Take 50% off your order and get 2 free pillows with purchase of the Idle Gel Foam. Sleep Foundation readers also get an additional $25 off with code = SF25
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Idle Sleep is a Colorado-based company with quality mattress models and generous return and warranty policies that have satisfied thousands of customers.
At this time, Idle Sleep sells four mattress models through its website: the all-foam Idle, the luxury foam Idle Gel Plush, the flippable Idle Hybrid, and the flippable organic Idle Latex Hybrid (available with Talalay or Dunlop latex). In addition to its mattress models, Idle Sleep also sells adjustable bases, sheets, a memory foam pillow, a mattress protector, and a foundation.
The Idle Sleep Gel Foam, also called the Idle, is a budget-friendly all-foam model. It’s made up of three layers of polyfoam for conforming and support. At 12 inches thick, the Idle is the brand’s thinnest model, but it still falls into the high-profile range. The Idle’s medium firm (6) feel is within the average range most sleepers prefer, so it can accommodate sleepers of a variety of different weights and preferred sleeping positions.
If you’re thinking about buying the Idle Mattress, we’ll highlight the most important information you’ll need to consider. First, we’ll break down the bed’s construction, pricing, and performance. Finally, we’ll summarize customer reviews and company policies that may help you make your decision.
Watch the video below to see how the Idle Gel Foam performed when put to the test in the Sleep Foundation Lab.
The Idle Gel Foam Mattress is a medium firm all-foam model that rates around 6 on the 10-point firmness scale.
Its washable top cover is quilted for subtle cushioning, and the fabric is crafted for temperature regulation. A natural cotton fire-resistant barrier rests beneath the cover. Next, a 3-inch layer of Idle Cooling Buoyancy polyfoam acts as the comfort system. This material conforms to the body for pressure relief, but it is more breathable and responsive than most memory foam. Gel infused in the comfort layer helps transfer heat away from the sleeper’s body.
The transition layer consists of 2 more inches of polyfoam. Perforations within the foam add to the bed’s responsiveness while allowing for air circulation. A 7-inch polyfoam core supports the surface of the bed. This high-density foam is more durable than lower-density materials, enhancing the mattress’s durability and reducing the likelihood of long-term impressions. Underneath the core, there is a cotton fireproof cloth. A base cover wraps around the outside, which can be unzipped and removed for cleaning.
The Idle Mattress consists of three layers of polyfoam with a quilted polyester cover.
Quilted Polyester
Cotton Fire Barrier
3″ Idle Cooling Buoyancy Polyfoam
2″ Transitional Polyfoam
7″ High-Density Polyfoam
Fireproof Cloth
Base Cover
The Idle Mattress comes in at a lower price point than average for an all-foam model, so it may appeal to shoppers on a budget. Frequent promotions can help bring the price down even further, or add additional free items, like pillows. The bed comes in all six standard mattress sizes.
| Sizes | Dimensions | Height | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" x 75" | 12" | N/A | $910 |
| Twin XL | 38" x 80" | 12" | N/A | $990 |
| Full | 54" x 75" | 12" | N/A | $1,190 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | 12" | N/A | $1,390 |
| King | 76" x 80" | 12" | N/A | $1,710 |
| California King | 72" x 84" | 12" | N/A | $1,710 |
Take 50% off your order and get 2 free pillows with purchase of the Idle Gel Foam. Sleep Foundation readers also get an additional $25 off with code = SF25
The Idle’s three layers of polyfoam absorb a significant amount of motion, limiting the vibrations that spread across the surface of the mattress when one partner moves. This puts the Idle’s motion isolation on par with many all-foam models, which often excel in this performance category.
For people who awaken easily when their partner moves during the night, the Idle’s strong motion isolation could be the difference between a sleepless night and a restful night’s sleep.
Sleepers often experience sharp pressure points where their body makes the most contact with the mattress. This pressure can lead to aches and pains or lead to tossing and turning during the night.
The Idle’s polyfoam comfort and transition layers adjust to the shape of the sleeper’s body and redistribute their weight so that the pressure is more evenly spread across the surface of the bed. This can reduce pressure buildup around key areas, like the hips and shoulders.
A sleeper’s weight and the mattress firmness also play a role in how much pressure relief they experience. Thanks to its medium firm feel, the Idle should provide pressure relief for most sleepers regardless of their weight.
Because of foam’s conforming abilities, most all-foam models perform well in terms of pressure relief, so the Idle’s performance is in line with most similarly constructed models.
The Idle has moderate temperature regulation, like many all-foam models.
Its quilted cover is crafted to help keep the sleeper cool when they’re warm and warm when they’re cool. The comfort, transition, and support layers are constructed of polyfoam, which is typically more breathable than memory foam. This allows heat to dissipate more easily. A gel infusion in the comfort layer also helps wick heat away from the sleeper’s body, while perforations in the transition layer enhance the cooling air circulation through the bed.
Since all-foam models do not typically have reinforced edges, their perimeters often sag when the sleeper sits or sleeps near them. The Idle’s medium firm feel gives its edge a more supportive feel than some all-foam models on the market, so most sleepers should be able to use the full mattress surface without having to avoid the edge. However, some heavier individuals may notice more instability.
The Idle is easier to move on than many all-foam models. This is because it is constructed entirely of polyfoam, which does not typically hug as closely as memory foam and usually regains its shape more quickly. The Idle’s comfort layer is engineered for buoyancy to further enhance the ease of movement.
Most sleepers shouldn’t struggle to change positions or move across the surface of the bed, but some people with mobility issues may feel somewhat more restricted in their movements.
