I’ve tested dozens of mattresses for a week each (2024).
Honorable Mentions
There are a few mattresses we tested that don’t stand out as much but are decent and worth mentioning, in case you’re thinking about them.
Helix Sunset Elite for $2,811: Our top pick, Helix, also has an Elite collection that consists of seven mattresses along a spectrum of softness. This is the “tallest mattress online” at 16 inches. It comes in two boxes that are heavy enough to exceed FedEx’s requirements. The density of the foam in the top layer determines the firmness. This layer zips together to form a larger support structure. The mattress can be adjusted if you regret your purchase. The bottom section is made up of two layers of microcoils. Helix offers a 100-day trial period on all of its mattresses. Helix offers a 100-day trial period on all of its mattresses.
Wayfair Sleep 14-Inch Plush Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress for $400: This plush mattress has a top layer of cooling gel that conforms to your body for comfort and has classic pocket coils below for structure and support, with layers of memory foams with varying thickness surrounding the coils for extra support (the coils and memory foam mixture helps with low motion transfer, too). The knitted top cover and sides promote airflow and cooling. This mattress is great if you like a plusher mattress. It is compatible with adjustable beds, it has solid edge support and is Oeko-Tex and CertiPUR-US certified (which ensures that your mattress does not contain harmful toxins). The warranty is 10 years. This bed is super comfy if you like a more plush mattress.
Naturepedic EOS for $3,499: Think of this as an organic cousin to the Helix Elite above, as it’s also a big and sturdy mattress that comes disassembled in three boxes. Naturepedic EOS is an excellent (though expensive) option for those looking for a hybrid organic mattress that can be customized. After months of sleeping on medium mattresses, I wanted to try out a firm mattress to see how it slept. It was firm and the springs only began to soften three weeks later after my daughter, 9, jumped around a lot. The 100-night trial allows you to swap layers at no cost, so that you can find the perfect firmness. Note that it’s a heavy mattress thanks to the natural latex layer, but it’s sturdy enough that the company offers a 25-year limited warranty.
Mattresses to Avoid
There are some models you should avoid. These beds can be very affordable and, if you’re not picky, may feel good. The mattress may be good but not worth the price. The product is endorsed by former Italian soccer player Giorgio Chiellini, and Stefano Tonut who currently plays pro basketball for the Italian equivalent to the Boston Celtics. Magniflex does have an effect on the spine. However, I did not find it to be very comfortable. It’s important to note that I am not Martin Cizmar, who played pro soccer in Slovakia. The Magnistretch lasted just two nights before I gave up and moved on to the next mattress. The morning-after sensation was as if I’d slept on a hammock made of chainlink fence, and my lower back was left feeling weak and creaky–very possibly it was stretched, and if so, it turns out I don’t like having my back stretched.
- The Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed (5/10, WIRED Review) can be temperature-controlled, which is amazing. You can adjust the base to be comfortable while watching TV, sleeping, or reading. The price is too high, and sleep experts advise against using electronic devices before bedtime. However, the Sleep IQ App defies this advice. The
- Amazon basics mattresses use cheap foam which is not dense enough and causes too much sinkage.The
- Parachute eco comfort mattress doesn’t match its price. The Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress
- just doesn’t live up to its extravagant price.
