Why we chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as Best Overall

We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the Best Overall because it performed equally well across our testing categories. Its hybrid construction gives this mattress a good balance of bounce and medium-firm support. Our testers felt supported when lying on their stomach, back, and side. This uniform support is one of the reasons the Helix Midnight Luxe also ranks in the top three mattresses in several of our other best of stories, including best mattress for back pain and best hybrid mattress. Pressure map tests showed the most support for back sleepers (even without the ErgoAlign layer). 

We also like how the Helix Midnight Luxe can be customized to your preferences. People who want extra back support can opt for the ErgoAlign layer ($249). And those who prefer to sleep cool can add a GlacioTex Cooling Cover ($249) on its own or with a CoolForce Layer ($500). This mattress is delivered compressed, so setup is less of a hassle. Its trial period is shorter than some other brands like Saatva, but the Helix has a similar warranty and costs significantly less. If you’re looking for an all-around supportive, comfortable mattress, the Helix Midnight Luxe is a good choice. 

Helix also makes a similar model, the Helix Midnight, that’s next up in our testing queue. It has similar features and also offers customization options. Plus, the Helix Midnight is more affordable for those on a tighter budget. The Midnight has a simpler design than the Luxe, featuring a breathable knit cover instead of Tencel, standard memory foam rather than the Luxe’s custom comfort foams, and solid overall support rather than zoned lower back support.

Our testing experience with the Helix Midnight Luxe

The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress with three layers of foam above a layer of steel coils. Testers rated it as much firmer than the brand's rating (an 8 vs. 5.5) but said that its enhanced support and did not make the mattress any less comfortable. “It feels firm, but not like I'm lying on a hard, flat surface. The top feels nice and soft,” said one tester. “The extra firmness makes it easy to move about.”

All testers agreed that the Helix Midnight Luxe did an excellent job easing pressure on their backs and keeping their spine aligned. “My body feels equally supported all over when lying on my side,” said one tester, Chris, a 66-year-old higher-weight back sleeper with sleep apnea and spinal stenosis. “I don't feel any extra pressure on my lower back, and my spine feels straight.” When lying on his back, Chris found the same level of support and pressure relief. “My hips and butt feel aligned and I don’t feel any extra pressure on my lower back or hips,” he said. 

We measured this using a pressure map (a mat with sensors that detect pressure buildup when someone lies across it). The Helix Midnight Luxe had one of the top scores for back pressure relief of all the mattresses we tested.

The above image is from our pressure map test of the Helix Midnight Luxe. The outline is the body of our tester, Sheila, a 70-year-old woman of average weight. The colors refer to pressure buildup—the redder the color, the more pressure (see key on right side). The image shows almost all blue with only a little green and yellow (and some red at the head), reflecting its top score in pressure relief for the back. 

The Helix Midnight Luxe also performed well in our cooling test, heating up by only 8 degrees, which earned it a score of 4/5. If you’re a hot sleeper, that means the Helix Midnight Luxe could be a good choice.

One of the few areas where the Midnight Luxe did not excel was in motion isolation. It received an average rating (3/5), meaning light sleepers may be disturbed, particularly when sharing a bed with a partner. “I could feel motion pretty easily, especially when [the other tester] changed positions on the mattress,” one tester said. “I feel like it could wake me up. The motion made my body move, and I bounced slightly. I’m a heavy sleeper, so that probably wouldn’t wake me up, but my husband is a light sleeper, and it definitely would wake him up.” 

It’s worth noting that the Helix Midnight Luxe comes with the shortest trial period on this list (100 days). If you want a mattress for easing back pain but want a longer trial period, we recommend the Saatva Classic or Saatva Rx. If you're looking to learn more about Helix, check out our Helix mattress review. 

Who is the Helix Midnight Luxe right for?

The Helix Midnight Luxe is right for those looking for a supportive, comfortable, or cooling mattress at an affordable cost. Its uniform support would work for a variety of sleepers. Its cooling technology makes it a nice option for those who don't like to sleep hot. If you sleep with a partner (or pet) and are a light sleeper, this may not be the best choice because our testers could feel movement rather easily.

Helix customer experience

• Trial period: 100 nights
• Shipping: Free shipping
• In-home setup and mattress removal: $159
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Helix Sleep customer service by:

• Phone: 831-777-5976, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Email: help@helixsleep.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
• Contact form: https://support.helixsleep.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay:
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • DiscoverPaypal
  • Google Pay
  • Shop Pay
  • Amazon Pay

Discounts? Yes, find more information here

Financing: Yes, Affirm

Why we chose the Nectar Premier Memory Foam as the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

We chose the Nectar Premier Memory Foam as the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers because it was the top-scoring mattress in our tests for that position. It is also the only memory foam mattress on our list. When you lie on your side, pressure tends to build up where your joints make contact with the mattress, such as the hips, knees, and shoulders. Memory foam does a great job of contouring to cradle those joints, relieving pressure and helping keep the spine in a neutral position. That’s likely why the Nectar Premier memory foam mattress scored so highly in our tests. It earned the highest possible score for side pressure relief in our pressure map testing. 

