The Best Mattresses of 2026

Watch Our Amerisleep AS3 Video Review

After testing and evaluating more than 50 mattresses, the Amerisleep AS3 earned our top overall recommendation and was named the Best Mattress of 2026.

The AS3 delivered the strongest combination of pressure relief, support, cooling, motion isolation, and overall value among the mattresses we tested. It performed exceptionally well across side, back, and combination sleeping positions, making it the most versatile mattress in our testing.

Its Bio-Pur® memory foam provided better airflow than traditional memory foam mattresses, helping maintain a cooler sleep surface throughout the night. The foam also absorbed movement exceptionally well, making it an excellent choice for couples seeking undisturbed sleep.

For most shoppers looking for a mattress that balances comfort, support, cooling, and long-term durability, the Amerisleep AS3 remains one of the safest recommendations we can make.

Watch Our Zoma Boost Video Review

Among all luxury mattresses we tested, the Zoma Boost delivered one of the strongest combinations of cooling, pressure relief, and full-body support.

What impressed us most was how effectively the mattress balanced plush comfort with targeted support. The zoned design helped maintain spinal alignment while relieving pressure around the shoulders and hips.

During testing, the mattress also performed exceptionally well for motion isolation and temperature regulation, making it a strong option for couples and hot sleepers who want a more premium sleep experience.

For shoppers looking for a luxury hybrid mattress that prioritizes recovery, comfort, and cooling, the Zoma Boost earned its place near the top of our rankings.

Watch Our Vaya Mattress Video Review

Among the mattresses we tested, the Vaya delivered some of the strongest value for the price. It combines balanced comfort, reliable support, and strong motion isolation at a price point that undercuts many competing mattresses.

During testing, the Vaya performed well across multiple sleeping positions and maintained a comfortable sleep surface throughout the night. Its ability to minimize motion transfer also made it a strong choice for couples seeking an affordable mattress without major compromises.

For shoppers who want a comfortable, versatile mattress without spending thousands of dollars, the Vaya remains one of the best value options available today.

Watch Our Helix Midnight Luxe Video Review

Among the mattresses we tested for pressure relief and spinal alignment, the Helix Midnight Luxe stood out as one of the strongest options for side sleepers and those dealing with hip discomfort.

What impressed us most was its ability to balance plush cushioning with targeted support. The zoned coil system helped keep the spine aligned while allowing the shoulders and hips to sink in enough to relieve pressure buildup.

During testing, the Helix Midnight Luxe also performed exceptionally well in motion isolation and temperature regulation. The combination of premium foams and individually wrapped coils created a comfortable sleep surface that felt supportive without feeling overly firm.

For sleepers who frequently wake up with hip soreness or pressure-point discomfort, the Helix Midnight Luxe earned its place on this list by delivering consistent comfort, support, and pressure relief across multiple body types and sleeping positions.

Read My Full Review of the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

Watch Our Saatva Classic Video Review

Among the luxury mattresses we tested, the Saatva Classic delivered some of the strongest edge support, responsiveness, and overall durability.

Unlike many foam-focused mattresses, the Saatva combines a traditional innerspring feel with modern comfort features, creating a sleep surface that feels supportive, breathable, and easy to move around on. During testing, it consistently performed well for back sleepers and combination sleepers who prefer sleeping “on” the mattress rather than deeply sinking into it.

The dual-coil design also helped promote airflow, making it one of the cooler mattresses we evaluated. Combined with strong edge support and multiple firmness options, the Saatva Classic proved to be one of the most versatile luxury mattresses in our testing.

For shoppers looking for a premium hotel-style mattress with strong support and long-term durability, the Saatva Classic remains one of our favorite recommendations.

Read My Full Review of the Saatva Classic Mattress

Watch Our Nolah Evolution 15 Video Review

Among the pillow-top mattresses we tested, the Nolah Evolution 15 delivered some of the best pressure relief, cooling, and motion isolation.

The mattress combines a plush, luxurious surface with a supportive hybrid design, making it especially appealing for side sleepers and couples. During testing, it excelled at relieving pressure around the shoulders and hips while maintaining strong spinal alignment.

Its advanced cooling features also helped it stand out from many competing pillow-top models. The breathable construction and cooling foam layers worked together to maintain a comfortable sleep temperature throughout the night.

For sleepers who want the pressure relief of a plush mattress without sacrificing support, the Nolah Evolution earned its position as one of the top pillow-top mattresses we reviewed.

Watch Our Amerisleep AS6 Black Series Video Review

Among the luxury memory foam mattresses we tested, the Amerisleep AS6 Black Series delivered some of the strongest pressure relief, motion isolation, and cooling performance.

The mattress stood out for its ability to provide a deeply cushioned feel while still maintaining proper support and spinal alignment. During testing, it performed particularly well for side sleepers and those seeking maximum pressure relief around the shoulders and hips.

Its advanced cooling system also helped separate it from many competing memory foam mattresses. The combination of cooling technologies worked effectively to reduce heat retention while preserving the contouring comfort that memory foam is known for.

For sleepers looking for a premium mattress that combines plush comfort, strong pressure relief, and advanced cooling features, the AS6 Black Series earned its place among the top luxury mattresses we reviewed.

Read My Full Review of the Amerisleep AS6 Black Series

Watch Our Organica Video Review

Among the latex mattresses we tested, the Amerisleep Organica stood out for its combination of natural materials, pressure relief, and temperature regulation.

The Organica delivers a balanced feel that blends the responsiveness of natural latex with the support of a pocketed coil system. During testing, it performed particularly well for sleepers looking for a mattress that feels supportive, breathable, and easy to move around on without sacrificing comfort.

Its organic cotton cover, natural wool fire barrier, and latex comfort layers also make it a compelling option for shoppers seeking a more natural sleep environment. The mattress maintained a comfortable sleep temperature throughout testing and provided consistent support across multiple sleeping positions.

For eco-conscious shoppers who want the benefits of latex without giving up the support and durability of a hybrid mattress, the Organica earned its place as our top latex recommendation.

