If you’ve ever sunk into a memory foam mattress and felt like it was giving you a gentle hug, you already know why many people, especially those sleeping with chronic pain, swear by them. Memory foam mattresses are designed to contour to your body, cradling your joints to help you wake up feeling rested, not sore. But not all memory foam is created equal. Some memory foam sinks too much, lacking the support you need for proper spinal alignment. And the material is known to trap heat, which can be miserable for those who sleep hot. 

With so many options on the market, you want to find the one that matches your unique sleep style and comfort needs. That’s why we put the top brands to the test. Here’s what we found.

Our Top Pick

Nectar Classic Memory Foam

Best Overall

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• Excellent pressure relief for hips and shoulders
• 365-night home trial

• Cooling surface layer

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Dream Cloud Premier Memory Foam

Best Memory Foam for Couples

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• Supportive layer to prevent sagging
• Cooling fibers for airflow and breathability

• Responsive layers for easier movement

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Nolah Signature

Best for Side Sleepers

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• Unique AirFoam material to cushion side sleepers’ curves
• Cooling cover for temperature regulation

• Strong edge support

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Best memory foam mattresses in 2025

• Nectar Classic Memory Foam: Best Overall Memory Foam Mattress
• DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam: Best Memory Foam for Couples
• Nolah Signature: Best Memory Foam for Side Sleepers
• Bear Original: Best Cooling Memory Foam

Table 1 Comparing the best memory foam mattresses

Top features of the best memory foam mattresses

We looked for the following features when choosing the best memory foam mattresses for older adults.

Pressure relief

Pressure buildup can worsen pain, and it can also limit which sleeping positions are comfortable. We chose mattresses that offer good pressure relief along the shoulders, back, and hips to promote comfortable sleep and help relieve pain. 

Motion isolation

The motion created when a partner gets into bed or changes positions can disturb your sleep, especially if you already sleep lightly. Memory foam tends to isolate motion. We looked for mattresses with good isolation for a peaceful night’s sleep. 

Pain relief score

The right mattress can contribute to pain relief. NCOA’s unique pain relief score identifies mattresses likely to promote pain relief. The score reflects a combination of factors like firmness, pressure relief, edge support, and bounce. 

Responsiveness

Some memory foam mattresses lack responsiveness, making it difficult to change positions and leaving you feeling “trapped” in the mattress. We prioritized mattresses with high responsiveness and bounce, which make it easier to change positions or get in and out of bed. 

Nectar Memory Foam: Best Overall Memory Foam

We chose the Nectar Memory Foam as the Best Overall Memory Foam Mattress due to its standout performance across nearly every category we tested. While our testers expected it to score well in classic memory foam strengths like motion isolation and pressure relief, we were pleasantly surprised by its solid performance in areas where memory foam typically falls short, like bounce, edge support, and ease of movement.

Our Top Pick

Nectar Memory Foam

Best Overall

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• Feels cool to the touch
• Comfortable for side, back, and stomach sleeping

• 365-night trial period for thorough testing

Nectar Memory Foam features

• Our pain relief score: 4.31/5
• Accessibility score: 4.3/5
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5 (medium-firm)
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

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Why we chose the Nectar Memory Foam as the Best Overall Memory Foam

The Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress performed well in most of our top categories, offering a great combination of edge support, bounce, and firmness. Our testers found it easier to change positions. And since the mattress promotes alignment and helps relieve pressure for side, back, and stomach sleepers, it’s a good choice for combination sleepers. As with most memory foam mattresses, the Nectar Classic Memory Foam has excellent motion isolation. It surprised us by also having great bounce. 

The Nectar Memory Foam mattress features a soft cover infused with cooling fabric. But you can add NectarCool Technology, which the brand advertises as weaving even more cooling fibers directly into your sleep surface. Adding the extra cooling power costs $79 for a queen-size mattress.

Our testers found the Nectar Memory Foam was cool to the touch and remained cool while they lay on it. They didn’t experience significant heat buildup, and the mattress temperature only increased slightly during our testing.

We believe this mattress would be a good choice for many older adults, including combination sleepers and those who sleep hot. To make sure it’s the right choice, the mattress features a generous 365-night sleep trial. Other perks, like the fact that customer service is available seven days a week, make this mattress a top choice. 