Memory foam has other benefits, too. It’s very responsive to movement and will support people who move around when they sleep or change positions frequently. It also absorbs motion better than innerspring or hybrid mattresses. That means if you sleep with a partner, memory foam helps prevent you from feeling each other move during the night. Most memory foam does tend to be dense and trap heat, and the Nectar Premier only received average scores for cooling (3/5). But the Nectar Classic is a similar, lower-cost option for those who prefer a cool mattress. It scored a 4/5 in our heat gun tests, similar to most hybrid mattresses.

52% of survey respondents purchased a memory foam mattress, more than any other kind.⁶

Our testing experience with the Nectar Premier Memory Foam

The Nectar Premier Memory Foam is a memory foam mattress with three layers of foam: a top layer that cools, a medium layer that relieves pressure, and a foundation layer for support and to limit motion transfer. Our testers rated the Nectar Premier memory foam mattress highly for pressure relief in all positions, but especially on the side. They compared the way the mattress contours to their body to feeling “gently hugged.”

When we tested the Nectar Premier Memory Foam’s ability to relieve pressure, it earned the highest score of any mattress we tested for side sleepers, a 4.75/5. That’s why we named it Best Overall in our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers. 

Testers said the support felt consistent across the Nectar Premier Memory Foam, even around the edges. One noted that when sitting on the edge of the bed, “the memory foam layers are strong enough to keep me from feeling like I will fall out.” The mattress’s edges sank only two inches, earning it a perfect 5/5 for edge support.

The word “soft” came up repeatedly in our testing, so if you prefer a firm mattress, the Nectar Premier Memory Foam may not be the best choice for you. Testers noted that the foam's snug fit can make it slightly more difficult to change positions. “I have to use more of my heels and arms to roll over and pick myself out of the mattress,” one said. They were pleasantly surprised by how well this mattress regulated temperature, something foam mattresses are not usually known for. “The top feels dense and like it'll actually trap and increase heat,” one said, “But lying down, I'm surprised how well it keeps me cool.”

Who is the Nectar Premier Memory Foam right for?

We think the Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress is great for those with chronic pain or joint issues, but especially those who sleep on their side or want to use an adjustable base. Foam doesn’t transfer movement the way coil mattresses do, so you’re less likely to be disturbed by a partner’s movements. This mattress is on the softer side, which can make switching positions harder. If you prefer a firmer mattress, this might not be the best option for you. You can learn more about this brand in our Nectar mattress review. 

The Nectar customer experience

• Trial period: 365 nights
• Shipping: Free
• In-home setup and mattress removal: $199
• Warranty: Lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Nectar customer service by:

• Phone: 888-863-2827, seven days per week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
• Email: suppport@nectarsleep.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, 24/7
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay:
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Discover
  • American Express
  • Amazon Pay
  • PayPal

Discounts? Yes, military, first responders, and health care professionals

Financing: Yes, Affirm and Splitit

Why we chose the DreamCloud Hybrid Classic as the Best Value Mattress

We chose the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid as the Best Value Mattress because it is made from high-end materials and performs similarly to higher-priced mattresses, but is significantly more affordable. The brand is owned by the same company that makes Nectar, another top mattress brand. DreamCloud is known for offering high quality at competitive prices, as we discuss in our DreamCloud mattress review. 

In particular, the DreamCloud Hybrid Classic did a great job of relieving pressure, staying cool, and limiting motion transfer in our tests. It earned a 4/5 or higher in each of those categories. The only area where it was below average was edge support. If you prefer a mattress that is firm from edge to edge, you may want to consider upgrading to the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid, which has similar stats but earned a 4/5 for edge support. The Premier Hybrid starts at $1,099 for a queen-size. 

We also like that DreamCloud offers a 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty on all its mattresses. These are among the longest in the industry. The company uses a bed-in-a-box model, so you'll need to unbox and set up the mattress yourself. They offer removal of an old mattress for an additional $199 charge.  

Our testing experience with the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid 

The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is the brand’s base model and the least expensive. It is made with layers of memory foam, support foam, and a breathable quilted cover over a base of individually wrapped springs. The main difference between the Classic Hybrid and the Premier Hybrid is the thickness of the memory foam layer (1 inch compared to 2). The Classic has fewer cooling fibers than the Premier, yet both models received a 4/5 for cooling.

The combination of memory foam and springs makes the mattress both responsive and comfortable. We found that the Classic Hybrid’s springs make it a good choice for someone who likes to change positions frequently during the night. “It was easy to switch positions,” one tester said. “I didn't feel like the mattress was fighting me in any way. The mattress is a little more bouncy, so it helped me switch positions and was responsive.”

A responsive mattress can be beneficial for someone who moves or gets up a lot, but it could mean more wake-ups if you’re sleeping next to a partner or pet. This is a risk with many hybrid mattresses. If you are very sensitive to movement, a memory foam mattress might be a better choice. DreamCloud makes one that was our top pick for the best memory foam mattress.

