The Best Editor-Tested Mattresses You Can Buy Right Now

Having a good mattress and support where it matters is crucial. I speak from experience, as I live with scoliosis in the lower part of my back, and I know that temporary fixes like an extra pillow under my legs will only go so far. As you get older, your mattress needs may change as you do. You may go from wanting something super soft to requiring something more firm. Thankfully, there are many mattress options, price ranges, and sizes available, but that’s where things get tricky.

Whether you’re shopping for your first mattress, replacing one you’ve had for years, or looking to improve your sleep and invest in your long-term health, mattress shopping can be complicated. Compared to how it was just a few years ago, mattress retail today is almost unrecognizable, thanks to direct-to-consumer brands. But the proliferation of “beds in a box” has happened for good reason: Nowadays, we can order high-quality mattresses online, even finance them, and get them in just a couple of days. All in all, finding the best mattress has become both much easier and much harder — which, if you’re reading this, you probably already know. And that’s why we’re here.

The market is saturated with high-quality mattresses, so we’re keeping our eyes peeled for more advanced or unique features, like vegan materials or the implementation of smart technology. That said, it still takes a huge amount of time to sift through all the options, so we’ve attempted to make this the final stop in your search. We’ve researched and slept on nearly 30 mattresses, and while we haven’t been able to test every mattress out there, we’re confident we’ve found the most stand-out options.

• Best Overall: Cocoon By Sealy Chill Mattress
• Best Value: The Casper Mattress
• Best Luxury: Stearns & Foster Estate Mattress
• Best Innerspring: Saatva Classic Mattress
• Best Hybrid: Big Fig Mattress
• Best Organic: My Green Mattress Natural Escape Mattress
• Best Cooling: Molecule 1 Mattress
• Best Memory Foam: SweetNight Prime Memory Foam Mattress
• Best for Back Pain: Purple Restore Mattress
• Best for Side Sleepers: Pillow Cube Mattress Deluxe

A mattress is a huge investment, personally and financially. It’s the thing that’ll make or break the quality of your sleep, and you’ll probably spend more time on your mattress than you do on anything else in your home. Researching the options beforehand is vital, and knowing what you need and want is better than going into the process without a clue. Here’s what to consider when buying a mattress:

Innerspring: The most common type of mattress, an innerspring mattress offers great support and will last a long time. Today’s innerspring mattresses typically have much better motion isolation and body-contouring abilities. 

Foam: Growing in popularity, foam mattresses offer ultra cushioning and great motion isolation, which is ideal for co-sleepers, side sleepers, and those who toss and turn. Foam, however, does absorb heat, so it might not be the best option for hot sleepers, unless it’s a gel-infused foam.

Hybrid: For those who want the best of both worlds, a hybrid might be your choice. Made of foam and coils, hybrid mattresses offer great support, a cooler sleep, and excellent motion isolation.

Organic: If eco-friendly materials are important to you, a number of organic mattresses have sprung up recently. These mattresses typically do not use foam, but instead use latex, a similar but much more sustainable material.

Vegan: Entirely wool-free, these mattresses replace animal byproducts with cotton, hemp, and even tree sap (latex). Additionally, plant-based mattresses and their materials are not tested on animals and are cruelty free. Natural latex is effectively resistant to mold, mildew, bacteria, and fire. 

Take stock of your general positioning when you sleep. Do you fall asleep on your side and wake up on your stomach? Do you fall asleep on your back and wake up in generally the same position? Where you wake up is a great indicator of the true kind of sleeper you are. 

General knowledge suggests that back and stomach sleepers should go for something firmer and side sleepers should choose something softer. But like most generalities, this may still not be the case for you.  If you don’t find that you fit a specific sleeping position pattern, consider any pain you experience during or right after you wake up. For example, someone with back pain might love the give a soft foam mattress provides, while another person with back pain might prefer the support of an innerspring. The most common firmness level of modern mattresses is medium-firm, which offers a good deal of support without feeling like a rock and is a great option if you’re part of a couple or often sleep with someone else opposite your pattern. If you’ve weighed the options and are still stuck, opt for a hybrid mattress — possibly even one that offers you an option between two sides with different measures of firmness.

