Sleep Experts Say These Are The Most Comfortable Mattresses For Your Sleep Type

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If you’re lucky, you’ll spend about one-third of your life sleeping, probably on a mattress. That’s a lot of time to spend in or on one place. So, you want to make sure that time is well-spent, getting the best, most restorative, deep sleep you can. It’s critical for your physical and mental health (and for the sanity of those around you). That’s why you need the best, most comfortable mattress you can buy.

We get it: Shopping for mattresses isn’t easy. In some ways, it’s like shopping for a new car. You have to navigate a long list of technical terms and features, including understanding the difference between innerspring, memory foam, and hybrid mattresses. You’ll suddenly have to make sense of things like pressure points, pocketed coils, adaptive foam technology, and GlacioTex Cooling fibers. And, even if you can figure it all out, will you be any closer to finding the most comfortable mattress for you?

Don’t worry. We’re here to help! Women's Health has spent countless hours sleeping on and comparing the world’s best mattresses, so you don’t have to. But, while we love to sleep and sleep test, we also wanted to consult with experts in the field to get their professional opinions on how to find the best mattress. We chatted with Chris Tomshack, DC, CEO of chiropractic clinic Healthsource, and Dr. Matthew J. Cavanaugh, DC, a chiropractor at Cavanaugh Chiropractic Clinic in Lafayette, Louisiana. Together, we’ve rounded up the 12 most comfortable mattresses, per experts, for upgrading your sleep sitch in 2023. So grab your cooling sheets and silk pillowcase, and get ready for the best sleep of your life.

Classic Mattress

Mattress-in-a-box brands are all the rage these days. But Saatva stands out by doing things the “old-school” way. Its traditional innerspring mattresses are thick, soft yet supportive, extremely well-made, and downright luxurious, and as our tester, Isis Briones, found: “You just can’t pack that sort of heft into a box.” The brand’s mainstay Saatva Classic Mattress is overbuilt with a dual layer of coils with memory foam, topped with plush cotton, and ringed with reinforcing foam to keep the entire mattress supportive.

Briones tested the Classic Mattress for three months and found a lot to love about it. Namely: Its personalization. With a good selection of heights and firmness levels, it’s easy to dial in your own perfect sleep setup. She especially liked the Luxury Firm option, which happens to be Saatva’s best-seller. “It mimics a high-end hotel mattress that has a balance between strong support and cushiony comfort," she says. In fact, 82 percent of customers prefer it, according to the site, especially couples who can't agree on how soft or firm they want their mattress. "Trust us, this middle option speaks to any and all kinds of sleepers,” Briones says.

Even the best cooling sheets can only do so much, especially if you tend to sleep hot. Thankfully, the Classic Mattress is extremely cooling, due to a good blend of clever technology. Several breathable layers work together to help promote airflow and keep you cool, calm, and collected all night long.

The biggest issue we have with the Saatva Classic Mattress (and all of the brand’s mattresses, actually) is the price. They ain’t cheap. This best-selling model retails for just under $2,000. While white glove delivery, which includes in-room setup and removal of your old mattress and foundation, is included, customers are required to pay a $99 processing fee for all returns. The good news? Saatva throws in a whopping 365-night in-home sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, so your mattress purchase is almost completely risk-free.

RejuvenatePlus Mattress

In the land of Purple, it doesn’t get any better than the RejuvenatePlus Mattress. It’s the company’s most ultra-premium and ultra-pricey model. The core is made from durable high-density foam that provides cushion and support with a cloud-like feel. It’s all topped off with unique layers of breathable materials to make sure you’re neither too hot nor too cold, but rather juuust right, throughout the night.

After a months-long test, one of our editors found that the mattress delivers on its promises. It’s supportive, pressure-relieving, and temperature-controlling, all in one. The quilted cover— the one part that your body rests directly on—is soft and pillowy but supportive. Plus, the tri-zone edge-to-edge coils provide serious body support and ensure that it’s easy to get into and out of bed. All of which makes this the most comfortable mattress for just about anyone, but especially for back pain sufferers.

