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6 Best Memory Foam Mattresses of 2024 | Expert Reviewed & Tested
Mar 28, 2024
Fact Checked
Our Reviews Team tested the top memory foam mattresses to find models that help relieve pressure, support a variety of sleeping positions, and accommodate different body types. Here are our findings.
Our Reviews Team selected the Nolah Signature as the best memory foam mattress because of its soft yet supportive feel ideal for side and back sleepers, 120-night sleep trial, and a limited lifetime warranty.
The top memory foam mattresses in this list cost between $659–$2,399.
Sleeping position, firmness, support, trial period, and your budget are some of the top features to consider when shopping for a memory foam mattress.
Our Reviews Team researched hundreds of mattress models and mystery shopped more than 30 mattress brands in person and online. Here’s how we made our selections:
Analyzed costs, benefits, features, and brand policies, such as returns and trial periods
Consulted sleep specialists, including doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for insight on choosing the best memory foam mattress
Identified and tested key factors for an objective measure of features, like motion transfer, pressure relief, edge support, and cooling technologies
Compiled customer reviews from verified customers on trusted third-party sites, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot
Personally rested on and tested each mattress against these factors for an unbiased assessment
Selections were also medically reviewed to ensure each brand and model is appropriate for the needs of our readers
While it’s common knowledge that sleep is important for everyone, many may not realize that lack of sleep can contribute to the
onset of diseasesⓘCarroll JE and Prather AA. Sleep and Biological Aging: A Short Review. Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research. June 2021. Found on the internet at
, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. If you aren’t sleeping well, one way you can try to improve your sleep is by choosing a mattress that provides the support and pressure relief you need.
While mattresses are made with a variety of materials, memory foam often provides asoft, cushioning cradle that can relieve pressure. Memory foam uses body heat to conform to your shape, often offering a more custom, contoured experience than innerspring or
hybrid ⓘHybrid mattresses combine the features of both innerspring and foam mattresses, with springs surrounded by a thick comfort layer of foam or latex.
mattresses. But it’s important to remember that everyone’s sleeping needs, preferences, and budgets are unique, so the best mattress for some sleepers may not be right for you.
“Every individual is looking for something unique when it comes to a mattress,” said Ashley Reed, PT, DPT, a physical therapist and clinical director at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Naples, Florida. “A mattress is not one-size-fits-all, as some people do much better with a softer mattress and others enjoy a firmer mattress. Typically, I encourage patients to look for something more supportive when it comes to chronic pain in the back or the hips. In general, a mattress that falls on the firmer side will offer more support, and it will keep the spine in a better-aligned position while sleeping.”
Our Reviews Team researched, tested, and reviewed mattresses to bring you our top memory foam selections, so you can find the right one for you.
Best Memory Foam Mattress Overall
We chose the Nolah Signature as our top memory foam mattress. The mattress has plush, cushioned support without too much sinkage—an impressive balancing act for a memory foam mattress. The brand also offers mattress setup and removal services for an additional fee.
Best Overall
9.4
Excellent
Nolah Signature
•
Dense foam helps relieve pressure for back and side sleepers.
*White-glove delivery: Free set-up of new mattress and removal of old mattress.
Best memory foam mattresses 2024, reviewed by experts
Nolah Signature: Best Overall
Nolah Signature
•
The Nolah Signature combines plush comfort and dense, supportive foam to help support and relieve pressure for back and side sleepers.
•
It contains a proprietary foam material (AirFoam) that our Reviews Team testers found contours and hugs a side sleeper’s pressure points: lower shoulders, knees, and hips.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Mattress height: 12 inches (″)
Pros and cons of the Nolah Signature mattress
ProsProprietary foam material designed for side sleepers Limited lifetime warranty White-glove delivery available ($150–$300)In-person showrooms available ConsNot recommended for stomach sleepers May not accommodate higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) side sleepers
Our expert take
The Nolah brand claims AirFoam™ not only supports side sleepers and relieves pressure but is also designed to stay cooler than traditional memory foam mattresses due to its open-cell structure allowing greater airflow. Our Reviews Team likes the thoughtful design, and our testers found the Nolah Signature stayed cool when tested. Remember that every sleeper’s experience is different, and cooling depends on various factors, including bed sheets.