Watch Our Plushbeds Signature Bliss Video Review

Among the organic mattresses we tested, the PlushBeds Signature Bliss delivered one of the strongest combinations of pressure relief, responsiveness, and temperature regulation.

The mattress combines certified organic materials with a supportive hybrid design, creating a sleep surface that feels both comfortable and durable. During testing, it performed particularly well for sleepers seeking a more natural mattress without sacrificing support or responsiveness.

Its organic latex comfort layers provided excellent pressure relief while maintaining the responsiveness that many sleepers prefer over traditional memory foam. The breathable construction also helped promote airflow and maintain a comfortable sleep temperature throughout the night.

For shoppers looking for a premium organic mattress that balances comfort, support, and sustainability, the PlushBeds Signature Bliss earned its place among the top organic mattresses we reviewed.

Watch Our AS5 Hybrid Video Review

Among the soft mattresses we tested, the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid delivered some of the best pressure relief and motion isolation.

What stood out most during testing was its ability to provide a plush, body-contouring feel without sacrificing support. The combination of responsive coils and pressure-relieving foam layers helped reduce pressure around the shoulders and hips while still maintaining healthy spinal alignment.

The AS5 Hybrid also performed exceptionally well for couples. Its hybrid construction absorbed movement effectively while providing enough responsiveness to make changing positions easy throughout the night. The breathable design further helped maintain a comfortable sleep temperature compared to many traditional memory foam mattresses.

For side sleepers and anyone who prefers a softer, more cushioning sleep surface, the AS5 Hybrid earned its place as one of the top soft mattresses we reviewed.

Watch Our Bear Original Video Review

Among the firm memory foam mattresses we tested, the Bear Original stood out for its combination of support, pressure relief, durability, and overall value.

The mattress performed particularly well for back sleepers and anyone who prefers a firmer sleep surface. During testing, it provided strong spinal support while still offering enough contouring to reduce pressure around the shoulders, hips, and lower back.

The graphite-infused memory foam also helped improve temperature regulation compared to many traditional memory foam mattresses, while the dense foam construction did an excellent job minimizing motion transfer for couples. Its balanced feel made it easier to move around on than many softer memory foam models.

For shoppers looking for a firmer memory foam mattress that delivers strong support, pressure relief, and long-term comfort, the Bear Original earned its place as our top recommendation in this category.

Watch Our Nest Bedding Sparrow Video Review

Among the mattresses we tested for shoulder pressure relief, the Nest Bedding Sparrow delivered one of the strongest balances of cushioning, support, and motion isolation.

The Sparrow’s hybrid design allowed it to relieve pressure around the shoulders while maintaining enough support to keep the spine properly aligned. During testing, it performed particularly well for side sleepers, who often need additional cushioning around pressure-prone areas.

The mattress also stood out for its motion isolation and responsiveness. Couples benefited from minimal motion transfer, while combination sleepers appreciated how easy it was to change positions throughout the night.

For sleepers dealing with shoulder discomfort or looking for a versatile hybrid mattress that combines pressure relief with strong support, the Nest Bedding Sparrow earned its place among our top recommendations.

Watch Our Zoma Start Video Review

Among the mattresses we tested for back pain, the Zoma Start delivered one of the strongest combinations of support, pressure relief, and overall value.

The mattress performed particularly well at maintaining spinal alignment while providing enough cushioning to reduce pressure around the lower back and hips. During testing, it accommodated a wide range of sleeping positions without feeling overly firm or overly soft.

Its all-foam design also did an excellent job minimizing motion transfer, making it a strong option for couples who want a quieter and less disruptive sleep experience. The breathable construction helped maintain a comfortable sleep temperature throughout the night as well.

For shoppers seeking an affordable mattress that balances comfort, support, and recovery-focused design, the Zoma Start earned its place as one of our top recommendations for back pain.

How We Tested and Evaluated Mattresses

To identify the best mattresses of 2026, we focused on the factors that have the greatest impact on comfort, support, and overall sleep quality. Every mattress featured in this guide was evaluated using the same criteria, including pressure relief, spinal support, cooling, motion isolation, edge support, responsiveness, durability, and overall value.

While materials, customer feedback, and company reputation were considered, our rankings were primarily driven by hands-on testing and real-world performance across multiple sleeping positions and body types.

• Pressure Relief & Comfort: We evaluated how effectively each mattress cushioned pressure points around the shoulders, hips, and lower back while maintaining overall comfort.
• Support & Spinal Alignment: We assessed how well each mattress supported healthy spinal alignment across different sleeping positions and body types.
• Cooling, Motion Isolation & Durability: We evaluated temperature regulation, motion transfer, edge support, responsiveness, construction quality, warranty coverage, and overall value to determine which mattresses delivered the strongest long-term performance.

What to Consider Before Purchasing a New Bed

Before you can confidently choose your next mattress, there are a handful of things to take into account so you’re best prepared.

The most important factor being your own personal preferences, including how you like to sleep and how firm or soft you want your bed to be. If you’re somebody who craves the feeling of sleeping on a cloud and you know that ahead of time, you’ve already narrowed down your search drastically.

Sleeping Positions

Sleep style is nothing to overlook as it’s critical you buy a bed that’s compatible with how you sleep.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers are most comfortable on medium or soft mattresses. When you sleep on your side, it’s important your bed is soft enough to allow your hips and shoulders to compress in the mattress. Firmer beds can create pressure points and pains for side sleepers.

Targeted support can be important, too, in a mattress for side sleeping. Specialty cushioning for shoulders and hips can relieve pressure before it has a chance to build into painful discomfort.

Back Sleepers

The best mattress for back sleepers is anywhere in the medium to firm range. For back sleepers, it’s important to look for a bed that nurtures the spine’s natural alignment and keeps you lifted in the mattress. Anything too soft can cause your torso to sink too far in the mattress, creating pain.

As with side sleeping, targeted support can be helpful. However, enhanced lumbar support is what you should look for in a mattress for back sleeping.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping is considered to be the unhealthiest sleep style for a number of reasons— the most significant is the strain it puts on your back. When you sleep on your stomach, your center of gravity shifts to your torso.

