The best memory foam mattress 2024: 9 expert-tested beds
2024's best memory foam mattresses, ranked and rated by experts
The best memory foam mattresses excel when it comes to pressure relief as they adapt to your shape and cushion your joints, making them a good choice for side sleepers and people with aches and pains. In fact, most of our best mattress recommendations overall are made feature memory foam for body-cradling comfort.
The best memory foam beds come in a variety of support and firmness levels, so different memory foam mattresses suit different sleepers. Luckily, our certified sleep experts have tested a wide range of the best memory foam mattresses, and here we're listing the very best ones we've tried. We've also combined our test data with in-depth customer review research to curate this expert-led guide.
Our top pick for best memory foam mattress is the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress thanks to its great value for money and cushioning pressure relief. You'll also never have to pay full retail for this all-foam bed as there's a permanent discount. In fact, all our options span a range of price brackets and sleep needs, so you'll find the best memory foam mattress to suit your budget. Plus, with the Memorial Day mattress sales around the corner, you can expect to find even bigger savings.
Best memory foam mattress: The quick list
Best overall memory foam
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress takes the top spot in our guide for a number of reasons. Chief among these is value – it costs just $659 for a queen when on sale, which is a very competitive price rivaled only by the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam (#4). The Nectar Mattress is on the firmer side of medium-firm, making it the best choice for back and stomach sleepers who need to remain on top of the mattress to keep their spine comfortably aligned during sleep.
Best cheap memory foam
With prices from just $199, few memory foam mattresses can beat the Siena Sleep bed in terms of price alone. Perhaps Zinus and Linenspa would give it a run for its money, but the Siena performed better in our tests overall. That said, unless you have a very small budget to buy a new mattress for your main bed, we feel more confident recommending this as a great pick for guest bedroom use. It would also make a good kids and teens memory foam mattress, just like the Leesa Studio (#6).
Best for back pain support
Saatva makes three memory foam mattresses, and the Loom & Leaf is the best choice if you have back pain that worsens when you lie down to sleep; zoned support in the center third of the mattress, plus gel-infused memory foam, protects and supports your lower back. While we rate the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt (#5) as the best for pressure relief, this luxe Saatva offers a great balance of contouring comfort and support, with two levels of firmness on offer.
Best budget cooling foam
Do you regularly wake up because you're too warm? Do you have a modest budget? Then the Cocoon by Sealy Chill is the best option for you. This cooling memory foam bed has a cover designed with phase change technology that absorbs then quickly dissipates excess heat. Like the Nectar, the Chill Memory Foam is excellent value for money at $699 for a queen and goes one step further by giving you up to $199 worth of free bedding. Highly recommended.
Best deep pressure relief
Tempur-Pedic is one of the best memory foam mattress brands in the world and the Tempur-Adapt is our top choice for pressure relief. It's expensive, but we feel the amount of comfort and support it brings to sleepers with aching joints is worth the investment. There are various versions of the Tempur-Adapt, increasing in price as you move from the standard version to the most luxurious. One to consider if you want a cradling mattress to ease your joints and pressure points.
Best for kids and teens
Sometimes all you want is a basic, no-frills memory foam mattress that offers a good balance of support and comfort, with a decent amount of motion isolation thrown in. That sums up the Leesa Studio, a budget friendly option that we rate highly for older kids and teens thanks to its supportive sleep surface. It would also make a good memory foam mattress for both stomach back sleepers. The Leesa Studio is breathable too, unlike some other all-foam mattresses, and at $749 for a queen (plus you get free pillows), it falls nicely within the affordable bracket.
Load the next 3 products...
Best for side sleepers
Memory foam mattresses are known for their 'hugging' feel and the Puffy Mattress is a great example. Rated at a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the Puffy Cloud is one of the softest beds in our round-up and is therefore best-suited to side sleepers who need a plusher, more cradling mattress to relieve pressure on their shoulders, hips and knees. Like Nectar and Saatva, the Puffy Mattress comes with a lifetime warranty, however the trial period is shorter at 101 nights versus 365.
Best edge support
The Bear Original Mattress' contouring memory foam offers superb spinal alignment and support at a mid-range price. Most notably, it boasts sturdy edges, which is uncharacteristic for an all-foam mattress (in a good way, of course). Motion isolation is also excellent, making it a strong choice for couples. On the other hand, cooling is not its strong suit so avoid this one if you struggle with night sweats.
Read more below
Best luxury cooling
The Cocoon Chill (#4) is a good cooling mattress for smaller budgets, but we don't recommend it as a powerful enough option for battling night sweats and hot flashes due to peri- or full menopause or pregnancy. In those instances, our best cooling memory foam mattress is the GhostBed Luxe. It's stuffed with technology to keep the heat down, plus it offers high levels of comfort and support that aren't too dissimilar to the much more expensive Tempur-Adapt (#5).
