Most Comfortable Mattresses

Anyone who has slept on a lumpy sofa bed or a sagging old mattress can tell you the same thing: comfort matters. Not only can a comfortable mattress provide a more restful night’s sleep, but it can also relieve pressure points, align the spine, and help you wake up feeling refreshed rather than achy.

Not everyone shares the same idea of what makes a mattress comfortable. Factors like body weight and favored sleep position play a role in what feels comfortable for each individual. Personal preference also comes into play. Our sleep experts tested a wide swath of mattresses to come up with a list of the most comfortable beds. We looked at firmness, pressure relief, and temperature neutrality, among other criteria. While these beds might not be ideal for all individuals, we think they will feel comfortable for most sleepers.

Most Comfortable Mattress Video

Watch the video below to get a more in-depth look at our top picks for most comfortable mattress.

Read on to find out our reasons for selecting each of these beds and whether they may be a good fit for your sleep position, body weight, or other sleep preferences. If you’d like to learn more about shopping for comfortable mattresses, scroll to the bottom for a comprehensive buyer’s guide. We cover which types of mattresses and firmness levels are typically considered more comfortable, and which mattresses are most comfortable for side, back, and stomach sleepers.

Product Details

The Layla Mattress is a versatile model featuring a reversible design with two distinct feels. Sleepers can choose between the closely contouring medium soft (4) side or a more supportive firm (7) side.

How It Performed

Thanks to the two different feels, the Layla performed well across many sleeping positions and weight groups. Our testing team found the softer surface great for side sleepers, those under 130 pounds, and people with pain in their joints. Meanwhile, the firmer side ranked highly among back and stomach sleepers on our team, especially those between 130 and 230 pounds.

Foam mattresses are prone to heat retention, but the Layla slept quite cool compared to many other foam models we’ve evaluated with heat-mapping tests. Both sides ranked above average in temperature regulation, but the firm side performed particularly well in this area. We attribute this to the firmer feel and less sinkage, which limits heat-trapping. Copper and gel infusions are also designed to keep the foams cooler. Couples may appreciate the softer side for its strong motion isolation. We noticed that the thicker comfort layers on this side absorbed most movement transfer, reducing sleep disruptions for co-sleepers.

What It’s Made of

The softer side starts with a 3-inch layer of copper- and gel-infused memory foam. This layer deeply contoured to the body during our tests, which relieved pressure buildup in the joints and lower back. Underneath is a 2-inch polyfoam transitional layer that is zoned to support the midsection and prevent excessive sinkage. We found this layer also evenly distributed weight to help you maintain healthy spinal alignment.

On the firm side is a thinner comfort layer made from the same copper- and gel-infused memory foam. The shared support core is composed of a 4.5-inch layer of high-density polyfoam. This layer helps prevent you from sinking too deeply into the mattress. A cover made from a stretch blend of polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra encases the mattress.

Layla ships free to the contiguous U.S., and mattress purchases are backed by a 120-night sleep trial. Purchases also come with a lifetime warranty covering structural defects.

Read our Full Layla Mattress Review to learn more

The all-foam Nectar Mattress is a premium option without the high-end price tag. This model features polyfoam and memory foam that work together to provide even support and deep contouring that we found well-suited to multiple sleeper types.

How It Performed

The high-quality foams featured in the Nectar helped it excel in several categories during our performance tests, most notably motion isolation and pressure relief. Instead of allowing motion to transfer from one side of the bed to the other, the foam absorbed movement. It also helped prevent pressure points by cradling areas like our hips and shoulders. On our team, back, side, and stomach sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds enjoyed this medium firm (6) mattress the most, while people over 230 pounds preferred firmer models.

What It’s Made of

The Nectar Mattress’ top layer is made from gel-infused memory foam that’s designed to sleep cool and hug your body. It rests on a transitional polyfoam layer that acts as a buffer between the memory foam and core, which is crafted out of supportive high-density polyfoam. The no-slip cover ensures that your mattress and its components stay put.

