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SF_Molecule2AirTec_2
Overall Rating 7.8

$200 off with code: SLEEPFOUNDATION


Price Range: $1,199 – $1,499

Mattress Type: Foam

Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)

At a Glance

We love the Molecule 2 AirTEC for its above-average breathability and deep contouring. Side and back sleepers who need extra cushioning should be very satisfied with this mattress.

Ratings Summary

ratings/sf-mattress-motion-isolation Icon Motion Isolation

8/10

ratings/sf-mattress-edge-support Icon Edge Support

6.5/10

ratings/sf-mattress-temperature-control Icon Temperature Control

5/10

ratings/sf-mattress-ease-of-movement Icon Ease of Movement

5/10

ratings/sf-mattress-off-gassing Icon Off Gassing

5.5/10

ratings/sf-mattress-pressure-relief Icon Pressure Relief

8/10

Pros

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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

Cons

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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.

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Sleeping Style and Body Weight

Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress

Sleeper Type

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Side Sleepers

Side Sleepers

7/10

8.5/10

7/10

Back Sleepers

Back Sleepers

6.5/10

8/10

6.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach Sleepers

5/10

6.5/10

5/10

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.

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.

Motion Isolation

8 / 10

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.

Pressure Relief

8 / 10

The conforming properties of the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress provide above-average pressure relief to sleepers.

The AirTEC foam layer contours to the body so that heavier parts—hips, shoulders, and the head—are relieved of pressure. The RecoveryFLO layer of the mattress has 5 targeted and self-adjusting zones to support different parts of the body. The hexagonal zone density varies at both the head and foot of the bed to support the upper and lower body. The center of the mattress has larger hexagonal zones to provide additional pressure relief in the lumbar region.

Mattresses with good pressure relief evenly distribute a sleeper’s body weight so that pressure points don’t form. Sleepers on these mattresses typically experience less discomfort or pain than sleepers on mattresses with poor pressure relief.

Temperature Control

5 / 10

Although all-foam mattresses are known for trapping heat, the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress rates average for regulating temperature.

The AirTEC technology of the mattress contributes to temperature regulation. The AirTEC layer of the mattress is composed of open cells that encourage airflow even when compressed. Additionally, both the cover and ContourFLO support core are designed to increase airflow and provide a cool sleep.

Sleepers who sleep very hot may prefer a mattress that regulates temperature even more.

Edge Support

6.5 / 10

All-foam mattresses have a reputation for weaker edge support, and this is true for the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress.

Beds lacking strong edge support will eventually have sagging edges, resulting in less usable surface area of the mattress. Sleepers on beds with weaker edge support may feel they are at risk of rolling off the bed during sleep. This can also pose difficulties for sleepers who want to sit on the edge of the bed as the edge may buckle or fold under weight.

Ease of Movement

5 / 10

Because the mattress’s 5-zone RecoveryFLO layer is designed to contour to the sleeper’s body, sleepers experience a feeling of sinking into the mattress rather than lying on top of it. This “hugging” property can inhibit quick movement as it takes a few moments for the mattress to bounce back.

Ease of movement can affect activities such as sex or moving into a new position during sleep. Some sleepers may find themselves waking up as they try to roll over while sleeping.

Off-Gassing

5.5 / 10

The Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress rates relatively well for off-gassing. Off-gassing refers to the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) after unboxing a mattress. The mattress is made with CertiPUR-US certified foam, meaning these gasses do not pose any known health risks. However, the gasses may have a slight odor that dissipates within 24 hours. Molecule notes that any scent associated with the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress upon unboxing comes from a non-toxic water-based glue, and the scent should dissipate within a 24 hour period.

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.

Firmness

Medium Firm – 6

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)

Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress Sizes

The Molecule 2 AirTEC is sold in all six standard mattress sizes. Other size options, such as split queen or split king, are not available.

Sizes Dimensions Height Weight
Twin 39″ x 75″ 12.25″ 55 lbs.
Twin XL 39″ x 80″ 12.25″ 56 lbs.
Full 54″ x 75″ 12.25″ 73 lbs.
Queen 60″ x 80″ 12.25″ 87 lbs.
King 76″ x 80″ 12.25″ 114 lbs.
California King 72″ x 84″ 12.25″ 114 lbs.

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.

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