While feeling a mattress in person has obvious benefits, buying online has its own pros, too. Not only do you get a long trial period (typically around 100 days), but many premium options offer lower prices and access to the brands’ customer service. Some online-only retailers even have showrooms, especially if you live near New York City.

Like any major investment, mattresses do not come cheap. While you can find mattresses under $500, these options are typically lower in quality than the more expensive options and won’t last as long. A good mattress costs around $1,000, and that price will increase depending on materials used and where you buy it. If you’re working with a tight budget, you can still get a solid mattress, as long as you’re okay with the likelihood you’ll need to replace it sooner rather than later. Keep an eye out for mattress deals around major holidays, including Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

If you’re buying a foam mattress, make sure you’re choosing one that’s made of CertiPUR-US certified foam. This certification means the foam is made without ozone depleters, flame retardants, heavy metals like mercury and lead, formaldehyde, and phthalates, and has low VOC emissions for indoor air quality.

If you’re buying organic, look for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification. GOTS certification means that every stage of the supply chain, from harvesting to manufacturing to packaging, is done ethically and sustainably. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification means that the textiles contain no harmful dyes or substances.

Another certification you might see is GREENGUARD Gold, which means the mattress has low chemical emissions and is acceptable for use in environments such as schools and health-care facilities.

We tested a wide range of mattresses for our best list, judging them on the following criteria:

• Feel: Is the mattress firm, soft, or somewhere in between? Does it have extra cushioning? Is it comfortable no matter our sleep position?
• Support: Do we wake up feeling sore? Does the mattress feel comfortable throughout the night?
• Safety: Does the mattress have certifications, particularly CertiPUR-US certified foam?

Earning high scores on major features like pressure relief, reduced motion transfer, and cooling, it’s no wonder The Chill Mattress from Cocoon by Sealy is our Best Overall winner. The Chill Mattress is constructed out of a combination Perfect Fit memory foam and fabric-encased coils, which provides back and hip support and relieves pressure points. The mattress also has Quantum Edge support, which allows you to use every inch of the mattress rather than rolling to the middle, and responsive coils, which help isolate motion. This pick is especially great for couples for that reason. And if all of that wasn’t enough, this memory foam mattress is cooling. The words “memory foam” and “cooling” usually don’t end up in the same sentence, but this is called The Chill Mattress for a reason — the coil design also promotes airflow and the top of the mattress has a built-in cooling cover that’ll keep you comfortable even during the summer months. Plus, it’s the perfect small space pick because it’s shipped in a box. You won’t have to channel Ross in “Friends” and worry about pivoting this mattress around any tight corners on staircases.

“This is the first boxed mattress I’ve ever tried and, to be honest, I was skeptical about it,” says AT sales research & consumer insights associate director Marisa. “But it’s become my preferred mattress over the one I had previously. It’s extremely comfortable, doesn’t move or bounce when your partner gets out of bed/moves around, and is very light/easy to move.” Assembly is easy too: All you need to do is unwrap it out of the box and let it unroll.

Specifications:

• 4 layers: Cooling cover, memory foam, cushioning foam, essential support layers, or active support coil layer (depending on selected model)
• Available in 10″ memory foam or 12″ hybrid models
• Medium feel
• Mattress in a box
• CertiPUR-US-certified
• 100-night trial
• 10-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who share a bed; those looking for pressure point relief. 

Good to Know: The mattress is compatible with power bases, flat foundations, and platform beds. However, it’s not compatible with box springs or being placed on the floor.