Nectar offers sleepers a generous 365-day sleep trial and a lifetime limited warranty. The Nectar is one of our best picks for sleepers who enjoy the feel of memory foam. Shoppers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free shipping.

Read our Full Nectar Mattress Review to learn more

The Midnight is a memory foam hybrid model from Helix sleep that offers a balance of conforming and support. We found that the medium feel appeals to side sleepers across all weight groups.

How It Performed

Thanks to the responsive pocketed coils and memory foam, the Midnight performed well during our motion isolation tests, preventing too much movement from rippling across the surface. Our testing showed that the mattress also sleeps cool, due in part to the strong airflow through the coils. We recommend the mattress for most sleepers up to 230 pounds, though we observed that side sleepers benefit the most from the bed’s balance of pressure relief and support.

What It’s Made of

The Midnight is constructed with a layer of gel-infused memory foam that contours closely to the body to relieve pressure points. This is followed by a polyfoam transitional layer that prevents you from sinking too far into the bed. Beneath that is a substantial pocketed coil support core, providing significant support and allowing for airflow throughout the mattress. The support core also features a reinforced perimeter, which gives the bed strong edge support.

The Midnight comes at a below-average price point for a hybrid, making it an attractive option if you’re shopping on a budget. The mattress is also available in a Luxe version that adds a plush pillow-top and another 2 inches to the mattress’ overall height.

Helix ships free to all 50 U.S. states. Plus, they offer a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Read our Full Helix Midnight Review to learn more

The WinkBed is a foam hybrid designed to cushion the body without sacrificing support. Available in four firmness levels, the mattress should be comfortable regardless of your body type or primary sleep position. The adaptive foam layers can also reduce soreness and pressure points if you experience back pain at night.

How It Performed

After testing each firmness level for the WinkBed, we noticed specific strengths for all four options. The medium soft (4) model contoured closely to distribute our testers’ weight and alleviated pressure along the spine. This design was most popular among our side and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds. If you want a more balanced feel, you should consider the medium firm (6) feel, which provides light conforming and excellent overall support. Our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds awarded the most favorable ratings to this design.

The firm (7) and Plus (8) models should provide adequate reinforcement if you weigh more than 230 pounds, regardless of your preferred sleep position. These versions of the WinkBed also earned excellent ratings for edge support, and none of us had trouble moving across their surfaces. Another area where the WinkBed performed well is temperature control. This is mainly due to its cooling Tencel cover and steady air circulation through the coil system.

What It’s Made of

Standard WinkBed models are available in medium soft, medium firm, and firm designs. These mattresses feature adaptive polyfoam quilted into their covers, followed by polyfoam comfort layers. The WinkBed Plus is constructed with responsive latex instead of a second foam layer. As a result, the Plus felt bouncier and more supportive than the other three models when we tested them.

All WinkBeds contain pocketed coil support cores. This layer is divided into different zones based on coil gauge, or thickness, creating more pushback beneath your torso and hips and gentler cradling for lighter areas of your body. A cover made of breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel fabric encases the mattress.

WinkBeds offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Each mattress comes with a sleep trial allowing you to test the mattress for up to 120 nights. If you’re unsatisfied with your initial firmness selection, you may exchange the original mattress for a new model at no extra cost. The replacement model is also backed by a 60-night trial. WinkBeds provides a lifetime warranty to all buyers.

Read our Full WinkBed Review to learn more

The DreamCloud Mattress is a hybrid with a medium firm (6) feel that’s ideal if you prefer a balance of cushioning and support at a reasonable price-point. Thanks to thick foam layers and a high overall profile, we found the mattress isolates motion for couples better than most competing hybrids, but a sturdy coil system also ensures decent edge support and ease of movement across the surface.

