Our team at Sleep Foundation conducts extensive hands-on tests for each mattress to provide you with the most reliable, data-driven recommendations and reviews. Below are key guidelines that inform our testing methodology:
Our testers lie on the surface of each mattress to evaluate factors such as contouring and support. We also use specialized tools to measure performance criteria like pressure relief, heat retention, and motion isolation.
We test each mattress using various sleep positions to observe whether a mattress is better suited for side, back, or stomach sleeping. We roll around the surface and sit on the edges to gauge ease of movement and perimeter support.
We have tested hundreds of mattresses and bring years of experience in the mattress industry to the test lab. Our testing team covers a wide range of sleep preferences, sleep positions, and body types. This helps us represent as many sleeper types as possible in our reviews.
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Price Range
$699 – $799
Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options:
Medium Firm (6)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Extremely Soft
Very Soft
Soft
Medium Soft
Medium
Medium Firm
Firm
Very Firm
Extremely Firm
Ideal For:
People with sore muscles and stiff joints
Hot sleepers
Stomach and back sleepers
Value seekers
Considerations:
Only available in queen and king sizes
May not provide enough pressure relief for side sleepers under 130 pounds
Co-sleepers may notice some motion transfer
Limited inventory
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Solace mattresses
Solace Mattress is a Texas-based online brand that specializes in affordable and sustainable mattresses. Solace currently offers the Bee Comfort, a hybrid model, as well as two memory foam mattresses: the Smart Mattress and the Alaska Mattress.
The Bee Comfort features a unique top layer with a grid design engineered to dissipate heat as well as a fabric cover made with propolis, a material designed to ward off bacteria and allergens. Solace’s other all-foam model, the Smart Mattress, has a responsive design that combines memory foam with high-density foam. The Smart Mattress also has a removable and machine-washable cover that makes it easy to clean.
We’ll highlight Solace’s Alaska Mattress, a medium firm, five-layer hybrid model. The mattress features Kulkote coating, which is designed to increase temperature regulation. Gel infusions are engineered to increase ventilation within the foam, which helps prevent sleepers from overheating at night. Our testing indicated this model was a great option for couples, active sleepers, and those who sleep hot.
We’ll break down the mattress’ construction, materials, and overall performance so you can decide if it’s the right model for you.
Ratings Summary
Motion Isolation:
Temperature Control:
Pressure Relief:
Edge Support:
Ease of Movement:
Sex:
Off Gassing:
Mattress Performance
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation is an important consideration for light sleepers and those who share a bed. Some bounce in a mattress makes it easier to switch positions, but it can also mean more motion transfer.
We found the Alaska Mattress’ responsive comfort system allowed it to transfer a fair amount of motion. The high-density memory foam and springy latex don’t absorb movement as well as softer foams and materials.
The pocketed coil core limits surface vibrations since each spring moves independently. While the mattress doesn’t isolate motion as well as all-foam models, it does permit easy movement.
Pressure Relief
The Alaska Mattress’ moderate contouring alleviated tension for most of our testers. Since the memory foam is relatively dense, it cushions pressure points while still promoting spinal alignment. Responsive latex also helps evenly distribute weight.
We found that pressure relief was most notable for sleepers over 130 pounds. The high-density memory foam didn’t offer as much cushioning for our side sleepers under 130 pounds. Most of these sleeper types found the mattress too firm.
Temperature Control
Our testing indicated that the mattress’ cooling features helped regulate temperature better than comparable models. This is due to gel-infusions as well as phase change material in the top layer of foam, which are both designed to trap and release excess heat. The pocketed coil core also improves airflow within the mattress.
Since the memory foam is relatively dense, our testers didn’t find it stifling like some close-conforming foams. We also found the cover felt cool to the touch.
Edge Support
Our testing team found that the Alaska Mattress had average edge support. Foam reinforcement helps reduce sagging along the perimeter. The responsive comfort layers and medium firm feel also minimize surface impressions.
Couples and sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds may notice more sagging along the edges over time. That said, this is pretty typical with any mattress as it ages.
Ease of Movement
Our testers of all weights and sleep styles could comfortably move across the mattress’ surface. Minimal sinkage and a bouncy coil support core made changing positions rather easy.
Our combination-sleeping testers appreciated this, as they make the most adjustments during the night. While sleepers over 230 pounds naturally sink more into a mattress, they didn’t have trouble moving or changing position.
Sex
The Alaska Mattress has several features that are conducive to sex. A responsive surface permits smoother transitions, and high-density memory foam provides traction and pressure relief that make sustaining positions more comfortable. Solid edge support gives couples a more usable surface area.