Our editor absolutely loved this mattress, especially its ability to alleviate her work-related aches and pains. “As editors, our jobs involve sitting at a laptop all day, and since we're working from home most of the time, I'm usually craning my neck to look down at my laptop from my kitchen table," she said. "I get really bad tech neck, but just two weeks of sleeping on my new mattress has made a world of a difference in my neck, shoulder, and upper-back pain.”

While we loved the plush feel of this mattress, some might find it too soft and cushy. But the real elephant in the room with this mattress is the price tag. With a starting price of more than six thousand dollars (for a queen-sized mattress), it’s one of the most expensive mattresses we’ve ever tested. Add in the company’s own bed frame, and that price tag is closer to $7,000. Free in-home setup is included, so there’s that. Plus, Purple backs this and all its mattresses with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty to boot.

Midnight Elite Mattress

Not too firm, not too soft—that’s what most sleepers and couples, especially, look for in a mattress. Helix’s Midnight Elite is the best in its lineup. The medium-firm design is versatile and works with a wide range of sleepers, no matter their preferred sleep position. This mattress features five layers of high-density memory foam that are soft yet supportive to alleviate pressure points on the hips and shoulders. It’s a great option for side and stomach sleepers. Two additional layers of individually wrapped microcoils add extra cushioning and help reduce back pressure.

WH lifestyle director Lindsay Geller saw a huge improvement in her lower back pain after sleeping for more than a month on the Midnight Elite. “I've noticed my lower back pain disappear practically overnight. As a stomach/side sleeper who tends to change positions throughout the night, I always feel supported by this mattress, no matter what position I ultimately end up sleeping in.” Plus, Helix made it easy to find the most comfortable mattress for her online. “I love that I was able to take a quiz that determined the perfect mattress to suit my specific sleep needs because that's worked better for me than testing out a mattress at a traditional store."

With the Midnight Elite, Helix adds in its proprietary “advanced GlacioTex Elite Technology.” That’s a fancy way of saying this mattress helps keep you cool at night. It uses a phase-change fabric to regulate your body temperature without you having to think about it. When you’re hot, it helps keep you cool. When you’re cold, it helps trap body heat, making it the perfect mattress for year-round comfort.

Like many of the best, most comfortable mattresses we tested, the Midnight Elite isn’t cheap. A queen model runs just under $3,000, not including the frame. Helix does, however, throw in free delivery, and we’ve found it frequently offers free bedding, too, including a sheet set, a pillow set, and a mattress protector. We also like the solid 100-night in-home sleep trial and 15-year warranty.

Snow Mattress

Sleeping on a colder mattress can actually improve your sleep (seriously). But that can still be hard if you tend to run warm at night. There’s plenty of bedding (including cooling mattress toppers, sheets, and pillowcases) that can sort of help regulate your temperature at night. But Casper’s aptly named Snow Mattress promises to actually keep you up to five degrees cooler. We found that it also pairs nicely with Casper’s own ultra-cool Foam Pillow with Snow Technology.

Beyond working well for hot sleepers, the Snow Mattress is also great for back pain sufferers. The firm foam edge lining the perimeter makes getting into and out of bed a snap. Plus, the fourth (out of six) layer of memory foam features zoned support designed to relieve pressure points and align your spine. Pocketed flex coils in the fifth layer offer additional support and also reduce motion transfer (great for couples!).

Our own WH fitness editor (and self-proclaimed hot sleeper) Jennifer Nied confirms the Snow Mattress delivers. “This mattress is the GOAT for a comfortable night's sleep, especially in hot or humid climates.” After a months-long test, she raves that “it’s so supportive yet plush, and it's incredible for back support."

She also says that her partner raves about it, too. "I don't have back pain, but my husband (who refuses to do stretches/warm-up for workouts) does, and we both sleep so soundly on it. As a hot sleeper, this was an exciting new launch I jumped on, and am so glad I did."

We were hard up to find much of anything to complain about with this best-selling mattress. The medium firmness level is soft yet supportive, so it’s versatile enough to work with any sleep style, from back to side to stomach. That makes it a perfect compromise or just-right option for couples who might sleep differently. The best part, though, is that it’s surprisingly well-priced at around $1,700 (for a queen) with free, no-contact delivery included. Like many of the best and most comfortable mattress brands we tested, Casper provides a 100-night in-home trial and a solid 10-year warranty.