Want a great mattress without spending an arm and a leg for it? Then you need to check out The Casper Mattress. This mattress boasts a total of four layers, which are designed to keep you from tossing and turning and it will help you stay asleep. The bottom layer, made of ProSupport foam, conforms to your sleeping shape while also increasing the longevity of your mattress, preventing the dreaded sagging and sinking. Meanwhile, the third layer, premium memory foam, relieves pressure on your hips and back while you catch some Zzzs. If you’re getting worried that these two layers of foam might cause you to overheat, don’t fret — that’s what the second layer of Casper’s signature foam is for. It utilizes AirScape technology that increases airflow to keep you cool throughout the night. Last but not least is the cozy knit cover, which might have the side effect of causing you to not want to leave your bed. In other words, it’s a total dream.

“I love my Casper mattress! It’s very comfortable and offers great support,” says AT cleaning and organizing editor Stephanie. “Not too soft and not too firm — so it’s just right for me! It’s a 10-inch high mattress, which is perfect for my house. (I love low-platform beds). A true mattress-in-a-box, setup is so easy. After unboxing and ripping off the air-sealed packaging, you let the mattress sit to expand.” With the foam designed to also respond to your body, it creates a calming feel to help you fall asleep faster.

Specifications:

• 4 layers: ProSupport foam, premium memory foam, Casper signature foam, and cozy knit cover
• 10″ height 
• Medium firm feel
• Mattress in a box
• CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX-certified
• 100-night trial
• 10-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who need extra back support; those who sleep on their back or stomach.

Good to Know: If you’d rather see the mattress in person before the 100-day trial period or initial order, you can visit a local Casper store and take a test nap.

You’ll instantly feel the difference after one night of sleep on the Stearns and Foster Estate Mattress. With a layer of Intellicoil innersprings, this mattress helps relieve pressure and is responsive to the user’s sleep position. Best of all, you won’t wake up if your partner moves or gets out of bed, because the foam technology is designed to keep your body securely in place. The coils directly connect to silver air vents that allow heat to escape the mattress, ensuring the memory foam doesn’t become insulating and overheat the sleeper. The ventilated Precision Edge also has a secondary function — keeping the edges of the mattress firm and preventing sinking. This means the sleeper can use every inch of the mattress to sleep, instead of rolling toward the middle. That’s not to say that you won’t be cozy, though. The Stearns & Foster Estate has a stretch knit Pillow Top cover, which provides an extra layer of comfort that’ll make you want to stay in bed past your alarm.

“The feature that is most important to me is that the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress’s memory foam conforms to my shape,” senior commerce editor Alicia says, who tested the Firm feel. “My body feels supported, but this firm mattress isn’t so hard that I feel uncomfortable, like with my previous mattress.” The Firm is ideal for people who are side sleepers or experience back or hip pain because they won’t sink into the mattress.

Read our full review of the Stearns & Foster Estate Mattress.

Specifications:

• 5 layers: Quilted stretch-knit cover, comfort layer, Intellicoil innersprings with edge support, and airvent system 
• 4 feels: Firm, Soft, Pillowtop Firm, or Pillowtop Soft
• Features TEMPUR-Indulge memory foam
• 14.5″ height
• Free white glove delivery
• CPSIA certified 
• 90-day trial 
• 10-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a firm or soft mattress; back and side sleepers; those who have back pain; those who sleep hot.

Good to Know: The mattress is heavy, so you may need to upgrade to a thicker foundation or slats for maximum support.

Innerspring mattresses might be an old-school style, but when constructed with modern materials, they can provide excellent support and durability. If you’re looking for an innerspring-supported mattress, we recommend the award-winning Saatva Classic Mattress. Its dual-coil hybrid construction relies heavily on the support of two layers of innersprings, but the addition of a Euro pillow top allows it to cradle you while relieving pressure points and keeping your spine aligned. Designed to fit a wide range of sleep motion, the Saatva Classic is deceptively firm — it feels luxuriously soft but won’t sink throughout the night or over time. It’s also available in two heights, 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches, which both perform the same.

