I recently put Verizon Wireless to the test for 30 days to see what the hype is all about with the nation’s largest cell phone provider. What it proved to me was how much of a substantial difference 5G Ultra Wideband makes, but these fiber-optic-esque speeds come at a premium cost.

That’s probably why I’ve found Verizon MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) attractive alternatives for those who still crave an all-you-can-eat data menu, but without being left with a hefty bill at the end. Rather than directly competing with the $70+ per line costs for Verizon’s plans, these MVNOs still tap into Verizon's network to provide cell phone coverage, but at a fraction of the cost.

Interestingly, Verizon actually owns a few of its biggest MVNOs directly — like Visible and Straight Talk — but it also leases tower space to dozens of third-party brands you might not know about. That’s why I’ll break down all the Verizon MVNOs out there, along with who they’re for, so you can choose the service that’s right for you.

Verizon MVNOs: Verizon owned MVNOs

Did you know that Verizon owns and operates many MVNOs under different brands? These are the providers that fall under the Verizon Value portfolio of prepaid brands, which includes carriers like Straight Talk, Visible, TracFone, and more. Here's a quick list of these Verizon-owned MVNOs:

• Verizon Prepaid
• Visible
• Straight Talk Wireless
• Total Wireless
• TracFone
• Walmart Family Mobile
• Simple Mobile
• SafeLink Wireless

Verizon MVNOs: Third-party operators

In addition to Verizon-owned MVNOs, you also have independent third-party MVNOs that basically lease Verizon’s tower space and subsequently offer ultra-affordable rates. They might not use Verizon's towers exclusively for everything, as some of them also use towers from carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T.

But the downside to these third-party operators is that they’re often the first to face data deprioritization. Meaning that when the network experiences heavy congestion during peak times, their speeds are the first to drop.

On the flip side, third-party MVNOs aren't always impacted when Verizon experiences a network outage. Because these independent providers manage their own virtual networks — and often lease tower space from multiple major networks — they can seamlessly route your service to alternative towers while Verizon's primary system is down.

• U.S. Mobile
• Red Pocket Mobile
• Xfinity Mobile
• Spectrum Mobile
• Twigby
• MobileX
• Ting Mobile
• Credo Mobile

The best Verizon MVNOs

As you can see, there are several Verizon MVNOs to choose from. We’ve tested a handful of them, but you’ll want to look at each provider separately to see what financially makes sense, whether service is available in your area, and if they support your current phone.

Here are our picks for the best Verizon MVNOs.

Why choose an MVNO over Verizon?

Frankly, the primary reason to choose an MVNO is price. Verizon’s top-tiered plans are loaded with extra costs to help subsidize phone upgrades, maintain its massive customer service networks, and provide super-fast 5G Ultra Wideband.

The latter is what truly makes Verizon special because none of these MVNOs can match the almost lightning-fast download and upload speeds I got with 5G Ultra Wideband. In fact, I recorded an average of 893 Mbps down in New York City, which explains why its service costs so much.

If you’re not as concerned about synthetic speeds, I know it’s worthwhile to check out a Verizon MVNO. Although it’s worth knowing that some of these MVNOs offer 5G Ultra Wideband on their higher-tiered plans.

I’ve been on Visible for about the last few years now, and the cost savings are unbelievable. I pay a fraction of what I used to with Verizon and still have the same coverage, but with speeds that are slower. I’m perfectly fine with this because I’m still able to watch videos while on the go without huge buffering.

The Tradeoffs

Before making the switch, you need to consider some of the trade-offs that come with a Verizon MVNO. The biggest hurdle pertains to new device discounts, which are how Verizon offers its signature free phone promotions. While some Verizon MVNOs do sell hardware, you won’t find nearly the same generous subsidies or trade-in values with them.

Secondly, there’s data throttling, which slows your speeds during peak hours when there’s heavy network traffic. Unless you sign up with a Verizon MVNO that specifically includes premium data, you’re at the mercy of Verizon's network prioritization. I’ve seen this happen countless times with my Visible service at concerts, where the data slows to a crawl due to the sheer amount of congestion.

Finally, there’s customer support. If you run into issues, you usually can’t walk into a physical store to meet face-to-face with a representative. Instead, everything is handled online or over the phone — which I can attest can be incredibly annoying when phone activations go wrong or take too long.

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• iOS 27 beta has new and improved dictation software — I tested it by writing this whole article with my voice
• iPhone Ultra and MacBook Ultra teased in iOS 27 and macOS 27 — here's what we know so far

The mattress market has changed drastically over the past decade, with innovations specifically within the mattress-in-a-box and smart bed sector challenging what we thought we could ever expect from our beds. A mattress that can stop your snoring, anyone?

That means that if you haven’t bought a mattress within the past eight or so years, the landscape could seem a little confusing.

But we — a team of mattress reviewers who have tested 120+ mattresses across every category to bring you our guide to the best mattress you can buy online — are on hand to help cut through the noise and the marketing jargon.

If you’re mattress shopping this month's mattress sales, these are the four main types of beds you can buy and who they might be best for.

• Saatva: save up to $400 on luxury mattresses
• Bear: 40% off our favorite cooling mattress with code TOMS40
• Helix Sleep: 27% off mattresses for all sleep styles with code TOMS27
• DreamCloud Mattress: Up to 60% off luxury hybrids
• Nectar Mattress: Up to 50% off + up to 66% off bundles
• Brooklyn Bedding: 30% off sitewide
• Tempur-Pedic: 30% off closeout luxury mattresses
• Siena: Budget mattresses from just $99

Memory foam: The ‘body-hugging’ mattress

A memory foam mattress is a mattress made entirely of viscoelastic polyurethane, more commonly known as memory foam.

Once warmed by body heat, the best memory foam mattresses offer soothing body contouring support and excellent pressure relief by molding to the shape of your body as you sleep.

This sink-in support of all-foam beds gives them their ‘hug’ sleep feel, which makes them an excellent option for those who sleep on their sides and require extra pressure relief across the hips and shoulders.

That makes them a popular choice among those with joint pain, too. After testing it, we found that the Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress offers a keen blend of body cradling comfort and support, with the lighter-weight side sleeping member of our testing panel finding it most comfortable.

Another excellent example of an all-foam bed offering the typical ‘hug’ you can expect from some memory foam mattresses is the Zinus Green Tea mattress, a bed that our tester likened to a Tempur-Pedic mattress, thanks to its cushioned feel.

Pros:

• Excellent pressure relief
• Absorbs motion very well, which is ideal for couples
• Best for side sleepers and those with joint pain

Cons:

• Cheaper foams can sleep warm. However, modern foams often use gel or charcoal infusions as well as open cell-foam structures to combat the traditional heat trap issues.

Hybrid: The best of all mattress worlds

The best hybrid mattresses are a sophisticated mix of pocketed coils and layers of memory foam, resulting in a blend of a responsive sleep feel and plenty of body cradling comfort.

This blend of comfort and support makes them best for practically every type of sleeper, but especially those who like to change sleep positions easily during the night, as well as those who favor a luxury hotel aesthetic.

While traditional innerspring mattresses rely on interconnected coils (which give them that bouncy, trampoline-like sleep feel), many modern-day hybrid mattresses use individually pocketed coils. That allows them to provide body contouring support, reinforced support around the perimeter and superior motion isolation.

Although it is technically a luxury innerspring hybrid, the Saatva Classic mattress is the best example of what a hybrid mattress can offer, with its dual-coil support system for support and durability, soothing foam layers for pressure relief and outstanding performance across all key metrics, including temperature regulation.

While we’d say it’s worth every cent, the Saatva is a little pricey (around $1,800 for a queen, depending on Saatva mattress sales), but the DreamCloud Classic mattress is an excellent cheaper alternative. You won’t get the customizable firmness or height options you’d get with the Saatva, but you will get a great mid-range option that will suit most sleepers.

Pros:

• Combines the support of sturdy innerspring and the soothing pressure relief of a memory foam mattress
• Best for all sleepers, especially combination sleepers

Cons:

• Due to their more complex construction, hybrid mattresses tend to be more expensive than memory foam mattresses
• The inclusion of coils can make them more responsive (bouncy) than memory foam
• Also heavier than all-foam mattresses

Latex: The greener mattress

Natural latex mattresses are made from the sap of rubber trees, while other latex mattresses are crafted from synthetic latex. Both types are antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, which means that they repel dust mites, mold and bacteria.

Latex mattresses offer a relatively firm and responsive sleep feel (no memory foam ‘hug’ here), making them best suited to combination sleepers who like to shift positions without feeling trapped.

As our lead tester noted in her Nolah Natural 11 mattress review, the Nolah does this beautifully, offering excellent ease of movement. Like the best organic mattresses on the market, latex mattresses boast naturally cooling properties, which make them a safe option for hot sleepers, as well as eco-conscious shoppers.

A mattress of this calibre doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as evidenced in our Avocado Green mattress review. As a mid-range organic bed, our tester was impressed by its blend of temperature regulation, sturdy support and PETA approval.

Pros:

• Incredibly durable — can last 15+ years if well looked after
• Naturally cooling
• Naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
• Best for eco conscious shoppers and hot sleepers

Cons:

• Expect a distinct bouncy feel that doesn't contour like memory foam
• More expensive than other bed types, but last longer too

Innerspring: The traditional mattress

Traditional innerspring mattresses employ the classic design of a network of interconnected metal coils, which is usually topped with a thin layer of fiber or foam. This structure gives them a trampoline effect, which — as its moniker indicates — results in a bouncy sleep feel.

This open structure makes them light, breathable and easy to move around on. Their simple construction means they’re often pretty cheap. As such, they’re best for back and stomach sleepers who prefer to sleep on top of their mattress as opposed to sinking into it.

However, they aren’t very durable, and a spring protruding through a thin layer of foam is a sure-fire sign that it’s ready to be replaced. If you’ve ever wondered why no one really bounces on their bed anymore, it’s because innerspring mattresses are being phased out in favor of the hybrid mattress.

Pros:

• Very breathable
• Easy to move around on
• Cheap
• Best for back or stomach sleepers who prefer a firm sleep feel and maximum airflow

Cons:

• They offer the poorest motion isolation out of the four mattress types
• Issues with durability

What’s changed since you last shopped?

While the mattress-in-a-box market started out as something of an oddity, the pandemic accelerated the shift to buying mattresses primarily online. Now, hundreds of thousands of the best mattresses in a box are compressed, rolled and packaged up for delivery on our doorstep every year.

This new method of mattress shopping comes with its unique set of pros, cons and challenges. On the plus side, mattress-in-a-box manufacturers save on brick-and-mortar stores, and this saving trickles down to the consumer. That means you can buy mattresses more cheaply.

The cons include often being unable to try your mattress in store before you buy, although longer sleep trials mean you can often return or change it if it’s not quite right. Buying a mattress-in-a-box online can also take approximately 24-48 hours to fully inflate, as well as ‘off gassing’ after being opened, which is the release of VOCs into the air.

Of course, you can still buy mattresses in store and not all mattresses bought online are compressed before shipping. Saatva still prefers to deliver their mattresses traditionally flat before setting them up in your room of choice.

There are also Saatva viewing rooms dotted around the country, in case you would prefer to try before you buy. Compared to eight years ago, memory foam, hybrid and latex mattresses are the most common types of mattresses bought today.

Clocking up enough time in bed but struggling to get comfortable, only to wake in the morning with neck and back pain, is frustrating. And it’s a sure sign that your mattress is to blame.

Mattresses last between six and eight years on average, with that lifespan dropping off further for cheaper models. On the flip side, quality mattresses crafted from durable materials – such as luxury organic latex mattresses – can last for more than 15 years. Plus, how well you look after your mattress can make a big difference to how long it lasts.

But the bottom line is that even the best mattresses on the market have an expiry date (yes, even those with ‘lifetime warranties'). Your mattress won’t suddenly stop being comfortable overnight. Instead, it’s more of a gradual tapering-off of comfort and support.

The good news is that this month's mattress sales offer great deals, which means that if your old mattress has had its day, now's a great time to buy a new one at a low price.

• Saatva: save up to $400 on luxury mattresses
• Bear: 40% off our favorite cooling mattress with code TOMS40
• Helix Sleep: 27% off mattresses for all sleep styles with code TOMS27
• DreamCloud Mattress: Up to 60% off luxury hybrids
• Nectar Mattress: up to 50% off + up to 66% off bundles
• Brooklyn Bedding: 30% off sitewide
• Tempur-Pedic: 30% off closeout luxury mattresses
• Siena: Budget mattresses from just $99

How long does a mattress last?

• Innerspring mattresses: 5-7 years (coils lose tension which weakens support and pressure relief, they burst through the cover and make a lot of noise.)
• Memory foam mattresses: 7-10 years (foams no longer snap back into shape, resulting in visible signs of sagging and inadequate comfort and support.)
• Latex mattresses: 15-25 years (the structure of the latex breaks down, giving it a cracked or brittle appearance. This compromises support and results in permanent body indentations.)
• Hybrid mattresses: 7-10 years (foam comfort layers break down and the coils lose their tension, leading to permanent dips where you usually sleep and a loss of support.)

5 red flags that mean your mattress needs replacing

Here are the unmistakable signs your mattress needs replacing, depending on your mattress type:

Red flag 1: The hammock effect

You can visibly see sagging or a permanent indentation deeper than one inch. Over time, the structure of your mattress will break down and no longer snap back into shape when you get out of it. This results in permanent body indentations.

We call this the hammock effect, and it’s one of the clearest indications that your mattress no longer offers adequate support. When you can see a permanent body indentation down the center of the mattress, it means that — depending on the mattress type you have — the coils have lost their tension, or any foams or latex layers have started to degrade.

When this happens, your mattress is no longer offering adequate support. And this loss of support results in compromised pressure relief and a lack of healthy spinal alignment, which is a one-way road to waking up with aches and pains (more on that below). If not addressed pronto, it could even lead to some long-term issues, such as ongoing back pain.

Mattress tester tip: To check if your mattress has started to hammock, lay a yardstick or a long taut piece of string across the mattress. If you can fit your fingers under the string in the center, your mattress has failed the sagging and indentation test.

What to replace it with:

If your mattress has started to dip or sag and you’re looking to replace it with a more durable model, there are two beds that stand out for their long-term support after rigorous testing: The Saatva Classic and Plank Firm. The Plank, a quality memory foam mattress, boasts a high density support core that, combined with its flippable design for even wear, will help it outlive cheaper memory foam models.

However, with its dual-coil steel support system (designed to prevent sagging), quality construction and high density foam edges for ongoing support right around the perimeter, the Saatva Classic is the more durable out of the two, and is the best hybrid mattress we’ve ever tested.

Red flag 2: Morning neck and back pain

Are you waking up with neck or back pain and wondering what could have caused it? If your pain eases off within 30-60 minutes after getting out of bed, it’s a strong indication that your mattress is to blame.

Once a mattress begins to lose its support, waking with neck and/or back pain becomes increasingly common. That’s because an insufficiently supportive mattress is unable to hold your spine in healthy alignment with the rest of your body. This leads to your back dipping slightly, which causes buildup of pressure in the lumbar region. After holding that position for upwards of eight hours, your muscles will became stiff and sore.

However, when your back is thrown out of alignment, so is your neck — which means your muscles stay in a strained position all night long. Unsurprisingly, this ongoing tension leads to neck pain and even headaches.

While an unsupportive pillow could also be to blame, if your mattress is older than its expected lifespan and showing any other signs it needs replacing, then it is likely the mattress at fault.