Original Mattress

We’ve been fans of Leesa’s value mattresses for a couple of years now. They’re not the cheapest or the absolute best, but they are an incredible value that should be perfect for most buyers. The old-school Leesa Original Mattress features a medium firmness that’s just right for almost any sleeper. There’s also an added memory foam recovery layer for extra pressure relief, making this mattress a smart buy for back pain sufferers.

The multi-layer design cradles and supports your hips, back, and shoulders like a champ. We’ve personally loved how well this mattress contours to the body, providing excellent support without feeling like we’re sleeping too far on or in the mattress. The signature core support is an added bonus, as it holds your body in place no matter your sleep position.

WH’s editorial assistant, Addison Aloian, was recovering from a back injury when she took in delivery of a test mattress. She’s been sleeping so well on it now for more than two years because it’s just that good. "As someone who's struggled with back pain, it's given me just the right amount of support as a side sleeper because it's firm but also soft," she says. "Some days, I never want to leave it. Plus, it's held up well for years. I def recommend it!"

There are a ton of mattress-in-a-box brands to choose from, and many feel like copies of every other one. We think the Leesa Original is a standout mattress that’s comfortable, supportive, well-made, and crazy easy to set up. But what truly sets it apart is the price. Compared to most premium traditional innerspring mattresses, the roughly $1,000 price tag feels like a steal. Plus, Leesa adds free delivery, a 100-night in-home sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty to the mix. Some reviewers complain that the two included pillows feel like an afterthought, but we think this mattress is still an amazing deal.

Nod Mattress 10-inch Hybrid

Tuft & Needle is one of the OGs in the mattress-in-a-box world, and they’re still among the best in the game. The Nod is the brand’s best (in our opinion) mid-range mattress that’s a more affordable alternative to the original T&N hybrid mattress. It promises to deliver the same quality, comfort, and most of the same features for significantly less.

The hybrid design combines an adaptive foam layer with six-inch coils. Together, it’s the best of both worlds: A medium-firm mattress that’s a perfect option for couples (or anyone, really) looking for that just right “middle of the road” firmness that’s not too soft but not too firm. It’s firm enough to be supportive but soft enough to provide the gentle “hug” feel without sinking in too much.

Writer Mike Richard has personally had this mattress for years and absolutely loves it. “I’ve had chronic back pain since I was young, so I like a medium-firm or even firm mattress. But, my girlfriend is a die-hard plush mattress lover," he says. "Somehow, the Nod Mattress is the perfect balance that works for both of us. Anytime we travel or overnight on a different non-T&N mattress away from home, one of the first things we say to each other is how much we miss our mattress at home!”

There’s not much to dislike about the Nod Mattress. It lacks the same gel-infused layer found in Tuft & Needle’s more premium Mint and Hybrid models. But, for the price—less than $900 (queen) delivered from Amazon—it’s hard to complain. There are better or cheaper mattresses out there, but the Nod is a near-perfect mid-range mattress. Bonus: You still get Tuft & Needle's same rock-solid return policy, 100-night sleep trial, and decade-long warranty, so this really is a risk-free buy.

TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress

Shopping for a comfortable mattress as a couple is always a challenge. There are millions of options (including models, sizes, thicknesses, firmness options, and—you get the picture) to choose from, and finding just one that satisfies both you and your significant other can seem almost impossible. It can be even harder to sleep with someone else who changes up positions throughout the night—the so-called “toss-and-turner.” Tempur-Pedic’s Tempur-Adapt Mattress solves both problems.

When we last chatted with Carleara Weiss, Ph.D., a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, she personally recommended this model. She told us it has a feature called “dynamic spinal support,” which functions as motion cancellation or motion isolation. This is a dream if you share a bed with a TnT’er. But it’s great for solo snoozers, too. “If you're sleeping by yourself and move and change conditions during the night, this motion cancelation feature is going to adjust to your body curvature overnight,” she says.

