Although most memory foam mattresses are similar in the sense that their uppermost layer is made of memory foam, there are plenty of other differences that you’ll need to consider in choosing the best memory foam mattress. I know it can be downright annoying to come across the many different complex jargons and labels especially when it comes to mattresses, so I’ll try to keep things simple here. There are 4 main things to consider in your mattress purchase: thickness, layers, warranty and average rating. All types of mattresses, including memory foam, will have thicknesses that vary anywhere from 6 inches to over 13 inches. Thickness matters for 2 reasons: weight of the user and mattress price. The rule of thumb here is that a heavier person should use a thicker mattress. Otherwise, if he were to use a mattress that’s too thin for his weight, that’s when the mattress will feel too firm, and thus uncomfortable. Generally, if you weight above 90 kg (or 200 pounds), you should get a mattress that has at least 10 inches of thickness.
If you weigh below 90 kg, you don’t have much to worry about here, though I’d still stay away from anything below 8 inches because that’s where manufacturers start to really skimp on the materials and the mattress will feel really firm regardless of your weight. A thicker mattress will be more expensive because of the additional materials put into it, so it makes no sense for someone who weighs say, 80 kg (or 175 pounds) to purchase a 14-inch mattress, when there’s a cheaper 10-inch mattress of the exact brand and model. It is very rare to find a mattress that’s completely made out of memory foam. Almost all of these mattresses will have multiple layers in them (usually 2-4). The top layer of a memory foam mattress will be made out of, well, memory foam. Despite being very well-received since its inception, some users have claimed that the traditional memory foam tends to feel warmer than other types of mattresses. This has led to the creation of something called gel-infused memory foam.
These newer gel-infused versions supposedly help with air circulation within this top layer itself in order to keep the body cooler. Some memory foam mattresses actually come with 1-2 additional layers in between the top and bottommost layers. These middle layers offer additional comfort or support. For instance, some mattresses have extra layers of airflow foam to allow even better air circulation for a cooler mattress. The base layer is usually the thickest of the bunch and consists of higher-density foam solely for the purposes of support. Nothing much to look at here. A long warranty period is great for 2 reasons. Firstly, it offers peace of mind since you’ll be protected from any potential defects that may arise in the future. Defects such as a sinking mattress or loss in firmness are some of the most common problems that people have faced, even in the most popular brands. Secondly, it shows confidence on the part of the manufacturer on the quality of its products.
With that said, after combing through some 50+ memory foam mattresses from the most popular brands, I’ve come up with a list of the 5 best memory foam mattresses that are available today: What mattress am I using? Just in case you’re wondering, I’m currently using a Tuft & Needle foam mattress. The reason why I didn’t include it in the table above is that it’s technically not a memory foam mattress, but rather polyurethane foam. From a practical viewpoint though, it could easily pass off as one. Does this mean it’s inferior? No, it certainly isn’t. In fact, it’s even better than a lot of other memory foam mattresses that I’ve tried in the past because it simply doesn’t retain as much heat as many denser memory foam mattresses that do not have sufficient cooling attributes. I’ve woken up all sweaty during the night from a couple of memory foam mattresses that I’ve tried and returned over the years, but not this one. Firmness-wise, it did take me a while before I got used to it (about a whole week).
I have switched to the Tuft & Needle mattress from my previous innerspring mattress, which was incidentally way too soft for me and which had partly sunk in at certain areas, so the difference in firmness was definitely noticeable. I’ve also had shoulder and neck problems for as long as I could remember, but they’ve slowly disappeared over time ever since I made the change. I couldn’t think of any other lifestyle changes besides my mattress and pillow (also memory foam), so this must be it. But I want a true memory foam mattress, nothing else! Okay, okay, if you’re picky about things, any of the top 5 mattresses in the table above would be excellent choices. Personally, my body gets really hot at night while I’m sleeping and I sweat really easily, so a warm bed without sufficient ventilation or cooling is a no-no for me. Thus, if you have a similar problem, I’d go with DynastyMattress since it has some of the best cooling attributes for a memory foam mattress, thanks to its dual 2-inch airflow foam layers in the middle in addition to its already gel-infused memory foam layer at the top.
There might be a slight chemical odor as you unpack the mattress, but just air it with the windows open for about a day, or leave the fan on for a couple of hours if you can’t wait and it should be good to go. In fact, many other mattresses have the exact same problem but it’s nothing a little airing wouldn’t fix. The DynastyMattress also has the longest warranty period (30 years) I’ve ever seen in any mattress brands and I’m a sucker for warranties, so.. Anyway, good luck with your choice, and if you want to get back to the comparison table above, click here.The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. Shopping for mattresses was once awkward and inconvenient; laying down in a warehouse with a sales clerk next to you is hardly the best way to judge your level of comfort. But one surprising market that has flourished in the direct-to-consumer space is mattresses.