The Classic Hybrid offered good support for the spine. “I don’t feel any pressure on my back,” said Ruth. “My spine feels straight and I feel like I’m sitting on a cloud.” A bed that keeps the spine in a neutral position has several potential benefits. “A mattress that supports your spine relieves pressure points. This helps us sleep longer and more comfortably, and wake up with less pain,” said Asim Cheema, MD, an internist in Toronto, Canada. “I’ve had patients tell me that just changing their mattress helped them cut back on pain meds or feel more alert during the day. That’s huge for overall heart health and energy.”

While the Classic Hybrid offers great pressure relief, testers thought the edges were less stable than they’d like. “The mattress feels like it collapses when sitting on the edge of the bed and takes a little bit to fully rise once standing up,” one tester said. “If I lean too far forward I feel like my bottom is sliding off.”

The Classic Hybrid earned an overall 3/5 for its edge support, which is above-average. But that likely means this bed is not a good option for people who need extra stability while pushing themselves to stand.

Who is the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid right for?

We think the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is right for those who want a quality mattress at an affordable price. If you’re an average sleeper—not sensitive to movement, no severe pain issues, or don’t need help shifting position or standing up—the Classic Hybrid could be a great choice.

DreamCloud customer experience

• Trial period: 365 nights
• Shipping: White-glove delivery is $199
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can reach DreamCloud customer service by:

• Phone: Call 833-237-3269, available seven days a week
• Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available seven days a week
• Email: support@dreamcloudsleep.com

Payment options 

• Ways to pay:
  • American Express
  • Discover 
  • Mastercard
  • Visa
  • Amazon Pay
  • PayPal

Discounts? DreamCloud offers an extra 5% off the best on-site offer to military members and their dependents, health care professionals, and first responders. DreamCloud uses SheerID to verify your status.

Financing: Yes, Affirm, PayPal Credit, Splitit, and Acima

Why we chose the Saatva Classic as the Best Hybrid Mattress

The Saatva Classic is our choice for Best Hybrid Mattress. A good hybrid mattress combines the responsiveness and bounce of an innerspring mattress with the contouring comfort of memory foam. Saatva does this very well. 

The Saatva Classic uses two layers of coils: a solid base made of triple-tempered recycled carbon steel, and a top layer of individually wrapped microcoils. The combination provides a supportive foundation that responds to movement, supporting you in any position. The Classic has a foam border for added edge support, and layers of memory foam on top for contouring support, especially under the lower back. The top layer of foam and quilted organic cotton pillowtop creates a plush surface to lie on. 

Our testing experience with the Saatva Classic

Our testers enjoyed how the Saatva Classic conformed to their body, relieving stress on key areas, no matter their body weight or preferred sleeping position. Ruth, a 70-year-old stomach sleeper of average weight with sleep apnea and arthritis, loved how the Saatva Classic relieved pressure and kept her comfortable when lying on her side. “This mattress really supports my middle,” she said. “I’m not typically a side sleeper, but I could see myself sleeping on my stomach on this mattress. I feel very comfortable in this position, and my shoulders and neck feel good—no pressure at all. I’m very surprised.”

Another tester, Chris, a 66-year-old higher-weight back sleeper with back pain and spinal stenosis, was also pleasantly surprised by the Saatva Classic’s pressure relief and comfort. “I feel comfortable, and my spine feels neutral,” he said when lying on his back. “I would enjoy sleeping on my back on this mattress.”

The Saatva Classic is available in three firmness levels: plush soft, luxury firm, and firm. We tested the medium-firm option, which is 5–7 out of 10 on a firmness scale. Testers rated it as slightly softer (5/10), likely because the Classic has enough give to make changing positions and getting in and out of bed easier. “I feel like the mattress helps move my body,” said one tester. “It springs me and moves with me. When I rolled over, the bed felt supportive, and I didn't feel like I would fall. I didn't feel the need to use extra effort.” 

Our tester Patty, a 61-year-old side sleeper of average weight who’s fallen out of bed in the past due to unstable edges, said she’s confident in the Classic’s stability. “I feel a hard piping to the edge of the mattress. This has good support,” she said. “I have experience in the past with bad edge support and have fallen off my mattress a few times. This one feels like it helps my body when getting out of bed.”

We measured how much the Saatva Classic’s edges sank under weight and found it sank only 2 inches—one of the best scores we recorded. The less an edge dips under pressure, the more stable you’ll feel sitting on the edge. 

One drawback of the Saatva Classic is that the innerspring coils tend to transfer motion despite being individually wrapped. A lot of spring and hybrid mattresses have this issue. It can make sleep more difficult for someone who sleeps with a partner and is easily awakened by their movement. 

It is important to note that Saatva is one of only a handful of companies (including DreamCloud and Nectar) that offer a 365-night free trial period. A long trial period can help you feel more comfortable trying out a mattress, knowing you can return it if it’s not a good fit. Saatva is also the only brand on this list to offer free white-glove delivery. That means Saatva will ship the mattress to you for free, set it up in your house, and remove your old mattress. Many other brands either don’t offer this service or will charge you up to $300. According to our mattress testing team, it usually takes two people to set up a mattress. But it often takes three or more if the mattress is extra heavy or needs to be moved around tight corners, such as door frames. 