The best memory foam mattress in 2024
Why you can trust Tom's Guide
Recent updates
We've expanded our Quick List section to provide more detail about the pros and cons of each of our top-rated memory foam mattresses, and have included extra review analysis to help you make an informed decision. We have also updated all prices and checked the latest offers to help you find the best prices.
Best memory foam mattress overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You sleep on your side: The Nectar is great in most sleeping positions, but because of how well it cushions shoulders and hips it's particularly good for side sleepers.
✅ You share a bed: You get top motion isolation with the Nectar mattress, so you're unlikely to be disturbed by a fidgety partner.
❌ You sleep on your stomach: The Nectar's a good all-rounder, but if you tend to sleep on your stomach its medium feel could leave your spine unsupported.
❌ You get hot in the night: Temperature regulation is good with the Nectar but it's not specifically a cooling mattress. If you tend to overheat at night there are better options to consider.
🔎 The Nectar Memory Foam is a budget-friendly memory foam mattress that we feel is especially well-suited to back and stomach sleepers. That said, side sleepers who prefer a firmer bed, or side sleepers who weigh more than 250lbs, will also find the Nectar comfortable. Nectar Sleep offers a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty – perks rivalled only by the Saatva Loom & Leaf (#3).
Nectar is the best memory foam mattress overall because it strikes the perfect balance between quality and price. This all-foam model is comfortable and supportive, but also incredible value for money, with extremely generous extras. It's also a good all-rounder, offering a sleep feel that will suit a wide range of sleep styles and preferences.
We tested the Nectar Memory Foam mattress for two months and loved it. This all-foam mattress has a soft, quilted cover that's designed to help you stay cool. Inside, you'll find three different types of mattress foam: three inches of memory foam, followed by a layer of support foam, and a sturdy base layer. A no-slip lower cover keeps things secure. The upper level of memory foam offers some body contouring, although it's not so pronounced that you'll feel like you're being swallowed by your mattress. As a result, there shouldn't be too much of an adjustment period for those used to a traditional innerspring mattress.
During our review, the Nectar performed well across the board in our tests. We noticed decent edge support – so you can use the full sleep surface, and confidently sit on the edges – and very little motion transfer, which makes the Nectar Memory Foam mattress a good choice for couples, and anyone with a restless partner in particular. Temperature regulation was also good, even in hot summer weather, although if you really struggle with overheating, consider a specialist cooling model – the Cocoon (#4) is similar to the Nectar but with a cooling cover, while the GhostBed (#9) offers excellent temperature regulation, but at a premium price.
With a firmness rating of 6.5 out of 10, this mattress will work for most people and sleep positions, although because it's at the soft end of the medium-firm bracket, we'd recommend it most to those who like to lie on their side. The contouring of the memory foam really comes into its own here, cushioning the hips and shoulders as you sleep in this position and earning this model a top spot in our best mattress for side sleepers ranking. It'll also suit some back and stomach sleepers, but if that's you then approach with caution as those positions can require a firmer sleep surface to prevent the hips from dropping too low and leaving the spine unsupported. That's especially true if you weigh over 230lb. Something firmer, like the Siena at #2, may be a better choice.
You're getting a great mattress for your money here, but extras amp up the value further. The full year's trial and forever warranty are both as generous as you'll find on the market. If you're looking for a versatile all-rounder for an excellent price, the Nectar is the best memory foam mattress you can buy.
- Read more: Nectar mattress review
Nectar Memory Foam: from $699 $349 at Nectar
The Nectar Black Friday sale cut 40% off its best-selling memory foam mattress, and that offer appears to be the brand's new evergreen sale as it's still alive in 2024. (A queen is discounted to $649.) If you need bedding too and a cooler bed, we'd recommend the Cocoon by Sealy Chill (#4) – it's around the same price as the Nectar but comes with free bedding. However, Nectar offers a 365-night trial plus a lifetime warranty, both of which beat Cocoon.
Best cheap memory foam mattress
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're on a tight budget: The Siena mattress absolutely wins in terms of price, with a queen size usually sold for just $399.
✅ You value edge support: This is quite a firm mattress, and it's particularly good when it comes to edge support; it's great at motion isolation, too.
❌ You like a memory foam hug: The Siena's firmness means that you don't get much of that sink-in softness that you might expect from a memory foam mattress.
❌ You sleep on your side: Back and stomach sleepers will get on just fine with the Siena, but if you're a side sleeper you'll probably find there's not enough cushioning for your hips and shoulders.
🔎 The Siena Memory Foam Mattress is a great choice for upgrading your guest bed for less. It has a shorter trial than the Nectar at just 180 nights, and the warranty is much shorter at 10 years, but for the price this is a good quality if basic memory foam mattress. A queen costs only $399. If you are looking to upgrade your main mattress for less and can increase your budget a little, consider the Nectar Mattress (#1) instead.
The Siena Memory Foam mattress is our top budget pick, punching well above its low price tag. It's actually from the same parent brand as the Nectar (#1) and has a similar triple-layered internal structure and similar overall quality, for a much lower price. Since its launch it has been discounted, and a queen size is currently available for a stupidly-cheap $399.
