Best Full/Double Mattress

The full – or double – is one of the six standard mattress sizes. Although dimensions vary by model, most full size mattresses measure 53 to 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. These dimensions fall between a twin XL and queen mattress, making the full a mid-range size. It’s an ideal choice for single sleepers who want a roomier sleep surface compared to a twin or twin XL, but still want to conserve floor space. Full size mattresses will be too narrow for most couples, and won’t be long enough for people who stand taller than 6 feet 3 inches.

To select our top picks for the best full mattresses sold today, we’ve focused on qualities and performance metrics that matter most to solo sleepers. These include durability, pressure relief, edge support, and temperature neutrality. Since full mattresses are generally more affordable than larger sizes intended for two people, sticker price and overall value also came into play.

We’ve summarized our findings in the mattress profiles below and awarded a unique accolade to each top pick based on areas where that mattress performed particularly well. Our guide to full mattresses also includes detailed information for first-time buyers. Scroll down to learn about the pros and cons of full size mattresses, how they compare to other sizes, and who should consider buying one.

Our Recommendations

Helix Sleep’s mattress lineup includes more than a dozen hybrid models specifically designed for certain types of sleepers. The Helix Midnight may be intended for side sleepers who weigh 130 to 230 pounds, but our testing shows back sleepers in the same weight range and lighter stomach sleepers also find the mattress quite comfortable. Its versatility can be attributed to a balanced medium firm (6) feel that combines the contouring of memory foam with robust coil support.

What It’s Made of

The mattress begins with a comfort layer of memory foam, followed by a transitional polyfoam layer. Individually pocketed coils reinforced with high-density polyfoam make up the support core. The coils are reinforced along the perimeter to create pushback when you sleep near the edges of the mattress or get in and out of bed. A stretch-polyester cover encases the entire mattress.

How It Performed

The Midnight earns above-average ratings for pressure relief compared to other hybrids. The foam layers provide even cushioning for areas of the body prone to pressure buildup, such as the shoulders and hips. The transitional foam also serves as a buffer for the support core, so sleepers up to 230 pounds shouldn’t sink too deeply into the mattress.

Edge support is another strength of the Midnight. The reinforced coils allow you and your partner to use the entire mattress surface, so you shouldn’t feel confined to the middle during sleep or sex. Steady airflow through the coils also helps the mattress sleep cool.

The Midnight has a below-average price-point for a hybrid model, and Helix Sleep offers free ground delivery to all 50 states. Each order comes with a 100-night sleep trial that includes free return shipping, and those who choose to keep the mattress also receive a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The Nectar is an all-foam mattress constructed with three memory foam layers. Compared to other all-foam models, the Nectar offers above-average edge support and great overall stability at an affordable price-point.

What It’s Made of

The mattress contains two comfort layers made of foam that conform closely and respond slowly, creating a deep, pressure-relieving cradle as your body sinks beneath the surface. The polyfoam transitional layer is a bit denser, and prevents you from sagging too deeply. The Nectar also contains a support core made from robust high-density polyfoam.

How It Performed

Like other memory foam mattresses, this model is very suited to people who constantly feel pressure points in their shoulders, hips, and other sensitive areas. Despite the Nectar’s medium firm (6) feel, the foam layers cushion the body to align the spine for side sleepers. The mattress is also supportive enough to keep back and stomach sleepers on an even plane without sinking too much beneath their heavier areas. The Nectar may also be a good choice if you share your full size mattress with another person. The surface absorbs motion and eliminates nearly all transfer across the surface, and the bed itself does not produce any noise.

The Nectar’s price-point is very affordable for a memory foam bed. The company also offers a 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty, both of which are much longer than average. Standard ground shipping is free for anyone in the contiguous U.S.

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is available in three distinct firmness levels. This ensures most sleepers can find a comfortable option regardless of how much they weigh. Compared with other quality hybrids we’ve tested, the Signature has an approachable price-point that should accommodate a range of budgets.