Nectar Classic Memory Foam pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Nectar Memory Foam

The Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress was responsive and quickly bounced back, a rare feature for memory foam. When seated on the edge of the mattress, our testers felt that there was good edge support, and they didn’t need to use their hands to support themselves. Yet when lying close to the edge, our testers reported feeling less stable.

Our testers also noted the Nectar Memory Foam’s excellent motion isolation. “If I was asleep, there’s not a chance this would wake me up,” one tester said of a second person getting into bed. “If motion isolation is your priority, I would definitely recommend this mattress.” 

The Nectar Memory Foam includes features to reduce heat buildup, which our testers noticed. When they lay on the mattress, it only slightly warmed up. “I don’t feel like there’s lots of airflow, but the temperature itself doesn’t seem to be increasing more than normal,” said a tester. “While I don’t feel airflow, I don’t feel like the temperature is rising quickly,” another tester agreed,

Our testers also didn’t feel like they sank into the mattress, describing it as being more of a gentle hug. Less sinkage can contribute to a cooler feel. 

Who is the Nectar Memory Foam right for?

The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is a good choice for memory foam lovers who sleep hot, since its temperature only slightly increased, and our testers said the mattress felt cool and comfortable. It also performed very well during our motion isolation tests, which means it could be a great fit for couples or for those whose pets tend to join them in bed. Our testers felt stable and supported while sitting on the edge, suggesting the mattress would also be good for those who have difficulty getting out of bed. 

Since the mattress is compatible with adjustable beds, older adults with chronic pain may find that the ability to adjust the bed’s position helps them find pain relief. The mattress also makes it easier to roll over and change positions, which may help relieve discomfort. 

The Nectar customer experience

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

Customer service

You can contact Nectar customer service by:

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

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Discover
  • Splitlt
  • Amazon Pay
  • PayPal
• Discounts? Military members, first responders, and health care professionals take note: you can get a 5% discount, although it cannot be combined with other offers.
• Financing: Yes, Affirm. Nectar also offers a lease-to-own option through Acima.

DreamCloud Premier: Best Memory Foam for Couples

We selected the DreamCloud Premier as our top pick for Best Memory Foam Mattress for Couples for its excellent motion isolation. Our testers barely noticed when someone else got on the bed. We were also impressed by its strong edge support, which allows sleepers to comfortably use the entire mattress surface without feeling like they might roll off.

Dream Cloud Premier

Best for Couples

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• Perfect score for motion isolation 
• Great edge support

• Good bounce and a responsive feel

DreamCloud Premier features

• Our pain relief score: 3.28/5
• Accessibility score: 3.57/5
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10 (medium firm)
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

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Why we chose the DreamCloud Premier as the Best Memory Foam Mattress for Couples

The DreamCloud Premier is our top pick for couples because of the mattress’s excellent motion isolation. Our testers felt they could easily sleep through another person getting into bed and changing positions. Even light sleepers may be able to sleep soundly with someone tossing and turning beside them.

Our testers reported that the DreamCloud Premier was great for back sleepers, and it kept the spine feeling aligned. Side sleeping on the DreamCloud Premier resulted in mixed reviews, as one tester raved about how great their hips felt, and another reported, “I feel pressure on my shoulder because the mattress isn’t very forgiving.” DreamCloud also offers a generous 365-night trial, so couples can both test out the mattress to make sure it’s the right choice. 

DreamCloud Premier pros and cons

Our testing experience with the DreamCloud Premier

Our testers found that the DreamCloud Premier felt cool to the touch, and the surface had a satiny feel. The bed’s bounce score was average, which isn’t surprising for a memory foam mattress. Testers felt the score reflected their experiences well, as they felt changing positions required “a little more effort than normal.”

When testing edge support, the DreamCloud Premier performed well when our testers lay down, but it wasn’t as strong when they sat on the edge. One tester noted that the mattress bulged out when they sat down on the edge, and they didn’t feel secure in that position. But the same wasn’t true for laying right on the edge.

When trying all sleep positions on the DreamCloud Premier, one tester said they experienced significant pressure on their chest while lying on their stomach. And they felt a pinch in their lower back because it felt like their chest was too raised. They were much more comfortable on their side and back, and felt like their spine was aligned and well-supported. 