The Siena is much firmer than the Nectar, and in fact, doesn't have much of the body contouring 'hug' you'd expect for a memory foam mattress. That makes it a great choice for stomach sleepers and back sleepers, as these positions require a more supportive sleep surface in order to keep the spine correctly aligned. Side sleepers, however, might be better off with something that offers more give around the shoulders and hips (the Nectar at #1, or for something super-soft, the Puffy at #7).
In our tests, we were impressed with the edge support and motion isolation on offer here, which makes it a good choice for those who share a bed and don't want to be bothered by wriggly partners. While pricier memory foam will do a better job of temperature regulation, the Siena still did a decent job of not trapping body heat.
The Siena comes with a 10-year warranty plus 180 nights to test it, which is generous for a budget mattress. Despite the bargain pricing, the quality here is head and shoulders above the rest of our best cheap mattress options. If you're shopping for a spare room or looking for the best mattress for college students, the Siena would make an excellent choice. If it's still out of your budget, another option would be to opt for one of the best memory foam mattress toppers, which are great for adding a body-hugging feel to an innerspring model.
- Read more: Siena Memory Foam mattress review
Siena Mattress: from $499 $199 at Siena Sleep
Right now there's $300 off all sizes of the Siena Mattress. This is an evergreen Siena mattress sale rather than anything special, but it's still fantastic value for a budget mattress that feels more like a mid-range contender. After discount, a queen costs $399 and a twin is only $199.
Best memory foam mattress for back pain
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You suffer from back pain: The Loom & Leaf is one of the best mattresses for back pain, and it comes in two firmness options so you can find your perfect feel.
✅ You want a quality mattress: As with all Saatva's mattresses, the build quality of the Loom & Leaf is exceptional; it's like sleeping on a luxury hotel bed.
❌ You think you might want to return it: Saatva offers a 365-night trial with the Loom & Leaf, but be aware that if you decide it's not right for you there's a $99 return fee.
❌ You get hot in the night: There are cooling features in the Loom & Leaf, but nevertheless we found that it occasionally trapped heat overnight.
🔎 The Saatva Loom & Leaf is a luxurious memory foam mattress designed with enhanced lumbar support to protect your lower back during sleep. Our lead mattress reviewer felt a lot of relief from her back injury when sleeping on the Loom & Leaf, but the downside is that it does sleep a little warmer than other beds in this guide. If you overheat during sleep, try the Cocoon by Sealy Chill (#4) or Ghostbed Luxe (#9) instead. Other, this Saatva is an excellent mattress, with a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty.
The Saatva Loom & Leaf is a premium, hotel-quality mattress from luxury online brand Saatva. We tested the Loom & Leaf mattress for three weeks and consider it one of the best mattresses for back pain – our lead reviewer noticed a significant improvement in her back injury after sleeping on this bed. It has a zoned design with a reinforced middle third featuring a gel-infused foam lumbar crown that relieves pressure and improves circulation in the lower back. The top and bottom thirds are slightly softer to contour the shoulders and knees.
It comes in two firmness options: relaxed firm (which we tried) and firm, which will suit those who need a little more support and want a subtle 'hug'. No matter your sleep style, you'll find yourself comfortably contoured when sleeping on the Saatva Loom & Leaf.
Although the Loom & Leaf sports some cooling tech in its build, we found it was prone to trapping heat overnight. Chronically hot sleepers may want to look towards some of the other options on this list. On the flip side, motion isolation is top-notch so couples won't have to worry about being interrupted by a restless partner.
Prices have been creeping up over the past year or so, and the Loom & Leaf mattress isn't cheap even if you buy during one of the regular Saatva mattress sales and deals. However, it's still far cheaper than our luxury pick, the Tempur-Pedic at #5. The extras are as good as you'll find anywhere, too: a 1-year trial and lifetime warranty.
Saatva offers free white glove delivery to your room of choice (plus optional removal of your existing mattress) – given that this is a mattress that can weigh up to 116lbs, you'll welcome that convenience. There's also the build quality to consider; this handcrafted bed is made to last and long-time customers say it hasn't lost its comfort level after years of regular use.
- Read more: Loom & Leaf mattress review
Best budget cooling memory foam mattress
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want cheap cooling: The Cocoon by Sealy Chill delivers decent cooling at a quite impressively low price.
✅ You don't like sinking in: You don't get a lot of memory foam in this budget cooling mattress, so you won't sink into it as much as you do with other beds.
❌ You want strong edge support: Anyone who tends to sleep close to the edge of their mattress could feel a little insecure on the Cocoon by Sealy Chill.
❌ You're a really hot sleeper: The Cocoon by Sealy Chill offers good cooling for its low price, but if you seriously overheat at night you'll probably have to bite the bullet and spend more.
🔎 The Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress is a brilliant budget pick for anyone who loves the body-hug feel of foam yet regularly spends half the night kicking off the covers. It isn't as powerful a cooling memory foam mattress as the Ghostbed Luxe (#9), but for $699 for a queen it is very hard to beat if you need cooling comfort on a budget. Plus, Cocoon by Sealy is giving away up to $199 of free bedding with each Chill Memory Foam mattress.