One of our WH writers is a long-time Tempur-Pedic fangirl and swears by everything the brand makes. “I’m obsessed with the Tempur-Adapt Mattress. It’s definitely an investment, but I have a king-sized ProAdapt and I’m not sure I’ll ever want anything else," she says. "It’s the perfect firmness for me and my husband (and he’s waaay pickier than me about mattresses).” She also confirms that Tempur-Pedic’s cooling features are the real deal. “I live in Texas and hate sleeping with the AC on unless I absolutely have to, so having a cooling mattress like this is a game-changer.”

Tempur-Pedic mattresses are notoriously pricey. While the Tempur-Adapt is on the reasonable side compared to everything else in the company’s catalog (it starts around $1,700), that price balloons pretty quickly to closer to $3,000 or more if you opt for the upgraded versions that are thicker with many more features.

iSeries Hybrid 1000 12" Medium Mattress

The best hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds of innerspring and foam models. Serta’s iSeries hybrid mattress provides the firmness and support of a spring mattress and the adjustability of memory foam, says W. Christopher Winter, MD, sleep specialist and author of The Sleep Solution. Like many of the best, most comfortable mattresses we tested this year, the iSeries Hybrid 12-inch offers a versatile medium firmness that supports every sleep position and style, from back to side to stomach sleepers.

The pressure-relief technology is perfect for those looking for extra spinal support that caters to their sleep patterns. The 12-inch total profile includes 2.5 inches of memory foam, including a one-inch high-density carbon fiber memory foam layer that whisks away heat to keep you cooler while you sleep. Another 1.5-inch layer of Deep Reaction Memory Foam conforms to your body’s contours for excellent pressure relief.

“I love my pure memory foam mattress. But this hybrid model is making me think it might be time to switch,” said one of our own WH writers. "I slept on this for two months and loved how supportive and comfortable it was. The firmness feels just right to me, and while I’m not sleeping with an S.O. at the moment, I have no doubt this mattress would satisfy just about anybody!" She also had one more thing to add. "My dog loves it, too. Does that count?"

Hybrid mattresses are almost as hot as mattress-in-a-box models these days, and there are hundreds of options to choose from. This was the go-to pick for our panel of testers, who almost unanimously agreed that it provides the perfect balance of support, comfort, pressure relief, and cooling tech—all for an affordable, middle-of-the-road price. The queen-sized option will set you back around $1,400 with free delivery. That also includes a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty.

Original Mattress

You can spend a small fortune on a good mattress. But, in our experience, you don’t have to. If budget is your main concern, but you want a decent mattress (and isn’t that the situation we’re all in?), Bear’s Original Mattress is worth a look. It’s firmer than most in our roundup, which makes for excellent back support, and the cooling gel memory foam top regulates your temperature all year round.

The two-layer design is super simple compared to every other comfy mattress we tested this year. The bottom layer is made from a dense memory foam support core, while the top combines polyfoam and gel-infused memory foam. What that means to you is a supportive, firmer-than-average sleep surface that works for both back and stomach sleepers who need extra support. It’s especially great for stomach sleepers who want to keep their hips from sinking down too far and putting pressure on the spine. Plus, it’s surprisingly effective at keeping even the hottest sleepers cool and comfortable all night long.

One of our staff writers was skeptical about testing this mattress. “I didn’t have high expectations from a $650-ish budget mattress. It’s cheaper than some of the others I tested this year by half," they say. "But… I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. If I were spending my own money on a new mattress, I’d consider this one. It’d work in my own bedroom or even in my guest bedroom.”

With a starting price tag of around $650 (for a queen mattress with a free bedding bundle), it’s hard to complain about much of anything with this uber-comfortable mattress. The 10-inch thickness is thinner than most we tested this year, and we thought the edge support could be better. Still, this is no cheap-o off-brand buy. It’s a solid, supportive sleep surface with a decent cooling layer that should satisfy most sleepers. We especially love that Bear includes free shipping and free returns. Even more surprising are the 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty—all of which are almost unheard of at this price point.

Plank Firm Luxe Mattress

Even some so-called “firm” mattresses aren’t firm enough for some sleepers. For ultra-picky, die-hard firm fans, there’s Brooklyn Bedding’s appropriately named Plank Firm Luxe. It’s a two-sided memory foam mattress that’s more of a “traditional” firm on one side and extra, extra firm on the reverse. Switching between the two just requires flipping the mattress and remaking your bed. This dual design has the added benefit of extending the life of your mattress.