Even though the Saatva Classic cost is slightly above average, we think it’s a great value for these extras. But be aware that the Classic scored just slightly above average in motion isolation and heat regulation. So you may be woken up by your partner’s movements, and the mattress may run hot. 

Saatva has a reputation for quality, which you can read more about in our Saatva mattress review. That reputation is certainly well-founded. 

Who is the Saatva Classic right for?

The Saatva Classic is a good fit for people who sleep in any position, since it offers great support and responsiveness. We think it’s especially well-suited to those with mobility issues because it has a high accessibility score and stable edges. It stays relatively cool, but if you sleep hot, you might want something that stays cooler.

The Saatva Classic customer experience

• Trial period: 365 nights
• Shipping: Free
• In-home setup and mattress removal: Free
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by:

• Phone: 860-452-3977, available 24/7
• Email: info@saatvamattress.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, 24/7
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay:
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Discover
  • American Express
  • Google Pay
  • PayPal

Discounts? Yes, find more information here

Financing: Yes, Affirm

Why we chose the WinkBed Luxury Firm as the Best Luxury Mattress

We chose the WinkBed Luxury Firm as Best Luxury Mattress because it is made with high-quality materials and offers a balance of plush comfort and firm support. WinkBed offers a choice of firmness levels and heights so you can customize your mattress to suit your needs. Depending on where you live, WinkBed even makes your mattress to order. 

Its luxury feel and strong, even support in any sleeping position make this mattress worth the slightly higher price. The brand has a reputation for durability and is one of the few hybrid mattresses that are compatible with an adjustable bed frame. It offers benefits for all sleeping types.

Our testing experience with the WinkBed Plus

The WinkBed offers its basic model in four firmness levels. We tested the most popular one, the Luxury Firm, a medium-firm option (6.5/10). This firmness level is considered best for the average sleeper. It might help you sleep longer, more efficiently, and fall asleep faster, according to some research.² Our testers found this to be the case. “I feel more cushioning at my hips, which sink in a bit further, but feel well-aligned overall,” said one tester, Patti, a 74-year-old lighter-weight combination sleeper. “I don’t feel any pressure building at my shoulders and hips.” 

The WinkBed is made with a foundation of individually wrapped steel coils. Like other premium mattresses, it has zoned support. That means there are areas where the mattress is firmer, usually under pressure points like the lower back and hips, and other zones that are softer and more cushioning. The overall effect is to keep your spine neutral and add support where it is needed most. The WinkBed also has several layers of support foam and a pillow top, which makes it feel plush and luxurious to lie on. 

Our testers gave the WinkBed Luxury Firm high marks for support in all sleeping positions, even on their stomachs. Stomach sleepers can struggle to find the right support that doesn’t overextend the curve in their lower back. But our testers felt very comfortable on the WinkBed. One noted that when lying on her stomach, her hips did not sink in too much, but still felt softly cushioned. And there was no pressure on the chest area. “This is my favorite position on this bed,” she said. Other testers noted that the medium-firm mattress prevents them from feeling like they are sinking into it, unlike with a memory foam mattress. “I definitely feel more ‘on top’ of this mattress than in,” one said. “I find it easy to roll around on.”

Our testers were also impressed by the WinkBed’s cooling abilities. “I like how fluffy and cool the top is,” one tester said. “Definitely one of the top ones I've tested based on how cool it feels when I immediately touch it. When I lie down, I can definitely feel the cushion/airflow keeping my back a little cooler.” Testers appreciated that the bed was noticeably cool, and our temperature test confirmed their observations, earning the bed a cooling score of 4/5.

One drawback of this mattress: the edges aren’t as supportive as those of other mattresses. “I feel some sinkage and not as much support. I think if I were heavier, I’d slide off the side easily if I was very close to the edge,” Patti said. If you need more support when getting in and out of bed, you might want to consider the WinkBed Plus, which earned a 4/5 score for edge support. You can learn more about both options in our WinkBeds mattress review.

Who is the WinkBed Luxury Firm right for?

The WinkBed’s zoned support makes it a good choice for those who could benefit from extra support in the lower back region. Its high-quality cushioning and responsive support are also well-suited to stomach sleepers or those who often change positions. If you prefer a cool mattress, testers ranked this one as above average and say its edge support and firmness are good for those who have a harder time getting in and out of bed.

WinkBed customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free shipping
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact WinkBed customer service by:

• Phone: Call 855-946-5233, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
• Email: info@winkbeds.com
• Chat: Live chat in lower right corner of website, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
• Calling or visiting a showroom

Payment options 

• Ways to pay:
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Shop Pay
  • Apple Pay

Discounts? Yes, the company currently offers an additional $50 off for military members and their families, first responders, law enforcement, and health care workers. This can be combined with other offers. 

Financing: Yes, WinkBed offers financing through Bread Pay and Katapult

Why we chose the Bear Elite Hybrid as the Best for Combination Sleepers

We chose the Bear Elite Hybrid as the Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers because it delivers the responsive support needed to keep you comfortable if you switch positions frequently at night. Combination sleepers may start on their back and roll over to their stomach, or curl onto their side. The Bear Elite has great bounce (4/5, according to our testers), so it gently assists with that movement. Some other mattresses, especially memory foam mattresses, can make changing positions more difficult. It can take more effort to turn over on a mattress that is contoured to your body, and sometimes it leads to feeling sunken into the bed or stuck in one place.

