattresses last?

Most mattresses, except for those that cost under $500 , carry warranties of about 10 years. Still, depending on your size and shape and the density of the foam near the surface, body impressions can develop over time. To prevent them, rotate your mattress at least every six months, and vary where you sleep on the bed. Also take note of how deep a body impression must be to qualify for warranty coverage; the rules often vary from 1 inch to 1.5 inches.

John Merwin, CEO of 3Z Brands , video interview , January 25, 2024

Russel Jelinek, senior director of engineering at Casper , in-person interview , January 16, 2024

Stephen H. Carr, PhD, professor of materials science and engineering, Northwestern University , video interview , November 9, 2023

Meet your guide

Caira Blackwell

Caira Blackwell is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering sleep and mattresses. Her work has previously been published in Okayplayer, The Knockturnal, and Nylon magazine, and her book A Lullaby for the End of the World is available on Amazon.

Further reading

Purple Mattress Review: An Honest Assessment

by Joanne Chen

Purple’s gridded, jiggly foam may feel weird to many people. We recommend trying the mattresses in person before you buy.

Casper Mattress Review: An Honest Assessment

Casper now offers eight beds, which range in price, comfort, and construction. Here’s what you should know if you’re considering a Casper mattress.

The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

by Caira Blackwell and Joanne Chen

If you regularly sleep on your side, you’ll likely want a cushy mattress that aligns your spine and offers good support. These are our favorites.

How to Choose a Mattress

We’ve collected all our big-picture mattress-buying advice to help you find a bed you’ll happily sleep on for years.

When you use links on our website, we may earn a fee.

5 Best Memory Foam Mattresses 2024: Expert Tested and Reviewed

Table of Contents

• Best Memory Foam Mattresses
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

The best memory foam mattresses absorb movement and cushion joints, muscles, and pressure points, making them ideal for side sleepers, couples, and anyone else who has ever dreamed of sleeping on a cloud. For side sleepers, memory foam mattresses can relieve pressure on your hips and shoulders and, for couples, the body-conforming foam often helps isolate motion to encourage an uninterrupted night’s sleep no matter how much your partner tosses and turns.

The exact makeup of memory foam mattresses can vary by brand, with many companies developing their own proprietary foam, but, in general, memory foam is designed to feel like a hug. The top layer of a typical memory foam mattress often softens in response to body heat, conforming around your body and adjusting with you as you shift through the night. The lower layers of memory foam mattresses come in different densities and provide different layers of support. We chose the Essential T&N Original Mattress as our best overall pick for memory foam beds because we really liked how the bed cushioned our bodies when we lay on it.

• Best Overall: Essential T&N Original Mattress »
• Best Budget: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress »
• Best Cooling: Nectar Memory Foam »
• Best for Side Sleepers: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud »
• Best for Couples: Leesa Original »

Best Overall: Essential T&N Original Mattress

The Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is a budget-friendly all-foam mattress.

Free shipping and returns

Cool to the touch

Lacking in edge support

Softer foam may not be supportive enough for back and stomach sleepers

The Essential Tuft & Needle (T&N) Original Mattress is a cooling, body-cushioning, supportive two-layer all-foam mattress that testers felt landed on the medium to medium-soft side compared to other memory foam mattresses. The two layers of foam inside the mattress include a bottom 6 1/2-inch layer of sturdier foam to prevent sinking topped with 3 inches of the company’s unique open-cell Adaptive Foam, designed to relieve pressure with a flexible surface that responds to the contours of your body. This foam is infused with cooling gel and graphite to provide a lasting cooling effect, which is notable as memory foam mattresses can retain heat, and the soft, durable plush cover is cool to the touch, making it a good choice for hot sleepers.

One of our testers who weighs 201 pounds found the mattress ideal for side sleepers, as the light top layer contours to the shoulder and cradles the hip. With little to no discernible odor upon arrival and a light, easy-to-move product in and out of the box, the Essential T&N Original Mattress arrives with free, fast shipping and easy, clear setup instructions.

• Price (Queen) : $895
• Sizes : Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
• Sleep Trial : 100 nights
• Warranty : 10-year limited warranty

Best Budget: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

Wide range of sizes and thicknesses

Good motion isolation

May be too firm for side sleepers

6-inch version may not be supportive enough for larger sleepers

The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is an affordable, firm, three-layer foam mattress. It’s made of a softer foam layer in the middle, a green tea- and charcoal-infused top layer, and a high-density foam base. With prices ranging from $239 to $429 depending on the thickness of the mattress, the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is extremely customizable and great for sleepers shopping on a budget.

Our sleep expert who weighs 130 pounds and tested the 6-inch-thick queen mattress found it had good motion isolation and was easy to switch positions on. Another tester weighing 250 pounds found the same 6-inch Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress to be too thin to support larger sleepers. However, their home mattress is a more supportive, thicker Zinus model with a pillow top. Because of the density of the firm 6-inch foam version of the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, testers found it to be particularly comfortable for back and stomach sleepers. The mattress contours to heels and hips, which can provide extra comfort to back sleepers in particular.

• Price (Queen) : $239-$429 
• Sizes : Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king 
• Warranty : 10-year warranty

Best Cooling: Nectar Memory Foam

Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

Supportive for back and stomach sleepers

Good ease of movement

Good edge support

May be too large for some bed frames

Top foam layer may be slow to conform to the body

The five-layer, 12-inch-tall Nectar Memory Foam mattress consists of three distinct layers of memory foam encased in a shift-resistant cover on the bottom and cooling cover on top. Each foam layer from the bottom stabilizing 7 inches of CertiPUR-US certified foam to the top 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam is built to provide a stable, contouring, cooling sleep. Our testers find it noticeably cool to the touch, though the cooling sensation diminishes over time.

Our testers found that, unlike other foam mattresses, the Nectar Memory Foam provides very good edge support, making it easy to get in and out of bed and change positions while also providing a good medium-firm mattress feel. An average-sized 190-pound tester felt supported sleeping on their back, side, and stomach, though a heavier 250-pound sleeper felt the mattress slide as they changed from back to side and side to stomach positions. A 130-pound side sleeper tester found the Nectar Memory Foam mattress to be a bit firm and slow to conform to their body.

• Price (Queen) : $649
• Sizes : Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
• Sleep Trial : 365 nights
• Warranty : Lifetime warranty

Best for Side Sleepers: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud

Tempur-Pedic

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Mattress

Contours to the body

Shorter sleep trial

The Tempur-Cloud mattress is made from a combination of soft and medium Tempur memory foam material intended to minimize pressure points and contour to the shape of your body. Dr. Christopher Gharibo , a board-certified doctor, professor, and pain management specialist through the NYU Langone Health System, strongly recommends soft, reactive mattresses for side sleepers because they contour to the side of the body, though he does not recommend Tempur-Pedic specifically. A softer mattress provides more coverage of pressure points you don’t find in the back or stomach position.

In the Tempur-Cloud, a soft, responsive top layer of foam is followed by two firmer support layers intended to relieve pressure over the course of a long night, making it a good choice for side sleepers looking for a soft, cushioning mattress that contours to their hips and shoulders and aligns their spine. With the same proprietary foam of other Tempur-Pedic mattresses, the Tempur-Cloud comes at a fraction of the cost and is light and easy to rotate and move with plenty of give, according to our in-house testers who found it comfortable for back and side sleeping alike.

• Price (Queen) : $1,999
• Sizes : Twin, twin long, full, queen, king, California king, split king
• Sleep Trial : 90 nights

Best for Couples: Leesa Original

The Leesa Original Mattress

Cooling sensation that lasts

Little motion transfer

Pressure-relieving top layer provides more resistance than most foam

Very comfortable for stomach sleepers

May lack necessary support for larger sleepers

Lacking edge support

The Leesa Original Mattress is four layers with a bottom 6-inch layer of firm high-density foam followed by 2 inches of contouring memory foam topped with 2 inches of cooling foam, all encased in a knit cover. When it comes to the best mattress for couples, balancing support and stability is twice the challenge, and the Leesa Original provides both with a soft, plush mattress that bounces back.

Unlike other memory foam mattresses, the Leesa Original has a pressure-relieving top layer that springs back rather than sinks, which one of our testers who weighs 130 pounds found more comfortable for stomach sleeping than many other mattresses they tested. For sleepers who like to sleep cool, sharing a bed with another hot-blooded human is far from ideal. Our testers found the Leesa Original Mattress not only cool to the touch when they first lay down but said the material remained cool and didn’t retain heat as time passed.

• Price (Queen) : $1,299
• Warranty : 10 years

The Bottom Line

In researching memory foam mattresses, perhaps the biggest takeaway was how important it is to try out a mattress before committing to it. Memory foam mattresses can be a completely different sleeping experience depending on if you’re a side, back, or stomach sleeper, as well as if you share your bed or not. While memory foam has a reputation for being heat-trapping, in researching for this article we were able to confirm that many memory foam mattress makers have included fusions of other materials to help keep sleepers cool.

When asked about what to keep in mind while picking a mattress, pain specialist Dr. Gharibo says that it’s important to test out the mattress and see how well you’re able to change positions and how quickly the mattress conforms to your body.

Things To Consider When Buying a Memory Foam Mattress

Firmness: Often memory foam mattress brands give their mattresses a firmness rating or range. When considering how firm of a mattress to choose, sleepers should look at a number of factors, particularly how they typically sleep. Side sleepers often need a softer mattress to help cut down the impact a harder mattress can have against their hip and shoulder, while stomach and back sleepers might be more comfortable on a medium-firm mattress. Most memory foam mattresses land in the medium area for mattress firmness, which makes them a good fit for side and back sleepers, while stomach sleepers might want to opt for a firmer mattress to avoid sinking into the mattress and throwing off their spinal alignment. When considering how firm a mattress to choose, Dr. Gharibo recommends sleepers keep in mind how much resistance the foam has to your body.

Cooling Technology: Memory foam is able to contour to your body because it responds to body heat and pressure. This is great for giving you that hug-like feeling, but the downside is it can trap heat and leave you uncomfortably hot. Mattress companies that make memory foam mattresses have different ways of combatting this. Some use what’s called “open-cell foam” which is more breathable than other foams. Some foams are infused with cooling gel, graphite, or copper, which are designed to draw heat away from your body. If you’re especially concerned about sleeping too warm, a memory foam mattress might not be the best choice, but if you’re set on it, look for a mattress made with additional cooling properties. Also consider a cooling mattress topper or cover and breathable sheets.

Edge Support: Sleepers who struggle to get up and down from their bed or like to sit on the edge of their bed should pay special note to the edge support when choosing a memory foam mattress. Hybrid mattresses or spring mattresses tend to have the best, but some memory foam mattresses also have good edge support, particularly those on the firmer side. An easy way to test if there’s enough edge support in a memory foam mattress is to sit on the end for a few minutes and see if you sink down and, if so, how far, and if it makes it hard for you to get up, or gets worse if someone is lying down on the other side.

Certifications: Memory foam is a synthetic material so there’s no such thing as a truly eco-friendly memory foam mattress. Nevertheless, there are a few certifications to look for to make sure your mattress has low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is therefore safer to use inside without negatively affecting the air quality. CertiPUR-US is a certification most memory foam mattresses have, and it indicates the mattress has low VOCs and is made without certain known harmful chemicals. Another certification to keep an eye out for is GreenGuard Gold, which isn’t only for foam but is similar to CertiPUR-US in that the certification means the product has been screened to ensure low VOCs to protect indoor air quality.

