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Sleep is the single best investment you can make for your health. If you’re not getting a good night’s sleep, you’re selling yourself short in so many areas of your life–fitness, productivity, happiness, and many more. That’s why making sure you have a great mattress is so important. When you set yourself up for a full night of deep sleep, you’re also setting yourself up for success in every aspect of your day.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best mattresses on the market today. We’ll explain why we’ve chosen these specific sleep surfaces, and help you figure out exactly what you want and need from your new bed. Read on to see which mattresses make the grade, and to learn which one is the best choice for you!

The scientists are making huge strides in explaining and understanding the importance of high-quality sleep. We know more than ever before about how sleep affects our overall well-being, and your mattress is the most important part of the quality of sleep that you achieve. Given that the average person ought to spend 8 hours a night on their mattresses, it is without a doubt the single most important piece of furniture in your home!

Best Mattress Reviews

These are our current recommendations for the most comfortable, supportive, and durable sleep surfaces

LUCID 10″ Hybrid Mattress

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This LUCID mattress is our budget recommendation to anyone who wants to get a great night’s sleep without breaking the budget. It’s simple, affordable, and a lot more comfortable than anything else for the price. Best of all, it’s not as short-lived as other cheap mattresses.

Pros:

It’s very affordable. This one’s half the price of the Sleep On Latex model we’ve recommended in our top slot. We think it’s a good choice for a guest bedroom, as well as for anyone who simply can’t afford to spend more at the moment.

It combines the comfort of memory foam with the cost savings of coils. The coils aren’t the crappy kind, either. They’re individually wrapped, which means that movement is isolated very well and the surface contours more precisely than old-school coil mattresses.

Between the structured coil base and the layers of comfort foam on the top, we think the LUCID is a stellar sleep surface for the price. It’s better than anything else in the budget range! It’s not quite as supportive as our other picks, and it may not be as comfortable for as long, but you don’t have to worry about cutting corners on your health just to save money.

Despite being so inexpensive, it’s not disposable. It’s covered by a 10-year warranty and has a respectable track record for long-term comfort.

Cons:

It’s not as long-lasting as the Tuft & Needle, and it pales in comparison to the Pure Green’s longevity. You’ll also end up with a shorter warranty. While our other recommendations cost more up front, they are better long-term investments.

It’s not as supportive as our more expensive picks, either. The Pure Green in particular does a better job at keeping your spine aligned over the long term. Foam/spring models like this one do tend to develop soft spots over time.

It’s also smellier. The bamboo charcoal and aloe materials are supposed to minimize odor, but we’ve found that they’re mostly a gimmick (just as they are on other models from competing manufacturers. The LUCID isn’t stinkier than other memory foam models, but it’s not better either.

Tuft & Needle Mattress

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The Tuft & Needle continues to be our recommendation to the average person, even a few years after it came to the market! There are tons of these “perfect mattress” companies these days, but Tuft & Needle still takes our crown for the most impressive “Everyman” mattress. It’s the best memory foam-type model out there, and it offers a tremendous value.

Pros:

It’s more supportive than the LUCID. The Tuft & Needle’s structured foam core and higher-quality comfort foams have a bit more strength to them, without losing adaptiveness. They do a better job cradling you so that pressure is relieved without letting your spine curve.

It’s also longer-lasting. The Tuft & Needle has an excellent track record for long-term durability. It lasts for years without developing soft spots or sags. As far as memory foam goes, this is as good as it gets!

Unlike most one-size-fits-all products, it does genuinely work for the vast majority of people. The medium-firm Tuft & Needle is good for both back and side sleepers, and the high-quality foams work well for heavy and lighter folks alike.

We especially like how well it cradles you. Unlike cheaper memory foams, you don’t just sink in. The top layers simply mold around your body, allowing your shoulders and hips to sink in slightly while propping up your midsection. The Tuft & Needle makes it easy for anyone to maintain spinal alignment at night! No more tossing and turning, either.

This updated version is even better than the original, and addresses the key criticisms we had of that model. It dissipates heat better, it doesn’t smell as bad out of the box, and it’s a little more adaptive without losing structure. Side sleepers in particular will love the updated model!

It’s backed by a nice, long warranty. You also get a very generous satisfaction guarantee period. Best of all, Tuft & Needle has a great reputation for customer service.

Cons:

It’s more expensive than the LUCID. Plan to spend $500+ for a queen-sized T&N.