What to replace it with

The best way to ensure that you get the support you need is to invest in a mattress that's tailored to your sleep style. If you sleep mainly on your side, one of the best mattresses for side sleepers will have a softer feel, providing cushioning for your shoulders, hips and knees while keeping your spine straight.

The best mattresses for back pain will deliver firmer support that suits back sleepers better, while if you're one of the minority of people who sleep on their stomach, the best mattress for stomach sleepers will get you maximum support and prevent your spine from arching in the night.

But what if you share a bed with someone who sleeps in a different way to you? Fortunately there are some great options on the market, and one of our favorites is below...

Red flag 3: The heat trap

Whether it’s due to hot weather, illness or hormonal fluctuations, trying to sleep when you’re overheating at night feels miserable. While there are ways to try to stay cooler at night (opting for breathable bedding, sleeping with the window open etc.), these are all futile if your mattress is to blame for waking up hot.

Memory foam has gained a bad reputation for being prone to sleeping hot, thanks to its dense structure. Worse, as the foams break down with age, they become denser, which turns up the dial on their heat trapping tendencies.

What to replace it with

If you’re looking to replace your mattress, don’t discount a memory foam mattress entirely. During our in-house testing, we found that some newer all-foam mattresses performed pretty well in our temperature regulation tests. For example, the Siena Signature scored a decent 3.3 out of 5 for cooling, while the Nectar Premier scored 3.5 out of 5.

If your sleep is often disturbed by waking up hot, it’s probably worth investing in one of the best cooling mattresses of the year. Cooling mattresses use a variety of different methods to keep temperatures down, from breathable designs (like hybrid mattresses) and naturally moisture-wicking materials (such as latex, wool or cotton), through to employing actively cooling technology, such as PCM, copper and GlacioTex.

Some specialist cooling mattresses, like the Bear Elite Hybrid, effectively combine breathable construction, cooling copper infused foams and a Celliant cover, which actively draws heat from the body and converts it into energy across the surface of the mattress. For context, the Bear scored an impressive 5 out of 5 for temperature regulation in our tests and is our top cooling recommendation.

Red flag 4: You wake up sneezing, coughing and with headaches

A mattress gains an estimated 10-20% of its original weight during a ten year period, purely by accumulating shed skin cells, dust mites, pollen and other allergens. Grim. And as those allergens build, your sleep quality declines.

Waking up with a blocked nose, sneezing, a tickly cough or a headache that you can’t shake are all signs that you’re fighting a losing battle against a long-term build-up of dust mites and other allergens.

While regular mattress vacuuming can help in the fight against dust mites, it won’t be enough to lift the dust mites and debris that have already sunk to the inner layers of your mattress.

What to replace it with

If dust mite allergies are a concern, it’s worth considering one of the best organic mattresses, thanks to their naturally hypoallergenic properties. That’s because they’re naturally breathable, moisture wicking and antimicrobial. This makes them actively resistant to dust mites.

Red flag 5: You feel every move your partner makes

Do you always wake up every time your partner shifts position? Probably not. But as the materials in your mattress that used to effectively absorb motion – whether that’s coils or dense comfort layers – begin to break down, you’ll find you start to notice every movement they make.

Once memory foam degrades with age, it becomes permanently compressed (that’s why it doesn’t quite spring back into shape when you get out of it). That permanent compression means that it’s no longer able to absorb motion like it might have once.

However, innerspring mattresses with interconnecting coils arguably succumb to the trampoline effect the fastest, as they lose their tension and are unable to support and absorb weight and motion as effectively as they used to.

What to replace it with

Motion isolation is one of our key parameters in our mattress testing methodology, during which we test for how well a mattress prevents movement from travelling across its surface in two specific ways.

We found that hybrid mattresses tend to be a bit more responsive than memory foam mattresses, which absorbs motion more effectively thanks to its slow-moving foams. Case in point, the all-foam Siena Signature scored an impressive 4.5 out of 5 for motion isolation, making it the best out of our top 5 mattresses at absorbing motion.

The hotel test

If you sleep better in a hotel or on a friend or family member’s mattress, and wake up more rested and with fewer aches and pains than you do on your own mattress, then it’s time to change your bed.

Actually, is it you and not your mattress?

Significant lifestyle changes could be why the mattress you bought and loved three years ago no longer feels comfortable. For example, you might have gained or lost a significant amount of weight, which can alter how firm a mattress feels.

Firmness is subjective and weight plays a big role in this: someone who weighs under 150lbs will find a medium-firm mattress feels much harder than someone who weighs 250lbs, who will likely find the same mattress feels much softer.

A mattress is quite the investment, but your purchase can really pay off if the mattress you choose is built to last. However, as beds come in a variety of designs and prices, it can be tricky to figure out how long a mattress should last.

That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to mattress lifespans, exploring how long you can expect your mattress to last based on its type and price tier. In this breakdown, you'll find the life expectancies of the best mattresses and most popular designs – including memory foam, hybrids, and the classic innerspring – and how their price tags can influence their durability.

Using this guide, you'll not only be able to tell how long your current mattress has left but also how long a prospective mattress will last when you're browsing this month's mattress sales. Here's a look at how long every type of mattress should last, plus the key feature that guarantees long-lasting quality.

• Saatva: save up to $400 on luxury mattresses
• Bear: 40% off our favorite cooling mattress with code TOMS40
• Helix Sleep: 27% off mattresses for all sleep styles with code TOMS27
• DreamCloud Mattress: Up to 60% off luxury hybrids
• Nectar Mattress: up to 50% off + up to 66% off bundles
• Brooklyn Bedding: 30% off sitewide
• Tempur-Pedic: 30% off closeout luxury mattresses
• Siena: Budget mattresses from just $99

Key takeaways: at a glance

How long a mattress lasts by type

1. Innerspring

Let's begin with the humble innerspring, a classic spring mattress that we're all familiar with and likely grew up sleeping on. An innerspring mattress is made up of a supportive coil base and an outer comfort layer of padding, a simple design that makes the beds inexpensive, bouncy, and supportive.

However, an innerspring is the mattress type with the shortest lifespan. Its materials, particularly its springs and relatively thin comfort layer, can wear out easily. Worn-out springs can diminish support through sagging and cause that annoying mattress creak. Meanwhile, a thin padded layer can make the feel of the coils more noticeable.

The quick-to-deteriorate materials reduce life expectancy of an innerspring mattress to five to eight years.

2. Memory foam

Memory foam was invented by NASA in the 1960's, but memory foam beds didn't become popular until the 21st century. Thanks to its body-cradling pressure relief, memory foam is found in most mattresses, with the best memory foam mattresses usurping classic innerspring as the best cheap mattress.

While an all-foam bed lacks easily-worn-out springs, memory foam can slowly lose its elasticity (the ability to spring back after pressing down on it) and start to sag after repeated use. However, you should aim to upgrade your all-foam bed every 10 years, and you may even have to replace your memory foam mattress after eight years if it came with a budget price tag.

Overall, a memory foam mattresses should be replaced every eight to 10 years, with most memory foam beds lasting for a decade before deterioration.

3. Hybrid

While memory foam mattresses offer body-molding comfort, innerspring beds offer support, breathability, and a responsive bounce. That's why, over the past decade, we've seen the emergence of hybrid mattresses: a bed that combines foam and spring layers.

Because they offer "the best of both worlds", hybrid mattresses tend to cost more than their innerspring and all-foam counterparts. However, that doesn't mean they last forever – in fact, you can expect even the best hybrid mattresses (luxury ones included) to last no more than 10 years – as their springs can lose tension, just like the ones found in your classic innerspring.

The lifespan of your hybrid depends heavily on the quality of the springs or coils it uses, but most will last around seven to 10 years.

4. Latex

While the 10-year rule applies to most mattress types, latex mattresses are outliers. Latex is found in the best organic mattresses on the market, which tend to be luxury buys as latex is more expensive than standard foams. However it has a lot of natural benefits: it's cooling, supportive, hypoallergenic, sustainable and (most importantly) durable.

The premium, long-lasting quality of latex means organic mattresses tend to last around 15 years on average. However, if the latex mattress is made entirely of latex foam and no springs, it can last up to 20 years (yep, it's that durable).

How long a mattress lasts by price

1. Budget

Budget mattresses are any beds that are sold under $400 for a queen. We're seeing more and more high-quality budget mattresses, but you can't expect the same durability as offered by premium or even mid-range designs.

For instance, a budget memory foam mattress may not hit the 10-year mark if its foam layers aren't as dense as higher-priced models. They also lack the level of temperature regulation found in mid-range and luxury memory foam beds, leading to heat and moisture build-up over time.

Budget hybrid mattresses are also more likely to fall at the lower end of the 7-10 year life expectancy range, as their coils and springs are less likely to withstand a decade's worth of concentrated body weight.

2. Mid-range

The best mattresses under $1000 for a queen are often worth buying, with some of the most popular and reputable mattress brands offering good-quality mid-range beds.

As for durability, mid-range mattresses can differ from model to model, so it's best to check the materials. For instance, we found that the hybrid-designed DreamCloud Classic Mattress outperformed its mid-range price tag and offered luxury-level quality, mostly due to its coils being individually-wrapped in fabric to prevent coils from rubbing against each other.

Of course, if you spot any red flags that tell you to replace your mattress, then you should immediately do so. Otherwise, if you have a mid-range bed, it's best to follow the 10-year replacement rule.

3. Luxury

The best luxury mattresses cost over $1,000 for a queen, and they justify the price by using premium, long-lasting materials. For example, we voted the Saatva Classic Mattress to be the best bed in the world, and that's due in part to its durability.

Despite being a hybrid mattress, its coils are more resistant to wear and tear as they're made from industrial-strength 13-gauge tempered steel for "maximum durability" meaning it can most likely last a decade's worth of repeated use.

Plus, the majority of latex mattresses are luxury, so if you're put off by the high prices of an organic mattresses, you should know that they pay for themselves with their natural durability.

Most luxury mattresses should last at least 10 years, with some organic mattresses lasting up to 20 years.

The one sign that your mattress is built to last

Most mattresses today come with mattress warranties, which guarantee that a bed will be replaced, refunded, or repaired if there's a manufacturing issue. Not only do warranties cover a wide range of problems (from loose seams to broken coils), they also provide a pretty good indicator of how long a mattress will last.

For example, a standard warranty lasts 10 years, and this length is found in both luxury and budget mattresses. However, many reputable and premium brands, such as DreamCloud and Saatva, offer lifetime warranties. While a mattress of any quality is unlikely to last a lifetime, a long warranty (anything over 20 years) is clear sign that a mattress is built to last.

Sleep is vital to heart health and minimal increases in sleep duration can lower your risk of a cardiovascular event by 10%, new research suggests.

"Even modest improvements in sleep hygiene have yielded measurable benefits in blood pressure control, heart rate variability, and overall cardiovascular resilience," explains Dr. Daniel Cham, physician.

But here's the key — while isolated gains in sleep can help protect against stroke and heart attack, the biggest benefits might occur when you combine just 11 minutes more sleep with small, positive changes to activity levels and diet.

We asked the experts, Dr. Cham and Dr. John La Puma, why sleep plays such a strong role in heart health and how to tackle the moderate lifestyle changes that can have a big impact on your wellbeing.

Key take-aways: Study at a glance

• Increasing sleep by 11 minutes, combined with 4.5 minutes more exercise and 1/4 cup of vegetables a day, decreases your risk of a cardiovascular event by 10%, new research shows.
• These modest changes across different behaviors are typically more achievable than a big upheaval in one area.
• Good diet and exercise both contribute to better sleep, meaning changes in one area can boost another.
• Sleep duration isn't everything, however, as doctors cite benefit of sleep regularity and strong circadian rhythms.

• Read more: This is the longevity focused metric in your sleep score that can indicate how well you’re ageing — experts explain why and how to improve yours

How good sleep impacts your heart health

Sleep, particularly deep sleep, is when our body resets and repairs itself. And as Dr. Cham explains, missing out on this restorative phase leads to more than just excessive yawning the next day.

"Poor sleep quality can increase blood pressure, contribute to arrhythmias, and exacerbate metabolic stress," he says, "all of which elevate the risk for heart disease."

Dr. John La Puma, Board-Certified Internist and author of Indoor Epidemic, explains this is in part because your circadian rhythm acts at the "heart's time table."

This internal clock behind our sleep-wake cycle dictates hormone changes including melatonin suppression and cortisol release.

"Heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths peaking in the first three hours after waking, when stress hormones surge," he says.

A 2025 study found just three nights of poor sleep can increase your risk of heart disease, making long-term sleep deprivation a major health concern — and not just a risk for your heart.

"It contributes to insulin resistance, setting the stage for diabetes. It promotes inflammation throughout the body, accelerating aging and increasing cardiovascular risk," Dr. La Puma explains.

For this reason, he emphasizes the importance of sleep regularity; going to bed and waking up at the same time every night.

"A landmark study of over 60,000 adults followed for nearly 8 years found that sleep regularity was a stronger predictor of mortality than total hours slept," he says. "People with regular sleep schedules have a 34% lower risk of heart disease and a 19% lower risk of overall mortality."

Small changes can have noticeable results

The study analyzed the data of 53,242 people in the UK Biobank, assessing the impact of three core behaviors on cardiovascular health. Those behaviors are: sleep duration, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVGS), and diet quality (DQ).

Researchers found that small improvements in each behavior combined could have a more notable positive impact on heart health than big achievements in one area.

The study noted that just 11 minutes more sleep, when combined with increased exercise and a healthier diet, could have a similar impact to regularly achieving 30 minutes more sleep (assuming a low sleep rate in the first place.)

Even better, the researchers describe these habits as "uniquely interdependent." In other words, more exercise results in better sleep which leads to better eating (and vice versa.)

This is a mindset supported by Dr. La Puma, who explains that more sleep isn't always the answer.

"Fewer than seven hours [sleep] erodes resilience, while more than eight hours increases cardiovascular risk and accelerates cognitive decline by about 12 percent. The sweet spot for most adults is between seven and eight hours," he explains.

How to get 11 minutes more sleep a night

While the researchers behind the study are keen to emphasize small changes for overall improvement, tackling your sleep, physical activity and diet can seem like an overwhelming prospect.

So here's some good news: it's easy to target two birds with one stone.

Exercising for better sleep and healthy eating for better sleep allow you to focus on one habit (either movement or diet) while having a knock on effect on another (in this case, sleep.)

For Dr. La Puma, even small habit switches can improve circadian function and lead to better sleep and heart health..

"Morning light and evening darkness are the anchors of [circadian] rhythm. Protect them, and you protect the foundation of your longevity," he says, recommending amber lighting in the evening to help your body prepare for sleep.

He also suggests screen limits, advising you put your phone down at least 60 minutes before bed (and charging your phone in a different room, to eliminate temptation.)

Many things go into getting a good night’s rest — including getting enough deep sleep. While “deep” and “quality” sleep might sound interchangeable, deep sleep is actually one of the four sleep stages, and it’s arguably the most important stage of non-REM (NREM) sleep.

Deep sleep is famed for being the most restorative stage of stage and where important repair and recovery processes take place. But now that you know how important it is, are you aware of how much you actually require?

We asked Roger Washington, MD, FAAFP, a family medicine physician, sleep therapist, and the founder of the Sleep To Live Well Foundation, to help us unpack the basics of deep sleep. Ahead, you’ll discover the distinct role it plays and how much deep sleep you need each night, depending on your age.

What is deep sleep?

Also known as slow wave sleep or N3 sleep, deep sleep is the third and final non-REM sleep stage before transitioning to rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep. In this phase of sleep, “the brain disengages from external sensing, learning, and problem-solving and shifts fully toward internal repair and recalibration,” says Dr. Washington.

