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The best memory foam mattresses are made with proprietary materials to keep you comfortable throughout the night. Unlike foams of the past, which have tended to get hot and trap that heat, today’s cutting-edge materials will keep you cool and are CertiPUR-US certified for safety. Many brands also offer a generous trial period to ensure you’re happy with your purchase, too, so you can find the best one for your needs. Our pick for the best memory foam mattress overall is the Tempur-Adapt Memory Foam Mattress, but read on and you’ll find several other fantastic options on this list.
As a pioneer in memory foam mattresses, Tempur-Pedic's Tempur-Adapt is our pick for the best memory ... [+] foam mattress overall.
So what makes memory foam so special? It has an unmatched ability to contour to your body while evenly distributing weight and relieving pressure points. It also provides plenty of support for your spine, which helps alleviate the morning aches and pains that can accompany a subpar mattress. Like other bed types, memory foam mattresses come in a variety of firmnesses and with different features that cater to sleep preferences across the board. It all comes down to whether you like the contouring feel of memory foam; Some love sinking into bed while others prefer the structured support of an innerspring or hybrid mattress. Ultimately, it all depends on your comfort level.
We rounded up the best memory foam mattresses that’ll take the pressure off (literally) for better sleep and happier mornings. For more help making your decision, be sure to check out our buying guide below.
Thickness: 11 inches | Firmness: Medium | Trial period: 90 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Tempur-Pedic has been in the memory foam business for a long time, far longer than today’s bed-in-a-box companies. As such, it’s had years to perfect its comfort layer technology, and this expertise is reflected in both its mattress construction, reviews and pricing. The Tempur-Adapt is built with a premium knit, cool-to-the-touch cover and two advanced memory foam layers. The first comfort layer works with the other materials to relax and support sleepers, while the second adapts to your pressure points for personalized comfort.
What the reviews say: With over six thousand reviews, five thousand of them being 5-stars, this mattress is clearly a winner: “Best mattress on earth,” quotes one customer, who also notes its “very cool, very comfortable” qualities. With its cooling memory foam construction and medium-firm levels, the Tempur-Pedic Adapt Memory Foam mattress is particularly good for people with back problems and interventions. The supportive-yet-soft contouring properties allow sleepers with body aches to wake up well-rested and virtually pain-free.
Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Medium | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Helix makes some of the best mattresses on the market, and the sleep retailer has plenty of options to choose from. The Helix Midnight hybrid memory foam mattress is designed with side sleepers in mind. Those who sleep on their sides at night often benefit from a medium density mattress that will support pressure points while cradling their hips and shoulders—and that’s exactly what this mattress does. It’s made of wrapped coils topped with two layers of memory foam, and it contours to your body while providing pressure relief and minimizing motion transfer. It also has a reinforced perimeter that offers edge support on the outside of the mattress.
If you need additional lumbar support, you can opt for the Helix Midnight LUXE—an upgraded version of the original Midnight—instead. It has an added layer of gel visco, a gel-infused memory foam that’s designed to increase response time and add extra cushion and support for your body. It’s also two inches taller than the original and comes with a quilted pillow top cover for added plushness and breathability.
What the reviews say: This mattress has drummed up over five thousand reviews (almost four thousand of them at top marks) because of its Goldilocks-like support: not too firm and not too soft. Reviewers remark that it’s an especially good option for side sleepers, folks with back pain or people who are pregnant, and its low motion transfer allows for sleeping partners to rest soundly without waking each other during the night. Convenient delivery and easy unpacking are just great plusses to an already stellar product. One happy customer’s review just about says it all: “This mattress has such great support, which I feel is very helpful for the physical pain I've been experiencing as I get older. Love this mattress!”
Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Medium | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
The Zoma mattress was created for people with active lifestyles. The all-foam mattress combines cooling layers that wick away heat—perfect for warm sleepers—and highly responsive foam that quickly reacts to your movements so you won’t feel stuck when you change sleeping positions or try to get out of bed. The mattress comes recommended by athletes and also has a 10-year warranty.
What the reviews say: “Comfortable,” “breatheable,” “soft but sturdy and strong” and “the best purchase I’ve ever made” are just some of the ways reviewers have described the Zoma mattress to be. Customers have found that it sleeps cooler than many other memory-foam mattress options, but that it provides much-needed support for the back, hips and spine. According to people who’ve brought it home, this mattress enables rapid recovery from athletic movement and general aches and pains alike, and leads to a deeper night’s sleep to boot.
