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Updated April 2023

Best Firm Mattresses Of 2023

Disclosure
Updated April 2023

Best Firm Mattresses Of 2023

We've done the research to discover which mattress is the best fit for your firm sleeping needs. We've carefully compared and tested various models to find the best options.

Disclosure
1 Best Overall
Read Brand Review
Plank Firm Luxe 9.7 star-rating
  • Snapshot: The flippable Plank Firm Luxe is designed to be the firmest mattress on the market—pairing all of the benefits of the original Plank Firm with the additional responsiveness and pressure point relief of individually encased coils.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Queen, Short King, Olympic Queen, RV King (2 Sizes)
  • Materials: High-density Energex™ foam, individually wrapped TitanCaliber™ coils (6 inches in height), and Phase Change Materials (PCM) top cover
  • Firmness: Dual-sided, flippable (one side: firm, other side: ultra firm)
  • Design: Open cell design Energex™ foam layer, flips to adjust to your comfort preference, optional cool-to-the-touch top panel with Phase Change Materials (PCM)
  • Shipping: Free delivery and returns to all 48 contiguous states
  • Trial Period: 120 night risk-free trial
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US Certified, manufactured in America
  • Financing Options: Affirm
  • Awards:
Shop Now 25% Off Sitewide Visit Website
1 Best Overall
9.7 star-rating
Shop Now 25% Off Sitewide Visit Website
Plank Firm Luxe
  • Snapshot: The flippable Plank Firm Luxe is designed to be the firmest mattress on the market—pairing all of the benefits of the original Plank Firm with the additional responsiveness and pressure point relief of individually encased coils.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Queen, Short King, Olympic Queen, RV King (2 Sizes)
  • Materials: High-density Energex™ foam, individually wrapped TitanCaliber™ coils (6 inches in height), and Phase Change Materials (PCM) top cover
  • Firmness: Dual-sided, flippable (one side: firm, other side: ultra firm)
  • Design: Open cell design Energex™ foam layer, flips to adjust to your comfort preference, optional cool-to-the-touch top panel with Phase Change Materials (PCM)
  • Shipping: Free delivery and returns to all 48 contiguous states
  • Trial Period: 120 night risk-free trial
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US Certified, manufactured in America
  • Financing Options: Affirm
  • Awards:
Read Brand Review
Plank Firm 9.5 star-rating
  • Snapshot: One of the firmest mattresses on the market. If you’re looking for a firm and supportive mattress, Plank is the best option available. It’s specifically designed to feel very firm but at the same time, extraordinarily comfortable.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Full, Short Queen, Olympic Queen, Short King, RV King (3 Sizes)
  • Materials: High-density Energex™ foam, individually wrapped TitanCaliber™ coils (6 inches in height), and Phase Change Materials (PCM) top cover
  • Firmness: Dual-sided, flippable (one side: firm, other side: ultra firm)
  • Design: Open cell design Energex™ foam layer, flips to adjust to your comfort preference, optional cool-to-the-touch top panel with Phase Change Materials (PCM)
  • Shipping: Free delivery and returns to all 48 contiguous states
  • Trial Period: 120 night risk-free trial
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US Certified, manufactured in America
  • Financing Options: Affirm
  • Awards:
Shop Now 25% Off Sitewide Visit Website
2 Best Value
9.5 star-rating
Shop Now 25% Off Sitewide Visit Website
Plank Firm