Below we're rounding up our favorite direct-to-consumer mattress startups, all of which come with pretty solid offers. In most cases, you're saving money on what you would be paying if you went to a showroom, and each has the added convenience of being delivered directly to your door. Further, every mattress listed here comes with a 100-night trial, so if you try one out and don't think it's the right fit for you and your sleeping habits, you can simply return it a try out another one. If you're the type to truly chase down a deal, you could work this to get 793 nights of sleep on free mattresses, but we're going to guess you'll find something you like enough to buy before it comes to that. Once you do settle on a mattress, be sure to treat yourself to a new set of sheets as well. Helix emphasizes the customization of its mattresses, with the goal of outfitting every customer with the perfect sleeping surface. After filling out a questionnaire with information such as your height, weight, firmness preference, and sleeping style, Helix will develop your very own sleep profile, which will be analyzed to optimize the performance of your mattress.
They can even set you up with a split mattress so that you and your partner can both be perfectly comfortable on your side of the bed.What it costs: twin ($600), twin XL ($700), full ($800), queen ($900), king ($995), California king ($995)Standout feature: Mattress customized for you based on your individual sleep profileLearn more about Helix here In just two years of existence, Leesa has quickly become a major player in the straight-to-consumer mattress marketplace. As opposed to Helix’s customization model, Leesa has focused on creating one mattress that works for everyone. There are different strategies to get to a great night’s sleep; backs these claims up, confirming Leesa is perfect for his side-sleeping, back-aching, medium build. Letzter also notes that "back sleepers with large buttocks and more heavyset stomach sleepers might also appreciate the brand's softer cushion."What it costs: twin ($525), twin XL ($625), full ($790), queen ($890), king ($990), California king ($990)Standout feature: One mattress designed to work with all body shapes and types of sleepersLearn more about Leesa here
Tuft & Needle was one of the first companies in the straight-to-your-door mattress marketplace. Launched in 2012 by two Silicon Valley software engineers, the company is unique in that it still has not raised outside capital, meaning the only people cofounders JT Marino and Daehee Park are beholden to are their customers. And their customers should be fairly happy, as Tuft & Needle still boasts the most affordable mattresses in the industry, with its California King going for just $750.What it costs: twin ($350), twin XL ($375), full ($500), queen ($600), king ($750), California king ($750)Standout feature: Most affordable mattress in the direct-to-consumer marketLearn more about Tuft & Needle here Casper is another sound option for a good night’s sleep you might’ve heard advertised on podcasts and subway cars. The mattress is a luxurious marriage of latex and foam that contours to your body for just the right amount of support — which won’t overheat or lose its bounce like other modern, foam-based beds are wont to do while you sleep.
These mattresses also engineered and made in the U.S. What it costs: twin ($500), twin XL ($650), full ($750), queen ($850), king ($950), California king ($950)Standout feature: Designed for perfect support, made in the USALearn more about Casper here While many companies focus on comfort when designing their mattress (as they should; comfort is very important to sleep), Bear has expanded that view to also provide optimal cooling to its sleepers — a huge relief for anyone struggling through a summer without AC right now. Specifically targeted toward athletes and those that live an active lifestyle, Bear mattresses are designed with recovery in mind; so if you’re tired of waking up sore after a tough workout, this might be the brand to try.What it costs: twin ($500), twin XL ($650), full ($750), queen ($850), king ($950), California king ($950)Standout feature: Made specially for athletes, with recovery in mindLearn more about Bear here After 12 years and 70,000 mattresses worth of tinkering the balance between comfort and support, eve is convinced they’ve developed the perfect mattress for all sleepers.
With a memory foam mattress designed to give a bit more bounce and allow you to sleep cooler, eve is another beautiful and simple option that might meet your mattress needs.What it costs: twin ($499), twin XL ($599), full ($749), queen ($849), king ($949), California king ($949)Standout feature: Memory foam made to keep you cooler at nightLearn more about eve here 4Sleep was developed by something of a small business power couple. 4Sleep CEO Lori Zack had always been a troubled sleeper, and decided to take her knowledge of marketing and memory foam and put it toward a project that might help others find a better night’s sleep. Her husband and COO David Alter had worked with numerous foam bedding companies over the past 25 years and had hands-on experience on both the manufacturing and retail sides of the business. Combined, Zack and Alter cover all aspects of the business. All 4Sleep mattresses are made in the USA. What it costs: twin ($549), twin XL ($649), full ($799), queen ($899), king ($999), California king ($999)Standout feature: 10-year warranty and made in the USA.