Who is the DreamCloud Premier right for?

The DreamCloud Premier is great for couples or for those who sleep with pets, due to its excellent motion isolation properties. While the mattress isolates motion well, our testers found that they sank into the mattress a bit, which made changing positions more difficult. One tester said they had to use their heels to push themselves while changing positions, which is worth noting for those with mobility concerns.

Our testers were most comfortable when sleeping on their backs, and some testers felt great on their sides, too. We don’t recommend the DreamCloud Premier for those who have trouble getting in and out of bed. But testers felt good lying near the edge of the mattress, giving them more room to spread out, especially if they share the bed.

DreamCloud Premier 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. 

Nolah Signature: Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers

We chose the Nolah Signature as our Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers because of its unique zoned AirFoam^Ⓡ ICE layer, designed to distribute body weight evenly to ease tension and relieve shoulder and hip pressure. Specifically designed for side sleepers, the bed aims to align the spine while contouring your body. For more mattresses that work for this sleeping position, check out our story on the best mattress for side sleepers.

Nolah Signature

Best Memory Foam for Side Sleepers

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• Designed for maximum comfort for side sleepers 
• A firm feel for easier movement

• Breathable, organic cotton cover

Nolah Signature features

• Our pain relief score: 3.22
• Accessibility score: 3.57
• Brand’s firmness rating: 5.5/10 (Medium)
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

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Why we chose the Nolah Signature as the Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers

The Nolah Signature mattress earned the title of Best Memory Foam for Side Sleepers due to its AirFoam^Ⓡ ICE layer, which aims to improve comfort for those who sleep on their sides. This layer, which is unique to Nolah, is perforated around the shoulders for improved joint pressure relief, while being firmer in the middle to support the lower back and hips. 

Our testers found the Nolah Signature mattress very supportive, and they felt like they were lying “on,” rather than “in” the mattress because of its firmness. Testers described lying on it as a “gentle hug,” as it maximized comfort without making it difficult to change positions or get on and off the mattress. 

The Nolah Signature provides strong edge support. Our tester didn’t need to use their hands for balance or support, suggesting it’s a good option for people who may have difficulty getting out of bed. Testers felt comfortable changing positions, so the mattress works well for those needing to move to relieve pain during the night. 

The Nolah Signature is a versatile mattress that can work well for many older adults. It scored well for side and back sleeping positions, feels cool to the touch, and combines support with pressure relief. The mattress can also be paired with an adjustable bed frame, which can help those with pain find more options for relief. 

Nolah Signature pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Nolah Signature

The Nolah Signature performed very well in most of our tests. One of our testers described it as being firm with a responsive bounce. The mattress isolated motion very well, and our testers like Nolah Signature’s edge support. “I don’t need to use my hands for balance and support,” said one tester. “I feel stable sitting on the edge.” They also felt supported when lying near the edge, saying the mattress felt stable and firm. 

That firmness made changing positions easier. “I’m not fighting any material,” said one of our testers. “It’s easy to switch to all positions.” One of our higher-weight testers felt more comfortable on his back or side while lying on the Nolah Signature, though he noted he felt supported in all positions.

Who is the Nolah Signature right for?

The Nolah Signature is suitable for many people. Its firmness and support make it a good choice for anyone who changes positions while sleeping. Plus, since the mattress can be paired with an adjustable bed frame, those with chronic pain may be able to change the mattress position for more comfort and pain relief. One of our testers didn’t find it comfortable to sleep on their stomach, but the mattress performed well during the back and side sleeping tests. 

Since the mattress has good edge support, it’s a solid choice for older adults who have trouble getting in and out of bed. It performed well during our cooling test, so those who sleep hot may find it a good option. 

The Nolah Signature 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

Bear Original: Best Cooling Memory Foam

We chose Bear Original as the Best Cooling Memory Foam for its breathable quilted cover and cooling gel memory foam. Since memory foam mattresses often trap heat, it can be challenging to find one that stays cool. The Bear Original outperformed all other mattresses we tested for cooling.