How It Performed

The DreamCloud’s balanced design appealed most to the side sleepers on our team. Our sleep testers who primarily use this position and weigh between 130 and 230 pounds awarded the mattress its highest ratings across multiple performance categories. The memory foam contoured evenly and absorbed a lot of movement when we lay on the bed, but most of us didn’t sink excessively, thanks to the supportive coil system.

Temperature control was another major strength of the DreamCloud during our tests. The cashmere-blend cover was exceptionally breathable, while the coils generated steady airflow to keep the interior cool. The coils also made the mattress feel sturdy and stable along the perimeter, which can be beneficial for people who have difficulty getting in and out of bed.

What It’s Made of

The DreamCloud begins with a quilted cover made from a soft, hand-tufted cashmere blend. A layer of adaptive polyfoam is sewn into the cover, creating a plush feel when we got in and out of the bed. The comfort layer is composed of memory foam infused with cooling gel, and this is followed by a transitional polyfoam layer to prevent you and your partner from sinking too deeply.

The support core consists of pocketed coils over a base layer of high-density foam. Each coil is encased in fabric and designed to move independently, so you’ll find that the mattress isn’t as rigid or springy as a traditional innerspring.

The 365-night sleep trial that comes with each DreamCloud purchase is one of the longest in the online mattress industry. Shipping is free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. If you keep your mattress after the trial period ends, you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty against structural defects.

Read our Full DreamCloud Mattress Review to learn more

When it comes to comfortable sleep, we’ve found that adequate temperature control plays an integral role. If you tend to feel excessively hot in bed, you’re a prime candidate for the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. This mattress features phase change material (PCM) in its cover and top comfort layer. PCM is designed to absorb and release body heat to maintain a cool sleep surface at all times.

How It Performed

All three firmness levels of the Aurora Luxe showed specific strengths during our hands-on tests. The medium soft (4) design excelled at pressure relief and motion isolation – two performance areas where hybrids tend to fall short. Our team’s side and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds felt most comfortable on this model. If you need more support but still enjoy some cushioning, you should opt for the medium firm (6) design, which earned the highest ratings from our side, back, and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds.

The firm (7) model offers the sturdiest support. This design was popular among our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds. Each Aurora Luxe performed exceptionally well during our temperature control tests, though we detected the lowest amount of heat buildup on the firm model.

What It’s Made of

The Aurora Luxe is available in medium soft, medium firm, and firm designs. All three begin with a polyfoam comfort layer infused with PCM and copper for added cooling, followed by a second comfort layer of latex-like TitanFlex polyfoam. The two softest designs are constructed with a gel-infused memory foam transitional layer, while the firm model contains a dense polyfoam transitional layer. For an extra fee, you can upgrade your mattress with an additional foam layer in the comfort system. This layer — known as the “Cloud” pillow-top — makes the surface feel a bit softer.

All versions of the Aurora Luxe feature pocketed coil support cores. These coils are divided into three zones, creating extra pushback for your midsection while cradling lighter areas of the body. Extra reinforcement along the perimeter also made the edges feel more stable during our edge support tests. A breathable, knit cover infused with PCM encases the entire mattress.

Brooklyn Bedding sells the Aurora Luxe in 10 different sizes, including a split California king for people who share an adjustable bed with their partner and three RV-friendly options. Ground shipping is free of charge within the contiguous U.S., and each mattress is backed by a 120-night trial period and 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Read our Full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Review to learn more

The Emma CliMax Hybrid is designed with thick foam comfort layers and a coil layer that supports your body. The foam does a nice job of preventing movement from rippling across the surface and also absorbs noise. If you’re prone to wake-ups from a restless sleep partner, this model should suit you well.

How It Performed

Our testers report that this mattress, which has a medium firm (6) feel, excelled at relieving pressure. This is due in large part to the generous foam layers that contour closely to the body. While this bed contains coils, the foam absorbed much of the noise that’s commonly associated with coils. We recommend it for sleepers who are looking for a noiseless hybrid model. The coil layer is also thinner than most hybrid coil systems, so the bed is a bit less bouncy and responsive than other hybrids we’ve tested.