What It’s Made of

The Signature Hybrid is constructed with a comfort layer of TitanFlex polyfoam and a transitional layer of VariFlex foam. The latter has a latex-like quality that gives it a responsive and springy feel, while the TitanFlex contours more closely. The firm (8) feel features more transitional foam and a thinner comfort layer, while the medium soft (4) and medium firm (6) feels have more TitanFlex foam.

All Signature Hybrid models are constructed with pocketed coils and base layers of high-density polyfoam. These components stabilize the mattress to maintain an even sleep surface. The coils are also reinforced along the perimeter to minimize sinkage when owners get out of bed or sleep near the mattress edges. A knit cover completes the design.

How It Performed

Each firmness level for the Signature Hybrid performed well in a few areas. The medium soft models feel quite plush on the surface, making this option best-suited to side sleepers who want deep cushioning for the shoulders and hips. We also found that this feel provided the best motion isolation. The medium firm option is more supportive and probably a better fit for side sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. Lastly, the firm option barely contours at all and is quite stable. Those who weigh more than 230 pounds will likely prefer this firmness level.

All firmness options performed well in temperature control, edge support, and ease of movement.

In addition to the six standard mattress sizes, you can choose an Olympic queen, split California king, or a handful of short and RV-friendly sizes. Shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S., and each purchase is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

If you live with back pain, you should prioritize a mattress that cradles and cushions sore spots in the shoulders, lumbar region, and hips. The WinkBed is a foam hybrid with a thick comfort system and ultra-supportive coils. These components ensure even contouring with minimal sinkage around the midsection.

What It’s Made of

Customers select from four firmness levels for their WinkBed. These include the Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer models. In terms of firmness, these mattresses are considered medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7), respectively. You can also choose the WinkBed Plus (8), which is specifically designed for people who weigh more than 230 pounds.

A layer of adaptive foam quilted into the WinkBed’s cover gives the mattress a plush surface feel. Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer models contain a polyfoam comfort layer that conforms evenly as your body settles. The WinkBed Plus features a latex layer that makes the surface feel bouncy, which can help you move more easily across the mattress.

The support core consists of pocketed coils arranged in a zoned formation. Thicker coils located beneath the torso and hips help keep your body on an even plane, while thinner coils cradle lighter areas of your body such as the head, shoulders, and hips. The perimeter coils are also reinforced to reduce sinkage. A cover made of Tencel encases the mattress.

How It Performed

We tested all four of the WinkBed’s firmness levels and found unique strengths for each one. The Softer model provides the deepest cushioning and feels highly adaptive. This was the most popular design among our team’s side and back sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. Our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds gave stellar ratings to the Luxury Firm, as did side sleepers of 130 to 230 pounds. We found this design to be the most balanced, with moderate contouring and sturdy support from head to toe. Testers on our team weighing more than 230 pounds also appreciated the extra reinforcement from the Firmer and WinkBed Plus models.

Temperature control was another area where the WinkBed excelled across all firmness levels during our tests. The Tencel cover is both breathable and moisture-wicking, resulting in a surface that feels comfortable at all times, and the coils generate enough airflow to keep the interior cool. We were also impressed by the excellent edge support and ease of movement. Even the Softer model sank very little when we sat along the perimeter and moved across the surface.

WinkBeds offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a 120-night sleep trial. If you decide your initial firmness selection is not right for you, the company allows you to exchange the original mattress for a new model at no extra charge. The replacement also receives a 60-night trial period. All WinkBed mattresses are covered under a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

All-foam mattresses are known for their enhanced pressure relief capabilities, and the Layla Mattress is no exception. Side sleepers and people with persistently sharp pressure points should appreciate the mattress’ deep contouring. The Layla also has a flippable design with two distinct feels – medium soft (4) and firm (7) – so you can find a firmness that best suits your needs.