The Bear Elite offers three firmness levels, allowing you to select the one that best suits your preferred sleeping positions and body weight. This mattress provides even support, no matter what position you end up in. Our testers gave this mattress equally high marks for pressure relief when they were lying on their sides, backs, or stomachs. The Elite’s ability to respond to movement and offer support where needed helps keep the spine properly positioned throughout the night. Testers also rated this mattress 4/5 for its ability to stay cool, which helps keep you comfortable. 

Our testing experience with the Bear Elite Hybrid

The Bear Elite Hybrid is made with a layer of individually wrapped coils and several layers of memory foam. The construction helped testers feel comfortable in every position they tried. When lying on their back, one tester said, “My body feels equally supported. My entire body sinks into the mattress, but not too much in one area. I’m not feeling pressure buildup in any specific area.” Reports were similar for lying on the side and stomach. “This one feels pretty even on my side. My spine feels neutral,” said a tester. Another commented that “Overall, I feel pretty comfortable in this position,” even though they did not usually prefer to sleep on her stomach. 

Our testers also reported that the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress felt “firm and hard to push down on,” but bounces back quickly. They rated the bounce a 4/5. Bounce can help when switching positions, which combination sleepers are prone to doing. One tester commented that they felt more on top of the mattress than in it, and that they sank in a little while switching positions. “The sinkage is okay and it's hugging my body gently but not too much,” the tester said.

Testers found the edges of the mattress to be almost as stable as the rest, rating it a 3.5/5. “I don’t feel like I’m going to slide off. The edge feels stable and solid,” one tester said while sitting on the mattress’s edge. 

One of the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress’s other notable features is how well it regulates temperature. It is made with copper-infused materials. Copper is well known for its thermal conductivity, which means it is efficient at transferring heat.⁷ Mattress manufacturers have begun taking advantage of this property and using copper-infused foams to prevent heat buildup. More research is needed to understand temperature regulation in copper-infused mattresses. Still, it might help slow heat buildup in your mattress. 

We tested the temperature regulation of the Bear Elite Hybrid by first taking its normal resting temperature. Then we heated the surface to 90 degrees (the average temperature of human skin is 90–94 degrees).⁷ Next, we let the mattress cool for five minutes, then took another temperature reading. The mattresses that showed the least amount of heat buildup earned higher scores. The Bear Elite Hybrid showed an increase of only 3.5 degrees (from a starting temperature of 64.9 to an ending temperature of 68.4), one of the smallest increases. Testers noticed the difference. “The cover is really cool to the touch and light,” said one tester. “Ultimately, it warmed up only a bit. There’s not a lot of fabric, which I think helps the cover stay cool.” 

One area where this mattress did not perform as well as we would have liked is in motion isolation. The individually wrapped coils are supposed to make it more challenging to feel someone moving in bed next to you, but testers said that was not the case. “When [another tester] changed positions, my whole body did a little bounce, especially my shoulders,” said one tester. “It definitely bounced my body. Across everything, I felt it most in my shoulders. I don't think it would wake me, but if I were a light sleeper, I think I would be woken up.”

Who is the Bear Elite Hybrid right for?

The Bear Elite Hybrid is a good choice for combination sleepers who change positions at night due to how well it performed for side, back, and stomach sleepers. Plus, it’s available in soft, medium, and firm options, so you can choose the firmness that meets your sleep preferences and needs. It was one of the best mattresses we tried for preventing heat buildup, so it would be a good option for those who like a cool mattress. It did not score well in our motion isolation tests. If you’re looking for a similar mattress that works for those who sleep with a partner, the Bear Original earned a 4/5 for motion isolation.

Bear customer experience

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
• Email: support@bearmattress.com
• Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

Payment options

• Ways to pay:
• MasterCard
• Visa
• American Express
• Discover
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Google Pay 

Discounts? 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.

Financing: Yes, through Affirm and ShopPay

Why we chose the Nectar Premier Hybrid as the Best for Back Pain

The Nectar Premier Hybrid is our pick for the Best Mattress for Back Pain because it has top scores for relieving back pressure and pain. It has a design that promotes a straight spine in any position. With zoned support underneath the lower back and contouring memory foam to cushion the spine, the Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress helps keep everything in proper alignment. That takes pressure off the back and joints and provides a comfortable, pain-free night's sleep. 

Some of our testers described the feel of this mattress as both comfortable and supportive, making it a great option for people with back pain. The Nectar Premier Hybrid also regulates heat very well, which can feel soothing on a sore back. Testers rated it a 4/5 for cooling, a 4.5/5 for back pressure relief, and a 4.17/5 for overall pain relief. 

Our testing experience with the Nectar Premier Hybrid

The Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress is the brand's most popular, with better support and temperature regulation than its classic mattress. The Premier features a base of individually wrapped coils with zoned support beneath the lower back and several layers of contouring memory foam. One of these is ActiveLift, a responsive support foam that moves to provide support where it is needed. Like other Nectar models, the Premier Hybrid has a medium-firm feel, rated 6.5/10 by the brand, although our testers felt it was slightly softer (5/10). 