The Emma CliMax Hybrid earned favorable feedback from side and back sleepers on our team, which is no surprise given that these sleep positions benefit from the balance of cushioning and support offered by this model. Stomach sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds may sink too much in the midsection and would benefit from a firmer model.

What It’s Made of

The mattress begins with a top layer of open-cell foam that cradles your body. Beneath is a memory foam layer that’s specially zoned to target pressure relief in areas where you need it most — shoulders, hips, spine, and head. A 4.7-inch pocketed coil layer gives the bed a moderately bouncy feel while generating sturdy support. This is followed by a high-density foam base that’s thicker than most foam bases in hybrids. You’ll also find this high-density foam around the perimeter to bolster edge support.

Emma offers 365 nights to try out the mattress at home. If you decide to keep the mattress, you’ll receive a 10-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.

The Saatva Classic will be a comfortable option for anyone who prefers the responsive, springy feel of classic innersprings but also wants some body contouring from their sleep surface. If you tend to sleep hot, the double layer of coils promotes strong airflow to help keep your bed cool at night.

How It Performed

You can choose between three firmness levels for your Classic: soft (3), medium firm (6), or firm (8). You can also choose between two thickness options. This wide range of options ensures most people can find a comfortable feel regardless of body type or general preferences. During our tests, the deep cradling of the soft model felt most comfortable to testers who sleep on their side and weigh up to 130 pounds. The medium firm model offered a balance of cushioning and support that earned high marks from our side and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. The firm model felt most comfortable to testers who weigh over 230 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers above 130 pounds.

During tests, we found temperature control was one of the Classic’s biggest strengths. We attribute this to the breathable organic cotton cover and the dual coil design, which allows plenty of steady airflow through the mattress. As a result, we recommend the mattress for people who tend to sleep hot.

What It’s Made of

The mattress features a Euro-top cushioned with polyfoam and memory foam, resulting in a plush feel on the surface. Beneath is a transitional layer composed of pocketed minicoils that respond to your body while also providing pushback to balance out the contouring foams above. A support core of sturdy hourglass coils made the Classic feel exceptionally stable during our performance tests – especially along the edges.

Saatva is one of the only online mattress brands in the country to offer free White Glove delivery for all customers. This service includes full assembly in a room of your choice and removal of your old mattress at no extra charge. You’ll also receive a 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty with your purchase.

Read our Full Saatva Classic Review to learn more

Reducing pressure buildup that occurs during sleep can help ensure you get the rest you need each night and wake up without feeling sore or stiff. The Bear Elite Hybrid combines the even conforming of adaptive foam with strong coil support, creating a comfortable balance of cushioning and support that can benefit people who are prone to sharp pressure points. Three firmness options also let you choose the most conducive design for your weight and preferred sleep position.

How It Performed

Our team tested each of the Elite Hybrid’s designs. Side and back sleepers under 130 pounds awarded the most favorable ratings to the medium (5) feel. On the other hand, back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds found the firm (8) design sufficiently supportive and didn’t experience excessive sinkage. Our team agreed that the medium firm (6) feel was the most balanced of the three. This model’s highest ratings came from side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds.

Our thermal sensors revealed minimal heat retention during our temperature control tests, and none of us felt too warm lying on the mattress. We found the medium model isolates motion very well for a hybrid, making it suitable for anyone who shares a bed with a restless sleeper. If you’re seeking less cushioning and more support, the medium firm and firm designs should meet your needs. These models also feel fairly responsive, and our testers moved across their surfaces easily.

What It’s Made of

The Elite Hybrid’s topmost layer is composed of memory foam infused with cooling gel intended to reduce heat absorption. Transitional polyfoam provides additional conforming, but this layer is divided into five firmness levels to push back against the extra weight in your torso and hips.