For hot sleepers on a tighter budget, the Cocoon Chill Memory Foam is well worth a look. Its cooling powers aren't as good as you'll find with a pricey specialist model like the GhostBed Luxe (#9), but the Chill delivers impressive temperature regulation for that mid-range price.
This medium-firm bed in a box comes from industry giant Sealy, and comprises three different foam layers. Of those, the memory foam tier is relatively thin, so you'll sleep closer to the surface of this mattress rather than sinking right in. There's a little squishiness here, but if you're after a full memory foam 'hug', look elsewhere in our ranking. We also suspect that heavier bodies (over 230lb) will sink through to the firmer support layers (our guide to the best mattress for heavy bodies has recommendations that might work better).
Those foams are topped off with a stretch-knit cover that's infused with a proprietary phase-change material that's designed to absorb and dissipate body heat. We were impressed with how well this material worked – none of our testers ever felt overheated during our review period. While it doesn't sleep as cool as something like the GhostBed, the temperature regulation is excellent for the price.
It's available in foam-only and hybrid versions. Because this is a memory foam mattress guide we've focused on the former here, but do bear in mind the hybrid will almost certainly offer better breathability, as the coils provide space for air to circulate.
In our tests, this mattress scored highly in terms of motion isolation (so you won't be disturbed by a partner's movements), but less well on edge support (you might feel unsupported if you lie or sit close to the perimeter). Overall though, we're big fans of this mattress. Our positive experience is echoed by other customers, too. The Chill (hybrid and foam versions combined) has an average of 4.7 out of 5 from over 8,500 user reviews.
- Read more: Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress review
Cocoon by Sealy Chill: from $619 $399 at Cocoon by Sealy
Ignore those 'Ends Today' claims, this 35% off discount is the standard Cocoon by Sealy sale. However, the MSRP for this mattress has dropped this summer, so it's now cheaper than we've ever seen it. Add code EXTRA25 and you'll knock an additional $25 off (taking the price of a queen down to $674, which is $100 less than it has been all year – and you'll take home free cooling pillows and sheets too.
Best memory foam mattress for pressure relief
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want to feel hugged: Tempur-Pedic's mattresses are known for their unique feel, and the Tempur-Adapt delivers a cradling sensation that feels like you're being hugged by your mattress.
✅ You want a luxurious mattress: The Tempur-Adapt feels high-end and luxurious, and it's excellent at pressure relief.
❌ You get hot at night: This mattress has a cooling cover and it's supposed to be breathable, but we found that it definitely sleeps warmer than other foam beds.
❌ You're on a budget: There's no hiding from the fact that this is an expensive mattress. You definitely get your money's worth with it, but read on for a cheaper option.
🔎 The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt is the obvious choice for anyone dealing with persistent joint pain when lying down. It also quickly reduces pressure points regardless of the position you sleep in, making it an excellent all-rounder if you enjoy a mattress that molds to your body. The price is eye-watering though, especially with the more luxurious versions of the Tempur-Adapt. For a similar feel on a smaller budget, try the Leesa Studio (#6).
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress places a big emphasis on relieving pressure points so that you sleep soundly through the night, with far fewer wake-ups due to feeling uncomfortable. This is an investment purchase for sure, but Tempur-Pedic is known for being one of the best luxury mattress brands around, with a fairly unique, ultra-soothing feel that many swear by.
The most obvious thing you’ll feel when lying on the Tempur-Adapt is how much it hugs your body. This makes it the best memory foam mattress for people who love the sensation of being cradled. It feels high-end and luxurious, and excels at relieving pressure, which is good if you're struggling with sore joints. This mattress uses the brand's famous NASA-developed Tempur material to alleviate pressure points, all while adapting to your unique body shape, temperature and weight. In our tests, our reviewers all agreed it was most comfortable in a back-lying position.
We were also extremely impressed with this motion cancellation going on here, with the Tempur Adapt quickly absorbing movements so that you and your partner don’t wake each other up with your wriggling. The only area we found it fell down in was in temperature regulation. The cover is meant to be cooling, and the Tempur material is designed to boost breathability during sleep, but we found it slept warmer than other beds we've tested.
If you know you struggle with overheating at night, consider the Ghostbed Luxe at #6 instead, or browse our cooling mattress guide for more specialist alternatives. It's worth being tactical about when you buy, as Tempur-Pedic mattress sales tend to appear around national holidays. And if it's still too pricey, Leesa Studio (#6) is a strong budget-friendly alternative.
- Read more: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review
Best memory foam mattress for kids and teens
6. Leesa Studio mattress
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You can't stretch to a Tempur: The Leesa Studio is a budget-friendly alternative to Tempur-Pedic's mattresses, with a similar feel but for at least a quarter of the price.
