Memory foam mattresses have a dense, ‘hug’-like feel that many sleepers love for its cushioned comfort. Our expert sleep team has spent thousands of hours testing the latest memory foam mattresses, and we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 to bring you this guide to the best.
Memory foam might be best known for its soothing, slow-moving feel, but it’s a diverse material – you’ll find multiple memory foam mattresses in our guide to the best mattresses of 2025 for all sleep styles. My number one memory foam mattress is the Nectar Classic. We recently tested this bed and it delivers the pressure relief and motion isolation we expect from a high quality memory foam, plus versatile support and a surprisingly cooler sleep feel.
Are memory foam mattresses worth it? Regular mattress sales ensure you can get a good deal on all of my top choice beds. Read on to discover my memory foam mattress recommendations for every sleep style and budget…
1. The best memory foam mattress overall
Quick verdict: The Nectar Classic Memory Foam is a well-balanced, mid-range mattress that offers excellent pressure relief and support for your entire body. Although not a super sinking mattress, the surface does contour to your joints to provide the hug-like, cushioned comfort you expect from memory foam.
Yes, it's not the most luxurious mattress in this guide — the Saatva Contour5 at #3 wins that accolade. But it takes the top spot thanks to its great value for money: the Nectar mattress performed well in all our in-house tests, and is more affordable than many of its closest rivals. We found the Nectar Mattress comfortable for most sleep styles, and rate it among the best mattresses for side sleepers that we've tried. The temperature regulation also impressed us (although the Cocoon Chill at #5 is better for very hot sleepers), and while the edge support could be improved that's not unusual for an all-foam bed — and it outperforms many of the others here.
What we like about it...
✅ Good balance of softness and support: The cushioned build ensures the medium-firm Nectar still provides ample pressure relief. It's a good middle ground for those who want a bit of a foam 'hug' but hate feeling trapped.
✅ Excellent for couples: We expect a foam mattress to absorb motion well — the Nectar stands out for couples because it pairs this motion isolation with a feel that suits different sleep styles. Less compromise, more happy sleepers.
✅ Good cooling for an all-foam mattress: We awarded the Nectar 4 out of 5 for temperature regulation.. It can't compete with the Cocoon Chill (#5) but our testers avoided the sweaty nights that can plague all-foam mattresses.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Lacks support for back sleepers and heavy people: Our testers noticed that in some sleep positions (like on their backs) the Nectar had a tendency to sink at the hips. This can lead to lower back pain. The Puffy Cloud (#7) is better for dedicated back sleepers.
❌ Not a luxurious build: The Nectar Classic Mattress is our top memory foam choice because it provides a strong all-round performance at a good price — but it can't compare to the premium luxury of the Contour5 (#3) or the Tempur-Adapt (#6).
I've slept on both the original Nectar Classic and the new Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress, and I can really feel the difference. The new Nectar is a touch softer than the previous model, making it ideal for all sleeping positions now (before we rated it mostly for side and back sleepers). There's plenty of support here to keep your spine aligned in any sleeping position, and the contouring effect cushions your curves without making you feel like you're being sucked into the mattress. I think the Nectar Classic is fantastic value for money, and it's my top recommendation for anyone looking to buy a memory foam mattress online.
Read more: Nectar Classic mattress review
2. The best cheap memory foam mattress
Quick verdict: The Siena is a reliable, all-foam mattress by Resident Home, the same company behind the Nectar Classic at #1. We think it's the best cheap mattress you can buy. Only the Zinus Memory Foam at #9 is cheaper in this guide, but the Siena is better quality.
Budget memory foam mattresses often fall into the same traps: not enough support and a tendency to sleep hot. Our testers found the Siena Memory Foam Mattress side-stepped these issues, with a firm feel that holds the entire body and avoids the sinking 'hug' that can trap heat (although it's not as cool as the Cocoon Chill at #5). That firmness means you don't get the classic memory foam 'hug' of other mattresses (choose the Tempur-Adapt at #6 if that's particularly important to you). But it's also very sturdy — it doesn't suffer from the sag that often afflicts cheaper all-foam models.
What we like about it...
✅ Sturdy edge support: Memory foam mattresses have a reputation for being weak at the sides, but the Siena is an exception to that rule. It's particularly useful if you have mobility issues and need to push out of bed.