Commerce executive director Mark tested the Saatva Classic after sleeping on the same trustworthy mattress for 10 years. As someone who experiences back pain, he thought he’d already found the right mattress but ended up being “pleasantly surprised by the Saatva Classic Mattress.” He notes that the luxury firm model “is not quite as firm as my previous mattress…but it definitely provides plenty of support for my back when I’m sleeping and I have yet to wake up achy or sore.” While the top layer is firm, it’s also plush, cushy, and breathable — in fact, Mark says, it’s “kept me comfortable throughout the brutally hot summer months, whether I’m sleeping on my side, back, or stomach.” Mark adds that this mattress definitely feels like a major upgrade from his former favorite for back pain.

Read our full review of the Saatva Classic Mattress.

Specifications:

• 4 layers: 3″ euro pillowtop, memory foam and spinal wire, responsive pocketed coils with firm foam edge support, base innerspring coils
• 3 feels: Plush, Luxury Firm, or Firm
• Available in 11.5″ and 14.5″ models
• Free white glove delivery
• Made in the USA
• CertiPUR-US-certified
• 365-night trial
• Lifetime warranty

Who It’s Best For: Back and stomach sleepers; those with back pain; those who want a firm mattress with a plush surface; those who sleep hot.

Good to Know: Saatva’s mattress quiz makes it easy to explore the best options for you.

Designed for those with fuller figures, the Big Fig Mattress has long-lasting durability and is comfy to boot. The mattress can support up to 550 lbs. per sleeper. It’s comprised of three layers of high-density poly foam and 1,600 individually wrapped coils that support the back and neck. It’s tufted in 16 places and has increased edge support — all of this prevents that dreaded mattress sagging and increases its longevity. The second layer of the mattress is perforated gel-infused latex foam, which contributes to the mattress’s breathability. The mattress is topped with ThermoGel cooling technology, which actively cools the sleeper’s body temperature and ensures sleepers can enjoy a sweat-free sleep.

“My partner and I are both larger-bodied, and we love the support Big Fig provides,” says AT news and culture director Tara. “It’s a very thick mattress and doesn’t sag, even when sitting on the edge of the bed.” To keep from overheating at night too, the mattress features thermogel cooling technology.  

Tara’s bedroom has a nook, which is too narrow to support a Queen bed frame, so slats were used for support instead. “My partner was skeptical about the slats, but the mattress is so generous and supportive, it’s no longer a concern.” This shows just how supportive the mattress is all on its own regardless of the foundation. 

Specifications:

• 6 layers: Cooling cover, gel-infused foam, 3 layers of high-density foam, and individually-wrapped coils
• Supports 550 lbs. per sleeper
• Medium firm feel
• 13″ height 
• Mattress in a box
• Made in the USA
• 120-night trial 
• 20-year warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who have full-figured bodies; those who want a firm mattress; those who sleep hot; those who share a bed.

Good to Know: The mattress lays heavy, so it may prove to be a little difficult to change the sheets each time.

Made in the USA and crafted with certified organic materials, the Natural Escape Mattress will not only make you feel good about what you’re sleeping on, but you’ll also feel great after a good night’s sleep. It’s our pick for people with green thumbs who want to invest in an eco-friendly mattress that will last for years to come. According to My Green Mattress’s website, this mattress is described as medium-firm, works for all types of sleepers, and supports up to 750 lbs. It boasts 1,462 pocketed innerspring coils, which gives the sleeper lumbar and spine support and decreases the chance that they’ll feel their partner tossing and turning throughout the night. It’s hand-tufted too, which increases the overall durability of the mattress. Above the coils are three layers of certified organic Dunlop latex, which provides a comfy, airy cushion that’ll conform to the sleeper’s shape.

“I’m in love with this mattress!” says Jill, our tester. “It’s supportive, comfortable, and I’ve never slept better.” It’s just important to note that this mattress requires a foundation or slats that are no more than 3.5 inches apart — otherwise, the mattress will begin to sink in the middle.

Specifications:

• 3 layers: Quilted cotton and wool cover, 3″ Dunlop latex support, pocketed coil innersprings
• Medium firm feel
• 11″ height
• Mattress in a box
• Made in the USA
• GOTS, OEKO-TEX, GOLS, and Greenguard Gold-certified
• 365-night trial 
• 20-year warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a well-made, all-natural mattress; those looking for pressure point relief. 