What It’s Made of

The thickness of the comfort system differs according to the side on which you choose to sleep. The softer side has a thicker comfort system. Copper gel-infused memory foam makes up the top comfort layer, which adapts to the body to relieve pressure. The copper gel infusion is meant to conduct heat away from the body and regulate temperature. Next is a layer of zoned polyfoam that provides targeted support to the hips and shoulders. This layer is also channeled to facilitate airflow. The firmer side has a thinner comfort system with one layer of copper gel-infused memory foam.

The shared support core features high-density polyfoam that provides ample pushback to the midsection, preventing excessive sinkage. A cooling cover made from polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly/lycra encases the mattress, designed to keep the surface cool to the touch.

How It Performed

Our testing team found the softer side ideal for side sleepers, particularly those weighing under 130 pounds. These sleepers should sink comfortably into the mattress, creating pressure relief for the joints. The firm side’s even contouring performed best among back and stomach sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds.

The two sides also have differing performances in a few categories. Couples who value motion isolation may prefer the softer side’s ability to absorb most movement transfer. Co-sleepers should notice few sleep interruptions when their partner changes positions. The firmer side does not contour to the body as closely, thus trapping less heat. This side is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who like the close “body hug” from memory foam.

Layla ships free to the contiguous U.S., and it offers a 120-night sleep trial. Mattress purchases come with a generous lifetime warranty that covers structural defects.

Eco-conscious shoppers willing to spend a bit more on a mattress with organic materials will enjoy the Birch Luxe. The mattress boasts Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Rainforest Alliance certifications, ensuring that the materials are sustainably sourced and ethically produced.

What It’s Made of

A quilted Euro-top cover made from GOTS-certified organic cotton gives the Luxe’s surface a plush feel. Underneath is a breathable organic wool-rayon blend layer that acts as a natural fire barrier. Next is an organic cashmere and wool layer, followed by two layers of organic wool. These layers encourage steady airflow through the comfort system while adding a bit of cushioning. Rainforest Alliance-certified natural latex rounds out the comfort system, offering gentle cradling to relieve pressure points without sinking too deeply.

The support core features pocketed coils in a zoned configuration. Thicker coils are placed in the center of the mattress to provide targeted support to the midsection. Meanwhile, thinner coils cradle the legs and upper body. The thicker coils also reinforce the perimeter of the bed, helping it bear your weight when you sit or sleep near the edges. Underneath is another wool-rayon layer for stability.

How It Performed

Thanks to the medium firm (6) feel, we found the mattress best suited side sleepers, particularly those who weigh at least 130 pounds. The cushioning from the wool layers and the latex helped relieve pressure in the hips and shoulders without excessive sinkage. Our back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also enjoyed the responsive feel.

Temperature regulation was one of the Luxe’s standout features during our tests. We attribute this to the steady airflow through the coils and the breathable wool, cashmere, and latex comfort layers. Thanks to the bouncy feel, we also recommend the mattress for couples who prioritize responsiveness for sex. We could move across the mattress easily, and the reinforced perimeter prevented us from slipping off the edges.

Birch ships free to customers in all 50 states. Mattress purchases come with 100-night sleep trials, during which you can test the mattress and return it for a full refund anytime after the 30-night break-in period. The Birch Luxe is backed by a 25-year warranty.

The Nolah Original is a 10-inch all-foam mattress designed with cushioning foams that conform to relieve pressure points. Side sleepers typically exert a lot of pressure on the shoulders and hips, so the generous cushioning can help avoid painful pressure buildup.

What It’s Made of

A top layer of proprietary AirFoam conforms to the body while providing a slightly bouncy feel. A second layer of transitional polyfoam prevents the body from sinking into the support core but still provides moderate cushioning. The core is composed of a thick layer of high-density polyfoam that provides the support needed to keep the spine aligned and prevent the hips from sinking in.

How It Performed

The Nolah Original falls at a medium, or a 5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. This makes it ideal for side sleepers and those who weigh less than 130 pounds. Sleepers in this weight category often experience pressure points from firmer mattresses, as they don’t exert enough pressure on the mattress to feel a firmer bed’s cushioning. The plush foams also absorb motion well, keeping co-sleepers from waking each other at night.