Bear Original

Best Cooling Memory Foam

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• Highest scores in our cooling test
• One of the most affordable mattress options

• Excellent motion isolation

Bear Original features

• Our pain relief score: 3.28
• Accessibility score: 3.47
• Brand’s firmness rating: 7.1/10
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

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Why we chose the Bear Original as the Best Cooling Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are known for trapping heat, so our testing team was shocked when a memory foam mattress earned our highest score in cooling. The Bear Original only rose in temperature by four degrees, when competitors often rose by 10 degrees or more. When our testers felt the materials of the Bear Original mattress, they found it felt slightly cool to the touch. Its cooling gel memory foam layer and open-cell foam work to pull heat away from sleepers and help keep them cool all night.

The Bear Original is also one of the lowest-priced mattresses that we tested, with a queen mattress starting at $998. Even at the lower price, this mattress is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. It also includes a 120-night sleep trial, which is industry standard. 

The mattress had a pain relief score of 3.28 out of 5, so we don’t recommend it for sleepers with chronic pain. Our higher-weight tester felt supported in all positions but was concerned that pressure could build up when sleeping on his back over time. 

Bear Original pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Bear Original

The Bear Original scored just average on our bounce test, which can make it more difficult to change positions and to stand up from the mattress. One tester also noted a lack of edge support that made them feel slightly off-balance while sitting on the mattress edge. “I think it doesn’t settle equally at first,” they said. “For someone with balance issues, I could see someone falling easily.” Testers reported feeling more edge support while lying on the mattress, and they felt equally supported throughout their whole body.

While Bear rates its Original mattress as having a firmness rating of 7.1, which is on the firmer side of medium-firm, our testers felt it was much firmer, rating it a 9 out of 10. Firmer mattresses are often easier to move around on, and our testers found it was easier to switch positions. Yet the Bear Original’s firmness provided less give than most memory foam mattresses, resulting in less pressure relief.

Who is the Bear Original right for?

Since the Bear Original mattress has excellent cooling properties, we feel it would be a great choice for those who tend to sleep hot. Its lower price makes it a practical choice for people with a smaller budget who don’t want to sacrifice mattress quality. Its motion isolation performance also means it could be a good choice for those who sleep with a partner or pets. 

While the mattress is well-suited for many different types of sleepers, it lacked edge support, and our tester felt off-balance when they first sat on the edge. Our testing indicates that this mattress would not be a good choice for anyone who has balance or mobility issues, or who has difficulty standing up when getting out of bed.

Bear Mattress customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free
• In-home setup and mattress removal: $100–$200
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Bear customer service by:

• Phone: 844-311-0035, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Email: support@bearmattress.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Paypal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
• Discounts? Yes, find more information here
• Financing: Yes, Affirm and ShopPay

Our process testing the best memory foam mattresses

We developed a thorough and detailed testing process to help us evaluate the best memory foam mattresses. To ensure our testing aligns with our audience, our testers are older adults. We also surveyed over 300 older adults about their experiences buying and using mattresses to better identify the features that are important to them and their sleep challenges. 

Pressure relief 

We used a pressure map on top of each mattress to measure pressure distribution and relief. Our testers lay on their backs, sides, and stomachs on top of the mat, and we recorded the average pressure rating for each sleep position. We also reviewed images of each pressure map to identify areas of high pressure for each position. Our testers gave feedback about what they experienced and where they felt increased or reduced pressure. 

Motion isolation

To measure motion isolation, we had our testers lie on the mattress and then had a second person get onto the mattress and change positions. Our testers couldn’t see the second person, and we asked them to observe how much movement they felt and whether they could feel movement in the mattress after the second person had stopped moving. 

Our testers provided feedback about whether they felt they would be woken up by a partner getting into bed or changing positions. More motion isolation means less sleep disturbance, which can help people who sleep lightly.

Pain relief

We calculated every mattress’ pain score to indicate how likely the mattress is to help ease pain. We created a formula including factors like pressure relief, firmness, edge support, and bounce. Mattresses with higher pain relief scores are more likely to relieve pain. 

Responsiveness

A mattress’s responsiveness can make it easier to change positions and also help older adults as they’re getting out of bed and standing up. We looked for mattresses with a good amount of bounce and responsiveness. To calculate responsiveness, we asked our testers to press down into the mattress and describe whether the mattress seemed to push or bounce back. We watched to see how quickly the mattress returned to its original shape after being indented, and we also asked testers to describe the responsiveness as they changed positions. 