This can cause your midsection to sink into the mattress, overextending your spine. It’s not uncommon for stomach sleepers to experience chronic lower back pain. If you do sleep on your stomach, choose a firm mattress to offer you the necessary support.

Lastly is combination sleeping, which is the group of people who switch between these positions as they toss and turn. The right mattress for combination sleeping should account for all of these, usually with a medium to medium-firm feel.

Body Type

Remember, body type is the most significant factor in the perception of firmness. So, you need to take into consideration your build.

If you’re smaller or more petite, most beds will feel firmer to you. But if you’re a heavier individual, you’re going to need to look for a bed with more support to help promote healthy sleep positions.

Ultimately, the most important thing here is finding a mattress that will nurture a healthy spine, foster healthy sleep styles, and prevent aches and pains— finding the support necessary to achieve that is the main goal.

Mattress Types

As we mentioned, there are a variety of mattress types to choose from in your search for a new bed, including, memory foam, latex, hybrid, and innerspring beds. Like anything in life, each material has its pros and cons. In this section, we’ll highlight the benefits and downfalls of each material so you can assess what meets your needs.

What to Look For in the Best Mattresses?

A: Organic Materials

If you are an eco-friendly shopper or suffer from different allergies or skin sensitivities, chances are you’ll want an organic mattress.

When looking for an eco-friendly bed, you’ll want something made with 100% natural latex or plant-based foams as well as organic flame retardants. All-natural beds often have a number of third-party certifications proving they’re free from harmful chemicals and synthetic materials. During your search, keep an eye out for these certifications and read more about them.

Some of the top-notch organic certifications to look for include:

• CertiPUR-US®
• GreenGuard Gold
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100
• GOLS & GOTS

2: Mattress in a Box Brands

If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, consider buying from mattress in a box brands. We’re fans of these online mattress retailers because they eliminate the middleman and sell their high-quality beds for a fraction of the price. This means you no longer need to drop thousands to get a comfortable, long-lasting mattress.

Shopping with online mattress-in-a-box brands makes the buying experience much more convenient. Instead of visiting numerous retailers, you can browse from the comfort of your couch and have the bed delivered to your doorstep. While it may seem tricky to buy online and choose a bed without feeling it first, risk-free sleep trials allow you to shop with confidence.

3: Bunk Beds

If you’re shopping for a bunk bed mattress, you’ll need to keep its thickness, size, and firmness in mind. Mattresses for bunk beds differ from those for standard bed frames because they need to be thin without feeling too firm or bottoming out.

When shopping for a new mattress for any standard bed frame, most review sites will tell you to steer clear of overly-thin mattresses. But when it comes to bunk beds, a thin bed is exactly what you need.

As a general rule of thumb, look for a bed between 8 to 10 inches for a bunk bed. When choosing your thin mattress, look for one with only two or three layers since fewer, thicker layers contribute to plushness better than multiple thinner ones.

4: Futon Mattresses

Futon mattresses are perfect for guests and usually more comfortable than plastic blow-up air mattresses. These beds are also perfect space savers for those with a smaller living space.

You want to look for a futon that’s comfortable for both sleeping and sitting. If your futon is in a part of your living space where it runs the risk of becoming an eyesore, make sure you buy one that looks great, too.

A high-quality futon mattress should cushion you from the sturdy frame underneath and feel comfortable for the majority of sleeping positions.

5: RV Mattresses

Whether you’re a frequent road tripper or living a mobile lifestyle, finding a comfortable RV or camper mattress can be hard. You need something lightweight and compact that’s still comfortable and supportive.

As you might expect, RV mattresses are designed to be more lightweight than standard mattress types. They’re sold in different sizes than standard beds, too. Often, RV mattresses are a few inches shorter or narrower than their standard counterparts. They also have curved edges or modified shapes to help them fit through doorways easily.

Most major mattress brands don’t carry RV mattresses, so to find one you’ll have to shop with a specialty retailer. Like bunk bed mattresses, you’ll want to find a bed with a few cushioning layers for the best overall comfort.

6: Smart Mattresses

Like most everything in life, technology has made its way into smart mattresses and can influence your entire sleep experience. If you’re looking for the most high-tech mattress to upgrade your night’s rest, you have a slew of different options.

Smart beds are made with a variety of different technologies— some are in place to keep your temperature cool while others track your quality of sleep and pinpoint areas for improvement. You can even sync some beds with Amazon’s Alexa, letting you get the coffee brewing before even rolling out of bed.

7: Customizable Options

If you’ve tried a number of mattresses and have yet to find a comfortable option or you share your bed with a partner who has vastly different sleep needs, a customizable bed may be the solution to your restless nights.

There are two main types of customizable beds— those with mix-and-match layers and those built for your body type. If you’ve struggled to find a comfortable mattress, you’re a good fit for either of the two.

If you buy a bed with adjustable layers, you can arrange and rearrange the layers until you’ve found your most comfortable combination. On the other hand, if you decide to shop with a brand that’ll customize your bed for you, they modify the mattress based on your body type and sleeping styles to set you up for sound sleep.

When it comes to couples, we recommend split-king sizes, which allows you to customize the comfort and firmness of each side of the bed. Split-kings are really just two twin XL mattresses placed side by side. They’re often used on adjustable bases to allow each side to move independently, they can also be the perfect compromise for couples with different preferences.

Brands that carry their beds in different firmness options usually offer split-king sizes, so customers could potentially buy two beds with different firmness levels. This allows couples to choose what’s most comfortable for their side of the bed.

B: Budget

The last thing to consider before browsing online or heading to your local retailer is your budget. Everybody knows a new mattress isn’t necessarily cheap, so it’s critical you determine what you can realistically spend on a new bed and stick within your means. Besides, nobody can sleep soundly on a new bed or even appreciate their new mattress if they know in the back of their mind they’ve spent far too much money on it.

With the popularity of online mattress brands, there are plenty of high-quality, budget mattresses you can find priced around $1,000. Also, many mattress brands offer promotions on their beds around holidays, and waiting for a mattress sale can save you hundreds.