Testers felt supported by this mattress, particularly when lying on their backs. Chris, a 65-year-old back sleeper with spinal stenosis, said, “My shoulders and hips are aligned. This is the best mattress all day. I feel good support in my lower back.” When he moved to his side, he added, “Everything feels aligned. This is still the most comfortable mattress. No pressure at all in the hips and shoulders.”

Testers found the combination of foam and springs kept them well-supported and took pressure off joints when lying down. It also gave the mattress enough bounce to make moving on it easier than on memory foam alone. “You’re a little in it, but it doesn't feel like you’re sunken into it too much,” said one tester. The bed scored 4/5 for bounce, which is higher than expected, given its plush feel. One tester noted that responsiveness helped when changing positions: “It’s plenty bouncy. I would have no issues switching positions through the night.”

Many innerspring or hybrid mattresses trade motion control for responsiveness, but the Premier Hybrid performed well in both categories. That makes it easier to sleep with a partner without one of you waking the other. “It wasn’t hard or jerky enough to shake me awake,” one tester said. Another added that they would not be awakened by what they felt on this mattress.

In addition to providing great back support, the Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress rated highly for its ability to stay cool at night. It was designed with 60% more cooling fibers than the Classic, and our testers said the difference was noticeable. “When I lie down, I can really feel the cooling at work,” said one tester. “It's definitely one of the better ones I’ve tested for cooling.” Our measurements found that the temperature of the mattress only changed 7.5 degrees after heating up. The average mattress we tested heated up by about 9 degrees.

Who is the Nectar Premier Hybrid right for?

The Nectar Premier Hybrid is a good option for people who have back pain or other joint pain, or who sleep on their back. This mattress was among the top we tested for back pain and pressure relief. It may also be a good option for someone who likes to stay cool at night or combination sleepers who change positions. The Premier Hybrid’s scores for edge support hover around average, so if you’re looking for more assistance when standing up out of bed, the Birch Natural may be a better choice.

Nectar customer experience

Customer service

You can reach Nectar customer service by:

• Phone: Call 888-863-2827, available seven days a week, 24/7
• Email: support@nectarsleep.com
• Chat: Live chat available seven days a week, 24/7

Payment options

• Ways to pay:
• American Express
• MasterCard
• Visa
• Discover
• Google Play
• PayPal
• Amazon Pay 

Discounts? Military members, first responders, and health care professionals take note: you can get an extra 5% discount.

Financing: Yes, through Affirm and Splitit and offers a lease-to-own option through Acima

Why we chose the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe as the Best Cooling

We chose the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe as the Best Cooling Mattress due to its high scores in our heat gun tests and tester feedback, which described the mattress as feeling cool after use. The Aurora Luxe was one of the best mattresses we tested at preventing heat buildup, with an average temperature increase of less than 10 degrees. Its coil base allows for maximum airflow and is topped by several layers of temperature-regulating foam and a cooling cover. 

The Aurora Luxe is designed for cooling but has several other attractive features as well. It has zoned support for high-pressure areas like the back and hips and comes in a choice of three firmness levels. This provides flexibility for people to select the firmness that best suits their body weight and needs.

Our testing experience with the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Brooklyn Bedding was one of the first “bed in a box” companies, and it still makes its products in the United States to keep costs low. You can read more about them in our Brooklyn Bedding review. The mattresses are delivered compressed and then expand once opened.

The Aurora Luxe is Brooklyn Bedding’s most popular cooling mattress. It is a hybrid mattress, so it has a base of springs that promote airflow and several layers of temperature-regulating foam. There is also a cooling cover, which makes the mattress surface noticeably cooler. One of our testers noted that it “almost feels wet because of how soft, silky, and cool it is. The top actually feels several degrees colder than everything around it.” 

When we measured the temperature difference using a heat gun, we found that the mattress experienced a temperature increase of less than 10 degrees after use (which is below average).

While this mattress excels at temperature control, our testers were also wowed by its responsiveness. Chris, 66, said that when he pushed down on the mattress, there was firm resistance, and “It comes back up pretty quickly.” He said that made it easier to switch positions on the mattress. It may also be why Chris, who has a higher body weight, rated the Aurora Luxe as significantly firmer (8/10) than the brand’s claim (5/10). “You sit on top of this mattress so much,” he said. Often, higher-weight sleepers need a firmer mattress that can evenly distribute their weight. This helps keep pressure off the hips, shoulders, and other joints. But Chris, who has chronic back pain, gave the Aurora Luxe high praise for its back support. 

He wasn't a fan of this mattress’s edge support. Chris said it was the worst mattress he'd tried, feeling like he'd slide off the bed when seated on the edge. If you find it challenging to get in and out of bed, you may prefer a mattress with more reinforcement at the sides.

Who is the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe right for?

The Aurora Luxe is a great option if you like a mattress that stays cool, and our testers found its balance of firm but responsive support helpful for people with back issues. But it didn’t test as well for side or stomach sleeping. It also had a lower score for motion isolation, so it’s best for solo sleepers.

