The best mattress of 2024, tested by sleep experts --[Reported by Umva mag]

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If a mattress isn't right for your body or sleep position, your sleep quality will suffer, and you can count on sore joints, reduced focus, and low energy. I'm speaking from experience, having slept on a new mattress every two to four weeks for the last six years in my search for the best mattress. Comfort is a matter of personal preference. However, from testing 100 mattresses, touring a mattress manufacturing facility, and talking to countless industry insiders and experts, I've learned certain characteristics appeal more to specific sleepers, whether they're a side sleeper who seeks a plush mattress with top-tier pressure relief and motion isolation or a back sleeper who sleeps hot, looking for something cooling with a medium-firmness. This guide outlines my findings of the top beds that consider a variety of sleep preferences and budgets.

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress is the best mattress for most people. The heat dissipation keeps you cool, couples will love the motion isolation and edge support, and the average firmness will appeal to most sleepers. The Allswell Hybrid Mattress is our budget favorite with its sub-$300 price and great motion isolation and edge support, though it retains heat and might be too firm for side sleepers. 

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products.

Our picks of the top-rated mattresses

Best overall: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress - See at Leesa

Best luxury: Saatva Classic Mattress - See at Saatva

Best budget: The Allswell Mattress - See at Walmart

Best for combination sleepers: Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress - See at Tempur-Pedic

Best for side sleepers: WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress - See at WinkBeds

Best for back sleepers: Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress - See at Helix

Best for stomach sleepers: Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress - See at Amazon

Best for back pain: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress - See at Nectar

Best organic: Birch Natural Mattress by Helix - See at Birch

Best cooling: Nest Bedding Finch Latex Mattress - See at Nest Bedding

Best firm: Serta iComfortECO Foam Mattress - See at Bed Bath & Beyond

Best adjustable: Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed - See at Sleep Number

Best for heavy people: Big Fig Mattress - See at Big Fig

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Best overall

Before I started testing a new mattress every two weeks, I slept on the Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress for a year and loved it. My wife is a back sleeper, while I sleep on my stomach and side, and we both found it offered an outstanding balance of comfort and support with excellent motion transfer.

In the four years since I tested this, I have only found two or three mattresses with comparable comfort, yet these fell short in other areas, whether they were too soft for some sleepers or lacked adequate edge support. The Leesa Sapira checks all the boxes. It's great for all sleeping positions, which is why it tops several of our mattress guides.

As the best hybrid mattress, it is constructed of foam and steel coils. From top to bottom, the five layers are cooling foam, contouring memory foam, and airflow-facilitating 14.5-gauge pocket springs nestled between two supportive foam layers. The cooling foam and airflow did a great job keeping my hot-sleeping body cool even on the muggiest summer nights when the AC struggled to keep up.

I have a history of back pain. Yet, while testing the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, I never awoke with back pain. It supplied the comfort and pressure relief I needed to recover when I wrenched my back while putting together a standing desk. I think it's the best mattress for back pain. However, this is based on my experience. Back pain sufferers should consult with a doctor before buying a new mattress. Also, consider getting someone else to help unbox the bed since it is heavy unless you opt for in-home set up and delivery, which is available for an extra cost. 

The Leesa Sapira is also one of the best mattresses for couples because it has good edge support that keeps you comfortable right to the edge. The motion isolation keeps you from feeling jostled as your partner moves at night. 

Customers on Reddit and Amazon have expressed their satisfaction with the Leesa Sapira Hybrid's pain relief and comfort, though there were concerns about its long-term durability and initial odor. Keep in mind that if the mattress shows significant indentation, Leesa will fix or replace it during the 10-year warranty.

Read our full Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress review.

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Best luxury

The Saatva Classic gives luxury without a high-end price. All Saatva mattresses include free in-home setup and old mattress removal, which is virtually unheard of at this price point. The bed features zoned support and a dual-coil design that helps relieve pressure points and align my spine.