A lot of important work for your physical and mental health occurs during this sleep stage. In this stage, Dr. Washington says that:

• Growth hormone secretion peaks
• Immune signaling is recalibrated
• Inflammatory tone is reduced
• Muscles, connective tissue, and metabolic systems are repaired
• Cellular electrical and sensory thresholds are reset, which improve clarity, emotional stability, and stress tolerance the following day

How much deep sleep do you need?

The amount of deep sleep we need changes by age, as well as other personalized factors like health conditions. Dr. Washington advises not getting tripped up over the precise numbers, though.

“These figures support what I’ve observed in my practice: healthy sleepers tend to fall within these ranges when their total sleep time and timing are adequate,” he says. Nonetheless, “they are not strict targets for each night.”

With that in mind, here’s a rundown of the average amount of sleep you need according to your age group:

Babies (4 months to 2 years)

According to Dr. Washington, typical deep sleep during this age range is 90 to 150 minutes per night.

“Babies spend a much larger share of sleep in deep sleep because growth hormone release, immune development, and neural wiring dominate physiology at this stage,” he says. “This elevated need persists through the first two years of life and then gradually declines as growth velocity slows.”

Children (3 to 12 years)

Dr. Washington says that toddlers and children in this age bracket typically require 60 to 120 minutes of deep sleep each night.

“Children continue to require substantial deep sleep to support physical growth, immune maturation, and brain development,” he says.

As long as children are able to get enough sleep time spent asleep — which is 10 to 13 hours (for children ages 3 to 5) and 9 to 12 hours (for children ages 6 to 12), per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) — Dr. Washington says that deep sleep is usually abundant. However, he says that total deep sleep falls when bedtimes are delayed, even though the body still prioritizes it early in the night.

Teenagers (13 to 18 years)

According to Dr. Washington, teens get an average of 60 to 90 minutes per night.

“Adolescents need deep sleep to support hormonal regulation, musculoskeletal growth, and emotional development,” he says. “However, delayed circadian timing combined with early school schedules often shortens total sleep, reducing the absolute amount of deep sleep obtained.”

With packed schedules, teens may find it challenging to get the 8 to 10 hours of total sleep recommended by the AASM.

Young adults (18 to 25 years)

Perhaps surprisingly, adults up to the age of 25 often need the same amount of deep sleep as teenagers, which again is 60 to 90 minutes per night.

Curious as to why this is? “Although legally considered adults, brain maturation — particularly in males — continues into the mid-20s,” Dr. Washington explains. “Sleep patterns during this period often resemble late adolescence, and deep sleep commonly remains toward the upper end of the adult range.”

Adults (26 to 64 years)

Per Dr. Washington, adults aged 26 through 64 years old require less deep sleep than teens and young adults, with average ranges clocking in at 45 to 90 minutes per night.

But just because most adults require less deep sleep than younger demographics doesn’t mean that it’s any less important to get. “In adulthood, deep sleep supports physical repair, immune function, metabolic regulation, and emotional stability,” says Dr. Washington.

And while you might get less, “the biological need for deep sleep does not disappear.” Rather, adults tend to “lose the conditions that allow it to extend.”

He adds that the amount of deep sleep you get varies widely on factors like stress, mental load, sleep timing, and sleep debt (i.e., getting less sleep than you actually need — which, for most adults, is 7 to 9 hours per night).

Older adults (65+)

Older adults get the least amount of deep sleep across all age groups. Per Dr. Washington, those 65 and older log an average of 30 to 60 minutes of deep sleep each night.

“Older adults tend to experience lighter, more fragmented sleep, which reduces deep-sleep time,” he says. “This reflects changes in sleep regulation rather than a reduced biological need.”

While older adults may struggle to get the same quality shuteye they once did in their earlier years, Dr. Washington says that deeper sleep can improve with consistent timing and sufficient sleep opportunity.

Signs you’re not getting enough deep sleep

According to Dr. Washington, there are many signs that indicate you’re not getting enough deep, restorative sleep. These include:

• Needing an alarm clock to wake up
• Dependence on caffeine or stimulants
• Irritability or emotional volatility
• Carbohydrate and sugar cravings
• Afternoon brain fog
• Feeling tired but wired at night

“These patterns are often misattributed to stress, personality, or aging,” says Dr. Washington, “but more often, they reflect sleep debt and circadian misalignment.”

In a perfect world, we’d all get enough deep sleep (and total sleep) to allow us to feel and function our best. However, Dr. Washington advises against trying to “hack” your way to get more deep sleep — and especially against losing sleep over your numbers if you track your ZZZ’s with wearables. “Deep sleep is not generated by effort,” he says. “It lengthens naturally as alignment improves.”

With this in mind, he instead encourages better rest and alignment by:

• Respecting circadian timing with light exposure, food timing, and physical activity
• Winding down the day free from a heavy mental load
• Addressing unresolved stress or trauma that keeps you vigilant at night

“When alignment improves, deep sleep extends naturally,” Dr. Washington concludes.

If you try out these methods and nothing still works, it could be time to discuss your options — be it a sleep study, therapy, or medical intervention — with a health professional.

Adjusting the thermostat before bed is a tricky balance. Too warm and you'll wake up sweating (and out of pocket.) Too cold and you might find aching muscles and sore joints ruin your morning.

While a cooler bedroom supports your circadian rhythms, warmer temperatures are better for tight, sore muscles. And as you get older, a balmier room might be necessary to achieve the restful sleep you need.

The right temperature is an important component of good sleep so I asked the experts how you can get it right, particularly if you're over 65.

Here's what pain specialists Jen Uschold and Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum advised — plus their top tips for creating the cozy comfort your sleep deserves.

Choosing a bedroom temperature for pain relief

The optimal bedroom temperature for good sleep is typically on the cooler side, to accommodate the natural drop in your core temperature as your body prepares for sleep.

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, pain expert and author, recommends a temperature of “60 to 67°F” (16 to 20 °C) for younger adults and advises to aim for the warmer end of this spectrum if you’re experiencing pain.

“Generally, a room temperature of around 19 degrees is recommended,” adds Jen Uschold, pain specialist and Physical Therapist working with MattressNextDay. “The brain needs a slight drop in core temperature to initiate sleep, but if the environment is too cold, the nervous system works harder to maintain warmth.”

And as we’re bracing our way through repeated cold snaps, she notes you shouldn’t let the room drop below 64°F (or 18°C.)

Why is a warmer bedroom better for pain relief?

Not only is it harder to drift off when you're shivering, cold weather can cause you to experience increased pain, particularly when you're lying still in bed.

“When it is colder, and we are not moving as much as we usually do, there is less blood flow throughout our bodies," explains Uschold. "The cold may increase the experience of pain; however, this does not indicate additional strain to the tissues. It is more about the sensitivity of the nerves and nervous system due to reduced blood flow.”

Uschold notes that you can become more “temperature sensitive” when you’re in pain. What’s normally a cool bedroom might feel uncomfortably cold.

“A colder room draws energy out of the muscles and increases the tendency for muscle tightness and pain,” adds Dr. Teitelbaum. “So, for those with chronic pain, it makes sense to keep the room a little bit on the warmer side of this range.”

Why bedroom temperature matters more as you get older

“In those over 65 years old, the research suggests that the optimal room temperature for sleep quality is 68 to 77°,” says Dr. Teitelbaum.

A 2023 survey found that, overall, older adults tend to benefit from a room slightly warmer than the typical average.

Not only does a warm room benefit tight muscles, it might also help seniors enjoy higher quality sleep — something that can be hard to come by when you're over 65.

“As we age, changes in circulation, muscle mass, and metabolism can mean that many people over 65 may feel colder than they did in earlier life,” notes Uschold.

With a lack of sleep can also come increased pain, as Dr. Teitelbaum explains.

“It is important for people to know that sleep quality is critical for pain relief," he says, "and poor sleep has been shown to significantly cause pain as well.”

He notes that warmer bedrooms can encourage deep sleep in older adults, a sleep phase during which the body undergoes major recovery and tissue repair.

“Much, if not most, pain in this country is caused by muscle shortening,” says Dr. Teitelbaum. “Just like it takes more energy to stretch a coiled spring than for the spring to contract, muscles that don't have enough energy get stuck in the shortened position and hurt.”

Finding the perfect temperature

“Temperature needs are never determined by age alone,” says Uschold. “Health history, movement and exercise during the day, medication, stress levels, living environment, and overall well-being can all influence how warm or cold someone feels.”

Both experts recommend experimenting within the recommended temperature range to find the ideal bedroom feel.

And it's not all about the thermostat, as clever material choices can help you create the warmth you need.

"Your skin warms," says Teitelbaum, "but your core temperatures can drop."

How to create a warmer bedroom (without overheating)

Use a heating pad

“For localized pain which is only there when you wake up, the heating pad on the low setting (on a timer to go on 2 hours before waking) works very nicely,” advises Dr. Teitelbaum.

Heating pads use only a small amount of electricity, so they’re a good way to keep warm in bed without bumping up your heating costs.

Dr. Teitelbaum also notes that if you go to sleep in pain, a heating pad at bedtime can offer targeted comfort (although he adds you need to keep the temperature low, to avoid burns.)

Switch to wool bedding

For widespread body pain, Dr. Teitelbaum recommends ditching the heating bad for a different approach.

“Using wool sheets on your bed, and even wool long underwear during the day, markedly decreases pain," says Dr. Teitelbaum. "If you can't get wool, then cotton.”

He explains you want warmth and moisture wicking, to prevent sweat sticking to the skin. "Waking up cold and wet does not help pain."

Heat the bed, not the room

While you might be tempted to crank up the heat, a more effective solution might be to concentrate on the bed. It’s better for your bills and means you’re less likely to wake up sweating at 5 a.m.

Alongside warm bedding, you could try placing a hot water bottle at the foot of the bed.

A mattress topper or a weighted blanket can also act as insulation. This adds another layer to your bed to keep the warmth in. Please note, we don't recommend weighted blankets to those with limited mobility.

If you’re over 65, you might have noticed that, despite keeping the same sleep habits, you've started to feel more tired. But do you need more sleep than younger adults or are your sleep patterns just adjusting?

As you age, the amount of sleep you need doesn't necessarily change but your sleep cycle does. Sleep grows lighter and more fragmented so quality becomes a priority and you might need to spend more time in bed to achieve the rest your body requires.

Getting the right amount of sleep has many advantages as you age, including aiding longevity — as well as keeping memory loss, dementia and other health conditions at bay.

We asked the sleep experts how your sleep changes as you age, why sleep is important and how to get the best quality sleep when you're over 65.

How much sleep do over 65s need?

Studies show that those over 65 need the same amount of sleep as younger adults, which is 7-9 hours a night. Of course, this differs from person to person, and if you have an existing sleep disorder or condition, you may need more.

However, while age doesn't necessitate more sleep, changes in sleep consistency might mean you struggle to reach seven hours, says Neurologist Dr. Lynette Gogol.

“The key nuance is that older adults often need more opportunity for sleep, meaning more time in bed, to achieve that amount because sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented with age,” Dr. Gogol advises.

She explains that if you feel more tired or unable to keep your eyes open before bed, it's because those aged 65+ often get less efficient sleep. "This is why you may wake more frequently, nap more during the day, and still feel unrefreshed,” she says.

How does this differ from how much sleep other people need?

Children need the most sleep of any age group but as you grow, that need starts to decrease and remains consistent. Adults under 65 have the same sleep requirements as older generations.

“Compared with younger adults, who typically need seven to nine hours of sleep, older adults may experience changes in their sleep patterns rather than a reduced need for sleep,” says Lisa Artis, sleep expert and deputy CEO of the Sleep Charity.

She adds that teenagers and children require more sleep due to growth and development, but older adults still need “enough restorative sleep to support memory, mood, and overall health.”

However, as those over 65 typically experience worse sleep quality and efficiency, you may need more sleep — or more time in bed — than younger adults, children or teenagers.

Why do over 65s need 7-8 hours of sleep a night?

Getting enough sleep is important at any age but as our experts explain, when you're over 65 those hours of rest come with some added advantages.

1. To consolidate memory

Research shows that all stages of sleep are important for memory consolidation.

Artis explains that during sleep, the brain processes and stores important information while clearing out unnecessary details.

“This helps support learning, recall, and cognitive function," she says. "Without enough quality sleep, memory and concentration can be affected more noticeably in later life.”

Dr. Gogol adds that in older adults, memory consolidation can become less efficient. “The sleep stages most closely linked to certain types of memory — deep non-REM or slow wave sleep — tend to decline with age,” she says.

This is “one reason why protecting sleep quality, not just time in bed, becomes especially important after age 65,” notes Dr. Gogol.

2. To reduce the risk of dementia and other health conditions

Studies show that a lack of good quality sleep can be linked to dementia, as early as your 50s.

Artis explains this is because during sleep, especially deep sleep, the brain "clears waste products, including proteins linked to dementia, and reduces inflammation.”

When you aren't getting that sleep, your brain lacks opportunities to remove this waste.

She also notes that good sleep supports; “heart health, blood sugar regulation, and emotional wellbeing," while long-term sleep deprivation has been linked to "an increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, and cognitive decline.”

3. To keep the circadian rhythm regular

Our internal body clock dictates when we feel sleepy and when we naturally wake up — getting enough sleep can keep your circadian rhythms regulated.

“A stable sleep routine supports the release of hormones such as melatonin, which signals to the body when it is time to sleep,” explains Artis.

However, she goes on to say that in older age, this rhythm can "become weaker", and emphasizes that ensuring regular sleep and wake times, along with exposure to daylight, is especially important for maintaining healthy sleep patterns in those aged over 65.

4. Improves mental and physical health

As we age, we’re more prone to picking up viruses, while our bones become weaker. Luckily, getting enough sleep is a natural antidote.

“Sleep supports the immune system, helps with muscle repair, plus pain management, and improves balance and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls,” explains Artis. “It also plays a key role in emotional regulation, helping to protect mental wellbeing and quality of life.”

Sleep tips for over 65s

If you find it difficult to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, Dr. Gogol explains that healthy sleep after 65 is less about forcing earlier bedtimes and more about strengthening rhythm and reducing fragmentation.

So, how can you achieve this?

“Anchor sleep to a consistent wake time, prioritize morning light exposure, and stay physically active during the day, ideally outdoors, to support circadian timing,” advises Dr. Gogol.

Sleep hygiene impacts how you sleep, too, with the expert advising you to keep your sleep environment “dark, cool, and quiet, and limit time in bed to when you are truly sleepy.”

Common sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or restless legs can also cause havoc on your sleep quality, and we recommend speaking to a healthcare professional if you think these factors are affecting your rest.

“Use cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia as first-line care,” says Dr. Gogol, but always talk to your doctor if you're worried about how your lack of sleep is affecting your waking life.

Things you should avoid? “Alcohol as a sleep aid, late afternoon naps, and long-term reliance on sleep medications,” warns Dr. Gogol.

The basic proposition of an e-bike is simple: a motor assists you by complementing your pedaling power. But those motors vary not only by design, but also by location and general purpose. Before you buy an e-bike, it helps to know what the different types of motors are — and being honest about how much e-assistance you really need for your riding style and purposes.

Here’s a basic rundown of the different types of e-bike classes, motors, and drive systems that will dictate how fast you can go. Once you understand the technical aspects of these systems, and you determine what type of riding you’ll do most often, the amount of e-assistance you need will become clear, and will make buying one of the best electric bikes a lot easier.

E-bike classes

Before you decide which e-bike motor and e-assistance level you need for your new bike, it’s important to understand the three classes of e-bike.

Class 1 e-bikes offer a maximum assist speed of 20mph, and they include pedal assist features only.