C. Best Mattresses for Specific Needs

Different beds can ease sleep troubles. Whether you’re sleeping too hot or waking up too often throughout the night, there’s a mattress to help.

Cooling

It’s not uncommon to hear people complaining of sleeping hot. You can kick off all your bedding and crank the AC down, but even those efforts may not be enough— because your mattress could be causing you to overheat.

Certain mattress materials retain body heat more than others, and traditional memory foam tends to be the worst of them. In an effort to combat complaints of heat retention, many brands have begun to use plant-based and gel-infused foams in their beds. But for particularly hot sleepers, this may not be enough.

If you find yourself waking up uncomfortably warm most nights, you may need a latex or hybrid bed, as they’re some of the best for preventing heat retention due to their increased breathability and airflow. However, you can find cooling memory foam mattresses, too.

Couples

Finding a comfortable mattress for one person is hard enough, but shopping for a good mattress for couples is even more difficult— especially if you have completely different preferences than your partner.

Couples can greatly benefit from split-beds and customizable mattresses because they allow each sleeper to choose what’s most comfortable for their side of the bed. However, if you’re not looking to spend a lot of money for a split-king, choosing a medium mattress is your safest bet because they’re adaptable to the majority of sleeping positions.

To get sound sleep, couples should look for an all-foam mattress that limits motion transfer and noise, so if you share a bed with someone who tosses and turns, their movement won’t ruin your night’s rest.

Heavy Sleepers

Plus-size sleepers require more support from a mattress to ensure it’ll last for its expected lifespan. If you’re over 250 pounds, you should avoid all beds thinner than 10 inches thick, as they may break down and sag after only a few years.

Heavy sleepers should look for a thick, firm mattress to support their weight for years to come. It also doesn’t hurt to look for beds with edge support and cooling technologies to get the most comfortable, undisturbed sleep.

We recommend heavy sleepers stick to all-foam models or hybrid beds, as they offer more cushioning and healthy support than most innerspring alternatives.

Adjustable Beds

If your night’s sleep needs an upgrade, consider an adjustable bed frame. Whether you need to get better rest, change sleeping positions, or just want something to make watching TV before bed more enjoyable, these high-tech bed frames fit the bill.

Equipped with head and foot articulation, adjustable beds let you find the best angle to doze off. Many people love them because they promote better spinal alignment and offer exceptional pain relief. Plus, many bed frames feature a “snore” button elevating you to the perfect angle for peaceful, quiet shut-eye. This can also be helpful for people with chronic lung or heart issues.

Adjustable beds used to be reserved for hospital rooms and the elderly, but now, people of all ages are taking advantage of their sleep-enhancing benefits. There are hundreds of different adjustable frames sold— some feature just the basic head and foot articulation while others are decked out in a number of fun features.

Depending on your needs and budget restrictions, you’re sure to find one to better your night’s sleep.

Athletes

If you lead an active lifestyle, you need a bed that’ll promote sound, reparative sleep so you can perform your best every day. The National Sleep Foundation recommends athletes get an extra hour or two of rest each night, but they also suggest investing in a bed to facilitate deeper, more restorative shut-eye so you can make the most of your time spent sleeping.

Athletes should look for a mattress designed to boost recovery times and performance. While many brands market their beds for athletes, look for beds with specific things to ensure your bed is really the best to support your rigorous lifestyle.

We also recommend athletes stick with all-foam beds, preferably memory foam, due to their ability to foster a healthy spine, relieve pressure points, and prevent future pains from forming. Hybrid beds are a great option too, as they contain foam layers to offer these benefits, but athletes should avoid innerspring beds whenever possible.

Soft Beds

Soft beds or sleeper sofas aren’t for everybody. Even if you may think you like the feeling of sleeping on a cloud, if your bed doesn’t support you right, you’ll end up plagued with aches and pains.

Soft mattresses are best suited for side sleepers, and even some back sleepers can snooze soundly on a softer mattress. However, stomach sleepers should avoid soft mattresses at all costs, as they are not equipped to support sleeping face down. Stomach sleepers need a firm bed to prevent their torso from sinking and back pains from forming.

Firm Beds

Unlike soft beds, firm beds can be an option for all sleepers. However, it is important side sleepers don’t choose something too firm, as it can lead to pressure build-up under the shoulders and hips which can result in pain and discomfort.

Firm beds are great for maintaining neutral spine alignment and preventing unhealthy sinkage. If you’ve bought something too firm and need additional comfort, mattress toppers are an easy way to customize your bed.

Light Sleepers

Motion isolation could not be any more important for light sleepers. If you share the bed with a partner, or even have a pet who periodically snoozes with you at night, their motion can jostle you awake and prevent you from entering deeper stages of sleep.

Look for an all-foam bed or a hybrid mattress with pocketed coils for the least motion transfer. Light sleepers can also benefit from additional edge support, as it provides a better surface to sprawl out on and snooze undisturbed.

D. Best Beds for Different Medical Conditions

If you’re buying a bed to address a certain medical condition, you’ll need to know the best materials and firmness for your needs. Choosing something at random, or with misguided information, can lead to restless nights and even more discomfort.

In this section, we talk about the best types of mattresses to offer relief for varying health conditions. Before investing in a new bed, we recommend discussing your health concerns with your doctor, as well. Physical therapist Dr. Jennifer Miller explains, “We spend so much of our time sleeping that some of my first questions I ask my patients regards their sleep. I want to know where they sleep, how well they sleep, how many pillows they use, their preferred sleeping position, and their bedtime routine. All of these factors can contribute to poor sleep and could increase their pain. ”

Back Pain

If you frequently experience back pain, you’re not alone. Back pain affects nearly 80% of adults and is the leading cause of missed work. Luckily, a high-quality mattress can ease your discomfort.

The best mattress for back pain relief offers both cushioning, comfort, and targeted support to alleviate pressure points while still maintaining proper alignment. When searching for your next bed, look specifically at its support technologies and how it’s built to foster a healthy spine.

While many believe firm beds are the best for spinal alignment, that’s not necessarily the case. Instead, choose a firmness based on how you sleep and then compare support technologies to find your best fit.