Brooklyn Bedding customer experience

Customer service

While mystery shopping, our team found Brooklyn Bedding to be inconsistent with its support hours. The website currently lists the following customer service avenues:

• Phone: Call 623-624-1222, available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, and Saturday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET 
• Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
• Email: support@brooklynbedding.com 
• Website: Submit a contact form

Payment options

• Ways to pay: 
• MasterCard
• Visa
• American Express
• Discover
• Amazon Pay
• Shop Pay
• Google Pay
• PayPal 

Discounts? The company currently offers 5% off for military members, first responders, medical providers, students, and teachers. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Financing: Yes, available through Affirm

Why we chose the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm as the Best for Couples

The Nolah Evolution Luxury is our pick for Best Mattress for Couples due to its impressive motion-dampening capabilities, with motion isolation scores comparable to those of memory foam mattresses. Its individually wrapped coils and six layers of foam make it hard to detect a partner's movement. It also earned almost-perfect pressure relief scores in every sleeping position. The Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm scored above average in heat buildup, too, which is good for couples who sleep hot. 

Our testing experience with the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm

The Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm is a hybrid mattress with three layers of memory foam above a layer of 8-inch, individually wrapped coils. Testers appreciated the quality construction and materials used for the Nolah Evolution. One tester commented on the topper material, calling it “luxurious.” “It feels soft and silky and is one of the best textures I have felt from all the mattress options,” said one tester.  

The Nolah Evolution is available in three firmness options, and we tested the middle one, the Luxury Firm. Testers described the mattress as “soft and springy, but not unstable.” They found the layers of memory foam in this hybrid mattress great at contouring to their body’s curves and relieving pressure, which is backed up by the high marks for pressure and pain relief in our testing. 

When it comes to sleeping with a partner, a mattress with the ability to limit the transfer of motion from one partner to the other is key. The Nolah had superior scores in this area, likely due to its individually wrapped coils and layers of memory foam. Testers said they barely felt the bounce of a partner moving. “I didn't really feel the movement in my upper half at all,” said one tester. “I don't think this would wake me.” 

Couples tend to generate more heat than single sleepers, making a cool mattress beneficial. The Nolah performed decently in maintaining airflow to regulate temperature and stay cool to the touch, according to our testers. 

Who is the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm right for?

The Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm’s exceptional motion isolation makes it a great option for those who sleep with a partner. It also received high marks for pain and pressure relief. It would likely work well for those who would benefit from that kind of support. Testers found it easier to move around on and it stayed relatively cool. But if you like a very cold mattress, you may want to consider Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress.

Nolah customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free shipping, and in-home delivery is available starting at $150
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Nolah customer service by:

• Phone: 866-403-6615, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT
• Email: support@nolahmattress.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT

Payment options 

• Ways to pay:
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Shop Pay
  • PayPal

Discounts? Yes, find more information here. Military members, first responders, teachers, and health care workers can get an additional 5% off.

Financing: Yes, Affirm

Why we chose the Titan Plus Core as the Best for Higher-Weight Sleepers

We chose the Titan Plus as the Best Mattress for Higher-Weight Sleepers because it was designed for people with a higher weight, had great scores across all our testing categories, and is one of the more affordable options on this list. The Titan Plus Core has the highest weight limit on this list at 1,000 pounds. 

Testers reported that it was excellent at relieving pressure in every position they tested. The Titan Plus Core also had the strongest, most stable edges among all our mattress tests. That means this is a very accessible mattress, with edges that won’t sag when you sit up and a stable surface that makes it easier for you to change positions.

Our testing experience with the Titan Plus Core

The Titan Plus Core is a firm hybrid mattress (the firmest on this list) designed with higher-weight people in mind. Quality, high-density foam, and individually wrapped steel coils ensure that the Titan Plus can handle more weight than the average mattress. Using high-quality materials helps prevent compression and keeps the mattress from sagging over time. They also contribute to the Titan’s high firmness level, a 9/10. 

Testers liked the Titan Plus, no matter their body weight. “[Lying on my side] I don’t feel any pain or pressure forming,” said Patti, a 70-year-old lighter-weight combination sleeper. “My spine feels aligned. I think this would be good for back problems.” 

Chris, a 66-year-old higher-weight back sleeper, agreed. “Lying on my back feels great,” he said. “I feel cushioning, and my spine is aligned. There’s a very good balance between pressure relief and support. I could lie here forever.” 

Testers were also impressed by the edges’ stability. “[Sitting on the edge feels] very secure. I don’t slide down or move at all,” one tester said. “The edge stitching is secure. It feels pretty firm, and you don’t sink.” When we measured how far the edges of the Titan Plus Core sank under weight, they only sank 1 inch. That’s the lowest amount of sinkage of any edge we tested. 

Not only were the edges strong, but the surface was stable and easier for our testers to move around on. “It’s very easy to roll from one position to the next,” said one tester. “There’s no sinkage that’s making it hard for me to move.” But one tester did note that they’d like more bounce to make it easier to stand up from sitting.