How We Chose the Best Memory Foam Mattresses

To choose the best memory foam mattresses, our editors at U.S. News 360 Reviews contacted numerous experts including pain management specialist Dr. Christopher Gharibo . (His takeaway? You want a softer memory foam mattress than you think. Aim for medium-soft, and be sure the mattress has some give to it and adjusts to the contours of your body.) We used this expertise to guide us as we narrowed down our list of mattresses, supplementing with close research and considering factors like quality for the price, cooling and moisture-wicking materials, eco-friendliness, motion isolation, support and cushioning for different sleeping positions, edge support, and our testers’ experience with the mattresses. Ultimately, we found that with so many different densities, materials, and attributes to choose from, just about any sleeper can find the memory foam mattress they’ve been dreaming of.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

The editors and contributing writers at U.S. News 360 Reviews have a wide range of experience in reviewing, researching, and testing different products. Sheli Paige Frank , the author of this piece, is a scripted TV writer, researcher, and New York Times-published journalist. As a proud dog mom to a 16-year-young arthritic puggle who constantly shifts in her sleep, radiates heat, and hogs every bed in the house, Sheli knows only too well the importance of a cooling, cushioning memory foam mattress that reduces motion transfer.

When buying a memory foam mattress, be sure to check for a CertiPUR-US certification, which means that it’s low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and isn’t made with certain very well-known harmful chemicals. Most memory foam mattresses are and should be CertiPUR-US certified. Another certification some memory foam mattresses have is GreenGuard Gold, which is similar to CertiPUR-US in that it involves screening for VOCs to protect the air quality of indoor spaces but is different in that it isn’t only for foam products.

Off-gassing is the unpleasant smell memory foam mattresses tend to have when first unboxed, which comes from VOCs as they’re released into the air. Off-gassing odors usually go away on their own in a few hours or at most a few days. However, VOCs can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, so if your mattress has a strong odor or you are having a reaction to its smell, it’s a good idea to move it to a well-ventilated space, take off its cover, and air it out before you move it to your bedroom.

Memory foam mattresses are prone to sagging, and if your memory foam mattress sags or is leaving lasting body impressions, it’s time to replace it. Foam is a soft material, so you should keep an eye out for any rips and tears. Another sign it’s time for a new mattress. If you notice your allergies are getting worse or that you’re waking up with muscle or joint stiffness, it might be time to search for a replacement. A sign that it’s time to mattress shop is if you get better sleep on your friend’s guest bed or at a hotel than on your home mattress.

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

• Best Mattress
• How To’s

5 Best Travel Mattress

Disclosure : Sleepwithcomfort is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Table of Contents

Without quality sleep on a comfortable mattress can turn your traveling trip into a nightmare. The best travel mattress is an ideal option 

when you are camping or traveling and need a comfortable sleeping surface that’s portable, easy to fold, and easy to store. The best travel mattress facilities give you the right night’s sleep for adults of all ages and kids. But is it hard for seasonal travelers to choose the best travel mattress?

Well in this guide we have done the laborious task for you and compiled our top choices after continuous research for 9 hours on different websites.

We also have broken down the criteria you should consider when purchasing a new travel mattress.

The 2nd on the list is the hottest in the market. It is a tri-fold mattress that you can use for multiple purposes.

You may also like to read: best air mattress for couples

Top 5 Best Travel Mattress:

If you are a seasonal traveler you can know the value of sleep. But what to do if the mattress is not offering sound sleep while traveling? Well, it’s the perfect time to look for a new mattress. For your ease, we have collected the top 5 best travel mattresses so must go through them.

You may also like to read: Best Air Mattress For Jeep Wrangler 

1.Best Price Mattress 4 Inch Trifold Mattress:

Description

Best Price Mattress 4 Inch Mattress is the best Trifold Topper for Manifold Occasions like camping, glamping, traveling, RV trips, overnight guests, and sleepovers. 

It will offer you a great and restful night’s sleep wherever you go or even if you are  at home. The portable design makes the folding easy for easy storage, camping, and transport. 

For enhancing its comfort it assumes a 1.5-inch top of memory foam and a 2.5-inch base foam layer which is highly dense.

This best travel mattress has a Portable trifold design that is perfect for traveling, camping, sleepovers, and overnight guests. While it’s cover is 100% poly jacquard that contains a slip-proof bottom. So when it is dirty it’s recommended to clean on the spot only.

Fortunately, the mattress is backed up with a’s a worry-free warranty. This mattress also meets the criteria of CertiPUR which symbolizes the materials used in its construction are high quality and free from heavy metals.

If you are a back sleeper this best travel mattress will offer more pressure relieving points to your back and spine to keep it supportideasideassstthe he the perfect cradlingngm from head to toe for more comfort.

The final dimensions of the mattress are 75” x 33” x 4” but when you fold it assumes dimensions of 25” x 33” x 12”

Specification

The customer reviews on this best travel mattress are 4.5 out of 5 stars. This model of Best Price Mattress 4 Inch Trifold Mattress assumes dimensions of ‎80 x 33 x 4 inches and weighs  ‎24 pounds. It is a white color queen-style bed that is filled with memory foam. Fortunately for removing the cover it has a zipper.

• Perfect for camping, overnight guests, and RV fold-up Murphy beds.
• Bed in a box mattress
• Comfortable and fit in the travel trailer
• Poly jacquard cover with slip-proof bottom
• Some consumer says the zipper doesn’t work
• Some say it’s too soft

You may also like to read; best air mattress for guests

2.Sweetnight Folding Mattress:

The Sweetnight Folding Mattress is a trifold mattress for small space rooms. It’s an ideal choice for overnight guests, camping and traveling, yoga, sleepovers, for video gaming. It can be also used for children to play on the floor and you can also use it for relaxing at any time, also you can fold it into an elegant sofa for a daily relaxing time.

The included cover is breathable and keep the temperature normal while it contains a 1.5-inch gel-infused foam that offers more  cooling function like it regulates your body temperature, and also decreases your body pressure.

This best travel mattress has a 2.5-inch bamboo charcoal foam for offering strong support because it’s ensuring the body is isolated from the floor, and kicks away moisture from your body to keep you cool and comfortable all night long.

Fortunately, it comes with a carry bag so you can easily store the mattress in the travel bag for camping and transportation. To enjoy a cloud-like comfort this portable mattress highly contouring to your body. So simply unfold the sweet night trifold mattress for enjoying a comfortable night’s sleep. For space-saving, it can fold three times.

It is made from skin-friendly material that atr nontoxic and doesn’t contain any smell but still, the odor is normal with all memory foam so don’t worry about it. As it will reduce within 2 to 3 days.

It is vacuum-packed for easy and, damage-free delivery. The Sweet night trifold mattress offers 3 years warranty. As it is also a memory foam mattress thus it’s better to leave it for 72 hours to reshape and reduce the bad smell.

It is the best travel mattress that assumes Full size. Sweetnight Folding Mattress offers a medium firm feel and offers dimensions of 75″L x 54″W x 4″T. It is a grey color trifold mattress that is adjustable for adults. Moreover, this mattress is constructed with memory foam that assumes a Weight of 22.49 Pounds. This best travel mattress has scored 4.6 out of 5 stars in customer reviews.

• Easy to store
• Greta’s option for camping
• 4 inch Tri Foldable mattress for camping and traveling
• Easy to fold
• not terrible smell
• Vacuum packed for fast delivery
• Might not supportive of a heavy person

You may also like to read: best camping  mattress for heavy person

3.Simmons Siesta Gel Foam Lounger:

Simmons Siesta Gel Foam Lounger is a lightweight mattress for traveling and camping, so you can get a relaxed sleep when lying on it. It has a 3″ thick plush Gel foam, which contains comfort Gel foam and, assumes ta win size that offers dimensions of 3″ H x 72″ L x 30″ W.

It can be folded up to 12″ in diameter, so when you when don’t need it just roll it up for hassle-free transportation and compact storage in the traveling bag.

The included cover is ultra-plush, made from polyester and stretch knit. Also for your convenience, the cover is machine-washable. It is also used when you are reading a book, lounging, or watching TV, and also for dorm rooms, and playrooms.

It is a bed in a box mattress that you can easily unfold when you don’t need it.  As this best travel mattress is made from memory foam therefore we preferred to allow it for 72 hours to get its final shape and also reduce its bad odor. 

As memory foam mattresses took more time for proper expansion as compared to other mattresses thus we also recommend you to leave Simmons Siesta Gel Foam Lounger for 72 hours to get its final firmness. Keep in mind that in winter due to contraction it may take some more time.

This model of Simmons Siesta Gel Foam is twin in size. It is a plush mattress filled with memory foam. The dimensions of the mattress are 72″L x 30″W x 3″ T and its color is white and it also assumes coils. The gel top makes it cooler for hot sleepers and it is adjustable for adults. It scored 4.4 out of 5 stars in customer reviews.

• Softer for floor
• Comes with a storage bag
• Highly comfortable for traveling and floor
• Lightweight
• Not ideal for prolonged use
• Strong chemical odor
• Some consumers  say it causes lower back pain

You may also like to read: Best Air Mattress for Camping 

4.Olee Sleep Tri-Folding Memory Foam:

If you are searching for the best travel mattress for your upcoming trip, camping, or overnights then Olee Sleep Tri-Folding Memory Foam is the best option. Its and a trifolding mattress that is super supportive to your back because its memory foam offers soothing sleeping and leisure.

For permanent Sleeping like for camping, hiking, or overnight guests this mattress is an ideal choice as it can be easy to fold.

It is a Portable and comfortable mattress topper which is supportive of your back, and shoulder and also keeps your spine aligned.

Fortunately, this best travel mattress has easy to fold design so you can quickly fold the mattress for storage in any closet.

This mode of Olee Sleep trifold mattress is grey. It contains  100% Polyester and remembers that has s note proof of cover.  The customer reviews on this best travel mattress are 4.3 out of 5 stars.

• The ideal mattress for car camping, guests, travel in easy store
• Super comfortable mattress for guests
• Zipper cover open on two sides
• Some consumers say its fabric is cheap
• Others say it’s not an ideal twin size
• Not waterproof cover

You may also like to read: best affordable mattress for lower back pain

5.BETTER HABITAT SleepReady Portable mattress:

For camping, guests, and traveling the BETTER HABITAT Sleep Ready Portable mattress is the top choice for everyone. Its included sheet is waterproof that is made from bamboo and you can easily fit it. The cover of this best travel mattress has Premium stitching and fasteners, and also contains a zipper for easy removal. 

BETTER HABITAT SleepReady Portable mattress meets the criteria of Certi-PUR-US Memory foam thus it means it does not have any toxic material like mercury, lead, formaldehyde, fire retardants, and ozone depleters. Also indoor activities, it’s has a low amount of VOC emissions.

Moreover, this best travel matte is ready to handle as it comes with a travel bag for easy carrying of the mattress.

This best mattress for camping supports your spine and reduces the pain in the joints. It also helps you improve your health and energy.

Fortunately, its cover is machine washable so remove it when it gets dirty. Moreover, this mattress is twin in size that can support 230 Ibs weight. 12 month warranty is also included with everyone’s purchase.

The package dimensions of this BETTER HABITAT SleepReady Portable mattress are ‎20.35 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches and the package weight is ‎7.78 Kilograms. It is a memory foam mattress that is waterproof and has assumed dimensions of 75 x 36 x 3 inches and the item weight are 17 Pounds. 4.6 out of 5 stars customer reviewers recommended this best travel mattress.

• Easy to roll
• Very comfortable
• Best mattress for camping
• Worth the price
• Waterproof cover
• Included travel bag
• Foam is comfortable
• Offer one year warranty
• Washable and removable cover
• Assumes heavyweight

You may also like to read: best affordable mattress for side sleepers

Buyer’s Guide:

Buying the best travel mattress is a big investment. People who are active travelers know that sleep is a nightmare without a comfortable mattress. But how to look and what to remember while buying the best travel mattress?

To answer your questions we have created this buyer’s guide that is going to be very helpful for purchasing the best mattress. So carefully read the following main points. 

Quality Material:

Your most important consideration before purchasing the best travel mattress should be that quality material. As mattresses for traveling are made from different materials, not all of them will give you an excellent experience. Therefore the best travel and camping beds are mostly made of PVC. PVC is a waterproof material that is used for most air mattresses to prevent leaking and keep it safe.

Moreover, some mattresses are made from polyester or oxford cloths. Polyester is also durable and an excellent material that is ideal for camping and traveling.