It’s about as good as you can get with memory foam-type mattresses, but we think a latex foam sleep surface is a better choice if you can afford one. The Sleep On Latex model below is more supportive, even more durable, and much healthier for you and the planet.

Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress (Medium Firmness)

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This Pure Green model is our favorite mattress on the market right now. It’s exceptionally comfortable, extremely durable, and very reasonably-priced for something made entirely from natural latex. It costs more than our other picks, but we think it’s a stellar investment in your sleep quality and overall health.

Pros:

It’s simply a superb design. While old-school latex mattresses were just slabs of unforgiving rubber, this one takes the concept of memory foam and uses latex to make it even better. So, you end up with a sleep surface that’s adaptive without creating soft-spots or letting you sink in too far.

The combination of latex materials and a foam structure also allows you to get that adaptiveness in a mattress that doesn’t wear out quickly. Much as we love memory foam, it tends to soften after a few years and lose its ability to truly cradle. The Pure Green retains its springiness much longer. The extra springiness also makes it a lot easier to get out of and start your day!

There aren’t any synthetic foams or harmful adhesives in this one. There’s a noticeable odor when you first unpack it, but that’s just the smell of natural rubber. It dissipates quickly, and there aren’t harmful gases spewing into your home along the way.

That’s an advantage for anybody who cares about air quality and their health, but it’s especially important for parents who are trying to find a non-toxic sleep surface for their kids.

It’s also the more responsible choice from an environmental standpoint. Manufacturing a latex mattress like this uses renewable resources, and doesn’t rely on all the toxic chemicals and petroleum products used to make memory foam. Plus, since latex is much longer-lasting, you won’t have to buy a replacement as soon.

It’s expensive, but it’s a stellar investment. Latex mattresses regularly last twice as long as comparable foam or spring models. They also retain their springiness extremely well, while memory foam develops soft spots and loses responsiveness.

Cons:

Price is the one real downside with the Pure Green. This one can cost $750+, depending on the size you choose. It’s certainly not a casual purchase. Then again, we think it’s the best long-term value. And compared with brand-name all-natural models, it’s still relatively cheap!

There’s definitely a smell out of the box, even if it’s non-toxic. Natural latex has a distinct odor which dissipates fairly quickly. You’ll still want to let this one air out, though!

Conclusion

Which of these mattresses should you buy?

The LUCID is the obvious choice if you’re on a tight budget. It’s comfortable, affordable, and reasonably durable. However, if you can afford to spend more, you’ll end up with more support and better longevity from our other recommendations.

The Tuft & Needle is our recommendation to the average person. It’s a nice balance of value, comfort, and durability. We think it’s the best memory foam-type model on the market right now. If you’re not concerned about off-gassing, or simply don’t want to spend so much money on the Pure Green, this is as much as you need to spend!

Finally, the Pure Green is our recommendation to anyone who can afford it. There are simply so many reasons to recommend it over the competition: longevity, healthiness, comfort, and value. Even though it’s pricier than our other picks, it still offers superior quality for a fraction of the cost of mattress store brands. It’s the gold standard for health, and we think it’s the most comfortable and supportive option on the market. Add in stellar longevity, and you’ve got a slam-dunk! Just be sure you’re ready to invest a bit more.

Buying Guide

There are lots of things to think about as you shop for a new mattress. Here are a few areas to consider while you look through our recommendations:

Budget

Good mattresses don’t have to cost a fortune these days. In fact, as we’ve noted elsewhere, some of the priciest options on the market can actually be some of the most disappointing! You shouldn’t have to spend more than $1000 on your new mattress–even if you want to get something absolutely top-notch.

On the other hand, we don’t think you can find anything decent for less than $200. Below that point, you’ll be looking at stinky, unsupportive memory foam or rickety spring surfaces. Neither will give you a good night’s sleep, or any long-term value. Plan to spend at least $200 for something that will actually give you the comfort and longevity you deserve.

Our recommendations cost anywhere from $200 to $1000, depending on the size you choose. As you read through our reviews and compare our recommendations, be sure to think about your budget. Remember that a mattress is a long-term investment. While a latex model will cost more up front, it’ll be the smartest buy over the long haul. Likewise, while a spring or hybrid mattress can save you a lot of money up front, you’ll end up replacing it more quickly.

Comfort

Comfort is subjective, so you need to think about what it means to you! If you love a firm mattress, that’s what you’ll want to look for. If you love being cradled more deeply, go for something in the medium-firm or medium range. Think about whether you tend to sleep hot or not, too. If you do, you’ll probably want to avoid memory foams. Giving some thought to your own preferences up front will help you narrow down your options more easily.