Six standard sizes are available, as well as a split king size for adjustable beds. Nolah offers a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, with free shipping in the contiguous U.S.

If you’re a hot sleeper, a mattress constructed with breathable materials can help ensure a comfortable night’s rest any time of year. The Bear Elite Hybrid excels at cooling thanks to various components in the comfort system and support core, as well as a cover that actively dissipates body heat on contact. Our team found the mattress sleeps significantly cooler than most of the other memory foam hybrids we’ve tested in our lab.

What It’s Made of

The Elite Hybrid’s topmost layer is composed of memory foam. A copper-gel infusion helps offset the foam’s heat-retaining properties. The transitional polyfoam layer is divided into five firmness zones to provide extra support for the chest, stomach, and hips while cradling lighter areas of the body.

Pocketed coils and dense base foam make up the Elite Hybrid’s support core. Thicker coils line the perimeter to push back against your weight and limit sinkage when you lie close to the edges or get in and out of bed. Air also circulates steadily throughout the coil system for extra breathability. A cover made with Celliant fabric encases the mattress. Celliant is a cutting-edge textile engineered to capture and release heat, maintaining a cool-to-the-touch feel at all times.

How It Performed

Our team tested all three of the Elite Hybrid’s firmness levels. The medium (5) design contoured very closely, earning favorable ratings from our side and back sleepers under 130 pounds. The firm model (8) delivers excellent support and conforms to a minimal extent. This design was most popular among our side sleepers over 230 pounds and our back and stomach sleepers of at least 130 pounds. If you’re looking for a balance of cushioning and reinforcement, the medium firm (6) Elite Hybrid should meet your needs.

During our tests, the Elite Hybrid demonstrated excellent temperature control. Our thermal sensors detected little to no heat buildup on the surface, and none of our testers felt uncomfortably warm. Pressure relief was another testing highlight. The foam layers adapt to your body and alleviate soreness along the spine, but the transitional layer pushes back enough to prevent excessive sinkage. Other strong areas include edge support and ease of movement.

The Elite Hybrid is competitively priced, and all customers receive two complimentary pillows with their purchase. Bear offers standard ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a 120-night trial period, and you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty against structural defects if you choose to keep the mattress after the trial ends.

The Helix Kids Mattress is a flippable hybrid bed with different firmness levels on each side, with each firmness catering to different sleep preferences and body types. This dual-sided design allows the mattress to grow with your child from toddler to teen years.

What It’s Made of

The mattress features a soft side with a medium soft (4) feel, aimed at older children, and a firm side that rates medium firm (6), designed with younger children in mind. The firmer side begins with a layer of dense polyfoam that gently contours to the body while providing ample support for growing bodies. The softer side begins with a memory foam layer that offers deeper contouring than the opposite side, creating a comfortably plush surface.

Both sides share a support core of pocketed coils that provide ample pushback but also gently cradle the body. The coils are reinforced around the perimeter so the bed won’t sag when your child sits or sleeps close to the edges. A breathable Tencel cover encases the entire mattress with a plant-based water-repellent treatment designed to protect the mattress from spills and nighttime accidents.

How It Performed

Both sides, especially the softer side, excel in pressure relief, making the bed well suited for kids who sleep on their sides and experience sharp pressure points in the shoulders and hips. The soft side’s plush surface also absorbs movement effectively, so your child won’t feel much movement if sharing the bed with a parent or pet. Reinforced edges can also help prevent children from rolling off the bed in the middle of the night.

Helix mattresses are backed by a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty. Helix ships free to all 50 states.

Why You Can Trust Us

We have tested hundreds of mattresses, drawing on years of experience in the sleep product industry. Our team includes various body types and sleeping positions to ensure that our findings represent as as many sleepers as possible.

Each person on our 10-person testing panel has spent years researching and evaluating mattresses and other sleep products. Some us have also worked directly with mattress manufacturers. We source additional testing data from other internal and external evaluators in order to ensure comprehensive feedback from people with different sleep needs and preferences.