Size and Shape:

Must make sure to buy the size and shape that is perfect for your needs. The best camping mattresses come in different sizes and shapes. If you are tall and frequently toss and turn in your bed then you need to look for a long, wide, or XL version as it will offer you plenty of space. Also, remember to check the dimensions of the floor or room of your tent to find out what mattress will fit. 

Foam Mattresses:

Of our top selected mattresses, two are foam mattresses and they are super thick, easy to roll up, plus memory foam mattresses that contain a waterproof base. Remember foam mattresses are thick and super comfortable, and ideal for car camping. Also, you should not worry about leaks as they are highly waterproof. Also if you want more comfort you can add a thin pad but don’t confuse it with a pad and memory foam.

Weight and Packed Size:

It’s important to select a mattress that is light and small. So be sure to choose the best travel mattress that assumes small packs and has lightweight.  But if you are camping in your car you can go for a big and heavy mattress.

When buying the best travel mattress for yourself, you must go through its thickness. A thicker bed offers you a more cushy and comfortable feel. They are also supportive of your shoulder, spine, and hips as they support you when you lay on your side, and you won’t bottom out when you stand up. 

Moreover, it’s perfect to use thin pads for traveling but nowadays more beds are so thick that they don’t need any pad still, if your traveling mattress is thin you should use a pad for comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How to make a travel bed firmer?

To make your travel mattress firm, it’s important to bring travel mattress pads, sleeping bags, travel pillows, roll-up travel mattress toppers, etc. If your mattress is still softer then you can also bring some plywood blocks with you in your travel carry bag to make it firmer.

How thick should the best travel mat be?

Generally, the thickness of the travel mat must be 2.5-3.5 inches. This is the ideal thickness of the sweet spot for a car traveling sleeping pad. It is more durable and high-density.

What types of mattresses are best for traveling?

Generally speaking, the Self-inflating mattresses are ideal for traveling. As they are made up of the best combination of air and open-cell foam. Moreover, they are best for traveling and camping, including car camping. It is available in different sizes, lengths, and widths so you can choose the one that fits your preferences and needs.

Let’s Sum Up:

Good sleep is very necessary for everyone but especially if you are on a trip. 

With so many choices available in the market, people get confused about which mattress to buy. Well, there is no need to worry or confuse about mattress selection, as in this article we have enlisted the top best camping mattress and traveling mattresses that are highly comfortable and supportive to your back. Also, they are easy to fold and easy to store so you can easily take them with you on traveling or camping.

Our personal preference for folding is the SweetNight foldable mattress. It is a 4-inch tri-fold mattress that you can use for multiple purposes like camping, traveling, overnight guests and hiking, and many more.

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The 7 Best Memory Foam Mattresses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Comfortable, supportive, and ready to fit you like a glove

Spruce / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

• How We Tested
• What to Look For

Why Trust The Spruce

Whether you want to improve the quality of your sleep or find some relief for your aching back, a memory foam mattress may help. We’ve tested over a dozen memory foam mattresses in our own homes, inviting pets, partners, and even our kids to sleep on them. We looked into how each aided or disrupted our sleep, trying these mattresses in a variety of sleeping positions and putting them through plenty of tossing and turning. Of course, we assessed each one for comfort, support, and value, too.

How can you determine if a memory foam mattress might help you sleep more soundly and comfortably at night? According to board-certified sleep medicine specialist Dr. Chester Wu , MD, medical reviewer for Rise Science, any aches and pains you feel in the morning may suggest it’s time for a different mattress—one with the right thickness, density, and firmness to properly support your body.

 “If you wake up with discomfort or pain in your back, neck, or joints, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough support from your mattress, which may indicate you need something firmer,” Dr. Wu advises. “You want a mattress that helps keep your spine aligned and provides pressure point relief.”

Dr. Wu also tells us that sleeping positions play an important role in finding the best memory foam mattress. “If you’re a side sleeper , for example, you may benefit from a medium-soft mattress to give your hips and shoulders enough support,” says Dr. Wu. “Back sleepers, meanwhile, might prefer a firmer mattress that’ll keep their spine in alignment.”

With that in mind, we evaluated months of testing insights from our in-home tests to identify the best memory foam mattresses for every type of sleeper.

Best Overall

Bear original mattress.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Good support for back and side sleeping

Very little motion transfer

No damage from pet claws

120-night trial period

Only 10 inches thick

The Bear Original seriously impressed us with a nearly ideal combination of support and comfort. One layer of foam provides a solid base, another molds to the body to provide a personalized level of support, and a third gel layer helps draw away body heat to assist in temperature regulation. We spent four weeks with this mattress, but we felt the effects almost immediately—reduced aches and pains, less waking up in the middle of the night, and a better quality of sleep. We love the way it conforms to the body like a hug, and instantly responds to any change in sleep position. We didn’t feel a lot of motion transfer either, and we never woke up due to excessive jostling. This mattress works well for both back and side sleeping, with enough firmness to avoid putting pressure on the spine when back sleeping, and enough cushion to relieve joint pressure when side sleeping. We were able to sleep on our back without any neck pain, and on our side without any joint pain. When a bit of chilly weather hit, we were reluctant to get out of bed at all—it’s just that comfortable. Bear wraps this mattress in a breathable quilted cover that we expected to take some damage from our furry friends jumping on the bed, but we were surprised to find that it was incredibly resilient. We never noticed any fraying of the cover or damage to the mattress itself, which is always a concern if you don’t have a robust mattress cover in place. This is hands down our favorite memory foam mattress, but it’s also a great value. It retails for about half the price of the Saatva Loom & Leaf (our best motion isolation pick), and it costs hundreds less than the Nectar (our recommendation for combo sleepers) or the Casper Original (our best for side sleepers pick) when comparing mattresses of the same size. This mattress is a bit on the thin side, at just 10 inches. That didn’t impact our comfort at all, but it’s important to note because some people do prefer a thicker mattress. If that’s the case, we still recommend this mattress, just with a taller platform bed to make up the difference. Bear offers a generous 120 night in-home trial period, so you can check it out yourself if you aren’t sure.

Material Type : Gel memory foam, Bear dynamic foam, high-density support foam | Thickness : 10 inches | Firmness : Medium firm | Sizes : Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King

Best Splurge

Helix midnight luxe mattress.

Perfect mix of firm and soft

Good for combo sleepers

Pillows provide great support

Plush top makes the edges feel weak

Pillows off-gassing took a long time

If you value the quality of your sleep more than money, the Helix Midnight Luxe is right there waiting for you. Think about the most comfortable bed you’ve slept in at a high end resort or hotel, and you’re on the right track. Our first impression of this mattress was that it’s so plush—the perfect balance of firm and soft to support every sleeping style for both solo sleepers and couples. Our experience with this bed was unrelentingly positive, sinking into sleep each night and waking feeling rested and relatively pain-free. Changing sleeping positions in the night was effortless, and we never had trouble getting right back to sleep. The medium-firm support provided excellent pressure relief when side sleeping, and plenty of support when back sleeping, without ever feeling misaligned in the morning. This mattress came with two pillows that unfortunately smelled very strongly of plastic initially (the mattress itself was odorless, which is another mark in its favor.) The smell lingered for about a week and half before we were finally able to use the pillows, but we were pleasantly surprised when we did. The pillows offered excellent neck support to match our experience with the mattress. The only downside of this mattress is that it’s perhaps too plush. The plush top is so soft and comfortable that it makes the edges feel a little weak. We were careful to sleep toward the middle of the bed and didn’t have any problems, but it’s easy to imagine someone with mobility issues having trouble getting in and out of bed.

Material Type : Tencel, Memory foam | Thickness : 13.5 inches | Firmness : Medium | Sizes : Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Short Queen, RV King

The Spruce / Erika Reals

Best for Combo Sleepers

Nectar the nectar memory foam mattress.

City Mattress

Medium-firm feel

Good spine and joint support

Extensive trial period and warranty

Retains heat

Less support for heavier individuals

Combination sleepers can have trouble finding the right memory foam mattress, because each sleeping position requires different forms of support. Nectar is our favorite for those who can’t settle on one sleeping position because the medium-firm feel strikes a nearly perfect balance between providing firm support for stomach and back sleeping, with enough cushion for side sleeping. We found this mattress to provide excellent support regardless of sleeping position and even noticed some reduction in shoulder and lower back pain. It accommodates different sleeping styles easily, but we weren’t totally satisfied with the motion isolation. That isn’t a big deal if you sleep alone, but two combo sleepers in this bed will constantly wake each other up when switching sleeping positions. This mattress includes a cooling layer, but we didn’t feel any temperature regulating effects. It seemed to retain heat, which could be uncomfortable if you sleep hot. We found it to be comfortable overall, even with the heat retention, but you may want to try something like the Bear Original (our best overall) if you’re a combo sleeper who also sleeps hot. Nectar offers a much longer than average trial period though (a full year!), so you can try it yourself if you’re concerned about heat retention.

Material Type : Gel memory foam | Thickness : 12 inches | Firmness : Medium Firm | Sizes : Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Best for Side Sleepers

Casper sleep original foam mattress.

Excellent joint and spine support

Firmness remains consistent

Good motion isolation

Too soft for side and stomach sleepers

Retains a lot of heat

Poor edge support

Side sleepers require a softer mattress to avoid spine misalignment, but joint support is also a huge deal. That’s why we recommend the Casper Original to side sleepers, since it has enough give to avoid pushing your body into an unnatural position, but retains enough support to avoid joint pain in the morning. We found that this mattress provides a dense yet forgiving feel that’s perfect for side sleeping. There isn’t much sink, but there’s enough to conform to your body and avoid pushing it out of alignment. After about four weeks, we noticed  a reduction in back pain and an overall improvement to our quality of sleep. This mattress doesn’t have enough support for stomach sleeping, so stomach and combo sleepers may want to stay away. It doesn’t provide the structured support of the Purple Mattress (our best for back sleepers pick) either, so it really is the best option for exclusive side sleepers. Two side effects of the plush comfort offered by this mattress are poor edge support and a lot of heat retention. We didn’t like how this mattress feels when sitting on the edge, and it may be uncomfortable if you sleep hot. Motion isolation is excellent thanks to the cushiony surface though, so it’s great for couples as long as you’re both side sleepers.

Material Type : Polyurethane foam, Memory foam | Thickness : 11 inches | Firmness : Medium | Sizes : Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Best Budget

Sweetnight breeze mattress.

Good support

No unpleasant odors

This mattress from Sweenight is our favorite budget recommendation because it provides a lot of the same characteristics you’d expect from a high end mattress without the accompanying price tag. It’s comfortable, supportive, and priced much lower than other options. It also provides very little motion transfer and sinkage thanks to a multi-layer construction. We came to this mattress from a traditional spring mattress, and it did take some getting used to. This mattress doesn’t have much bounce at all, and we didn’t like the edge support either (you sink down so far that it’s easy to slip off when sitting on the edge.) Despite those initial misgivings, sleeping on this mattress totally turned our opinion around. This mattress really molded around our body in a very comfortable way, providing excellent support without excessive sinkage. It doesn’t pull everything in like a black hole, and it springs right back to normal after getting up too, with no valley-like body impressions even after sleeping in the same place night after night. Motion transfer is minimal as well. Not quite as good as the Saatva Loom & Leaf (our best motion isolation pick), but this one is about $1,500 less so it still seems like a good deal. Sweetnight says that this mattress has temperature regulating qualities, but we felt like it retains heat more than anything else. We didn’t find it uncomfortably warm, but the one caveat we would make with this mattress is that it’s not the best option if you sleep hot.

Material Type : Gel memory foam | Thickness : 12 inches | Firmness : Medium Firm | Sizes : Twin, Full, Queen, King

Best Motion Isolation

Saatva loom & leaf mattress.