Good to Know: There are handles on the side to help rotate the mattress every 3-4 months.

If you sleep hot, you’ll be thankful for the Molecule 1 Mattress keeping you cool during the night. Using moisture-wicking technology, temperature is regulated with your body and the top of the mattress, so you’ll feel cool in the middle of the night. If your room is more stuffy, the cooling benefits will be a lifesaver, especially during the warmer months. This mattress has so many layers that it might as well be a cake. The bottom layer is a Contourflow base, which is 7″ of firm support that promotes spine alignment. The next layer is Recoveryflo, which is a 3D-printed geometric polyurethane foam that self-adjusts for your body’s needs. Proprietary foam makes up the main layer, called Restoreflo, and provides pressure relief and airflow. The cover, which is dubbed the MOLECULEshield, really does the heavy lifting for hot sleepers. It wicks away heat and moisture while also preventing bacteria and stains from growing.

“I typically look for mattresses with supreme cooling benefits, such as breathability, temperature regulation, and covers that are soft but keep moisture at bay.  I was given the opportunity to test the Molecule 1 Mattress, which has all those qualities and surprisingly more, and it gave me some of the best sleep I’ve ever had,” said Britt, Best List Editor.

Designed with science in mind and supported by athletes too, each design quality was created with intention. If you’re super active during the day, your body will get the recovery it needs during the night.

Read our full review of the Molecule 1 Mattress.

Specifications:

• 4 layers: Microban cover, RestoreFlo pressure-relieving foam, RecoveryFlo support, and ContourFlo foundation
• Medium firm feel
• 12.25″ height
• Mattress in a box
• Made in the USA
• CertiPUR-US-certified
• 365-night trial
• Limited lifetime warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; side/back sleepers; those who want a firm mattress with a soft feel.

Good to Know: The antimicrobial cover prevents odors, stains, and mildew while maximizing airflow.

If you’re not sure what level of firmness you need for your back, why not purchase a mattress that offers all four? Yes, we’re serious. Sweet Night’s Prime Memory Foam Mattress boasts a firm half and a medium-firm half and then if you flip the mattress over, there’s a medium-soft and soft half. How did they accomplish this impossible-sounding feat? Sweetnight’s mattress has a whopping six layers — all cut to look more like a wave, rather than the straight layers that most mattresses have. There are three layers of foam sandwiched in the middle of the mattress — the higher-density foam layers are near the top of the firm side while softer foam and gel-infused cooling layer are closest to the soft side. It’s genius, really, which is what our tester thought, too.

“My months-long search for the perfect mattress for our guest bedroom has finally come to an end, thanks to this innovative find. The reversible Sweet Night Prime Mattress features four — yes, four! — different firmness profiles, which means it gives side, back, and stomach sleepers a good night’s sleep,” says executive lifestyle director Charli. “It’s giving off all the luxury vibes you crave in a good mattress, complete with a gel-infused layer inside the memory foam; a plush, cozy feel; and a checkered mattress cover. I’m going to rest a little easier now, too, knowing that going forward our guests will get to customize their bedtime experience.”

If you need to switch up the firmness to meet a different need, all you need to do is flip or rotate the mattress. Protip: Flipping or rotating a mattress also refreshes the overall feel every few months. 

Specifications:

• 4 layers: Gel-infused cooling memory foam, transition foam, support foam, and firm comfort foam
• 4 feels in 1 mattress: Firm and medium-firm on one side; soft and medium-soft on the other
• Available in 10″ and 12″ models 
• Mattress in a box
• CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX-certified
• 100-night trial
• 10-year warranty

Who It’s Best For: Back, side and stomach sleepers; those who want a firm mattress.

Good to Know: This mattress will fit every type of frame, so you won’t need to worry about purchasing a new one.