The bed's 3-inch Euro pillow top is constructed of cool-feeling organic cotton. Below that is memory foam with a firmer middle third to offer back support. Next, the individually wrapped pocket coils contour to your body. Then, an additional base coil layer adds airflow and durability. The Classic gets unparalleled edge support from a high-density foam that borders the springs.

I tend to overheat in bed and appreciated how well the Saatva Classic dissipated heat. I tested the Luxury Firm as a side sleeper, and my hips and shoulders couldn't sink in enough to keep my spine neutral. Consequently, I had to flip to my back or wake up sore. If given the chance, I'd choose the Plush Soft version, a better option for my side sleeping. Senior home editor Jaclyn Turner slept on the Saatva Classic for nearly two years as a predominant back sleeper and appreciated the gentle support combined with the plush pillow-top design. However, she experienced a break-in period. 

I didn't feel pets or people moving when lying on the bed. Yet, the Classic failed the bowling ball test and had higher than usual vibrometer readings, suggesting so-so motion isolation. However, with the impressive edge support, I'd still recommend this mattress for couples.

Mattress reviews on the Saatva site echo Turner's break-in period experience: The Saatva Classic takes a little getting used to, but once they do, it's supportive and comfortable. The biggest customer complaint is delivery delays, so you may want to hold onto your old mattress until the Classic arrives. Free removal of your old mattress is included in your purchase.

Read our full Saatva Classic Mattress review.

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Best budget

For our guide to the best cheap mattresses, we tested 13 sub-$500 mattresses. Of those, the Allswell was the winner. It's a hybrid, a rarity in this price range. CertiPUR-US-certified foam comprises the top three layers: a high-density memory foam top support layer, cooling gel memory foam offering pressure relief below that, and body-contouring comfort foam. Below these foam layers are individually wrapped coils supplying airflow, durability, and support. On the bottom is a durable high-density foam layer.

According to my Garmin Forerunner 945 watch readings and my subjective experience, I slept better on the $320 Allswell than on any other cheap mattress I tested. While I prefer to sleep on my side, the firm feel forced me onto my back and stomach.

Couples will like the outstanding edge support and good motion isolation. However, hot sleepers may want to look elsewhere, as the mattress did not dissipate heat well. 

A Walmart reviewer called the Allswell the "best mattress that I have ever bought and slept on" because it helped alleviate back pain so they could get a good night's sleep. While the mattress reviews are mainly positive, a consistent complaint is it sometimes fails to expand fully. I see this when a bed has been in the box for too long. Unbox your mattress within a week or two of it arriving. If it doesn't fully expand, contact Walmart for a replacement.

Side sleepers on a budget might consider the Siena Memory Foam Mattress due to its softer feel. It stays cool, dissipates heat well, and offers good edge support and motion isolation.

Read our full Allswell Mattress review.

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Best for combination sleepers

While I mostly sleep on my side, I adjust to my back and stomach throughout the night. My favorite mattress for combination sleeping is the Sleep Number Climate360 adjustable bed, but its luxury price is out of most people's budgets. Instead, the Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress is the best bet for most sleepers and budgets, and it's also one of the best memory foam mattresses you can buy.

The Tempur-Cloud stands out because it features three layers of Tempur-Pedic's proprietary foam: a soft and responsive comfort top layer, a firmer support layer, and a supportive base. Combined, they do an outstanding job of adjusting to your body's contours regardless of position. For instance, the foam contoured to my body and offered impressive pressure relief. I was comfortable on my stomach and side, and my wife, a back sleeper, enjoyed the feel. I suffer from lower back pain that flares up when I sleep on an unsupportive mattress, but the Cloud offered superb support, and my back remained pain-free. 

Its versatility makes it an excellent option for couples with different sleeping styles. Couples will also appreciate the outstanding motion isolation, so you aren't jostled as your partner shifts at night, or when a rambunctious child or dog hops in bed, you'll barely notice.

I also liked the excellent heat dissipation, a rarity for an all-foam mattress. I stayed cool all night despite my tendency to overheat on other mattresses. The polyester-blend stretch cover is moisture-wicking and breathes well.