  • Snapshot: One of the firmest mattresses on the market. If you’re looking for a firm and supportive mattress, Plank is the best option available. It’s specifically designed to feel very firm but at the same time, extraordinarily comfortable.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Full, Short Queen, Olympic Queen, Short King, RV King (3 Sizes)
  • Materials: High-density Energex™ foam, individually wrapped TitanCaliber™ coils (6 inches in height), and Phase Change Materials (PCM) top cover
  • Firmness: Dual-sided, flippable (one side: firm, other side: ultra firm)
  • Design: Open cell design Energex™ foam layer, flips to adjust to your comfort preference, optional cool-to-the-touch top panel with Phase Change Materials (PCM)
  • Shipping: Free delivery and returns to all 48 contiguous states
  • Trial Period: 120 night risk-free trial
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US Certified, manufactured in America
  • Financing Options: Affirm
  • Awards:
Read Brand Review
Helix Twilight 9.4 star-rating
  • Snapshot: Helix Twilight is one of the firmest Helix mattresses and has great pressure point relief features and is best for side sleepers.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Materials: Copper Gel Memory Foam, High-Grade Polyfoam, individually wrapped coils, DuraDense Foam, cooling cover available
  • Firmness: 8-9/10
  • Design: Hybrid design, combining individually wrapped steel coils with memory foam comfort layers.
  • Shipping: Free no-contact delivery
  • Trial Period: 100 Night Sleep Trial
  • Warranty: 10 years for Standard models, 15 years for Luxe
  • Certification: CertiPur-US certified, made in the USA
  • Financing Options: Affirm, Katapult
  • Awards:
Shop Now 25% Off Sitewide + 2 Free Pillows w/ Mattress Purchase Visit Website
3 Best Organic
9.4 star-rating
Shop Now 25% Off Sitewide + 2 Free Pillows w/ Mattress Purchase Visit Website
Helix Twilight
  • Snapshot: Helix Twilight is one of the firmest Helix mattresses and has great pressure point relief features and is best for side sleepers.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Materials: Copper Gel Memory Foam, High-Grade Polyfoam, individually wrapped coils, DuraDense Foam, cooling cover available
  • Firmness: 8-9/10
  • Design: Hybrid design, combining individually wrapped steel coils with memory foam comfort layers.
  • Shipping: Free no-contact delivery
  • Trial Period: 100 Night Sleep Trial
  • Warranty: 10 years for Standard models, 15 years for Luxe
  • Certification: CertiPur-US certified, made in the USA
  • Financing Options: Affirm, Katapult
  • Awards:
Read Brand Review
Birch Luxe Natural 9.2 star-rating
  • Sanpshot: The upgraded Birch Luxe Natural Mattress was specially designed with targeted zoned lumbar support to provide enhanced contouring and comes with complete edge support, which provides structure to the entire mattress and keeps sleepers securely in bed.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Materials: Talalay latex with layers of organic wool, and topped with an organic cotton cover. Upgraded luxe models include a premium cashmere comfort layer.
  • Firmness: 7/10
  • Design: Hybrid
  • Shipping: Free Shipping
  • Trial Period: 100 night sleep trial
  • Warranty: 25 Year Warranty
  • Certification: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Trade Cotton, Greenguard Gold, eco-Institut, Wool Integrity NZ, Forest Stewardship Council, Rainforest Alliance
  • Financing Options: Affirm, Katapult
  • Awards:
Shop Now 25% Off Sitewide & 2 Free Eco-Rest Pillows w/ Mattress Purchase Visit Website
4
9.2 star-rating
Shop Now 25% Off Sitewide & 2 Free Eco-Rest Pillows w/ Mattress Purchase Visit Website
Birch Luxe Natural
  • Sanpshot: The upgraded Birch Luxe Natural Mattress was specially designed with targeted zoned lumbar support to provide enhanced contouring and comes with complete edge support, which provides structure to the entire mattress and keeps sleepers securely in bed.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Materials: Talalay latex with layers of organic wool, and topped with an organic cotton cover. Upgraded luxe models include a premium cashmere comfort layer.
