Zoma Start Mattress Review: Testing Results, Performance Analysis & Ratings

Our Review Process: Each mattress we review undergoes a rigorous evaluation process. We assess comfort, support, cooling, and durability through both subjective experiences and objective tests.

Criteria include pressure relief, spine alignment, mattress responsiveness, motion transfer, edge support, and temperature regulation. This comprehensive approach ensures our reviews are thorough and unbiased.

I. Mattress Layers, Materials and Construction

From the moment I unboxed the Zoma Start mattress, I could get a tactile sense of the high-quality foam materials used in its construction. As I cut through the plastic wrapping, the mattress slowly expanded to its full 10-inch height, with virtually no off-gassing odors – a positive first impression.

Working from the base up, the Zoma Start features a Support+ bottom layer engineered to provide lasting durability and proper foundational support. My initial testing showed this layer to be dense and sturdy.

Moving upwards, the next level is the Reactiv™ layer, designed to be highly responsive so you never feel stuck or restricted. During my tests, I noticed an almost instant bounce-back when applying and releasing pressure.

The gel memory foam layer serves to ease painful pressure points while promoting healthy spinal alignment. From my first nights testing this layer, I could feel the contouring properties relieving tension, particularly when resting on my side.

Finally, the top component is Zoma’s signature ventilated AirCloth cover, made from an ultra-stretchy fabric that effectively wicks away heat and moisture. The coolness was apparent the moment I ran my hands across the top.

The Zoma Start’s strategic layering also compares favorably to some budget competitor all-foam mattresses like the Vaya Foam Mattress, which I’ve also reviewed. While both use responsive foams to combat sinkage, only the Zoma Start has the added cooling properties of the gel memory foam and ventilated cover. This should provide a cooler, easier-moving feel overall.

Meanwhile, the Zoma Start’s medium feel distinguishes it from the medium-firm AS2 model from Amerisleep, making the Zoma Start more accommodating for side sleepers. However, the AS2 may have a slight edge for back sleepers needing extra support, and incorporates some additional cooling technologies the Zoma Start lacks, like the Refresh Cooling Cover with infrared-emitting minerals.

II. Sleeping Positions

The Zoma Start mattress has a medium firmness level, which caters to a wide range of sleep positions and preferences. As someone who tends to toss and turn between sleep positions through the night, I put this mattress through its paces while sleeping on my back, stomach, and sides.

Back Sleeping

Sleeping as a back sleeper, I felt the mattress provided excellent contouring support while keeping my spine in comfortable neutral alignment. There was enough give in the top layers to relieve pressure on my lumbar region.

When sleeping on my stomach, I experienced the same beneficial contouring and pressure relief around my chest and hips. I didn’t have any issues with uncomfortable sinking.

However, it was while sleeping on my side that the Zoma Start really shined for me personally. Despite being rated as a medium on the firmness scale, the multiple layers of specialized foam worked together to ease strain on my shoulders and hips, those common problematic areas for side sleepers. I consistently woke up free of numbness or pinched nerves.

Co-Sleepers

To provide more context on the Zoma Start’s suitability for co-sleepers and couples, I’d compare its feel and features to the Amerisleep AS3, a similarly medium-feel all-foam mattress. In my experience, the AS3 isolated motion slightly better than the Zoma Start thanks to its thicker memory foam layer, so couples concerned about feeling partner movements may prefer it.

However, the Zoma Start’s bouncy Reactiv™ foam and thinner comfort layer likely makes it easier to move around, compared to the AS3’s thicker memory foam top. The Zoma Start also comes at a much lower price point, making it a better choice for budget-conscious couples.

Body Type

It’s important to note the Zoma Start may not be ideal for significantly heavier individuals over 250 pounds though, as its 10-inch profile lacks the extra support and durability of thicker mattresses like the 15-inch Zoma Boost hybrid.

Heavier sleepers, especially couples, will likely find the Zoma Boost’s pocketed coil core provides better reinforcement and sturdier edges for sitting or sleeping near the sides of the bed.

