Core memory: those old-school mattress commercials where someone jumps on one side of the bed and a glass of red wine stays upright on the other. To my kid-eyes, the glass’s lack of wobble seemed like magic. In reality, it was thanks to memory foam, a polyurethane-based material that conforms to your touch and absorbs the vibrations caused by movement.
Mattresses made from this material tend to be softer and less bouncy than hybrid mattresses or traditional innerspring options. They’re known for being squishy, and for allowing your body to sink down into them—famously, your body leaves behind an imprint when you get out of bed. According to , a spine specialist with the Hartford HealthCare Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute, memory foam mattresses can help alleviate night-time aches and pains and prevent morning stiffness.
This is because the responsive materials help distribute your body weight more evenly, he tells SELF. There are a lot of types of memory foam that can wind up in your mattress. Those include gel, which has natural cooling properties; open cell, with pockets for air flow; and more.
Most will have these layers: A supportive base foam for stability A transition layer to provide a buffer between the base and comfort layer A pressure-relieving foam on top for comfort Sound dreamy? To help you decide on the best mattress for you, we tapped a range of experts, including spine specialists and an allergist, to learn what qualities and features to look for when weighing your options. We also put popular memory foam mattresses through rigorous hands-on testing, taking careful notes along the way. A new bed is a big-ticket investment, so you want to know you’ll love what you’re getting before you throw down your credit card—whether you’re looking to spend a little or a lot.
Top picks for the best memory foam mattresses : : : In this article Best Overall Memory Foam Mattress: Nectar Isolates motion well Has cooling materials, like a gel-infused foam and heat-absorbing cover Takes at least 24 hours to expand 12-inch loft means you may need a deeper fitted sheet There’s a lot to love about the Nectar Memory Foam mattress. For starters, this mattress is medium-firm (scored a 6.5 out of 10 during our testing), a firmness level that experts say works well for most sleeping positions and research shows can be helpful for supporting folks with back pain.
However, thanks to its pressure-relieving top layer of foam, testers say it still has the ooey-gooeyness that memory foam mattresses are famous for. “The Nectar is soft and doughy,” one tester says. “When I'm lying on it, it feels like I'm being hugged by a giant teddy bear.
” Other standout features of the Nectar that might strike your fancy: Its 12-inch loft height is made up of three layers. Those include a gel-infused foam and a body-heat-wicking cover. And according to our tester, both are helpful for keeping nights sweat-free.
This mattress features CertiPUR-US Certified foams, meaning they’re made without formaldehyde and are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a type of chemical that’s been linked with poor health effects, . : Memory foam | : Medium-firm (6.5 out of 10) | : 365 nights | : Lifetime | : Free shipping Best Memory Foam Mattress for Couples: Bear Good motion isolation Relatively inexpensive Great cooling properties Firmer surface isn’t for everyone Edge support is just average, according to reviewers If you love the idea of a contouring bed but want to avoid sagging, sinking, and rolling into your bedmate, consider trying the Bear Mattress Original model: Our testers say this firm mattress (rated 7 out of 10 for firmness) offers more support than they usually see in foam mattresses.
Another win for couples is this bed’s solid motion isolation, which is the quality that those old memory-foam commercials with the bed-jumping and wine depict. Our testers found that when they tossed and turned on the bed, the other side of the mattress stayed still. The Nectar also received high scores for responsiveness, or bounciness.
Our testers say they felt like they were lying top of the mattress rather than it; this lack of body-contouring made it easy for them to move about and get out of bed when they wanted to. Also notable: This mattress is GreenGuard Gold certified, which means it’s been shown to emit safe levels of more than 15,000 chemicals and VOCs. : Memory foam | : Medium-firm (7 out of 10) | : 120 nights | : Lifetime | : Free shipping Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: WinkBeds Firmer feel, thanks to zoned support Option to select your preferred firmness level Regulates temperature with cooling gel cover Expensive Recommendation to rotate your mattress regularly to extend its lifespan is.
.. a Stomach sleepers tend to benefit from a firmer mattress that keeps the spine in alignment, but when you think of a memory foam mattress, “firm” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind.
These mattresses are known for their ability to cradle you to sleep, and people often say that lying on one feels like sinking through quicksand. The GravityLux mattress from WinkBeds, however, has layers of support to keep you from getting swallowed whole. You can choose between soft, medium, and firm levels of the GravityLux; while each offers a different degree of support, all have those inner layers of memory foam that contour to the spine to help alleviate pressure.
