Best Mattress Brands

You spend roughly one-third of your life in bed, so it's important to find a quality mattress that fits your needs and lets you get good rest. However, with dozens of mattress brands on the market, it can be hard to determine which product is right for your sleep style (and budget).

Many mattress brands run frequent promotions that can save you hundreds of dollars.

Take a few minutes to compare a few mattress brands before making a purchase. We’ve gathered info on costs, trial periods, warranties and reviews below.

• Top-rated overall: Saatva Mattress
• Our picks for stomach sleepers: Luma Sleep and Leesa
• Our picks for side sleepers: Tuft & Needle and Helix Mattress
• Our pick for back pain: Craftmatic Adjustable Beds
• Our picks for couples: Nest Bedding and Sealy
• Our pick for allergies: Zenhaven
• Our pick for sweaty sleepers: Cocoon by Sealy

Compare our mattress picks

Below, compare our favorite options from some of our top-rated mattress brands.

*For a queen-size mattress, as of publishing date.

*For a queen-size mattress, as of publishing date.

As of publishing, Saatva is the top-rated mattress company on our site. It offers hybrid, memory foam and specialty mattresses. It’s “a slice of heaven,” according to a reviewer in New York. “I never dreamed I could sleep so much better,” another reviewer in Georgia said. “It's cool, it's comfortable, it makes me want to go to bed!”

On the downside, some recent reviews refer to shipping delays (likely caused by COVID-19 supply chain issues). For more info, compare Saatva vs. Casper.

Our picks for stomach sleepers

Sleeping on your stomach can put extra strain on your body, so look for a firm, supportive mattress to ensure proper alignment and pressure relief.

*For a queen-size mattress, as of publishing date.

Luma Sleep offers hybrid latex mattresses at varying firmness levels. Layers consist of foam, latex and coils, but the number of layers and their proportions differ by model. A reviewer in Arizona got one because they wanted an organic mattress, saying, “It's lovely and it doesn't smell bad. There's no off gap thing and it's very soft. I love it.”

*For a queen-size mattress, as of publishing date.

Leesa offers memory foam and hybrid mattresses, all of which are medium-firm designs. While some stomach sleepers may want a firmer mattress, others might find a medium-firm mattress more comfortable for them or their partners.

Happy Leesa reviewers say their mattresses are comfortable and affordable. However, Leesa doesn’t offer as many cooling features as some other memory foam models do.

Still not sure? Check out four more mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Our picks for side sleepers

If you’re a side sleeper, look for a softer mattress that allows your hip and shoulder to sink in for proper spinal alignment. Memory foam mattresses can be good for this, but medium-soft or medium innerspring mattresses can also work well for side sleepers.

Softer mattresses aren’t recommended for most people because they don’t provide enough support for other sleeping positions, though.

*For a queen-size mattress, as of publishing date.

Tuft & Needle offers three models, but its Mint Mattress is its best option for side sleepers because it’s the softest in the company’s lineup. The Mint Mattress is an all-foam design with cooling gel to help people that tend to sleep hot. However, this model is more expensive than Tuft & Needle’s other options, coming in at $1,195 for a queen-size model before any discounts.

*For a queen-size mattress, as of publishing date.

Helix offers a wide range of mattress models, and each Helix mattress features individually pocketed coils to cradle your shoulders, spine and hips. Upgrades in its Helix Luxe line include zoned lumbar support, a breathable Tencel cover and additional comfort layers. Luxe models start at $1,949, and the Sunset Luxe model is the brand’s recommendation for side sleepers.

“Unboxing was straightforward, you slide it out of the box, align it with your base and cut open the plastic. It pops open and comes to life as soon as you cut the plastic,” according to a reviewer in New Jersey. Other mattress reviews say Helix is a great value for the money. However, a few reviews mention that its customer service could improve.

Still aren’t sure? Check out more of our mattress picks for side sleepers.