In the support core, thicker coils line the perimeter to minimize sinkage when you lie near the edges or get in and out of bed. High-density base foam completes the design. A cover made of Celliant-blend fabric encases the entire mattress. Celliant is a textile engineered to dissipate heat on contact and feel cool at all times.

The Elite Hybrid is competitively priced. Each order comes with two free pillows, and standard ground shipping is free for customers in the contiguous U.S. Bear’s sleep trial runs 120 nights in length. If you decide to keep the mattress, you’ll receive a lifetime warranty against structural and material defects. You can purchase additional coverage for stains and other types of physical damage.

Read our Full Bear Elite Hybrid Review to learn more

The Nolah Evolution 15 is a quintessential foam hybrid with a thick comfort system that enhances cushioning along your spine, while a zoned support system prevents your body from sagging uncomfortably. Thanks to these features, we recommend the Evolution 15 if you frequently feel pain or stiffness due to uneven spinal alignment.

How It Performed

The Evolution 15 comes in three firmness levels – medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) – which appealed to different sleeper types during our tests. Our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds enjoyed the softest model’s deep contouring for pressure points. The mid-range model was the most versatile, earning its highest ratings from side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds, back sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. Our back sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds enjoyed the firmest model’s even support.

The three models had varying testing performance depending on the firmness level. Couples who value motion isolation may prefer the softest model, which absorbed most noise and movement transfer in our tests. Meanwhile, we recommend the two firmer models for those who prioritize a responsive surface for sex. All three models excelled in temperature regulation thanks to the breathable coils and cover material.

What It’s Made of

We found the Euro-top quilted with polyfoam gives the mattress’ surface a plush feel. Next are two layers of polyfoam that contour to your body to relieve pressure. The top polyfoam layer also features a graphite infusion meant to conduct and dissipate heat away from the body. A thinner polyfoam transitional layer completes the comfort system, acting as a buffer between the foam layers and the coils.

The support core consists of pocketed coils, which are zoned to provide extra support to your midsection and prevent excessive sinkage. Additional coils are zoned along the perimeter of the mattress for extra edge support. The support core rests on a polyfoam base layer to prevent shifting. A quilted cover made from proprietary ArcticTex fiber designed for cooling encases the mattress.

The Evolution comes in seven sizes, including a split king. Nolah ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S. Mattresses come with a 120-night sleep trial to test the mattress, and you can return it anytime after the 30-night break-in period for a full refund. You can also waive the sleep trial for a discount at checkout. Whether or not you opt for the trial, the Evolution 15 is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Read our Full Nolah Evolution 15 Review to learn more

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Other Mattress Guides

If you’re looking to expand your search beyond the beds featured here, you can narrow down your search by reading our recommendations sorted by mattress feel.

Which Type of Mattress is the Most Comfortable?

Individual mattress models vary due to differences in their materials, quality, and construction. These differences can affect how comfortable a mattress feels. Certain types of mattresses tend to share some characteristics. There is still plenty of variation between individual models, but understanding these commonalities may make it easier to decide what type of mattress will feel most comfortable to you.

Hybrid

Definition: As the name suggests, hybrid mattresses combine construction features from two or more types of mattresses. Most often, this includes a memory foam or polyfoam comfort layer and a coil support core. However, there are also hybrid mattresses with latex, wool, and/or microcoil comfort layers paired with coil support cores.

Multiple Benefits. Hybrid mattresses usually have comfort layers that contour to your body to provide pressure relief while isolating motion well. The coil support core usually gives the mattress bounce and edge support. Because hybrid models pair aspects of two or more types of mattresses, many people find they provide the benefits of each mattress type without the associated drawbacks, making them an exceptionally comfortable choice.

Innerspring

Definition: Innerspring models consist primarily of a coil support system. They may also have a comfort layer to provide some cushioning, but the comfort layer is usually not substantial.