The Purple Restore Hybrid Mattress is one of Purple’s latest mattress launches and it’s a fan favorite with not one, but two testers. The Purple Restore features three layers that work together to create a custom sleep experience for you. The bottom layer is made of edge-to-edge coils, which support the sleeper’s body and respond to the sleeping position they’ve chosen. The middle layer is comfort foam, which relieves pressure from your limbs and prevents soreness and stiffness while you’re snoozing. Finally, the top layer is a GelFlex Grid — Purple boasts that it instantly adjusts as you move, so your shifting will be less disruptive to you and your partner.

Both of our testers found that they woke up feeling better than they would have felt on their old mattresses.“I suffer from chronic back pain. One or two nights on a mattress with little or no extra support and I’m going to feel lingering stiffness and pain for days. This new hybrid mattress features superior pressure relief. I feel cradled from the start and supported where it matters most — my lower back, neck, and shoulders,” says Charli. “If you’re experiencing lots of back and muscle pain, I recommend trying a hybrid mattress like this one that’s designed with support in mind.”

Our other tester also found that it helped make him more comfortable while he slept on his side, but there was an adjustment period. “The mattress was significantly softer than expected, but did not feel saggy, like most soft mattresses,” our other tester, Li said. “Instead the softness just served to fantastically relieve pressure against my wider-than-average shoulders when side sleeping.  Definitely one of the most comfortable mattresses I’ve slept on, but also took a lot of getting used to sinking in so far.”

Read our full review of the Purple Restore Mattress.

Specifications:

• 3 layers: GelFlex grid, comfort foam, and edge-to-edge coil system
• 2 feels: Soft or Firm
• Mattress in a box
• Made in the USA
• Clean Air GOLD-certified
• 100-night trial
• 10-year warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those with chronic pain; those who sleep hot; those who snore; those who share a bed.

Good to Know: This hypoallergenic mattress has an antimicrobial finish to keep it fresh.

If you wake up with neck, shoulder, upper back, or hip pain from sleeping on your side, it’s time to get a new mattress. But specifically, this mattress. Specifically designed for side sleepers, the Pillow Cube Deluxe is one of the best mattresses made for keeping your spine aligned throughout the night. The top third of this mattress is dubbed the Soft Shoulder Zone and the rest of the mattress is called the Hip Support Zone. The top third is pillowy soft, so you won’t wake up feeling like you’ve dislocated your shoulder overnight. In addition to being divided in two, it also has five different layers.

The base layer, the Firm Foundation, provides strong support to keep your mattress from sinking over time. The following layer features two different types of coils (one for the hips and one for the shoulders) to support the spine. Next comes the pillow soft layer, where Pillow Cube uses its pillow expertise to create a cozy, comfy layer. The breathable bounce layer stacks on top of the pillow soft layer, which keeps sleepers cool throughout the night and makes it so the memory foam doesn’t make and hold your body’s indentation after you change sleep positions. This is all topped with the plush pillow cover, which will make it so you’re never confused as to what side of the mattress is meant for your upper body if you rotate your mattress.

“I didn’t realize how bad my previous mattress was until trying this one,” says social media manager, Sam. “It’s so soft and I love melting into it every day because it’s so comfortable and cozy. It’s the perfect level of softness and makes falling asleep so easy.”

Specifications:

• 4 layers: Plush cover, memory foam, pillow soft layer, and zoned support coils
• Medium soft feel 
• Mattress in a box
• 100-night trial
• 25-year warranty

Who It’s Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers; those who experience back and shoulder pain.

Good to Know: Pillow Cube isn’t new to our Best List or designing products for side sleepers. Their Pillow Cube pillow made our Best Pillows for Side Sleepers list.

*Honorable Mention: “I definitely felt like there was sufficient support for my back and my neck. I have a herniated disk (new development) and I definitely have a firmer mattress than before. Side sleeping does feel like there’s less strain on my side which is great. When I sleep on my back I feel like my lower back has support as well,” said Andrea, Kitchn Social Media Manager.  The Pillow Cube Mattress instantly erases the fear of not having the proper support when you need it.