The 14 Best Mattresses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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It's impossible to wake up on the wrong side of the bed with one of these picks
People / Sarah Felbin
Sleep is crucial for many functions in the body to operate at their peak, from brain cognition and physical performance to mood. And regardless of the latest sleep hacks, the key to a good night’s sleep is your mattress.
Sleep Week Deals
Casper Dream Max Hybrid, Snow Max Hybrid, and One Foam mattresses are 20% off at casper.com.
Purple Plus Mattress and Purple Mattress are up to $400 off at purple.com.
Tuft & Needle Bestselling T&N Mint and T&N Mint Hybrid mattresses are up to 20% off at tuftandneedle.com.
Saatva Loom & Leaf, Memory Foam Hybrid, Zenhaven Latex, and Solaire Adjustable Firmness mattresses are $500 off at saatva.com.
Shopping for mattresses is incredibly individualized — if you struggle with injuries, tension, or chronic back pain, you might want to opt for a mattress targeting back pain relief. Do you sleep hot or cold? Do you and your partner differ in any way over sleep preferences? All of these things will determine which mattress is the best for you.
If you feel like you’re overwhelmed with choices, we’ve tested mattresses across leading brands, like Casper, Saatva, Tuft & Needle, and Purple, and put together a list of our favorites based on price, firmness, and comfort. Since the success of a mattress is tailored to your needs and preferences, we set out to physically try the most popular options and give you the most accurate assessment of each. In doing so, we found mattresses that are geared toward certain types of sleepers — like stomach or side sleepers — while keeping our top picks to those that would work for a range of different people.
Read on for the mattresses PEOPLE considers the best of 2024.
Best Overall: Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress
Pros
It molds to your body like a big hug and provides support in the areas you need it most.
The Airscape Technology inside the mattress is designed to boost airflow and keep you cool all night.
It blends all the best qualities of firm and soft mattresses.
Cons
It’s one of the more expensive mattresses we tested, so this won’t be ideal for all budgets.
There’s a slight chemical smell when taken out of packing materials.
We can’t say enough good things about this Nova mattress. Casper is known for its cutting-edge features, like Airscape Technology, which boosts airflow and prevents overheating. It’s also known for its ergonomic grooved foam for extra support in sensitive areas like your hips and lower back. While we were initially skeptical about all of these bells and whistles, they truly lived up to their word. The Nova Hybrid somehow expertly toes the line between firm and soft, which allows you to sink in for maximum comfort but also catches you with a level of firmness that supports your entire body.
When lying down, the mattress rises and cradles your sides to remove the pressure from common pain areas like the lower back and hips. It also moves with you — even if you’re an active sleeper, it adjusts to provide support where you need it, whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach. Our rating of “best overall” is largely for this reason — there’s no type of sleeper that this isn’t a great choice for. We found it to make noticeable changes in the quality of sleep, both decreasing the number of times we woke up in the middle of the night and the amount of energy we had when waking up.
The biggest con we noticed, besides the slight chemical smell upon taking it out of its packaging, was its price. It is not the most expensive mattress on this list, but if you’re looking for a temporary fix or a mattress for a guest room that won’t get much use, this may not be the right choice for you. But if you’re going to be sleeping on it every night, it is certainly worth the investment.
Height: 12 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Best Budget: Casper Element Pro Mattress
Pros
It's reasonably priced and a good option if you’re working with a small budget.
It has excellent cooling properties that will keep you from overheating in your sleep.
This mattress is on the firmer side, so you’ll get adequate spine and back support.
Cons
At only 10 inches tall, it is thin compared to other mattresses on our list.
Whether you’re moving into a new place on a small budget or you’re looking for a mattress for a guest bedroom that won’t have enough use to warrant a major investment, the Element Pro by Casper is an excellent, affordable option. While almost all the mattresses we tested cost over $1,000, this one is cheaper. Although it’s inexpensive, it’s still remarkably high quality, which is why it got our vote for the best budget pick. One thing we loved most about this mattress was its cooling properties — if you sleep hot, waking up drenched in sweat will be a thing of the past. Also, it’s very firm and has good support. While it isn’t as high quality as some of the others we tested, the quality and feel are impressive for the price tag.