We’ll be honest: This mattress won’t be comfortable for everyone, but Brooklyn Bedding is honest about the fact that it’s not supposed to be. It’s “designed to be the firmest mattress on the market.” It’s so firm, in fact, that it’s endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association after a three-month research study found that it helped alleviate back pain, boost lumbar support, and reduce spinal stress.

We gave the Plank Firm Luxe to one of our most avid firm mattress aficionados for a three-month sleep test. His thoughts? “I’ve slept on firm mattresses since I was a kid, but this thing is on a whole other level. For the first few nights, I hated it," he says. "But after that, it suddenly grew on me, and I really loved the extra support. I’m a back-only sleeper, and this is honestly perfect. I’d buy one in a heartbeat."

This is no doubt a niche mattress. But if you’re a firm believer (get it?) in ultra-firm mattresses, it doesn’t get any better. This model offers the ultimate in rigid support. Plus, it’s breathable and does a great job of cooling (especially with the optional GlacioTex Cooling Cover), too. At around $1,500, it’s on the high end of mid-range mattresses we tested for 2023, but it’s still more affordable than all of our most premium recommendations. Plus, we like that Brooklyn Bedding throws in free delivery, a 120-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty into the mix.

Luxe Natural Mattress

Even the best mattresses are often made with high-tech chemicals and fabrics that can be too much for more sensitive sleepers. If you're careful and conscientious about everything you bring into your home, including your mattresses, consider an all-natural option. Meredith Broderick, MD, a neurologist, sleep medicine provider, and ambassador for the brand, loves this one because it's made with the finest natural and organic materials like ultra-fine cashmere, naturally hygroscopic wool, and latex to keep you cool and comfortable. We also loved it so much that we included it in our annual Women’s Health Sleep Awards.

Birch’s mattress construction is unique from most mattresses and definitely from others in our roundup. Where most are made with polyurethane foams, the Luxe Natural boasts an ultra-premium construction, including organic cashmere, cotton, and a plush Euro-top. Everything is GOTS, Greenguard Gold-Certified, so it meets the highest standards of safety and non-toxicity. In place of cheaper materials like fiberglass, Birch uses 100 percent organic wool, which is a natural fire retardant. Plus, everything is assembled in a GOTS-certified American factory.

Organic anything almost always costs more, and that’s true of comfortable, all-natural mattresses like the Birch Luxe Natural, too. Starting at around $2,400 (queen) delivered, it ain’t cheap. But, if you want only the best for yourself and your family, you get what you pay for. On the plus side, Birch also includes a 100-night sleep trial and a generous 25-year warranty, so you’ll probably have this mattress for a good long while.

Luxe Hybrid 12" Bed-In-A-Box Mattress

Most decent, queen-sized mid-range hybrid mattresses run north of $1,000, but the Walmart-exclusive Allswell Luxe Hybrid 12-inch mattress is priced at less than $400 with free delivery. The design blends many of the best elements of coil spring mattresses and memory foam. Translation: It offers a medium firmness that’s soft yet supportive and promises to keep you reasonably cool as well.

WH writer Mike Richard took this mattress for a one-month test drive. “Straight out of the box, it feels pretty decent—better than I expected for a budget mattress. The medium firmness is softer than I expected, so it wasn’t quite as supportive as I would’ve liked," he says. "But I’m a combo back/side sleeper anyway, so I had no problem finding a comfy position. Cooling-wise, I’d say it works about as well as I’d expect from a mattress in this price range." In other words, he'd recommend it. "It’s no Tempur-Pedic, but it gets the job done. Honestly, for the money, this one is worth it," he says.

Like most bed-in-a-box mattresses, the Luxe Hybrid came vacuum-sealed in a surprisingly compact box. Setup was a breeze: Just position the box next to your bed frame, cut it open, slide the mattress on top, and let it fluff up. The lighter weight (around 95 pounds) was a nice surprise as it made setup easier than the 120-pound-plus models we repeatedly tested this year. Like most memory foam mattresses these days, this model did not have any noticeable weird “memory foam odor.”