  • Firmness: 7/10
  • Design: Hybrid
  • Shipping: Free Shipping
  • Trial Period: 100 night sleep trial
  • Warranty: 25 Year Warranty
  • Certification: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Trade Cotton, Greenguard Gold, eco-Institut, Wool Integrity NZ, Forest Stewardship Council, Rainforest Alliance
  • Financing Options: Affirm, Katapult
  • Awards:
Read Brand Review
Bear Original 9.2 star-rating
  • Snapshot: The Bear Original offers great cooling and comfort at an amazing value. With 10,000 reviews, it’s a proven winner.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
  • Materials: Breathable quilt cover, cooling gel memory foam, Bear Dynamic Foam, High-Density support foam
  • Firmness: 7/10
  • Design: 4 layers, all foam
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Trial Period: 120-night risk-free trial
  • Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
  • Certification: Greenguard Gold Certified, Certi-PUR US Certified, EcoFlex™ Fiberglass-Free
  • Financing Options: Affirm
  • Awards:
Shop Now 30% Off Sitewide & Free Sleep Accessories Visit Website
5
9.2 star-rating
Shop Now 30% Off Sitewide & Free Sleep Accessories Visit Website
Bear Original
  • Snapshot: The Bear Original offers great cooling and comfort at an amazing value. With 10,000 reviews, it’s a proven winner.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
  • Materials: Breathable quilt cover, cooling gel memory foam, Bear Dynamic Foam, High-Density support foam
  • Firmness: 7/10
  • Design: 4 layers, all foam
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Trial Period: 120-night risk-free trial
  • Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
  • Certification: Greenguard Gold Certified, Certi-PUR US Certified, EcoFlex™ Fiberglass-Free
  • Financing Options: Affirm
  • Awards:
Read Brand Review
Nolah Evolution 9.1 star-rating
  • Snapshot: The Evolution is Nolah’s best-selling premium hybrid mattress. It features a quilted Euro topper, pressure-relieving AirFoamICE™, and 8″ zoned coils. This mattress packs in all the latest technology and comfort luxuries.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
  • Materials: Plush Euro topper, cooling AirFoamICE™, high-resilience polyfoam, and individually-wrapped zoned coils
  • Firmness: Available in three different firmness levels: 4-5, 6-7, and 7-8 so you can decide how plush or firm you want your mattress to feel based on your sleep position and body composition.
  • Design: Hybrid design with zoned, individually-wrapped support coils
  • Shipping: Ships free in 3-7 business days with FedEx
  • Trial Period: 120-Night Home Mattress Trial
  • Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US® Certified, Made in the U.S.A.
  • Financing Options: Affirm
  • Awards:
Shop Now 30% Off Mattresses + 2 Free Pillows Visit Website
6
9.1 star-rating
Shop Now 30% Off Mattresses + 2 Free Pillows Visit Website
Nolah Evolution
  • Snapshot: The Evolution is Nolah’s best-selling premium hybrid mattress. It features a quilted Euro topper, pressure-relieving AirFoamICE™, and 8″ zoned coils. This mattress packs in all the latest technology and comfort luxuries.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
  • Materials: Plush Euro topper, cooling AirFoamICE™, high-resilience polyfoam, and individually-wrapped zoned coils
  • Firmness: Available in three different firmness levels: 4-5, 6-7, and 7-8 so you can decide how plush or firm you want your mattress to feel based on your sleep position and body composition.
  • Design: Hybrid design with zoned, individually-wrapped support coils