During testing we found the Nolah Signature offered a good balance of cushion and supportive foam. Our testers felt like the mattress hugged them without the typical sag of some memory foam mattresses. While we think the Nolah Signature is the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers, you’re not limited to one position. Our testers felt supported in their hips and shoulders while lying on their back. The mattress hugged their spine and supported its natural curve, keeping it in alignment.
According to a Reviews Team survey of 600 respondents, side sleeping is the most popular sleeping position. Almost half of our respondents (49%) said they mainly sleep on their side.
Multiple testers agreed that the Nolah Signature had great motion isolation. This means they couldn’t feel their testing partner’s movements in the bed because the mattress material absorbed them. Even with good motion isolation, the mattress still had a slight bounce. This small bounce can make a big difference in mobility, allowing you to move around without feeling stuck in the mattress.
We also found that this mattress offered good
edge supportⓘThis refers to the bed’s stability along the edges.
. Our testers noted that they felt stable and supported when lying near or sitting on the edge of the mattress.
The Nolah Signature mattress comes compressed and rolled in a box. We like that white-glove delivery is available, even though it costs extra.
You can choose from the following three delivery options:
Old mattress removal only: $150
New mattress setup only: $150
Old mattress removal and new mattress setup: $300
The mattress takes about 24 hours to expand to its full size. Nolah requires you to try out the mattress for at least 30 nights before being able to return it. Check out available locations to try out a Nolah mattress in person.
We tested bounce with a 10-pound ball, so we could see how responsive the mattress was
Our recommendation
Who may love it
Side sleepers may enjoy the supportive, cradled feel that helps relieve pressure.
Light sleepers may be disturbed by a partner’s or pet’s movements in bed.
The unique design and material may appeal to hot sleepers.
Who may want to avoid it
Stomach sleepers likely need a firmer mattress to support their hips and spine.
Higher-weight sleepers may feel too much sinkage in this mattress.
Additional details
Customer service
You can reach Nolah customer service by:
Phone: Call 866-403-6615, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT
Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT
Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Other options include Shop Pay and PayPal. Nolah offers financing through Affirm.
The brand currently offers $50 off for military members and their families, as well as health care workers. This discount can’t be combined with other promotional codes.
Our top pick
The Nectar Memory Foam: Most Affordable Memory Foam Mattress
The Nectar Memory Foam
•
The Nectar Memory Foam has one of the lowest starting prices ($699), with the queen-size mattress priced at $1,099.
•
The brand’s one-year trial, free shipping, and lifetime warranty make this mattress an affordable option with customer-friendly policies.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Mattress height: 12″
One of our testers pulled back the cover of The Nectar to show its three foam layers.
Pros and cons of the Nectar mattress
ProsOne-year trial period White glove delivery available ($199) Recommended for back and side sleepers Great motion isolationConsMay sag over timeMay not support sleepers with mobility issues Poor edge supportSome Nectar models contain fiberglass
Our expert take
The Nectar Memory Foam is a classic, soft memory foam mattress. Its plush design is designed to cradle and support you, but the sinkage may be too deep for some sleepers, especially stomach or higher-weight sleepers (those weighing more than 250 pounds). Side sleepers should enjoy pressure relief in their shoulders and hips, but the softer memory foam may make it harder to switch sleeping positions.
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress has three layers of memory foam. The upper layer of
gel memory foamⓘMemory foam with small gel pods designed for cooling.
gives the mattress a plush, sinking feeling. The middle layer adds a little bounce and helps transition to the dense, supportive bottom layer.
Our Reviews Team testers felt like they were sinking “in” the mattress rather than being “on” it. Some sleepers may prefer this sunken-in feeling and experience pressure relief when lying on their side or back. We don’t recommend the Nectar Memory Foam for stomach sleepers. Our tester’s hips sunk into the mattress when testing this sleeping position. Over time, this misalignment could cause back pain.