Temperature Neutrality. If you tend to sleep hot, you may find innerspring models quite comfortable. Air circulation through the coil layer helps cool the sleep surface, and the thin comfort layers usually do not trap significant heat.

Latex

Definition: Latex models are traditionally constructed of multiple layers of latex foam. This material may be natural, synthetic, or a blend. Talalay latex is a springier, lighter material frequently used in mattress comfort layers, while Dunlop latex is a denser, more durable material that may be used in either the comfort or support layer.

Contouring Without Hug. While memory foam and polyfoam usually compress directly under your weight, latex spreads out the force across a wider surface area. This provides pressure relief without the hug of memory foam. If you prefer the feeling of sleeping “on” a mattress to sleeping “in” a mattress, you may find latex models comfortable.

Airbed

Definition: Airbeds use a support system of air chambers. You can empty or fill these chambers by using a remote, app, or manual pump, depending on the mattress model. Many airbeds also have thin comfort layers made with memory foam, polyfoam, and/or latex.

Adjustability. The firmness of an airbed can be adjusted by emptying or filling the air chambers. This may be particularly appealing if your firmness preferences change over time. Additionally, some models allow each side of the mattress to be adjusted separately, which may make an airbed a comfortable option for couples with different firmness preferences.

Foam

Definition: Foam mattresses are usually constructed primarily of memory foam and/or polyfoam, though they may also contain wool, latex, and other materials. All-foam mattresses are usually constructed of multiple layers of foam to achieve the desired balance between contouring and support.

Close Conforming. Foam mattresses tend to shape closely to your body. This relieves pressure points while providing a hugging sensation that many sleepers find comfortable.

Which Mattress Firmness is the Most Comfortable?

As you shop for mattresses, you may notice that they are frequently assigned numerical firmness ratings. These ratings make it easier to gauge how firm a mattress is and how it compares to other models. In the standard 10-point firmness scale, 1 is the softest mattress possible, while 10 is the firmest.

Most sleepers favor a mattress between medium and firm, ranging from around 5 to 7. However, several factors beyond the numerical rating can affect how a mattress feels to you.

One key factor is body weight. Sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds do not put as much force on a mattress, so they usually favor a softer model that allows them to sink in more. Individuals who weigh over 230 pounds put more force on a mattress, so they often require a firmer model to support them and prevent them from sinking in too deeply. Taking your body weight into account can help steer you towards the best mattress firmness for you.

The mattress type can also contribute to how firm it feels. Foam mattresses usually compress directly under your weight, which can make them feel softer than innerspring or latex models with a similar numerical rating.

A mattress that is too soft may cause your midsection to sink in too far, putting a strain on the spine. However, a mattress that is too firm could create pressure points and put your spine out of alignment, particularly if you’re a side sleeper.

While the ideal mattress firmness is subjective, understanding the factors at play can help you find your ideal firmness setting.

Making Your Sleep Environment More Comfortable

The right mattress is an important component of putting together a comfortable sleep environment, but it isn’t the only factor. Sleep accessories can help modify your sleep surface to promote a more comfortable night’s sleep. Pillows and mattress toppers may put the final touches on your sleep space.

Pillows

While your mattress supports your body, the best pillows support your head and neck. The wrong pillow can put your spine out of alignment and strain your neck, leading to back and neck pain.

As is the case with mattresses, pillow comfort is subjective. However, your preferred sleep position can influence your ideal pillow thickness. A pillow should lift your head enough to straighten your neck and promote proper alignment.

Side sleepers’ heads usually lift the farthest off their mattress due to the breadth of their shoulders, so they frequently favor pillows with a medium or a high loft to fill the gap between the mattress and their heads and necks. Back sleepers have less space to fill, so they often prefer medium loft pillows. Stomach sleepers often sleep without a pillow or with a low loft pillow since a pillow could force their heads backward.

