Product Details
Best Overall
Nectar Mattress
Mattress Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 365 nights
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Who it's best for:
- Sleepers who enjoy the deep body contour of a memory foam mattress
- People who frequently experience pressure points
- Value seekers
Highlights:
- Three layers of memory foam shape to the body to relieve pressure
- All-foam construction absorbs movement so it isn’t felt across the mattress surface
- Comes with a 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
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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.
What It’s Made of
The mattress contains two comfort layers made of open-cell material that conform closely and respond slowly, creating a deep, pressure-relieving cradle as your body sinks beneath the surface. The third memory foam component is a bit denser, and acts as a transitional layer to prevent 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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Nectar succeeds at providing even support – an area where a lot of other memory foam mattresses struggle. The foam is adaptive but fairly firm, and I didn’t notice much heat retention.”
Best Value
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Trial length: 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Custom Sizes
Who it's best for:
- Hot sleepers
- Couples
- Shoppers with limited budgets
Highlights:
- Available in medium soft, medium firm, and firm options
- Comfort and transitional foams engineered to reduce pressure and provide strong support
- Steady airflow through the coil system helps the mattress sleep cool
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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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I preferred the medium firm feel, but each tester found at least one firmness for the Signature that felt comfortable and supportive enough. We expect the mattress to be popular with hot sleepers, too.”
Most Comfortable
DreamCloud Mattress
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 365 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: Lifetime, limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Sleepers who prefer the gentle contouring and springiness of a memory foam hybrid
- People who like sleeping on very thick mattresses
- Hot sleepers
Highlights:
- Quilted cover and conforming memory foam ease pressure points
- Breathable coil core limits heat retention while adding bounce
- One-year sleep trial and lifetime warranty
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
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The DreamCloud is a hybrid model with a medium firm (6) feel, resulting in a moderate yet even body contour that promotes spinal support and pressure relief. The thick comfort system and cashmere blend cover result in a bed that should feel comfortable for a wide range of sleepers.
What It’s Made of
The mattress features comfort layers of polyfoam and gel-infused memory foam, along with a transitional polyfoam layer. It also has a support core of individually wrapped coils reinforced with high-density base foam. The mattress is thicker than the average hybrid model. Certain types of sleepers – particularly those who weigh more than 230 pounds – tend to have an easier time getting on and off high-profile models because they are not too close to the floor.
How It Performed
The DreamCloud’s thick coils provide excellent stability and support. Most people will notice very strong reinforcement along the edges when getting on and off the mattress, and the surface should be easy to move across without sinking too much. Temperature control is another major strength. The coils promote steady airflow to keep the mattress cool, and the DreamCloud’s cover is crafted from a breathable fabric blend that includes moisture-wicking cashmere.
This model has a very reasonable price given its luxurious components and sophisticated design. The DreamCloud is backed by a generous 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty with no prorated period. Shipping is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The DreamCloud has an impressive design reminiscent of other luxury hybrids, with a relatively plush surface and a sturdy support system. You’ll have a tough time finding a mattress of this caliber at such an affordable price.”
Best for Kids
Helix Kids
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Who it's best for:
- Kids ages 3 to 12
- Side sleepers
- Children who frequently roll off the bed at night
Highlights:
- Flippable design offers two firmness options
- Foam layers excel at pressure relief
- Coil core generates strong support
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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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Helix Kids Mattress really takes the guesswork out of predicting your kid’s ideal firmness. Both sides feel soft without compromising support, which is important for developing bodies.”
Best for Back Pain
WinkBed
Mattress Type: Innerspring
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Trial length: 120 nights (30 night requirement)
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Hot sleepers
- People who need extra support around the chest, stomach, and hips
- Shoppers who aren’t sure which mattress firmness is best for them
Highlights:
- Luxurious foam hybrid available in four firmness levels
- Zoned coils provide pushback for heavier areas of the body and gentler cradling elsewhere
- Excellent temperature control thanks to steady air circulation and a breathable, moisture-wicking cover
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
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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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I’m a side sleeper between 130 to 230 pounds, so the Luxury Firm was my favorite version of the WinkBed. What’s nice about this mattress is that each firmness is distinct from the other three, so virtually everyone on our team found at least one comfortable design.”