Thickness: 13 inches | Firmness: Medium | Trial period: 365 nights (one year) | Warranty: Lifetime
With a quilted cooling cover, a smart layer, a dynamic layer, a stable-base layer and a shift-resistant cover, this five-layer mattress keeps sleepers cool and comfortable during the night. The quilted cover and smart layer wick moisture and regulate temperature, while the lower levels provide 3 inches of foam that contours lightly to the body to gently support pressure points and joints.
What the reviews say: Providing great support and pressure relief for all, no matter their sleeping style, it’s clear why this mattress has garnered almost 45,000 reviews, many of them overwhelmingly positive. “Best sleep in years,” some reviewers rave; others remark on its simple delivery and setup as well as its affordable price. But most convincing is one well-rested sleeper, who shared that “It really relieves the pressure in my hips and lower back throughout the night and I don’t wake up stiff. I would recommend to anybody.”
Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness: Medium-firm | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
This premium memory foam mattress consists of four layers that work together to help you get the sleep of your dreams: cooling cover, perfect fit memory foam, responsive comfort foam and and the essential support layer. The first layer of this memory foam consists of a cooling cover infused with the brand’s Phase Change Material that’s designed to absorb heat and wick moisture for a dry, cool sleeping surface. Not only is this mattress ideal for hot sleepers, but it also provides support throughout the night by catering to your individual body shape and position.
What the reviews say: Eight thousand reviews—six thousand of them five-stars—vouch for this mattress’ cooling and highly comfortable properties. Of particular note is one reviewer’s estimation of its suitability for many types of sleepers and bodies. After installing it in her guest room, this customer remarked: “[My guest’s] ages ranged from 30 to 72 with quite different body types. It really is comfortable! It provides support while being soft. I am going to purchase one for our main bedroom.”
Thickness: Available in 6, 8, 10 and 12 inches | Firmness: Medium-firm (for the 12-inch option) | Trial period: 30 days | Warranty: 10 years
Zinus designed this affordable memory foam mattress with the top priority of keeping customers cool; the brand calls it the “most cooling formula yet.” It offers four thicknesses with corresponding medium, plush, medium-plush and medium-firm firmness levels. Below its breathable, knitted cover, the mattress holds 2 inches of cooling gel-infused memory foam on top of 3 inches of high-density foam and 7 inches of high-density base support foam. It’s also infused with green tea, which (according to the brand) works to eliminate odor-causing agents. Note that unlike other mattresses on this list that come with an extended trial period, this mattress is only covered by Amazon’s 30-day return policy.
What the reviews say: Sixty thousand ratings and reviews say it all: This mattress is a great and inexpensive purchase that stands the test of time. One reviewer notes that “3 years later, I still love this mattress. It’s held up, is supportive and comfortable and never sleeps hot. It’s been a very good buy for me. It’s a very good inexpensive mattress that has proven to be a great value.” Beyond its durability, its impressive shoulder and pressure relief are also something to keep in mind—for one reviewer, even the thinnest 6-inch width “completely exceeded our expectations, seriously” with its comfort and price.
Thickness: 11 inches | Firmness: Medium | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Casper was one of the first companies to offer a bed-in-a-box, and today, its Original Memory Foam Mattress is still a popular choice among those with back or joint pain. What’s unique about this mattress is its “Zoned Support,” which has three ergonomic zones to keep your spine in proper alignment—the mattress is softer under your shoulder, but firmer around the hips, waist and lower back. Don’t believe it will make a difference? Just read some of the 20,000+ reviews from users, many of whom have experienced a notable reduction in back pain.
What the reviews say: “My sleep is like WHOA” says one happy customer, praising its quality and value. Another shares that as a stomach sleeper, they found success and comfort with the mattress, even though it’s best-known to support back sleepers. And another: “I decided to get an adjustable base to go with mine and ever since I started sleeping with the head and foot slightly elevated, my lower back pain has completely gone away.”
Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness: Medium-firm | Trial Period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
The Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is a standout with more than 24,000 5-star reviews—and its affordable price is the icing on the cake. This memory foam mattress is crafted from two layers of open-cell foam with cooling gel for temperature regulation, and the company’s proprietary T&N Adaptive Foam is designed to provide the perfect balance of support and flexibility. For this reason, reviewers say the Tuft & Needle Mattress is a good compromise for couples that have different sleep styles, as its flexibility is comfortable in any position.