Like any budget item, you’re going to be sacrificing some things in exchange for saving cash. It’s only 10 inches tall, which means it’s not as hefty and luxurious as the more expensive mattresses on our list. Also, we did notice that after fully assembling it, the thinness did cause it to look rather low. This mattress is by no means going to look or feel luxurious and expensive; however, if you’re trying to save money, like firm mattresses, and sleep hot, this is an excellent (and affordable) option for you.
Height: 10 inches | Feel: Firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
People / Erica Finamore
Best for Couples: Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
Pros
The relaxed firm feel is a nice balance between soft and firm and is ideal for couples with differing sleeping preferences.
It molds to your body and supports sensitive areas like the lower back and hips.
It features antimicrobial treatment which may prevent bacteria and mold.
Cons
It’s on the pricier side, so it’s not realistic for all budgets.
The mattress is slightly more plush than firm, so if you don’t like soft mattresses, this may not be ideal.
Can you and your partner just not agree on which mattress to choose due to differing firmness preferences? If so, the Saatva Loom & Leaf may just be the compromise and a cozy compromise at that. This one won our vote for couples because of its relaxed firm feel — it does a good job of balancing between firm and soft so that you reap the benefits of both. Equipped with three layers of CertiPUR-US memory foam, it has a plush feel that will cradle you in all the right places. If you suffer from aches and pains, this mattress is also a great choice: We found that morning back and hip pain completely went away after sleeping on the Loom & Leaf consistently for the month-long testing period. As a bonus, we also appreciated the antimicrobial treatment on the cushioned surface, which is designed to prevent the accumulation of mold and mildew, therefore prolonging the mattress’s lifespan.
Although it is somewhere between soft and firm, this mattress is on the softer side. It was softer than we expected it to be, and while it did have some buoyancy to it, we felt a bit of a sinking feeling when lying down. If you don’t like a mattress with a sinking softness, you may be taken aback by that sensation (the three layers of memory foam are no joke!). This was a big reason it ranked second to the Nova Hybrid (as well as the fact that it’s even more expensive). Again, the price tag makes this a splurge, but if you’re going to be sleeping on it every night for years to come, we think it’s worth the price.
Height: Not listed | Feel: Relaxed-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king
Best Memory Foam: Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
Pros
If you struggle with tension in your neck or shoulders, you’ll love how the memory foam contorts to your body so that it cradles you just where you need it.
Side sleepers will love the medium-firm feel and how it provides plush comfort and support on your shoulders and hips.
It’s designed to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
Cons
The platform that comes with this mattress causes it to sit a bit high from the ground, which could pose a problem for people with mobility issues.
Because it’s on the softer side, you may feel the movement of another person in the bed, especially if you’re a light sleeper.
During testing, we felt aches and pains melt away after sleeping on the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress, which is why it won our vote for the best memory foam. This one is an ideal pick if you struggle with tension, especially in your neck and shoulders. It contorts to your body just right, so that you get the perfect amount of support where you need it. It also moves with you and bounces right back into place with every toss and turn. This mattress would be perfect for a side sleeper; the hybrid nature harnesses all the best features of soft and firm mattresses, so you can feel plush comfort and support on your shoulders and hips. Aside from its feel, we also really appreciated how it's designed to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, which will certainly extend its lifespan.
We did notice that because it is slightly on the softer side, you may feel the movement of another person in the bed. While this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re a heavy sleeper, light sleepers should beware — especially if your partner tends to move a lot at night! Additionally, the platform that it comes with is on the taller side, which may make it harder for those with mobility issues to get in and out of bed. However, we found the price to be completely worth it. Considering how well the memory foam performed, it’s a sound investment and will bring you maximum comfort.
Height: Not listed | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California King
Best for Hot Sleepers: Purple Mattress
Pros
This mattress provides lots of support, so it’s great for people who struggle with a stiff neck or back pain in the morning.