The main negative is that the Cloud exhibited poor edge support. When I was close to the bed's edges, I sank significantly. Couples may want a king for more space without feeling uncomfortable on the edges. 

In Reddit's mattress community, the customer reviews for the Tempur-Cloud are mostly positive. The general vibe is it's a great value from one of the best mattress brands. Users like how the material conforms to their body soon after lying down. The most common customer complaint on Tempur-Pedic's site is that the bed is too firm.

Read our full Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress review and guide to the best memory foam mattresses.

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Best for side sleepers

The EcoCloud by WinkBeds is a little softer than average, making it ideal for side sleepers, yet it's firm enough that petite to average stomach and back sleepers may still find it supportive.

The cover is made of organic cotton and wool. Below that is a responsive layer of OEKO-TEX-certified sustainable latex that gives the mattress good bounce. Next, individually wrapped innerspring coils with zoned support offer targeted support in the heavier areas of your body. Firmer springs surround the bed's periphery to lend extra edge support. In my tests, these springs did the job, as the sides sagged minimally.

While waiting for more mattresses to test, I turned to the EcoCloud for optimal side-sleeping comfort. I didn't sink into the mattress much, yet it relieved pressure as I recovered from long runs. I appreciated that I fell asleep quickly while testing this bed. However, on hotter nights, I wish it cooled faster. In our tests, it dissipated heat poorly.

The WinkBeds EcoCloud performed well in our motion isolation tests. Combined with its great edge support, this is an excellent option for couples.

When browsing the reviews on the WinkBeds site and Reddit, I found a mixed bag of complaints about the firmness. Several customers found it too firm, and others too soft. This tells me that it's somewhere in the middle. Fortunately, the brand offers a 120-night trial period with free returns.

For more recommendations, check out our best mattress for side sleepers guide.

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Best for back sleepers

The Helix Dusk Luxe Hybrid Mattress is a great medium-firm option for back sleepers that balances comfort and support with cooling features to leave you waking refreshed and pain-free. 

I found the Dusk Luxe immensely supportive; the medium-firm feel slightly contours to my body, keeps my spine aligned, and offers relief for the densest part of my body. Back and stomach sleepers will most benefit from this level of support and firmness. It keeps the lower half of my body from sinking too far into the mattress, but I do admire a tinge of plush. It is likely too firm for lighter-weight side sleepers, as I noticed pressure build up if I spent prolonged periods just on my side. It was fine for short stints, however, like when I scroll my phone in bed. 

It also sleeps incredibly cool (I tested with the optional GlacioTex cover), and I never dealt with hot spots. Within 2 minutes of getting up, the heat dissipated pretty close back to the ambient temperature of my bedroom. The mattress passed our motion transfer test and also offers some slight bounce, making it easy to change positions in bed without disturbing your partner. I took the most issue with the bed's edge support, which sunk about 3.5 inches, but not enough that you'd feel like you might roll off the bed. 

The Helix Dusk Luxe is a hybrid mattress with a pillowtop comprised of six different layers. For the cover, you can choose between a quilted Tencel cover or upgrade to its cooling GlacioTex cover made with fibers to draw heat away from the body. Below that are three layers of foam, followed by individually wrapped pocket coils. A final foam base layer offers durability. Those with a history of back pain or seeking extra pressure relief may want to add on the optional ErgoAlign layer, which provides zoned support in the top layer of foam.  

Helix offers more than 25 mattresses across three collections, a base, Luxe, and Elite, which can be confusing to sift through. Fortunately, a mattress quiz makes it easier to identify the best mattress for your needs, with various firmness options for side and back and stomach sleepers. The mattresses all follow a similar construction, but their foam densities will vary according to your desired feel. In my case, the Dusk Luxe was the recommendation, and an accurate one at that for my sleep needs. If the mattress is too firm or soft for your liking, Helix will send a free mattress topper. Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial with free returns, though requires a typical 30-day adjustment period from delivery date. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Read our full Helix Dusk Luxe Hybrid Mattress review and our guide to the best mattresses for back sleepers.

