If you’re shopping for a mattress online, you may be struggling to decide which is the best one for you. There are a ton of options to choose from, and it’s not always easy to know which mattresses are truly the cream of the crop.
We’ve done the research and testing on thousands of mattresses, whittling them down to our favorites to simplify the process for you. Our team of mattress experts has years of experience directly testing these beds, and draws upon thorough background in different mattress construction, materials, and innovations. We also incorporate the experiences of a diverse group of sleepers on our testing team — as well as a battery of tests and technologies – to evaluate how different mattresses feel and perform for all different types of people.
The mattresses that we’ve selected here as the best in specific categories are the top picks based on their performance, construction, and value. Our guide kicks off with detailed information about our picks for the best mattresses of 2021 and then, for those who want to get into the ins-and-outs of the mattress buying process, covers the key topics that a savvy mattress shopper should be aware of.
Our best of 2021
Helix is an online “bed-in-a-box” brand that specializes in personalized comfort with a wide selection of hybrid mattresses, each one designed for people with specific body types, primary sleep positions, and firmness preferences. While each Helix model is suitable for certain individuals depending on their personal criteria, the Helix Midnight is a standout pick thanks to its balanced feel that combines pressure-relieving memory foam and sturdy coil support – all at a very reasonable price-point.
The first two layers of the Midnight are made with foam. The top layer is Helix’s Memory Plus Foam, which cradles pressure points while keeping a degree of responsiveness. The second layer is transition polyfoam that stops significant sinking into the mattress. Under this is a pocketed coil support core, which provides a sturdy foundation and a bit of “bounce” to the mattress, making it easier to move around on.
The Helix Midnight has a medium firm (6) feel, and with its blend of pressure relief and ease of movement on the mattress, it is a solid choice for people in many sleeping positions. It’s also a hit with combination sleepers who need to be able to smoothly switch their posture during the night. The Midnight is a good all-around bed that performed well most categories, including pressure relief, temperature control, and a edge support.
Customers can fill out a survey on the company’s website to determine which mattress best meets their needs, so this may be a good option if the Midnight sounds too soft or too firm. The sleep trial for the Midnight is 100 nights, and Helix backs the mattress with a 10-year warranty that covers defects in materials and manufacturing.
The Saatva Classic blends the superior support of traditional innersprings with the enhanced comfort and sophisticated features of a modern hybrid mattress. The result is a luxurious Euro-top design that alleviates pressure without sacrificing sturdiness or temperature regulation. Multiple firmness and thickness options also make the Classic an appealing choice for people across a wide range of body types and sleep positions.
The top of the Saatva mattress utilizes several types of foam, including specialty polyfoam as well as a memory foam pad under the lumbar area. These foams are quilted into the euro-style pillow-top made with smooth and breathable organic cotton.
Underneath the pillow top is a coil-on-coil interior design. The top layer of coils is four inches thick, and the coils are individually-wrapped to give them enhanced ability to tailor to the body and decrease motion transfer. The second coil layer forms the mattress support core, and it is either 4.5 or 7.5 inches depending on the model that you select. This layer uses hefty 13-gauge springs that are bolstered by a high-density foam encasement around the perimeter for better edge support.
In this mattress construction, the two coils layers create responsiveness and make it easy to move on the bed while also lightly contouring to the body for pressure point cushioning. Plenty of airflow through the coils keeps this mattress cool through the night.
Firmness options include soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8), allowing any customer to choose what best suits their preferences.
Installation plus haul-away of an old mattress, known as White Glove delivery, is included free of charge with each purchase. The mattress is also backed by a 180-night sleep trial (with a $99 return shipping fee) and a 15-year warranty.
The first two layers of the Midnight are made with foam. The top layer is Helix’s Memory Plus Foam, which cradles pressure points while keeping a degree of responsiveness. The second layer is transition polyfoam that stops significant sinking into the mattress. Under this is a pocketed coil support core, which provides a sturdy foundation and a bit of “bounce” to the mattress, making it easier to move around on.
The Helix Midnight has a medium firm (6) feel, and with its blend of pressure relief and ease of movement on the mattress, it is a solid choice for people in many sleeping positions. It’s also a hit with combination sleepers who need to be able to smoothly switch their posture during the night. The Midnight is a good all-around bed that performed well most categories, including pressure relief, temperature control, and a edge support.
Customers can fill out a survey on the company’s website to determine which mattress best meets their needs, so this may be a good option if the Midnight sounds too soft or too firm. The sleep trial for the Midnight is 100 nights, and Helix backs the mattress with a 10-year warranty that covers defects in materials and manufacturing.
The Nectar is a stellar example of a high-quality mattress that won’t break the bank. This all-foam mattress constructed from premium materials has earned strong ratings across performance categories such as pressure relief, motion isolation, and temperature control, yet it costs much less than the average memory foam model. Nectar Sleep also offers other perks to incentivize shoppers on a budget, such as a generous sleep trial and hassle-free warranty coverage for as long as you own the mattress.