Sleeping Position	Pillow Loft Recommended
Back	Medium
Side	Medium or High
Stomach	Low

Additional pillows may also make the sleep surface more comfortable. Some sleepers enjoy wedge pillows to prop up their legs or upper bodies. Knee pillows can help a side sleeper maintain proper spinal alignment while preventing the sleeper’s knees from rubbing together. Body pillows can allow the sleeper to prop up their body or separate their knees, providing flexible options for changing comfort preferences.

Mattress Toppers

If your mattress isn’t as comfortable as you’d like, a mattress topper may help adjust the feel to better meet your needs and preferences. A mattress topper is an extra layer you place on top of your existing mattress. Toppers are generally less expensive than replacing a mattress, so we recommend them for sleepers who want to try a different feel without paying hundreds of dollars.

Mattress toppers are available in many materials, including memory foam, polyfoam, latex, down, and down alternative. For sleepers who have wondered if they might like the hug of memory foam or the responsiveness of latex, a mattress topper can offer an opportunity to try the material without committing to a full mattress.

Thinner mattress toppers usually cushion the sleep surface, while thicker toppers modify the surface more significantly. A thicker mattress topper may provide similar contouring and pressure relief to a mattress with the same material in its comfort layer.

While a mattress topper may make a sleep surface more comfortable, it does not offer the same advantages as a new mattress and cannot fix a mattress that isn’t in good condition. Mattress toppers can give cushioning, contouring, and pressure relief, but they generally don’t provide support. If your mattress is sagging or lacks support, a mattress topper probably won’t affect the comfort significantly.

What Mattress Features Are Important for Comfort?

When purchasing a mattress, several factors may affect how comfortable it feels to you. While some mattress companies may advertise that their mattresses are comfortable for everyone, comfort is highly subjective. Focusing on the most important details may make it easier to determine whether a mattress will be comfortable for you.

• Mattress Type: The type of mattress affects its feel, which may influence whether or not it is comfortable for you. Depending on the mattress’s materials, it may have bounce, contouring, edge support, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and other properties that could contribute to a comfortable night’s sleep. Understanding the effect of mattress materials can help you select the most comfortable mattress for you.
• Contouring: Contouring refers to how a mattress adjusts to your body. A mattress that contours well may evenly distribute the weight of your body to reduce pressure points and associated aches and pains.
• Quality Materials: Quality materials often lend to superior performance and longevity. Since mattresses with high-quality materials often hold up better and resist sagging, they may be able to provide a comfortable night’s sleep for years to come.
• Firmness Level: Firmness influences how comfortable a mattress feels. When assessing a mattress’s firmness, you must also consider your weight and sleep position to find the right balance of contouring and support.
• Pressure Relief: Pressure relief and contouring generally go hand in hand. A mattress that contours well frequently spreads out the weight of a person’s body, relieving pressure that may otherwise build around the hips and shoulders.
• Responsiveness: Another important factor in the comfort of a mattress is the responsiveness, or “bounce” of a mattress. Responsive mattresses are usually less conforming and more bouncy. This has the benefit of making the mattress easier to move around on. Additionally, a responsive mattress tends to be better for sex. Generally, close-conforming materials like memory foam and polyfoam are less responsive, while latex, innerspring, and some hybrids are more responsive.
• Temperature Control: One of the most uncomfortable experiences you can have during sleep is waking up hot and sweaty in the middle of the night, which is why temperature control plays a big role in the comfort of a mattress. All-foam mattresses tend to trap a lot of body heat, making the bed sleep hot. Innersprings and hybrids with coil support cores allow more airflow throughout the bed, making it sleep cooler. Latex is a more temperature-neutral alternative to foam in the comfort layers.

Why Do People Buy New Mattresses?

Even the most comfortable mattresses eventually wear out — the average lifespan is about 7 years — and a replacement should provide the ideal combination of cushioning and support for your body. If you feel pressure points when lying in bed or wake up with pain, it might be time to retire your current mattress and begin your search for a new model that meets your needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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