Our tester spent the most time on the firm model and says she loves the way this supportive layer kept her buoyed up, even while she snuggled into the mattress’s pressure-relieving pillow top. All versions of the GravityLux are designed with cooling gel foam to wick away moisture and keep you sweat-free while you sleep—our testers say this technology works, too, noting that the mattress sleeps much cooler than many other memory foam beds. : Memory foam | : Medium-firm (7 out of 10) | : 120 nights | : Lifetime | : Free shipping Best Memory Foam Mattress for Pressure Relief: DreamCloud Soft, luxe-feeling cashmere blend cover Has several cooling elements Some may find it too firm Lack of edge support can make getting in and out of bed difficult for some The DreamCloud Premier Foam scored high marks during testing for its plushness and high-quality materials.
In fact, one tester says, “I feel like I’m dreaming on a cloud—literally.” The mattress, which also comes in a hybrid version, has 13 inches of foam layers for a real “princess and the pea” vibe (minus that pesky pea). That stack includes an eight-inch base foam layer for stability, an inch of transition layers to support the spine, and a three-inch gel memory foam layer for pressure relief.
“Lying on this bed, I felt well-supported and uplifted—I didn’t sink much into the materials included in this mattress,” one tester says of their experience with the DreamCloud. The whole shebang is wrapped in a soft, moisture-wicking cashmere blend cover that one tester says makes the mattress feel luxurious while also keeping it cool. And all of the materials are CertiPUR-US certified to be low in VOCs.
: Memory foam | : Medium-firm (6.5 out of 10) | : 365 nights | : Lifetime | : Free shipping Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain: Saatva Targeted lumbar support Has an antimicrobial finish to keep mold and mildew away Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association Expensive May be too firm for some Not ideal for hot sleepers The Saatva Loom & Leaf is designed to help folks with back pain rest easy. It’s made from four foam layers (foundational base, transitional, high density, and cooling gel) that contour to the body in order to relieve joint pressure while you snooze; one tester who sleeps on their back and side says that the mattress cushioned their shoulders and hips and supported their lumbar spine.
While the price tag is steep, this luxury mattress is designed with high-quality materials that should last a long time—and comes with a lifetime warranty that you can count on as insurance for that longevity. The mattress comes in two firmness options—relaxed firm and firm. Our tester says side and back sleepers may prefer the relaxed firm option, while stomach sleepers may prefer the firm level because a more rigid bed can help keep their hips in alignment.
The Loom & Leaf is also stacked with certifications you can feel good about: It’s endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association and has the Congress of Chiropractic State Association Seal of Approval, which means it’s been verified to offer solid back support. : Memory foam | : Medium (6.5 out of 10) | : 365 nights | : Lifetime | : Free shipping Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress: Emma Built-in cooling qualities Relatively inexpensive May need to to air out before use Has a 10-year, rather than lifetime, warranty UK-based mattress brand Emma delivers impressive cooling ability in its Original model, despite an all-foam construction.
(Memory foam mattresses are notorious for trapping in heat.) It only heated up a few degrees in testing, which is a great result, particularly compared to other foam options (more on our specific methods below). This Emma is made from three types of foam and features zoned support, meaning that different parts of the mattress are more cushioned than others.
This provides pressure-relief in the areas that need it most while allowing your body to sink where that feels best (like near your shoulders and hips). According to one tester, this makes for a balanced-feeling mattress. Often on sale for a fraction of its full retail price, the Emma Original is a great choice for people who are looking for a cooling mattress on a budget.
: Foam | : Medium-firm (7 out of 10) | : 365 nights | : 10 years | : Free shipping Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress: Nolah Soft yet supportive Zoned support system for targeted pressure relief GreenGuard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified Nolah recommends rotating your mattress every six months Returns cost $99 for labor and shipping White glove service costs extra A softer mattress isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great option for side sleepers because the extra give cradles common pressure points, like your hips and shoulders. The Nolah Signature is on the softer end of the firmness scale, while still delivering plenty of support. One tester says it felt like sleeping “a supportive cloud.
” “This mattress was extremely comfortable in all positions, which is rare for me as a stomach sleeper,” she says. “I thought that it contoured my body very well while also providing a lot of support for my back and shoulders." This bed is also made with ultra-breathable materials that our testers thought helped with airflow and preventing overheating: The Nolah AirFoam material used in this mattress is designed to be less heat-trapping than traditional memory foam, and the organic cotton cover is moisture-wicking.
In addition to its cooling perks, this bed has a high-density foam base layer that makes it durable and highly supportive. It’s also CertiPUR-US- and GreenGuard Gold-certified..