The Nectar features a 3-inch comfort layer of memory foam over transitional and support layers made of denser polyfoam. Although the mattress feels very supportive, you’ll feel deep body-contouring from the first layer that can be likened to sleeping “in” – as opposed to sleeping “on” – the mattress. A quilted cover accentuates the comfortable design by creating a luxuriously plush feel on the surface.
The feel of the Nectar is medium firm (6), and with its conforming properties, this makes it a match with side sleepers of all sizes. Many back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds can also thrive on this mattress.
Nectar’s 365-night sleep trial, which is among the longest in the industry, and lifetime warranty are exclamation points on the value offered by this quality mattress that is available at a very accessible price point.
The first two layers of the Midnight are made with foam. The top layer is Helix’s Memory Plus Foam, which cradles pressure points while keeping a degree of responsiveness. The second layer is transition polyfoam that stops significant sinking into the mattress. Under this is a pocketed coil support core, which provides a sturdy foundation and a bit of “bounce” to the mattress, making it easier to move around on.
The Helix Midnight has a medium firm (6) feel, and with its blend of pressure relief and ease of movement on the mattress, it is a solid choice for people in many sleeping positions. It’s also a hit with combination sleepers who need to be able to smoothly switch their posture during the night. The Midnight is a good all-around bed that performed well most categories, including pressure relief, temperature control, and a edge support.
Customers can fill out a survey on the company’s website to determine which mattress best meets their needs, so this may be a good option if the Midnight sounds too soft or too firm. The sleep trial for the Midnight is 100 nights, and Helix backs the mattress with a 10-year warranty that covers defects in materials and manufacturing.
The ideal mattress for someone with back pain will be supportive enough to keep their body on an even plane but also conform closely enough to improve their alignment and alleviate pressure that builds up along the spine. Finding this balance can be difficult, which is why the WinkBed stands out from many of its competitors. This luxury hybrid is available in four different firmness levels, each with a slightly different design to accommodate certain body types.
These options include medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) feels with a coil-on-coil hybrid construction. An elegant Euro-top gives the mattress an initially plush feel when you get in and out of bed, but each firmness level provides varying degrees of contouring and support. This model-to-model versatility ensures most people can find a version of the WinkBed that alleviates their back pain regardless of how much they weigh.
All WinkBed mattresses contain layers of adaptive polyfoam to cushion the body and equally distribute weight near the surface. Each model also contains a support core of pocketed coils divided into different zones based on gauge and strength. Thicker coils wrap around the perimeter to limit sinkage and help you feel more stable sleeping close to the edges, while thinner interior coils offer adequate support without making the mattress feel too stiff.
The combined effect of the polyfoam, micro-coils, and full-size coils is a balanced and welcoming feel that puts customers in the lap of luxury. This set of features allows the mattress to isolate motion, stay cool, and facilitate sexual activity better than most hybrids on the market.
The Winkbed comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a dependable lifetime warranty.
The Nectar features a 3-inch comfort layer of memory foam over transitional and support layers made of denser polyfoam. Although the mattress feels very supportive, you’ll feel deep body-contouring from the first layer that can be likened to sleeping “in” – as opposed to sleeping “on” – the mattress. A quilted cover accentuates the comfortable design by creating a luxuriously plush feel on the surface.
The feel of the Nectar is medium firm (6), and with its conforming properties, this makes it a match with side sleepers of all sizes. Many back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds can also thrive on this mattress.
Nectar’s 365-night sleep trial, which is among the longest in the industry, and lifetime warranty are exclamation points on the value offered by this quality mattress that is available at a very accessible price point.
The first two layers of the Midnight are made with foam. The top layer is Helix’s Memory Plus Foam, which cradles pressure points while keeping a degree of responsiveness. The second layer is transition polyfoam that stops significant sinking into the mattress. Under this is a pocketed coil support core, which provides a sturdy foundation and a bit of “bounce” to the mattress, making it easier to move around on.
The Helix Midnight has a medium firm (6) feel, and with its blend of pressure relief and ease of movement on the mattress, it is a solid choice for people in many sleeping positions. It’s also a hit with combination sleepers who need to be able to smoothly switch their posture during the night. The Midnight is a good all-around bed that performed well most categories, including pressure relief, temperature control, and a edge support.
Customers can fill out a survey on the company’s website to determine which mattress best meets their needs, so this may be a good option if the Midnight sounds too soft or too firm. The sleep trial for the Midnight is 100 nights, and Helix backs the mattress with a 10-year warranty that covers defects in materials and manufacturing.
Hybrids are considered one of the best mattress types for hot sleepers, and this can be attributed to pocketed coil support cores that circulate air and help maintain a cool interior temperature. The DreamCloud takes this concept a bit further with a luxury cover made from blended cashmere, a material renowned for natural breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities.
Its construction utilizes multiple types of foam along with innerspring coils to deliver a potent blend of characteristics including sound conforming, bounce, motion isolation, and temperature control.
