A good night's sleep can be hard to come by, from day-to-day stressors keeping you up at night to those aches and pains that seem to never go away. You've probably heard that you should be getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night, according to the Center for Disease Control. One thing that might be affecting your REM cycle is what you sleep on; experts tell us that a huge factor in getting much-needed rest is your actual sleep environment, which includes your mattress.
Finding a good mattress can seem like a project, and it’s a big commitment. So, how do you know which mattress will be best for you? Harvard Medical School Associate Professor and sleep expert, Dr. Rebecca Robbins, tells us that there is "no one-size-fits-all" when it comes to choosing a mattress and suggests spending time trying different ones, because you will spend one-third of your life on a mattress ... yes, one-third.
"A mattress is a very personal decision, and we all have different preferences for a plush or firm surface," says Robbins. "In addition, a key consideration when purchasing a new mattress is finding a mattress that can support you in the position you prefer most for sleeping."
Keep reading to learn everything you need and more to pick the perfect mattress.
What to look for in a mattress
Sleep style
The first thing you want to consider is your sleep style (i.e. if you’re a side, back or stomach sleeper). And while there’s no correct way to sleep, the Sleep Foundation says side sleeping is the most common position. If you are one of the many side sleepers, our experts say you’ll want to find a mattress that supports your head, neck and spine.
But that goes for other sleep positions, too; feeling properly supported is key. New York-based chiropractor Dr. Jan Lefkowitz says overall proper support means less strain on your spine (and less trips to your chiropractor!). “I generally recommend hybrid mattresses which are a combination of innerspring with memory foam or latex. This combination tends to be a good compromise to keep the majority of people comfortable in terms of reducing motion transfer, improving air flow, spinal support and comfort,” he says.
If you are a stomach or back sleeper, Robbins suggests opting for a firmer surface for optimal spinal support. “A surface too plush may bring your spine out of alignment,” she says.
Couple sleeping
Sleeping with a partner is something else to consider when looking for a mattress, especially if their movement wakes you up at night. “Generally I don’t recommend innerspring mattresses as they don’t contour to your body and they tend to sag and wear out. They are also much more bouncy so if you sleep with a partner and they roll over it will likely disrupt your sleep,” says Lefkowitz.
He also mentions that you’ll want to look for “reduced motion transfer,” which is a feature found in newer mattresses. Lefkowitz says this is beneficial in limited movement if your partner changes positions and wakes you up at night.
Airflow
Robbins tells us you’ll also want to take into account your “thermal neutral zone” and how hot or cold your sleep environment is, since she says your body is unable to regulate your temperature during certain sleep stages. She explains that this can ultimately lead to sleep disruptions and you’ll want to find a mattress that offers airflow.
“Ideally, you want to find a mattress that dissipates heat and promotes airflow during sleep. Springs can accomplish this, as springs provide support but also allow for air to flow, then a topper of your choice,” says Robbins.
How often should you replace your mattress?
According to Sleep Foundation, the average mattress should last for six to eight years. Whether you’re approaching that time frame or not, Robbins says if you’re experiencing neck pains from your current mattress, or notice that it has indentations or sags, it may be time to get a new one.
Lefkowitz shares similar insights and also notes that heavier bodyweight can make the mattress lose support more quickly. He also mentions that if you’re suffering from allergies and asthma, it might be an indication that your old mattress has collected dust mites and other allergens, and a new one could alleviate that.
Benefits of a new mattress
A good mattress is one of the best investments you can make for your overall health. And as Robbin’s mentioned above, you will be (and should be) spending one-third of your life on one, and you’ll want to find one “that you look forward to getting into every night.”
“Deep, uninterrupted sleep has a positive effect on your immune system, your metabolism, your level of inflammation, your ability to heal from injuries and even your mental health,” Lefkowitz adds.
Mattresses on sale
Best affordable mattress: Zinus 12-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
- Easy to set up
- "Cloud-like" feel for medium
- Could have a "sink" feeling
Mattress type: Memory foam | Height: 12 inches | Firmness level: Medium | Sizes available: Twin — California King | Warranty: 10 year
Associate editor Kamari Stewart says this memory foam mattress “is a dream to sleep in” and even though it’s meant to be “slightly firm,” she says it still feels like she’s sinking into a cloud.