Sleep positions

Some mattresses are great for certain positions, but don’t offer enough support, alignment, or pressure relief for other sleep positions. We had our testers try sleeping on their sides, backs, and stomachs to decide whether each mattress was well-suited for each position. We observed the testers’ body alignment and asked them how they felt and how comfortable each position was. 

What is memory foam?

Memory foam is mainly made of polyurethane plus added compounds that change how it changes shape under pressure, stretches, and returns to its original shape. Memory foam is available in different densities and with different properties. By adding multiple layers of different foams, manufacturers can create mattresses with different firmnesses and features. 

Memory foam pros

“The primary advantage of [memory foam] materials is their ability to shape themselves according to the body’s contours, which allows for even weight distribution,” said Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, NYC area Spinal and Orthopedic Surgeon at The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care. He explained that memory foam can also help minimize pressure on vulnerable regions like the lower back, hips, and shoulders, potentially relieving pain and allowing for better sleep quality. 

Since memory foam mattresses can shape themselves to the body’s contours, they also promote spinal alignment. Sleeping with the spine aligned can help reduce strain for enhanced comfort. 

According to Alex Dimitriu, MD, double Board-Certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, memory foam can also help older adults to sleep through the night. “Memory foam mattresses are better at isolating movement, so moving bed partners are less likely to disrupt your sleep,” he said. 

Memory foam cons

While memory foam mattresses can give you a cocooned, cozy feel, some of them lack support. You may find yourself sinking into the mattress, which can make it difficult to change positions or to get out of bed. Lack of support can also lead to poor spinal alignment, contributing to pain and discomfort. 

Some memory foam mattresses trap heat, so they aren’t always right for people who tend to sleep hot. A mattress that’s on the softer side and that allows sleepers to sink down into it can feel even warmer. Many manufacturers use cooling sleep covers and strategically designed layers to avoid this heat buildup. 

Since memory foam mattresses are constructed of numerous layers, they can be heavy and difficult to move. Most manufacturers offer a white glove delivery option, so buyers can have the mattresses delivered to their homes and installed. 

Who may like memory foam

• According to Dr. Dimitriu, side and back sleepers often find memory foam mattresses comfortable. “Stomach sleepers may benefit from a firmer mattress to prevent sinking in and misaligning the back,” he said. 
• Those weighing less than 130 pounds may find memory foam mattresses particularly comfortable because they don’t sink down deeply into the mattress. 
• Memory foam can help maximize comfort for people who have arthritis or other chronic pain. Its pressure-relieving properties may provide some pain relief.  

Who may want to avoid memory foam

• Dr. Okubadejo explains that memory foam may not work well for stomach sleepers, since they may sink in too deeply, putting the spine out of alignment. “I generally advise patients to avoid stomach sleeping, especially on softer memory foam, as it can contribute to back and neck pain over time,” he said.
• People who easily overheat may want to avoid a memory foam mattress or carefully choose a mattress designed with cooling materials. Memory foam tends to trap heat, so those who sleep hot may find the mattress uncomfortable. 

What to consider when buying a memory foam mattress

Memory foam mattresses offer many advantages, but they aren’t the right choice for everyone. Memory foam mattresses can vary significantly in everything from their firmness to their support, so it’s important to choose a mattress that’s right for your sleep preferences. 

Based on research and testing, we think these are the most important factors to consider when buying a memory foam mattress.

Pressure relief

By reducing pressure, the mattress can help reduce pain and maximize comfort. “Older adults who remain mostly sedentary or experience limited mobility will benefit from pressure relief, as it helps protect their skin from irritation and prevents the development of pressure sores,” said Dr. Okubadejo. 

Look for a memory foam mattress that helps evenly distribute your weight to avoid pressure points. It’s important that the mattress relieves pressure in the positions that you prefer to sleep in.  

Edge support

Since memory foam can be squishy, edge support is essential. Sitting on the edge of a bed can prompt older adults to tilt forward and can contribute to falls, especially when trying to get out of bed during the night in the dark.

“Edge support is important for most older sleepers, as it can make getting in and out of bed easier,” said Dr. Dimitriu. A mattress that lacks edge support can collapse significantly under your weight, and you may feel like there’s little surface left to push up to standing. 