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Best for stomach sleepers

A firmer mattress supports stomach sleepers by keeping their spine aligned, protecting them from back pain. The Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress provides slightly firm, comfortable support. The firm feel is balanced by a plush Euro-top made of organic wool. Next is a Rainforest Alliance-certified Dunlop latex layer, and the support core contains individually wrapped coils. As a combination side and stomach sleeper, I preferred stomach sleeping on the Awara. During the testing period, I didn't experience any soreness.

Both the edge support and motion isolation were middle of the road. The Awara failed our motion transfer tests, but the mattress is quite bouncy, which some people may like. The mattress cover has two handles sewn into all four sides for easy moving, an important feature since it is one of the heaviest mattresses in our guide. Despite the heft, it's still one of the best mattresses in a box. I set it up without help in about five minutes.

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Best for back pain

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is the top pick in our best mattress for back pain guide and the top overall pick in this guide. We want to provide another, more affordable option, so we're highlighting the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress, which is ideal for those who enjoy memory foam's conforming support.

With its medium firmness, the Nectar mattress is the best bet for side sleepers with back pain, but it may also work well for stomach and back sleepers. My back remained pain-free during my testing as I slept on my side.

A Tencel-poly blend cover helps keep the Nectar mattress cool. Three CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers comprise the mattress: a gel memory foam top layer, a pressure point-relieving, adaptive response transition layer, and a supportive foam base layer. I tend to overheat, yet the bed remains cool even in a hot room. The heat quickly dissipated when I got up.

The motion isolation and edge support are excellent, making it great for couples. I didn't feel like I was "stuck" in the mattress when lying on it, which can be an issue with memory foam. Instead, mobility wasn't an issue, a plus when back pain makes any extra effort painful. 

At about $700 and frequently on promotion, the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is the best mattress for back pain — or any need — at this price point.

Read our full Nectar Mattress review.

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Best organic

If you want to make an eco-friendly choice in the bedroom, an organic mattress utilizes natural materials like cotton, wool, and latex and has third-party certifications to back its organic status. The Birch Natural Mattress by Helix is one of the best organic mattresses thanks to its sustainable materials, excellent pressure relief, and mid-range cost. The latex hybrid design typically provides a cooler and more responsive alternative to memory foam mattresses. 

Underneath the organic cotton cover, the top layers of the mattress are made of wool fibers with rayon, followed by a wool layer for temperature regulation and comfort. The middle layers are made of latex and individually wrapped coils for support and limited motion transfer. The base consists of wool batting for durability and stability. The mattress is also Greenguard Gold-certified to be free of harsh chemicals. 

It's a firm mattress, but you can add a plush organic mattress topper for an extra cost. The Birch has outstanding edge support, though the motion isolation was subpar. If you share a bed with someone, consider a larger size so their movement doesn't disturb you.

After testing, I gave the Birch to my 6-foot-5 teenager, who deals with joint pain. They said the bed helped soothe their aches. We both sleep hot, and the Birch did an adequate job of dissipating heat. However, on hotter nights, they said the mattress was uncomfortably hot.

Read our full Birch Mattress review and guide to the best organic mattresses.

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Best cooling

One night, when sleeping with the Nest Bedding Finch Latex Mattress, I felt too cool and had to add an extra blanket. It had some of the lowest temperature readings in my tests. The mattress is available in medium and firm feels. I tested the medium, which felt accurate and should appeal to most sleeping styles. 

The Finch's top layer has good bounce and airflow thanks to organic wool, cotton, and CertiPUR-US-certified foam. Next are two OEKO-TEX-certified latex layers. The firmness comes from the top latex layer, and the bottom layer adds durability, structure, and support to the bed. While the edge support will appeal to couples, the motion isolation leaves much to be desired. 

Read our guide to the best cooling mattresses.