✅ Comfortable for stomach sleepers: The best mattresses for stomach sleepers are typically hybrids, but the Siena is the rare all-foam bed with enough firm support to keep your hips elevated when lying on your front.
✅ A durable build: Cheap memory foams can often show dips and sags, but our testers felt the Siena Mattress has good longevity and should be comfortable to use for several years.
What we don't like about it...
❌ No classic foam 'hug': If you're shopping for a memory foam mattress, there's a good chance you want the sink-in feel we associate with all-foam beds. You won't get that with the Siena, as this is a mattress you lie on top of. The Zinus at #9 is better for marshmallow softness, while the Nectar is a good midpoint.
❌ Lacks some pressure relief: The Siena mattress doesn't offer much cushioning at the touch points, and while it softens with use, the pressure relief could be improved. The Nectar Memory Foam mattress at #1 is a better option if you tend to wake up with sore shoulders.
I've been testing memory foam mattresses for years so I know how rare it is to find one that performs as highly as this one did for the small price tag. The Siena Memory Foam Mattress aced nearly all of my team's in-house tests, punching above its weight in terms of support, motion isolation, temperature regulation and edge support. The latter surprised me because most foam mattresses I've slept on have pretty weak edge support. I did find the Siena Memory Foam much firmer than advertised though, so don't pick this mattress if you like a medium feel – I'd recommend the Nectar Classic above instead. But if you love firm mattresses and enjoy the feel of memory foam, the Siena is your best bet.
Read more: Siena Memory Foam Mattress review
3. The best luxury memory foam mattress
Quick verdict: The Saatva Contour5 is a premium memory foam mattress with a sumptuous finish akin to a five star hotel bed. Using dense high-quality foams to create a supportive hug feel, the Contour5 comes out on top for sheer quality — the only reason it isn't at number one is the hefty price tag.
With both a medium-firm and firm feel to choose from, the Contour5 can suit a range of sleep styles. Our testing panel found the thick foams comfortable from the very first night, with a cradling effect similar to the foams of the Tempur-Adapt (#6). Despite the pressure reliving hug, the Contour5 is able to maintain a cooler sleep feel. Perhaps not comparable to the Cocoon Chill (#5), but our lead tester never woke up sweating.
If you're looking for luxury, the Contour5 is untouchable. However, if the price tag is an issue, the Saatva Loom & Leaf (Also tested) has a similar premium feel for slightly less. In fact, the Loom & Leaf used to have a place in this guide, but it's outperformed by the cooling prowess of the Contour5. Alternatively, the DreamCloud (#4) offers value for money luxury, although it lacks the Contour5's exceptional pressure relief.
What we like about it...
✅ A cooler 'hug': Saatva uses cooling phase change material to keep temperatures low during the night. It's not quite the cool feel of the Cocoon Chill (#5), but the Contour5 keeps you in a close hug that's cozy, not stuffy.
✅ Multiple firmness levels: The Contour5 is available in a 'Medium' and 'Firm' feel, to suit more sleep positions. We tested the Medium and while slightly firmer than expected it's ideal for side sleeping. Front sleepers should consider the Firm.
✅ Sumptuous feel: Lie down on the Contour5 Mattress and it provides immediate comfortable cushioning — that's what our testers discovered, anyway. You can feel the quality in the foams as they contour to your joints.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Weak edge support: Weaker edges are common complaint of memory foam mattresses, but considering the price tag of the Loom & Leaf, we might expect better. Especially as hybrid Saatva mattresses often excel in this area.
❌ $99 return or exchange fee: The majority of the beds in this guide come with free returns, so the $99 fee from Saatva feels like a sore spot. It's not exactly a deal breaker — or that unusual, the Tempur-Adapt (#6) has a returns fee as well — but it is a frustration
It feels hard to justify the cost of the Saatva Contour5 at first, at full price, a queen is £2,995, especially as a queen Nectar Classic will often set you back just $649. But the Contour5 outshines most beds in this guide when it comes to design, durability and overall comfort. You can feel the quality in the dense foams, while the cooling technology ensures the Contour5 avoids the pitfalls of other all-foam beds. It can't beat the Nectar on price or benefits apart from shipping — Saatva offers free White Glove Delivery, compared to Nectar's standard free shipping — but if you have the budget I highly recommend the Contour5. If you sleep hot and have a small budget, I recommend the Cocoon Chill (#5) instead.