Best for Side Sleepers
Nolah Original 10
Mattress Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium (5)
Trial length: 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Side sleepers up to 230 pounds
- Those who share the bed with a restless sleeper
- People who prefer close-conforming mattresses
Highlights:
- Polyfoam comfort layer cushions the shoulders and hips to relieve pressure
- All-foam construction absorbs movement to limit motion transfer
- High-density polyfoam core limits sagging to promote healthy sleep posture
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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.
Nolah offers a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, with free shipping in the contiguous U.S.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The pressure relief on the Nolah Original earned high marks from the side sleepers on our team, and everyone enjoyed the motion isolation.”
Best Luxury
DreamCloud Premier Rest
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5)
Trial length: 365 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: Lifetime, limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- People who normally find hybrids too firm or stiff
- Hot sleepers
- Shoppers who would like extra time testing their new mattress
Highlights:
- High-profile hybrid design pairs plush, adaptive foam layers with a supportive coil system
- Cooling cashmere-blend cover and steady airflow through the interior help the mattress sleep cool
- All orders include a year-long sleep trial
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
$799 special offer! $200 off mattresses + $599 in premium accessories included
The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a luxury hybrid designed with comfort in mind. While the the mattress offers excellent overall support, a thick comfort system with adaptive foam layers alleviates pain and pressure points along your spine. The mattress is considered medium (5), and contours closely. Side sleepers on our testing team found the Premier Rest very comfortable, but the mattress’ balance of cushioning and stability earned it solid ratings across different weight and sleep position groups.
What It’s Made of
The Premier Rest begins with layers of adaptive polyfoam and memory foam quilted into the cover, creating a plush feel when you get into bed. Two more polyfoam layers provide additional contouring. These layers are progressively firmer and denser from top to bottom, so you shouldn’t sink too much as your body settles into the surface.
The support core contains pocketed coils with extra reinforcement along the perimeter to limit sinkage. Air flows freely through the coils to help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature. Another cooling component is the cover, which is made from a breathable cashmere blend that wicks moisture away from the skin. The Premier Rest measures 16inches thick, giving it a profile that is much higher than average.
How It Performed
During our hands-on tests, the Premier Rest was most popular among side sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds. These testers benefited most from the thick foam layers and extra cushioning around the shoulders and hips – two areas where pressure often builds up for side sleepers. That said, most of our side and back sleepers across all three weight groups gave the mattress a rating of good or better.
We also noticed minimal heat retention during our temperature control tests. Hybrids generally sleep cool thanks to the airflow through their coil systems, but the Premier Rest’s cashmere-blend cover gives the mattress an edge over many of its competitors. The coils are sturdy enough to reduce sinkage along the perimeter, and the foam layers offer decent motion isolation.
The DreamCloud Premier Rest is competitively priced and ground delivery is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a sleep trial that spans an entire year, giving you plenty of time to test the mattress and decide whether it’s right for you. Return shipping is also free, and those who keep their Premier Rest also receive a lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The DreamCloud Premier Rest is thicker, plusher, and more adaptive than many hybrids we’ve tested. Coil mattresses can be somewhat stiff for sleeping, but our team found this model very comfortable.”
Best for Combination Sleepers
Birch Mattress
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: 25 Year, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Hot sleepers
- People who sleep on their back and/or side
- Those who experience painful pressure buildup
Highlights:
- Wool comfort layers wick moisture from the body
- Latex layer generates strong support with moderate bounce
- Made with naturally breathable materials for excellent ventilation
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
SleepFoundation readers get $400 off a Birch Mattress.