✅ You want plenty of support: The Leesa Studio features body-contouring foams that deliver great support and do really well at motion isolation.
❌ You move about in the night: This mattress absorbs motion really well, but that means that if you tend to change position a lot you may find it harder to move about.
❌ You're a side sleeper: The Leesa Studio delivers a medium firm feel that's great for a back and stomach sleepers, but it may not provide the cushioning you'll need if you sleep on your side.
🔎 The Leesa Studio is a comfortable, supportive and breathable memory foam mattress that suits back and stomach sleepers. Plus people who like a medium firm to firm mattress. That's why it's the best choice for kids and teens as they need a firmer mattress to ensure they have proper spinal alignment during sleep. There is some contouring comfort on offer here, but not to the level of the Tempur-Adapt mattress above.
If you like the sound of a Tempur-Pedic mattress but can't afford those sky-high prices, we think the Leesa Studio is a good budget-friendly alternative, coming in at around a quarter of the price of the cheapest Tempur model. Although it's not as luxurious as the Tempur, it has slow-moving, body-contouring foams that aren't a world away in terms of feel.
We haven't slept on this bed but we have had a chance to inspect it closely in a showroom and run our usual performance tests. We found the sink-in foams absorbed movements remarkably well, meaning there's almost no motion transfer at all on this mattress – ideal if you're sharing a bed with a wriggler.
The potential downside of that is that this mattress is a little trickier to change position on. The medium-firm feel distributes the sleeper's weight evenly when lying down, and offers plenty of support alongside that comfortable contouring. That level of firmness is perhaps best for back or stomach sleepers.
Also worth considering in the Tempur-dupe arena is the other all-foam model from Leesa. We cover that model more extensively in our Leesa Original Mattress review, but the short version is that it's pricier than the Studio but still far cheaper than a Tempur, and has a similar slow-moving, contouring feel. Compared to the Studio, the Original is softer, slightly more responsive, and with marginally more motion transfer, and the edge support is poor.
- Read more: Leesa Studio hands-on review
Leesa Studio mattress: from $549 $439 at Leesa
We've seen 25% off discounts from Leesa in the past, which brought the price of a queen to $599. However, it's now 20% off, plus two free pillows, making a queen size $639. While it's not the lowest price we've seen, it's incredible value. However, we suggest seeing what the Memorial Day sales have has to offer in May.
Best memory foam mattress for side sleepers
7. Puffy Cloud Mattress
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You love a softer mattress: Puffy rates this mattress as between a 6 and an 8 in terms of firmness, and we'd say it's definitely more of a 6. It's nice and soft and cradles your body.
✅ You like to keep things fresh: The Puffy mattress has a hypoallergenic, stain-resistant cover that can be unzipped and thrown in the washing machine.
❌ You're above average weight: The Puffy's softness means that if you're of a heavier build you could find yourself sinking into it a bit too much.
❌ You live on the edge: Reports suggest that the Puffy's edge support could be better, so bear that in mind if you tend to sleep near the side of your bed.
🔎 The Puffy Cloud Mattress is a good step into the world of memory foam mattresses if you enjoy a softer bed to curl up in at night. Side sleepers need more plushness and comfort than back and stomach sleepers to cradle pressure points, and the Puffy delivers that beautifully. We don't think it's firm enough to properly support back and stomach sleepers or heavy bodies though – in the latter instance see our guide to the best mattress for heavy people.
If you're seeking cloud-like comfort, the best memory foam mattress for you might be the Puffy Cloud. The official firmness rating is 6-8, but reviews suggest it's on the softer side, so perhaps more of a 6 than an 8. It's manufactured in the USA, and includes layers of three different foams, designed to cradle your body as you sleep.
The Puffy Cloud has that classic, slow-moving memory foam feel that some people find ultra-soothing. That's not to say there's no structure here: it comes with backing from the American Chiropractic Association, which suggests it will deliver good spinal support. We'd typically recommend this level of softness to those who like to lie on their side, while front and back sleepers might need something slightly firmer. Personal preference does come into it though.
Reviews suggest good motion isolation, which is great news if you're a light sleeper and have a restless partner. It might also be a good choice for those who suffer from allergies, thanks to a hypoallergenic, stain-resistant cover, which can be zipped off for easy cleaning. There are some reports that edge support could be better, though, so bear that in mind if you like to use every inch of your bed's sleep surface. We're in the process of reviewing this model, and will update this guide with our findings as soon as we have them.
- Read more: Is the Puffy mattress any good?
Puffy Cloud Mattress: from $1,349 $599 + free bedding at Puffy
Puffy is sticking with its evergreen deal, which knocks $750 off all sizes of its Cloud mattress. (A queen costs $1,049.) The brand amps up the value further with a big free sleep bundle, including pillows, a mattress protector and a sheet set with your mattress purchase.
Best memory foam mattress for edge support
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You need a bed with sturdy edges: The Bear Original has some of the most impressive edge support we've ever witnessed from any mattress. This is doubly impressive considering it lacks springs.