Read more: Saatva Contour5 Mattress review
4. The best hybrid memory foam mattress
Quick verdict: The DreamCloud Mattress uses multiple layers of memory foam to add a plush touch to a hybrid build (hybrid mattresses feature springs alongside foams). Offering luxury at a lower price, it's significantly cheaper than the Contour5 (above), the cashmere blend cover provides pressure relief, while sturdy springs and a medium-firm feel make it a supportive pick for back and stomach sleepers.
The DreamCloud is a strong all-rounder, although our side sleeping testers found it took a few weeks to break in (the Nectar at #1 offers comfort quicker). The springs give the DreamCloud a bouncier feel than an all-foam bed but, unfortunately, not the improved edge support we might expect from a hybrid — it trails behind the Siena (#2). But this is still an excellent example of how memory foam can enhance a hybrid bed.
What we like about it...
✅ Well priced luxury: We often recommend the DreamCloud as a lower cost alternative to the Saatva Classic, our all-time favorite mattress. While the DreamCloud isn't quite as luxurious, it offers a competitive feel for much less.
✅ Supports back and stomach sleepers: Strong coils and dense foams work together to keep the lumbar region elevated. Our front sleeping tester was impressed with the lack of "hip dip", keeping their lower back pain free.
✅ Supportive for sleepers with bigger builds: The DreamCloud has a good weight capacity and a strong, supportive feel that meant our heavier tester could enjoy head-to-toe comfort.
What we don't like about it...
❌ No sink-in feel: The DreamCloud has some plushness, but this isn't a bed that 'hugs' the body. For a proper memory foam embrace, consider the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt (#6) or even the contouring of the Nectar (#1).
❌ Weaker edge support: Hybrid memory foam mattresses typically have stronger sides than all-foam alternatives, so the hit-and-miss edge support of the DreamCloud is disappointing. The Siena (#2) is all-foam but stronger at the sides.
❌ Needs breaking-in: It took some of our testers time to adjust to the DreamCloud, as it doesn't have the soft relief a side sleeper might expect. For a mattress that feels comfortable right away, consider the Puffy Cloud (#7).
Like the Nectar Classic (#1), the DreamCloud Hybrid Memory Foam was redesigned a few months ago. It's shorter at 12" (the older version was 14" tall) yet somehow packs in an extra layer. I highly rate DreamCloud mattresses and recommend the Hybrid Memory Foam to people who want a more responsive mattress (compared to all-foam beds) that still offers excellent pressure relief. The DreamCloud is the second highest-rated mattress my team has tested, and while you can buy it in a pure memory foam version, I think the Hybrid Memory Foam option is the most supportive. It keeps the spine aligned in all sleep positions, and gets rid of excess heat quickly for cooler sleep. My only gripe is that it takes a few weeks to break in, but once done it's seriously comfortable.
Read more: DreamCloud Mattress review
5. The best cheap cooling memory foam mattress
Quick verdict: The Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress is an all-foam bed that uses a phase-change material cover to wick away heat and sweat. As a budget-friendly all-foam mattress, our testers were initially skeptical of the Cocoon's cooling abilities. But after a few weeks sleeping on it, we agreed this is one of the best cooling mattresses around.
The stand-out feature is the phase change cover, which absorbs heat for cooler nights. It can't quite compare to the premium cooling of the GhostBed Luxe in our Also Tested section, but on the other hand, the Cocoon is more than half the price. With a similar, if slightly firmer, feel to the Nectar at #1 the Cocoon Chill suits most sleep styles, but side sleepers might prefer the plusher Saatva Contour5 (#3). Hot sleepers on a budget — you can't beat the Cocoon by Sealy Chill.
What we like about it...
✅ A cooler feel on a budget: Cooling mattresses are typically premium beds, but the Cocoon by Sealy Chill offers high-quality temperature regulation at a mid-range price.
✅ Comfortable for most sleep positions: The Cocoon Chill has a medium-firm feel with good pressure relief that will suit most sleep styles. If you have a bigger build, you'll probably feel more comfortable lying on your front or back.