Luxurious feel

Reduced disturbances

Long trial and warranty

Limited bounce

Off-gassing takes several days

Memory foam is good at motion isolation, but it’s difficult to strike a balance between soft enough to really absorb movement and firm enough to provide adequate support. The Saatva Loom & Leaf is the leader in this area for us because it provides excellent back and joint support while also minimizing the impact when your partner gets up in the middle of the night, or a pet jumps up on the bed. This mattress is so good at motion isolation because it’s made of five layers of foam, all of varying thicknesses and densities, to provide both support and comfort. After spending a few nights on this mattress, we were struck by how few sleep disturbances we had compared to our old mattress compared to an older spring mattress. We love the luxurious feel of this mattress—it’s like something you’d expect to enjoy at a high end hotel. We found it to provide excellent support in a variety of sleeping positions—primarily back and side—and felt some relief from aches and pains that unfortunately came right back when we had to sleep on a different mattress at one point. Even with that support, it still feels plush and comfortable. One side effect of this mattress providing excellent motion isolation is that it doesn’t have much bounce at all. We also had to air it out for several days due to a lot of off-gassing. That’s on the long side, but not completely out of the norm for memory foam mattresses, and there weren’t any unpleasant odors afterward. Saatva offers a long 120-night trial period, so there’s plenty of time to make sure this mattress works for you even if you do need to let it air out for a few days first. 

Material Type : Foam, Cotton | Thickness : 12 inches | Firmness : Relaxed Firm  | Sizes : Twin, Twin XL, Full Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King

The Spruce / Stella Yu

Best for Back Sleepers

Purple mattress.

Purple 

Plenty of support for pressure relief

Good airflow and breathability

Minimal off-gassing

Uncomfortable when stomach-sleeping

Texture feels odd

Back sleepers require extra support for spinal alignment, which is tough to find even in a firm memory foam mattress. We like the medium-firm Purple Mattress for back sleepers because of the way the unique grid design conforms to the body while also reducing pressure points. After an initial period of adjusting to the strange feel of the mattress, we found that it helped a lot with our back and hip pain. Purple mattresses are different from other memory foam mattresses in that they use a rigid foam grid instead of solid slabs of foam. One of the consequences of that design is that the mattress feels odd, and it took us some time to get used to. We highly recommend taking advantage of Purple’s 100 night trial period to see if the texture bothers you or not. While we didn’t like the texture of this mattress at first, that initial discomfort faded away as we came to really appreciate the extra joint support provided by the grid design. It provides plenty of support for both back and side sleeping, although that support is somewhat lacking for stomach sleepers, which can lead to lower back pain. Heavier sleepers also tend to sink too deep into the grid for it to provide adequate support. Initial setup of this mattress was easy, but the width and height of the package is a little tough for one person to handle (we recommend an extra set of hands if possible.) Offgassing was minimal though, and the very faint odor faded enough after two hours that we were able to put the bedding on.

Material Type : GelFlex Grid | Thickness : 9.5 inches | Firmness : Medium Firm | Sizes : Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King

Final Verdict

We found the Bear Original Mattress to offer both comfort and support at a lower price than a lot of the competition, which is why it’s our recommendation for the best overall memory foam mattress. If you have trouble sleeping due to your partner tossing and turning, we recommend the Saatva Loom & Leaf for best motion isolation , which uses five layers of foam to offer support while also minimizing motion transfer from one part of the bed to another.

How We Tested the Memory Foam Mattresses

Prior to testing, we researched memory foam mattresses from all the top manufacturers, including Saatva, Purple, Casper, Bear, and more, for factors like comfort, support, cooling properties, value, and customer satisfaction. We then identified the top contenders and tested them in our own homes for several weeks.

When each mattress arrived, we started by noting how bulky the package was, how difficult it was to maneuver into place, and how long the mattresses took to expand to full size. We also noted instances of off gassing, and how long it took any unpleasant smells to dissipate.

We then used each mattress for a period of at least four weeks, evaluating each for comfort, support, and overall value. We also kept records of any changes to sleep quality, and any increase or decrease in aches and pains. For mattresses with special features, like cooling properties , we noted how well those features worked.

With all of that information in hand, we analyzed all of our testing scores and insights to identify the best memory foam mattresses for every situation.

What to Look for in a Memory Foam Mattress

Support and comfort.

When you start looking for a new memory foam mattress, start by considering support and comfort. A mattress that lacks adequate support for your sleeping style can result in aches or pain, and a mattress needs to feel comfortable if you want to enjoy restful sleep.

“The benefit of a memory foam mattress generally is that it can be more responsive to your body type than other mattress materials due to the viscoelastic properties of the foam (a fancy word for the material’s response to body heat and pressure to mold itself into a comfortable shape and then return to its original form once the pressure is removed),” says Dr. Chester Wu , MD, medical reviewer for Rise Science.

That allows a memory foam mattress to provide highly customized levels of support and comfort, but different mattresses have very different properties. “Assuming it’s got the right density of foam for the right firmness, the advantage of a memory foam mattress is that it can help maintain proper spinal alignment and evenly distribute your body weight to alleviate pressure points,” says Dr. Wu. “This can make it a good choice for those with back and joint pain.”

To identify a memory foam mattress that will provide the ideal level of comfort and support, you need to look at both the density and thickness of the foam. You may also want to take advantage of an in-home trial period to see what you find comfortable, like the Bear Original (our best overall) that offers a 120 night sleep trial, but we’ll touch on that more later.

Memory Foam Density

Density refers to how much material is packed into each cubic foot of memory foam, which impacts support and firmness. “Higher density memory foam provides better support and durability, which is beneficial for back support, while a softer, less dense foam may offer better pressure relief but less support, making it more suitable for lighter individuals or those with less severe support needs,” Dr. Wu advises.

Memory foam mattresses are typically referred to as plush, medium, and firm, with intermediate designations like medium-firm as well. These terms refer to the density of the mattress, so you can tell a lot about how comfortable and supportive a mattress will be from the type of foam. Memory foam mattresses often combine layers of foam of different density levels to achieve specific levels of comfort and support.

For example, the Saatva Loom & Leaf (our best motion isolation pick) is available in relaxed firm and firm versions, both of which are made up of five layers of foam with different density levels and other properties (like gel-infused foam for thermal management).

Here’s a quick breakdown of memory foam density levels:

• Soft (1 - 3 pounds per cubic foot) : These low-density mattresses are very soft, and the sleeper will tend to sink into the material. They can be good for side sleepers because they offer pressure relief, but the lack of support may cause back pain and other issues. Sinking too deep into a mattress can also result in discomfort, especially for combo sleepers who may struggle to change positions.
• Medium (4 - 5 pounds per cubic foot) : These medium-density mattresses provide a balance between support and pressure relief for different types of sleepers. “Medium-firm mattresses often work well for people in the average weight range (130 to 230 lbs or so),” says Dr. Wu.
• Firm (5+ pounds per cubic foot) : These high-density mattresses provide a lot of support, so they’re good for back and stomach sleepers , and for heavier individuals who tend to sink too deep into less dense mattresses. Some sleepers find these mattresses to be uncomfortable, but it’s a worthwhile trade if you’re suffering from back pain.

Mattress Thickness

Memory foam mattress thickness impacts comfort and support just like density, and it also plays a role in the number of layers the mattress can have—thicker mattresses can use many levels of foam to provide additional joint pressure relief, comfort without sinkage, edge support, and other qualities.

Dr. Wu advises that “a thicker memory foam mattress generally offers more pressure relief compared to a thinner one because it allows for more depth of cushioning and better distribution of body weight.”

The minimum memory foam mattress thickness we recommend for adults is 10 inches, because anything thinner will tend to lack adequate support and comfort. The Bear Original (our best overall recommendation) is a 10 inch mattress that hits the Goldilocks zone between support and comfort, with three layers of foam.

For additional support, especially for heavier sleepers and anyone suffering from back pain, we recommend a mattress in the 10 to 12 inch range. Thickness isn’t tied to price—the Sweetnight Breeze (our best budget pick) is a 12-inch mattress—but more expensive mattresses will typically have more layers. For example, the Saatva Loom & Leaf (our best motion isolation pick) has five foam layers, while the Sweetnight Breeze has three.

Cooling Features

According to Dr. Wu, one of the disadvantages of memory foam is that it tends to retain heat, which he says can be uncomfortable for hot sleepers. This is just a natural property of memory foam, and all memory foam mattresses absorb and retain heat to one degree or another.

“To mitigate the heat trapping problem, look for a mattress with features for temperature regulation, such as cooling gels or ventilated layers,” Dr. Wu advises. “This can help individuals maintain a more consistent temperature throughout the night.” It’s important to stress that memory foam mattresses don’t have active cooling systems and can’t actually cool you down, but certain types of foam and other substances and designs can provide a temperature regulating effect by improving airflow or changing the way the foam holds onto and releases heat.

Here are some memory foam mattress cooling features to look for:

• Infused foam : Some mattresses use a gel-infused foam layer that’s designed to draw heat away from the body. The Bear Original (our best overall pick) has a cooling gel-infused layer.
• Phase change materials : These materials are engineered to react to your body temperature. As your body warms up, the phase change materials absorb some of the heat and provide a cooler sleeping surface. The Saatva Loom & Leaf (our best motion isolation pick) incorporates phase change materials into its lumbar pad to help with heat buildup in the lower back area.
• Ventilation : This method involves channels or holes in the foam, which allows air to flow freely and carry away excess heat. The cells in the GelFlex grid used by the Purple Mattress (our best for back sleepers pick) are designed to reduce heat retention.
• Breathable covers : Breathable cotton and more advanced materials like Tencel and Celliant can help with heat discomfort and also wick away moisture to provide a more comfortable sleeping environment. If you sleep hot we recommend the Bear Original (our best overall pick) with the optional Celliant infused cover.

Trial Period and Warranty

Buying a mattress represents a significant investment, in terms of both finances and your health, which is why we recommend checking into the trial period and warranty of a mattress before you make a purchase. The trial period is an in-home sleep trial that lets you try out the mattress, and the warranty period is the amount of time during which the manufacturer will replace the mattress due to defects.

Every mattress we recommend offers a 100 night sleep trial at a bare minimum, which is usually enough to decide whether a mattress is going to work for you. Some manufacturers offer a significantly longer trial period, which is useful if you have specific concerns. For example, if you sleep hot, you may want to try a mattress during the heat of the summer even though you’re ready to buy during the cooler months. The Bear Original (our best overall pick) comes with a longer than usual 120-night sleep trial, but some have even longer trials. If you want to see how a mattress feels during each part of the year, the Saatva Loom & Leaf (our best motion isolation pick) and Nectar (our best for combo sleepers pick) both offer 365-night trials.

We recommend checking the warranty and trial details if you buy through an online mattress retailer like Amazon, as you sometimes need to buy directly from the manufacturer or go through a specific registration process to take advantage of free trial periods and extended warranties.

Every mattress we recommend has at least a 10 year warranty, and some offer lifetime warranties. For example, the Bear Original (our best overall recommendation) comes with a lifetime warranty, as does the Helix Midnight Luxe (our best splurge pick) and the Nectar (our pick for best budget.)

Certifications

Memory foam can potentially contain harmful substances like volatile organic compounds that may irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. If you’ve ever smelled a memory foam mattress immediately after unpacking and thought it smelled bad, that was volatile organic chemicals off-gassing from the foam.

While it’s normal for a memory foam mattress to release some volatile organic chemicals when it’s newly unboxed, you want to be sure that the mattress isn’t continuously releasing these chemicals (or contaminated with other substances). The best way to do that is to check the mattresses’ certifications.

The two most important certifications are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 , and Certipur US . OEKO-TEX Standard 200 is a general textile standard that guarantees the subject is free of a variety of harmful substances, including volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. CertiPUR-US is specifically focused on volatile organic compounds.

All of our memory foam mattresses are Certipur-certified, but not all of them have the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification. The Saatva Loom & Leaf (our best motion isolation pick) and Helix Midnight Luxe (our best splurge pick) are both OEKO-TEX Standard-100 certified, so they’re good options if you’re concerned about skin or respiratory system irritation.