Our pick for back pain

If you have chronic back pain, finding the right mattress is critical. Firm mattresses provide good support for those with back problems. However, sometimes a mattress that is too firm can irritate joint pain. Depending on your sleeping position, you might consider medium-firm support, too.

Craftmatic primarily makes adjustable beds. Mattresses for its Model I and Legacy models come in four firmness levels, but Luxury Firm may be the right option for people with back pain.

One reviewer in Florida said it’s “especially good if you or your significant other have any health issues. For back sufferers or breathing issues, this bed is perfect.” However, there are a few reviews that mention delivery delays.

Still not sure? Check out our other picks for the top mattresses for back pain.

Our picks for couples

If you sleep with a partner, consider a mattress that reduces motion transfer. This means the mattress won’t move as much if your partner gets up or moves during the night.

Memory foam mattresses are often a good choice for couples because of their superior motion isolation. If you’re set on an innerspring mattress, look for one with motion-reducing coils, though.

*For a queen-size mattress, as of publishing date.

Nest Bedding offers a variety of mattresses with different constructions, but its Love & Sleep mattress is our recommendation for couples. Designed with a SmartFlow Air Flow layer of foam for cooling, it’s a good option for both hot sleepers and side sleepers. It’s also made in the United States, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Overall, most reviewers seem pleased with Nest Bedding. However, a few reviews mention that the mattresses are not true to size by an inch or two.

*For a queen-size mattress, as of publishing date.

Sealy has several mattresses with varying features, but its top-of-the-line Posturepedic Plus Spring III is an innerspring mattress with motion-absorbing coils. This makes it a good option for couples who want to minimize motion but don’t like memory foam. However, this product line is expensive, with queen-size Posturepedic Plus mattresses starting at $1,099.

Reviewers are often enthusiastic about Sealy. “My wife and I are ‘old folks’ and really enjoy a good night's sleep (it's one of a few pleasures left). We need to rest and quiet all the aches and pains,” a reviewer in California said. “Nobody could go wrong buying this mattress, you'll never regret it.”

Our pick for hypoallergenic mattresses

Latex is naturally allergen-free and resistant to dust mites and mold, which makes latex mattresses a good choice for those struggling with indoor allergies.

*For a queen-size mattress, as of publishing date.

The Zenhaven mattress from Saatva is made from natural, eco-friendly materials. These materials also mean it’s hypoallergenic. Another nice feature is that it's flippable, giving you two distinct comfort options.

However, it’s relatively expensive, and a reviewer in California said the mattress is too heavy, which makes it difficult for them to replace the bed skirt.

Our picks for people who overheat

If you find yourself kicking off the covers in the middle of the night, look for a mattress that doesn’t retain heat.

Innerspring mattresses tend to be temperature neutral, so they can be a good choice when paired with a cooling pillow or a ceiling fan. Also, gel foam mattresses have cooling properties that make them a good alternative to traditional memory foam mattresses, which are known to sleep hot.

*For a queen-size mattress, as of publishing date.

We’ve already covered another option from Sealy, but its Cocoon Chill Memory Foam Mattress is a good choice for hot sleepers who like a medium firmness. Although it doesn’t actually have a gel layer, it includes a cover with a proprietary “Phase Change Material” that absorbs and dissipates heat.

Still not sure? Read our guide on cooling mattresses for hot sleepers.

Mattresses come in a variety of different sizes, styles and materials, and each has its own pros and cons.

» MORE: Mattress statistics

Mattresses are frequently described in terms of their firmness (often on a scale of one to 10), so understanding what this means and how it impacts your sleep helps you narrow down which mattress is right for you.