III. Response Time

Response time, which measures how quickly a mattress regains its shape after being compressed, is an especially important factor in mattresses for combination sleepers like myself who constantly change positions through the night. You never want to feel stuck or deprived of mobility.

By adapting to your body’s contours, a responsive mattress also helps distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure points that can lead to discomfort and pain. If you’re seeking a mattress for pressure points for any medical issue, it’s therefore not just cushioning but responsive materials that are crucial for your comfort.

Similarly, a responsive mattress contours to the natural curves of your body, providing support where needed to keep your spine properly aligned. This helps prevent back pain and stiffness, ensuring that you wake up feeling rested and rejuvenated each morning.

This mattress quality is especially crucial for side sleepers, as their hips and shoulders often bear the brunt of the pressure. With proper cushioning and support, a responsive mattress for side sleepers alleviates strain on these areas, allowing for uninterrupted sleep and waking up feeling refreshed.

To test the Zoma Start’s response time, I dropped 10-pound weighted balls from above my head to compress the mattress, mimicking sides, hips, and shoulders sinking into the layers. I was impressed by how rapidly the foam regained its original shape once I removed the weights. There was virtually no residual indentation.

Then I climbed onto the mattress and observed how the surface reacted when I mimicked restless tossing and turning, how easy it was to move and if there was any delay in the material’s reactivity that hampered my movements.

Based on my tests and firsthand experience rolling between positions, I would give the Zoma Start mattress a strong 8 out of 10 for response time. It’s highly responsive and facilitates freedom of movement.

This responsiveness is particularly beneficial in any mattress size for couples with different sleeping preferences or body types. Whether you’re a side sleeper needing extra cushioning for your hips and shoulders or a back sleeper requiring firm support, a responsive mattress ensures that both partners can enjoy a good night’s sleep without compromising on comfort.

IV. Motion Isolation

The ability to change sleeping positions easily isn’t just about response time – motion isolation is another critical factor, especially for couples who share a sleep surface. When choosing a mattress for couples, you don’t want to be constantly disturbed by your partner’s movements.

If a mattress has high motion transfer, you are more likely to feel your partner’s movements, which can lead to disrupted sleep. On the other hand, motion isolation refers to a mattress’s ability to absorb and reduce motion transfer, allowing you to sleep undisturbed even if your partner is tossing and turning.

Mattresses with excellent motion isolation, such as those made with memory foam or individually pocketed coils, can significantly reduce the amount of motion felt across the surface of the mattress, promoting a more peaceful and uninterrupted sleep experience for both partners.

To test motion transfer, I once again used weighted balls, shifting my body weight against them and judging how drastically they moved across the mattress surface in simulating my partner’s disturbances. The Zoma Start exhibited exceptional motion isolation, with the balls barely budging thanks to the all-foam design absorbing movements.

From my testing, I would rate the motion transfer capabilities an impressive 9 out of 10. My partner’s tossing and turning would go virtually unnoticed on this mattress. I’m not surprised about this since it’s an all memory foam mattress. Typically memory foam mattresses have great motion transfer scores.

V. Mattress Edge Support

Edge support refers to if there is a defined edge and if you feel supported when sitting on the edge or scooting forward and it is another area where the Zoma Start truly excels. Whether sitting on the side putting on my shoes or stretching out to the very perimeter, I never once felt like I was going to slide off or become precariously unbalanced. The sturdy foam perimeter creates exceptional edge-to-edge support.

Testing mattress edge support is relatively straightforward. I just sit on the side and lie near the edge, observing in each position how much it compresses. Ideally, the mattress’s sides should provide enough support to prevent you from feeling like you’re sinking excessively or about to slide off.

After putting the Zoma Start through a battery of sitting, leaning, and rolling tests right up against the edges, I can say with full confidence that it deserves a perfect 10 out of 10 for edge support. Shuffling off the bed, I could see there was no point I was losing balance or feeling unsteady.