Jeremy Laukkonen is an updates writer for The Spruce with over a decade of experience writing about home goods, appliances, and mattresses. He is a side sleeper and prefers a firm mattress. For this article, he analyzed testing insights collected from our in-home mattress tests, performed additional research on our selections, and consulted with a sleep specialist. Our Experts: 

• Dr. Chester Wu , MD, medical reviewer for Rise Science

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By Sleep Style

Best Mattresses-in-a-Box

Our rigorous tests highlight online mattresses that are not only convenient but also supportive

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more .

Many online mattress brands air-seal and compress their beds into a box, so you can buy and receive a mattress without ever setting foot outside your house. But what you get in exchange for convenience is the anxiety over whether the mattress you ordered ultimately delivers a good night’s sleep . Sure, you can typically return it within 100 days, but getting rid of a large item is decidedly inconvenient, and so is searching for a replacement—even if the refund is advertised as hassle-free.

That’s why Consumer Reports has tested more than 160 mattresses delivered in a box. We wrestle with the plastic wrap and watch the bed expand, just as you would at home; and then we test each model for comfort, durability, firmness, and stabilization, so you can simply refer to our ratings and find a model that’s right for you.

• Best Mattresses: Innerspring Foam
• How CR Tests Picks the Best Mattresses

Below, we’ve highlighted our top-performing mattresses-in-box. To find additional options, see our comprehensive mattress ratings , which include scores of over 260 mattresses. You can also explore our interactive mattress finder tool , which provides customized recommendations for your needs, such as body size, sleep position, firmness preferences, and budget.

Not sure where to start? Our mattress buying guide will walk you through each mattress category and provide strategies for shopping for every type. To read more about boxed models, see our article on the pros and cons of mattresses-in-a-box .

Best Innerspring Mattresses-in-a-Box

Innerspring mattresses combine coils with layers of fiber padding, foam, or latex. These mattresses offer a buoyant feel. Those with thicker foam layers are sometimes marketed as hybrid mattresses . Many innerspring mattresses, including most on this list, have lower stabilization scores than those of the foam mattresses in our ratings, so there may be more motion transferred from a partner’s movements.

Best Foam Mattresses-in-a-Box

Most foam mattresses-in-a-box , like the Casper Original, are made with synthetic foams. But a few of the mattresses in our ratings consist of latex, a typically more durable material. Foam mattresses generally receive higher marks than innersprings for stabilization, so there’s little motion transfer when a partner shifts position.

How CR Tests Mattresses

We put mattresses-in-a-box through the same rigorous testing we use for all mattresses. That means assessing support for all sizes of back and side sleepers, and evaluating durability as well as stability. What we found: There’s no noticeable difference in performance between our top-rated mattress-in-a-box models and traditional models, according to Chris Regan, who oversees CR’s mattress tests. This is even the case when it comes to durability—a test that includes passing a 309-pound roller over each mattress 30,000 times to simulate use after eight to 10 years. In fact, all the mattresses featured here earn a very good or better score in that area.

We also include comfort and owner satisfaction ratings from our surveys on nearly 66,000 mattresses purchased by CR members between 2013 and 2023, based on brand and type. To learn more about how we rate and test mattresses, check our mattress buying guide .

How CR Picks the Best Mattresses-in-a-Box

The best mattresses-in-a-box in our ratings perform well in our lab tests and are also often designed by brands that earn high praise for comfort and owner satisfaction in our member surveys. They offer very good or excellent support for most, if not all, sleep positions and sizes. They’re durable and isolate motion well too (so you won’t be woken up by a sleep partner or pet shifting on the other side of the mattress). 

For this roundup, we started with our comprehensive ratings and filtered those that are mattresses-in-a-box . What you see above is a selection of top performers that offer a diversity of materials, thicknesses, prices, and firmness levels.

Tanya A. Christian

Tanya Christian joined Consumer Reports as a multimedia content creator in 2021, bringing with her more than a decade of experience in the home and lifestyle space. As a content manager for small kitchen appliances, home remodeling products, and the sleep category, she’s happy to provide readers with recommendations on great design, helpful cooking tools, and smart ways to achieve better sleep. Follow her on Twitter @tanyaachristian .

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Nautica Home Exhilarate

Tempur-pedic luxebreeze 13" hybrid, sweetnight prime, sleep number m7 memory foam smart bed, sleep number c2 smart bed classic series, sleep number i10 smart bed, sleep number p6 smart bed, tempur-pedic probreeze 12", stearns & foster lux estate, sealy posturepedic hybrid lacey 13" plush, purple renew (costco), novaform 14" comfortgrande plus gel (costco).

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How we test mattresses in the Reviewed labs

Here’s how we decide what mattresses to recommend.

Updated May 7, 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

With the explosion in popularity of online mattress brands, it’s never been easier to find the sleeping surface of your dreams. However, the sheer variety of foam, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses on offer makes picking the right one an absolute nightmare. That’s where all of us at Reviewed come in.

We’re experts in consumer tech, appliances, and everything in between, and we’ve spent years perfecting a series of rigorous tests designed to find the best mattresses available. Considering that we spend a third of our lives (ideally) sleeping, picking the right mattress is one of the most critical decisions you can make, and we’re here to help. Reviewed’s mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own, including mattresses.

So, what kind of testing goes into our mattress reviews? Here are all the steps and processes our chief scientist and lab team take to test every foam, hybrid, and innerspring mattress that enters the Reviewed labs.

Our testing facility: The Reviewed Lab

Regarding mattresses specifically, we run each bed through a series of subjective and objective tests to measure cooling performance, motion transfer, ease of unboxing, pressure point relief, and more.

We dig into the user experience

Our sleep editors evaluate each mattress brand's customer service, warranties, trial periods, and return process.

Gone are the days when brick-and-mortar mattress stores were the only option for sleep-starved shoppers looking for a new bed. Since Casper launched its first mattress in 2014, the rise of online mattress-in-a-box brands has been unstoppable. Now, buying a mattress is as simple as visiting a website and clicking “add to cart.” Or, at least, that's the theory; in fact, shopping for mattresses online is full of warranty pitfalls, complicated deliveries, and dubious trial periods.

As part of our testing process, we examine warranties, trial periods, customer service experience, and return processes of each brand that sends a mattress into our labs.

We put the mattresses through a series of hands-on tests

We spend time setting up and sleeping on every mattress in our labs.

Sleeping is a subjective experience, and we all have our preferences. While we mitigate this reality by putting each mattress through a series of repeatable, data-driven tests, we also recognize that it’s impossible to get a good sense of a mattress's pros and cons without a bit of hands-on time.

When each mattress arrives in our labs, we note the ease of unboxing, paying particular attention to the product's weight and how easy (or difficult) it is to unpack and set up.

Finally, we spend time lying on the mattress in various positions, noting how it conforms to our body.

We assess the mattresses edge support

A sturdy edge will make getting in and out of the bed easier.

Edge support isn't the first thing most people think of when they’re mattress shopping, but it’s a vitally important factor for some. Firm edges help users get out of bed as they provide resistance to push against when standing. This is particularly relevant for users with strength or mobility issues. A firm mattress edge is also essential for people who sleep close to the edge of the mattress. It’s worth noting, however, that softer edges aren’t necessarily bad. Not all users want or need a mattress with a firm edge.

We measure edge support using a heavy boxing bag. The bag has the same mass and pressure distribution on the mattress as a typical human. The bag is lowered onto the mattress and rolled slowly towards the edge. We measure the amount of bag overhang before the bag rolls off the mattress. Firmer edges allow for more bag overhang.

We measure motion transfer

Light sleepers will benefit from minimal motion transfer.

Motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other is a significant issue for those who share a mattress. Easy motion transfer can cause disturbed sleep, particularly for light sleepers.

To assess motion transfer, we drop the heavy boxing bag onto one side of the mattress while monitoring forces/acceleration on the other side with the sensors in a smartphone. Mattresses that effectively isolate movement should generate low forces/accelerations on the other side of the bed when the bag is dropped.

We monitor pressure point relief

Effective pressure point relief is one of the most significant contributors to overall comfort.

Depending on sleep position, different parts of the body can create low- and high-pressure points on the mattress. For side sleepers, high pressures often occur under the hip bones and shoulder blades. For a back sleeper, the lower back is a low-pressure area. Ideally, a mattress should smooth out pressure variation by at least partially conforming to the body's shape.

Pressure relief is an important comfort factor for all sleepers, but side sleepers benefit most from a mattress with a smooth variation of pressure points.

We use a padded barbell to create simulated low- and high-pressure areas. The bar weights create a high-pressure region, and the bar handle linking them creates a low-pressure region. We use a pressure sensor to read the pressures under the weights and handle. A mattress that conforms well to the body's shape and provides good support should even out the pressures under the different parts of the barbell. Excessively firm mattresses that don’t conform to the body will show more pressure variation.

We test cooling capabilities

If you sleep hot, a cooling mattress is absolutely necessary.

Mattresses that keep the user cool should be good at quickly transferring heat away from the body. This is an important comfort factor for all sleeping positions but probably most relevant to back and front sleepers as they make contact with a larger surface area of the mattress.

We use heated gel pads to simulate a warm body in contact with the mattress to test cooling. These are covered in an insulating blanket, and temperature-logging sensors under the gel pads record how quickly they cool down. The insulating blanket means that heat loss mainly happens through the mattress. Mattresses that effectively keep the user cool should have a high rate of heat loss from the warm gel pads.

We rank the bounciness

It doesn’t influence the final score, but testing mattress bounciness is undoubtedly fun.

Finally, we put each mattress through our spin on the legendary Tempur bowling ball and wine glass test. Whether a mattress is sufficiently bouncy is subjective, so this isn’t part of our overall scoring model. However, those who shift positions often throughout the night may prefer a bouncy mattress, so we take note of it.

Bounciness is measured by how high a bowling ball dropped onto the mattress can rebound. The higher the bounce, the greater the bounce.

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8 Best Mattresses for Sex, Tested & Reviewed

Responsive, bouncy and supportive enough for a good night of sleep (and sex).

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall Mattress for Sex

Saatva classic mattress.

Best Value Mattress for Sex

Allswell luxe hybrid.

Most Comfortable Mattress for Sex

Helix dusk luxe.

Best Cooling Mattress for Sex

Purple mattress.

Best Latex Mattress for Sex

Avocado green mattress.

Best Hybrid Mattress for Sex

Bear elite hybrid.

Best Mattress for Heavy People

Emma hybrid comfort.

Best Bouncy Mattress for Sex

Winkbed mattress.

There's nothing worse than a lackluster mattress when you're trying to get some shut-eye or have sex. No matter the activity of choice, our experts recommend investing in a high-quality mattress that is as comfortable throughout the night as it is bouncy, supportive and responsive .

Earning the number one spot in our best mattress guide , you can't go wrong with this Saatva mattress. Made with quality materials that are built to last, its traditional innerspring design should provide just enough bounce for you and your partner while remaining stable. It's built with individual steel coils to provide support and airflow throughout the night, and it features a pillowtop surface and a layer of foam for pressure relief and extra cushioning.

Plus, each order includes white glove delivery and set up as well as a 365-day return period if you're not satisfied (just keep in mind the $99 pick-up fee if you decide not to keep it).

Tester notes: Consumer testers gave it top marks for comfort, support, customer service and overall sleep quality. One tester describes it as being "comfortable with just the right amount of plush" while others call it "the best mattress ever." Several testers reported that it feels firmer, has great edge support and sleeps cooler than other mattresses (a great bonus if you tend to overheat during sexual activity).

READ MORE: Saatva Mattress Review

This boxed mattress will be delivered straight to your doorstep (at no extra cost) at a fraction of the price of other mattresses . Best of all, it doesn't feel cheap. A hybrid design, it's constructed with memory foam, coils and a quilted pillowtop for the perfect combination of comfort, support and pressure relief as you shift around throughout the night. According to our product analysts, it's not so memory foam heavy that it makes it difficult to move around on the bed.

We've also noticed that younger adults, including new homeowners or apartment renters in their 20s, especially like it since they're less likely to be troubled by the lack of edge support.

Tester notes : Survey respondents love this mattress's great value that doesn't sacrifice its comfortable feel. "This mattress is supportive and plush, and it feels like a fancy hotel bed," one tester says.