: Memory foam | : Soft (6 out of 10) | : 120 nights | : Lifetime | : Free shipping Best Memory Foam Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Leesa Cooling feel, thanks to aerated foam and breathable knit cover Minimal motion transfer May need deep pocket sheets to fit Some feel that it’s firmer than expected Edge support isn’t the strongest Shorter trial period Finding the right mattress when you’re a combination sleeper can be tricky, but our testers say that shifting positions on the highly responsive Leesa Original is easy. And if you share a bed, your partner will be grateful for the mattress’s fab motion isolation; their side will stay still when you toss and turn. (One said she could sleep soundly even while her cat jumped on and off the bed.
) This mattress’s cooling qualities will also help keep combo sleepers from breaking a sweat during their nightly calisthenics. “I’m a sweaty sleeper, but the Leesa doesn’t leave me feeling gross or slippery, thanks to its breathable top layer,” our editor adds. : Memory foam | : Soft (6 out of 10) | : 100 nights | : 10 years | : Free shipping Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nectar Plush feel Made with CertiPUR-US certified foams Cool to the touch Edge support is lacking May need to buy deep fitted sheets Some say it’s firmer than expected As , a physiatrist and spinal specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey, , the best mattresses for side sleepers include a two key features to hold up the hips and shoulders: pressure-easing top layers and zoned, or targeted, support.
The Nectar Premier Mattress has both. Made with three main layers of foam, the Nectar Premier seriously impressed a SELF staffer who’s also a fitness instructor and, thus, wants a bed that will ease muscle soreness and joint aches: “I wake up , regardless of my sleeping position,” she wrote in her review of the mattress. “This mattress gives the perfect amount of support for what I need.
” She was also happy to report that Nectar’s breathable cover and gel-infused foam layer help keep temps down. “One of the first things I noticed when I unboxed this mattress and hauled it onto the platform bed? That it’s cool—cold, even—to the touch,” she said. : Memory foam | : Soft (6 out of 10) | : 365 nights | : Lifetime | : Free shipping Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress: Plank Flippable design gives firmness options Strong edge support Not as cooling as other mattresses May need to air out for a long time due to off-gassing Plank makes no bones about what it’s selling with its Plank Firm, calling this the “firmest, flattest, and most supportive sleep”—and our testers agree.
“Most back and stomach sleepers will like this bed—especially those who like a firmer mattress," says one tester. What’s especially cool about this mattress is that it’s flippable, and each side has a different level of firmness—either an 8 or 9 out of 10. Our testers say they felt no sinkage on the extra firm side; on the firm side, a layer of foam makes the mattress feel slightly more plush.
: Memory foam | : Flippable: Firm (8 out of 10) and Extra-firm (9 out of 10) | : 120 nights | : 10 years | : Free shipping What are the benefits of memory foam mattresses? Memory foam mattresses tend to be softer and less bouncy than hybrid mattresses or traditional innerspring mattresses, and they’re often described as having a squishy or sinking feel after you lie down on one. That’s a result of its materials, Dr. Russo says.
The thick layers of foam respond to body heat and pressure by getting softer, so when you lie down on one of these beds, you’ll feel it molding to your shape. Memory foam can also help limit motion transfer, which comes in handy if you share your bed with a restless partner (or if you’re the tosser and turner). The material may also do your spine a solid.
“Memory foam mattresses can support spine health by conforming to the body's natural curves, maintaining proper alignment, and reducing pressure points,” , an orthopedic surgeon at Boston Concierge Orthopedics, tells SELF. What to consider when buying a memory foam mattress Because they adapt to the body’s shape and weight, memory foam mattresses may be especially appealing to side sleepers, , a spine rehab expert at UT Southwestern’s O’Donnell Brain Institute in Dallas, tells SELF. Sleeping in this position places additional weight on your shoulders, hips, and knees, and a mattress with a little more give usually does a better job at preventing that pressure from building and getting uncomfortable or even painful, Dr.
Baxi previously told SELF. For some side-sleeping people, a memory foam mattress has just the right amount of sinkage to provide them with the pressure relief they need. Dr.
Russo says that memory foam mattresses can trap heat, which can lead to a . If you’re a who’s curious about memory foam beds, look for newer models that contain gel-infused foam and copper layers, as these are often included to help keep you cool throughout the night. Who should not buy a memory foam mattress? Memory foam is a popular choice for many, but it’s not for everyone.
There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether foam is the best fit for you. Memory foam can make it hard to roll from side to side and it might not provide the level of support that some people need for their preferred sleep position, , a board-certified spine surgeon and professor of orthopedic surgery at Stanford Medicine in California, tells SELF. Experts typically recommend that back sleepers and lie on a , more responsive mattress than most foam beds tend to be.