According to the brand, the mattress is designed with three layers of foam, which includes a dense support foam base for spinal alignment. It also delivers in a box, which Stewart says she was able to manage and assemble on her own.
Best pillow-top mattress: Sealy Posturpedic Soft Euro Pillow Top Mattress
- Can use with adjustable frame
- No sinking feeling
- Might be too soft for some
- Delicate fabric
Mattress type: Innerspring | Height: 14 inches | Firmness level: Plush | Sizes available: Twin XL — California King | Trial length: 180 nights | Warranty: 5 years at additional cost
Writer Jannely Espinal says this mattress “changed her life.”
“I love this mattress so much! I bought an adjustable frame along with it and has improved my sleeping patterns. So, if you’re someone who can’t lay down fully, this mattress is the solution — especially for people with acid reflux,” she says.
According to the brand, the mattress features heavy-duty innersprings to reduce movement, which is ideal if you sleep with a partner. Espinal likes the soft pillow top and says it has the “perfect in-between cloud-like feel and rigidness” for her body. She also notes it has maintained its shape and comfort level through the past two years.
Best mattress for stomach sleepers: Tuft & Needle Essential Original Mattress
- Supportive for tummy sleepers
- Cooling technology
- Has reduce motion transfer
- Ships in box, needs to inflate
- Only one firmness level
Mattress type: Memory foam | Height: 9.5 inches | Firmness level: Firm | Sizes available: Twin XL — California King Trial length: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
According to the brand, this firm mattress is made for back and stomach sleepers, and commerce writer (and stomach sleeper) Danielle Murphy says it’s been really supportive for the sleep style.
“I’ve had this mattress for maybe six years, and it’s still so incredibly comfortable. It’s made with a cozy adaptive foam, which is meant to accommodate back and stomach sleepers (I fall into the latter category),” says Murphy. “I convinced my sister and her husband to order one, and they love it too.”
Best bed-in-a-box mattress: Cocoon by Sealy The Chill Mattress
- Good for partner sleeping
- Good for hot sleepers
- Comes in memory foam or hybrid
- Needs time to inflate
- Only one firmness level
Mattress type: Memory foam and Hybrid | Height: 10 — 12 inches | Firmness level: Medium | Sizes available: Twin XL — California King | Trial length: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Reviewers are impressed with how comfortable this mattress is, which comes in memory foam or hybrid. The brand calls the firmness level “happy medium.” And while it comes in a box, reviewers say it “fluffed up nicely” and didn’t have a chemical smell or any odors, as some bed-in-a-box options do.
Best memory foam mattress: Casper Original Mattress
- Good for pressure relief
- Designed to be cooling
- Only one firmness level
Mattress type: Memory foam | Height: 11 inches | Firmness level: Medium firm | Sizes available: Twin XL — California King Trial length: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Memory foam mattresses have become more and more popular, and that might be because of both comfortability and ease of delivery. This option from Casper checks all the boxes for support and ease, according to reviewers.
One reviewer said they ended up repurchasing it after needing to upgrade to a king: “Great support and just firm enough, while also allowing some cushion. We sleep on our backs and also sides. This works great!,” they wrote.
Best cooling mattress: Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress
- ActiveCool HD techonology
- Breathable layers
- Good for all sleep types
- One firmness level option
Mattress type: Hybrid, option for memory foam | Height: 13 inches | Firmness level: Medium firm | Sizes available: Twin XL — Split King | Trial length: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
This mattress is designed with a “breathable cooling cover” that’s meant help wick away body heat. And since it’s a hybrid mattress, the inner coils help provide airflow. Many reviewers say they’ve been able to sleep in multiple positions, and after suffering from restless nights, they’ve been able to sleep soundly on this option.