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Best firm

As a side sleeper, I don't like firm mattresses, but I wanted to fill holes in my coverage, so when given the choice of testing the Serta iComfortECO Foam mattress in plush, medium, or firm, I chose firm. Despite being firmer than most firm mattresses I've tested, I was blown away by how well I slept on it. My average sleep score is usually about 63. On this bed, I strung together several 70+ nights in a row, including a couple over 80. 

I didn't sink into the bed much, but I also didn't experience much soreness during the testing period, suggesting the mattress has good pressure relief. It did a passable job of keeping my spine aligned while I slept on my side. However, I wish it dissipated heat better. It tended to hold onto it, a plus for cold sleepers but not ideal for hot sleepers like me. I awoke sweating a couple of times.

The iComfortECO Foam mattress comes in three variations, ascending in price and thickness: standard, enhanced, and ultimate. I tested the standard. The pricier versions feature extra foam layers that add pressure relief and thickness.

The standard version features a cover made of Repreve, which sources recycled plastic bottles to create various textiles. The pressure-relieving memory foam top layer is partially made of plant-based material. Below is cooling gel memory foam. Then, latex foam offers breathability and support. The next layer is support foam for spinal alignment. The foam core is the thickest part, supplying edge support and durability. On the bottom is a recycled fiber support base for extra durability. These materials combine to give the iComfortECO the best edge support of any mattress I've tested.

Read our full Serta iComfortECO foam mattress review.

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Best adjustable

While pricey, the $3,000 Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed is worth every penny because it customizes to your comfort preferences. This adjustable air bed has 20 firmness options, so you'll find a feel that's right for you. Both sides adjust individually so you and your partner can have your custom firmness.

If you switch between multiple sleep positions, you just activate the automatic air adjustment feature in the Sleep Number app (iOS and Android), and the bed will quietly adjust the firmness when it senses your movements.

Another luxury feature is the sleep tracker, which assigns a sleep score based on how well you slept and gives recommendations for better sleep. During the testing period, Sleep Number made several improvements to its measuring software that aligned with the data from my smartwatch.

Setup was a breeze since the Sleep Number i8 has in-home delivery. The delivery people had it installed and paired with my phone in 45 minutes. 

The main negatives with the bed are motion isolation and heat dissipation. My wife found the motion transfer was so extreme that it felt like she was on a water bed. While the mattress didn't get very hot, it didn't cool down quickly when I got up.

Read our full Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed review.

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Best for heavy people

The Big Fig Mattress is designed to support two sleepers with a combined weight of 1,100 pounds. Factor in the firmer-than-average support, and you have the ideal mattress for heavier individuals. The cover is made of a cooling material to prevent overheating, followed by three CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers that promote airflow, edge support, and durability. The individually wrapped coils located at the base of the mattress add more support and durability. 

I usually sleep on my side, but with the firm feel of the Big Fig, I slept better on my stomach and back. Heavier side sleepers will likely be comfortable since they will sink into the mattress more, keeping their spine aligned.

The Big Fig's edge support is among the best I've experienced. I felt just as comfortable on the edge as in the middle. I rarely find good motion isolation and bounce on the same mattress. The Big Fig came close. It failed our bowling ball test, but in my subjective experience, the mattress's motion dampening was pretty good. The impressive bounce could facilitate intimate activities.

The Big Fig weighs more than most mattresses, so setting it up took more effort. The initial odor took a day to dissipate, so air out the bed before you sleep on it.

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What to look for when choosing a mattress

When considering what is the best mattress to buy, there are many factors to look for. The key attributes to zero in on are mattress type, preferred sleep position, medical conditions you and your bed partner may have, and individual preferences. We outline specifics about how to choose a mattress below:

Mattress type

The most popular types of mattresses are memory foam (contours to your body), latex foam (eco-friendly), hybrid (durable), innerspring (supportive), pillow-top (soft), and adjustable air beds (versatile). Here are more pros and cons of each type.