✅ You share with a restless partner: We found that the Bear Original is really good at motion isolation, so it'll absorb the movement of anyone who tends to move about a lot in the night.
❌ You like things soft: The Bear Original is rated a 7 in terms of firmness, and that means that anyone who prefers a softer bed, particularly side sleepers, could find things a touch too firm.
❌ You're a hot sleeper: Despite packing some cooling features including gel-infused memory foam and a cooling cover, we found that the Bear Original sometimes slept a bit warm.
🔎 The Bear Original is another superb value for money with a queen costing $699, just like the Nectar Mattress (#1) and the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam (#4). As this is our best pick for edge support, we heartily recommend it for sleepers who like to sprawl and those who need to sit on the side of the bed before getting up. During testing we found it felt firm at first, but once it softened up it was very comfortable and cozy in different sleep positions.
The Bear Original is an all-foam mattress that offers excellent value for money. Depending on what you're used to, the slightly firmer sleep feel might take a little getting used to, but after an initial breaking-in period, our reviewer found this bed offered plenty of comfort and support in any sleep position.
In our review, the Bear Original scored a perfect 5 out of 5 for edge support. Memory foam mattresses aren't typically known for their sturdy edges, which makes this achievement even more noteworthy. Whether you like to lay starfish-style or are prone to rolling close to the edge in your sleep, the Bear Original won't buckle under pressure. Meanwhile, if you have trouble getting up out of bed in the morning, the sturdy edges will give you the support you need to comfortably push off.
That's not all the Bear Original does well. Motion isolation here is also excellent, which is great news if you share a bed with a restless partner. This mattress will absorb their nighttime wriggling rather than letting it ripple over to your side of the bed. The Bear's low level of motion transfer was apparent during our objective tests and real-world experiences.
The memory foam here is infused with gel, to help with temperature regulation, and the cover is made with Celliant fabric, designed to convert body heat into infrared energy. Despite these features, our testers found the Bear mattress did sometimes sleep warm. If you know you struggle with overheating at night, check out the GhostBed (#9) or Cocoon Chill (#4) instead. However, if you run cold, you might enjoy the extra coziness. Overall, we rate this amongst the best mattress-in-a-box options around, especially if you're on a slightly tighter budget.
- Read more: Bear Original mattress review
Bear Original mattress: from $786 $511 at Bear
Bear knocks 35% off site-wide, discounting the queen size to $649. That matches its Black Friday offer as one of the best Bear mattress sales we've ever seen. You'll also get a sleep bundle with pillows, sheets and a mattress protector thrown in for free.
Best luxury cooling memory foam mattress
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You get hot in the night: The GhostBed Luxe is one of the best cooling mattresses in the business, with plenty of features to help keep temperatures down as you slumber.
✅ You like to sink into your bed: The GhostBed Luxe is a softer mattress that delivers lots of pressure relief, and a good choice for side sleepers.
❌ You're a back sleeper: The GhostBed Luxe's softness could well mean that back sleepers should look for something a little firm that brings better support.
❌ You want a cheap mattress: This is a premium mattress, and while it's more affordable at sale price, you should scroll down a bit if you'd like a cheaper alternative.
🔎 The Ghostbed Luxe should be top of your list if you suffer from night sweats or hot flashes during sleep. It's the only memory foam mattress in this guide with the technology to keep heat dissipated to the level you'd need. While it's more expensive than the Cocoon by Sealy Chill (#4), it's worth the extra cost if overheating ruins your sleep.
Memory foam can struggle a bit with trapping body heat, which means all-foam mattresses often sleep warmer than hybrid or innerspring models. Not so the GhostBed Luxe. This memory foam mattress is one of the best cooling mattresses around, thanks to multiple features geared specifically towards temperature regulation.
Alongside body-contouring memory foam and study support foam, you'll find a heat-sensitive 'Ghost Ice Layer' designed to keep the core of the mattress cool. The cover is made from 'Ghost Ice fabric', which stays cool to the touch. In our review, none of our testers ever felt warm when sleeping on the GhostBed Luxe.
This is a softer mattress, with plenty of sink-in pressure relief and a slow-moving feel. It's especially well suited to side sleepers, as there's plenty of give around the shoulders and hips in this position. Heavier people, and front or back sleepers, may well find this bed doesn't provide enough support and should look for something a bit firmer. Despite having a softer feel, the edge support here is excellent, so you'll be able to comfortably use the whole surface without fear of rolling off. In our tests, the Luxe also excelled when it came to motion isolation, making it a strong choice for couples.
At MRSP this mattress is firmly in the luxury camp, but thankfully there's pretty much always a 50% off sale, which takes the prices down into more affordable (although still 'premium' territory). If that's too expensive for you, check out the much cheaper Cocoon Chill at #4 – although don't expect the same cooling powers as the GhostBed.