This mattress absorbs most movements and doesn’t provide any bounce. Our testers noted the mattress has excellent motion isolation, which is a definite plus if you sleep with a partner or pet. The mattress’s lack of bounce makes it harder to switch sleeping positions for people who sleep in more than one position during the night. Getting out of bed may also be more difficult, especially for those with mobility issues. When our tester sat on the mattress edge, they felt like they were slipping off the bed because it sagged so quickly.
The Nectar Memory Foam is delivered to your home compressed and rolled in a box. It may require at least two people to remove your old mattress (Nectar doesn’t offer removal services) and place your new mattress on the bed frame to expand to its full shape. The brand claims it takes a few days for the mattress to
off-gasⓘThe chemical odor given off from a new mattress. The smell is harmless and is usually gone within the first few days.
.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
Sleepers looking for that classic, plush memory foam feeling experience should like this soft mattress.
This bed’s motion isolation is good for sleepers easily disturbed by a partner’s or pet’s movements in bed.
This may appeal to shoppers on a budget because it comes at a lower price.
Who may want to avoid it
Sleepers who change positions throughout the night or experience reduced mobility may find it harder to move on this mattress.
Stomach sleepers will need something more supportive.
Additional details
Customer service
You can reach Nectar customer service by:
Phone: Call 855-205-5905, available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available 24/7
Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Other options include Amazon Pay and PayPal. Nectar offers financing through Affirm and Splitit.
Nectar currently offers 5% off for active and veteran military members and their families, as well as health care professionals and first responders. This discount can be combined with the best available offer.
Emma Original: Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
Emma Original
•
The first foam layer has an open-cell design, making the mattress more breathable.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Mattress height: 10″
Pros and cons of the Emma Original mattress
ProsDenser foam layers to support back and stomach sleepersFree shipping One-year trial period Breathable layers for effective coolingConsPoor motion isolationFirmer than typical memory foam mattress May be too firm for side sleepers Free mattress removal only available in three U.S. states
Our expert take
We like that the Emma Original has a top foam layer specifically designed to keep the mattress cool and breathable. Research shows a cooler temperature helps promote more restful sleep, with
68–77 degrees FahrenheitⓘBaniassadi A, et al. Nighttime Ambient Temperature and Sleep in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Science of the Total Environment. Nov. 15, 2023. Found on the internet at
the ideal sleeping environment for older adults.
This firm, all-foam mattress has four dense foam layers. Unlike softer memory foam mattresses, sleepers may feel like they’re sleeping “on” this mattress rather than sinking into it. While we found this mattress offered great pressure relief for back sleepers, it may be too firm for side sleepers.
This firm, all-foam mattress has four dense foam layers. Unlike softer memory foam mattresses, sleepers may feel like they’re sleeping “on” this mattress rather than sinking into it. While we found this mattress offered great pressure relief for back sleepers, it may be too firm for side sleepers.
The brand rates this mattress five out of 10 in firmness, which our Reviews Team considers medium-soft. But we disagreed with the brand rating and found it firm, so we gave it a seven out of 10 on the firmness scale. Note that firmness is subjective and depends on your body weight, height, and personal preference.
We highly recommend the Emma Original for back sleepers. Our testers felt supported and comfortable when lying on their backs, especially in their lumbar region (lower back). Just as the top foam layer is designed to keep you cool, the middle layer provides extra support for your lower back. While this firmness is great for back and stomach sleepers, side sleepers may feel too much pressure in their shoulders and hips.
This mattress was bouncier and more responsive than other memory foam mattresses. As mentioned before, this may be an issue if you’re easily disturbed by your partner’s or pet’s movements in bed, but a slight bounce can make it easier to get in and out of bed. Changing sleeping positions on a bouncier mattress is also easier, and you won’t get that “stuck” feeling our testers have experienced with softer memory foam mattresses.