Hip Pain

Hip pain is tricky. It can be a result of sinking too far in the bed, but it can also stem from not sinking far enough in your mattress. Determining which applies to you depends on how you sleep.

For side sleepers with hip pain, this likely results from sleeping on a bed that’s too firm. Choosing a medium or even medium-firm mattress allows for better pressure relief and fewer pains.

For back or stomach sleepers, hip pain may result from sinking too low in the mattress. To avoid this, look for a bed with additional lumbar support under your midsection. Many brands modify the center of their bed to feel firmer and prevent uncomfortable sinkage.

We recommend those with hip pain choose an all-foam mattress as they allow for better comfort and pressure relief under your joints, including your hips. Hybrids are a suitable option too, but innersprings aren’t the best for people with chronic pain.

Neck Pain

If you’re waking up every morning with neck pain, consider the pillow you’re using. A high-quality pillow should hold your neck in line between your shoulders and facilitate neutral alignment.

In addition to your pillow, your mattress may be contributing to your pain, too. You can prevent neck pain altogether by choosing a compatible pillow for your sleep style and investing in a mattress to hold your spine in alignment.

Neck pain can also be a result of stomach sleeping. If you sleep on your stomach and experience these pains, change your position to the side or back.

Arthritis and Fibromyalgia

Arthritis and fibromyalgia are two conditions characterized by joint pain and inflammation. While arthritis may only impact specific joints, fibromyalgia is defined as widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by severe fatigue; both of these make it hard to get good sleep.

For relief from your discomfort, invest in a cushioning all-foam bed. Don’t choose something too soft though, as the bed still needs to offer healthy back support.

A cushioning bed for arthritis provides a soft, comfortable surface for your joints to rest. It also contours to your curves for further pressure and tension relief. Dr. Jennifer Miller, a physical therapist, says, “I typically recommend my patients also use a body pillow to reduce stress on their joints.”

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder impacting over 22 million people. Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly starts and stops; this disrupts rest and makes it impossible to enter into deeper, more restorative stages of sleep.

While a mattress cannot cure your sleep apnea, beds built to hold your spine in proper alignment can alleviate some of your symptoms. We also recommend those with sleep apnea invest in an adjustable bed. These elevate your head to the best angle to keep your airways open all night.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

Snoring

Snoring is not only annoying, but it can be an indicator of a more serious condition, such as sleep apnea. Even if your snoring doesn’t bother you, it should still be addressed.

Unfortunately, a mattress itself cannot cure snoring. However, a mattress combined with an adjustable bed, or even a wedge pillow, can do the trick. These two sleep accessories elevate your head to open your airways and prevent loud snores.

Allergies and Asthma

1 in 13 people have asthma; and your bed can be a breeding ground for mold, dirt, dust mites, and other irritants. That’s why it’s important for those with asthma or even allergies to invest in a hypoallergenic or eco-friendly bed.

Eco-friendly mattresses, or those with third-party organic certifications, are free from harmful chemicals and usually infused with antimicrobial materials to prevent allergic reactions.

You can also reduce the risk of your mattress causing an asthma attack by covering it in a protector. High-quality mattress protectors prevent dirt, dead skin cells, dust, and more from accumulating on your bed’s surface.

Lastly, we recommend those with asthma stay away from innerspring beds, as dust can build up between the coils and cause persistent irritation.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is defined by the breakdown of your bones. This condition is quite uncomfortable to begin with, but as your bones become more porous and fragile, pain increases.

Pressure points can be extremely painful for those with osteoporosis, so you’ll need a mattress to offer comfort and alleviate tension. Memory foam mattresses are the best at contouring to your body, relieving pains, and preventing new ones from forming.

However, you’ll want to ensure your memory foam mattress doesn’t cause you to sink too far, as that can lead to discomfort climbing in and out of bed or changing positions while you sleep.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome is defined by the uncontrollable urge to move your legs because of an uncomfortable sensation. Those with RLS define the discomfort in their legs as feeling like pins and needles or a “deep bone itch.” The continual urge to move your legs makes it difficult to drift off and stay asleep.

While there’s no cure for RLS, and there’s no one mattress that’s best for eliminating discomfort, a contouring, memory foam bed can offer some relief. Look for a bed with plush comfort layers to mold to your body, but don’t overlook zoned support. Maintaining healthy alignment is crucial to feeling your best everyday.

In addition to investing in a new bed, improving sleep hygiene and getting a better night’s sleep can mitigate the symptoms of RLS.

E. Recommendations by Age Group

Your sleep preferences change as you age; babies have different needs than elderly folks. To find what’s best for you and get the most for your money, consider where you’re at in life.

Babies

Even the healthiest of babies are at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, otherwise known as SIDS, during their first year of life. SIDS usually occurs when your baby is at rest, so it’s critical to set your little one up with a healthy sleeping environment.

Babies are best sleeping in cribs or cots, and not in the same bed as their parents. While co-sleeping and sharing a bed may be convenient for night-time feedings, it puts your baby’s life at risk.

Soft mattresses and soft surfaces increase your baby’s risk of SIDS, too. When choosing a crib mattress, make sure it’s firm. Don’t keep any blankets, pillows, or loose bedding in the crib with your baby, either, as it poses a suffocation risk.

We also recommend choosing an organic, or at least eco-friendly, mattress for your little one. In the process of making foams and other mattress materials, harsh chemicals are needed. While these chemicals aren’t necessarily “unsafe,” your baby is better off in a sleeping environment where he or she isn’t exposed to chemical off-gassing.

Toddlers and Kids

It can be hard to gauge the best bed for a growing child. When your child is ready to move up from a crib, you want to find something that can keep up with their changing bodies. But you also don’t want to go overboard and buy a giant bed for a little kid. So how do you find the perfect balance?

We recommend twin, twin XL, and full mattresses for toddlers and kids. A lot of people will recommend starting with a twin, but we believe you’re better off jumping straight to a twin XL because they’re five inches longer and may buy you a few extra years of use. Should your child hit a growth spurt, the twin XL’s extra few inches of legroom will prevent you from having to replace their bed after only a few years.