All-foam models do not usually receive high performance scores for sex because they are not as responsive as most hybrid or innerspring models.
The Idle rates similarly to most all-foam mattresses. Its polyfoam construction has less hug and responds more quickly to changes in pressure than most memory foam, so it may not restrict movement as much as many memory foam models. The comfort layer is also constructed for buoyancy, which may make the Idle slightly more responsive than some options on the market. Contouring from the comfort layer also provides traction, which couples frequently enjoy. The bed is virtually silent, making amorous activity discreet.
Any model may have a “new mattress” smell when first unpacked, but it is particularly common in all-foam mattresses that ship compressed. Smells from the manufacturing process often linger in synthetic foam, and compressing the bed doesn’t provide an opportunity for these smells to air out. Since it contains synthetic foam and ships compressed, the Idle is likely to have similar odors to most all-foam models. However, Idle Sleep does not leave its mattresses compressed for long before shipment, which may reduce off-gassing to an extent.
Off-gassing odors are generally considered to be harmless, but some owners prefer to give their new mattress time to air out before use. This can be done by leaving the mattress in a well-ventilated space. Most smells should be virtually undetectable within a couple of days.
Side Sleepers:
Thanks to the gentle contouring of the Idle’s 3-inch polyfoam comfort layer and 2-inch polyfoam transition layer, most side sleepers should sleep comfortably on the bed. These comfort and transition layers mold to a side sleeper’s natural curves, while the high-density polyfoam core helps support their hips and shoulders to keep their spine well-aligned.
Due to its medium firm (6) feel, the Idle is perhaps best suited for side sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. Individuals in this weight group should experience the best combination of spinal support and pressure-relieving cradling. Those who weigh under 130 pounds could experience a bit of pressure buildup around their hips and shoulders, while some side sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds might sink in slightly more than ideal near their hips and shoulders. However, this is unlikely to be a significant issue for most individuals.
Back Sleepers:
The Idle Mattress can accommodate back sleepers across all weight ranges. For proper spinal alignment, back sleepers typically need their hips to sink in a little without sagging too deeply into the mattress. The Idle’s polyfoam comfort layer gently cradles their hips, while its polyfoam core provides even support. The transition layer adds to the contouring while reducing the likelihood that the sleeper will sink in enough to feel the firm core.
While the Idle Mattress may be well suited for back sleeping, those who weigh less than 230 pounds will likely have the best experience on the mattress. Its medium firm feel balances gentle shaping and stable support to promote good alignment. While the Idle should provide adequate support for heavier back sleepers, some individuals who weigh over 230 pounds may find their hips dip in a little too deeply.
Stomach Sleepers:
On any mattress, stomach sleepers may experience some aches and pains as a result of their sleep position. As most people carry much of their body weight near their middle, it can drag them deeper into the mattress and pull their spine out of alignment. However, the Idle Mattress should support a stomach sleeper’s alignment better than many models while providing comfortable cushioning.
Polyfoam comfort and transition layers soften the sleep surface, while its firm high-density polyfoam core limits sinkage. With the Idle’s medium firm feel, stomach sleepers across all weight groups should get enough support to maintain a relatively neutral spine position. Stomach sleepers may still notice slight sagging near their hips and bellies, however, especially if they have extra weight in these areas.
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Back Sleepers | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Stomach Sleepers | Good | Good | Fair |
Take 50% off your order and get 2 free pillows with purchase of the Idle Gel Foam. Sleep Foundation readers also get an additional $25 off with code = SF25
Idle Sleep ships the Idle free for locations in the contiguous United States.
While Idle sells some of its mattresses through Amazon, the Idle Mattress is currently available exclusively through the Idle Sleep website. The company does not have any brick-and-mortar locations.
Idle Sleep will ship its mattresses to customers within the contiguous United States. Each mattress is typically constructed after the order is placed. Assembly may take up to 4 business days, and shipping usually takes another 3 to 6 business days. In total, most customers receive their mattresses within 4 to 10 business days.
The company ships its mattresses through UPS and sends the customer a tracking number when the order is sent. Each mattress is compressed, rolled, and packed in a box for shipment. It will be dropped off at the customer’s door or wherever they typically receive packages. The customer is responsible for bringing it inside, unpacking it, and setting it up.
Idle Sleep offers White Glove delivery for an additional $149 fee, which is non-refundable. With White Glove delivery, a team will bring the new mattress to your home, unpack it, and remove the old mattress. Due to logistics and scheduling, customers should expect White Glove delivery to take longer than standard delivery.
Idle has an industry-leading 18-month sleep trial. This is equivalent to around 540 nights. Before the bed becomes eligible for return, customers must try it for at least 30 nights. Once this required break-in period is complete, customers can contact Idle Sleep to arrange for the donation or pick-up of the unwanted mattress. Idle Sleep will refund the full purchase price for qualifying returns.
Exchanges are also available. Standard exchanges will be assessed a $300 fee, but no fee will apply for a replacement mattress without an additional sleep trial.
Idle Sleep has a “Lifetime Warranty Without End,” which is a lifetime limited warranty. The warranty is valid for the original owner who bought the mattress from an authorized seller. Idle Sleep will either repair or replace mattresses it finds to have eligible defects.
The warranty covers specific defects, including flaws that cause splitting or cracking foam, impressions over .5 inches deep, and manufacturing defects in the mattress cover.
Customers may be asked to provide a copy of their receipt and photos of the defect. Damage that results from an improper foundation, improper handling, or abuse is not covered by the warranty. Additional terms and conditions apply.
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