The Luxe Hybrid checks all of the boxes for things we look for in a comfortable mattress. The medium firmness is a good compromise for just about any sleeper, it’s comfy without feeling like you’re sinking into it, and it does a reasonable job of keeping you cool. Still, it’s not quite as comfortable as the other value and mid-range mattresses we tested. But, for less than $400 delivered, does any of that matter? We think this a decent buy for anyone shopping for comfortable mattresses on a tight budget. Plus, Walmart (surprisingly) offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How we chose the most comfortable mattresses of 2023

Our sleep-obsessed writers and editors spent countless hours researching, comparing, and actually sleeping on dozens of top-selling mattresses (all in the name of science, of course!). We tested budget mattresses on Amazon, premium options from Purple, Saatva, and Casper, and everything in between. In the end, our panel of testers decided on the twelve models above as our honest picks of the most comfortable mattresses worth buying in 2023.

What are some signs you need a new mattress?

If you’re not sleeping well, it’s easy to assume it’s because of stress, anxiety, too much caffeine the day before—the list goes on. But sometimes, it really is as simple as sleeping on a tired, old mattress. Here are a few signs that you need a new mattress.

Visible wear and tear

It seems obvious, but most of us rarely inspect our mattresses for wear and tear. Check yours seasonally to note things like visible rips, tears, holes, and stains. Pay special attention to sagging, lumpy indentations, or even springs that might be starting to poke through. Don’t forget your foundation, too. Does it look structurally sound, like it’s still holding up and supporting your mattress like it’s supposed to?

Morning aches and pains

If you’re waking up sore each morning (especially if that’s a new thing), it could be a sign that your mattress isn’t properly supporting you while you sleep. Old mattresses can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, hips, and, of course, the back. Check that your bed returns to its original “form” when you get up each morning. If you notice a lingering outline or an impression of your own body in your mattress, that’s a tell-tale sign that it might be time for an upgrade.

Worsening respiratory issues

Allergies or asthma can slowly worsen over time in a way that sneaks up on you. While there are many possible causes for this, your bedding might not be helping. Old mattresses harbor more dust mites than any other surface in your home. They can also be the perfect feeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other allergens.

It’s Just… Old

Despite their 10-year (or longer) warranties, mattresses have a shelf life. Most innerspring mattresses are built to last around eight years. Memory foam is usually good for eight to 10 years, and latex/gel foam beds can last a decade or longer. Exactly how long they last depends on use, maintenance, and care. No matter how good your mattress looks or feels, consider replacing it after around six years, and definitely replace it at the eight-year mark.

It’s No Longer Comfortable

Even the best mattress won’t do you any good if it’s not comfortable for you to sleep on. If you’re just not getting a good night’s sleep, consider upgrading your mattress. If your current mattress is within the manufacturer’s “in-home sleep trial” window, contact them directly to swap it for a different model.

How should I choose the best mattress for me?

There’s a lot that goes into finding the right mattress. Firmness, price, size, type (foam vs. innerspring vs. hybrid), and your personal sleep position all play a role. That’s why there’s no one perfect mattress, but rather the perfect mattress for you. Here are the most important things to look for to guarantee you find the most comfortable mattress.

Your sleep position

In our experience and in talking with sleep experts, doctors, and chiropractors over the years, sleep position is the single most important consideration when shopping for a new mattress. It’s the one thing that determines the firmness and type of mattress that’s right for you. "Your mattress plays a significant role in your quality of sleep as well as your overall comfort each night," says Tomshack. Cavanaugh adds, “Sleeping on a mattress in a position that is not supported properly will lead to painful side effects due to the excess pressure placed on certain body parts."

So, which mattress is most comfortable for which sleep position? In general, Tomshack and Cavanaugh agree that stomach sleepers should shop for a firmer mattress that cushions spinal alignment and supports the hips and spine from “sinking in” too much. Side sleepers likely want a softer mattress that supports and conforms to the hips and shoulders—the two weighted points that require the most support when sleeping on your side. Back sleepers should opt for a medium-firm mattress that provides balanced support for the spine. The best mattresses for back sleepers should be just soft enough to minimize pressure on the hips, Cavanaugh adds.