Described by our fiber scientists as the "Goldilocks of mattresses," this hybrid mattress is neither too hard nor too soft . It's the perfect pick for couples who have different preferences since the medium firmness should offer a happy balance. Constructed with layers of foam over coils and add-ons like zoned sections for ergonomic support, a built-in pillowtop for extra comfort and a moisture-wicking cover, it's a bit pricier than other boxed hybrids you'll find but well worth it.

Tester notes: From ease of setup to comfort and support to overall sleep quality, this mattress received high scores from recent testers in all areas. Several noted that they felt supported no matter what side they were on or the position they were in. "The bed doesn’t move much which is nice," says one tester. "It won’t shake the frame or anything and since the top isn’t super firm but also not too soft, if someone’s on top of you your body sinks in just a little bit and definitely stays cool enough for those who run warm.”

While memory foam may not always be the best choice for sex, especially mattresses that feel too sink-in soft, our pros like this model from Purple. It features a GelFlex Grid elastic top layer that not only allows for extra airflow and ventilation but manages to feel bouncy and responsive all while cradling pressure points. This version is one of the more affordable from Purple, but we also recommend this hybrid variation that features individual coils for even more support, bounce and airflow.

Tester notes: Most testers remarked that the Purple mattress was noticeably cooler than other beds they've owned, with some even claiming it felt too cool in the winter. Others rave about its perfect combination of soft and firm. One GH editor loves that the mattress has enough support and bounce so you never feel like you're sinking into it.

If you want a bouncy yet resilient mattress, look no further than this Good Housekeeping Seal holder that's constructed with latex. As a latex hybrid, this mattress stands out for its supportive, breathable feel. You won't sink in like you would with memory foam, but it still offers cushioning that some testers describe as a "floating" feel . Just keep in mind that it's on the firmer side, and it costs extra for medium or soft firmness feels. Nevertheless, our pros appreciate that it's made from certified organic materials (GOTS and GOLS-certified) as well as the gracious year-long return policy.

Tester notes: Users found that this mattress kept their body weight evenly distributed and loved sleeping on it. On top of excellent customer service, they appreciate its organic construction and claim that it's worth the cost. "I like that it's made of organic and natural materials, that it's extremely comfortable and that it's held up even after years," says one tester.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Avocado's Green Mattress is the Best Organic Mattress on the Market

The Bear Elite Hybrid hits that sweet spot as a hybrid mattress that combines all the benefits of memory foam with innersprings . Unlike other boxed mattresses, it has reinforced edge support and is a tester favorite for its comfort. It's made with layers of foam and coils and features five zoned sections to promote proper spinal alignment as well as provide precise cushioning around the hips and back. Our pros do warn that the brand claims to use eco-friendly materials to promote recovery, but we couldn't verify those claims in our research.

Tester notes: Testers have described this Bear mattress as "nothing short of amazing" thanks to its exceptional comfort and support. Many note that it even improved sleep quality over time. "It is the most comfortable mattress we have ever slept on," said one tester.

While you may not have heard of this brand in the U.S., it's widely known throughout Europe and slowly growing its presence in the States. Our sleep experts previously reviewed the Emma CliMax Hybrid, a mattress designed for sex, plus-size bodies and cooling. The Hybrid Comfort is the brand's latest version and an excellent choice for heavy people or anyone who prefers a firm mattress as well as couples who need motion isolation. It combines coil and foam for maximum support, topped with a moisture-wicking top cover to help you stay cool. Our pros like that a free one-year trial is included, as well as all shipping and returns.

Tester notes: Testers of a similar model raved about the mattress's comfort and support, as well as how it didn't require any breaking-in. "This bed was just as comfortable, if not more comfortable," one tester says, who compared the Emma CliMax Hybrid to an expensive luxury model.

A good mattress for sex should have some bounce to it, which is why the WinkBed earns a spot on our list. Despite being a hybrid, this pick has the responsiveness and bounce of a traditional innerspring according to our product analysts . It's also on the taller side for a standard-height mattress and has solid edge support. We also like that each purchase comes packed in a box and includes a 120-day trial to make sure you're satisfied, and there are four firmness levels to choose from.

Tester notes: Testers of WinkBed mattresses agree that the bed felt bouncy as well as conforming to the body. "It had ample bounce and it felt uniformly supportive under my body," one tester says. Some do mention that the bed felt hot when sleeping on their backs.

How we test mattresses

For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has evaluated mattresses for every preference, style and activity. To narrow down the best mattress for sex, our analysts researched popular brands and mattress materials, then product experts and at-home testers tried them out for firsthand feedback. To gain additional insight, we surveyed our consumer tester panel on the mattresses they already own. In recent years, we've surveyed over 10,000 mattress owners and reviewed answers to more than 170,000 questions before making our picks. Here's what we consider during our reviews:

✔️ Ease of ordering and delivery: Users share their experiences buying a mattress and having it delivered, noting whether there were any issues during this process and whether they were resolved.

✔️ Ease of set-up: Users describe whether the process of setting up the mattress went smoothly, whether DIY or through a delivery service. This feedback includes if the mattress took shape quickly.

✔️ Comfort and support: We ask testers to provide scores for comfort, support and satisfaction at the start of their review as well as over an extended period of time.

✔️ Temperature: Because certain materials, like soft memory foam, are notorious for retaining heat, our pros inquire whether users retained a comfortable body temperature throughout the night. We also check whether users noticed any cooling claims made by brands.

✔️ Perceived sleep quality: Respondents share whether the mattress affected their sleep quality, as well as whether or not they felt sore. We also give them the opportunity to compare their current model to ones they've used in the past.

✔️ Firmness rating: We ask users to share their opinion on the mattress's firmness level and whether it felt the way the brand claimed it would in real life.

✔️ Edge support: Testers rate whether or not the edges of the bed sink in under their weight, like when sitting on the perimeter. Though brands may claim their mattresses offer edge support, sometimes users don't feel it.

✔️ Additional feedback: Testers and panel respondents share any likes, dislikes and further comments at the end of the survey about their experience with the mattress.

What to look for when shopping for a mattress for sex

✔️ Bounce and responsiveness: A mattress for sex should have the right amount of bounce and responsiveness, and you'll find this feature in many of our top picks above. A responsive mattress allows for easy movement if desired and extra bounce contributes to the experience, whereas you may find it difficult to move in a mattress that is too sink-in soft.

✔️ Noise: Ideally, you’ll want to find a mattress with minimal noise. For innerspring mattresses and hybrids, look for those with pocketed coils. A quilted top may also help dampen noise from movement, but if the fabric on the top of your mattress makes noises as you move, consider getting a mattress pad or mattress protector. If your mattress doesn’t feel stable or if you find it too squeaky, it may be your bed frame or bed base. If your bed frame has slats, make sure they’re not too far apart. Otherwise, Thuma’s The Bed is the most stable bed frame our experts have tested and an excellent choice for sexual activity.

✔️ Edge support: This is typically an important factor to consider for anyone with mobility issues as many users will rely on a mattress's edges to get in and out of bed (ones that are too soft make it more difficult). It's also important for those who like to sleep (or lie) closer to the edge. While edge support isn't necessary for a mattress for sex, it's a factor to consider as you'll want ample support for more than purely sleeping.

✔️ Temperature regulation: Hot sleepers or those who overheat (especially during sex) should seek out a mattress with inherent breathability or cooling technology.

What type of mattress is best for sex?

According to our bedding experts, traditional innerspring or latex hybrid mattresses are often favored for sex as they're more bouncy and resilient compared to the sink-in feel of memory foam mattresses. This bounce and support makes them versatile, but our pros note that foam hybrids are also a great choice.

Which mattress firmness is best for sex?

The right firmness for you is a question of personal preference. For those who are unsure, we recommend finding a mattress firmness that falls somewhere in the middle (not too soft, not too firm). This is the most versatile option for a variety of positions while sleeping or otherwise.

Keep in mind when shopping that innerspring and latex hybrid mattresses tend to have a firmer feel, which may feel more “solid” or “stable” to some. These mattresses also come in medium and soft variations if preferred. When thinking about the right firmness to choose, our experts also advise factoring in your favorite sleep position and body type since you'll also be sleeping on your mattress over time and its firmness level is essential to its overall comfort.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has tested all kinds of mattresses and bedding products for over a century. Each year, our experts actively research and review hundreds of mattresses in addition to surveying our readers, organizing consumer testing and analyzing countless data points.

Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and recently oversaw at-home mattress testing of over 100 models. Grace has written several stories about the various types of mattresses available, from those designed for side sleepers to mattresses for adjustable beds , and the best places to buy a mattress . Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.

GH Institute analyst and writer Olivia Lipski closely collaborated with Wu to write this review based on the Textiles Lab's extensive testing data and frequently covers bedding content, from the best sheets on Amazon to the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, silk pillowcases and more. Since joining GH in 2021, she's had the opportunity to test several mattresses herself, including hybrid, memory foam and boxed models.

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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Which is the best Casper mattress in 2024? Here's what you need to know

Your guide to finding the best Casper mattress for your needs and budget

• Best overall
• Best for back sleepers
• Best for side sleepers
• Best for cooling / side sleepers
• Best for cooling / combi sleepers

Casper is a pioneer in the online mattress-in-a-box industry. After 10 years (and plenty of mattresses), Casper went back to the drawing board and introduced five new beds. We ranked some of Casper's previous models among the best mattresses on the market, but this new lineup is poised to surpass its predecessors by promising improved support, enhanced cooling, and greater durability.

What's the best Casper mattress in 2024? I tried them all hands-on at the Casper Sleep Store in Lower Manhattan and during a visit to Casper Labs in Brooklyn. Below is a ranking of Casper's current lineup based on my first impressions and early feedback from Casper customers. However, our experts will be testing each mattress thoroughly over the next several months. We'll be updating this page with their reviews.

Casper recently celebrated its 10th anniversary by taking 25% off all of its new mattresses – but now the brand has gotten a head start on Memorial Day mattress sales by bumping that discount to 30%. As far as Casper mattress sales go, these are some of the strongest savings we've ever seen from the brand. Ready to see what's new? Keep scrolling to find the best Casper mattress for your needs.

The best Casper mattresses in 2024

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Best Casper mattress overall

1. Casper Dream Hybrid Mattress

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Our pick for the best Casper mattress overall is the Casper Dream, which replaces the Casper Original Hybrid. 

Features: Just like the now-discontinued Casper Original Hybrid, the Casper Dream has a layer of ergonomic memory foam that's firmer under the hips, waist, and lumbar for support yet softer around the shoulders and knees for pressure relief. There's also a base of wrapped pocket coils surrounded by a dense foam border for edge support. A top layer of Breathe Flex Foam adds bounce and airflow. 

My first impressions: The Casper Dream is my favorite mattress among Casper's lineup because of its balanced, responsive feel. I'm a combination side/stomach sleeper and not only did I find it easy to switch positions, I felt comfortable no matter how I lay. (I did need a few moments to settle onto my side, but once I did, I was golden.) Unlike the AirFoam found in the Casper Original Hybrid, the Breathe Flex Foam in the Casper Dream is quicker to snap back into place. This bodes well if you like the pressure relief of memory foam but don't want to feel like you're sinking into your bed. Edge support is excellent, as well, particularly at the center of the mattress. 

What the customers say: As of May 2024, the Casper Dream is the brand's top-rated mattress at 4.8 out of 5 stars from nearly 90 reviews. It's been praised by side, back, and stomach sleepers seeking a balanced bed feel, and several Casper shoppers even claim that it's helped ease their back pain. On the flip side, some reviewers warn that it doesn't dampen movement well.

Casper Dream Hybrid Mattress: from $1,495 $1,045 at Casper This is Casper's most affordable and balanced hybrid mattress, and right now it's 30% off the MSRP. A queen size is now on sale for $1,305 (was $1,875), which knocks it into the higher mid-range bracket. A 10-year warranty is included, as is a 100-night sleep trial.