• Memory foam:  These are mattresses with multiple layers of high-density foam that support and contour to your body and offer pressure relief. Due to their construction, all-foam mattresses tend to trap heat, but advances in materials have made them much more breathable. Many are sold as a mattress-in-a-box because they can easily be condensed for shipping.
• Latex foam: People looking for an eco-friendly and more responsive alternative to traditional memory foam tend to prefer latex foam, though it is heavier and more expensive. Latex is often described as bouncy. 
• Hybrid: These beds combine one of the above foams with individually wrapped coils. The coils help with motion transfer and edge support, making them an excellent option for couples. The pocket springs also help with airflow for cooler sleep.
• Innerspring: Also called coil mattresses, these are your traditional mattresses and are generally pretty affordable. The responsive coils offer good overall support, edge support, cooling, and durability, but you can expect some motion transfer. 
• Pillow-top: Pillow-tops, or euro-tops, can be found on any mattress type but are usually associated with innerspring mattresses. They are typically filled with foam or fiber and are an excellent choice for those who like a soft, cushy feel. 
• Adjustable or air beds: These beds use an air pump to adjust the firmness of your mattress to suit your needs. They are among the most expensive options but may be an ideal long-term solution since firmness needs can change with time. Couples with different firmness needs would also benefit from an adjustable air bed.

Sleep position

Though preferences differ, certain sleeping styles seem to prefer certain mattresses, according to Dr. Luis Javier Peña-Hernández, a lung and sleep health specialist at the Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Disorders Institute of South Florida.

Side sleepers: "Vast research exists to support side sleepers benefit from medium-firm mattresses to support pressure point relief," said Peña-Hernández. An unsupportive bed will give side sleepers shoulder and lower back pain.

Back sleepers: Peña-Hernández recommends medium firmness for back sleepers. "Back sleepers should strive to maintain the natural S-curvature of the spine," he said. "A medium-firm mattress will help achieve this."

Stomach sleepers: Firmer mattresses tend to benefit stomach sleepers.

Body size and preferences

"Overweight individuals should consider a thicker mattress of at least 12 inches thick or more," said Peña-Hernández. "Thinner mattresses won't provide the support you need. Coil mattresses (including hybrids) provide a more durable construction." Heavier people also tend to prefer firmer beds.

Softer mattresses are better for petite individuals (under 130 pounds) since they don't sink into beds as much. Michael Breus, Ph.D., a board-certified psychologist in clinical sleep disorders known as "The Sleep Doctor," noted that older people benefit from softer mattresses. "As we age, our skin gets thinner, which means less cushion," he said.

"Hot sleepers should consider sheets and materials made of natural fibers for their breathability," said Peña-Hernández. "Bamboo, cotton, linen, and hemp are good options as well as cooling sheets, especially sheets designed to wick moisture." Check out our guide to the best bed sheets for recommendations.

Medical conditions

Peña-Hernández suggests consulting with your doctor and considering your medical history, like respiratory diseases, allergies, scoliosis, or sleep apnea, when purchasing a mattress. "For example, patients with COPD may benefit from adjustable beds because elevating the head of the bed can sometimes facilitate easier breathing," Peña-Hernández said.

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How we test mattresses

I've reviewed mattresses for six years and developed a methodology for how Business Insider tests mattresses to determine the best. I've also toured a mattress factory, which gave me deep insights into how mattresses are made. All of our best mattresses have been tested by myself or members of the Business Insider Reviews team.

I sleep on each mattress for at least two weeks and conduct many objective tests on each model. The most important factors are comfort, edge support, and motion isolation.