If you sleep hot at night, you’ll love how it diffuses warmth overnight and keeps you from overheating.
It stays completely even and has strong edge support, so it’s a great option for couples who will add doubled tension to the mattress’s surface.
Cons
It stays completely even and has strong edge support, so it’s a great option for couples who will add doubled tension to the mattress’s surface.
Can you and your partner not agree on a firmer or softer mattress? Do you not have a preference either way? If so, the Purple Mattress is a great choice for you. This mattress is somewhere between soft and firm, which means it provides great support for your back, neck, and hips. We also noted its excellent edge support, so that you won’t find it developing any lumps or becoming uneven with your body’s shape. If you sleep hot, you’ll love how it manages to diffuse heat while you’re sleeping and keep you nice and cool, which will help you stay asleep at night.
While the medium firm feel is great if you don’t have a preference or like features of both, if you would rather have a softer or firmer mattress, you may find the lack of definition frustrating. If we had to say that it tipped one way or the other, it’s definitely on the firmer side, so you may be taken aback at its firmness if you aren’t expecting it. Although this would be a great choice for a side or back sleeper, stomach sleepers may find that this lack of softness will put extra pressure on your back. Due to the concerns about feel and sleeping positions, this one won our vote for hot sleepers, because that is ultimately the strongest feature. If you struggle with staying cool at night, this mattress (along with a cooling pillow and some quality cooling sheets) are a great choice for you.
Height: 9.25 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California King
Best for Back Pain: Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress
Pros
One side is slightly more plush and one side is firmer, so you can choose what works for you.
Our tester said it was the most comfortable mattress they've ever slept on.
It kept us from tossing and turning throughout the night.
Cons
It's only 10 inches tall, so unless you purchase the additional foundation base, it sits rather low.
You know the difference a quality mattress can make if you suffer from chronic back pain. After testing 18 of the best mattresses for back pain, we found the Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex mattress to be the best at relieving back pain and tension.
Board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor Dr. Angelie Mascarinas, who is trained in interventional spine and musculoskeletal care, informed our testing team that medium-firm mattresses are the best for relieving back pain, and we especially loved that the Saatva Zenhaven went one step further and offered two different support levels. Both are medium-firm, but one side of the mattress is slightly softer, and the other side is slightly firmer, so you can choose what works best for you and your body.
During testing, we slept on each side for two weeks and our tester said it was the most comfortable mattress they'd ever slept on. Plus, it made a significant difference in how they felt every morning. They didn't toss and turn throughout the night and felt immediate relief after sleeping on this mattress. We really can't say enough good things about this mattress. It's only 10 inches tall, so it does sit a little bit low to the ground unless you purchase the foundation base with the mattress, and, as with most online mattress purchases, there was a bit of a lingering smell when we were setting it up. However, for the comfort and quality, we think this mattress is worth the price.
Height: 10 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California King
Up Next: The 4 Best Sleeper Sofas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Pillowtop: Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
Pros
Extra layers and thickness give this mattress a loftier look and feel that will make your sleep deeper and your bedroom more luxurious.
Flex coils deep in the mattress give it stable buoyancy that makes getting out of bed a breeze.
The memory foam moves with you and cradles your body without shaking the whole bed, making it ideal for couples who don’t want to wake each other up by tossing and turning.
Cons
It’s cumbersome once fully expanded, so it will be a bit of a hassle to move it from room to room.
It had a chemical smell that lingered for a few days.
Are you a big fan of memory foam plushness? Or swear by foam pillows? You’ll love the Casper Wave Hybrid. Much like the Wave Hybrid Snow, just without added cooling technology, this mattress is plush and soft without making you feel like you’re sinking. This is in large part due to the flex coils deep in the mattress which give it a noticeable buoyancy when you lay down or get up. It also has five layers of support and is much thicker than most mattresses on the market, so it has a loftiness that you can see and feel.