Our team tests all mattresses in a sleep lab equipped with a wide array of sensors and tools used to measure various metrics. Each mattress is subjected to testing for eight performance categories. To arrive at our final ratings, we combine quantitative results from these tests with qualitative experiences from our testers and evaluators. This holistic approach to mattress testing helps us determine who is — and is not — well suited to each model.

Methodology

How We Evaluated These Mattresses

Our testers laid on each full-size mattress and moved around the surface to evaluate criteria such as firmness and support. We performed tests and used special tools to measure temperature neutrality, pressure relief, and motion isolation. You will find the top results of our research in the mattress picks above.

For more details, you can read our product research methodology below:

Other Mattress Guides

If you want to expand your search for a new mattress beyond full and double beds, you can take a look at our detailed recommendations broken down by mattress size.

How to Choose a Full Mattress

The full (or double) is a popular mid-level mattress size for single sleepers. It offers more width than a twin or twin XL, creating plenty of space for people who toss and turn or frequently shift positions, but the full conserves more space than a queen, king, or California king.

As with mattresses of any other size, selecting the right full size model requires a bit of research on your part. Read on to learn about different factors to consider when choosing your full mattress.

What to Look for in a Mattress

Brand and product research is essential for finding the best full size mattress. Every individual model offers a unique sleep experience, and is designed for people with certain body types, sleep positions, and firmness preferences. Keep that in mind as you visit mattress websites and read product descriptions. Some brands have a tendency to infuse misleading and hyperbolic descriptions into their onsite advertising. Be especially wary of claims that a mattress is suited for any type of sleeper or that it will last forever.

Instead, we recommend using these attributes to guide your full size mattress search.

• Price: The price of a full size mattress will depend on its materials and design, as well as the brand selling the bed. That said, you should be able to find a high-quality full mattress for $1,500 or less. Be sure to factor in shipping costs if you reside in Alaska or Hawaii, as well as return fees if they apply.
• Sleeping Position: Your sleep position will most likely dictate which mattresses feel more and less comfortable. Side sleepers typically need a softer feel for adequate cushioning, even spinal alignment, and pressure relief. For back and stomach sleepers, a balance of contouring and support is needed to keep their bodies on an even plane.
• Mattress Type: Mattresses sold today fall into five general categories, each associated with distinct characteristics. All-foam mattresses offer close body-conforming and slow response, while all-latex beds feel a bit springier as they contour. A traditional innerspring will feel very responsive, whereas hybrids offer the bounciness of coils and the conforming of thick comfort layers. If you want a mattress that offers adjustable firmness, then an airbed may be the best option.
• Contouring: Some mattresses conform closely to the body while others feel stiff and conform very little. The best full mattresses for contouring will promote even support to reinforce your torso and hips while cradling the head, neck, and legs. All-foam, all-latex, and hybrid mattresses generally provide the best contouring.
• Quality Materials: The materials used to build your mattress can affect a number of factors, including durability, temperature neutrality, pressure relief, and edge support. High-quality mattress components associated with strong overall performance include dense memory foam, organic latex, and sturdy coils divided into thickness zones.
• Firmness Level: We use a 1-10 scale to evaluate mattress firmness, with 1 being the softest possible feel and 10 the firmest. Most beds sold today fall between 2 and 8. You may prefer a softer mattress (1-3) if you want a deep body contour and a bit of sinking. A firmer mattress (7-10) may be more suitable if you want less conforming and stronger support. For many people, a mid-level firmness (4-6) offers the most comfortable and balanced feel.