Best Casper mattress for back sleepers

2. Casper One Foam Mattress

Among Casper's main lineup, the Casper One is the brand's lone memory foam mattress and also its most affordable model. It replaces Casper's previous all-foam mattresses, The Casper and The Original.

Features: Unlike The Casper and The Original, the Casper One lacks a zoned support foam layer. Instead, there's a layer of Align Memory Foam designed to gently cradle your body and relieve pressure. That's sandwiched between a top layer of responsive Breathe Flex Foam and a dense foam core on the bottom for stability. 

My first impressions: I found the Casper One surprisingly firm for an all-foam bed. I'm not a natural back sleeper, but this bed could make the case for me to permanently adopt that position. As much as I liked the Casper One for back sleeping, I didn't get on with it for stomach sleeping due to noticeable sinkage in my mid-section and thought it was a touch too firm for strict side sleeping. Edge support should be sufficient for lightweight to average individuals, but larger bodies may not feel as steady. I didn't conduct a formal drop test, but given the Casper Original mattress had outstanding motion isolation when we tested it, I believe the Casper One will be just as effective in this area.

What the customers say: The Casper One mattress has a 4.6-star rating out of 5 from approximately 60 reviews as of May 2024. So far, it's a hit with sleepers who like a firmer mattress, with few mentioning that it's been good for their back pain. The negative feedback is from those who find the Casper One too firm.

Casper One Foam Mattress: from $875 $610 at Casper Casper's lone all-foam mattress is also its most affordable. A 30% discount brings it into mid-range territory. Case in point: a queen Casper One mattress is now on sale for $870 (was $1,245). If you're a dedicated back sleeper, give this deal a look. The standard extras are included (a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial).

Best Casper mattress for side sleepers

3. Casper Dream Max Hybrid Mattress

Replacing the Casper Nova Hybrid is the Casper Dream Max, a medium-soft hybrid mattress geared toward side sleepers craving lots of pressure relief with ample support for their mid-section.

Features: The Casper Dream Max has ergonomic, body-contouring foam layers. Its Zoned Support Max features seven targeted support zones, including a three-zone foam layer that's firmer in the middle plus a second memory foam layer with narrow channels to cradle your body. On top is a layer of Breathe+ Flex Foam, which Casper says is 20% more breathable than the Breathe Flex Foam in its Casper Dream Hybrid. At the bottom are individually wrapped coils surrounded by a dense foam border for enhanced edge support.

The Casper Dream Max Hybrid is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.

My first impressions : Despite being a dominant side sleeper, I'm not one for soft mattresses, but once I settled into the Casper Dream Max, I was ready to snooze away my day. It was cushy around my shoulders and knees, but I still felt well-supported along my hips. Back sleeping was fine – I immediately felt the Zoned Support Max contour my lumbar. I was uncomfortable resting on my stomach (as expected). Edge support is okay; I found the Casper Dream Hybrid steadier to sit on.

What the customers say: There are fewer than 20 reviews for the Casper Dream Max as of May 2024, but the feedback so far has been positive. (It has a 4.6-star rating out of 5.) Side and back sleepers enjoy its deep pressure relief, and some reviewers claim the Casper Dream Max helps alleviate issues like back pain and insomnia. However, a couple of Casper shoppers say it's too firm.

Casper Dream Max Hybrid Mattress: from $2,495 $1,745 at Casper This is one of Casper's premium hybrid models for side sleeping, and right now you can buy one at a 30% discount. A queen-size falls to $2,185 (was $3,125). As with all Casper mattress purchases, you'll get 100 nights to try it out, and a 10-year warranty applies. Note that twin XL is the smallest size on offer.

Best Casper cooling mattress for side sleepers

4. Casper Snow Hybrid Mattress

The Casper Snow was first released in April 2023 – but even that's been revamped. The brand's popular cooling mattress has a new feel and materials for 2024.

Features: Casper's new Snow Hybrid swaps the top layer of responsive Casper Signature Foam with a 'soft and gooey' Soothe Memory Foam you can deeply sink into. The HeatDelete Bands, Zoned Support foam, and cool-to-touch phase-change cover remain but have been slightly enhanced to provide greater cooling comfort. At the base are pocket coils plus a dense foam border for edge support.

My first impressions: In our Casper Snow mattress review (2023) , we said that side sleepers may want something softer. Well, this new version of the Snow Hybrid is it. Next to the Casper Dream Hybrid, this was my favorite mattress for side sleeping. The memory foam top layer is slower to respond so I'm hesitant to recommend it to combi sleepers. (Stomach sleepers may want to pass on this, as will back sleepers who like a firmer bed.) The Snow Cover feels soothing, although I noticed some body heat under where I lay after a few moments, but not enough to make me uncomfortable. Edge support is average.

What the customers say: The new Casper Snow has a 4.4-star rating (out of 5) from  50 reviewers as of May 2024. Indeed, hot sleepers are fans of this updated cooling model, claiming they no longer toss and turn at night due to overheating. The only complaints here are about Casper's customer service and an alleged off-gassing odor coming from the mattress.

Casper Snow Hybrid Mattress (2024): from $1,875 $1,310 at Casper The latest Casper Snow Hybrid not only sports new materials but it has a higher MSRP than its predecessor, too. Fortunately, there's a 30% off sale right now, which drops prices down to where they were with the previous Snow Hybrid. Bring home a queen Casper Snow for $1,745 (was $2,495). A 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial are included. Note that the starting price is for a twin XL.

Best Casper cooling mattress for combination sleepers

5. Casper Snow Max Hybrid Mattress

The Casper Snow Max Hybrid is the brand's most expensive mattress on offer, unseating the retired Casper Wave Hybrid Snow.

Features: The Casper Snow Max Hybrid is a cross between the Casper Dream Max and the Casper Snow. Like the Dream Max, it has dual layers of ergonomic memory foam for targeted relief and support, replacing the gel support pods found in the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow. It includes twice the Heat Delete Bands compared to the Casper Snow Hybrid and sports a top layer of Soothe Memory Foam, pocket coils, and a dense foam border at the base.

The Casper Snow Max Hybrid is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.

My first impressions: For a mattress that's billed as medium-soft, I found the Casper Snow Max more supportive than the Casper Snow, which could be a credit to the ergonomic foam layers. I recommend it most for side sleepers, but back sleeping was comfortable, as well. While I was fine on my stomach, I think it could be hit-or-miss for others who like to rest on their front. I didn't find it difficult to move around on here as I did the Casper Snow, despite both having a top memory foam layer. As for its cooling prowess, I could feel the soothing sensation right through the bedsheets! I was a huge fan of the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow mattress , but so far I'm not too disappointed in the Casper Snow Max taking its place.

What the customers say: Reviews are sparse for the Casper Snow Max Hybrid, with fewer than 20 shoppers leaving their thoughts as of May 2024. Still, it has a 4.5-star rating out of 5. Customers say it's very cooling and comfortable, with a few combi sleepers singing its praises. As for the pair of 1-star reviews, one regarded shipping and the other claims the edges have already buckled after less than a year of use.

Casper Snow Max Hybrid Mattress: from $3,125 $2,185 at Casper This is Casper's most expensive mattress, but thanks to a 30% discount you can save a few dollars. A queen Casper Snow Max Hybrid can be yours for $2,620 (was $3,745) – still pricey but a decent deal for Casper's coolest mattress yet. It comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Note that the starting price is for a twin XL.

How I tested the best Casper mattresses

I spent at least five minutes with each mattress. During that time, I lay in various positions and sat on the sides and corners to gauge edge support. At the Casper Sleep Store, the mattresses were dressed in bed sheets, but at Casper Labs, they were on display as-is. Keep in mind that I am a 5ft4in, 145lb side/stomach sleeper who is prone to lower back pain.

All of my experiences are first impressions. In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing thorough reviews of these mattresses based on objective tests and real-world use. 

Casper mattresses: FAQs

Where can you buy casper mattresses.

Casper mattresses are available at Casper.com or one of over 60 Casper Sleep Store locations across the US and Canada. Amazon is a certified Casper retail partner along with Raymour & Flanagan, Wayfair, Macy's, and Target, another other stores. 

Meanwhile, Costco sells an exclusive model called the Casper Cooling Select Mattress , which is available as a hybrid or all-foam. This upgraded version of the discontinued Casper Select Mattress adds a cool-to-the-touch cover.

Can you still buy discontinued Casper mattresses?

While Casper no longer sells its previous-generation beds, you can still find them in stock at third-party sellers like Amazon and Wayfair. Keep in mind that some third-party retailers may not honor the original trial period or have complicated return policies. If you decide to buy from Amazon, learn how to return a mattress to Amazon , just in case.

How can you try out a Casper mattress?

Casper offers a 100-night sleep trial with purchase, with free returns and a full refund if it doesn't work out. From there, Casper will either donate or recycle the used mattress. If you live near a Casper Sleep Store location, you can go there to check out Casper's current mattresses up close, as well as speak to a Casper Sleep Specialist. 

Are Casper mattresses worth it?

Casper is one of the longest-reigning bed-in-a-box brands out there for a reason. It has a reputation for delivering high-quality memory foam and hybrid mattresses along with excellent overall customer service. 

On the flip side, Casper offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. While that's still plenty of time to break in a new bed and in line with the average lifespan of a mattress , those extras pale in comparison to rival Nectar, which includes a one-year trial and a forever warranty .

Price-wise, Casper falls between the upper mid-range and premium price brackets before discounts. They're not supremely expensive beds, but keep an eye on mattress sales, especially around major shopping events like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. You'll be able to save as much as 30% off the MSRP. 

Bottom line: Casper mattresses are worth it if you want a boxed mattress from a trusted brand. In particular, a cooling mattress like the Casper Snow or Casper Snow Max could be worth your consideration if you chronically overheat at night.

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Freelance writer and editor Alison is an expert mattress tester for Tom's Guide, and hails from Philadelphia, USA. Alison has reviewed a wide range of mattresses, pillows and other sleep accessories for Tom's Guide, putting the latest hybrid, memory foam and cooling mattresses from Casper, Nectar, Awara, Brooklinen and other leading brands through their paces. Alison has been sharing buying advice and retail news for over a decade. When she isn't reviewing mattresses, other home products or hunting for great deals to save you money, Alison can be found teaching/training in martial arts, fawning over skincare, and indulging in her quarantine-borne hobby: cooking.

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Our advice is expert-vetted and based on independent research, analysis and hands-on testing from our team of Certified Sleep Coaches. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. How we test mattresses

Best Innerspring Mattresses in 2024

Looking for a traditional bouncy feel with increased support? Here are the top innerspring beds on the market, tested and reviewed by our experts.

A classic innerspring mattress offers a comfortable and responsive feel and offers a little more support than a memory foam mattress. If you're considering an innerspring mattress and haven't had one in a while, you'll see a lot of differences compared with the mattresses of years ago. The biggest change is that innerspring mattresses have been improved to offer better motion isolation, so you won't disturb your partner (or be disturbed by them) throughout the night. After personally testing more than three dozen mattresses, I can attest to the fact that there's nothing quite like a great innerspring mattress for a good night's sleep

Now is a great time to upgrade your mattress, as many of the top mattress brands are running Memorial Day sales. Sorting through all of the options can be a bit tricky though. Given the number of choices, it takes some work to separate the good from the way-too-bouncy. That's why I did the comparison-shopping for you. Here are my favorites.

What's the best innerspring mattress?

There are plenty of good innerspring mattresses available from top-notch brands. The bed that stands out from the rest is the Beautyrest Black C-Class Pillow Top Mattress. Beautyrest is known for making luxury mattresses with high-quality materials. 

The Beautyrest Black C-Class is the best overall innerspring mattress because it's a hybrid bed available in seven different firmness options. Beds always get extra points if they have customization because it allows you to pick the firmness that best suits your needs. That's not the only thing that sets it apart. Besides being extremely comfortable, each of the coils in the mattress has three types of steel. Beautyrest Black isn't what I would consider a budget mattress, but it's worth the money if you're looking for a bed that will last. 