The Birch Mattress is a hybrid bed that combines a moderately contouring latex layer with a sturdy coil core. This balance of support and contouring is perfectly suited to back and side sleepers – or people who switch between the two positions.
What It’s Made of
Encased in an organic cotton cover, the Birch Mattress begins with two layers of breathable wool that wick away moisture. The wool gives the surface a plush feel without sinking or trapping heat and is also a natural flame retardant. Underneath is a comfort layer of Talalay latex that does not conform to the body as closely as foam, so it traps less heat and makes switching positions easier.
Individually wrapped pocketed coils make up the support core. They simultaneously provide airflow while supporting heavier areas of the body to promote healthy spinal alignment. Reinforced coils line the perimeter of the bed to support the edges. The extra support is excellent for people who tend to sleep close to the edges and those who need help getting out of bed.
How It Performed
Latex and wool have naturally breathable properties, so the hot sleepers on our team felt very comfortable on the Birch. Thanks to its balanced medium firm (6) feel, the mattress earned high marks from testers who weigh at least 130 pounds regardless of their sleep position. Our pressure-mapping tests showed that the latex comfort layer provides pressure relief without excessive sinkage, making it excellent for side sleepers. Meanwhile, the even sleep surface greatly suits back and stomach sleepers.
Birch offers free shipping to all 50 states and a 100-night sleep trial. The Birch Mattress comes with a 25-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The wool and latex layers in the Birch Mattress were a perfect combination of materials for those of us who need lots of support but also enjoy a bit of cushioning. We highly recommend it for people who alternate between sleeping on their back and side.”
Best Cooling
Bear Hybrid
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 120 nights (30-night break-in period)
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- People who sleep hot
- Couples
- Shoppers who want extra time to test out a new mattress
Highlights:
- Thick, mixed-foam comfort system offers a comfortable balance of cushioning, responsiveness, and support
- Excellent temperature control from cooling Celliant-blend cover and steady airflow through the coil layer.
- 365-night sleep trial
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
30% off sitewide, plus 2 free Cloud Pillows with mattress purchase
The Bear Hybrid is a foam and coil mattress that offers an excellent balance of cushioning and support. The well-rounded construction makes the bed well suited for a range of sleep positions – including combination sleepers who switch between different positions at night.
What It’s Made of
The Bear Hybrid features a cover quilted with adaptive polyfoam, followed by a comfort layer of memory foam. Polyfoam on top creates a light bounce on the surface, but the memory foam contours evenly as your body settles into the mattress. The bed also contains a transitional layer of dense polyfoam and a pocketed coil support core. The cover is infused with Celliant fabric, a material engineered to disperse body heat and sleep cool.
How It Performed
The Bear Hybrid is a great option for sleepers with alignment issues, thanks to a medium firm (6) feel, thick foam layers, and a supportive base. We noticed even cushioning from the three foam layers, but deep sinkage and pressure buildup weren’t major issues for the testers on our team who weigh 230 pounds or less. The highest ratings came from side sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds and back and stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds.
Mattresses made with foam layers can retain excessive heat for some sleepers, but the Bear Hybrid is a notable exception. The Celliant cover and steady air circulation through the coil system help the hybrid sleep exceptionally cool. Above-average motion isolation is another key strength. While the coils generate some responsiveness, the foam layers are fairly thick, and you shouldn’t detect too much movement when your partner moves on the other side of the mattress and vice versa.
Bear offers free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The company’s sleep trial lasts 365 nights, giving you plenty of time to test the Bear Hybrid and decide whether it meets your needs. The mattress is also backed by a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Bear Hybrid is one of the most balanced hybrids we’ve tested. We noticed comfortable cushioning and strong support, not to mention very good cooling.”
Why You Can Trust Us
Our team has 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 wide an array of sleepers as possible.
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:
- Motion Isolation: Motion isolation refers to a mattress’ ability to absorb movement and prevent it from transferring across the surface. Couples and young children sharing a bed may want a mattress with higher marks in this category.