Here are some of the test results for the main attributes we tested:

Attribute	Leesa Sapira Hybrid	Saatva Classic (Luxury Firm)	The Allswell	Tempur-Cloud	WinkBed EcoCloud	Helix Dusk Luxe	Awara LuxuryHybrid	Nectar Memory Foam	Birchby Helix	Nest Bedding Finch	Serta iComfortECO (firm)	Sleep Number i8	Big Fig
Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest)	5	7	7	6	5	6	6	6	7	5.5	8	20 levels	7
Motion Isolation (1 awful to 10 best)	7	5	7	7	6	7	5	8	3	4	8	3	6
Edge Support (1 awful to 10 best)	8	10	7	3	7	5	5	7	9	9	10	6	10
Heat Dissipation (1 traps heat to 10 stays cool)	6	7	4	9	3	7	6	7	4	10	3	3	6
Trial Period (nights)	100	365	90	90	120	100	365	365	100	365	120	100	120
Warranty (years)	10	Lifetime	10	10	Lifetime	15	Lifetime	Lifetime	25	Lifetime	10	15	20

Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:

Comfort: This is a reasonably subjective characteristic based on the firmness of a mattress, how hot it sleeps, and how supportive it feels. I measure firmness by testing dozens of beds and developing a feel for soft, medium, and firm mattresses. I also consider heat dissipation, which I gauge using a laser thermometer to measure the temperature before I lay in bed for at least one hour, immediately after I get up, and two minutes after I get up. 

Motion isolation: If you've ever spent the night with someone who moves around a lot, you know how vital motion isolation is. Without it, your sleeping partner's movements will jostle you awake throughout the night. To test motion isolation, I place a 12-ounce can in the middle of the mattress. Then I drop a 15-pound bowling ball four feet above the bed so it lands 12 inches from the can. If the can falls over time and time again, the motion isolation is not very good. If the can stays upright, the bed does an excellent job of dampening motion transfer. I also place a vibrometer across the bed from where the bowling ball lands and compare the intensity of the vibrations. 

Edge support: To test edge support, I lay on the very edge of the bed and slowly roll off — literally. The bed has good edge support if I can roll a fair amount before falling. If I fall easily, then the edge support is not very good. I also sit on the side to put on my socks and shoes to assess how much the edge sinks. 

Maneuverability: You probably won't need to move your mattress often, so this category doesn't weigh heavily in our assessment. Still, it's nice if you can easily rotate your mattress, a task that's important for your bed's longevity. Depending on your bed's position, you may need to move the mattress to put on fitted sheets. I move each mattress several times to see how heavy it feels and if it flops around, making it harder to move.

Trial and warranty: The only way to know if a bed is right for you is to sleep on it for several nights, so I looked for loopholes in the fine print of the return policy and let you know about them. I also report any questionable language in the warranty.

Setup: I time how long it takes me to unbox and set up each mattress and note any peculiarities to the process. My nose tracks any new bed odor and if it's still around when I go to bed 10+ hours later. Lastly, I examine whether an in-home setup is offered and how much it costs.

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Mattress FAQs

How long should a mattress last?

A good way to gauge how long a mattress will last is to look at its warranty. All mattresses in our guide have warranties of at least 10 years. However, several factors can affect a mattress's lifespan, including its type, body weight, and how often it is slept on. See our "How long does a mattress last?" article for more details.

When is the best time to buy a mattress?

Mattress makers have sales throughout the year, but you can usually find the best deals during holiday weekends, like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday.  

Manufacturers tend to mark down prices in the spring as they prepare to launch a new line in June. You'll usually find the most comprehensive selection in March with the smallest discounts. As you get into May, the discounts increase while the inventory becomes sparse. 

What is the best size mattress to get?

The mattress sizes you should get depend on whether you are sleeping alone or with a partner, as well as whether your bedroom can comfortably fit the size of your bed. Twin, twin XL and full beds are generally better for smaller, taller, and larger individuals, respectively. Queen, king, and California king are better for smaller, larger, and taller couples, respectively. Here are the dimensions of each.

• Twin: 38 inches wide by 75 inches long
• Twin XL: 38 inches wide by 80 inches long
• Full: 54 inches wide by 75 inches long
• Queen: 60 inches wide by 80 inches long
• King: 76 inches wide by 80 inches long
• California king: 72 inches wide by 84 inches long

My wife and I are slightly taller and heavier than average. Queen mattresses are too small and uncomfortable for us, though as the most popular size, it's what we test. We've found king is ideal for our needs. However, since our "sleep divorce," we rarely share a bed.