If you want something bigger than a twin, full beds are great for young children, too. However, many people find fulls to be best suited for preteens and teenagers rather than kids below the age of 10. Beyond size, look for a bed to foster healthy spinal support. If your child spends their nights snoozing out of alignment, it can lead to aches, pains, and impact healthy growth.

Teenagers

Once you hit your teenage years, sleep is even more critical. During this time, you’re growing rapidly and with that, sleeping quite a bit. Proper spinal support is crucial during this time to ensure healthy development and prevent disorders such as scoliosis.

We recommend twin XL, full, and queen-size mattresses for teens. The most important thing is to get them a bed with advanced support technology to nurture a healthy spine.

Seniors

Seniors are no strangers to back aches and joint pain, which is why it’s so important to find a pressure and pain-relieving bed for people over the age of 55. We recommend memory foam and hybrid beds for seniors, as they’re usually the best for mitigating and preventing pain points.

To avoid discomfort, it’s necessary to find a bed compatible with your sleeping position, too. If you buy a memory foam mattress that’s too firm or too soft for your needs, you won’t be any better off than if you were sleeping on a stiff innerspring bed.

Before buying a new mattress consider where your pains are located and how you sleep at night— this should steer you closer to your next bed. For the most part, we recommend seniors choose medium or medium-firm mattresses because they’re adaptable to most body types.

F. Top Ten Worst Mattress Types

Independent mattress review sites such as Sleep Like The Dead and a few others accumulate data from consumers. There is a lot of information out there on our sleep preferences, and what people tend to find good and bad in beds from reviews.

While we are all a bit different and comfort is subjective, there are some places we seem to agree. When you’re looking for the right mattress, these are the different factors research and statistics suggest you might want to avoid.

1. Super Cheap Beds

Mattresses sold for $450-$550 or less for a queen tend to receive the lowest customer ratings overall. You may want to look in the average to mid-price range ($800-$1500 or so usually nets beds in the average to great satisfaction range).

Reviews of these beds can be deceiving. Customers may give the mattress a glowing review after only a few days or weeks of using it. Cheap beds overwhelmingly have problems with longevity and durability, however. While initially comfort can be just fine, cheaper materials break down quicker, and will need to be replaced considerably sooner. Research has also found cheaper beds are linked with more back pain.

Try to see what customers say about early sagging or impressions and consider the length of time they have been using it. A reviewer who has used a bed for several months will have a better idea of the quality.

2. Promotional Mattresses

Promotional mattresses are often advertised as “doorbusters” or with other marketing terms used to get customers interested. As with all very cheap options, the quality is often not what customers are looking for, even if the price may be a steal. You may find these beds have little to no warranty or return policies as well, so if you’re shopping during a sale, be sure to do your research. Pay close attention to the upcoming mattress sales to get the best deal.

That’s not to say there is no use for these types of beds, as they can be great for guest bedrooms or temporary situations. Make sure you know the limitations of the bed you’re buying, though. If you need a bed to last a long time with regular use, you may need to spend a bit more.

3. Motion Transferring Innersprings

If you’ve ever tried to sleep on a bed with poor motion isolation while your partner or pet tosses and turns, you understand the problem of motion transfer. Innerspring mattresses without individually-pocketed coils usually have the most issues with this.

If you are a light sleeper, a bed that transfers motion too much can be a nightmare. Memory foam and latex beds are rated as the best for motion isolation, with pocket coils and hybrid spring beds also performing reasonably well.

4. Hot Memory Foam

Around 9% of memory foam owners say they sleep hot. Manufacturers have tried to combat this in several ways. Gel was introduced in order to make memory foam feel cooler. It often does make the foam more cool to the touch, but roughly the same amount of gel memory foam owners report problems with heat retention, likely because the gel eventually acclimates to the sleeper’s body temperature.

Plant-based memory foam has a more open foam structure which allows for more breathability, as described in a study by Cargill. Air moves through the foam more freely so you sleep cooler than traditional options, which can trap heat.

Overall, memory foam beds have a fairly high rate of heat complaints compared to springs and other non-foam mattress types, but significant differences are present across different brands and types of memory foam. For traditional temperature-sensitive memory foam, complaint rates tend to be around 8-12%, with higher density beds sleeping hotter.

Gel infused memory foam feels cooler initially, but these mattresses tend to have heat complaint rates of about 6-8%. Plant-based memory foam can sleep up to 25% cooler than other types according to some studies, and plant based mattresses have lower heat complaint rates from 2-6%. As a whole, memory foam mattresses have an owner satisfaction rating of about 81%.”–from SleepJunkie.com.

5. Thin Mattress

The thinner the mattress, the lower the comfort ratings, typically. A bed has to have some substance to it in order to provide both support and cushion for your body. Heavier people and side sleepers need a bit more padding, too. Laying on your side causes you to sink in more, as does being heavier, which means thicker comfort layers are typically needed to avoid pressure points.

People between 250-300 pounds shouldn’t buy a mattress thinner than 10 inches, according to research by Sleep Like The Dead. People over 300 pounds may find their ideal mattress in terms of comfort is closer to 14 inches thick.

6. Low Density Foams

Lower density foams are typically found in cheaper mattresses, however, sometimes even very expensive brands still use poor-quality materials. Low-density foams are less dense, essentially because there is less material and more air in them.

As a result, they are more likely to develop impressions quickly, and they also provide less support and cushioning. Try to find medium to high-density foams if you are looking for a bed to last a long while.

7. Overpriced Beds

It’s the oldest trick in the retailer’s book. Take the price of a product and inflate it, then offer enticing discounts. One of the most common complaints from consumers is related to overpaying. Price is intimately related to product satisfaction.

A mattress can be perfect, but if you pay too much for it, it makes those dreams a little less sweet. Misleading discounts can also be used to pressure you into a sale before you’ve had time to shop sufficiently. As always, do some research on what’s inside and make sure it measures up to the price compared to other options.

10. Overly Firm or Soft Mattresses

The showroom is an awful place to pick a mattress for a couple of reasons – one, it’s often uncomfortable to lay on beds in a store; two, the selection is fairly limited; and three, you don’t know how long the beds have been in use and how “broken in” they are.