- Temperature Control: Hot sleepers and those living in warmer climates often need a mattress with enhanced air circulation and breathable materials like cotton. Mattresses with a coil support core or latex comfort systems tend to trap less heat.
- Pressure Relief: Memory foam and latex comfort systems should gently cradle the body and reduce pressure buildup in sensitive areas like the hips and shoulders. Side sleepers are most prone to joint pain and may prioritize pressure relief in a mattress.
- Off-Gassing: Off-gassing from volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and other material smells can be annoying for many sleepers. Direct-to-consumer mattresses made from memory foam or polyfoam are most prone to odor, but the smells are temporary and usually harmless.
- Ease of Movement: Ease of movement refers to how effortlessly a sleeper can move across the surface of the mattress. More responsive materials like latex tend to facilitate easy movement best.
- Edge Support: Supportive edges can be essential for couples and sleepers who have trouble getting out of bed. A mattress with a sturdy perimeter allows sleepers to sit or lie on the edge without feeling like they will slip off.
- Sex: Many people prefer a responsive mattress for sex, such as those with a coil support core or latex comfort systems. Mattresses with high marks in ease of movement and edge support also tend to perform well in this category since they allow couples to comfortably use the whole surface of the bed.
- Body Weight: Usually, a sleeper’s firmness and support needs increase the more they weigh. Since firmness levels vary widely between beds, we encourage you to try multiple firmnesses to see what suits you best.
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.
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.
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.
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
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- 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
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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.
Who Will Use the Mattress?
If you’re buying a full size mattress for yourself, you should select a model based on your body weight, sleep position, and general firmness preferences. Keep in mind that most – but not necessarily all – sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds prefer a softer feel with more conforming, while most people who weigh 230 pounds or more need more support from their mattress.
Finding the best full mattress for kids can be a bit trickier. If you’re buying the mattress for a teenager or child, make sure to include them in the research process. Visiting a mattress store to test out beds with different firmness levels and materials is often the best way to determine proper firmness, whether the bed is for you or someone else.
Is the Mattress for a Bunk Bed?
While they aren’t very common, some bunk beds are compatible with full size mattresses. These include twin-over-full and full-over-full models. If you’re choosing a full size mattress for a bunk bed, make sure to check the bed’s listed weight capacity. This figure includes the sleepers and their mattresses, so heavier full size beds may not be the best option.
Additionally, you should take thickness into account when choosing a bunk bed mattress. Guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission state that a mattress should be at least 5 inches shorter than the guard rails on top bunks; otherwise, sleepers may be at risk for falling off the bed.
Mattress Warranty and Other Policies
In addition to different mattress models, you should also compare brands for shipping costs, return policies, and warranty coverage.
Online mattress purchases tend to ship as a “mattress in a box.” Thanks to the compression process these retailers can usually offer free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S., and some also provide free delivery to Alaska, Hawaii, and/or Canada. White Glove delivery, which includes in-home assembly and old mattress removal, typically costs at least $100 extra, but a few brands offer this service for free, as well.
Mattresses sold online almost always come with a sleep trial of 90 nights or longer. In some cases, you’ll need to sleep on the bed for up to 30 nights before you can return or exchange it. Returns are almost always free, but some brands charge fees.
All mattresses come with a warranty, and the vast majority of warranties cover the bed for at least 10 years. For a non-prorated warranty, you won’t pay anything to have a defective mattress repaired or replaced apart from some minor shipping fees. Prorated warranties require you to pay a percentage of the bed’s original sticker price if a defect develops and a replacement is needed.
Common defects covered under a mattress warranty include surface-level sagging and impressions of a certain depth (usually 1.5 inches or less), physical flaws in the mattress assembly that lead to early wear and tear, and manufacturing defects with the cover. Other issues will probably not be covered under warranty.
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