  • Shipping: Ships free in 3-7 business days with FedEx
  • Trial Period: 120-Night Home Mattress Trial
  • Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US® Certified, Made in the U.S.A.
  • Financing Options: Affirm
  • Awards:
Read Brand Review
Leesa Studio 9 star-rating
  • Snapshot: The supportive feel of premium memory foam so comfortable, you won’t want to get out of bed! High-quality craftsmanship at an incredible value.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Materials: All foam
  • Firmness: 7/10
  • Design: Knit cover, memory foam recovery layer, comfort layer, foam base stability layer
  • Shipping: Free, no-contact delivery
  • Trial Period: Risk-free, 100 night trial
  • Warranty: 10 Year Limited Warranty
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US®, GREENGUARD Gold Certified
  • Financing Options: BreadPay
Shop Now Up to $700 Off Select Mattresses + 2 Free Pillows Visit Website
7
9 star-rating
Shop Now Up to $700 Off Select Mattresses + 2 Free Pillows Visit Website
Leesa Studio
  • Snapshot: The supportive feel of premium memory foam so comfortable, you won’t want to get out of bed! High-quality craftsmanship at an incredible value.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Materials: All foam
  • Firmness: 7/10
  • Design: Knit cover, memory foam recovery layer, comfort layer, foam base stability layer
  • Shipping: Free, no-contact delivery
  • Trial Period: Risk-free, 100 night trial
  • Warranty: 10 Year Limited Warranty
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US®, GREENGUARD Gold Certified
  • Financing Options: BreadPay
Read Brand Review
1  Best Overall
Read Brand Review
Plank Firm Luxe 9.7 star-rating
  • Snapshot: The flippable Plank Firm Luxe is designed to be the firmest mattress on the market—pairing all of the benefits of the original Plank Firm with the additional responsiveness and pressure point relief of individually encased coils.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Queen, Short King, Olympic Queen, RV King (2 Sizes)
  • Materials: High-density Energex™ foam, individually wrapped TitanCaliber™ coils (6 inches in height), and Phase Change Materials (PCM) top cover
  • Firmness: Dual-sided, flippable (one side: firm, other side: ultra firm)
  • Design: Open cell design Energex™ foam layer, flips to adjust to your comfort preference, optional cool-to-the-touch top panel with Phase Change Materials (PCM)
  • Shipping: Free delivery and returns to all 48 contiguous states
  • Trial Period: 120 night risk-free trial
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US Certified, manufactured in America
  • Financing Options: Affirm
  • Awards:
Shop Now 25% Off Sitewide Visit Website
1  Best Overall
9.7 star-rating
Shop Now 25% Off Sitewide Visit Website
Plank Firm Luxe
  • Snapshot: The flippable Plank Firm Luxe is designed to be the firmest mattress on the market—pairing all of the benefits of the original Plank Firm with the additional responsiveness and pressure point relief of individually encased coils.
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Queen, Short King, Olympic Queen, RV King (2 Sizes)
  • Materials: High-density Energex™ foam, individually wrapped TitanCaliber™ coils (6 inches in height), and Phase Change Materials (PCM) top cover
  • Firmness: Dual-sided, flippable (one side: firm, other side: ultra firm)
  • Design: Open cell design Energex™ foam layer, flips to adjust to your comfort preference, optional cool-to-the-touch top panel with Phase Change Materials (PCM)
  • Shipping: Free delivery and returns to all 48 contiguous states
  • Trial Period: 120 night risk-free trial
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US Certified, manufactured in America
  • Financing Options: Affirm
  • Awards:
Read Brand Review