It won our vote for Best Pillowtop because the memory foam top is unmatched. When you’re lying down, it almost feels as if the mattress was custom-molded for your body. It even moves with you in your sleep, so that if you toss and turn at night, it will adjust with ease. We also tested it by placing a glass of wine on the surface and jumping on the bed and it passed with flying colors, which means this would be a great purchase for couples who toss and turn and don’t want to wake each other up.
Like most memory foam mattresses, the Wave Hybrid is heavy, but we noticed this one was extra cumbersome, so for assembly or moving from room to room, you’ll need help. Also, upon taking it out of the packaging, it did have a chemical smell that lingered for a few days which was a bit off-putting. However, this mattress manages to have a hint of pillowy softness without swallowing you whole, and molds to your body when sleeping without altering the shape of the whole bed, which is a major win and worth every penny.
Height: 13 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California King
Best Medium Support: Purple Plus Mattress
Pros
If you struggle with persistent aches and pains, this mattress will provide ample support to ease morning and nighttime discomfort.
The excellent motion isolation makes this perfect for couples who toss and turn at night.
It has great temperature regulation, which you’ll love if you sleep hot.
Cons
If you're looking for a plush mattress, this one isn't for you.
Do you have persistent aches and pains or injuries that make it hard to get comfortable, fall asleep, and stay asleep? If so, the Purple Plus is perfect for you. While it does have a firmness to it that keeps you from sinking into it, it also has a level of softness that provides target support to your sensitive areas. The foam top also provides motion isolation, which is huge for couples who toss and turn at night and struggle with waking each other up. We found that throughout testing, regular aches and sensitivities began to dissipate, so if you want a mattress that will offer some sort of relief, especially in the morning, you’ll love this mattress. It also didn’t have any chemical odor when taken out of the packaging, which was a bonus.
While this mattress does have a bit of give despite its firmness, it could be softer. If you prefer a more soft or plush feel, or if you sleep on your stomach, you won’t be in love with this mattress. However, if you sleep with another person, run hot, or need a little more support due to pain, this mattress provides just a hint more support that will help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Height: 11 inches | Feel: Medium | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California King
Best Adjustable: Saatva Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress
Pros
The adjustable firmness settings and no motion transfer make this a winner for couples who have differing preferences.
You’ll love the pressure-relieving support if you sleep on your back or stomach.
Although on the pricier side of mattresses we tested, it is reasonably priced for a “luxury” item.
Cons
Although it is “luxury firm,” it’s definitely on the firmer side and will probably take a few months to truly break in.
Do you like reading or watching TV in bed or sleep with a partner whose preferences differ from yours? If so, you may be looking for an adjustable mattress, and the Saatva Solaire Adjustable is an absolute dream. It features 50 firmness settings on both sides, which means you and your partner can custom-tailor it to your unique preferences. We also found that the memory foam top eliminated motion transfer, so you won’t wake your partner up due to tossing and turning, and vice versa. While we did expect it to have a bit more softness to it, it still stayed pretty firm, even when adjusting it to be softer. However, this didn’t mean it was uncomfortable. If anything, it gave just the right level of support, regardless of position, so that you won’t wake up with aches or pains.
Saatva defines this as “luxury firm,” which is supposed to mean that it is soft yet supportive. But we found that it was on the firmer side and stayed that way. It did start to break in over time and finally had some give, but if you’re expecting plushness or softness, you should dial back your expectations. This mattress is also on the higher end of mattresses we’ve tested price-wise. But because it is a “luxury” item, we found it to be reasonably priced at just under $3,400, especially because of the adjustable firmness settings and angles.
Height: Not listed | Feel: Plush but firm | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king, queen upper-flex, king upper-flex
Best for Side Sleepers: Purple Restore Hybrid Mattress
Pros
If you struggle with back and neck pain, you will love the strong support and bounce-back this mattress gives when you lie down.
Side sleepers will love the targeted support on your hips and shoulders, thanks to the memory foam top.
It diffuses heat so you don’t struggle with annoying hot spots in bed or feel the heat radiating off of your partner.
Cons
If you like a softer feel, you definitely won’t appreciate the firmness of this mattress.
The adjustable base sits a bit low to the ground which could make getting in and out of bed difficult.