The Emma Original arrives compressed and rolled in a box. We confirmed with a customer service representative that the company will remove your old mattress for free if you’re located in California, Rhode Island, or Connecticut. Unfortunately, this service costs $125 if you’re located outside those states. Your new mattress should take 24–48 hours to fully expand and off-gas.
One of our testers sits on the edge of an Emma mattress to test edge support.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
Hot sleepers may find the mattress cooler due to its unique design and material.
People living with lower back pain may like the extra lumbar support.
Sleepers who prefer a firmer, more responsive mattress may like the bounce and support this mattress offers.
Who may want to avoid it
Sleepers who are easily disturbed by a partner’s or pet’s movements in bed will want something with better motion isolation.
Sleepers looking for a more traditional cushioned memory foam mattress will want to look elsewhere.
Side sleepers may find this mattress too firm.
Additional details
You can contact Emma customer service by:
Phone: Call 888-580-3662, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m CT
Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m CT
Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, America Express, and Discover. Other payment options include Apple Pay, Google Pay, Meta Pay, Amazon Pay, Shop Pay, Zip Pay, and Diners Pay. Emma offers financing through Klarna.
Currently, the brand doesn’t offer a discount for military members of any special consumer groups.
WinkBeds GravityLux: Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress
WinkBeds GravityLux
•
This mattress is available in three support levels: soft, medium, and firm.
•
The firm WinkBeds GravityLux mattress offers firm, contoured support.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Mattress height: 11″
Pros and cons of the GravityLux mattress
ProsThree firmness levelsSupportive for higher-weight sleepers Limited lifetime warrantyCan try the mattress in select locations ConsMay be too firm for sleepers looking for traditional memory foam Not recommended for side sleepersWhite-glove delivery is not available
Our expert take
We love that you can choose a Soft, Medium, or Firm Winkbeds GravityLux mattress model. We tested the firmest option and highly recommend it for sleepers who want an all-foam mattress that won’t sag or sink in. We found the mattress supported back and stomach sleepers while offering a slight cradle, keeping it from feeling too stiff when sleeping in these positions. If you’re a side sleeper, this mattress may feel too firm since it didn’t contour to the shoulder and hip area during testing.
This bed is a good option for combination sleepers and people with reduced mobility. Our testers noticed the supportive bounce made getting on and off the bed easier. Even with its slight bounce, the mattress has good motion isolation and should absorb most of your partner’s or pet’s movements.
We were impressed with how supportive and stable the edge of the mattress was. When our tester lay near it, they didn’t feel like they would roll off the mattress. Softer memory foam mattresses sometimes collapse or sink when you’re near the edge. This strong edge support allows you to spread out on your mattress without feeling like you’ll roll off. It also gives you a stable surface if you like to sit on the edge of your bed or need extra support to get out of bed.
The bottom layer of the GravityLux is reinforced with durable, dense Atlas Core Foam. This 1.8-pound foam helps give the mattress strong edge support and a stable, firm feel. The foam layer above this has softer cushioning in the upper and lower sections, while the middle section is firmer to help keep the spine in alignment. Our Reviews Team likes this targeted design, but the cushioned shoulder and hip area were still too firm when our testers lay on their sides. The only way to know if a mattress’s firmness level is right for you is to lay on it yourself. We like that WinkBeds offers 15 locations to feel and try a mattress before ordering one. Of course, the trial period through an online purchase also allows you to do that in the comfort of your own home.
The WinkBeds GravityLux mattress arrives compressed and sealed in a box. White-glove delivery and old mattress removal are not available.
We tested the mattress’s bounce in our testing facility.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
Back and stomach sleepers may feel more supported in these positions.
Higher-weight sleepers may feel supported and cradled without sinking in too deeply.
This may be ideal for sleepers who prefer a firmer, more responsive mattress.
Who may want to avoid it
Sleepers looking for a more traditional memory foam mattress should shop for other options.
Side sleepers may find this mattress too firm.