- Read our GhostBed Luxe mattress review
GhostBed Luxe mattress: from$2,595 $1,298 at GhostBed
At MSRP, the GhostBed Luxe sits at the top end of the market, but regular 50% off sales take that price right down, and you'll get two pillows bundled in for free. With this discount, a queen size is $1,548 (was $3,095, which is actually a slight drop in the MSRP). Head to our GhostBed mattress sale guide for more details on its Memorial Day mattress sale.
How we test memory foam mattresses
We are constantly researching and testing a wide range of memory foam mattresses to provide these expert recommendations, all backed by our in-house test data and consumer review analysis.
We begin our memory foam mattress review process by analysing the market, seeing what new beds have been released, and what we should be testing next. When then contact mattress brands to request an editorial review sample of the mattress with the strict understanding that beyond sending us a memory foam mattress for review, they have no authority over our review and have no input. Our reviews are editorially independent.
We test memory foam mattresses in these key areas: motion isolation, pressure relief, temperature regulation, firmness, edge support and build quality (durability). We sleep on the mattress for three consecutive weeks and rate each of those areas out of 5 at the end of our testing period. We then compile all of those scores to create our overall review rating for that memory foam mattress.
The very best memory foam mattresses are then featured in this guide. Read our mattress methodology for more.
Best memory foam mattress FAQs
Which memory foam mattress is best?
We believe this year's best memory foam mattress is the Nectar. This boxed mattress is an excellent all-rounder that's comfortable in all positions and will suit most people. It also offers unbeatable value for money, with regular deals that knock it down into the mid-range price bracket, and outstanding extras including a 365-night risk-free mattress trial and a lifetime warranty. While the cover isn’t machine washable, you can easily invest in a good mattress protector to safeguard it from spills and stains and to help it last longer.
Are memory foam mattresses any good?
It depends on personal preference, whether you have specific health or posture needs, and what budget you have. From our testing, we believe that memory foam mattresses are good for the majority of sleepers as they offer high levels of pressure relief and body contouring. That makes them best-suited to side sleepers and combi sleepers, plus anyone dealing with sore joints.
As a rule, memory foam mattresses also excel at motion isolation, making them a good choice for couples with different bedtime routines, as the memory foam will reduce any motion from your partner’s in-bed movements being transferred to you.
But memory foam mattresses don’t suit everyone. If you dislike the feeling of being cradled by your mattress, you might not enjoy a memory foam bed unless it’s a hybrid (made with foam and coils). A medium-firm feel would also be best for you so that you are sleeping more on top of the mattress, rather than sinking into it.
Here are some of the main benefits of a good memory foam mattress:
Above average pressure relief - Memory foam was first developed to boost comfort, so no wonder it does such a good job at hugging your body during sleep and relieving pressure. Latex is another good material choice for pressure relief, though it's a little bouncier and responsive, so not as good at motion isolation (see below). For more guidance, read our memory foam vs latex mattress comparison.
Motion isolation - Memory foam mattresses are a good choice if you share with a restless partner, as they have high levels of motion isolation. All that dense foam does make it a little tricker to get in and out of bed, but manufacturers are tackling this with responsive foam and stronger edge support.
They’re ideal for side sleepers - While they suit a variety of sleep styles, memory foam mattresses are well-suited to side sleepers. When you sleep on your side you experience more pressure on your hips and knees. Memory foam cushions these impact areas. Our guide to the best mattress for side sleepers goes into more detail.
Hot sleepers usually run from memory foam mattresses, but new cooling, gel-infused memory foams, and those infused with copper and graphite, regulate temperature so that you don’t overheat during sleep. That said, if you sleep very hot, we’d recommend investing in the best cooling mattress instead.
You can read more about this in our feature answering, are memory foam mattresses hot?
Do memory foam mattresses need a box spring?
Even the best memory foam mattresses need a solid foundation or bed base, but that doesn’t always mean a box spring is the right solution. That’s because some memory foam models sag when placed on a box spring that has slats spaced too far apart. Flimsier box springs may not also provide the support a dense memory foam mattress needs, so you won’t get the support and comfort you need during sleep.
As we explain in our feature answering do memory foam mattresses need a box spring, you should use a box spring if you are placing an all-foam bed on a metal frame. But you don’t need one if you have a well-made wooden bed frame with closely spaced slats, or a platform bed as these are supportive enough on their own.
How to choose the best memory foam mattress
How do you know which is the best memory foam mattress for you when there are so many to choose from? These are the things to consider:
Cooling – If you sleep hot, look for memory foam with cooling properties, such as gel infusions. This will make all the difference, especially if you’re prone to sweating at night. Many memory foam mattresses also come with temperature-regulating covers to provide extra breathability.
Sleep position – Memory foam mattresses vary in firmness, so find one that supports your spine in the position you sleep in. If you mostly sleep on your side, a medium mattress will keep you comfortable, while firmer mattresses tend to be better suited to stomach sleepers. Back sleepers, meanwhile, often benefit from a medium-firm memory foam mattress.
Sleep trial and warranties – If your memory foam mattress comes with a risk-free trial then you have nothing to lose. Another good indication of quality is long warranty – if the brand has faith in its mattress, you can too.