The mattress’ cooling properties help prevent couples from overheating, and the cotton and wool cover offers grip while regulating surface temperature.
Off-Gassing
Foam bedding products typically emit off-gassing odors when new. The chemical-like smell occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are dispersed in the air. While off-gassing can be pungent at times, it isn’t thought to be harmful.
The Alaska Mattress includes multiple foam layers, so we noticed a moderate amount of off-gassing when the mattress was first unboxed. Once the mattress is decompressed, any odors should disappear within 24 to 48 hours. Opening the mattress in a well-ventilated room is recommended.
Solace Alaska Mattress Coupon
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Solace mattresses
The Solace Alaska Mattress delivered balanced contouring for our side sleepers over 130 pounds. The memory foam offers a moderate hug to sleepers, alleviating pressure in the hips and shoulders. Responsive latex promotes even spinal alignment by preventing sinkage.
Our side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds found good support that was on par with other medium firm hybrids, while those under 130 pounds found the Alaska Mattress’ surface too firm.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers across all weight groups experienced notable lumbar support during testing. High-density memory foam cushioned the shoulders and hips without overly conforming to the lower back. The pocketed coil core minimizes deep sinkage below the torso area, helping the spine stay level. Back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds found the mattress’ pressure relief and support particularly suited their needs.
Stomach Sleepers
Similar to back sleepers, our stomach sleepers gave the mattress favorable ratings. It can be challenging for stomach sleepers to maintain a straight spine, but the Alaska Mattress keeps sleepers on an even plane. The sturdy coil core and dense foam base reduces sinkage below the stomach. As such, the upper back is less prone to overarching. Additionally, responsive latex gives additional pushback to the midsection.
Solace Alaska Mattress Review Breakdown
The Solace Alaska Mattress is a five-layer hybrid measuring 10 inches tall. Its medium firm feel is a 6 on our 10-point firmness scale. This firmness level has broad appeal and accommodates a range of sleep styles. The cover, which consists of a wool and cotton blend, helps draw heat and moisture away from the sleeper.
A top layer of high-density memory foam cushions sleepers and prevents pressure points from forming. A layer of gel-infused foam uses Kulkote, a coating that combines phase change material with other cooling technologies designed to prevent uncomfortable heat buildup. A layer of natural latex below distributes body weight for better spine alignment.
The pocketed coil support core adds bounce while reinforcing the comfort layers. Each fabric-encased coil moves independently and is intended to limit motion transfer. The support core’s perimeter is reinforced with foam to strengthen edge support. A high-density foam base stabilizes the entire mattress and minimizes deep sinkage.
Firmness
Medium Firm – 6
Mattress Type
Hybrid
Construction
The Solace Alaska Mattress is a five-layer hybrid with a cotton and wool cover. The comfort system combines high-density memory foam, gel-infused foam, and latex. A pocketed coil support core is stabilized with a base layer of high-density foam.
Cover Material:
Cotton and Wool Blend
Comfort Layer:
Cooling Gel Latex with Kulkote Coating, High-Density Memory Foam
Support Core:
Pocketed Coils with a Reinforced Foam Perimeter, High-Density Foam Base
Mattress Prices and Sizing
The Alaska Mattress is priced well below the average hybrid model. The modest sticker tag is even more impressive since the mattress uses latex, which often increases a mattress’ price-point. Solid performance and free shipping make this hybrid a great value option for shoppers on a budget.
The mattress is only available in queen and king sizes. Its 10-inch height is considered average for a mattress.
Sizes
Dimensions
Height
Weight
Price
Queen
60″ x 80″
10″
84 lbs.
$699
King
76″ x 80″
10″
84 lbs.
$799
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Solace mattresses
The Alaska Mattress can be purchased through Solace’s website and Amazon.
Shipping
Solace offers free UPS or FedEx shipping for customers in the contiguous U.S. Most orders are processed within 24 hours and delivered within five to seven business days.
The mattress is compressed and sealed in plastic before shipping. Professional installation isn’t necessary, as the mattress decompresses on its own once it is unrolled.
Additional Services
Solace does not offer White Glove delivery or old mattress removal.
Sleep Trial
The mattress’ 100-night sleep trial starts the date of delivery. Solace doesn’t require a break-in period, so mattresses can be returned for a full refund at any point during the trial. Solace also provides return shipping labels for eligible returns.
Warranty
Solace backs the Alaska Mattress with a 10-year warranty. Coverage includes manufacturing and material defects.
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.
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