Sleeping position

Memory foam mattresses are often best for side and back sleepers, since they help relieve pressure but can also maintain better spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers may want to avoid memory foam, as it’s possible for the hips to sink too far down into the mattress, leading to strain and, eventually, pain. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a mattress for your sleeping position: 

• Side sleeping: “Side sleepers [like] memory foam mattresses because they cushion the shoulders and hips while maintaining proper spinal alignment, which reduces pressure points and nerve compression,” said Dr. Okubadejo. 
• Back sleeping: “Back sleepers receive benefits from a mattress that conforms to their spine’s natural curve while properly supporting their [lower back] region without applying excessive force,” said Dr. Okubadejo.
• Stomach sleeping: “The stomach sleeping position tends to create alignment issues,” Dr. Okubadejo explained. But stomach sleepers may find that a firmer memory foam mattress offers the support they need to stay well-aligned while sleeping. 

Body weight

Weight can affect how comfortable you find memory foam mattresses. 

• Lower-weight: Dr. Okubadejo says that people who weigh less than 130 pounds often prefer softer memory foam because their weight prevents them from sinking in deeply, so the foam molds to their shape without misaligning their spine. 
• Medium-weight: Medium-weight sleepers can find memory foam mattresses comfortable, but it’s important they choose a medium-firm mattress that provides the support they need for optimal spinal alignment. 
• Higher-weight: ”People who weigh above 230 pounds require firmer or higher-density memory foam mattresses to avoid sinking too much, which causes spinal support problems and back pain,” said Dr. Okubadejo.

The main objective is to sustain proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure points by selecting a mattress firmness that corresponds with both your body weight and preferred sleeping position,” said Dr. Okubadejo.

Cooling

Memory foam tends to trap heat, and many people may overheat at night. Those who naturally sleep hot may also find that some memory foam mattresses are too warm.

Many mattresses feature cooling components, such as covers designed to be cool to the touch or mattresses designed to promote breathability. These cooling features may help reduce the mattress’s temperature and keep sleepers comfortable. 

How much do the best memory foam mattresses cost?

The cost of a memory foam mattress can range from about $1,000–$6,000 or more. Many factors affect a mattress’s cost, including its size, the materials used in its construction, the brand and model, warranty length, and added features. 

Table 2 Comparing costs of the best memory foam mattresses

How to save money on mattresses

There are several ways to save money on a new memory foam mattress. Look for sales and discounts, especially around holidays. Many retailers offer additional discounts for medical professionals, teachers, and first responders. Spend some time comparison shopping. You may find that you’ll get the best deal by buying a mattress online directly through the manufacturer, rather than through a third-party retailer like Amazon. 

As you shop, consider the length of the warranty offered, which can give you a sense of the mattress’ expected lifetime. Most manufacturers offer in-home trial periods. A 120-night trial period is industry standard, but some trials are for as long as a year, which can give you plenty of time to try out the mattress and make sure it’s right for you. 

How to clean memory foam mattresses

Regularly cleaning your memory foam mattress can help maintain it for many years. To keep your memory foam mattress clean without damaging the materials, here are some tips:

• Thoroughly vacuum the mattress using a brush attachment and a HEPA filter vacuum to remove any dust, hair, or dirt. Go slow and pay attention to the crevices around the mattress edges and corners. Vacuum the mattress weekly when you change your sheets. 
• About once a month, sprinkle baking soda across the mattress top and let it sit for about 12 hours. Then, vacuum it up. The baking soda can help absorb odors and moisture from the upper memory foam layer. 
• Clean set stains with a mild dish soap and water. Mist the mixture onto the stain with a spray bottle, blot it, and dry it thoroughly. You can repeat this process several times. 

If you catch any stains while they’re still wet, blot and soak them up with a white kitchen towel. Mist the area with water and blot it with a clean towel. Repeat the misting and blotting process until the stain is removed, then allow the mattress to completely dry before putting sheets back on it.

Dr. Dimitriu recommends using a mattress protector and periodically airing out your mattress outside to help it last longer.

Frequently asked questions

Questions? Reach out to reviewsteam@ncoa.org.