Support

Unlike comfort, support is not subjective. Proper spinal alignment looks the same for everybody, so it’s important not to get too carried away by your own preferences. You may love a plush sleep surface, but if you get something that’s too soft, your spine will curve out of alignment and cause you long-term problems. Likewise, if you take things too far in the opposite direction, you’ll end up with something that’s too hard to relieve pressure points. That’s a recipe for hip and shoulder pain, plus spinal problems.

So, make sure that anything you buy has a mix of structure and padding. We don’t recommend any soft mattresses, and we think that only lighter back-sleepers should be choosing firm models. Medium-firm tends to be the best choice for most people. If you’ve got a larger frame and sleep on your side, you might consider a medium model. Just be sure that you’re not allowing for any spinal curvature in the middle of your back!

The Worst Mattress Choices

As well as focusing on the absolute best options, it’s important to know which ones you should absolutely not consider under any circumstances! As always, run screaming when you see flyers advertising $99 mattresses. If these are traditional inner spring mattresses, they will be made with a series of interconnecting springs that bend, break and rust right off the bat. That’s why we don’t recommend them here.

Not only do these mattresses offer a short life span (as the springs break and start protruding to the filler material), they offer an uncomfortable sleep with a lack of support. These no name and store branded mattresses are filled with compressed fabric that harbor dust, mites and bugs. Rusting springs and shredding fabrics are not healthy sleeping platforms, either!

Don’t just avoid cheap spring options, though! Suspiciously cheap foam mattresses can be just as bad–or worse!

Since many discount mattress retailers want to get in on the memory foam band party, they’re now flogging “memory foam” products for way, way less than even the cheapest models we recommend. Stay away!

Not all memory foam is created equal. Mattress foam is often made with harmful chemicals, which off-gas into your air over the life of the mattress. By filling the bedroom with toxic chemicals and noxious fumes, they poison you and your family night after night. This is not a healthy way to sleep. So, avoid foam mattresses with unrecognizable brand names and that lack certification for the contents of the foam.

Mattresses to avoid include:

Discount Mattress Warehouses that sell mattresses branded with their name

Big Box Store Mattresses with unrecognized brands

Foam mattresses without certified compound statements

Foam Mattresses with unknown origins or produced in countries with unregulated standards of production

It might surprise you, but some of the worst rated mattress by consumers are the old stalwart brand names of the sleep mattress industry. Names like Sleely, Posturpedic, Sealy, and Beauty Rest are consistently some of the lowest rated mattresses by consumers who purchased them.

These companies have poured a fortune into advertising to convince the public that they are the leaders in the sleep industry. While they have been advertising, startup mattress companies have been researching and engineering innovations in sleeping platforms.

Worst Beds

Sealy Optimum – Memory Foam – Blended Dunlop Over Foam Serta comfort – Memory Foam – Poor Owner Satisfaction rating Stearns and Foster Inner Spring – Poorly rated by owners for comfort Denver Mattress – Inner Spring – High Customer Dissatisfaction rating

Best Mattresses: By Sleep Position

Side sleepers

Side sleepers should look for a mattress that offers plenty of support, but with more cradling. Sleeping on your side puts pressure on your hips and shoulders, which can throw your spine out of alignment. A medium-firm mattress that will contour to the body is the best choice for a side sleeper. Firm options don’t allow for the shoulders and hips to sink in enough, and soft models simply collapse and leave your spine curved. Our current top pick for side sleepers is the medium version of the Pure Green.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers should look for a medium firm or firm mattress. Back sleepers need support, with less cradling than you’d want for a side sleeper. That’s because the shoulders and hips don’t need to sink as far in. A few nights of sleeping on your back on a mattress that is too soft is sure to produce days of back pain, since your torso won’t be properly held up. We have highlighted a few medium-firm and firm mattresses in our Best of 2019 Mattress picks above, including the Tuft & Needle, which is ideal for back sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers will want to look for the same things as back sleepers: plenty of firmness with just enough cradling to relieve pressure points. As with back sleepers, stomach sleepers will find that too soft a mattress will cause their torso to curve out of alignment. Our top quality pick, the Sleep On Latex, is a firm mattress that would suit a stomach sleeper perfectly.

Mattress for Children

The comfort of a foam mattress is unsurpass children. The downside of form mattresses for children is that they cannot be soiled with liquids. If you are considering the comfort of a foam mattress for children, a waterproof cover is an essential part of the purchase.

