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

Visit Site

Visit Site

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

• Cooling surface layer

Dream Cloud Premier Memory Foam

Best for Couples

Visit Site

Visit Site

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

• Responsive layers for easier movement

Nolah Signature

Best for Side Sleepers

Visit Site

Visit Site

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

• Strong edge support

Best memory foam mattresses in 2026

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

Need help picking out the right mattress?

Answer 3 simple questions to find a mattress that meets your needs.

Start

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.

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. 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

Visit Site

Visit Site

• Nectar Mattress Review
• Comfortable for side, back, and stomach sleeping

• 365-night trial period for thorough testing
• Feels cool to the touch

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

Pros and cons

Pros

• Feels cool to the touch
• Comfortable for side, stomach, and back sleepers
• Great bounce for easier movement
• Generous 365-night trial period

Cons

• The cover is not removable
• May be too soft for some
• The mattress is heavy and may require multiple people to move

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. 

Dream Cloud Premier

Best for Couples

Visit Site

Visit Site

• DreamCloud Mattress Review
• Perfect score for motion isolation 

• Good bounce and a responsive feel
• Great edge support

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

Pros and cons

Pros

• A perfect motion isolation score
• Generous 365-day sleep trial
• Many base and accessory bundles are available
• Great for back sleepers

Cons

• Mixed reviews on side sleeping 
• Switching positions is a bit difficult
• 15-inch height may be too high for some bed frames
• The mattress ships in a box, which can be difficult to move and handle

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, which distributes 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. 

Nolah Signature

Best for Side Sleepers

Visit Site

Visit Site

• Nolah Review
• 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

Pros and cons

Pros

• Firm for easier movement and a supportive feel
• Strong edge support when getting in and out of bed
• Excellent motion isolation makes this mattress suitable for couples
• Can be used with an adjustable bed frame

Cons

• May be too firm for some sleepers
• Customer support isn’t available on weekends
• The 120-night sleep trial could be longer

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. 

Bear Original

Best Cooling

NCOA Exclusive Deal

40% off sitewide with code: NCOA40

Visit Site

NCOA Exclusive Deal

40% off sitewide with code: NCOA40

Visit Site

• Bear Mattress Review
• 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

Pros and cons

Pros

• Sleeps cool, with only a slight temperature difference
• The mattress has a forgiving yet firm feel for better movement
• Great motion isolation

Cons

• Lack of edge support 
• Our testers felt the mattress may be too firm for some sleepers
• The 120-night trial is shorter than others
• Customer support isn’t available on weekends

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’s 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 (such as fibromyalgia). 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. 

Memory foam performance vs. other mattress types

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. 

Comparing costs of the best memory foam mattresses

*Most mattress brands run frequent or ongoing promotions. Sale prices are typically lower and may change often.

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

What is the best memory foam mattress?

Based on our testing, the Nectar Memory Foam mattress is the best option for many, but it’s not necessarily the right choice for everyone. The best memory foam mattress is the one that fits your sleep preferences and needs, as well as your budget. 

Are memory foam mattresses good?

Memory foam mattresses can be a great option. The mattresses can help relieve pain and isolate motion.

How long do memory foam mattresses last?

Memory foam mattresses tend to last about 10 years, but factors like the quality of the materials used in the mattress, the sleeper’s body weight, how often the mattress is used, and whether it’s cared for and regularly rotated will all affect its lifespan. 

How do you clean a memory foam mattress?

To clean a memory foam mattress, periodically remove the sheets and the cover (if the cover is removable) and thoroughly vacuum the mattress. Spot clean any stains and treat any odors by sprinkling baking soda over your mattress, leaving it to sit for 12 hours, and vacuuming it up. 

What size memory foam mattress is best?

It’s important to choose a memory foam mattress that’s large enough to give you plenty of space while sleeping, and to reduce the chance of you rolling off the bed’s edge while you sleep. Larger mattresses tend to be heavier, so you may need to plan for help getting your mattress into your home. Many mattress companies offer white glove delivery for an additional fee, so you don’t have to worry about moving and installing the mattress yourself. If you’re looking for a very large mattress, consider a split king, which arrives as two mattresses that you fit together. The split king design can make it easier to move your mattress as needed. 

Questions? Reach out to reviewsteam@ncoa.org.