People often report receiving beds that are firmer or softer than the one they tried at the store, a common source of complaints in reviews. Make sure you have time to try the actual model at home to ensure it is the proper firmness. Many companies have lengthy return policies for just this reason.

Get to know your preferences if you are uncertain. Try mattresses of varying firmnesses and see what you like. Medium-firm tends to be the most popular and will suit most people well. However, descriptions of firmness are subjective – one person or one brand’s medium could be another’s soft or firm. If you can find ratings describing IFD/ILD, it is a more objective way to gauge and compare firmness (lower ILDs are soft, higher are firmer).

G. Mattress Size Comparisons

If you’re replacing your current mattress, you may not think twice about your bed’s size. However, if you’re upgrading, downgrading, or investing in a whole new bed set, the size of your new mattress is pretty important.

Twin & Twin XL

38 inches by 75 inches & 38 inches by 80 inches

Twin and twin XL mattresses are usually the first “big kid” your little one tries when they graduate from a crib. Twin mattresses are a great first bed for your child, but they’re a bit short, so if your kiddo hits a growth spurt, they may grow out of a twin rather quickly.

For that reason, we recommend choosing a twin XL if your budget and bedroom can accommodate it. Twin XL mattresses are five inches longer than a standard twin, so they’re great for young children, preteens, and even college students.

Nine times out of ten, college students are sporting twin XL mattresses in their dorm rooms and apartments because they allow the perfect amount of space to sleep comfortably. Twin and twin XL mattresses are used for bunk beds, too.

Full & Full XL

54 inches by 75 inches & 54 inches by 80 inches

Full and full XL mattresses are perfect for those who need a little bit more room than a twin or twin XL provides but are still working with limited space. Full mattresses are 16 inches wider than twin beds, so they give you an extra 8 inches on either side to sprawl out and get comfy.

Like twin mattresses, full beds are ideal for children or single sleepers because they provide adequate room. Couples, on the other hand, will likely find queen-size beds more accommodating. That said, many couples still sleep soundly on a full.

Full beds are often referred to as “double beds.”

Queen

60 inches by 80 inches

Queen beds are popular amongst couples or those who share a mattress because they provide more sleeping room than a full and are able to fit in most bedrooms. Queens can comfortably fit two sleepers— when you split one down the middle, you’ve got 30 inches of sleepable surface on either side of the bed.

Most partners can share a queen bed, as can growing children who are comfortable sharing a sleeping space. Queen size mattresses are also great for single sleepers who like a lot of room to sprawl out or even those who share their bed with their pets.

Queen beds only offer 6 extra inches of wide wiggle room in comparison to fulls, so they’re a minor upgrade, but an upgrade at that.

King

76 inches by 80 inches

Unless you’re ordering an oversized mattress, king beds are the biggest you can buy. A standard king mattress is equivalent to two twin XL mattresses placed side by side, so they’re more than capable of comfortably accommodating two sleepers.

King beds are ideal for couples, couples who share their bed with a pet, or even sleepers who share the bed with a restless partner. More often than not, single sleepers find a king bed to be unnecessary, but if you cherish your space, you may want to invest in a king bed for just yourself.

One of the biggest problems with king beds is room space. While many people may want a king and have the budget to accommodate one, many bedrooms are too small to fit a king size mattress. Or, if they can fit one, it just barely fits, and you’re left with no room for other furniture.

The minimum room size to fit a king bed is 12 feet by 10 feet. If you’ve got a smaller set-up, you’re better off choosing a queen.

California King

72 inches by 84 inches

California kings have the reputation of being “bigger and better” than the standard king bed. However, both beds offer the same amount of sleepable surface area. The difference is length.

California kings are four inches longer than a traditional king, but they’re also four inches narrower. If you’re a taller individual, you likely want a California king over a standard king. Alternatively, if you value wiggle room, you’ll likely want the standard king with 76 inches of surface space for sprawling out.

California king mattresses are often the same price as standard king beds, so you’re not getting any more for your money by choosing one over the other— it all comes down to personal preference.

H. Mattress Policies: Sleep Trials & Warranties

A good sleep trial and warranty are both important factors to consider when purchasing a new mattress. They are crucial for ensuring that the customer is satisfied with their purchase and has a positive experience with their new mattress. Warranties and sleep trials are also a show of a manufacturer’s faith in their mattress’s comfort and durability.

Mattress Sleep Trials

A sleep trial allows the customer to test the mattress in their own home for an extended period of time and determine if it’s a good fit for their needs. This is especially important because a short test in a showroom doesn’t always provide an accurate representation of how the mattress will feel over time.

A sleep trial also shows that the mattress company is confident in their product and believes that customers will be satisfied with it. If the customer isn’t happy with the mattress during the sleep trial, they can return it for a refund or exchange it for a different model.

Returning a Mattress under a Sleep Trial

If you decide to return the mattress, reach out to the mattress retailer’s customer service. This can often be done via phone, email, or an online contact form. Provide your order details, purchase date, and reason for the return.

The customer service team will guide you through the return process and provide a return authorization or a unique return code. This code is essential for initiating the return and ensuring a smooth process.

Follow their additional instructions for the return method. Keep any documentation, such as the return authorization, for reference.

Once the retailer either receives and inspects the returned mattress or accepts proof it’s been donated, they will process your refund according to their policies. Some retailers offer a full refund, while others may deduct return shipping fees or restocking fees.

After the return is processed, the retailer will provide confirmation of the refund or exchange. Make sure to review your credit card statement or payment method to ensure the refund has been processed correctly.

If you’re opting for an exchange, you can discuss available options with the retailer.

Mattress Warranties

A mattress warranty is also important because it protects the customer from defects or issues with the mattress that may arise after the sleep trial period has ended. A good warranty typically lasts for at least 10 years and covers defects such as sagging or broken coils.

Having a warranty also provides reassurance that the mattress company stands behind their product and is committed to providing quality customer service. In the event that the customer experiences any issues with their mattress, they can contact the company for assistance in resolving the problem.