• Soft mattresses: A soft mattress ranks between one and two on the 10-point mattress firmness scale, which means sleepers often feel as though they’re sinking into the bed. Soft mattresses are often recommended for side sleepers because they allow people’s hips and shoulders to align with the rest of their bodies. However, soft mattresses can trigger back pain in some individuals, including stomach sleepers and heavier people. A medium-soft mattress (three to four on the firmness scale) may be a better option for these kinds of sleepers.
• Medium mattresses: Sometimes referred to as universal comfort mattresses, medium mattresses (including medium-soft and medium-firm models) rank between three and seven on the firmness scale. These are a popular choice for all types of sleepers because they combine plush comfort with decent support. A medium-firm mattress is a great choice for couples.
• Firm mattresses: Ranging from six to ten on the firmness scale, firm mattresses allow sleepers to rest on top of their mattresses with little to no sinking in. Firm mattresses are recommended for stomach sleepers and heavier individuals.

To find your ideal mattress firmness, consider your preferred sleeping position, body weight, physical condition and whether you share the bed with a partner.

For instance, while a firmer mattress is often recommended for people who suffer from back pain, those who suffer from arthritis, inflammation or other joint issues may find that firm mattresses create too much pressure and actually make their pain worse. However, a mattress that is too soft can cause improper spinal alignment.

Ideally, people suffering from joint issues should find a mattress somewhere in the middle that strikes a balance between comfort and support.

The average cost of a mattress is around $1,000 (for a queen-size model). Keep in mind that prices vary significantly depending on the mattress’s brand, size and type, so a queen mattress can cost anywhere from less than $500 to more than $5,000. No matter what size mattress you’re buying, there are ways to make the mattress-buying process more affordable, though.

Average prices by mattress size

Based on innerspring designs

Average price by mattress type

Based on queen mattresses

Once you have an idea of what type of mattress you want, it’s time to go shopping. Here are some tips to make sure your purchase ends up being the right one.

1. Test it out: The only way to know if you like a mattress is to lie on it. Don’t just lie down and jump back up, either. Be sure to test the mattress in the position you typically sleep in, particularly if you are a side sleeper, and stay in the position for a few minutes. If you have a partner, be sure to bring them along to get an idea of how the mattress handles motion transfer.
2. Look for a generous trial period: It can take several weeks to fully adjust to a mattress. That’s why many companies offer extended trial periods. Some brands, particularly those who sell their mattresses exclusively online, offer 90- to 100-night sleep trials. A longer trial period takes some of the fear out of buying a mattress because you can change your mind and try something else if needed. Just make sure you know the trial rules for each brand.
3. Try more than one: Compare and contrast different styles and levels of firmness if you have the chance. However, trying too many mattresses can be confusing and ultimately muddle your experience. Try two to three models in the type you’re leaning toward, and add in one more you might not have considered just for context.
4. Negotiate the price: Salespeople know you have nearly endless options when buying a mattress. Like when buying a car, this means they may be willing to offer a discount or rebate, and they may even upgrade you to a nicer mattress for the same price as a less expensive model. Don’t push too hard, though; not all brands are willing to negotiate.
5. Ask about the warranty: Like any major purchase, mattresses often come with a warranty. Some warranties even extend well beyond the typical lifespan of a mattress. It’s worth finding out what might void the warranty, though.
6. Check the thickness and layers: Most mattresses range between 8 to 12 inches thick and usually include two to five layers. The top layers deliver the comfort and cooling properties, while the bottom layers provide the foundation and compression support. In good mattresses, the foundation should be at least half of the mattress’s thickness. Each layer should be at least 2 inches thick. Increased padding often indicates a higher-quality bed; plus, the thicker the mattress, the longer it typically lasts.

A longer trial period takes some of the fear out of buying a mattress because you can change your mind and try something else if needed.”

Tips for buying a mattress online

There are pros and cons to buying a mattress in-store versus buying online. You may be able to get a better deal online, but you can only test a mattress before you buy it by visiting a store or showroom in person. However, most online mattress brands offer a decent in-home trial period to help give customers confidence in their purchase.

Buying a mattress online is a fairly simple process. You just need to know the style of mattress you want in advance. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Determine the type of mattress you want
2. Set a budget
3. Read customer reviews
4. Look for brands that offer generous in-home trial periods
5. Select a mattress that offers a minimum 10-year warranty