Our testers found this mattress to be very supportive, noting that it is definitely suited for people who prefer a firm mattress. One tester noted that lying on the mattress felt like being on top, not cradled in it, and this may be the case even more so for average- or lighter-weight sleepers. If you prefer a softer mattress, the Titan Plus Luxe is a similar option that's softer, and we've named it the best mattress for higher-weight people.

Testers gave the Titan Plus Core mixed reviews on motion isolation, specifically how well it reduces the feeling of a partner moving around on the bed. One said, “It seems like it would suck in the motion rather than let it move through the mattress.” But another tester noted, “When you started to change positions and move from stomach to side, I felt it a lot.” You can learn more in our Titan mattress review.

Who is the Titan Plus Core right for?

With its high scores on our pressure and pain relief tests, we think the Titan Plus Core is a great option for higher-weight sleepers with joint or back pain, as it’s very firm and supportive. It also offers solid edge support, making it easier to get out of bed. 

Titan customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free
• Warranty: Lifetime limited

Customer service

Titan is a Brooklyn Bedding company, and its hours tend to be inconsistent, according to our mystery shopping. Its website states you can reach customer service by:

• Phone: Call 623-624-1222, available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday to Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 
• Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the Titan website, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and Saturday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m to 7 p.m. ET
• Website: Submit a contact form

Payment options 

• Ways to pay:
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa
  • Google Pay
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay

Discounts? Yes, the company currently offers 5% off for military members, first responders, medical providers, students, and teachers. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Financing: Yes, Affirm or Shop Pay

Why we chose Birch Natural as the Best Organic

We chose the Birch Natural as the Best Organic Mattress because it is one of the few made with natural, eco-friendly materials—including organic latex, wool, and organic cotton—that performed well in our testing. All the materials are certified by organizations like Greenguard, which assures it was made with minimal chemical emissions. Even the wool was harvested using sustainable shearing practices. 

In addition to being a good choice for people who prefer to avoid synthetic materials due to allergies or personal preference, the Birch Natural also has some of the best edge support of any mattress on this list (4.67/5). Our tests found the Birch Natural to have good, responsive support for most sleeping positions, and it was fair at regulating temperature. 

Our testing experience with the Birch Natural

The Birch Natural is a hybrid mattress made with steel coils and organic latex. Latex, a natural rubber product, combined with springs, gives the Birch Natural a good amount of bounce. That may be why our testers gave it a perfect 5/5, commenting on their ability to move around on the bed easily. “Going to the side is really easy,” said one tester. “And rolling over to my stomach is really easy. It's easy to move around. It takes hardly any effort. You’re not fighting the material to move at all.” 

Chris, a 66-year-old higher-weight tester, said he had no problems changing positions on the Birch Natural. “I don't feel any need for extra support. The edges bounce back quickly when I stand up on it,” he said. “It stays just like it is. It's firm on the edge. There’s something on the inside that's firm and holding me up.

Changing positions and getting in and out of the Birch Natural is much easier than with other mattresses we’ve tested. Part of the reason is this mattress’s strong edge support, which is among the best we’ve encountered. Testers gave it a 4.67/5 rating. Chris, who often sleeps on the edge, said this mattress definitely outperformed his at home. “When I'm lying on the edge, I don't feel like I'm going to roll off at all,” he said. “I feel very stable in this position. It's easy to move positions near the edge. It's very comfortable.”

Testers rated this mattress as much firmer (8) than its brand rating (6.5), indicating its stability and support. “You stay up high on this mattress and you're not sinking down into it,” said one tester. “I feel comfortable and supported. My shoulders push in a bit more, but I don't feel like I'm sinking into it.” Of course, for some people who have a lighter body weight or prefer a softer mattress, this could be too firm. 

The Birch Natural performed well in almost every category, with one notable exception: motion isolation. The bounce that helps you move around on the mattress can also transfer a partner’s movements to your side of the bed. “I can feel every single movement,” said one tester. “Nothing felt dampened. I could feel total bounce. The bounce can be helpful for getting out of bed, but if you care about motion isolation, then this isn’t the best.” 

The latex and coil mattress was, maybe unsurprisingly, too “springy” for some of our testers and may not be a good choice for lighter sleepers who are easily disturbed. But if you are looking for a well-made, supportive mattress that uses natural and eco-friendly materials, the Birch Natural is a good option.

Who is Birch Natural right for?

For those seeking a mattress made with natural materials and free from synthetic chemicals, Birch Natural is a good choice. It features solid edges that evenly distribute body weight and aid in spinal alignment. It is on the firmer side, so if you have a lower body weight or prefer a soft mattress, this may not be the best choice. If you dislike feeling your partner move around in bed, this mattress may be too bouncy. Consider a memory foam mattress instead.

Birch customer experience

• Trial period: 100 nights
• Shipping: Free
• In-home setup and mattress removal: $100–$400
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Birch customer service by:

• Phone: 917-540-5525, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Email: info@birchliving.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
• Contact form: https://support.birchliving.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Paypal
  • Google Pay
  • Amazon Pay
  • Shop Pay

Discounts? Yes, find more information here

Financing: Yes, Affirm