What Mattress Warranties Cover?

Under a mattress warranty, several aspects are commonly covered. One of the primary concerns is sagging, where the mattress develops indentations that are beyond a certain depth.

Additionally, warranties often address issues with broken coils, stitching, or materials. These provisions ensure that the mattress maintains its intended structural integrity and provides consistent support for the user.

However, it’s important to understand that mattress warranties also come with limitations. While sagging is generally covered, there might be specific guidelines on how deep the indentation needs to be before a warranty claim is accepted.

Stains, spills, and other types of damage caused by the user are also typically excluded from warranty coverage. Lastly, normal wear and tear over time might not be covered under the warranty. Carefully read and understand the warranty terms provided by the mattress company.

Filing a Mattress Warranty Claim

Should you encounter a problem covered by the warranty, the process for filing a claim can vary between manufacturers.  Typically, though, you should reach out to the company’s customer service department in the event of an issue. They will guide you through the necessary steps, which may include providing photos of the issue, proof of purchase, and a description of the problem.

In many cases, the company will initiate an inspection of the mattress to determine if the issue aligns with the warranty coverage. If the claim is approved, the company might offer various resolutions, including repairing the mattress, providing a replacement mattress, or offering a prorated refund based on the remaining warranty coverage.

Overview of Mattress Brands and Policies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most comfortable mattress?

It’s nearly impossible to say there’s one most comfortable mattress in the world since we all sleep differently. Side sleepers will find beds made for stomach sleeping uncomfortable, and vice versa. The real question to ask is, “What is the most comfortable mattress for me?”

You can find a comfortable mattress by merely considering your unique sleep needs and comparing mattresses until you land on one that seems like a compatible option. Risk-free sleep trials make shopping for a new mattress easier than ever, allowing customers a couple of months to test their bed out while deciding if they want to keep it.

What is the best mattress for side sleepers?

Side sleepers should look for mattresses that are on the plusher side. Specifically, we recommend soft to medium mattresses to relieve pressure in sensitive areas.

Most mattress types with these firmnesses will feel comfortable to a side sleeper. However, we suggest staying away from traditional innerspring mattresses, as the thin cushioning layers and the bouncy coils promote a firm surface that can’t conform enough to the body.

What is the best memory foam mattress?

There’s no one memory foam mattress right for everyone since different sleepers require different firmnesses to feel comfortable. High-quality memory foam mattresses usually consist of more than just a top layer of memory foam and a base layer of poly-foam. A middle layer can usually increase the mattress’s responsiveness and buoyancy, giving the memory foam surface a better feel.

What is the best mattress in the box?

Mattresses in a box come in different firmnesses, thicknesses, and types, so it’s difficult to single one out as the best option. Everyone has a different sleep style, after all. Perhaps one of the most important things to look for is a lengthy sleep trial, since many mattresses in a box are sold exclusively online and cannot be tried before you buy.

What mattress is the best for back pain?

The majority of those with back pain agree medium-firm foam mattresses are the best for alleviating pain and preventing future discomforts. For years, sleep specialists insisted firm mattresses were the best for back pain. But after a little research, studies found medium-firm beds are better because they offer enough comfort to relieve pressure and allow for some cushioning.

Some examples of excellent medium-firm mattresses include the Amerisleep AS2, the Birch Natural, and the Avocado Green mattress.

How do I choose the right firmness for a mattress in 2026?

You should pick firmness based on your body and sleep position. If you are a side sleeper, you need softer foam to cushion your shoulders and hips and keep your spine aligned. If you are a back or stomach sleeper, then you should prefer firmer support. And if someone is a heavier individual, he or she typically needs even firmer, reinforced mattresses to avoid sinking.

What features should I look for in a mattress in 2026?

In 2026, focus on durability and modern comfort tech. We, as experts, recommend hybrid or high-density foam designs with reinforced edges to resist sagging. Look for cooling features (gel-infused or phase-change foams, breathable covers) and pressure-relief layers (memory foam or latex). A medium-firm support core helps keep the spine aligned. Also, you should check for long warranties and safety certifications (CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX) for quality and longevity.

Why should I buy a new mattress in 2026?

Most mattresses lose support after about 7–10 years, so replacing an old bed can relieve back pain and improve sleep. New 2026 mattresses also offer advanced features, like updated memory foam, better cooling gels, zoned coil support, and improved edge support. These features can greatly enhance comfort and airflow. A new mattress reduces allergens and is less likely to sag or cause discomfort. In short, if yours feels flattened or causes morning aches, upgrading in 2026 can restore proper support and hygiene.

Where to buy the best mattress in 2026?

If you are searching for a mattress, you should shop at reputable retailers both online and in-store. You can easily compare different types and levels of firmness on big online stores like Amazon and mattress-brand websites. You can narrow down thousands of mattresses and read a lot of reviews from other people. Finally, when selecting where to buy, be sure to compare sleep trial and return policies.

Did You Find Your Next Bed?

Take your time and find the perfect mattress for you and your needs. In the end, the “best” or “worst” mattress is entirely decided by the individual. You’re more likely to end up satisfied if you get to know your preferences and thoroughly compare what is available.

Ask the questions you need to in order to feel good about your mattress purchase. Find out what it is made from and compare it to similar brands and beds. A good mattress should last you a decade or more, so do a little research — it’s worth your time.

If you feel pressured by a salesperson, walk away. There will still be mattresses for sale if you decide to return. You can avoid high-pressure sales situations by shopping online as well. At the very least, take a look at what online stores have to offer. Online mattress retailers typically have a wider selection, less overhead, and longer return policies, and may be a better resource for specialty beds like memory foam and latex than local showrooms.

And if you are still looking for more information on how to find the best bed, take a look at our other mattress review guides. We update our mattress guides regularly, reviewing and revising on a weekly and  monthly basis to ensure we’re providing our readers with the most up-to-date information and recommendations!

Please feel free to also leave a comment here or on our social media if you have any questions or want to provide feedback on our article or about any of the mattresses. And if you found our guide helpful, don’t forget to give us a shout-out on social media and share our tips with your family and friends!