Class 2 e-bikes offer a maximum assist speed of 20mph too, but they include both a pedal assist option and a throttle. You can use the throttle to activate the motor without pedaling.

Class 3 e-bikes offer a maximum assist speed of 28mph, and they include pedal assist, with the option for a throttle. Most Class 3 e-bikes do come with throttles. Keep in mind that many regions have tight restrictions on Class 3 e-bikes.

You should also know that some e-bikes can be adjusted between class 1, 2, and 3 by changing settings within the computer that controls the motor. If you’re after pure speed, a class 3 e-bike may serve you well, but you’ll want to check into any regional regulations that may limit the usefulness of your e-bike.

What style of riding you’ll do most often

That, of course, begs the question of whether you really need that ‘pure speed.’ For most riders, class 1 or class 2 e-bikes offer more than sufficient speed and power. Class 3 e-bikes do have very strong use cases too, but they come with a bigger learning curve and are often overkill for most riders.

Let’s start at the top: Class 3 e-bikes are great if you cover very long distances on your rides and want to shorten your time on the bike. They’re also wonderful if you need to keep up with automobile traffic. Performance road riders will also appreciate a class 3 e-bike if they want to keep up with the fast group ride or do a big day on the bike over long miles.

Just remember that 28mph is quite a lot of speed for a bicycle, and the learning curve here is quite high. With that much speed, you’ll want to work on your bicycle handling skills quite a lot and ensure you understand what that type of speed feels like in an emergency situation — say, under hard emergency braking.

Class 2 and Class 1 e-bikes offer the same max speed (20 mph), so the decision here is whether or not you want a throttle. If you’re after simplicity and the terrain on which you’ll be commuting is fairly flat or otherwise not challenging, a class 1 e-bike is sufficient. It’s also best for beginners.

A Class 2 e-bike is ideal for commuters, especially within cities or other areas with lots of stop lights or stop signs. The throttle helps you get started from a dead stop more easily, which is super handy when you’re at a stop light with traffic behind you. It’s also great if you have a medium to long commute and just need a break from pedaling. This is the most appropriate e-bike class for the vast majority of riders.

Hub motors versus mid-drive motors

Let’s get a bit more granular about speed now. E-bike motors deliver those various levels of speed, and there are different designs that deliver power in certain ways that may impact your ride.

There are two general types of e-bike motor types: a hub motor and a mid-drive motor.

A hub motor is built into the bike’s rear wheel (or less often, into the front wheel), while a mid-drive motor is integrated into the bicycle frame, at the bottom bracket shell between the cranks. Hub motors tend to deliver more power more quickly. Power generated from hub motors transfers directly to the wheel.

A mid-drive motor’s produced power must travel through the drivetrain to the rear wheel. Losses along the way are natural. However, mountain bikers and road cyclists, as well as other performance cyclists, usually choose the less powerful mid-drive motor. That’s because the mid-drive motor’s weight is concentrated low and centered on the bicycle, which improves handling. It’s also not ‘rotational’ weight like a hub drive motor. Rotational weight has an outsized impact on handling too.

So generally speaking, a hub drive motor will deliver more power, but it comes with performance drawbacks. If you’re sticking to commuting on-road, a hub drive motor is best for you. If responsive handling matters more to your riding style, like mountain bikers and road cyclists, a mid drive motor will serve you better, despite the lower power production.

Hub motors: direct drive versus geared

If you want to get even more particular about speed, efficiency, and ride quality when it comes to your hub motor, you can choose between direct drive hub motors and geared hub motors.

Geared hub motors, unsurprisingly, have gears within the hub shell that help drive the power to your bike. These planetary gears spin at a faster rate than the wheel, essentially multiplying the amount of power produced. But the really cool benefit is drag-free coasting. When the bike coasts, an internal clutch system can disengage the gears completely, so you coast with no resistance.

A direct drive motor uses a magnet and stator system, eliminating gears altogether. When the motor is engaged, the stator gets ‘charged’, causing the magnets to spin. That produces the forward propulsion. It’s a much simpler system, but it comes with a drawback: those magnets create drag, even when the stator is not energized. So you’re fighting that drag even if you’re not using the assist features.

But direct drive motors come with an advantage borne from that very magnetic disadvantage:

Regenerative braking is possible due to the drag produced by the spinning magnets. The bike essentially slows down automatically, which helps control your speed and may even extend the life of your brake pads. It feels like the brakes are lightly “on” while you’re riding. And, they'll provide a bit of charge back to your bike's battery, extending your range by a little.

Of course, if you don’t want that kind of drag and prefer to maintain your top speed, the geared motor will be most appropriate for you. The geared drive system will also improve overall battery life, which may be a concern for you if you’re riding long distances.

How much speed do you really need?

For the vast majority of riders, a class 1 or class 2 e-bike with a max assist speed of 20mph will be more than sufficient. The use cases for a class 3 e-bike with 28mph max speed are fewer. If you’re traveling long distances and want to shorten your commuting time, a class 3 e-bike may be the best choice. Just be sure to check local regulations to ensure you can use your bike legally along your route.

Once you’ve determined how and where you’ll be riding most often, the choice between hub motors and mid-drive motors becomes clear. While mid-drive motors don’t produce quite as much power quite as quickly, their placement within the frame — low and centered — vastly improves handling. Mountain bikers and performance road bikers will want to choose a mid-drive motor.

Commuters, a hub drive motor is likely your best bet for quick and stout power assist. They offer a reasonable top speed, and the addition of a throttle on class 2 e-bikes makes them especially appropriate for e-bike riders spending lots of time stopping and going, stopping and going.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best electric bikes
• I rode this electric bike 40 miles through every borough in New York City — 5 things I learned
• I just spent a week with Brompton's latest folding bike — here's what I like and what I don’t

Women are struggling to sleep and the problem only gets worse with age. From recovering after childbirth to early signs of perimenopause to coping postmenopause, each decade in a women’s life presents unique sleep challenges.

With hormone fluctuations the driving force behind most of these disruptions, and the menopause the biggest change your sleep is likely to undergo, fixing your rest is rarely as simple as 'getting to bed early.'

However, there's good news: we’ve never been better equipped to deal with the sleep challenges women experience with age. Continued research and developing technology are helping us fight back against everything from night sweats to period insomnia.

We’ve spoken to experts in menopause and women's sleep, as well as women who have actually lived through these changes, to learn what you can expect from your sleep as you age — and what you can do about it.

Key highlights

• Hormonal shifts cause women's sleep to decline with age
• Pregnancy often causes upheaval in sleep patterns for women in their 30s
• Poor sleep is an early indicator of perimenopause for women in their 40s
• Menopause, typically occurring around age 50, has a long-term impact on sleep health

How women’s sleep changes by age

"Hormones and how they interact in women influence mood, metabolism, and hot flashes,” explains Dr. Andrea Matsumura, Sleep Medicine Physician at Sleep Goddess MD. “But they also directly shape your sleep architecture and the way your brain cycles through the stages of sleep.”

“Progesterone helps you drift into sleep. When it dips, so does your ability to fall asleep," says Dr. Matsumura. "Estrogen helps you stay asleep, supports temperature regulation, and helps potentiate REM sleep, and testosterone supports slow-wave (deep) sleep.”

It’s a system Dr. Sherry McAllister, President of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress describes as the ‘internal pharmacy' (alongside serotonin and cortisol.) These hormones are also responsible for the rapid decline women's sleep undergoes with age.

“Studies consistently find that women have a higher prevalence of insomnia and trouble sleeping than men," says Mike Wakeman, researcher, pharmacist and the brains behind Evera Nutrition. “Whereas in women these hormones swing widely across life stages and menstrual cycle and then decline sharply, in men, testosterone declines steadily and slowly and tends to cause fewer abrupt sleep disruptions.”

How your sleep changes in your 30s

• Hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can result in changeable sleep
• Pregnancy causes a major upheaval in sleep quality
• Post-pregnancy you might experience lighter sleep and new pains

While women in their 30s are less likely to undergo the more radical sleep changes resulting from perimenopause and menopause, hormonal fluctuations at this age can still harm sleep quality.

“Progesterone drops sharply before menstruation resulting in lighter and more fragmented sleep, while reduction in estrogen results in changes in sleep depth,” says Wakeman. As a result, your sleep needs can cycle through several different iterations during one menstrual period.

Research also suggests that women in their 30s are likely to experience changes in their monthly cycle, including irregularity and heavy bleeding. While in your 20s you could predict and prepare for your period, you might find it harder to take control in your 30s, causing your sleep to suffer.

Your 30s might also bring an unwelcome tendency to wake up at 3am with a head full of racing thoughts. Wakeman explains this is because at this age, you're more “reactive to the stress hormone cortisol,” which makes it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

It doesn't help that women in their 30s often undergo major lifestyle changes, including buying a home and relationship changes that might exacerbate stress and lead to a feeling Wakeman describes as “tired but wired.” Then, of course, there are children, with the average age for first-time mother’s in the US steadily rising.

“Pregnancy and the period following it can, for obvious reasons, result in fragmented and lighter sleep and difficulty returning to sleep once awake,” says Wakeman. There's the foot pain, the lower back pain, the never-ending trips to the toilet...

Plus, while you could once sleep through an earthquake, you now jolt awake at the slightest sounds. “[Pregnancy] can cause the sleep architecture to change significantly, causing the brain to be hyper-vigilant,” explains Wakeman.

Nearing the end of this decade, women are also increasingly likely to start perimenopause, with sleep disruptions an early indicator (although this most often occurs in your 40s.) Wakeman notes that managing perimenopause symptoms requires a different approach, so if you suspect this is the cause of your poor sleep, speak to a healthcare professional.

"Between the big bump and back pain, I really struggled to sleep"

“While pregnant, between the big bump, constantly waking up and back pain, I really struggled to sleep,” says Lauren Tanner, a new mom in her early 30s. “A V pillow massively helped me get comfy and relieve leg and back pressure, and I wouldn’t have been without it.”

She explains that although before pregnancy she slept "amazingly", post-pregnancy she’s struggled to regain her quality eight hours. “My son isn’t a great sleeper and so sleep is regularly interrupted,” she says. While a nightlight, white noise machine and duvet have come a long way to help her son’s sleep problems, she still has issues.

“Sleep for me is often a struggle and I still rarely sleep through,” she says, but notes upgrading her sleep setup has helped. “We've just invested in a duvet and pillows which are a lighter tog and more breathable fabric, plus a softer mattress, and my sleep is massively improved. I rarely wake up too hot or uncomfortable from aches .”

She’s also found it necessary to rethink her evenings — no more late-night-crash-outs of her 20s. “I’ve tried to actively wind down before bed with a more relaxing bedtime routine and better quality sleepwear so that I’m comfy and relaxed, ready for sleep,” she explains.

How to sleep better in your 30s and fight back against disrupted nights and period insomnia

Your life can undergo some pretty big changes in your 30s, particularly if you’re among the growing women choosing to have children within this decade. Developing strong sleep hygiene can help you enjoy better sleep whatever life (or your toddler) is throwing at you:

• Build a relaxing routine: Adopting healthy habits now can help you maintain good sleep hygiene in the coming decades. “Incorporating activities like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching before bed can promote relaxation,” advises Dr. Matsumura, particularly if you're experiencing painful periods.
• Commit to a bedtime (you and your kids): “Trying to adhere to a consistent bedtime and wake time for both mother and baby can be helpful,” says Wakeman, “as can strategic napping no later than 3pm.”
• Upgrade your bed: Still using that mattress from your twenties? It’s time for an upgrade that will actually support your body. “Both the material and level of support are important components to keep in mind when choosing the best mattress for you,” notes Dr. McAllister.
• Try calming supplements: Wakeman recommends supplements such as Deep Sleep by Evera to ease pre-bed anxiety. “The amino acid theanine has also been shown to help reduce stress levels,” he advises. (Pregnant and breastfeeding women should speak to a healthcare professional before using supplements.)
• If you suspect perimenopause, speak to a doctor: Wakeman explains that perimenopause requires “a different approach to managing problems” than other hormonal changes in your 30s, and recommends contacting your doctor for personal advice.

How your sleep changes in your 40s

• This is the age at which perimenopause is most likely to start
• Lower estrogen and progesterone levels can result in lighter, more fragmented sleep
• Hot flashes and night sweats can also become prominent

The biggest sleep challenge most women will undergo in their 40s is perimenopause, which typically starts in the mid-40s. The perimenopause can last anywhere from several months to a decade, during which production of estrogen and progesterone starts to decrease

“During perimenopause, many women experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early,” explains Dr. Mastumura. “As estrogen and progesterone levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, it disrupts the body’s natural sleep regulation.”

She notes that due to these hormonal changes, many women experience “fragmented, lighter sleep overall.” So although you’re going to bed and waking up at the usual time, a lack of deep sleep means you feel exhausted during the day.

Just when you think you’ve settled into a new routine, Wakeman notes fluctuating estrogen levels can also disrupt REM sleep, leading to “an unpredictability in sleep from month to month.” Despite your best efforts, you might feel like you’re playing a game of ‘keep up’ with your eight hours.

Another major change resulting from perimenopause is night sweats, meaning even though your 30s were characterized by cozy nights, you now wake up sweating most mornings. Dr. McAllister explains that "sudden surges of heat" can be the result of declining estrogen levels, as the hormone “supports our body’s ability to regulate temperature."

Women in their 40s might also find the racing thoughts of their 30s are increasing and accompanied by low moods, a phenomenon Dr. Matsumura explains can result from varying hormone levels. “These are known contributors to insomnia or disrupted sleep,” she adds.

She also warns that physical changes like snoring and restless legs can be caused by your changing hormones. You might find sleep in this decade is an entirely different beast to the problems you’ve dealt with previously, particularly as you edge closer to the menopause.

"I was waking up drenched at night"

Perimenopause typically occurs at age 47 but for some women, these hormonal changes start earlier. Camilla Sharman, Homes Writer at Tom's Guide, began experiencing menopause symptoms in her late 30s and early 40s.

“I was waking up drenched at night, but didn’t know what was causing it,” she explains. “After several trips to my GP and blood tests, I was diagnosed with an early perimenopause.”

Alongside night sweats, Sharman found her sleep routine disrupted by busy thoughts. “I found my mind racing, even after a busy, active day,” she says.

Now in her 50s, Sharman has found ways to limit the impact of menopause on her sleep. As well as HRT, she's adopted lifestyle changes to boost her sleep hygiene. “That means no caffeine in the evening, limiting my screen time, and ensuring I’ve had fresh air during the day,” she says. “Cotton nightwear and a light duvet also help keep me cool and limits those ghastly night sweats.”

How to sleep better in your 40s and fight back against anxiety and night sweats

As you enter perimenopause, you might find your previously reliable sleep hacks have stopped working and you’re left groggy, sleep deprived and looking for solutions:

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule: “Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate your circadian rhythm, even when hormones are pulling you off track,” says Dr. Matsumura.
• Prioritize calm evenings: Perimenopause can cause or exacerbate anxiety and depression, both known sleep saboteurs. “Gentle yoga, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce nighttime anxiety,” says Dr. Matsumura.
• Create a sleep sanctuary: The Gender Sleep Gap partly results from hormone differences, but women often feel social, domestic and work pressures leave their sleep overlooked. “Avoid doom-scrolling or work emails at least an hour before sleep," says Dr. Matsumura, while Wakeman advises reserving your bedroom for sleep and intimacy.
• Choose your sheets wisely: “The sheets matter more than most give thought to, as temperature, moisture control, and tactile softness can add to a better night's rest,” says Dr. McAllister. She recommends breathable fabrics such as organic cotton and linen.
• Don’t let bad sleep catch you out: Dr. McAllister advises “proactively preparing your nighttime ecosystem as your body changes.” If you suspect you’re about to enter perimenopause, work on establishing good sleep hygiene and upgrading your sleep setup (even a new pair of cooler pajamas might help.)