I’d note that the Zoma Start outperforms many all-foam mattresses I’ve tested in the motion isolation and edge support, especially similar budget models like the Vaya Foam Mattress. Its dense base foam does an excellent job absorbing movement and providing perimeter stability despite lacking coils.

However, I should note that the brand’s Zoma Hybrid and Boost’s pocketed spring core takes motion isolation and edge support to the next level. The individually wrapped coils minimize motion transfer even better than the Zoma Start’s foams while providing sturdier edge support couples can rely on.

This makes these hybrid mattresses worth the extra investment for couples who prioritize undisturbed sleep and full use of the mattress surface.

VI. Cooling and Breathability

As someone who tends to sleep hot, one of my biggest priorities when mattress testing is whether the materials facilitate proper cooling and breathability to prevent night sweats and overheating. The Zoma Start definitely delivers in this crucial area.

The ventilated top cover, made from Zoma’s proprietary AirCloth fabric, did an excellent job of continually wicking away heat and moisture throughout my sleep sessions. I’d wake up with both my sleep surface and the rest of the bedding feeling fresh.

Digging deeper into the layered construction, the gel-infused memory foam serves as an added cooling element to increase airflow and breathability compared to conventional foams.

Based on my extensive personal experience, I believe the Zoma Start deserves a high 9 out of 10 score for its cooling and breathability features. It kept me far more regulated and comfortable than some other all-foam mattresses I’ve tested that tended to trap body heat.

For those who sleep exceptionally hot and want a cooling mattress that’s scored a perfect 10 out of 10, however, I would recommend any of the following:

• Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid, along with the previously mentioned Amerisleep AS3
• Nolah Evolution 15
• Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Hybrid
• Zoma Boost

VII. Durability and Longevity

While only longer-term usage will definitively show how the Zoma Start mattress holds up over many years, my initial assessment from testing gives me confidence in its long-term durability for several key reasons.

For starters, Zoma uses higher-quality foams than many competitors, as evidenced in my examinations of the multiple layers when unboxing and throughout my testing process. These foams felt substantial and durable, not cheap or flimsy.

Such high-quality, resilient materials are often used in mattresses with good responsiveness. These materials can withstand the wear and tear of daily use, ensuring that the most durable mattresses maintain its shape and supportive properties over time.

I mentioned above that the Zoma Start scored exceptionally well for responsiveness, with a stellar 8 out of 10 that is truly outstanding for a mattress at its price point. As a result, you’ll enjoy better value for your investment, as your mattress will last longer and continue to provide the comfort and support you need for years to come.

Furthermore, I observed in my research that the mattress is manufactured in the United States and backed by a 10-year warranty, so Zoma clearly stands behind the longevity of their products. Most notably, the mattress features a sturdy high-density Support+ polyfoam foundation that felt extremely stable and resistant to breakdown when I put pressure on it during testing.

Based on my hands-on testing and analysis, nothing indicated that the Zoma Start won’t provide long-lasting support and comfort for years to come.

VIII. Potential Drawbacks

While the Zoma Start mattress was an exceptional performer across most of my personal testing criteria, there are a few potential drawbacks to note.

As an all-foam mattress standing only 10 inches tall, it has a relatively low profile that some sleepers may find too short, especially for heavier folks over 230 pounds who may require additional height from extra materials and a reinforced structure.

Its medium firmness level of around 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale also means it may not be ideal for those with strong preferences towards exceptional softness or maximum firmness.

And of course, since it utilizes proprietary foams rather than natural latex or other materials, it’s not a viable option for shoppers whose priorities include investing in an organic or natural mattress. For eco-minded shoppers, there are a couple of sustainable mattresses I’ve personally tested, reviewed and would highly recommend:

• Nolah Natural 11
• Amerisleep Organica

But for the vast majority of people simply wanting a high-quality affordable mattress for maximizing sleep quality and comfort, I view these as relatively minor potential drawbacks compared to the overwhelmingly positive performance.