If you struggle with body pain you’ve probably heard a firm mattress may be worth a try for more support, and the Purple Restore (Firm version) is certainly worth the purchase. We were impressed by how supportive this mattress was upon lying down for the first time. While it is a bit jarring initially, the buoyancy makes you feel secure and supported. The gentle foamy top layer also molds to your body and helps relieve pressure just where you need it. This is huge for side sleepers, who may notice more sensitivity in places like their shoulders and hips.
Although not expecting it, we also noted how great this mattress performed when it came to temperature regulation. Whether you or your partner sleep hot, this will diffuse any heat that may make it hard to get comfortable and fall asleep. We tested this mattress with an adjustable base, which allows you to adjust the angle of your head and feet for custom comfort. We found this to be great if you want to read in bed, watch TV, or just want that extra bit of luxury and comfort.
This mattress is firm and may take you by surprise when you fall into it. If you prefer a softer feel, you won’t love sleeping on this mattress. Also, the adjustable base sits low to the ground, which may make it harder to get in and out for some. However, if you're a side sleeper or your biggest need is a supportive mattress for all parts of your body, this one is an excellent option for you.
Height: 11.5 inches | Feel: Firm or soft | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king
Best for Stomach Sleepers: Tuft & Needle T&N Mint Hybrid Mattress
Pros
The mattress is firm enough to support you in any sleeping position.
It’s comfortable to lay on and distributes weight evenly.
Our tester’s sleep has improved since using this mattress because it doesn’t have warm spots and provides back relief.
Cons
It might be too firm for side sleepers.
The Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress arrived compressed in a box and inflated very quickly once opened. Our tester moves around a lot while they sleep and often end up on their stomach, so having a mattress that supports all sleeping positions was important. We love that this mattress is firm enough to support any sleeping position but is especially comfortable for stomach sleepers.
In terms of movement, the mattress has a lot more bounce when you’re sitting compared to when you’re lying down, and your weight is more evenly distributed. Once our tester lay down, they felt a decent amount of support. They think their sleep has improved overall since using this mattress thanks to the lack of warm spots and the pressure relief on their back when lying down in any position.
Height: 12 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Best for Back Sleepers: Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
Pros
The memory foam is both incredibly comfortable and supportive for your back.
There’s very little movement which is great for those who toss and turn (or sleep next to someone who does).
Cons
It’s not a cheap mattress, but you’re paying for the good quality and likely won’t have to invest in another mattress for a while because this one is so durable.
If you frequently fall asleep on your back, consider the Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress. It arrived in a secure package and inflated in no time. What sets this memory foam mattress apart is how truly comfortable and supportive it is.
Our tester said the mattress does a great job contouring to your body, so there isn’t a lot of movement, which is a bonus for those whose partners toss and turn throughout the night. Not only did this mattress provide ample back support — reducing back pain, keeping your spine in alignment, and providing much-needed pressure relief — it improved our tester’s sleep quality overall.
Height: 11.5 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Best Soft: Purple RejuvenatePlus Mattress
Pros
The thick pillow-style padding on top makes you feel cradled and supported.
If you find that back pain is worse in the morning, you’ll love how this pillowy soft mattress allows you to wake up energized and pain-free.
It’s optimal for side and back sleepers.
Cons
If you sleep on your stomach, the cushioned top may cause some discomfort.
This mattress is very thick, so it might not fit your mattress’s pockets or your bed frame.
The Purple Rejuvenate Plus is truly life-changing when it comes to comfort and support, which is why it won our vote in this category. What we love most about this mattress is the thick and pillow-soft padding on top. Its plushness does make you feel cradled and comfortable, but also supported, so that any pressure that would typically go to your back is diffused. Whether you sleep on your back or side, we loved how this mattress made a noticeable difference in pain levels, even after the first night of testing!
