The Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress rates above average for isolating motion. Foam mattresses are known for limiting the transfer of motion across the surface of the bed.
Motion isolation is important for sleepers who share their bed with a partner, children, or pets. Sleepers on the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress are likely to be undisturbed by movements from others during sleep.
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Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress Review – Test Lab Ratings
Senior Product Editor
Methodology
Up-to-Date
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Price Range: $1,299
Mattress Type: Foam
Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)
Ratings Summary
Motion Isolation
8/10
Edge Support
6.5/10
Temperature Control
5/10
Ease of Movement
5/10
Off Gassing
5.5/10
Pressure Relief
8/10
Pros & Cons:
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Foam layers isolate movement and minimize motion transfer
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Deep cushioning and contouring for side sleepers
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Zoned transitional layer reinforces the midsection
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Inadequate support for most stomach sleepers
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Strong initial off-gassing odor
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Perimeter may sink when bearing weight
Molecule is an online mattress company, and it offers two mattress options: the flagship Molecule 1 Mattress and the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress. This review will focus on the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress.
Although the two mattresses have many similarities, the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress has technological features and additions that make it more expensive than the flagship model. The Molecule 2 has a 5-zone transition layer that targets areas to support, whereas the Molecule 1 has only 3 zones. The Molecule 2 is also slightly firmer than its counterpart, though both rate at a medium firm (6) on a firmness scale out of 10. Both models are made of low-density foam, but the Molecule 2 has a higher density than the Molecule 1.
The Molecule 2 distinguishes itself from the flagship in several other ways. It has a layer of open-cell AirTEC foam. This foam has more airflow than traditional memory foam, ensuring better temperature regulation. The mattress has an additional BioCHARGE crystal-infused layer that is designed to improve circulation. The mattress is also treated with Microban to help prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.
We’ll perform a full breakdown of the construction, materials, and performance of the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress, as well as sleep trial, shipping, and warranty policies from Molecule.
Sleeping Style and Body Weight
Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress
Sleeper Type
Under 130 lbs
130-230 lbs
Above 230 lbs
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
Side Sleepers
The conforming nature of the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress provides relief to the hips and shoulders, which are common pressure points for side sleepers. These are typically heavier parts of the body, which the AirTEC technology in the second layer of the mattress is specifically designed to relieve pressure from. As a result, side sleepers of all sizes find solid comfort in the mattress, while those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds find it particularly comfortable.
In terms of firmness, medium firm mattresses like the Molecule 2 are ideal for side sleepers because they prevent the body from sinking too deeply into the bed, while also being firm enough to help ensure proper spinal alignment.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers require support around the lumbar region to ensure the back doesn’t sink too deeply into the mattress and improperly align the spine. The 5 zones of the Molecule 2’s RecoveryFLO layer provide necessary cushion and support to targeted areas of the body. The center zones are designed to specifically support the lumbar region.
Back sleepers under 230 pounds rate the mattress as good. They will experience the “hug” of the mattress without sinking too deeply into it. However, back sleepers above 230 pounds may find themselves sinking into the mattress more than is desirable.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers need good support of the abdomen so that they will not sink too deeply into the mattress. Deep sinkage risks pushing the body into a “U” shape, contributing to improper spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers typically require a firmer bed to prevent discomfort.
Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds will find the abdomen is adequately supported on the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress. Unfortunately, stomach sleepers over 130 pounds will likely find themselves sinking too far into this bed to be comfortable. These sleepers will likely prefer an even firmer mattress to ensure the abdomen is properly supported.
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Mattress Performance
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Molecule 2 Mattress Review Breakdown
The Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress is an all-foam mattress. It has a cover, two CertiPUR-US certified polyfoam comfort layers that conform to the body and relieve pressure points, a 5-zone polyfoam transition layer, and a 6-inch support layer.