IX. Trial Period, Warranty, Pricing and Sizes

Zoma offers a stellar 100-night sleep trial for all their mattresses, which is more than enough time to thoroughly evaluate whether the Zoma Start mattress is the perfect fit for your personal needs and preferences. A mattress sleep trial is a period offered by the mattress manufacturer or retailer, allowing you to test the mattress in the comfort of your own home for a specified number of nights.

The importance of a mattress sleep trial for online shopping cannot be overstated, as it allows people to buy a mattress without trying it out and rest secure that they won’t be stuck if the mattress isn’t the right fit.

The mattress is also backed by an impressive 10-year warranty, providing peace of mind regarding the durability and longevity that I expect based on my comprehensive testing. The length of the warranty and its specific terms is often an indication of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s durability. A more extended warranty and more immediate sagging coverage suggests that the mattress is built to last.

When it comes to pricing, the Zoma Start really shines as an exceptional value pick given its quality materials and performance during my tests. Compared to other 10-inch memory foam mattresses, I found the Zoma Start incredibly affordable. It comes in at a lower price point than nearly all other budget mattresses I’ve tested, making it a top choice for money-conscious consumers.

At the time of this writing, a queen-size mattress retails for under $800, which is lower than the starting prices of the original Purple Mattress, the Essential Tuft & Needle Original, the Casper One Foam, and the Bear Original.

The Zoma Start is also available in all the standard mattress sizes, twin to split king. So this means whether you’re trying to outfit a smaller corner bedroom or a grand master bedroom, the Zoma Start can slip into your space perfectly.

Zoma Start Mattress Prices by Size

X. Customer Reviews

In my research and testing, I found the Zoma Start has an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, which aligned with my own glowingly positive personal experience testing the mattress. A number of recent reviews jumped out to me:

• After extensive research using reputable critical review sites, Marlene chose the Zoma Start Mattress for her guest room. She found the purchasing process seamless and received excellent communication regarding delivery. Marlene describes the mattress as very comfortable with medium support, making it perfect for a range of guests. She is confident that her guests will love the mattress and appreciates the affordable price she received through a promotion.
• Nicholas and his partner are getting the best sleep they have had in a long time on the Zoma Start. They appreciate that they cannot feel each other shifting throughout the night and that the mattress forms to their bodies without losing support.
• Michael is extremely satisfied with the Zoma Start Mattress, stating that it is “so good.” He also praises the quick delivery and the amazing deals offered.

XI. Environmental Impact

In addition to standing out with its performance and value, I was also impressed by Zoma’s commitment to environmental sustainability and using eco-friendly mattress materials during my evaluation.

The proprietary Zoma foams used in the mattress are all certified free of harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals under the rigorous CertiPUR-US® guidelines. This was very reassuring to investigate when considering an online mattress for my home.

No fiberglass materials are used whatsoever, which many traditional mattress brands still unfortunately rely upon and can be a potential respiratory irritant. This is especially notable as many budget-focused models do not qualify as mattresses without fiberglass, since the material is an easy way to keep costs down while meeting fire safety standards.

XII. Maintenance and Care

Based on both my research of Zoma’s guidelines and personal experience testing the Zoma Start mattress, their care requirements are quite straightforward:

While not required, Zoma recommends using a waterproof mattress protector, which can safeguard against staining and help your mattress last even longer.

Any spills or stains can be spot cleaned using small amounts of cold water and a dollop of mild detergent. After cleaning the mattress, allow it to fully air dry before remaking the bed.

You should never attempt to flip an all-foam mattress like the Zoma Start over, but rotating the mattress 180 degrees every 6 months or so can help promote even wear over its lifespan. However, this step is also just an optional recommendation from Zoma.

Following basic guidelines like keeping sheets and bedding clean will go a long way towards maintaining the sanitary condition, comfort, and expected longevity.