The softness of this mattress is in large part due to its thickness, but this could become a problem — coming in at just under seventeen inches thick, you definitely can’t expect it to fit the pockets of all standard bed sheets for the size you purchase. You may also find that it overtakes your bed frame, so you should measure your sheets and furniture ahead of time to make sure everything fits. Although we think that it would be just fine for all positions, it is best for side and back sleepers, meaning that stomach sleepers may find it to be uncomfortable, especially over prolonged use. Coming in at just under $6,000, this is the most expensive mattress on our list. Considering how much of a positive difference this mattress made on our tester — even after just a night — we find the price point worth it.
Height: 16.5 inches | Feel: Soft | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king
Best Investment: Casper Wave Hybrid Snow Mattress
Pros
On the firmer side, this mattress will provide you with excellent support.
It's designed with cooling technology to keep you from overheating, which is great for hot sleepers.
The memory foam smoothness moves with you in your sleep and molds to your body, cradling you in all the right places.
Cons
Its weak edge support may mean sagging in the long term.
It’s very expensive, so it’s not realistic for all budgets.
Do you sleep on your back and prefer mattresses that are on the firmer side? If so, the Wave Hybrid Snow is the perfect option for you. What we love most about this mattress is how smooth and cool it is. If you find the lumpy tufting on most mattresses distracting and uncomfortable, you’ll love the smooth foam top of the Wave Hybrid Snow. It supports you in all the places that you need it without swallowing you up with too much softness. Another thing we love about this mattress is how cool it is — its many layers are designed to drive heat away so that you can sleep without overheating. If you’re used to waking up in the morning or middle of the night drenched in sweat, this mattress will give you major relief! (If that’s the case, you should also look into purchasing some great bamboo sheets, which are known for their breathability.)
Again, the main con we saw with this one was the price. It is on the more expensive end of mattresses we’ve tested, and while it is worth the price because it will last you for many years, it does have some flaws, the main one being weak edge support. Edge support, or the amount of resistance a mattress provides around its edges, is an important feature to evaluate in a mattress, especially if you have a partner and more than one person is putting prolonged pressure on it (although poor edge support is a common con of memory foam mattresses).
With all this being said, its smooth, firm surface and cooling properties added a level of comfort that had a lasting impression on our sleep quality. And if you love the feeling of a memory foam mattress, the edge support may not be as big of a priority for you. So if you’re looking to make a bigger investment, this may be the best mattress for you.
Height: 13 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
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Things to Consider Before Buying a Mattress
Sleep Quality and Comfort
Sleep is your body’s time to recover, and mental and physical health starts with good-quality rest. While the amount of hours you sleep is important, the quality is just as important, if not more so. Your mattress is a major player in this, and understanding your sleeping habits is key to picking the right one. If you are a light sleeper, a firmer mattress, like the Purple Restore, may be right for you, as it will limit the movement you feel when a partner is tossing and turning.
Do you prefer sleeping on your back, side, or stomach? Stomach sleepers should avoid very soft mattresses, as this could put unwanted pressure on your lower back. If you overheat at night, you’ll want to focus on a mattress that has cooling properties — this Purple Mattress does a great job of releasing heat so that you won’t wake up in the middle of the night sweating. Focusing on features that target your needs is the best way to get maximum comfort and not get too overwhelmed by all the options on the market.
Support
Do you struggle with aches and pains, especially in the morning? If so, you’ll need a more supportive mattress. Soft mattresses do have their benefits, but they also tend to let you sink into them and allow pressure to accumulate on your joints. A firm mattress will diffuse that pressure by taking on the brunt of it, which will, in turn, help reduce any pain or discomfort you may feel throughout the day. If you're looking to relieve a particular type of pain, such as back pain, Dr. Mascarinas recommends a medium-firm mattress, like the one we picked for best back pain relief, the Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress.
Quality
Besides a car or home, your mattress is perhaps the biggest investment you’ll make. While you may balk at the price tag, it is always worth the investment. A good-quality mattress makes a world of difference in how you feel all day long. You can’t pour from an empty cup — being well-rested is key for getting the most out of your life, and a quality mattress is the starting point. There are lots of ways you can tell that a mattress is high quality, one of the biggest being the edge support, or the sturdiness around the perimeter of your mattress. Strong edge support prevents sagging of the mattress over time, which inevitably extends its lifespan. Hybrid mattresses are a great option if you’re looking for strong edge support — while they boast the softness of a memory foam mattress on top, they feature an innerspring core, which is a key ingredient for strong edge support.