The DreamCloud starts with a layer of polyfoam quilted into the top of the bed’s cashmere blend cover. A two-tiered comfort system follows first with a layer of gel-infused memory foam. This layer keeps the body supported through modest cradling of heavier zones and pressure points. The next layer is a polyfoam that has slightly less contouring and more bounce, offering a welcome balance to the memory foam’s feel.
The support core is made with individually-wrapped coils that are set up into zones to better adapt to the body and how its weight is placed on the mattress. The springs shore up stability at the edge and create notable bounce that enhances ease of movement across the whole mattress surface. A low-profile layer of high-density polyfoam goes underneath the coils to fortify the mattress and limit noise from the coils.
A medium firm (6) feel can fit the needs of many sleepers and is often a top choice for side and back sleepers. The balanced performance serves most combination sleepers and couples as well.
The DreamCloud’s sleep trial lasts for a full year, giving customers 365 nights to truly see how well it works for them. Over the long haul, customers can rest easy knowing that they are covered by DreamCloud’s lifetime warranty.
These options include medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) feels with a coil-on-coil hybrid construction. An elegant Euro-top gives the mattress an initially plush feel when you get in and out of bed, but each firmness level provides varying degrees of contouring and support. This model-to-model versatility ensures most people can find a version of the WinkBed that alleviates their back pain regardless of how much they weigh.
All WinkBed mattresses contain layers of adaptive polyfoam to cushion the body and equally distribute weight near the surface. Each model also contains a support core of pocketed coils divided into different zones based on gauge and strength. Thicker coils wrap around the perimeter to limit sinkage and help you feel more stable sleeping close to the edges, while thinner interior coils offer adequate support without making the mattress feel too stiff.
The combined effect of the polyfoam, micro-coils, and full-size coils is a balanced and welcoming feel that puts customers in the lap of luxury. This set of features allows the mattress to isolate motion, stay cool, and facilitate sexual activity better than most hybrids on the market.
The Winkbed comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a dependable lifetime warranty.
The Nectar features a 3-inch comfort layer of memory foam over transitional and support layers made of denser polyfoam. Although the mattress feels very supportive, you’ll feel deep body-contouring from the first layer that can be likened to sleeping “in” – as opposed to sleeping “on” – the mattress. A quilted cover accentuates the comfortable design by creating a luxuriously plush feel on the surface.
The feel of the Nectar is medium firm (6), and with its conforming properties, this makes it a match with side sleepers of all sizes. Many back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds can also thrive on this mattress.
Nectar’s 365-night sleep trial, which is among the longest in the industry, and lifetime warranty are exclamation points on the value offered by this quality mattress that is available at a very accessible price point.
The first two layers of the Midnight are made with foam. The top layer is Helix’s Memory Plus Foam, which cradles pressure points while keeping a degree of responsiveness. The second layer is transition polyfoam that stops significant sinking into the mattress. Under this is a pocketed coil support core, which provides a sturdy foundation and a bit of “bounce” to the mattress, making it easier to move around on.
The Helix Midnight has a medium firm (6) feel, and with its blend of pressure relief and ease of movement on the mattress, it is a solid choice for people in many sleeping positions. It’s also a hit with combination sleepers who need to be able to smoothly switch their posture during the night. The Midnight is a good all-around bed that performed well most categories, including pressure relief, temperature control, and a edge support.
Customers can fill out a survey on the company’s website to determine which mattress best meets their needs, so this may be a good option if the Midnight sounds too soft or too firm. The sleep trial for the Midnight is 100 nights, and Helix backs the mattress with a 10-year warranty that covers defects in materials and manufacturing.
Why You Should Trust Us
Each member of our testing team brings years of experience and expertise with mattresses and other sleep products. We’ve personally tested hundreds of mattresses, evaluating them for a wide range of performance metrics that can affect your sleep experience. These metrics include durability, pressure relief, temperature control, edge support, and ease of movement. We drew from these evaluations to determine the mattresses chosen for each category.
Our hands-on testing involves testers not only physically lying on each mattress, but also changing positions and getting in and out of bed. We also use temperature sensors to test heating and cooling, and body-mapping tools for determining areas where people experience pressure points. Some mattresses earned favorable ratings across the board and others excelled in particular performance categories. Our top picks reflect the models that scored the highest in each of these categories. We will continue to update this page as mattresses are re-tested and new models are introduced.
Finding the Best Mattress For You
Defining the ideal mattress is extremely subjective. Every sleeper has their own idea of the perfect firmness level. Optimal support and bounce can depend on a person’s sleeping position and body weight. The right mattress can also vary based on whether someone shares a bed, whether they sleep hot, and of course, their budget.
Given all these factors, it’s impossible to say that there’s one single best mattress. For that reason, we’ve broken our top picks into individual categories so that you can find the best bets among specific mattress types and aspects of mattress performance.
For an in-depth look at how to choose a mattress, visit our guide here. We also have every piece of information you’d need when learning a mattresses in our mattress information section.
Also remember to contact us if you’d like a personalized mattress review from our product review staff.