XIII. Final Verdict – Overall Score: 9/10

After putting the Zoma Start through a comprehensive battery of personal tests evaluating all aspects of its design, materials, and real-world performance, I can say with confidence that it is one of the highest-value mattresses on the market today.

For the affordable price point under $800 for a queen size mattress, the Zoma Start delivers exceptional cooling, responsiveness, motion isolation, and comfort that outperformed my expectations. From the first night of sleep testing through months of regular usage, it consistently impressed me.

The mattress is unlikely to cause issues like night sweats, feeling “stuck,” or lacking support around heavy pressure points like shoulders and hips. All of these are problems I’ve experienced with subpar mattresses in the past. But with the Zoma Start’s thoughtful layered foam construction, those issues were not a factor whatsoever during my testing.

The only areas that could potentially be deemed drawbacks are its 10-inch height, which may be too low-profile for some preferences, its medium firmness level, which might not ideally suit outlier preferences for extremely plush or rock-solid firm mattresses, and its all-foam design for shoppers specifically seeking more natural/organic materials.

However, for the vast majority of sleepers who value excellent cooling, responsiveness, motion isolation and pressure relief in an affordable package, I can highly recommend the Zoma Start. It scores an impressive 9 out of 10 rating from me.

Whether you’re a combination sleeper constantly shifting positions like myself, a partner sharing the bed where mattress motion isolation is crucial, or simply someone who wants great all-around performance and comfort without breaking the bank, the Zoma Start is absolutely worth your close consideration. This mattress delivers outstanding sleeping experiences that I can vouch for firsthand.

Final Score Tally

XIV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Zoma Start mattress suitable for all sleeping positions?

Yes, the Zoma Start mattress is designed to accommodate all sleeping positions. Its medium firmness level and responsive foam layers provide the necessary support and pressure relief for back, side, and stomach sleepers.

However, the reviewer found that the mattress particularly excelled for side sleepers, as it effectively alleviated pressure points in the shoulders and hips.

How well does the Zoma Start mattress regulate temperature?

The Zoma Start mattress features several cooling technologies that help regulate temperature throughout the night. The ventilated AirCloth cover and gel-infused memory foam work together to wick away heat and moisture, promoting airflow and breathability. The mattress earned a high 9 out of 10 score for its cooling and breathability features.

Is the Zoma Start mattress a good choice for couples?

The Zoma Start mattress offers excellent motion isolation, making it a great choice for couples. During testing, the reviewer observed that the all-foam design effectively absorbed movements, minimizing disturbances from a partner’s tossing and turning.

Additionally, the mattress provides exceptional edge support, allowing couples to utilize the entire sleep surface without feeling like they might roll off the bed.

How long is the sleep trial period for the Zoma Start mattress?

Zoma offers a generous 100-night sleep trial for the Zoma Start mattress. This trial period allows customers to test the mattress in the comfort of their own home, ensuring that it meets their personal needs and preferences. If unsatisfied with the mattress during the trial period, customers can return it for a full refund.

What sizes is the Zoma Start mattress available in?

The Zoma Start mattress is available in all standard mattress sizes, including twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king. This wide range of sizes makes it suitable for various room configurations and sleeping arrangements, from smaller guest rooms to spacious master bedrooms.

Is the Zoma Start mattress backed by a warranty?

Yes, the Zoma Start mattress comes with a 10-year warranty. This warranty provides customers with peace of mind regarding the mattress’s durability and longevity. The length of the warranty demonstrates Zoma’s confidence in the quality of their product and its ability to provide lasting comfort and support.

How does the Zoma Start mattress compare to other budget-friendly memory foam mattresses?

The Zoma Start mattress stands out among other budget-friendly memory foam mattresses due to its exceptional performance and value. During testing, the reviewer found that the Zoma Start outperformed many competitors in terms of cooling, responsiveness, motion isolation, and pressure relief.

Additionally, the mattress is priced lower than many other popular budget mattresses, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious shoppers.