Additional details
Customer service
You can reach WinkBeds customer service by:
Phone: Call 855-946-5233, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
Email: info@winkbeds.com
Payment options
Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Other options include Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. WinkBeds offers financing through Bread and Katapult
The company currently offers an additional $50 off for military members and their families, first responders, law enforcement, and health care workers.
Bear Original: Best Memory Foam Mattress for Heavy People
Bear Original
•
The Bear Original is a firm, dense mattress with a cradled yet supported feel for higher-weight sleepers.
•
The mattress has a deep layer of durable, high-density foam that keeps sleepers from sinking too deeply into the surface.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Mattress height: 10″
Pros and cons of the Bear Original mattress
ProsSupportive for higher-weight sleepers Great for stomach sleepersLimited lifetime warrantyWhite-glove delivery available ($100–$200) ConsMay be too firm for sleepers looking for traditional memory foam Not recommended for side or back sleepers
Our expert take
The Bear Original is a firm mattress with a denser, more responsive surface than softer memory foam mattresses. This extra support is excellent for heavier sleepers who want an all-foam mattress that doesn’t allow them to sink in too deeply. Finding the right memory foam mattress with a soft, cradled hug and enough reinforced support can be difficult for heavier sleepers, but we think the Bear Original is one of the best memory foam options available.
Our testers noted how responsive the mattress was when switching between different sleeping positions—they never felt sunken in or stuck. When lying on their back, one of our average-weight testers (130–250 pounds) noted the mattress didn’t meet their lower back area. Over time, this would cause their back to sink in to meet the mattress, putting their spine out of alignment and possibly causing back pain.
Higher-weight sleepers will sink more deeply into the mattress, allowing the mattress to contour to their lower back and offer the correct, reinforced support to keep their spine in alignment.
The Bear Original has three foam layers. The upper layer is gel memory foam designed to keep sleepers cool, while the lower two layers are high-density foam with a firm, more supportive feel to help relieve pressure.
The mattress is delivered compressed and sealed in a box, and you can choose setup services for an additional fee. The mattress takes about 24 hours to reach its full size and off-gas lingering chemical smells.
Our Reviews Team testers tested the Bear Original in our mattress testing facility
Our recommendation
Who may love it
Back and stomach sleepers may feel more supported in these positions.
Higher-weight sleepers may feel supported and cradled without sinking in too deeply.
This is ideal for sleepers who prefer a firmer, more responsive mattress.
Who may want to avoid it
Sleepers looking for a more traditional memory foam mattress may want to shop for other options.
Lower- and average-weight sleepers may find this mattress too firm.
Additional details
Customer service
You can reach Bear customer service by:
Phone: Call 844-311-0035, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Google Pay and PayPal are also other options. Financing is available through Affirm and Shop Pay.
The brand currently offers a 40% discount for military members, first responders, law enforcement, health care workers, and teachers. This discount can’t be combined with other promotional codes.
TEMPUR-Cloud: Best for Back Pain
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud
•
This medium-firm mattress offers a plushy yet supportive surface that may help relieve back pain.
•
Always consult your doctor about the right mattress for chronic pain or other medical conditions.
Sizes: Twin, twin long, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Mattress height: 10″
Pros and cons of the TEMPUR-Cloud mattress
ProsCushioning mattress may help relieve back painIn-store locations throughout the U.S.Excellent motion isolation Offers great pressure reliefConsHigher price compared to other mattressesWhite-glove delivery is not available Shorter trial period compared to other mattresses
Our expert take
Many consider Tempur-Pedic synonymous with memory foam mattresses, and we’re pleased the brand offers the TEMPUR-Cloud as a more affordable option compared to its other mattresses.
The TEMPUR-Cloud has deep contouring and support, which helps relieve pressure on the lower back and joints. We found the top layer soft during testing. It conformed to our tester, offering excellent support and pressure relief, and the extra support from the high-density layer at the bottom stopped their spine from sinking too far down and out of alignment. Our Reviews Team thinks this plush mattress is great for side and back sleepers, but stomach sleepers may sink too deeply into it.