✅ Eases back pain: The Cocoon Chill holds the lumbar region in a comfortable neutral alignment and the cooling is another bonus — you're less likely to toss and turn (potentially aggravating an injury) if you're a comfortable temperature.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Limited contouring: The Cocoon Chill does gently adapt to your frame, but there isn't the classic 'hug' you might expect from memory foam. If you want a squishy embrace that doesn't sleep hot, consider the Contour5 at #3 (but be prepared to pay more).
❌ Too warm for seriously hot sleepers: If you struggle with night sweats or hot flashes, the Cocoon Chill might not provide the specialist cooling you need. Upgrading to the hybrid version will enhance cooling, otherwise, consider the GhostBed Luxe (Also Tested) for a softer feel with even better temperature regulation.
I'm a hot sleeper so I'm naturally wary of memory foam mattresses (I've tested far too many that transform into mini ovens within an hour of sleeping on them). The Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam is an outlier on two fronts: one being that it dissipates heat well, and this down to its use of gel memory foam and a cover infused with heat-wicking Phase Change Material. It's also an outlier because it does all that cooling (in addition to reducing painful pressure points along the body) for a fraction of the average cost of a queen size mattress ($699 plus $179 of free bedding). By the way, it's always 35% off – so don't feel rushed to buy it if you need more time to consider your purchase.
Read more: Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress review
6. The best memory foam mattress for back pain
Quick verdict: If you want a classic memory foam feel, you'll find buckets of it with the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress. Tempur Materials are the original memory foam, with a cushioning that immediately contours to your body. A sturdy supportive core makes the Tempur-Adapt good for front and back sleepers, and our sleeper with back pain felt relief as soon as their lumbar touched those squidgy Tempur-Pedic foams.
The Tempur-Adapt has a comparable feel and price tag to the luxurious Contour5 (#3), but without the options (or the cooling) of its rival. However, Tempur Material is known for its unique feel and for many, the slow-moving foam is worth the investment. While the Puffy Cloud (below) has fantastic back support for the price, it lacks the sumptuous feel of the Tempur-Adapt. The ZInus (#9) has a similar squishiness, but honestly, can't compare.
What we like about it...
✅ Pressure relief at the lumbar region: Tempur Material foams are known for their cushioned 'hug', and with the Tempur-Adapt you'll get this marshmallow softness across your lower back, reducing pressure for fewer aches and pains.
✅ Comfortable for back and stomach sleepers: It's not all about the cushioning with the Tempur-Adapt, as a layer of dense foam at the base of the mattress keeps your spine from sinking too far.
✅ Top quality motion isolation: We expect good motion isolation from a memory foam mattress, but the Tempur-Adapt goes above and beyond. Our testers found the Tempur-Adapt able to "absorb virtually every movement".
What we don't like about it...
❌ Sleeps very warm: Our lead tester sleeps warm and regularly woke up sweaty on the Tempur-Adapt Mattress. The Cocoon Chill (#5) and GhostBed Luxe (Also Tested) are specialist cooling foam beds, but even the cheaper Nectar (#1) stays cooler overnight.
❌ No options: Unlike the similarly priced Saatva Contour5 (#3), the Tempur-Adapt is available in just one firmness option. Unless you want to pay to upgrade, that is — the versatile ProAdapt is around $1,000 more for a queen.
❌ Lacks support for side sleepers: Our side-sleeping testers had mixed results with the Tempur-Adapt. Some felt it too firm at the shoulder, others too soft at the hip, and one found it took a while to get comfortable. The Tempur-Cloud and Leesa Original (Also tested) are better for side sleepers.
Tempur-Pedic mattresses are like Marmite: half of my team love the way they feel, half hate it. Personally, I rate Tempur-Pedic beds. I slept on a Tempur foam mattress during the third trimester of my pregnancy, when I was dealing with excruciating hip and lower back pain, and it was the only thing that helped me feel comfortable enough to actually sleep. That's also the level of comfy pressure relief you can expect from the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt. This is our best-rated memory foam mattress for back pain, with my lead tester getting instant relief the moment she laid on it. There is a downside though: it retains heat, so you'll need to consider an alternative (such as the Cocoon by Sealy above, which is also cheaper) if you have night sweats or hot flashes.
Read more: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review