Side By Side Comparison

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Side By Side Comparison

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  • Sizes:
  • Materials:
  • Firmness:
  • Design:
  • Shipping:
  • Trial Period:
  • Warranty:
  • Certification:
  • Bases:
  • Accessories:
  • Financing Options:
1 Best Overall
  • Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Queen, Short King, Olympic Queen, RV King (2 Sizes)
  • High-density Energex™ foam, individually wrapped TitanCaliber™ coils (6 inches in height), and Phase Change Materials (PCM) top cover
  • Dual-sided, flippable (one side: firm, other side: ultra firm)
  • Open cell design Energex™ foam layer, flips to adjust to your comfort preference, optional cool-to-the-touch top panel with Phase Change Materials (PCM)
  • Free delivery and returns to all 48 contiguous states
  • 120 night risk-free trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • CertiPUR-US Certified, manufactured in America
  • Foundations and adjustable bases
  • Pillows, sheets, blankets, and mattress protectors
  • Affirm
25% Off Sitewide Shop Now
2
  • Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Full, Short Queen, Olympic Queen, Short King, RV King (3 Sizes)
  • High-density Energex™ foam, individually wrapped TitanCaliber™ coils (6 inches in height), and Phase Change Materials (PCM) top cover
  • Dual-sided, flippable (one side: firm, other side: ultra firm)
  • Open cell design Energex™ foam layer, flips to adjust to your comfort preference, optional cool-to-the-touch top panel with Phase Change Materials (PCM)
  • Free delivery and returns to all 48 contiguous states
  • 120 night risk-free trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • CertiPUR-US Certified, manufactured in America
  • Foundations and adjustable bases
  • Pillows, sheets, blankets, and mattress protectors
  • Affirm
25% Off Sitewide Shop Now
3
  • Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Copper Gel Memory Foam, High-Grade Polyfoam, individually wrapped coils, DuraDense Foam, cooling cover available
  • 8-9/10
  • Hybrid design, combining individually wrapped steel coils with memory foam comfort layers.
  • Free no-contact delivery
  • 100 Night Sleep Trial
  • 10 years for Standard models, 15 years for Luxe
  • CertiPur-US certified, made in the USA
  • Adjustable Base, slatted Foundation, Wood Bed Frames
  • Pillows, Mattress Toppers, Waterproof Mattress Protectors, Weighted Blankets
  • Affirm, Katapult
25% Off Sitewide + 2 Free Pillows w/ Mattress Purchase Shop Now
4
  • Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Talalay latex with layers of organic wool, and topped with an organic cotton cover. Upgraded luxe models include a premium cashmere comfort layer.
  • 7/10
  • Hybrid
  • Free Shipping
  • 100 night sleep trial
  • 25 Year Warranty
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Trade Cotton, Greenguard Gold, eco-Institut, Wool Integrity NZ, Forest Stewardship Council, Rainforest Alliance
  • Adjustable base, slatted foundation with cotton cover, wood bed frames
  • Plush organic mattress topper, pillows, waterproof mattress protectors, weighted blankets
  • Affirm, Katapult
25% Off Sitewide & 2 Free Eco-Rest Pillows w/ Mattress Purchase Shop Now
5
  • Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
  • Breathable quilt cover, cooling gel memory foam, Bear Dynamic Foam, High-Density support foam
  • 7/10
  • 4 layers, all foam
  • Free shipping
  • 120-night risk-free trial
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Greenguard Gold Certified, Certi-PUR US Certified, EcoFlex™ Fiberglass-Free
  • Frame, foundation, platform, and adjustable base
  • Pillows, sheets, weighted blanket, mattress topper, and mattress protectors
  • Affirm
30% Off Sitewide & Free Sleep Accessories Shop Now
6
  • Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
  • Plush Euro topper, cooling AirFoamICE™, high-resilience polyfoam, and individually-wrapped zoned coils
  • Available in three different firmness levels: 4-5, 6-7, and 7-8 so you can decide how plush or firm you want your mattress to feel based on your sleep position and body composition.
  • Hybrid design with zoned, individually-wrapped support coils
  • Ships free in 3-7 business days with FedEx
  • 120-Night Home Mattress Trial
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • CertiPUR-US® Certified, Made in the U.S.A.
  • Platform Base, Adjustable Base with Headboard, Smart Adjustable Base, Adjustable Base with Massage
  • Squishy Pillow, Mattress Topper, Bamboo Sheets, Bamboo Duvet, Bamboo Throw, Bamboo Blanket, Bamboo Mattress Pad, Organic Cotton Protector, Bamboo Protector
  • Affirm
30% Off Mattresses + 2 Free Pillows Shop Now
7
  • Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • All foam
  • 7/10
  • Knit cover, memory foam recovery layer, comfort layer, foam base stability layer
  • Free, no-contact delivery
  • Risk-free, 100 night trial
  • 10 Year Limited Warranty
  • CertiPUR-US®, GREENGUARD Gold Certified
  • Platform Base, Frame, Foundation, Adjustable Base
  • Sheets, Pillows, Mattress Toppers, Protectors
  • BreadPay
Up to $700 Off Select Mattresses + 2 Free Pillows Shop Now

A Complete Guide to Finding Your Perfect Mattress

What goes into being the best, you may ask. The criteria we’ve looked at include:

You spend a third of your life sleeping—and so we want you to only settle for the best possible mattress. 

That’s why we study every mattress material, keep up with every sleep innovation, and understand why one mattress may be perfect for you while another mattress is perfect for someone else. 