Mattress type and materials

Mattress construction isn’t something most of us care to read about. We get it: It’s not the sexiest topic. But, if you’re shopping for the most comfortable mattress, it is an important one. Thankfully, it’s not too complicated because there are really three main types you need to know: Innerspring, memory foam, and latex mattresses (more on these later!). (“Hybrid” mattresses are technically a fourth type that’s built using some combination of the first three.)

Quality

Let’s face it: You’ll spend roughly a third of your life sleeping, and most of that is probably (hopefully) going to be on a mattress. Tomshack confirms, “Getting enough healthy, restorative sleep is crucial to maintaining a healthy quality of life.” Cavanaugh agrees, noting that one of the most common problems his patients complain about is trouble sleeping. His best advice? “Your body heals and repairs itself while you sleep. So, if you are not sleeping, you’re not healing.”

That’s why we suggest buying the best mattress you can realistically afford. In Tomshack’s expert opinion, “You need a quality mattress to ensure you get the best possible sleep. However, not all mattresses are created equal.”

Compressed foam (i.e. “bed-in-a-box”) mattresses are more affordable than most. But they’re rarely as durable, which means you’ll need to replace them more often. That’s why he recommends investing in a good innerspring, memory foam, latex (or even hybrid) option. “A high-quality mattress made with premium materials and delivered by hand may cost more, but it will last longer, perform better, and provide years of quality rest."

Mattress size

The size of the mattress you buy often comes down to price and how much available floor space you have in your bedroom. Most buyers stick with the mattress size they currently have, which is probably the same one they’ve been sleeping on for years.

But Tomshack actually recommends a king-sized bed (76 x 80 inches) for couples. This provides a little over three feet of comfortable mattress space for each sleeper. Plus, he adds that “it’s an excellent option if one partner tends to be a restless or active sleeper, as it allows you to move around comfortably without disturbing your partner.

After-sales service

Buying a mattress can be a big investment. In addition to finding the most comfortable mattress, you want to know that the company you’re buying from will support you after the sale.

Take note of the available delivery options and related fees. Many companies offer free curbside or front door delivery, but may charge more for setting up your mattress, taking away your old mattress, and premium “White Glove” delivery service.

Most brands offer an in-home sleep trial, so you know your purchase is truly risk-free. If the mattress doesn’t work for you, how easy or difficult does the company make it to exchange or return? Are there any return costs or “restocking fees” involved?

Lastly, consider the warranty. Every reputable company we’ve tested offers a minimum 10-year warranty on its mattresses, and you shouldn’t settle for less. Bottom line: “Make sure to read all of the fine print,” says Cavanaugh.

What type of mattresses are most comfortable?

Each of the three main mattress types—innerspring, memory foam, and latex—has its strengths and weaknesses. The best and most comfortable one for you comes down to your preferred sleep position, whether you sleep hot or cold, and your budget.

Innerspring mattresses

These are the traditional mattresses most of us grew up with. The design is incredibly versatile. Tomshack confirms that innerspring mattresses are “known for their responsiveness and suit a wide range of sleep styles.” They typically offer great edge support, making them easy to get into and out of. They also work well for those who tend to move around a lot during the night.

Memory foam mattresses

Unlike most innerspring mattresses, memory foam models conform more to the body, with the softest models providing a gentle “hug-like” feel while you sleep. Many buyers describe sleeping in, rather than on, a memory foam mattress. “They’re excellent at relieving joint pain and providing spinal support, but they can also retain heat," says Tomshack. So, if you run cold, this might be a great option.

Latex mattresses

Tomshack recommends a latex mattress for sleepers who want a good mix of support and comfort. These mattresses combine “the buoyant support of innerspring with the contouring ability of memory foam, without the 'sinking-in' feeling.” Bonus: Natural latex breathes extremely well, providing great airflow and a cooling sensation perfect for hot sleepers.

Read more about the best products for better sleep

Best Cloud Bed Dupes | Best Pillows For Neck Pain | Best Mattresses On Amazon | Best Mattress Toppers For Back Pain | Best Mattress Toppers For Side Sleepers

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