• Pressure Relief: Many people experience pressure points in their shoulders, lower back, and hips. A mattress that does not support these areas and promote spinal alignment can make the issue worse. Whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach, be sure to choose a mattress that will keep your body and spine on an even plane.
• Edge Support: Mattresses with weak edge support will sink quite a bit when you get on and off the bed. You may also feel less secure lying near the perimeter, leaving you confined to the center. Coils generally provide the best edge support, whereas foam and latex layers are more prone to deep sinkage and less perimeter stability.
• Temperature Regulation: If you sleep hot, you may want to select a mattress made with components that promote breathability and temperature control. These include ventilated foam or latex comfort layers, coils that promote airflow, and covers made from natural fibers. Dense foam tends to sleep warmer than any other mattress material.
• Noise: Most all-foam and all-latex mattresses are completely silent. These models will be best suited to people who easily wake up due to noise. Other beds tend to be louder due to their internal components, such as the coils found in innersprings and hybrids, or the whirring air chambers used to adjust the firmness levels in airbeds.

Why Do People Buy New Mattresses?

Your mattress will eventually develop indentations on the surface. This is part of normal wear and tear, but over time the uneven surface can cause pain and pressure points to buildup. We recommend replacing your mattress every 7 years, or sooner if you start to notice deep impressions that affect the bed’s overall comfort level. A new full mattress is a good option if you’re upgrading from a twin or twin XL, or you want to save the money you’d otherwise spend on a larger size.

Who Is Best Suited to a Full Mattress?

Full size mattresses usually measure 53 to 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. Some brands use “double” for this size instead, but the terms are interchangeable. Fulls are about 14 to 15 inches wider than a standard twin or twin XL. While still a little too narrow for most couples, this extra width ensures ample room for solo sleepers. However, it’s important to note that anyone who stands taller than 6 feet 2 inches (74 inches) may not have enough room for their legs and feet on a full size bed.

• Toddlers and Kids: Full size mattresses are a good option for children and toddlers, especially if your child wants a larger bed to themselves. Fulls are a bit pricier than twin and twin XL models, but costs are usually reasonable, and they take up less floor space than queens, kings, and California kings. Select twin-over-full and full-over-full bunk beds are available, as well. Toddlers need a more supportive surface to help them maintain spinal alignment as they grow, so we recommend looking at some of the firmer options on our list for this age group.
• Teenagers: A full size mattress can be ideal for teenagers, especially if they tend to move around in their sleep. Bedroom dimensions may be an issue, though, since teenagers’ rooms tend to be on the smaller side. Typically, teens need a firmer mattress than toddlers and children because they weigh more and require added support.
• College Students: While a full mattress may not be ideal for exceptionally small dorm rooms, this size should work in a decently sized suite or apartment bedroom. Students who stand taller than 6 feet 2 inches may want to consider a twin XL for the added legroom and extra floor space.
• Single Adults: If you normally sleep alone, then a full size mattress should provide adequate space without taking up too much room. Many people find the full sleeps a single sleeper and a dog or cat rather comfortably, but adding a second person into the equation may feel too cramped for all involved.
• Guest Rooms: Like the twin and twin XL, a full size mattress is a good option for guest bedrooms because it takes up a minimal amount of floor space and shouldn’t cost too much. However, the mattress will probably only sleep comfortably for one overnight guest. To make sure your guest room mattress accommodates as many needs as possible, focus on models that have a balanced feel. Some examples include hybrid mattresses and models with a mid-range firmness level.

Full vs. Queen

The full mattress is similar to a queen, but slightly shorter and narrower. A standard full size mattress measures 53 to 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. Its width is best suited to single sleepers. Couples who don’t mind getting cozy may feel comfortable, but most will find a full size too narrow. The length of a full size mattress is optimal for people who stand 6 feet 2 inches or shorter.

A standard queen measures 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. Due to its wider and longer dimensions, a queen can comfortably sleep two people, as well as individuals who stand 6 feet 7 inches or shorter. However, queens take up more floor space than fulls, and – in most cases – also have higher price-points.

If the full sounds appealing but you need a slightly longer sleep surface, a full XL mattress measures roughly 54 inches wide and 80 inches long.

Pros and Cons of a Full Mattress

Every mattress size carries its own list of pros and cons. Some notable benefits and drawbacks of full size mattresses are outlined below.