Our goal is to help you navigate a crowded mattress marketplace and give you the information you need to find the mattress that perfectly matches your unique sleep preferences. 

At a time of incredible innovation in the mattress industry, we make it easy to find your perfect mattress, optimize your sleep experience, and do it at an affordable price. We study mattress models from leading mattress brands, ranging from the most basic and affordable to the highest-priced luxury designs—and then we unpack the what, why, and should you buy?  

You can learn more below about today’s many different mattress options and designs. Or you can check out our detailed mattress reviews of the brands and mattress models that we love—because these mattresses are the best.

.

Do You Know Your Sleep Preferences?

Twenty years ago, most people would probably struggle to identify their primary sleep position—it simply wasn’t a priority in a time when mattresses were a one-design-fits-most. But today, your primary sleep position can be an essential consideration when shopping for a new mattress. 

Many brands consider your sleep position when they recommend a mattress model for you. These brands often match specific sleep positions to specific mattress models. Side sleepers, for example, need a mattress with the right pressure point relief and back and stomach sleepers need a mattress with more responsive support. 

As you begin your search for your perfect mattress, it’s important to identify and keep your preferred sleep position in mind as you shop.

Sleep Trials & Return Policies

An important consideration during your search will be each brand’s unique trial policy and return options. Unlike the days when mattresses were sold exclusively in big box stores and showrooms, many brands today operate solely online. This means you’ll likely make your decision and complete your purchase without ever touching or sleeping on the mattress. 

That seems risky. 

Luckily, almost every mattress brand understands your hesitancy. And they’re happy to put your mind at ease with a risk-free sleep trial that allows you to sleep on your new mattress before you decide whether to send it back or keep it. 

Trial periods vary across brands, ranging from just 30 days to a more generous 120 days—more than enough time to determine whether your new mattress is the perfect fit. If you decide your new mattress isn’t a good fit, you are free to return the mattress for a full refund.

We highlight and explain the terms of each mattress brand’s trial and return policy, and we recommend that you look over these explanations to protect yourself.

Narrow Down Your Search:
Traditional Innerspring, Foam, Latex, Or Hybrid Mattress?

As you begin your search, one of the first things you’ll notice is that mattresses today fall into a few primary categories. Each design has its own benefits and downsides which we explore below to help you narrow down your search.

Traditional Innerspring Mattresses Explained

Most sleepers are familiar with this traditional setup. This bouncy, durable mattress includes a coil system throughout the mattress’s core with varying comfort layers on top. 

Innersprings can have a continuous coil system (less desirable because the interconnected coils create a ripple effect across the mattress each time one sleeper moves) or an individually wrapped coil system (more desirable because the separated coils isolate a sleep partner’s motion while offering superior pressure point relief). 

The higher the spring count, the more these mattresses usually offer sleepers more supportive contouring.

What You’ll Get

Innerspring mattresses are familiar—and sometimes sleepers just want a familiar sleep surface. Many of us grew up on these mattresses, and many are accustomed to the responsive feel of the innersprings. These models tend to avoid the use of softer foams like memory foam, preventing sleepers from sinking too deep into the surface.

What You Won’t Get

Although the innerspring design is popular, this design may not be suited to your sleep position. Innerspring mattresses became popular when a one-size-fits-most approach was the prevailing view on mattresses. But if you’ve paid attention to the mattress industry over the last decade, you’ve seen that the one-size-fits-most approach is quickly becoming obsolete

All-Foam Mattresses Explained

From the beginning of the bed-in-a-box boom, all-foam mattresses have been a popular alternative to innersprings and steel coils. Typically designed with a dense foam base of 6-8 inches, these mattresses then have additional top layers of varying foam,  depending on the style and brand. 

All-foam mattresses enable mattress companies to ship directly from the factory to your front door. (This direct-to-consumer convenience often saves customers money by cutting out the middleman.) Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of the all-foam mattress design.