The mattress cover is a polyester and lycra spandex blend, designed for breathability to promote a cool sleep. The antimicrobial cover helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
The first is the Recovery BioCHARGE layer, a crystal-infused polyfoam designed to improve circulation. The second comfort layer is the AirTEC layer with open-cell foam. This foam encourages airflow, even when the mattress is compressed.
The transition layer, RecoveryFLO, is a polyfoam with 5 zones of varying densities to support different parts of the body. The center zone provides support to the lumbar region, while the zones at the head and foot of the bed target the upper and lower body.
At the base of the mattress is the CountourFLO support layer. This firm layer is made of a low-density polyfoam.
Together, these four layers make the mattress 12.25 inches high. As a result, the mattress may require deep-pocket fitted sheets.
The mattress has a medium firm feel of firmness and rates 6 on a scale of 1 to 10. Mattresses at the center of this scale often appeal to a wide variety of sleepers because they’re not too soft or too firm.
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Firmness |
Medium Firm – 6 |
|---|---|
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Mattress Type |
Foam |
|
Construction |
The Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress is constructed with three polyfoam comfort layers with varying technologies and a firm polyfoam support core. The mattress is covered with an antimicrobial, cooling cover. Cover Material:98% polyester, 2% lycra spandex Comfort Layer:1″ crystal-infused polyfoam (BioCHARGE), 2″ polyfoam, open-cell (MolecularFLO) Transition Layer:3″ polyfoam, 5-zones (RecoveryFLO) Support Core:6″ polyfoam (ContourFLO) |
Mattress Prices and Sizing
The cost of the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress is relatively expensive for an all-foam mattress. Factors of higher-cost mattresses like the Molecule 2 include lifetime warranties and high-quality construction and materials. For example, the Molecule 2 is constructed with AirTEC foam with large, open cells to increase airflow. Additionally, customers receive their choice of a percale sheet set or sateen sheet set with the purchase of any size Molecule 2 Mattress at no additional cost.
The Molecule 2 is more expensive than the flagship mattress from Molecule, the Molecule 1. While the two options are similar, the Molecule 2 has additional technologies, and therefore performance strengths, that contribute to its higher cost.
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Trial, Warranty, and Shipping Policies
Availability
The Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress is available online from the Molecule website. The mattress is not available in showrooms, retail stores, or third-party websites.
The mattress is available in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. The mattress cannot be shipped internationally.
Shipping
Free ground shipping of the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress is available in the contiguous United States. Shipping is available to Alaska and Hawaii for an additional fee. There are no international shipping options.
Molecule requires 4-9 business days to fulfill mattress orders. Molecule partners with FedEx to ship the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress. Shipping times vary depending on location and shipping capacity. Customers will receive a tracking number for their order and are encouraged to use that to track their order.
The mattress is sealed in plastic and shipped in a box. To open, first move the box to the room where the mattress will be used. Remove the mattress from the box. Place the rolled mattress onto the bed frame, then remove the outer plastic. Once the mattress is unrolled, cut open the final plastic layer with the included opener. The mattress will expand immediately. It should be ready for use within a few minutes.
Additional Services
White Glove delivery is currently not available, though Molecule states it hopes to add the service in the future. Molecule does not offer mattress removal. Instead, the company recommends donating or recycling used mattresses and provides a list of suggested organizations on their website.
Sleep Trial
Molecule offers a 100-day sleep trial. Customers are required to use the mattress for 30 days after the delivery date before a return can be initiated. Customers may return the mattress for a full refund less any discounts any time between 30 and 100 days from the delivery date. Any interest paid is not refunded on financed purchases.
Returned mattresses are donated if unused.
Molecule products marked as final sale, markdown, clearance, closeout are not eligible for refunds, returns, or exchanges.
Warranty
The Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress has a limited lifetime warranty. The warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials for as long as the original purchaser owns the mattress. Customers should be aware that issues resulting from improper use and normal wear and tear are not covered by the warranty.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.