The Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress Completely Changed How I Sleep at Night

Photo credit: Perri O. Blumberg
Photo credit: Perri O. Blumberg


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There are a lot of cool things out there that make us wonder — do they really work? In our I Tried It series, we set out to use them in the real world and have determined that, in fact, they really do.

On Trial: Molecule 2 Airtec Mattress with Microban

The Tester: Perri O. Blumberg — a Best Products contributor desperately seeking a solid night of shut-eye

The Brief: Like many, I haven’t exactly been sleeping well as of late.

After weeks of searching for the best mattresses you can buy online, I realized it was time to put all my new knowledge about micro-coils and specialty foams to use and upgrade my sleeping situation.

I’m a yogi and enjoy running and cycling, and my partner is an avid weightlifter, so I wanted something that not only would be supremely comfortable but also restore our weary limbs while we were in dreamland. That’s why the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress with Microban stood out to me the most. It has cooling and recovery-focused properties, is backed by athletes Michael Phelps, Alex Morgan, and Russell Wilson, and is sold at a modest price point. I knew this was the one worthy of testing and I couldn’t wait to catch some zzz’s with it.

Molecule’s research and development team — along with the help of engineers and a medical advisory board — worked very hard to design a mattress that supports your spine, offers superior pressure relief, and keeps your body temperature cooler while you sleep. Plus, the company uses eco-friendly manufacturing practices, and their mattresses are made in the USA.

From top to bottom, the mattress has five layers, each of which is designed to ensure comfortable, restorative slumber. On the top is the signature antimicrobial advanced cooling cover, which keeps you cooler while you sleep and works to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. Then come the layers that keep you feeling like you’re cradled in a cloud while you sleep. There’s also a responsive layer made with a 3D surface for self-adjusted support for “targeted pressure relief,” which is where the magic happens for your back and those tight quads.

Photo credit: Molecule
Photo credit: Molecule

The Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress with Microban is definitely a winner for anyone who suffers from ailments like sore muscles, mild back pain, and neck and shoulder tension. The new AirTEC sleep material is a foam that delivers buoyancy and responsiveness like latex while still offering incredible airflow and serious durability.

I’m not a big fan of assembly, but thankfully their “mattress-in-a-box” option made it easy as 1, 2, 3. Upon arrival, all I had to do was simply remove the mattress from the box, cut off the plastic compression sleeve, and place it on the bed frame. I went with The Novogratz’s Freddy Upholstered Bed Frame (from $229) since I love how the slat system creates outstanding and breathable support for your mattress. After I let the mattress open up on the frame, I was ready to plop down for an early evening snooze.

Photo credit: Molecule
Photo credit: Molecule

But first, I decided to make the bed properly, which was a cinch thanks to the fact that every Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress purchase comes with a set of free Percale Performance Sheets in the color of your choice. The wrinkle-resistant sheet set is made with temperature-regulating TENCEL materials — again, to keep you cool, clean, and comfortable while you sleep. Plus, they’re eco-friendly to boot.

With the bed made, I finally got to lie down for nap time. As a side sleeper, I particularly loved the contouring properties and almost decided 7 o’clock was a suitable bedtime.

So what was my first night’s sleep like? Admittedly, not so good. But, like a new pair of sneakers, my theory is it takes a few days to “break them in” and adjust to things. By day five on the Molecule 2 AirTEC mattress, I was waking up feeling more rejuvenated than ever, and I really felt like the amount of deep sleep I was logging has significantly improved in my first month of use.

Photo credit: Molecule
Photo credit: Molecule

Another neat feature of this mattress is its absorption qualities. For example, if my partner rolls over in the middle of the night, the whole mattress doesn't shift. Translation? It leaves me undisturbed and resting peacefully, which is a good thing for both our relationship and my treasured night’s sleep.

The Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress is also great for back sleepers, and while I’m not in that camp, one bonus of this mattress is that I’ve started reading a lot more. Yes, really. My old mattress wasn’t that supportive of your upper back and lumbar region, while the RecoveryFlo layer offers impressive pressure relief and support in these areas, making it a joy to cozy up with my husband pillow and settle in with a good book.

Closing Argument: I’m no Michael Phelps in the swimming pool, but after a month of using this mattress, I totally see why the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress is an excellent option for people who lead an active lifestyle or want some extra support for their body aches and pains while they sleep (especially in the lumbar region).

Pricing for the mattress starts at $999 for a twin, and it’s available in sizes twin through California King. With every purchase, you can select free sheets in either white, ivory, powder blue, or cloud gray. 100-night trials give you more than three months to decide if you like the mattress or want a full refund, and free returns are available if you decide it’s not for you (free shipping is also included for your mattress delivery). The brand also offers a limited lifetime warranty on your mattress, backing its longevity and comfort for your lifetime.

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