Douglas Alpine Mattress Review: Findings From Our Test Lab

“With more than 4 combined inches of foam in the comfort layers, the Douglas Alpine delivers excellent pressure relief. The ecoLight memory foam cradles pain points, but the underlying Elastex polyfoam protects against sinkage.” – Jackson

During our testing, the Douglas Alpine Mattress offered an impressive amount of pressure relief, especially for side and back sleepers under 230 pounds. Many of our testers commented positively about the way the top foam layer cradled their hips, shoulders, and lower back.

However, some people found that the foam’s performance wasn’t optimal for spinal support. In particular, stomach sleepers and people over 230 pounds were inclined to say that the mattress lacked firmness, leading to a reduction in pressure relief for their body shape or sleeping position.

“For a foam mattress, the Douglas Alpine doesn’t get too hot. But it’s still probably too warm for hot sleepers.” – Danny

During our thermal tests, the Douglas Alpine Mattress performed relatively well compared to other foam beds, but it still retains heat in its ecoLight foam layer, which performs similarly to memory foam.

The design of the mattress includes cooling features like Infinitex fibers in the cover, gel-infused foam, and a phase change material meant to dissipate excess heat. Even with these features, though, warmth can collect in the top foam layer.

While our testing team found that this wasn’t a concern for the majority of people, it was a more notable drawback for people who naturally sleep hot.

“Edge support on the Douglas Alpine isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s also not a major problem. The edge is weaker than the center, but that’s normal for any foam mattress.” – Logan

In our assessment of edge support, the Douglas Alpine ranked as about average, which is on par with other all-foam mattresses.

The foam compresses more deeply around the perimeter, which you’ll notice when you sit or lie down near the edge. But that didn’t translate to instability or accidentally rolling out of bed.

While there’s enough edge support to satisfy most people, it may feel lacking to people who weigh over 230 pounds and push more deeply into the foam layers.

“There’s enough resistance to movement on the Douglas Alpine to bother some sleepers, but I think most people will find that it’s a minor issue.” – Jackson

Our testers reported mild difficulty with moving around on the Douglas Alpine Mattress. Compared to plush foam mattresses, it’s easier to move on the Douglas Alpine. Still, there’s not a lot of bounce to give you momentum when you want to change positions.

The second foam layer, made of bouncier Elastex polyfoam, helps prevent the “stuck in bed” feeling that can occur on other foam beds. However, ease of movement may be lower for people of a higher body weight who sink further into the foams. Lack of bounce may also be an issue for combination sleepers who constantly adjust their position during the night.

“Like almost all foam beds, the Douglas Alpine has a clear smell to it when you cut away the plastic packaging. For me, the smell was pretty much gone in 48 hours.” – Danny

Off-gassing from the Douglas Alpine Mattress is on par with most other foam beds. This means that the mattress emits a temporary odor when it is first unboxed.

Off-gassing occurs when new foam mattresses are unpackaged, which releases tiny volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are generally considered harmless, but some people may find their smell unpleasant.

The Douglas Alpine’s off-gassing odors usually dissipate within 24 to 72 hours. It may help to place the mattress in a well-ventilated area.