Check out my mattress size chart for more detailed recommendations.

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What is the best mattress for back pain?

The orthopedic surgeons we talked to said that medium-firm mattresses are best for people with back pain.

Amit Jain, MD, chief of minimally invasive spinal surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital and an associate professor of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said a medium-firm mattress is best for those with or without back pain, based on a 2015 study.

Tamara Huff, MD, a Georgia-based board-certified orthopedic surgeon and health disparities advocate, pointed out that it's hard to pinpoint what a "medium firm" is. She recommends avoiding the firmest mattress if you suffer from back pain. Instead, choose one that feels medium-firm to you.

I recommend looking for a mattress with zoned support. These offer more pressure relief around the hips, lower back, and shoulders and can better keep your spine aligned.

Take advantage of the home trial. After all, the only way to know if a mattress is right for your back is to sleep on it.

We rate the Leesa Sapira Hybrid as the best mattress for back pain, but for more options, read our comprehensive guide to the best mattresses for back pain.

What is the best mattress for hot sleepers?

We have a whole guide dedicated to the best mattresses for hot sleepers. Beds that keep you cool allow for airflow through the mattress. Hybrid mattresses with pocket coils that reach the mattress's edge breathe better. The same is true for beds with perforated foam. In my experience, beds with wool, cotton, or Celliant in their top layers or cover also tend to sleep cooler.

Emiel DenHartog, a professor in the textile engineering, chemistry, and science department at North Carolina State University, recommended mattresses with phase-change materials. As these materials change physical states, they absorb, store, and release heat.

Based on my objective tests using a laser thermometer, the Nest Bedding Finch is the best cooling mattress for hot sleepers.

What mattress should you buy for your weight?

The general rule of thumb is that heavier individuals should choose firmer mattresses, and petite folks are better served by softer ones. Heavy people will sink in more, and a firm, supportive mattress will help keep their spine aligned. Lighter sleepers need to be able to sink in for optimal spinal alignment.

According to Peña-Hernández, heavier individuals should pick an innerspring or hybrid mattress at least 12 inches thick for durability and support. We recommend the Big Fig Mattress, specifically designed for bigger people. The Titan Plus Luxe is another solid option.

Lighter individuals might like the super soft Puffy Royal.

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How much should you spend on a mattress?

We outlined picks at various price points, but experts repeatedly tell us to consider a mattress an investment in your well-being. You spend about a third of your life on your bed, and you should expect to spend over $1,000 on a quality mattress.

While the upfront cost may seem high, a good mattress should last about 10 years. The chart below breaks down the average price for different types of mattresses. See our "How much does a mattress cost?" article for more in-depth information.

Type of mattress	Budget	Mid-priced	Luxury
Foam mattress	$450 or less	From $1,000	From $1,300
Innerspring mattress	$700 or less	From $1,500	From $2,000
Hybrid mattress	$600 or less	From $1,500	From $2,200
Latex mattress	$1,200 or less	From $1,800	From $2,500

If you can't afford a new mattress right now, a good short-term solution is a mattress topper. It can extend the life of your bed and give you a new feel. Check out our guide to the best mattress toppers.

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What's the best way to clean a mattress?

Clean your mattress with baking soda and a vacuum every three to six months. Treat stains immediately with a disinfectant wipe. Tackle harder stains with a mixture of dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide.

Some mattresses have removable covers. Check with the manufacturer before removing the cover and attempting to clean it, as it could void the warranty. Some brands may state that their covers are machine washable. If that is the case with your mattress, we recommend that option only as a last resort since it's incredibly difficult to take the cover off and put it back on.

For more tips, check out our article on how to clean a mattress.

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Do I need a mattress protector?

When purchasing a new mattress, you should also buy a mattress protector to protect your investment. Our guide to the best mattress protectors offers our top recommendations.

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