How your sleep changes in your 50s

• Most women undergo the menopause during their 50s
• This brings major hormonal changes potentially resulting in disrupted sleep, night sweats and sleep apnea
• Postmenopause sleep disruptors include hot sleeping and joint pain

Menopause is a major hormonal change and as a result, you can expect some significant changes to your sleep. Menopause occurs following a decline in hormone production (typically natural but sometimes triggered via surgical intervention), with 51 the average age of menopause for women in the U.S.

“The menopause transition creates a convergence of physiological changes and lifestyle stressors, making sleep disturbances extremely common,” says Dr. Matsumura, listing difficulty falling asleep, early morning waking, and less restorative sleep among common side effects.

“Hormonal fluctuations affect the areas of the brain that regulate sleep,” she explains. As a result, your usual sleep patterns have flown out the window. Dr. Matsumura adds that progesterone has “naturally calming and sleep-promoting properties" and as your body lowers production levels, your sleep suffers the burnt of it.

Meanwhile, you might find those night sweats from your 40s are hanging around — or even getting worse. “Lower estrogen increases the likelihood of hot flashes and night sweats,” explains Dr. Matsumura.

Additionally, Dr. Mastsumura notes that lower estrogen levels can result in “mood changes.” Women experiencing the menopause are at a higher risk for depression and, relatedly, insomnia symptoms are common factors in depression.

Menopause also increases the risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea, as hormone changes make you susceptible to the collapsed airways behind apnea episodes. If your partner hasn’t pointed out your snoring, you might notice you’ve started to wake up with a dry mouth and brain fog — two common symptoms of sleep apnea.

While hormone issues are still at play postmenopause, women in this age bracket might also find themselves subject to the general sleep disruptions associated with aging. Fresh aches and pains start disrupting your morning and, as Wakeman notes, the menopause is associated with osteoporosis.

Postmenopausal women also report a higher tendency to sleep disruption than premenopausal women, with night sweats and hot flashes potentially lasting for many years following the menopause.

"I was exhausted. I couldn't function during the day and ‘sleeping’ was misery"

“Sleeping had never been a problem for me,” says Cathy Rust, founder of CoolYourSweats menopause sleepwear, “but then, a few months after my official day of menopause [in her mid-50s] I started getting night sweats.”

Cathy describes these hot nights as “mild” at first and predictable, but they gradually worsened and soon she was waking up “every few minutes” to throw her covers off and pull them back on. “I was exhausted." she says. "I couldn't function during the day and ‘sleeping’ was misery.”

To manage night sweats, she tried breathable bedding materials such as cotton and bamboo, but ended up taking the more extreme route of founding her own cooling nightwear company, CoolYourSweats.

Combating night sweats also required a few lifestyle changes, including switching alcohol for herbal tea before bed. “Wearing the nightgown, using better bed linens and avoiding certain triggers helped me get my sleep back,” Rust says.

How to sleep better in your 50s and fight back against hot flashes and joint pain

“During menopause, sleep is less about passive recovery and more about active regulation of the 'internal pharmacy' of the body,” says Dr. McAllister, author of Adjusted Reality. “Our ‘internal pharmacy’ is impacted if we do not have proper sleep hygiene. For women that are facing menopause, this is of particular importance.”

So good sleep is important to maintaining comfort during the menopause but sleeping while menopausal can feel like an uphill battle.

However, we’ve never been better placed to cope with the sleep rollercoaster that is the menopause:

• Adjust your sleep position: “The best sleeping position is on your side as it promotes the ‘rest and digest’ side of our parasympathetic nervous system. It also aids in keeping our spine supported and reduces the heat retention that can wake us up at night,” says Dr. McAllister. It’s also the best position for limiting sleep apnea.
• Cool Down Your Environment: “Lower your bedroom temperature to around 60–67°F,” says Dr. Matsumura. “Use moisture-wicking sheets and consider a fan or cooling mattress pad to reduce night sweats.”
• Keep to a sleep schedule: As your body goes through big changes, emphasizing consistency can help you maintain better sleep quality. “Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake time even on weekends,” says Dr. Matsumura. “This helps train your body’s internal clock and improves sleep efficiency.”
• Limit wine and caffeine: While a glass of wine might be all you want after a long day of unpredictable hormones, Dr. Matsumura warns alcohol “disrupts deeper stages of sleep later in the night.” She also recommends steering clear of caffeine, especially in the afternoon, as it “can worsen insomnia symptoms.”
• Use supplements to manage symptoms: Dr. Matsumura advises sorting your sleep hygiene before turning to supplements but recommends melatonin, magnesium and L-theanine. Wakeman notes that “botanical sources of estrogen known as phytoestrogens” can also help reduce night sweats.
• Support your joints: Back sleeping and side sleeping can both help reduce pressure build up at the joints. “Slightly bend your knees, use a small pillow between your knees and gently hug a pillow to stop you from rolling onto your stomach,” Dr McAllister advises.
• Control stress: Yes, easier said than done but Wakeman notes controlling outside stressors can help offset the impact of biological stressors. As well as calming supplements, he recommends “addressing any nutrient deficiencies” (and fruit and vegetables can help you sleep.)
• Educate yourself: “An understanding of hormones and the part they play in menopause explains why sleep is so critical during this transition time,” says Dr. McAllister. Familiarizing yourself with the typical impact of menopause can help you prepare for sleep changes — and everything that comes after.

When to speak to a doctor about changes to your sleep

Hormone changes are an inevitable, and lifelong, occurrence for biological women and inevitably they will impact your sleep. While not always easy to manage — as anyone who has experienced a hot flash will warn you — ongoing research into women’s health means we’re consistently finding new ways to help you sleep better at any age.

This includes cooling fabrics, comfortable bedrooms and education around sleep hygiene. However, in some situations, we recommend seeking support from a doctor.

Wakeman, a pharmacist, advises consulting a healthcare professional if you’ve been experiencing sleep problems for three months, you’re sleeping less than six hours most nights, or waking early (3am-5am) and unable to fall back to sleep.

He also recommends speaking to a doctor if sleep issues are interfering with your memory, safety or mood, including worsening anxiety of depression, as well as for physical symptoms such as joint pain after menopause, an urge to move at night, and frequent night sweats.

How to optimize your bedroom for better sleep, whatever your age

Taking control of your bedroom environment supports consistently healthy sleep. We recommend an optimal bedroom temperature of 65 to 70°F (or 68 to 77°F for older adults) year-round, while dim lights before bed and a dark room indicate to your internal clock that it’s time to sleep.

Quiet is also necessary to minimize sleep disruptions but not always easy to achieve. A pair of sleep ear buds can block out external noise, while white noise machines can potentially mask even loud sounds.

We recommend replacing your mattress roughly every seven years, to prevent sagging and ensure you have the best mattress for your current needs. Dr. McAllister recommends a medium firmness mattress, for the right combination of muscle support and comfort. “The key to choosing the right mattress is to avoid one that causes you to sink, as this adds pressure to your pelvis and can irritate both your hips and lower back,” advised Dr. McAllister, on creating an optimal bedroom environment aged 65+.

Dr. McAllister also recommends paying close attention to your pillow, as the best pillow for you will prevent neck strain. “Whichever type of pillow you choose, opt for a cooling cover that will help regulate temperature and have some contour, especially if sleeping on your side.”

Meet the experts

I don't know about you, but when I've reached Friday and I'm running on empty, it seems intuitive to spend the weekend 'catching up' on sleep.

However, I've just discovered that my lazy Saturday and Sunday mornings are doing my overall sleep health no favors.

And according to a massive new study, skipping these weekend lie-ins could not only boost my sleep quality every night, it could potentially add years to my lifespan too.

It takes a lot to get me up early on the weekend, so I wanted to better understand why oversleeping on Saturdays and Sundays is something I really need to stop.

Here Dr. Jordan Burns D.C., a sleep expert for Amerisleep, gives me the hard truth I need to hear...

• Read more: 'This 60-minute sleep rule ended my nighttime anxiety' — a doctor explains how it can help you fall asleep in under 5 minutes too

What is the 7:1 sleep rule and why can it add years to your life?

The 7:1 sleep rule was coined by researchers behind a study from Vitality and The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and is based on analysis of sleep data from over 47 million people.

The researchers found that getting at least seven hours of sleep, and going to bed within a one hour window every night, could improve life expectancy by 24%.

This confirms the importance of getting seven hours of sleep a night, and it emphasizes the necessity of timing. When you go to bed might be just as important as how long you sleep for.

It's estimated that only 10% of people stick to this sleep pattern. And sleeping in at the weekend like me could prevent you from meeting these vital sleep goals.

Why is oversleeping at the weekend ruining your healthy sleep?

The researchers advise going to bed within the same one hour window at least five nights a week. For example, going to bed between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Surely getting more sleep on the weekend is a good thing, as it allows you to navigate the sleep debt you've racked up during the week? Well, that's what I've always told myself.

As I've now discovered, 'catching up on sleep' is a band aid at best and a myth at worst.

“‘Catching up on sleep’ over the weekend may seem harmless, but it can actually contribute to feelings of fatigue, rather than alleviating them," explains Dr. Burns.

Here's why...

It disrupts your circadian rhythms

Your sleep cycle takes cues from its surroundings to help you drift off.

For example, a dark room, a bed that's only used for sleeping (which is why bedrotting is bad for your sleep), and a cool bedroom that's the perfect temperature for sleeping, All of these indicate to your brain that it's time to release melatonin, the sleepy hormone.

Timing is another big cue; your body clock learns when you go to sleep and recognizes the need to kickstart the wind down process.

"Your body clock is happiest when it’s kept on a consistent schedule," explains Dr. Burns. "Sleeping in on the weekends disrupts your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle."

"By sleeping in several hours later than usual on a Saturday and Sunday, you’re essentially giving yourself a mild case of jet lag," says Dr. Burns.

Known as social jet lag, this is when your weekend sleep schedule and your weekday sleep schedule are several hours apart — essentially in different time zones.

Your body doesn't recognize the time zone it's in, so can't cue up your wind down (melatonin release).

It masks other sleep problems

It's easy to assume that because you have the weekend to catch up, you're getting the quality sleep you need.

However the only thing that's happening here is that your sleep is coming in two big lumps rather than being evenly divided throughout the week.

Dr. Burns also explains that excessive oversleeping might be misrepresenting your sleep health.

"Sleeping in can also be a way of covering up the problem rather than addressing it," says the Sleep Health Expert at Eachnight.

Just because you're well rested at the weekends doesn't mean you aren't experiencing the effects of sleep deprivation during the week, including mood swings, memory issues and slower reaction times.

"If you find yourself needing to sleep in for hours on end, it’s probably a sign that your regular weekday routine isn’t providing you with enough quality sleep in the first place" he adds.

Left unaddressed, this can become long term sleep deprivation. (If you suspect you're experiencing sleep deprivation, we recommend speaking to a healthcare professional.)

It will make you more tired on Monday

Sleeping in on a Sunday morning makes it harder to fall asleep on Sunday night, which means you start the week already looking forward to 'catching up' on rest the coming weekend. It's a cycle I find myself in a lot.

Dr. Burns describes the result as "groggy and sluggish mornings throughout the week."

For me, it has become a snake eating its own tail: I'm tired so I sleep in, which makes me more tired, which means I want to sleep in even more. My body clock never has a chance to regulate itself.

The sleep switch to make instead

I have to admit, I consider sleeping in at the weekends to be a treat and I'm always unwilling to get out of bed early on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

It feels like a well-earned reward after a busy week and I've long believed it's the best way to set myself up for the week ahead.

However, if oversleeping at the weekend is the reason why I spend the start of the week battling fatigue, I might be willing to make a change.

"Rather than trying to catch up on sleep over the weekend, it’s better to stick as closely as possible to your regular wake-up time and work on improving your sleep habits during the week," advises Dr. Burns.

And it's not just because sleep experts are all weirdos who enjoy early mornings.

"[Regular wake-up times] will help your body regulate your energy levels naturally, so you feel more alert and awake throughout the day rather than just stuck in a cycle of fatigue,” explains Dr. Burns.

And yes, this applies even if you enjoy a late night on Friday and Saturday. An early alarm is the best way to get your sleep back on track after a party.

What to do instead of oversleeping at the weekend

While I recognize the importance of waking up at my normal time on the weekend, it's going to take a minute to get used to this new normal. Here are some tips on how to follow the 7:1 sleep rule...

1. Take quick naps

"Let me preface this with I do love a good nap," says Lauri Leadley, Founder & President at Valley Sleep Center.

"A short nap here and there can have positive effects on your health such as improved memory and alertness, psychological, and health benefits."

This can help you overcome some of that fatigue that's plaguing your weekend, without sabotaging your body clock.

"But keep it to 20 minutes, 40, max," warns Leadley.

(There goes my plan to enjoy an two hour Saturday morning nap.)

2. Use a sunrise alarm clock

If you spend all weekend feeling groggy, it might not be the time you woke up but which sleep stage was disrupted.

We cycle through three key sleep stages throughout the night: light sleep, REM sleep and deep sleep. It's best to wake up during light sleep, when we're more alert and will typically enter the day fresher.

However, if your alarm blares you awake during deep sleep, you'll often struggle to shake off the groggy, overtired feeling of sleep inertia.

A sunrise alarm clock gently flood the room with light to induce a natural wake up, gradually rousing you from light sleep, rather than blaring you out of deep sleep.

3. Have an active morning

Saturday sleep inertia can be a compelling reason to roll over and fall back to sleep, particularly if you started the morning with a doomscroll in bed.

But if you want to shake off that fatigue, it's best to get up.

Start the day by splashing your face with cold water and taking a cup of coffee outside, where you can enjoy the energizing effect of natural daylight.

Engage in some light stretching to warm up the core and get your body moving. By the end, you should be feeling ready to take on the day.

And if none of that has helped, you can always enjoy a brief nap.

First thing's first: the thicker the mattress, the more materials you can fit in. So eight-inch mattresses often have to sacrifice some layers to maintain the thin build.

But the best mattresses for heavy people need to be packed with support features, so every inch of your body can enjoy long-lasting comfort. As a result, they tend to have taller designs with impactful support cores.

An eight-inch mattress isn't an automatic no-go for bigger builds but choose the wrong one and you might feel like you're sleeping on the floor. If you or your partner weight over 240lbs, here's everything you need to know about eight-inch mattresses.

What is an eight-inch mattress?

Measuring from the base to the cover, an eight-inch mattress sits at the lower end of our recommended mattress thickness but is still within suitable range for an adult body.

However, due to the thinner build, eight-inch mattresses are often better utilized in guest rooms, where infrequent use places less demand on the materials.

Children and teens can also benefit from eight inch mattresses, as their growing bodies require different support needs.

Why does mattress thickness matter?

Mattress thickness is rarely the most important metric when choosing a bed but it can influence several key components.

For a start, taller mattresses (12 inches and above) often feature more comfort layers, creating a plush feel. As side sleepers need plenty of cushioning to sink their shoulders into, taller beds are often among the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Height can also impacts support, as thick mattresses are able to utilize taller support layers. For example, the Titan Plus Core mattress measures 12 inches tall — eight of those inches are the spring core. As a result tall beds can often deliver robust support (one of the reasons they're so suitable for bigger builds.)

Additionally, an eight-inch mattress typically has a simple build, often just two layers. A taller mattress, on the other hand, has space for transition layers to increase durability.