What the reviews say: “Goodbye old spring bed and hello best sleep ever!” One reviewer exclaims. “I can only sleep on firm mattresses for my back, but struggle as I am usually a side sleeper. This has helped me fully transition to sleeping on my back and it’s made a huge difference.” And this high praise is not where it ends: Customers repeatedly comment on the comfort and support this mattress provides, the low motion transfer to allow for sound sleep for couples and the company’s great customer support.
Thickness: 11 inches | Firmness: Medium-firm | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Like all hybrid mattresses, this Leesa model offers the benefits of memory foam, paired with the increased support of springs. The base of the mattress is made from over 1,000 active-response pocket springs that provide durability and stability all the way to the edges of the bed, and it’s topped with two layers of memory foam for pressure relief and cushioning. The mattress is described as “medium-firm” in terms of plushness, and its top “comfort layer” is hole-punched for increased breathability and temperature regulation throughout the night.
What the reviews say: With over two thousand reviews and a 4.5 star overall rating, this mattress from Leesa is safe to categorize as a great purchase. Not least of this is because its unique combination of spring-and-foam support makes it an ideal option for many types of sleepers. One reviewer notes: “My husband and I sleep differently, but mostly side or belly. We've both found this very comfortable and I have slept better than I have in some time. It's even comfortable when I fall asleep on my back while reading!” Others have remarked that it’s the “best mattress we’ve ever owned” and cite that it’s “taken away my back pains and been a big help with frozen shoulder.”
Thickness: Available in 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 inches | Firmness: Depends on mattress height (all firmness options available) | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years
The Chill Memory Foam Mattress from Dreamfoam is a budget option that doesn’t feel like one. Its constructed of multiple layers of foam—including a gel memory foam that provides a more responsive sleep experience—that offer enhanced contouring and pressure relief. The gel layer also adds advanced cooling technology, while the open cell technology in each layer allows for increased airflow and breathability, so this mattress doesn’t retain heat like some other memory foam options.
Everything is built on a high-density base foam that increases stability and support, so you don’t feel like you’re sinking into the mattress. And you can choose from different mattress depths, from 6 to 14 inches, so you can find the one that works best for you. Keep in mind that the prices vary slightly depending on which one you choose.
What the reviews say: Equally raved about by side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers, this mattress provides “uniform, cushioned support with a thick durable cover and the cooling top foam layer.” Its versatility in thickness options, light weight and easy maneuverability makes it a great choice for RVs, trucks, campers, and children’s rooms. As a cherry on top, some customers have even remarked on its sleek aesthetic, noting that this mattress “looks nicer than any mattress I’ve ever owned.”
Thickness: 11 inches | Firmness: Choose from soft, medium or firm | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Memory foam works wonders for those who love the feeling of sinking into a bed after a long day. If that sounds like you, then getting your hands on a handmade-to-order soft memory foam mattress like The GravityLux might be the next right move. For those hot sleepers, this mattress stays cool with its AirCell Memory Foam and unique temperature management unique to each individual sleeper.
And yes, you can still enjoy the soft feeling of memory foam while receiving support; this seven-layer model is designed to contour shoulders, legs and the midsection for optimal comfort. Plus, you don’t need to worry about disturbing your partner during the night with its unique construction that allows for movement without transfer to other parts of the bed.
What the reviews say: Side sleepers in particular have noted that this soft but supportive mattress helps alleviate shoulder and hip pain. One reviewer says that as an added bonus, “it has enough support at the edge and does not sleep too hot.” WinkBed’s customer service is also reportedly easy and pleasant to work with, making returns and exchanges a breeze if everything is not 100% perfect.
We’ve done extensive research, reading through firsthand reviews from professional testers and consumers. We’ve also tested (and loved) many of these mattresses ourselves.
This article is routinely updated so features, prices and reviewer ratings and quotes stay up to date. We also regularly re-evaluate our mattress picks to ensure that they’re still some of the best choices in their categories. This story was last updated in July 2022.
When shopping for a memory foam mattress, there are several things to consider to ensure you find the best option for your sleep preferences and needs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to look for.
The firmness of your mattress plays a big role in its overall comfort, so it’s important to select an option that caters to your most common sleep position and your preferences. A soft or medium-soft mattress is often a good choice for side sleepers while a firm or medium-firm mattress is a better match for stomach sleepers or back pain sufferers to ensure their spines are kept in proper alignment.