When a foam mattress is soiled by a wet spill it will seep deep into the mattress and will be nearly impossible to thoroughly clean and sanitize. As most children sleep in twin beds, one of our Best of 2019 Mattress picks, Arctic Dreams Twin Size 10″ Cooling Gel Mattress Twin Size is an excellent choice for older children who are beyond the bed wetting stage.

Mattress for Babies

When choosing a mattress for babies, firmness is the key. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) raises concern that a too soft mattress may be a contributing factor. It is best to err on the side of caution and consider a firm mattress for cribs that are made from chemical free materials and preferably are organic.

When a baby becomes a toddler, the single bed is often the next step. A regular size twin bed is the next option; however, you might want to consider that as the child grows you will need to upgrade to a larger mattress.

The later teen years may require a twin XL or full-size mattress. A medium firm mattress is recommended by the medical profession to add support to growing spines while sleeping.

When buying a mattress for an older child with sleep patterns already ingrained, their input of the softness or firmness of the mattress should be considered.

Remember that a too soft bed may hinder proper spine alignment. As with infants, the quality of the materials is of utmost importance. Choose chemical free, allergen free, organic materials for the best sleep for toddlers into their teen years.

Mattresses for Medical Considerations

Backpain

This issue is one of the most common complaints as aging takes hold. Some people who live with back pain may only get relief at night when sleeping, others may be exasperated trying to sleep. The mattress is an essential element of a good night sleep when hampered with back pain. Medical Professionals recommend support while sleeping. When mattress shopping, firmer doesn’t always equal support. A too firm mattress may put undue stress on pressure points which will cause more pain. A medium Firm Mattress with cooling properties, such as that offered by gel foam mattresses may be an appropriate choice for back pain sufferers.

Scoliosis

This condition is commonly diagnosed in teenagers, and it is thought that sleeping habits contribute to this condition. In the past a medium firm innerspring mattress was the option; now however, high destiny medium firm foam mattresses are available that provide support and comfort. Hybrid mattresses provide both the support of inner spring construction with the softness, cooling and comfort of a foam mattress.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disease that is characterized by extreme fatigue, insomnia and constantly feeling tired and drained. Doctors recommend that patients exercise, take their medications as prescribed and have a proper mattress for sleeping.

Relief on pressure points is a crucial factor when choosing a mattress for those suffering the effects of fibromyalgia. A medium memory foam mattress may be the best choice for fibromyalgia sufferers, it can provide enough support while contouring to the body, relieving undue pressure on joints and muscles.

Arthritis

This is an ongoing medical condition accompanied by joint stiffness, pain and swelling. Most of the symptoms of arthritis are more prevalent when trying to get comfortable for a night’s sleep. For back sleepers suffering from arthritis, a hybrid firm foam mattress may be the best choice, offering firm support with a bit of give to cradle joints. For anthric side sleepers a medium soft mattress made with a high-end foam might be the proper choice for cradling aching joints.

Neck Pain

It can either be an occasional occurrence or a chronic condition. Neck pain is often the result of the wrong pillows, but it could also be caused by a mattress that is not offering the proper neck and spine support. If your neck pain is more than occasionally, a change of mattress firmness may be in order. Without enough support, and the proper pillow height, neck pain can be every morning occurrence. Consider a medium firm foam mattress to offer spinal support with a bit of cradling.

Hip pain

Can have many causes, one can be sleeping on your side without a contouring mattress. After your doctor has ruled out other causes, it might be time to dispose of the traditional inner spring mattress which does not contour to your body.

Snoring

This one is annoying to others, it is also an unhealthy condition that can be caused by other respiratory problems. Elevating your head while sleeping may be a simple solution that leads to a more open airway. Using thicker pillow to raise your head can lead to neck and back pain.

Enter the Sleep number segment of the mattress industry. Sleep number technology allows beds to be elevated without raising the head with pillow that cause neck and back pain. When choosing a Sleep Number type bed, the mattress type is still a consideration.

The available mattress options with sleep number type beds include medium, medium firm and firm. The material choices are hybrid and foam, choices should be made based on all considerations that go along with snoring relief.

What’s Next

Now that you’ve finished reading this guide, you’re all set to choose your new dream mattress! You can learn more about any of the products we’ve recommended here by clicking on the links in our reviews. You can also visit our homepage for lots more reviews, recommendations, and lifestyle tips. Sweet dreams!

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