How thick should a mattress for heavy people be?

We recommend a mattress thickness of 12 inches and above for heavy people. These taller builds are able to incorporate the strong support cores needed to ensure long-term, comfortable sleep for people with heavier bodies.

We've spoken a lot about mattress support, so let's focus in on what that really means for your sleep.

When you lie on a mattress, the materials respond to the pressure of your body. You'll probably notice yourself sinking into the bed in certain places, like the hip and shoulder. The heavier you are, the more the mattress will dip beneath you.

On a mattress with a taller build, you'll have ample layers to sink through before things get uncomfortable.

However, the thinner design of an eight-inch mattress means there are fewer layers to respond to the pressure of your body. As a result, you might feel you're sinking too far into the mattress, forcing your spine into uncomfortable positions and causing pressure build-up at the touch points.

(For a similar reason we rarely recommend thinner mattresses to side sleepers, who tend to sink in at the shoulders.)

You might wake up feeling sore, poorly rested, as though you might as well have slept on the floor.

Over time, this regular application of pressure will cause the materials to deteriorate. With only eight inches of mattress in the first place, this break-down can happen quite quickly.

What to look for in an eight-inch mattress for heavy people

We can't rule out eight-inch mattresses entirely for sleepers weighing over 250lbs, as these lower profile beds are sometimes necessary for those with reduced mobility. They also look better in smaller rooms.

However, if you or your partner weigh over 250lbs and you're thinking of investing in an eight-inch mattress, these are the features to look for:

1. High quality materials

A thin mattress can sometimes overcome its slight build through the use of high quality materials.

For example, small amounts of high density foams (including latex foams) and sturdy mattress springs might create better support than a super-thick mattress made with poor quality materials.

A good example is the Essentia Stratami Mattress. We tested the eight-inch model and the latex build ensures ample support, even in a thin design.

2. A strong support base

Every layer of a mattress is important but if you weigh over 250lbs and you want an eight-inch bed, we recommend paying close attention to the support base.

A base layer of springs, like those found in the best hybrid mattresses, is often the best way to create even support for all body types.

However, springs themselves don't automatically indicate support. Look for low gauge coils (lower gauges are thicker) and pocket springs.

While it is possible to get a memory foam mattress for heavy people, most high weight capacity beds are hybrids. All-foam mattresses need a dense base foam to create optimal support.

Consider the layers around the base as well. Transition foams enhance durability by acting as a buffer between the upper layers and the core. They aren't always used in eight-inch beds but when they are employed that can increase durability.

3. A suitable weight capacity

All mattresses come with a weight limit. A standard queen size mattress might have a limit of 600lbs, capable of supporting two people with an average build. A queen mattress for plus-sized couples, on the other hand, might have a weight limit of 1,000lbs.

Weight capacity vs mattress thickness

Mattress thickness is important, but when choosing a bed for heavy people there's one number you should pay attention to above all else: mattress weight capacity.

While it's rare to find an eight-inch mattress with a weight capacity of 600lbs and above, it's not impossible.

On the other hand, even some super thick mattresses have a smaller total weight limit, meaning they aren't suitable for those with bigger builds.

So while thickness does play a role in both comfort and support, if you want a bed that's right for your body type, capacity is key.

As the new year arrives, many of us are thinking of self improvement. How can we be at our best in 2026? Whether you're learning a new language or finally mastering high school algebra, there's one aspect of learning that requires a laidback approach: sleep.

“Sleep contributes directly to critical cognitive functions, such as learning and memory,” explains Dr. Rebecca Robbins, Sleep Scientist and Sleep Expert to Oura Ring.

“Sleep really is a magic elixir — if we're not getting enough sleep, we're not going to be at our best physically, emotionally or mentally,” elaborates Sam Sadighi, Certified Sleep Practitioner at Easy Sleep Solutions.

Research suggests that both REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement) stages in the sleep cycle are essential to memory consolidation. So if you want to ensure all those hours of cramming really stay in your brain, go to sleep.

Can sleep help you learn?

We'll keep it simple: yes, sleep can help you learn. From languages to hands-on skills to budgeting, your brain commits things to memory as you rest.

A 2024 systematic review of sleep and learning described sleep as a "fundamental factor for the consolidation, processing and functioning of memory and learning."

“Essentially, while we're asleep, our brain 'pressure washes' itself," explains Sadighi. "Without this deep clean every night, the messages within our brain don't work as effectively, meaning we're more forgetful and just not as sharp, as the messages get caught up in the debris that would have been cleared away.”

Research suggests that the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stages of sleep are good at preparing the brain for learning, while deep sleep helps strengthen memory and rapid-eye-movement sleep (REM), the most active stage, can help with problem solving.

Sleep also improves willpower and decision making, so a good night's rest helps you stick to your goals and resolutions — you're more likely to reach for your textbook over your phone.

Sleep and creativity

Studies also suggest that there's a creative sweet spot between wakefulness and sleep, sometimes referred to as the 'hypnagogic' state. In this state, your brain is relaxed, you're only just conscious and your mind is free to explore.

So if you're struggling to ignite your creative spark (will 2026 be the year you write that novel?) it might be best to go to sleep.

Sleep and memory

“Research suggests that REM sleep in particular is associated with memory consolidation," explains Dr. Robbins. REM sleep is the most active sleep stage and we spend roughly 25% of the night experiencing REM sleep.

"One study found that participants who receive intensive training in foreign languages demonstrate an increase in next night REM sleep, and further, that learning outcomes were correlated with the percent increase in REM,” she elaborates.

“The processes underlying these observations could include replaying events learned from the day during REM sleep," says Dr. Robbins, "as some research in animals suggests." (Relatedly, REM sleep also is when most dreaming occurs.)

"Performance testing after a new task is markedly improved after sleep as compared to testing before sleep," Dr. Robbins notes.

"Therefore, it is possible that we take in new memories during the day. These memories are then rehearsed and replayed during sleep, contributing to next day sleep-dependent gains."

For anyone interested in learning and performance, Dr. Robbins suggests that sleep is "essential."

Can you learn in your sleep?

So sleep can help you retain the things you've learned and prime your brain for knowledge but can we cut out the middle man — can you learn new information as you sleep?

Unfortunately, no. Listening to the Spanish Dictionary while you snooze won't give you a whole new grasp on your donde estas. Or at least, you won’t remember it when you wake up.

However, don’t throw away your beginner’s Español tape just yet. Research suggests listening to word pairing as you sleep not only reinforces information you already know, but can introduce new words to your vocabulary.

This is thought to be linked to sleep spindles, a type of brain activity observed during NREM sleep. Researchers observed increased spindle activity when sleeping participants were presented information they'd been taught that day, resulting in better recall the following morning.

But you'll still need to do the heavy lifting yourself — you can't learn when to use "Soy" or "Estoy" as you nap.

Napping and learning

“We're more likely to remember things if we have learnt them close to bedtime, as while we are asleep we consolidate the information and form the neural pathways so that we can retrieve the information when we need it,” explains Sadighi.

However, delaying your studying until bedtime might leave you too alert to drift off. The solution? Napping.

Following a bout of intense studying with a nap (we recommend keeping your naps to 20 minutes or 90 minutes) might commit the information to memory while leaving your brain primed for more learning in the afternoon.

How to get more sleep and improve your learning

So a good night's sleep can help you learn new information, retain the information you've learned and even spark creativity. That means it's time to ditch those all night cram sessions and prioritize rest.

But is getting better sleep as simple as learning a new skill?

“Anyone interested in improving their sleep and their learning, memory, and performance, could focus on a few simple things," advises Dr. Robbins.

"First, there is no exception to the rule; we do need to spend the time sleeping. The recommended sleep duration for teenagers is 8 to 10 hours and the recommended duration for adults is 7 to 9 hours of sleep," says Dr. Robbins.

"If you are far from these goals, inch toward them by adding 15 minutes to your sleep schedule each night until you are in the recommended duration."

"Second, pick a time that you can wake up and fall asleep as many nights of the week as possible and do your best to not vary this schedule by more than 1 hour. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine will allow you to fall asleep faster and wake up more refreshed."

"Third, make time for a relaxing bedtime ritual. Fill the 15-30 minutes before bedtime with soothing activities, such as reading a book, taking a warm shower, and doing breathing or relaxation exercises, like the 4-7-8 technique.”

Sadighi also has advice for anyone tackling a new skill at home: make space for it. She recommends using your bed for sleep only, so your brain understands that's what it's for. "Studying or worrying wants to be done elsewhere if possible.”

How a lack of sleep can prevent learning

When learning a new skill, particularly in a classroom situation, the temptation is often to prioritize taking in information ahead of anything else. See: cramming before a test.

But this might actually hinder your learning.

“When you don’t sleep enough, your ability to focus, absorb new material, and remember things later takes a hit. It’s like trying to study with a foggy brain — nothing really sticks," says Dr. Leah Kaylor, sleep expert and author of If Sleep Were a Drug.

Poor sleep can reduce your ability to learn the next day by 40% (News in Health), while irregular sleep has been linked to poor grades in high school students.

“Sleep helps strengthen the connections, which is key for long-term memory. Without it, your brain has a harder time holding onto both old and new memories,” explains Dr. Kaylor.

“Sleep deprivation doesn’t just make you tired — it can make you forgetful, slow down your thinking, and reduce how much you’re able to learn and retain.”

It’s the most wonderful time of the year but the hectic build-up to Christmas and New Year can mean we don’t get as much sleep as we’d perhaps like.

Coupled with months of busy weeks and worn out weekends, you might be ending the year with an accumulated long-term sleep debt and a feeling that you're never fully rested. When you're craving a sleep catch-up, the holiday break seems the optimum time to make up for all that lost snooze.

But will holiday naps chip away at your sleep debt? We’ve spoken with a sleep science expert and a sleep psychologist to find if you can 'catch-up' on sleep, plus how to feel energized without ruining your sleep schedule.

What is sleep debt

“Sleep debt is the gap between how much sleep you need and how much sleep you get,” explains Dr. Nicola Cann, sleep psychologist. “In the short-term, sleep debt is very common and it’s usually not a problem. Most people occasionally have a poor night of sleep, feel awful the next day, and then recover fully after a couple of nights of good sleep.”

But sleep debt becomes a problem when it evolves into a chronic issue. “If you’re regularly not getting enough sleep on week nights and trying to catch up at weekends,” Dr. Cann adds, “these disruptions to regular sleep times can prevent the body from returning to its normal rhythm, allowing sleep debt to potentially accumulate across weeks or months.”

The consequences of this long-term sleep deprivation can include mood swings, stress, a weakened immune system and trouble concentrating.

Can you really catch up on lost sleep?

We asked two experts if it's possible to catch up on missed sleep and they were divided, although both agreed that a few lazy mornings will have little impact on long-term sleep deprivation.

“While it is possible to partially repay sleep debt with extra sleep, especially after short-term deprivation, full recovery from chronic or severe sleep debt is rare,” explains Dr. Michael Breus, sleep science expert and clinical psychologist.

However, Dr. Cann believes lost sleep simply cannot be repaid in a meaningful way. “We don’t get the same benefits from catch up sleep as we do from regular sleep," she says. "This is because our brains behave differently when we’re sleep deprived.”

During a night of good sleep, we move through different sleep stages. This promotes optimal functioning, recovery and health.

But when we try to catch up on sleep, Dr. Cann explains, our brains prioritize the sleep stages we've missed. She describes this as the "rebound effect."

"These unpredictable patterns of sleep stages are not good news for our sleep quality and overall sleep health,” says Dr. Cann.

The issue with catching up on lost sleep

While catching up on missed snooze by oversleeping sounds like a good idea in theory, in reality, sleeping for longer can cause more issues than it solves.

“When you shift your sleep schedule, you disrupt your circadian rhythm and your sleep drive, and this affects your entire sleep-wake cycle,” Dr. Cann explains. “This can lead to more difficulty falling asleep, more nighttime awakenings, and ongoing sleep problems rather than resolution.”

Even an early night, often thought of as a healthy sleep habit, can actually lead to more disruption is its impacts your sleep schedule.

In addition, she explains that trying hard to catch up on sleep can increase the pressure we put on ourselves to sleep better. “And this increased pressure to sleep rarely leads to a good night’s rest.”

Dr. Breus agrees and adds: “Using weekends or holidays to catch up often leads to irregular sleep schedules, which can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythms and worsen sleep quality over time.”

This phenomenon is often known as social jet lag; when your weekend sleep schedule and your weekday sleep schedule might as well be in different time zones. The result is groggy sleep inertia, similar to traveling around the world.

Four alternatives to catching up on lost sleep

These expert recommended alternatives can help you regain some energy when you’re feeling sleep deprived, and best of all, they’re likely to be much more effective than squeezing in sleep catch-up sessions.

Avoid accumulating sleep debt

The best alternative to 'catching up' on sleep is to avoid sleep debt in the first place, says Dr. Cann.

“Consistently getting enough sleep throughout the year, and sleeping at regular times, will keep your sleep schedule aligned with your circadian rhythm,” she says.

“This will help you to fall asleep and wake up more easily all year round. Plus, you’re not going to spend your holidays feeling tired and focusing on sleeping more when you should be having fun.”

Daytime naps

“Napping is useful for those times when you know sleep debt is unavoidable,” says Dr. Cann. Daytime naps can help you to feel less tired, more alert and lift your mood.

However, she advises following some rules: “The key is to keep your naps short (ideally under 30 minutes), and early in the day (before 3pm) so that they don’t interfere with nighttime sleep.”

Keep to regular sleep and wake times

Sticking to a regular sleep schedule might not give you an immediate boost but it will help you feel more rested on an ongoing basic.

“I would say that maintaining a consistent sleep routine is the best strategy for optimal cognitive, metabolic and emotional wellbeing,” says Dr. Breus.

That means going to sleep and waking up around a similar time, even on weekends and holidays.

Try banking sleep instead

When you know your sleep is going to be impaired — due to travel or a stressful event, for example — you can occasionally bank your sleep. This is when you get some extra shut eye to prepare for a period of sleep loss.

“A sensible alternative to catch up sleep is banking sleep,” says Dr. Cann. “This involves getting more sleep ahead of a time when you know your sleep will be restricted. That way you can still get enough sleep without experiencing sleep deprivation and all of the negative effects that come with it.”

But it’s essential that this doesn’t become something you rely on. Regularly 'sleep banking' will quickly disrupt your body clock, potentially leading to missed sleep in the future, starting the cycle all over again.

Behind every product review and buyer's guide at Tom's Guide is a thorough testing process. As more and more people are investing in their sleep health, particularly in consumer devices that track and analyse sleep quality and habits, we've fine tuned our sleep tracker review process.

Our in-house sleep team and wider review panel have over 40 years' of experience in testing and recommending sleep products from the best mattresses you can buy online to the best pillows, bed sheets and more. Now, we've added sleep trackers to our wheelhouse.

To find the best sleep trackers for different sleep preferences, lifestyles and budgets, we've put a bunch of wearable and non-wearable options from leading tech brands including Apple, Garmin and Oura to the test, assessing them in key performance areas like sleep tracking functionality and accuracy, value for money, ease of use and battery life (where applicable). Here's a closer look at how we test sleep trackers...

How we test sleep trackers: Our approach

At Tom's Guide, we've been assessing sleep tracking smartwatches since the debut of the very first Apple Watch a decade ago. As devices have gotten more sophisticated over the years, particularly regarding wellness and sleep features, our testing has become more intricate.

Sleep trackers come in many forms, from wrist-worn watches to smart rings, headbands, armbands, bedside monitors and under-mattress mats. Because of this variety, we use a consistent testing methodology so we can compare each device fairly.