Back and stomach sleepers who love memory foam aren’t without options though—some models are more supportive, like the Plank Firm and WinkBeds GravityLux. Memory foam mattresses generally aren’t as supportive as hybrid or spring mattresses, and therefore may not be the best choice for back- and stomach-sleepers. However, everyone is different, which means that the best mattress for you ultimately comes down to personal preference.
are agreat alternative to memory foam if you want something more supportive. How we tested these mattresses Before making it onto our list of the best memory foam mattresses, each bed first had to pass our rigorous, objective evaluation process. Our experienced sleep testers try out popular mattresses and score them for a range of factors, including durability, edge support, firmness and more.
Below, check out three testing factors that are particularly relevant for picking a great memory foam mattress. And for a full breakdown of how we test all sleep products, here’s our . We use specific tests to gauge how well you can expect a mattress to cool you down.
The “hot touch” test measures how warm a mattress feels after one of our testers lies on it for an extended period of time. We also do a thermal imaging test to see how quickly a mattress heats up after lying down on it. (Mattresses that heat up by 15°F or more get lower scores, while those that heat up by 5°F or less get better scores.
) Finally, we note when a bed’s constructed with cooling materials, like gel, copper, and phase-change materials, which can bring down the mattress’s temperature. Responsiveness refers to how bouncy a mattress feels. Cushy, memory foam beds often have low responsiveness compared to springy, well, innerspring mattresses.
To measure it, our testers lie down on a bed and move through different sleeping positions. Mattresses with more rebound that make it easier to move around will get higher responsiveness ratings. A mattress that’s good for pressure relief can mean the difference between waking up feeling spry or stiff.
To check pressure relief, our testers lie on a blanket-like pressure-mapping tool that covers the bed. The device’s sensors connect with an app that displays orange or red in the areas where sleepers feel extra force on their joints. When those colors show up on the screen, mattresses are ranked lower for pressure relief.
FAQs TL;DR? We get that sometimes you just want fast facts to help you make a quick choice. With that in mind, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about memory foam mattresses to help you pick the right one for your needs and lifestyle. It depends.
Mattresses may last anywhere from three years to a decade before showing signs of wear and tear. Some have lifetime warranties, however, which are worth pursuing if you’re concerned about your mattress’s longevity. There’s a wide span of price points for memory foam mattresses.
Queen-sized options on this list start at $1099 for the Nectar and go up to above $2,000 for several models. Many of our selects land in the cozy middle of that range; however, if you shop during certain times of the year, you may be able to score the more expensive mattresses at a discount. As Dr.
Russo says, memory foam mattresses are known to get toasty. That’s largely due to their composition, which is traditionally “very dense and does not allow for much air movement within the material,” , MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the podcast, tells SELF. However, many companies now incorporate air-circulating technology in their mattresses’ foam layers or include separate cooling features (like a breathable cover, for instance) to counterbalance the natural heat-retention.
According to , an allergist with , a mattress’s ability to trigger sneezing, watery eyes, or another reaction depends on the person and their allergen triggers. “[Some of] these mattresses do initially give off an [off-gassing] smell that may be irritating to some allergy and asthma sufferers,” she says. Otherwise, as with any mattress, taking care to keep your sleeping environment dust-free by cleaning it regularly can help keep symptoms at bay, as can using a dust-mite bed protector underneath your fitted sheet.
Something else to consider, per Dr. Parikh: “Be sure to check that the mattress is latex-free if you suffer from latex allergies.” If you want to use a box spring or bed foundation to give your memory foam mattress height and additional support, amazing—go for it.
But know that they aren’t as crucial for many modern mattresses. “Memory foam mattresses do not require a box spring,” Dr. McLaughlin says.
“A solid, flat foundation or a slatted base with minimal spacing is sufficient to provide the necessary support and ventilation.” That said, there are three cases when a foundation or box spring for your memory foam mattress might be especially helpful. If you’re placing your mattress directly on the floor, you might want the extra height to make getting up easier and also to give it some separation from the floor, where dirt and dust accumulate.
The second situation when you’ll want a box spring is if you use a collapsible metal bed frame that’s hollow in the middle, because your mattress will need the support to hold it up. Finally, make sure you’re aware of your bed’s warranty, which may specify it’s meant to be used with a box spring or foundation (in which case, failing to do so may void your warranty). Memory foam comes from polyurethane.
A NASA researcher originally created the material in the 1960s to be used in its aircraft seats, and it evolved from there—eventually making its way into countless popular mattresses..