How much does a memory foam mattress cost?
Memory foam mattresses are typically more expensive than traditional spring mattresses, but usually cost less than hybrids, which combine layers of both foam and coil. They are usually at their cheapest during the Black Friday mattress sales, with prices normally rolling over to the Cyber Monday mattress deals. However, in the last few years, we've seen MSRPs rise across many top sleep brands. While sale prices are generally solid these days, a return to all-time low prices is less common.
Saatva’s Loom & Leaf memory foam mattress starts at $1,295, while you can pick up a Nectar mattress for from less than $400. If you're on a budget, consider heading to Amazon – there are plenty of budget options in the region of $300 for a queen size amongst the best Amazon mattresses (although you may have to make some concessions when it comes to aftercare – figuring out how to return a mattress to Amazon isn't always straightforward). At the other end of the price scale, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Mattress starts at $1,699 for unrivalled comfort, cooling and contouring.
How long will a memory foam mattress last?
Memory foam mattresses can last up to 10 years, which is at the longer end of the mattress lifespan when you consider the average spring mattress typically lasts for 5-6 years. There are plenty of ways you can make it last longer, including rotating it, airing it and cleaning up spills as they happen.
While there are plenty of affordable options available, the more you spend on a memory foam mattress the longer it should last you. But also pay attention to the length of the mattress warranty, which should signal how long you can expect a mattress to last. Brands like Saatva and Nectar offer lifetime mattress warranties, which suggests they have a lot of faith in the integrity of their materials.
When is the best time to buy a memory foam mattress?
Most memory foam mattress brands run deals throughout the year, but not all are worth buying. How come? Prices fluctuate and there are definite points throughout the year when it’s cheaper to buy a memory foam mattress compared to others. These include Black Friday through Cyber Monday, when brands drop big sales to lure pre-Christmas shoppers. We’ll be covering all of these in our Black Friday mattress deals round-up.
The Memorial Day mattress sales are popular too, and are one of the best times to buy a memory foam mattress outside of Labour Day and Black Friday. The one thing to watch out for is price hikes, where even though a retailer announces a big price drop for Memorial Day, the actual price of the mattresses is higher than normal.
To help you find a genuinely good price, we have included the MSRP of every product featured in our best memory foam mattress guide so you can see the original prices at a glance.
To a large extent, the best time to buy depends on your needs. Are you desperate for a new mattress today? Then we’d suggest using our guide to find the top three models for you, then compare them in terms of the price, discounts and the trial period to help you narrow down your choice.
Are memory foam mattresses good for your back?
If you regularly deal with back pain (and even if you don't), a memory foam mattress will do a top-notch job of alleviating pressure and tension in your joints and lumbar. Memory foam compresses when you lie down on it, evenly distributing your weight and contouring your body for a more comfortable (and less painful) sleep experience.
Per our research, the best memory foam mattress for back pain is the Saatva Loom & Leaf. We tried the relaxed firm model in our Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress review. Our main tester was dealing with a severe back injury at the time and noticed a major improvement in her lower back pain after three weeks of sleeping on it. The Loom & Leaf does tend to sleep warm so for a cooler full-foam bed that's also great for back pain, take a look at our Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress review.
We offer a more detailed answer to this question in our feature: Are memory foam mattresses good for back pain?
Meet our memory foam mattress
Claire is Tom's Guides mattress expert and leads all sleep and mattress coverage on the website. Claire has 15 years' product testing experience under her belt and is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach, so she is best placed to help you understand how a good memory foam mattress can help you sleep better.
Alison is one of the main mattress testers at Tom's Guide and an experienced sleep product tester in general. Alison has reviewed every type of mattress you can buy online, including memory foam, hybrid and cooling mattresses. She loves using her review knowledge to help readers choose a great mattress.
Also read:
- The best organic mattress: natural beds for all budgets
- How long does a mattress last: we crunch the numbers
- What mattresses do hotels use: we asked, they told us
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.
Upgrade your life with a daily dose of the biggest tech news, lifestyle hacks and our curated analysis. Be the first to know about cutting-edge gadgets and the hottest deals.
Claire Davies is Tom's Guide's mattress expert and main sleep product tester with over 15 years' product review experience, and she is responsible for all mattress and sleep coverage on the site. A qualified journalist, Sleep Editor and Certified Sleep Science Coach, Claire writes about all things related to sleep, from mattress reviews to the latest sleep techniques and research. Claire has interviewed a wealth of experts, from mattress designers and innovators to neuroscientists and doctors of sleep medicine. Before taking on the role of Sleep Editor, Claire worked as Health & Wellness Editor at Top Ten Reviews, and before that was a Senior Content Editor at T3. Claire is super-passionate about how consistent, good quality sleep can boost our physical and mental wellbeing, and would love to hear from PRs and brands regarding sleep products, services and research that can help our readers sleep better than ever.
- Ruth HamiltonSleep Editor, Certified Sleep Science Coach
- Alison BarrettaFreelance reviewer and writer