What You’ll Get

Sleeping on an all-foam mattress, you’ll notice some differences from an innerspring mattress. All-foam mattresses are typically designed with a layer or two of memory foam, giving sleepers a slow sink or hugging feeling that varies depending on your size and the firmness level of your mattress.

This hugging or sinking feeling can be great for sleepers who prioritize pressure point relief, especially side sleepers. You’ll enjoy much more contouring at your shoulders and hips than on most traditional mattresses, and you’ll avoid waking up with a stiff neck or a jammed shoulder feeling. 
All-foam mattresses are also better at eliminating motion transfer across the mattress since they are made without springs or coils in the base. (Great for not feeling your partner get in and out of bed—not so great for kids who want to jump on the bed.)

What You Won’t Get

While many people love all-foam mattresses for their pressure point relief and that hugging feeling on the surface, others don’t enjoy that sinking feeling. Back or stomach sleepers, for example, usually don’t want to sink too much into the mattress. 

If you like to shift your sleep position during the night, you might find your movements are more restricted on an all-foam mattress. If the mattress is too soft, sleepers often report feeling “stuck” in the mattress.

Latex Mattresses Explained

Latex mattresses are gaining in popularity because they offer the pressure point relief of memory foam with the bouncy feel of a traditional innerspring mattress. The latex foam layer, which is usually either Dunlop or Talalay latex, is either placed on steel coils to create a latex hybrid or paired with layers of dense support foam. 

Both Talalay and Dunlop latex are natural materials made from sustainably sourced rubber tree sap and are prized in the holistic community as an alternative to synthetic foams. Some brands, however, use synthetic latex in their mattresses.

What You’ll Get 

​​Latex mattresses are extremely popular with sleepers who want to enjoy great pressure point relief on their joints, especially on their shoulders and hips, without sinking too much into the mattress. 

Latex is an incredibly responsive foam—it’s made from rubber tree sap and processed to be light, soft, and springy. Latex is even more responsive than memory foam and so contours perfectly to your body. Not only that, but latex mattresses are great for all sleep positions because latex offers essential support without sacrificing comfort and pressure point relief. 

If you prioritize natural and organic materials, look for a mattress that is made from 100 percent natural latex, and stay away from synthetic latex which is processed with chemicals. For a completely natural sleep experience, look for brands that combine their natural latex with organic wool and/or organic cotton. 

What You Won’t Get

As with most mattress designs, the price point for latex mattresses can vary. Mattress models that rely on synthetic latex and a polyfoam support base are usually priced lower than the industry average while natural latex designs and models that rely on natural and organic materials are usually priced higher. 

Hybrid latex models that combine steel coils in the base of the mattress will also result in a more expensive price tag. For sleepers who value complete motion isolation in their sleep surface, latex might not be the best fit since it produces a responsive and bouncy feel that is often felt across the surface.

Hybrid Mattresses Explained

Hybrid mattresses are made with a best-of-both-worlds construction, combining the stability and durability of steel coils in the base with high quality foam layers on the top. Hybrid designs are easily tailored to meet each sleeper’s unique preferences.

What You’ll Get

Hybrid mattresses take the best aspects of all-foam and innerspring mattresses and combine them for incredible results. 

A hybrid design allows you to enjoy the durable support of the innerspring mattress alongside the contouring pressure point relief of the all-foam mattress. Hybrid mattresses also maximize breathability and airflow—great news for hot sleepers. Many hybrid designs also offer reinforced edge support from the coil base, allowing you to securely sleep or sit on the edge of the bed without feeling like you are about to fall off.

And again, the hybrid designs are easily tailored to meet each sleeper’s unique preferences—there is a perfect hybrid for everyone.

What You Won’t Get 

If the Hybrid is made from high quality foam layers and individually wrapped steel coils, the mattress usually carries a higher price tag. However, many brands carry more basic models that are sold for as little as a few hundred dollars while also carrying more luxury models that are sold for thousands of dollars. 

The hybrid model’s flexibility of design and pricing continues to appeal to sleepers, and we expect to see this trend continue for decades.