Additionally, some of the best sleep trackers are multi-purpose wearables used as fitness and health trackers too. So, we (the sleep team) work alongside the Tom's Guide fitness team to give a 360 view of how good these devices are.

So, how does our review process look? We test every sleep tracker over a two-week period and use the highly accurate Withings Sleep Analyzer as a control device to benchmark accuracy and effectiveness.

During the first week, we gather baseline data from both the sleep tracker being tested and the Withings, allowing us to directly compare key sleep metrics such as sleep stages, total duration, HRV (heart rate variability) and sleep latency (how long it takes to fall asleep).

Over the second week, we focus on applying any recommendations or features offered by the tracker to improve sleep. This helps us assess whether the device provides actionable insights that genuinely enhance sleep quality.

To ensure a well-rounded evaluation, we also maintain a sleep diary alongside digital tracking. This diary records bedtime and wake-up times, any night-time awakenings, and daytime factors such as illness or menstruation that may affect sleep.

By cross-referencing diary entries with data from the sleep tracker, we aim to identify discrepancies or confirm trends in the data. This dual approach — objective data plus subjective context — help us assess the reliability of each tracker and determine whether it offers meaningful insights or improvements to the user’s sleep hygiene.

Ultimately, the goal of this testing is to answer several key questions: What data does the tracker collect, and how accurately? What technology or sensors does it use? Most importantly, who is the tracker best suited for, and does it actually help users sleep better? By testing each device thoroughly over a consistent period and with a structured methodology, we can offer clear, evidence-based recommendations in this buyer’s guide.

Sleep tracker performance rating

We use a scale of 1-5 to rate mattress performance:

1: Poor
2: Unsatisfactory
3: Satisfactory
4: Good
5: Outstanding

The final score awarded to a sleep tracker is calculated by finding the mean score across the following areas of performance:

1. Sleep tracking functionality and accuracy

First and foremost, you probably want to know 1) what sleep metrics does this tracker record? and 2) how accurate is it?

So, it's no surprise that sleep tracking functionality and accuracy dominates our review process. First we explore which metrics it keeps track of and how it does that (ie what sensors does it pack).

Then, we compare the sleep reports delivered by the tracker with our subjective sleep diary, assessing whether the metrics it gives us marry up with our own perception of how well we sleep from night to night.

2. Set up process

Our sleep tracker review process begins when unboxing these shiny new bits of tech. From the get-go, we're taking notes on how easy the product is to set up, and connect to its compatible app.

These digital trackers involve setting up an online profile so we take note of any problems occurring here.

3. App connectivity and user experience

With many sleep trackers being screenless devices, you operate them and view your sleep reports through an adjacent smart phone app. Therefore, assessing how seamlessly it connects to this app via Bluetooth, and how easy the app is to navigate and understand, is a easy area of our testing.

4. Battery life

While most digital devices are left to charge overnight, your sleep tracker is in action. As a lot of sleep trackers double as daytime trackers too, you end up wearing them 24/7 leaving little time for them to charge. Hence a strong battery life is crucial to sleep trackers and is a key area we score in our review process.

We ask how long does a single charge last and how long does the device take to fully charge.

Many hours of data analysis later, we've just launched our brand new mattress testing methodology here on the Tom's Guide Sleep Team, and retested every inch of our five best mattresses of the year.

Part of this methodology is our refined temperature tests which we use to assess whether promised cooling mattresses can actually help you keep cool at night.

Our new thermal imaging camera test has allowed us to capture much more accurate temperature data, meaning we've reviewed and updated our best cooling mattress guide.

After careful consideration of data and mattress constructions, we've noticed one feature that most of the best performing cooling beds have in common: a hybrid build.

What is a hybrid mattress?

The meeting point between traditional innerspring mattresses and all-foam mattresses, a hybrid mattress combines layers of memory foam with a coil lattice to offer the best of both worlds: cushioning from foams and sturdy support from coils.

In our testing we’ve found the main benefits of a hybrid mattress construction to be increased breathability, responsive sleep surface, robust support and durability. You can find the top of the crop in our best hybrid mattress guide.

Ways a hybrid mattress helps you keep cool

So, we know what a hybrid mattress is and that they tend to stay cool through the night, but how do they achieve this climate control? Let's dig in...

1. More air flows through coils

There are many different types of mattress coils but most of the best quality hybrids are built with pocketed coils. This means the cylindrical metal springs are individually wrapped in fabric and then glued or sewn together to form a layer.

What does this have to do with temperature, you ask? Well, since there are small crevices between the individually-encased coils, air is able to circulate through the centre of the bed; whereas it would get trapped in dense foams.

More free flowing air means heat doesn’t get trapped in the mattress, which equals a cooler sleep surface and better temperature regulation.

Out of the top five mattresses we've tested under our new methodology, two were memory foam: the Nectar Premier mattress and the Siena Signature mattress.

In our temperature tests, these two beds increased by 8.1°F and 9.8°F respectively when we lay on the bed. By comparison, the hybrid Saatva Classic only increased by 6.3°F and the hybrid DreamCloud Classic rose by 7.3°F over the course of 15 minutes.

2. Double the cooling

In the premium hybrid beds we’ve tested, airy coil layers are paired with specialist cooling foams and materials like phase change material (PCM), copper and GlacioTex (more on these below), which means extra cooling power alongside breathable coils.

However, foam beds would need more specialist (read, expensive) cooling technology to combat the heat-trapping nature of foams.

The foam Nectar Premier showed a much slower cooling rate than the hybrid mattresses in our temperature tests. It shed 0.9°F per minute after our tester left the bed. For comparison, the Bear Elite Hybrid — rated as the best cooling mattress of the year — doubled this, throwing out an average 1.82°F degrees per minute.

3. Smaller layers of foam

Foam can trap heat, especially thick layers of it. Dense foam layers absorb and retain body heat, limiting airflow and preventing heat from escaping throughout the night.

However, in a hybrid mattress there tends to be thinner layers of foam and less foam incorporated throughout the bed overall (it makes up part of the mattress rather than the full thing).

By reducing the amount of foam, there’s more room for air circulation within the mattress, which allows heat to dissipate more easily. This design also makes it possible to include more breathable materials — think coils, latex and specialized cooling fabrics — that help regulate temperature. As a result, mattresses with less foam typically feel cooler and more comfortable for hot sleepers.

What to look for in a cooling hybrid mattress

Phase change material

Phase Change Materials (PCM) is a substance that can adsorb and release heat as it changes state from a solid to a liquid state.

When sewn into the top layer of mattresses, it absorbs excess body heat when you get warm during the night, holds it, and then releases back to your body when you cool down.

This active heat regulation makes sure you remain at an optimal temperature for sleeping through the night so you can catch undisturbed ZZZs.

PCM is a popular specialist cooling material used in many top-rated cooling beds including the Bear Elite Hybrid and Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Hybrid mattress.

GlacioTex cover

A GlacioTex mattress cover can provide a cool-to-the-touch sleep surface. It is made with a blend of polyester, polyethylene and fibers with high thermal conductivity.

These fibers can quickly draw excess heat away from the body and dissipate it through the mattress surface.

The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid mattress features a GlacioTex cover that is noticeably cool when you lay on it.

Copper or graphite infused foam

Copper and graphite foams have metal filaments infused into them to improve temperature regulation.

These foams utilise the high thermal conductivity of copper and graphite to draw heat away from your sleeping body, and disperse it out of the mattress to prevent heat spots forming. This helps keep your body temperature neutral so you can sleep peacefully.

Welcome to our brand-new mattress methodology. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about how we test and score mattresses at Tom's Guide.

Our methodology is anchored by seven robust tests designed to capture objective, verifiable lab data on the four most critical performance areas of a mattress: pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation and edge support.

We class them as of critical importance because together they have the biggest impact on your sleep comfort.

We've also devised a new series of surveys to get granular subjective feedback from our panel of expert testers on each mattress they review. This feedback is vital because it tells us what the data can't – what each mattress actually feels like to sleep on in real-life.

In addition, we've devised a new scoring rubric to assess value for money on multiple levels, because getting a good mattress at a good price is important to all of us.

Once all of that information is recorded, verified and analyzed, we use it to score each mattress out of 5. Those overall scores inform our product rankings and our recommendations for the best mattresses to buy in 2025.

Here's an in-depth look at our full mattress testing process...

How we rate the firmness of a mattress

Mattress firmness is typically measured on a scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (firmest). However, there isn't a universally accepted measurement for firmness, and a firm mattress from one manufacturer won't necessarily feel the same as a firm mattress from another.

We use our own 10-point scale to measure firmness, and we compare our findings to the manufacturer's classification to give you a better indication of how firm you may find a mattress.

How we test pressure relief

A mattress with good pressure relief distributes your weight evenly and contours your body to prevent pressure points from forming. It's one of the crowning features of the Saatva Classic (see our Saatva Classic mattress review for the test results), the top-rated option in our best hybrid mattress guide.

Pressure relief is directly tied to how comfortable you'll feel when sleeping on a mattress, and the amount of pressure relief you'll feel depends on your body weight, sleeping position, and the type of mattress you're lying on.

Spinal support is the other vital part of pressure relief – a mattress that keeps your spine aligned when you're lying down is crucial for preventing tension in your lower back. That's why our new pressure relief tests include spinal alignment analysis.

Weighted indentation and recovery test

Taking place in our sleep lab, this controlled test shows how a much a mattress sinks when a concentrated weight is placed on top of it, and how quickly it returns to its original height after the weight is removed. This test helps us record two key metrics:

Indentation depth: We place a 25kg weight (a third of the average adult body weight in America) in the area where a sleeper’s shoulders would usually go and record how far the mattress sinks (in inches) underneath the weight after 5 minutes — this is the Indentation Depth (ID).

Minimal sinkage means the mattress might push back too much against your body, leading to pressure points. Too much sinkage, where you keep sinking through the mattress without meeting any support layers, will cause misalignment of your spine and cause sore points.

Recovery time: We remove the weight after five minutes to calculate the Recovery Time (RT). This is how long it takes in seconds for the mattress to bounce back to its original height.

The faster the recovery, the more responsive the mattress, and the easier it is to move around on. A slow recovery time isn't necessarily bad, but it does indicate that you might feel more 'stuck' in the mattress when changing position.

Spinal alignment assessment

What you might find super soft and cozy, someone else might find unsupportive and painful. For example, the best mattresses for heavy people have much firmer support than an average mattress and would likely lack the pressure relief needed for light weight sleepers.

When testing mattresses for pressure relief, we use a diverse testing panel made up of experts with varying body types and sleep preferences, including side, back and stomach sleepers.

Each tester lies on the mattress for 10 minutes in every sleeping position (spending 10 minutes on their side, 10 minutes on their back, and so on), so that we can perform the following two tests:

Spinal alignment analysis: With Tester A lying on the mattress, Tester B then uses a laser level and tripod to observe the lying tester's spine as they lie in each sleeping position.

We can then more easily see if the mattress is keeping Tester A's spine in a neutral, straight line or if it is causing hamocking (sinking too deep) or bowing (arching unnaturally).

After 10 minutes, if the line is slanted, showing a curvature, this could indicate inadequate support.

Pressure relief subjective feedback

After lying in each position for 10 minutes, Tester A fills out a standardized survey answering key questions about their experience of pressure relief on the mattress.

This includes answering questions about excess strain, and any felt pressure points or pain. We then ask them to award the mattress a score for how well it relieved any felt pressure.

Tester A and Tester B then switch roles, before we move onto the next pair of testers in our expert panel.

Combining both the subjective and objective score, we’re then able to award the mattress an overall score out of 5 for pressure relief.

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How we test motion isolation

Motion isolation refers to how much movement travels across a mattress and how much motion is absorbed by the bed. The best memory foam mattresses we've tested excel at motion isolation because memory foam (originally developed by NASA) quickly absorbs high levels of impact and residual motion transfer.

Hybrid, late and traditional innerspring mattresses usually have higher levels of motion transfer because they are bouncier, springier beds by design. The upside is that these mattresses are much easier to move around, and are therefore better for sex.

The downside is that because they allow more motion to transfer from one side of the bed to the other, you will be more disturbed by your partner's movements on a hybrid, latex or innerspring mattress compared to a memory foam bed. However, some hybrid mattresses, like the Saatva Classic, are very good at motion isolation.

Motion isolation is an essential consideration, especially if you’re trying to find the best mattress for couples — it can be the difference between great sleep quality and a restless night full of disturbances.

The Siena Signature mattress has the most impressive motion isolation we’ve tested yet, withe mattress earning an impressive 4.5 out of 5.

These are the motion isolation tests we perform in our Sleep Product Testing Lab...

Slam ball and accelerometer test

While subjective feedback from our testing panel is an essential component of determining how well a mattress isolates motion, we've also devised an objective test to accurately compare the performance of mattresses we test.

To do this, we place a scientific accelerometer on one side of the mattress and drop a 5kg slam ball onto the other side.

We then record two key measurements:

Initial Impact Absorption (IIA): This records the maximum acceleration of the mattress caused by the dropped ball (measured in m/s²). A lower spike means the mattress absorbed more motion instantly. A higher spike means less motion was absorbed.

Motion Dampening Speed (MDS): This measures the time (in seconds) it takes for the movement of the mattress to return to a stable, near-zero level. A shorter MDS means the mattress quickly deadens residual bounce. A longer MDS means residual motion is transferred for longer.

We then use this data to award an objective score for motion isolation. A higher IIA and MDS means that the mattress will isolate motion less effectively. So you might have a more disturbed night's sleep on this type of bed if you co-sleep with a restless partner, child or pet.

It doesn’t always lead to nighttime disturbances, however. Even though the DreamCloud Classic review found the mattress to transfer a lot of motion, it didn’t disturb our lead tester’s sleep.

Motion isolation co-sleeper test

In this part of our motion isolation test we ditch the 5kg slam ball and bring in our expert panel of mattress testers, as well as incorporating real-life feedback from the 3-week home testing period.

In our sleep lab, two testers lie on the mattress and manually perform movements classed as low, moderate and high force to replicate real-life scenarios.

For example, low force might be adjusting an arm or leg, while high force would be getting in and out of bed in a rush.

During this, the non-moving tester provides feedback on how much movement they can feel and how much they think it would disturb their rest.

The two testers then swap roles, repeating the test and at the end, fill out a survey about their experiences, scoring their perception of the mattress’ motion isolation.

In general, we expect even the best hybrid mattresses to perform slightly worse than memory foam beds, simply because of their construction — coils are much more responsive than foams.

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How we test temperature regulation

Sleeping hot can be the result of a range of causes, both environmental and physical, and overheating often leads to disrupted sleep.

A mattress with good temperature regulation prevents heat build-up and dispels excess warmth to retain a neutral, or even cool, sleep environment.

The best cooling mattresses will offer active or passive cooling (or both), to ensure hot flashes, night sweats and warm summers don't ruin your sleep.

Heat absorption and dissipation test

Before the test takes place, we use a thermal imaging camera to record the temperature at six key points on the mattress: each of the four corners, the geometric center of the mattress and the geometric center of the tester's body (the hotspot.)

We also maintain a room temperature of approximately 66°F (the ideal temperature for sleeping) and measure the temperature and humidity throughout the testing period.

The objective thermal imaging test is divided into two parts, over the course of a 30 minute testing period.

The initial testing phase measures how much heat the mattress absorbs when a person is on the bed. Our tester rests on the right side of the mattress for 15 minutes and, using the thermal camera, we measure the temperature at the six data points every minute.

This section measures the passive cooling; how well the mattress prevents heat build-up. The key metric is the MTI or Maximum Temperature Increase — the peak temperature the bed reaches.