Pros	Cons
Wide enough to comfortably sleep one person (and possibly a pet or two) Long enough to accommodate anyone under 6 feet 3 inches tall Mid-level price-point that’s often lower than queens, kings, and California kings Kid-friendly and compatible with some bunk beds Available for the vast majority of mattresses sold today	Too narrow for most couples and co-sleepers to sleep comfortably Not long enough for people who stand 6 feet 3 inches or taller Usually more expensive than twin and twin XL models Takes up too much space for some bedrooms, dorm rooms, and guest rooms

What Type of Mattress Is Best for a Full?

Mattresses sold today fall into one of five general categories based on material content and design: hybrid, innerspring, latex, airbed, or memory foam. Each mattress type excels in some areas and underperforms in others. The trick to finding the best double mattress is determining which attributes are most important to you. Check out our detailed look at each mattress type below for more details.

Hybrid

Definition: A hybrid is a specialized type of coil mattress designed to provide a balance of contouring and support. These models usually have comfort layers of polyfoam, memory foam, latex, and other conforming materials. The support core almost always consists of individually pocketed coils.

Pressure Relief with Added Support: Due to their all-encompassing designs, hybrids offer consistent performance in a wide range of areas. Their thick comfort layers conform and cushion the body to align the spine and reduce pressure and back pain. Hybrids also sleep reasonably cool thanks to air-circulating coils, and edge support is typically very strong.

Innerspring

Definition: A traditional innerspring is built with thin comfort layers of polyfoam and/or memory foam and a thick support core containing steel coils. As the name implies, these mattresses feel very “springy” on the surface. Innersprings are the most widely sold mattress type among U.S. consumers, as well as the cheapest on average.

Extra Bounce: An innerspring is ideal for anyone who wants a highly responsive mattress. You won’t feel much of a contour due to the thinner comfort layer(s), but innersprings are easy to move across because they don’t sink excessively. Edge support is usually quite strong, as well, so you’ll have an easier time getting in and out of bed.

Latex

Definition: Latex is a material composed from the sap of rubber trees mixed with chemical fillers. When processed into a foam material for mattresses, latex contours a bit but also feels fairly responsive. The material is very durable, as well. You can expect to sleep on a latex mattress for at least 8 years until a replacement is needed.

Sink-Free Contouring: While memory foam contours very closely and evenly, a common complaint is that the material sinks too much. Latex offers comparable conforming but its natural responsiveness prevents you from sinking deeply beneath the surface. Additionally, latex is more breathable than foam and won’t absorb or trap as much body heat.

Airbed

Definition: Airbeds are designed with two or more air chambers in their support cores. You can add or release air from any chamber to adjust the firmness in different areas of the sleep surface. Airbeds may also have comfort layers of polyfoam, memory foam, and/or latex. On average, airbeds are the most expensive mattress type.

Exceptional Customization: Some people would rather sleep on a softer mattress one night and a firmer one the next. Airbeds are an ideal choice for these individuals. On high-quality airbeds, you can choose from dozens of firmness levels, and many are designed with dual-firmness options for couples whose preferences differ.

Foam

Definition: An all-foam mattress features comfort layers of polyfoam, memory foam, or a combination of both materials. Most models also contain transitional and support layers made from denser foam material. All-foam beds provide unparalleled body-conforming, allowing you to sink into the surface of the mattress. Like innersprings, these models tend to have below-average price-points.

Targeted Pressure Relief: People who frequently feel pressure points should consider an all-foam mattress. This is particularly true for side sleepers who experience pressure due to irregular spinal alignment. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers also benefit from the contouring of an all-foam mattress, provided the support system is robust enough to keep them on an even plane.

Last Things to Consider with a Full Mattress

Now that we’ve discussed the dimensions and price expectations for a full size mattress, as well as important considerations for mattress buyers, you’re almost ready to go pick out a bed. But before you do, take a gander at these common questions regarding full size models.