Value
While an expensive mattress is always worth an investment, it’s a big decision to drop thousands of dollars at once. If you’re working with a tight budget, there are lots of affordable options out there, like the Element Pro by Casper. But if you are looking to splurge and are feeling guilty over the price tag, look at it this way — the Wave Hybrid Snow by Casper, our pick for Best Investment, comes in at just under $3,400. If you do the math to see how much that costs per day over 10 years (the average lifespan of a mattress), it averages out to just under a dollar a day. Does a dollar a day sound worth it to you for good sleep? We think yes.
People / Mary Honeyman-Speichingner
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How We Tested
We tested 26 mattresses across the leading brands of Casper, Saatva, Purple, and Tuft & Needle to bring you a comprehensive roundup of the best ones on the market. Each mattress was tested over four weeks, and reviewed for things like how it impacts energy levels, if it reduces or increases aches and pains, and how easy it is to change positions while in bed.
Comfort: Our team took notes in real-time to see how comfortable each mattress was. We evaluated how often our testers tossed and turned or were awoken in the night. We also considered the level of firmness or plushness of each selection.
Support: We considered how much movement each mattress allowed. Is it a mattress that will bounce if your partner tosses and turns, or will it restrict movement to the area where either person is moving? We also looked at how each tester reported their sleep quality and whether any mattress supported the body well enough to reduce pain and provide relief.
Functionality: Mattresses were also tested by a variety of sleepers — from hot to cold sleepers, to side, back, and stomach sleepers, our testers reflect the variety and nuance that you’ll bring when picking out a new mattress.
Related: The 9 Best Mattresses at Amazon of 2024 for a Well-Rested Sleep
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mattress is best for comfort?
This ultimately comes down to preference. If you like a pillowtop feeling, you may prefer a softer mattress that you can sink into. If you struggle with aches and pains and need more support, you should probably go for a firmer mattress. If you share a bed with a partner whose preferences differ from yours, a medium-firm is probably ideal, as it tows the line of both ends of the spectrum. If you’re unsure what you prefer, it’s best to go to a mattress store and test a variety of mattresses out for yourself so you can truly get a sense of the feel that’s right for you.
How much does a good mattress cost?
A mattress is going to be a big investment. Unlike a bathrobe or a set of sheets, it’s kind of impossible to “skimp” on a mattress, even if it isn’t great quality. The median price of mattresses we tested was $920, which is a good starting point for determining an average. However, the more bells and whistles you want, the higher the price will be. For example, the Saatva Solaire Adjustable Mattress starts at just under $3,000, but it has adjustable firmness settings on both sides and the ability to adjust the position and angle of both the top and bottom half. It’s safe to say that the more you spend, the more features and qualities you can expect.
What is a good mattress firmness?
This depends on preference. Laying down on a firm mattress may be a bit jarring if you’re not used to it, especially because of the bounceback. But if you struggle with back, shoulder, or hip pain, switching to a firmer mattress is life changing. Adding a mattress topper can enhance your mattress's overall comfort. If you’re unsure about which way you lean, picking a medium firm mattress is a safe bet, as it allows you to reap the benefits of both. But once again, we highly recommend going to a mattress store to try out different types to get a sense of your own preference.
Related: The 10 Best Air Mattresses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Olivia Avitt has written about a wide range of subjects, from the best home products to wellness and art. For this piece, she thoroughly researched and reviewed each product and our tested insights. Testing for each mattress was done by a wide range of sleepers who used the mattress over a full month, which allowed them to gather authentic impressions that give you the most accurate picture possible of how each mattress truly performs. Mattresses were rated through the lens of their respective quality, comfort, support, and value. Madison Yauger, a senior shopping writer at PEOPLE, updated this story and added new picks after collecting further insights.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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