As you shop for a mattress, you’ll notice that most memory foam mattresses are made from several layers of foam, including a base layer for support and “comfort layers” on top. Some memory foam mattresses use cooling gel-infused foam and/or perforated foam that aids in breathability.
Memory foam is notorious for off-gassing, If you’re worried about chemicals that are released during the off-gassing period after some memory foam mattresses are opened, look for a product that offers safety certifications. The CertiPUR-US certification program labels low-emission mattresses that are free of mercury, lead, heavy metals and formaldehyde. Another common certification is UL GREENGUARD, which denotes products that meet rigorous chemical emissions standards.
You have several options when it comes to receiving your new memory foam mattress. Many retailers still offer traditional in-home delivery, which is helpful if you don’t think you’ll be able to carry and set up a mattress by yourself, or want to have your old one removed.
Alternately, many direct-to-consumer brands now sell mattresses in a box, a method that compresses the mattress into a surprisingly compact box for shipping. If you don’t mind setting up a mattress yourself, this option is ideal, but note that most compressed mattresses will need hours—or even a couple of days—to fully expand.
Worried about buyer’s remorse? Most mattress brands offer lengthy sleep trials that let you test out your new mattress in your home. If you don’t like your chosen model, the brand will allow you to return or exchange it. Sleep trials typically start at 100 nights, but some companies provide a full year. Before making a purchase, always be sure to check the retailer’s sleep trial period and exchange/return policy.
Keep in mind that most mattress retailers require you to sleep on your new mattress for at least 30 days before they’ll even consider a return. This is because there’s a break-in period when transitioning to any new bed. You may not immediately like your new mattress, but find that you love it within a few weeks.
Some memory foam mattresses offer specialized features; for example, folks who tend to feel hot at night may want to choose a mattress designed for cooling. Other notable features include antimicrobial treatments, reinforced edges and zoned support. Some prioritize motion isolation, which is ideal for couples.
Each of the three types of mattresses—memory foam, innerspring and hybrid—have pros and cons you’ll want to review. None of them can be considered “the best,” as it’s more a matter of personal preference. Here is a brief summary of each type of mattress:
This material is unique because it contours to your body, offering a customized level of comfort and support. It’s also excellent for alleviating pressure points, particularly around your hips and shoulders, while also providing support for your spine. Couples appreciate how well memory foam eliminates motion transfer; this means you won’t feel your partner moving on their side of the bed. And if you have an adjustable bed frame, a flexible memory foam mattress will probably be your best bet. All that said, memory foam has a tendency to trap heat, although many top brands have developed new technology to keep their mattresses cool. Finally, while some people love sinking into their memory foam bed at the end of a long day, others don’t like the feeling of being “swallowed” by their mattress.
This is the traditional type of mattress, with springs as the main support system. While some people prefer the firmer feel of these mattresses, many find that they create uncomfortable pressure points. They also have a tendency to sag in the middle over time, so if you decide to get an innerspring mattress, be sure it’s a quality one.
Hybrid mattresses are really popular because they combine the best attributes of memory foam and innerspring mattresses. Usually, they’re constructed with coils for support (often they’re wrapped to reduce excess springiness) and are topped with plush foam layers for contouring comfort. Hybrids tend to sleep cooler because the coils allow for airflow, not to mention they’re often made with other materials that help regulate temperature. While they may be slightly bouncier than memory foam mattresses, the best hybrids are constructed to reduce motion transfer, a big plus for couples. You probably won’t sink into a hybrid as much as you would a memory foam mattress, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on your preference.
The thickness of a memory foam mattress can range from as small as 4 inches to a generous 18 inches. The best match for most folks is from 10 to 14 inches thick, as it ensures that your mattress provides sufficient support from the base layer, as well as softer “comfort layers” on top.
When you choose a new mattress, make sure to review the warranty to make sure you’re adequately covered if the mattress has a shorter lifespan than expected. Many mattress companies provide warranties of 10 or 15 years, while some offer more reassuring lifetime warranties.
In terms of what to expect, a memory foam mattress’s lifespan is typically eight to 10 years. Generally, mattresses containing higher-quality foam will last at least 10 years, while you may find that cheaper foam options start to get lumpy or saggy after only a few years.