Best hybrid mattress: Leesa Original Hybrid Mattress
- Supports many sleep positions
- Designed with airflow
- Difficult to clean
Mattress type: Hybrid | Height: 11 inches | Firmness level: Medium — medium firm | Sizes available: Twin XL — California King Trial length: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Senior editor Jess Bender says she has had this mattress for over seven years, and her sleep has been just as comfortable from day one.
“Its biggest selling point for me, as somebody who tends to move into different positions — from the side to my back and repeat — when I sleep, is that the top layer easily conforms to and supports whatever position I’m in anywhere on the mattress (which is surprising considering how firm it is),” says Bender. “It also doesn’t absorb that much body heat, which is a huge plus during the summer when my home starts to become sauna levels of hot.”
Best luxury bed-in-a-box mattress: Puffy Lux Mattress
- Ideal for all sleep types
- Cooling technology
- Delivers in a box
- One firmness level
Mattress type: Hybrid | Height: 12 inches | Firmness level: Medium | Sizes available: Twin XL — Split King | Trial length: 101 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Offered at nearly 50% off right now, commerce editor Vivien Moon has nothing but amazing things to say about her Puffy mattress.
“I have been actually able to sleep comfortably every night,” Moon says. “It was so easy to remove from the box and has been the right mix of plush and firm, so my back and neck are always in alignment.
Best latex mattress: Nolah Natural 11-Inch Mattress
- Hypoallergenic fabrics
- Good for side sleepers
- Only one firmness level
- Ships in box, needs to inflate
Mattress type: Latex Hybrid | Height: 11 inches | Firmness level: Firm | Sizes available: Twin XL — Split King Trial length: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime-limited
If you’re looking for a a sustainable and hypoallergenic mattress, a latex option might be for you. In addition to latex, which is meant to provide cooling pressure relief, this option from Nolah is made of organic cotton and wool, says the brand. It’s also won multiple sleep awards for being a great option for those suffering from allergies.
Best mattress for back sleepers: The WinkBed
- Many firmness options
- Users say good for back pain
- Lifetime warranty
- Ships in box, needs to inflate
Mattress type: Hybrid | Height: 13.5 inches | Firmness level: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer and Plus | Sizes available: Twin XL — California King | Trial length: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
This multi-award winning mattress comes in four different firmness levels, so there’s an option for every firmness preference. Reviewers say they felt amazing lumbar support and relief from back pain. According to the brand, it features ample airflow for hot sleepers and “reduce motion transfer” technology, so you can sleep soundly with a restless partner.
Best for customization: Naturepedic EOS Classic Organic Customizable Mattress
- Can customize each side
- Good for all sleep types
- Organic materials
- Zips opens to change filling
Mattress type: Hybrid | Height: 12-inches | Firmness level: Plush, medium, cushion-firm, firm and extra firm | Sizes available: Twin XL — California King | Trial length: 100 nights | Warranty: 25 years
I [Garlin] have spent a weekend on a Naturepedic mattress and I’ve never seen or felt a mattress like it before. It’s completely customizable for each side, which is great if you and your partner have different sleeping types and preferences.
The brand allows you to choose from five firmness options: Plush, medium, cushion-firm, firm and extra firm. I love a soft, cloud-like bed and the plush was comfortable while still offering support for my side sleeping style. Plus, the brand uses 100% certified organic materials.
More editor-approved mattresses
Best innovative mattress: Purple Mattress
- Users say grid layer is comfy
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Only one firmness level
Mattress type: Memory foam | Height: 9.25 inches | Firmness level: Medium firm | Sizes available: Twin XL — Split King Trial length: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Purple mattresses are known for their patented GelFlex grid technology, which (similar to memory foam) is meant to “cradle the body” with support and breathability.
Production associate Audrey Ekman says she’s slept on a Purple mattress a few times and has it in her five-year plan to own one. “I am a notoriously bad sleeper — I typically struggle to fall asleep at night and tend to get overly hot and sweaty. But every night that I have slept on a Purple mattress, I’ve slept like a baby. The brand’s proprietary, cushy gel grid technology seemed strange at first, but don’t knock it ‘til you try it,” she says.