If you’re a stomach sleeper living with back pain, consider a firmer memory foam mattress, such as the Emma Original, WinkBeds GravityLux, or Bear Original.
While there is limited research on the best type of mattress for back pain relief, studies have shown that
medium-firm mattresses can benefit sleepers with lower back painⓘRadwan A, et al. Effect of Different Mattress Designs on Promoting Sleep Quality, Pain Reduction, and Spinal Alignment in Adults With or Without Back Pain; Systematic Review of Controlled Trials.Sleep Health. December 2015
. The best mattress for back pain will vary depending on weight, height, and personal needs. Always speak with your doctor if you’re looking for a mattress to help alleviate pain.
This mattress has excellent motion isolation, but the edge support wasn’t great. Each tester felt unstable when sitting on the edge since the mattress sunk under them quickly.
The TEMPUR-Cloud is delivered compressed and rolled in a box. We love that the brand doesn’t charge for setting up your new mattress and removing your old one. Tempur-Pedic is the only brand in this review that offers free mattress setup and removal services.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
Sleepers with lower back pain may feel pressure relief and support.
Sleepers looking for the classic plush and soft memory foam mattress feeling will like this contouring mattress.
Shoppers who value brand recognition may feel more comfortable with the Tempur-Pedic name.
Who may want to avoid it
Stomach sleepers may need a firmer mattress to support their hips.
Hot sleepers may find the mattress traps heat.
Additional details
Customer service
You can reach Tempur-Pedic customer service by:
Phone: Call 888-811-5053, available Monday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
Chat: Automated chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Payment options
Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Tempur-Pedic offers financing with a Tempur-Pedic credit card through Wells Fargo.
Table 2 Cost comparison of the best memory foam mattresses, as of March 2024
Mattress
Twin*
Full*
Queen*
King*
Nolah Signature
$1,299
$1,649
$1,799
$2,049
Nectar Memory Foam
$699
$949
$1,099
$1,399
Emma Original
$659
$979
$1,159
$1,459
WinkBeds GravityLux
$1,199
$1,599
$1,799
$1,999
Bear Original
$786
$911
$998
$1,304
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud
$1,699
$1,899
$1,999
$2,399
*Cost of mattress excluding promotions, discounts, and shipping charges
What to look for in a memory foam mattress
Shopping for a mattress is a personal decision—you will ultimately decide what the best memory foam mattress is for you based on multiple factors, including your sleeping position, preferred firmness level, and budget.
Sleeping position
Memory foam mattresses are known for their plush, supportive feel. The best memory foam mattress contours and supports your body in your favorite sleeping position(s). If you primarily sleep on your side, you’ll need a mattress that’s soft enough in the shoulder and hip areas to slightly sink in and relieve pressure.
Back sleepers should feel supported in the lower back region while keeping the spine in alignment. The mattress shouldn’t be so firm that your back has to sink down to meet it. Another red flag is if the mattress sinks too deeply, causing your hips to sag down and out of alignment with the spine.
Stomach sleepers need a mattress that is firm enough to keep their hips in alignment without sinking into the mattress.
Firmness level
While brands rate their mattresses on a firmness scale of one to 10, what is considered “soft,” “medium-firm,” or “firm” may be different for each sleeper. While the mattress firmness scale helps give us an objective measurement, firmness is primarily subjective and depends on height, weight, and personal preferences.
Mattress firmness is rated from one to 10, with one being the softest and 10 being the firmest.
Most memory foam mattresses in this review fall between five and 6.5 on the firmness scale, which is considered “medium” to “medium-firm.” Studies have shown mattresses
labeled “medium-firm”ⓘRadwan A, et al. Effect of Different Mattress Designs on Promoting Sleep Quality, Pain Reduction, and Spinal Alignment in Adults With or Without Back Pain; Systematic Review of Controlled Trials. Sleep Health. December 2015.
may promote the best sleep quality and comfort.