Best innerspring mattresses of 2024

Mattress price scale:

$ = Budget: $799 and below

$$ = Average: $800 to $1,699

$$$ = Premium: $1,700 and up

These reflect MSRP or list prices. Sales might make a mattress less expensive, but are always changing.

Best overall innerspring mattress

Beautyrest black c-class 16-inch plush pillow top mattress.

Why we chose the Beautyrest Black C-Class mattress: The Beautyrest Black is a fan-favorite and the best innerspring mattress overall. There are different models, but with its plush pillow top, 16-inch profile and advanced cooling technology, the C-Class is one of the most luxurious. Technically a hybrid, it's made with a couple of layers of pressure-relieving cooling and gel memory foams. This pocketed coil mattress has a base layer with an 850 pocket coil count.

The coils are constructed with a proprietary technique, called T3 Pocketed Coil Technology, which is found only in the Beautyrest Black models -- which is a fancy way of saying that each coil has three strands of steel that are wound into one. This solves some of the typical problems associated with innerspring mattresses by reducing motion transfer and absorbing bounce and the innerspring coils provide extra support so the mattress doesn't sag over time. This mattress has five comfort levels and is compatible with an adjustable bed.

• Made with an extra inch of luxury materials like silk and cashmere fibers
• It's available in firm, plush, medium pillow top and plush pillow top
• The Beautyrest Black isn't a budget mattress

Best innerspring mattress for back pain

Saatva classic mattress.

Why we chose the Saatva Classic mattress: The Saatva Classic hybrid mattress is where the traditional innerspring mattress meets the modern need for increased comfort. It has two layers of springs. The first is a dual coil base layer that provides advanced support, prevents sagging, allows for increased airflow so the mattress doesn't trap heat and is recommended for hot sleepers. 

The middle layer consists of individually wrapped coils made from durable coil gauges that relieve pressure points and quickly respond to your body's movement to prevent motion transfer. On top of those steel coils sits high-density memory foam and a 3-inch Euro pillow top that gives it some extra oomph, if that's what you're looking for.

It comes in two mattress heights, 11.5 and 14.5 inches, and three comfort levels, Plush Soft, Luxury Firm and Firm. The Plush Soft is ideal for all types of sleepers, but the Luxury Firm is the most popular (what 82% of customers ultimately end up choosing, according to Saatva). Firm is best for spinal alignment and back support, especially if you're a heavier sleeper. This Saatva mattress is compatible with an adjustable base. Read more in our Saatva mattress review .

• The Saatva mattress has a dual-layer of coils that provides extra support
• It's a great pick for people who want more support and multiple firmness options
• Available in two mattress heights
• This innerspring mattress may be a little too firm for petite sleepers

Saatva Classic

Best traditional innerspring mattress

Stearns & foster estate rockwell mattress.

Why we chose the Stearns & Foster Estate Rockwell mattress: Stearns & Foster mattresses are on the pricier side, but they're still a great value, especially when you consider the quality. The Estate Rockwell 15-inch Luxury Firm Pillow Top Mattress, which scientists from Tempur-Pedic designed, is made with an exclusive type of coil system called IntelliCoil. This memory foam mattress has an individually wrapped pocket and has two coils -- one that rests inside the other -- for added durability, advanced contouring and even weight distribution.

A layer of memory foam sits on top of the coils to help relieve pressure and optimize comfort. This specific model is classified as a Luxury Firm, which means it offers that initial plush feel when you first climb onto it, but with an underlayer of firm support, no matter your sleeping position. Read more in our Stearns & Foster mattress review .

• If Luxury Firm doesn't work for you, the mattress also comes in a Luxury Plush model
• Similar in construction to most innerspring beds but with additional pressure-relieving memory foam
• Stearns & Foster is good for any body type or sleeping position
• This innerspring mattress is out of range for budget shoppers

Best organic innerspring mattress

Avocado organic luxury plush mattress.

Why we chose the Avocado Organic Luxury Plush Mattress: The Luxury Plush Mattress is the newest model in Avocado's already impressive line . This extra deep mattress has a total of 21 layers of premium materials like natural latex, wool, silk and cotton (all organic and/or natural) combined with 3,136 individually pocketed coils. Everything is strategically arranged into five ergonomic comfort zones that relieve pressure where you need it and provide extra support where you don't. 

There are two models, standard or one with a pillow top. The pillow top comes at an additional cost of $800 to $1,200 depending on the size of the mattress, but it adds 3 inches of plushness, extra contouring and advanced motion isolation.

• Avocado is one of the most popular mattresses for organic materials like natural latex and wool
• It's a comfortable firm mattress with great edge support
• This mattress requires deep pocket sheets even without the pillow top
• The pillow top is an expensive add-on

Best innerspring mattress for combination sleepers

Sealy posturepedic silver pine 15-inch medium euro top mattress.

Why we chose the Sealy Posturepedic Silver Pine mattress : Sealy may be one of the most recognizable names in the world of innerspring mattresses. Over the past 65 years, the company has been working on perfecting its mattresses and the Posturepedic Silver Pine 15-inch Medium Euro Top Mattress is one of the most recent, and high-quality, models. It has heavy-duty coils that are designed to reduce movement and provide extra reinforcement to the mattress' edges, so there's no sinking or sagging no matter where you're positioned on the mattress.

A couple of layers of memory foam and a Euro plush pillow top sit on top of the coils, adding some extra softness that contours your body while also providing adequate support. It's classified as a "Cushion Firm," which means it has a bit more give than typical firm mattresses but with a little extra padding in areas you need it most, like your hips and shoulders.

• Sealy makes high-quality mattresses with heavy-duty coils that promise durability
• Most people will appreciate the extra padding that the Sealy mattress offers
• This innerspring mattress is one of the most affordable on the list
• This mattress may be too soft for heavier people

Best budget innerspring mattress

Beautyrest silver plush innerspring mattress.

Why we chose the Beautyrest Silver Plush Innerspring mattress: Another model from Beautyrest , the Silver 12-inch Plush Innerspring Mattress is a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on comfort. Its base layer is made with what the brand calls "Plush Pocketed Coils," which are a specialized system of individually pocketed springs that move independently to adapt to your body shape while also eliminating motion transfer. 

Gel memory foam, which offers advanced lumbar support and breathability to keep you cool, sits on top of the innerspring, while a thin layer of memory foam underneath the coils provides extra support for your body and the mattress. This under-layer of memory foam adds a little bit in terms of comfort, but it mostly prevents the springs from sagging in one spot and eliminates the need to regularly flip the mattress, which is a common complaint with older innerspring models.

• This innerspring mattress is a great choice for budget shoppers
• You can choose from different firmness options
• This innerspring mattress has a medium to medium-soft firmness
• Not the best choice for someone who wants a firm bed

Beautyrest Silver 12-inch Plush Innerspring Mattress

Factors to consider when choosing an innerspring mattress.

Shopping for a mattress is an extremely subjective process. What works for one person may not suit your preferences and needs. There are key factors that you should keep in mind when comparing innerspring mattresses. They include your sleeping position, body type, health conditions and budget. 

Sleeping position 

Your sleeping position is one of the most important factors in deciding what mattress will be best for you. It will determine how firm or soft your mattress needs to be to keep you comfortable at night. 

• Side sleepers need a softer mattress to ensure they don't develop pressure points on their shoulders, hips and knees. 
• Strict back sleepers should get a medium firm or firm mattress so their spine is in a neutral alignment all night. This level of firmness will prevent back pain. 
• Combination sleepers have the most flexibility in choosing their firmness level. You have two options, choose a bed based on the position you spend the most time in or opt for a medium firmness that works for any sleeper type. 

Your body type will determine how much pressure you put on the mattress and which mattress you should choose. People who weigh over 230 pounds should generally choose hybrid mattresses for their support and durability. 

Your weight also influences the firmness level of a bed. The more you weigh, the more pressure you put on your mattress, meaning it will feel softer. Petite body types will experience mattresses firmer because they put less pressure on the bed. 

Health conditions

When shopping for mattresses, your health conditions also affect your decision-making process. For example, if you have joint pain, you would want to choose a soft mattress with plenty of pressure relief. If you have back pain, stick with a firmer mattress to keep your spine aligned. 

Mattresses are big investments; there's no way around that. Thankfully, there are mattresses at every budget level. Luxury mattresses are going to be more expensive than the average mattress. That doesn't mean you can't get a nice mattress for a fair price. Most brands run big sales around holidays and events. If you time it right, you can get a couple hundred dollars off the price tag.

How we test the best innerspring mattresses

CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. We tested each of the mattresses on this best innerspring mattress list.  

Firmness and feel

When we start mattress testing, we first determine the firmness and feel of the mattress. Think about firmness as how hard or soft a mattress is. We rate each mattress on a ten-point scale for firmness. 

The feel of the mattress describes how the mattress reacts. Is it slow responding like traditional memory foam? Does it snap back like latex foam? This will translate to how it will feel rolling around on the bed at night. 

Durability 

The durability, or how long a mattress will last, is based on what it's made from. Mattresses with pocketed coils as the base are more durable than all-foam options. They also tend to be more expensive. 

Mattress performance 

The key performance criteria we assess for mattresses include motion isolation, edge support and temperature. 

We test how the mattresses isolate movement by placing a glass of water on the edge of the bed and rolling around to see how much it moves. Motion isolation is a big deal if you have a partner who rolls around and wakes you up. 

Edge support is how strong the perimeter of the bed is. The test for this is simple, we sit and lay on the edge to see if it gives way under the pressure. When assessing temperature, we examine the materials and construction of the mattress. Materials like latex and gel memory foam can keep a mattress from retaining body heat. 

Read more on how we test mattresses . 

Other innerspring mattresses we've tested

Our CNET Sleep editors collectively write our best mattress lists based on their experience with over 100 different mattresses. The beds listed above are all top picks, but with so many to choose from, there are a few great beds that deserve an honorable mention. 

Leesa Legend mattress

The Leesa Legend mattress is a thick, premium bed with two layers of coils. One layer is made with pocketed coils, while a microcoil layer in the top layers offers a ton of back support. As far as comfort goes, it has a medium firmness level and a fluffy, soft foam feel that is more responsive than traditional memory foam. 

Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress

Value shoppers should keep Brooklyn Bedding Signature on their list of ideal options. It's a premium hybrid mattress that costs the same price as popular foam mattresses like Casper or Purple. It also is available in three different firmness levels so that any sleeping position can find a comfortable option.

Innerspring mattress FAQs

What's the difference between innerspring and spring mattresses.

Innerspring mattresses contain pocketed coils -- meaning that the main support layer of the bed is made up of individually wrapped coils. This often makes the mattress more comfortable because you can't feel the hard coils when lying on top of the bed. Spring mattresses don't have this added layer of comfort, but spring beds tend to be more durable and firm.

Do people still buy innerspring mattresses?

Yes and no. People don't buy the traditional innerspring mattresses your parent(s) or grandparent(s) had as a kid. Modern mattresses utilize coils or inner springs to provide ample support and durability. There are usually layers of foam materials, cotton or wool for added comfort. 

How many springs in a mattress is good?

The best innerspring mattresses have 1,000 springs or more. Smaller mattresses like twin or twin XL beds may have slightly less because they aren't as large and require fewer springs in their constructions. 

Is an innerspring or coil mattress better?

"Innersprings" and "coils" are terms that can almost be used interchangeably, and they often offer the same benefits of support and durability. Pocketed coils are all individually cased in fabric, and move independently from one another. This makes it better at isolating motion than traditional innerspring systems which all move as one cohesive unit. Most innerspring beds these days are made with "pocketed coils" rather than regular inner springs. 

Mattress Buying Guides

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1 The Tempur-Pedic credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms for 36 months apply to qualifying purchase of $1,000 or more charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. The information is accurate as of 09/01/2022 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921 . Offer expires 12/31/2024.

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3 The Tempur-Pedic credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms apply to qualifying mattress and TEMPUR-Ergo® adjustable base purchases. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 09/01/2022 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921 . Offer expires 12/31/2024.

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