Best mattress for side sleepers: Helix Sunset Luxe
- Good for hot sleepers
- Support for side sleepers
- Soft and comfortable
- Heavy, two person job to move
Mattress type: Hybrid | Height: 16 inches | Firmness level: Soft, medium-firm, firm | Sizes available: Twin XL — California King | Trial length: 100 nights | Warranty: 15 years
Deputy editorial director Alexandra Deabler says that after researching “best mattresses for side sleepers” she came across this option and it lives up to the internet hype. According to the brand, the hybrid mattress features coils and memory foam to support the spine for side sleep positions.
“It has amazing lumbar support, you can feel it inflating under your back if you’re laying on your back” she says. She also notes that she purchased the thicker “luxe,” since she prefers a softer bed.
Bedding deals to shop
Utopia Bedding Queen Sheets Set
This microfiber sheet set has garnered over 130,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, which is pretty impressive. Many reviewers say the sheets are soft, comfortable and don't slip, thanks to the deep-pocket design.
Queen Pillow Top Mattress Topper
If a pillow top mattress is more your style, this mattress topper might be the luxury addition you were looking for. According to the brand, it's made with alternative-down filling, making it ideal for those with allergies and other sensitives.
Original Casper Pillow (Pack of 2)
The bestselling Original Casper Pillow has over 5,000 five-star ratings with many reviewers saying it offers great neck support and has the "perfect amount of thickness." You grab it now for 20% off!
Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter
Sleep hot? If so, let us introduce you to Rest. They design products to deliver a refreshing, transformative night’s sleep. This game-changing cooling comforter with a moisture-wicking fabric, ensures customers a night filled with a cool, dry and rejuvenating sleep experience, according to the brand. Sign us up ASAP!
Cozy Earth Bamboo Viscose Comforter
Espinal owns this comforter and she says "It's the perfect weight and level of coziness, I've experienced."
"While the comforter requires a duvet cover, I love its softness and mid-weight combination. It doesn't make me sweat and keeps me warm at night," she adds.
Frequently asked questions
Consumer Analyst at DealNews.com, Katie Roberts, says holidays such as Presidents Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day tend to be the best times of year to buy a mattress. In fact, she says Deal News listed more deals related to mattresses in February than any other month in 2023. While the discounts may not be as high as these three holidays, she does say mattresses will go on sale during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, too.
"Retailers tend to go all in on offering mattress sales around these holidays, and shoppers can expect to get up to $1,000 off or see discounts as high as 60% off," says Roberts.
"Buying a mattress in-store can be preferable because you can try out different models before you buy and have more freedom to negotiate a deal," Roberts said. "That being said, online mattress brands tend to boast sales of their own as well as extensive trial periods – think 100-plus nights – so you have plenty of time to figure out if you need to send the mattress back."
Mattresses range anywhere from $200 to $4,000, depending on the size, type and brand. According to our experts, you'll want to invest in a high-quality mattress that suits your sleep style and needs — and fits within your budget. That's why taking advantage of mattress sales could be a good idea when shopping for a high-quality option within your budget.
According to our experts and the Sleep Foundation, a mattress generally lasts between six to eight years. However, both experts say if you're experiencing pains or notice permanent indentations, it's time to upgrade to a new one.
According to retailers and our experts, a hybrid mattress features a combination of innerspring and memory foam, or latex. Lefkowitz says a hybrid mattress offers support for most sleep styles in terms of spinal support, airflow and comfort.
You'll want to check with the mattress manufacturer to see if it's designed to be flipped. If so, most mattress retailers suggest rotating a new memory foam, innerspring or latex mattress every six to 12 months.
How we chose
We selected the best mattresses based on sleep experts’ and consumer analyst insights, recommendations from a chiropractor and Shop TODAY editor tried-and-true picks. We also used these insights and chose mattresses based on brand information and shopper reviews.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Rebecca Robbins, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School and a sleep scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
- Dr. Jan Lefkowitz D.C. is a New York-based chiropractor and founder of Body in Balance.
- Katie Roberts is a consumer analyst at Dealnews.com.