We suggest a firmer memory foam mattress (7/10 or higher) for higher-weight and stomach sleepers.
Budget
Memory foam mattresses generally have a lower price tag than hybrid or innerspring mattresses. Compared to our best mattress review, which includes hybrid and innerspring mattresses, the lowest-priced queen-size mattress is $1,199, while the lowest-price queen-size memory foam mattress is $998.
All featured memory foam mattresses are considered “bed in a box” mattresses you can order online. These mattresses are shipped to your home rolled, compressed, and tightly sealed in a box. This helps cut the overall cost, but it may be more difficult to set up the mattress on your own. If available, we recommend adding white-glove delivery services to your order.
Many online mattress brands offer sales and promotions throughout the year, especially around major holidays and retail events, like Black Friday, Christmas, Presidents Day, and July Fourth.
In-store vs. buying online
Buying a mattress online is convenient but also overwhelming since many brands and models are available. Use our guide to narrow down the best memory foam mattress based on your preferences, needs, and budget.
Some brands offer physical showrooms that allow you to try out a mattress before buying it, but these showrooms may not be available in your area. Fortunately, our top picks have trial periods ranging from 90 nights (almost three months) to a full 365 nights.
Bottom line
We chose Nolah Signature as the top memory foam mattress based on its testing performance, custom foam material designed for side sleepers, and customer-friendly policies. If you’re shopping on a budget, consider the Nectar Memory Foam. The Emma Original is designed to keep sleepers cool, while the WinkBeds GravityLux mattress is firmer than many other memory foam mattresses. The Bear Original is excellent for heavier sleepers since it is firm and dense yet allows sleepers to sink in and get that hugging support.
While we always recommend consulting your doctor before choosing a mattress for chronic pain or a medical condition, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud may be a good option if you experience back pain because it offers cushioned yet targeted support in the lumbar region.
Ultimately, the best mattress for you depends on your sleeping position, budget, height and weight, and personal preferences.
Frequently asked questions
Sleeping position, firmness level, and budget are the most important considerations when shopping for a memory foam mattress.
Nolah Signature is our top recommendation for side sleepers, while Emma Original and Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud are excellent for back sleepers. Since these are firmer memory foam mattresses, we also recommend the Emma Original, Winkbeds GravityLux (firm option), or Bear Original for stomach sleepers. These recommendations will help jumpstart your research, but the best mattress will vary for each sleeper. Consider your body weight, height, mobility level, and personal preference when shopping for the right memory foam mattress for you.
Everyone’s budget is different, but you should expect to pay at least $700 for a good memory foam mattress. Fortunately, many top memory foam mattress brands offer frequent sales and promotions throughout the year.
Generally, high-density, thick memory foam won’t sag as quickly as low-density, thinner memory foam. If longevity is your top priority, we recommend a memory foam mattress with multiple layers of dense foam. The right thickness of memory foam depends on your weight, height, mobility needs, and other preferences. Memory foam mattresses typically consist of multiple layers, each with different thicknesses and materials that serve specific functions such as pressure relief, support, and cooling.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Sources
Carroll JE and Prather AA. Sleep and Biological Aging: A Short Review. Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research. June 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8658028
Radwan A, et al. Effect of Different Mattress Designs on Promoting Sleep Quality, Pain Reduction, and Spinal Alignment in Adults With or Without Back Pain; Systematic Review of Controlled Trials. Sleep Health. December 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352721815001400
NCOA Adviser Mattress Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched January 2024.
Baniassadi A, et al. Nighttime Ambient Temperature and Sleep in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Science of the Total Environment. Nov. 15, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723042468
Emily Breaux is a writer with a background in education. She has written on multiple health care and technology topics, as well as for the higher education and hospitality industries. She specializes in medical alert systems and enjoys writing about hearing aids, health insurance, and wellness topics specifically for older adults.
Dr. Suzanne Gorovoy is a clinical psychologist, behavioral sleep medicine specialist, and member of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. She received her graduate degree in School Psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University, her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Behavioral Sleep Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