Breathable mattresses are typically good in this area and prevent heat building up. During our Saatva Classic Mattress review, we were impressed with how this innerspring hybrid used multiple coil layers to ensure consistent air flow and an even feel.

The secondary phase measures how quickly the mattress sheds (dissipates) heat once our tester has left the bed. We use our thermal camera to record the temperature at the data points once a minute, for 15 minutes.

This provides a Cooling Rate (CR), demonstrating how much heat the mattress offloads per minute. Mattresses with integrated cooling tech (such as PCM) often have quicker cooling rates, ensuring even a large heat build-up is quickly dissipated — we observed this during our Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress review.

Active cooling tends to be the realm of smart mattresses with integrated cooling materials. Nowadays, the best luxury mattresses are often infused with cooling upgrades such as PCM, GlacioTex, or graphite bands.

Passive cooling often results from a mattress with good airflow. The best passive cooling we've tested so far comes from the Saatva Classic mattress, which earned a 4.5 out of 5 score in our temperature regulation tests. This is typically found in hybrids, and tends to be a weak point of low-cost beds.

Temperature regulation subjective feedback

During our at-home testing period our reviewer keeps detailed notes on the mattresses thermal performance. This includes how it feels when first climbing into bed, any heat-related sleep disruption, and the mattress temperature in the morning.

We also note important external factors, including the temperature in the room, the bedding used and any lifestyle changes that might impact your body temperature.

In addition to our lead tester, a series of secondary testers with different body types and sleep needs will use the bed for at least 15 minutes and provide details on their thermal experience.

Our subjective and objective tests are assessed in our scoring rubric to create an overall score out of 5. This helps us understand the temperature regulation for both chronic hot sleepers and those who experience sporadic warm nights.

A mattress with poor temperature regulation will allow heat to build, resulting in sweaty mornings or disrupted sleep.

Average to good temperature regulation means while your bed might not feel cool, it should rarely get hot. However, you might find on some occasions (heat waves, during illness, after a late meal, etc.) that your bed gets warm.

The mattresses that ace our temperature regulation should remain cool under most circumstances.

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How we test edge support

A supportive edge maximizes the sleep surface of a mattress, giving couples space to get comfortable. Good edge support is also necessary to sit securely on the side of the mattress and it offers a stable base to press against when getting in and out of bed.

It also means you can sleep close to the side without worrying you'll roll off (the best mattresses for side sleepers will have strong edges, allowing for the starfishing that often occurs in this position.)

Body type and mobility level can impact how you experience edge support, which is why we combine our subjective testing with objective measurements.

Weighted edge support test

We take a two-pronged approach to objective edge support testing, measuring support when sitting and lying on the mattress.

Sinkage: We place a 25kg weight in a standardized spot on one side of the mattress at a time, measuring 3" from the edge. Using a laser pen aimed at the surface of the mattress, we then measure the total sinkage of the weight into the bed after five minutes.

We then remove the weight and time the recovery; how long it takes for the materials to bounce-back. We repeat this test at the foot of the bed.

25kg is roughly equal to one-third the weight of the average American (84kg) and this concentrated pressure simulates a person sitting on the edge of a mattress.

A mattress with good edge support will typically show comparable sinkage at the perimeter of the mattress to the center, indicating you can sit anywhere on the bed.

We also shouldn't struggle to balance the weight — while the soft foams of the Zinus do have their benefits in terms of pressure relief, the trade off was the weight often slid off the side during our Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress review.

Effective sleeping area test

The big roll-off: To begin, we measure the width of our tester's hips. The tester then lies on the right hand side of the mattress, with their outer hip 12 inches from the edge. The tester moves gradually closer to the edge of the mattress, pausing between each movement.

When the tester feels they are no longer comfortably supported, they alert a secondary tester, who measures the distance from the left edge of the bed to the inner hip. This is used to find the effective sleep surface.

Lying on the edge of a mattress results in a wider weight distribution, which is why we use the secondary roll-off test to understand sleeping support.

Some mattress excel in one area of edge support over the other. For example, the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress has dense foams to keep you supported when lying on the side but the softer comfort layers make sitting on the edge less secure.

These two objective tests are scored using our testing rubric and combined to create an overall objective view of edge support in a mattress.

Subjective edge support feedback

Using the mattress at home offers long-term insight into how edge support performs. During the review phase, our tester will naturally sit, lie and push against the side of the mattress.

In addition to our lead tester, we ask a review panel consisting of people from different weight brackets and with different mobility requirements to test out the edge support and complete feedback surveys.

The best firm mattresses typically excel at edge support and it's an area where hybrid mattresses tend to perform better than all-foam.

However, edge support is crucial to ensuring comfort when lying on a bed, which is why we expect passable edge support from all the beds in our guide to the best mattresses in a box.

Passable edge support means that while you can sit and lie close to edge without feeling like you'll fall, you might not feel comfortable in this position for an extended period of time.

The mattresses that excel here often have either a very firm build (such as the Plank Firm) or additional side support features (like the foam railings of the Saatva Classic.)

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How we assess value for money

Our scoring rubric for value for money takes a specific set of criteria into account. This starts with the build quality (handcrafted versus machine-assembled) and finish, and the quality of the materials used to make it.

The mattresses that score well here are handmade, finished to an excellent standard, and are packed with premium natural and organic materials. Some or all of these materials will have special certifications such as GOTS. There will be little to no off-gassing either.

Mattresses that score low here are machine assembled, lack even basic certifications such as certiPUR-US foam, have a pungent off-gassing smell, and poor build quality.

Expert analysis of the build quality, materials and construction of the mattress also give us a thorough indication of durability and longevity. In other words, how long we expect this mattress to last – a crucial consideration when assessing longterm value for money.

We also consider the price of the mattress versus its performance in our testing, how that price of the mattress compares to rivals, and whether it's regularly discounted or always sold at full price.

The last component of our value for money scoring rubric is benefits: the sleep trial, type and length of warranty, and the type of shipping the mattress comes with. Mattresses with generous sleep trials of 100 nights or more, 15+ year warranties, and free shipping to your door score well here.

The best are those mattresses that come with a year's trial, so you can test the bed at home through every season, a lifetime warranty, and free White Glove Delivery (free installation of your new mattress and removal of your old bed).

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How we score mattresses

A new methodology calls for a new mattress scoring system. We’ve devised all-new scoring rubrics for pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation, edge support, and value for money.

Every mattress we test under our new methodology is scored out of 5 in each of these areas, so the maximum score a mattress can earn is 25 out of 25.

So far, only one mattress has come close to a perfect score and that’s the Saatva Classic with a score of 24 out of 25.

When then convert that score out of 25 into an overall star rating as follows:

How a mattress performs in our tests, and how we score the mattress, has a huge impact on our overall mattress rankings.

Only the top-performing options are selected for our various buyer’s guides, with the absolute cream of the crop ranked in our main best mattress guide.

If you're looking for a new mattress, one of the most important considerations is how much pressure relief it will provide you. Pressure relief refers to how the mattress cushions and soothes key pressure points, which are the parts of your body that are in contact with the mattress surface.

Of course, those pressure points differ depending on your sleeping position. The best mattresses you can buy this year all offer superior pressure relief. Some are great all-rounders, providing pressure relief that suits all sleeping positions, while others are more specialist.

If you're on the hunt for a new mattress, this year's Black Friday mattress deals are a great time to find one for much less than normal. Here's what you need to know about pressure relief...

How to choose a mattress for pressure point relief

All of us will benefit from some kind of pressure relief from our mattress, but exactly what kind strongly depends on knowing your sleep style, so we'll explore how to choose a mattress for your sleep position here...

• Side sleepers: Will typically require soft, sink-in pressure relief for the shoulders, hips and knees. You can find great options in our best mattresses for side sleepers guide
• Back sleepers: Generally need a balance of pressure relief and support for their hips, shoulders and lower back area, meaning the best medium-firm mattresses tend to suit them best.
• Stomach sleepers: With pressure points in the hips and chest (and even the neck), firm pressure relief is usually best in order to keep the spine aligned, our best mattresses for stomach sleepers guide has the top beds currently available.
• Combi sleepers: Those who shift between sleep positions should consider their dominant sleep position, or the one they typically fall asleep in, but the balance of a medium-firm mattress can also be a good option.

What influences pressure relief in a mattress?

Sleep style, and therefore which parts of your body are in contact with the mattress, is important to consider when choosing a bed, but there are a number of other factors that influence pressure relief. Here are some of them:

• Body weight: Heavyweight sleepers (those who weigh over 230lbs) need a firm mattress so their pressure points can be supported and well aligned, while lightweight sleepers (under 130lbs) need something soft to cushion their pressure points.
• Mattress type: The type of mattress you buy should suit your sleep style if you want the best pressure relief. Typically, the best memory foam mattresses and the best hybrid mattresses tend to provide excellent pressure relief, along with beds that use latex.
• Materials: To ensure consistent pressure relief over time, mattress materials need to last and not succumb to sagging, which leads to pressure points becoming unsupported. Latex is the most long-lasting material, followed by thick, durable foam such as HRX foam. Mattresses that use springs and coils, such as innerspring and hybrid beds, have a tendency to sag quicker as springs can wear out quite easily.
• Bed-sharing: The more people in a bed, the more pressure is placed on the mattress, so you'll need a mattress with a good amount of pressure relief if you co-sleep.
• Room temperature and climate: Temperature can affect a mattress's firmness levels, meaning a warm room can soften a mattress, while a cold room can make it firmer.

Why is pressure relief important for people with hip and back pain?

As we mentioned above, good pressure relief in a mattress will help keep the spine aligned, either by cushioning pressure points (shoulders, hips and knees for side sleepers) or supporting them (hips, midsection, lower back for back and stomach sleepers).

If your mattress doesn't have adequate pressure relief for your sleeping style, the result can be that you wake up with aches and pains, or that existing hip and back pain can be exacerbated.

Side sleepers benefit from a thick, sink-in soft comfort layer for extra pressure relief along the hips and shoulders, to allow those pressure points to sink in while supporting the rest of the body and keeping correct spinal alignment. If you sleep on a mattress that lacks this, you may find that those pressure points aren't being soothed or cushioned enough while you sleep, which can lead to, or aggravate, shoulder and hip pain.

In contrast, a soft bed will cause your hips to dip into the mattress and your spine to become misaligned if you lie on your front. This misalignment can cause the lumbar zone (i.e. the lower back) to feel unsupported and leads to back pain. That's why both stomach and back sleepers need a firm or medium firm bed for good weight distribution to support their lumbar region.

If you do experience issues with your back, our best mattresses for back pain guide

What does a mattress with poor pressure relief feel like?

One of the easiest ways to know if you're sleeping on a mattress with poor pressure relief is how you feel when you wake up. Aches, pains and discomfort indicate that your pressure points are not being cushioned and supported effectively, allowing tension to build up in those areas.

Side sleepers experiencing poor pressure relief will notice their mattress feels hard against their pressure points, and may wake with joint pain. This is where a softer mattress with thicker comfort layers will more effectively cushion these pressure points. Lightweight sleepers under 130lbs are also likely to need a soft mattress so their lighter frames can sink in to the mattress for pressure relief.

Back or front sleepers experiencing lower back pain as a result of their mattress indicates its pressure relief isn't firm or supportive enough.

When this happens the hips can sag into the mattress and lead to misalignment of the spine. In this case, finding a firmer mattress will help ensure pressure points remain well aligned with the spine.

Heavyweight sleepers (those over 230lbs) should also look for a firm mattress to prevent their pressure points form sagging into the mattress too much.

While a mattress that is too firm or soft for your sleep position may provide poor pressure relief for you, that doesn't mean it's a 'bad' mattress.

However, a mattress made with cheap, low-quality materials, such as the foam comfort and support layers, may not be able to ease pressure points whoever is sleeping on it. But that doesn't mean you have to spend thousands, it's just about choosing carefully, which is where our guide to the best cheap mattresses comes in handy.

Additionally, the age of your bed and the amount of wear and tear it has experienced (for example, a guest room bed is likely to be less worn than the mattress you sleep on every night) will impact the pressure relief even the best mattresses can provide.

Over time, foams in a mattress can break down from a combination of our bodies' weight compressing them, and the build up of the likes of sweat, body oils, dust and dust mites.

This can lead to lumps and sagging, which is going to affect the pressure relief. In a hybrid or innerspring mattress, springs squeaking can indicate they're weakening which can impact the structure of the mattress and cause sagging. If you're unsure as to whether it's time to replace your bed, check out these signs it’s time to buy a new mattress.

Can you improve pressure relief in a mattress?

While the simple answer is yes (more on that below), if you've purchased a mattress and don't feel that you're getting the right pressure relief from it, the first question to ask yourself is whether you've slept on it long enough to break it in.

Selecting a mattress that offers a sleep trial of a decent length allows time for your body to adjust to the new surface its sleeping on. You may find that any initial discomfort fades as you adapt to the pressure relief, and support, your new mattress provides.

However, you can also improve the pressure relief of your mattress, making it either firmer or softer. While temperature matters — a cold room can firm up your mattress and a warm one can soften it — the simplest way to making a lasting change to the pressure relief your mattress provides is with a mattress topper.

Toppers are an additional layer of material (wool, memory foam or latex), generally between 2" and 4" thick, that goes on top of your existing mattress to change the feel and firmness of a mattress.

Our guide the best mattress toppers has options for every sleep style and budget, while this handy explainer on how to choose a mattress topper goes deeper into all the factors you should consider when purchasing one.

Tencel has quickly become a buzzworld in the mattress world — and for good reason. But what is it exactly and what are its benefits?

Known for its cool-to-touch feel and eco-friendly origins, Tencel fabric is showing up in some of the best cooling mattresses we’ve tested this year. As mattress brands continue to experiment with new methods of ensuring that you can sleep comfortably cool, Tencel stands out as a natural way to banish hot sweaty nights.

If you’re someone prone to overheat during sleep, a mattress or bedding set featuring Tencel can make all the difference. To help you make a more informed buying decision, this explainer will look into the science behind cooling Tencel while also listing some alternatives for you to consider. Let’s start with the basics...

What is Tencel fabric?

First things first, Tencel is actually a brand name. It comes in two main fiber-forms: Tencel Lyocell and Tencel Modal. While both fibers are ethically made from wood cellulose, they serve slightly different purposes.

Tencel Modal fibers are stretchy and soft, making them ideal for clothing such as activewear, loungewear and even wound dressings. Tencel Lyocell fibers, on the other hand, offer greater strength, softness and breathability — qualities that are ideal when it comes to manufacturing mattresses and bedding.

Tencel (or lyocell when not using the brand name) is a essentially a semi-synthetic fabric derived from wood pulp — usually eucalyptus, oak, birch or bamboo.

This means that while it is made from natural raw materials, it still requires some human intervention to turn it into its final form.

Manufacturers use a chemical process to dissolve wood pulp, extract the cellulose, spin it into fibers and finally weave it into the soft silky threads that go into our bedding and mattresses.

How does Tencel fabric keep you cool?

Tencel is primarily known for its natural ability to keep sleepers cool and dry throughout the night, thanks to its breathability and moisture-wicking properties.

The fibers are highly absorbent, drawing sweat away from your skin and dispersing it across the fabric. This helps prevent that sticky, overheated feeling that often disrupts sleep.

Thanks to its open-fiber structure, Tencel promotes better airflow — meaning it does not trap body heat like some synthetic fabrics do. The result is a cool-to-the-touch sleep surface, at a comfortable temperature to doze off.

This is really important since maintaining the right temperature is a crucial part of your sleep hygiene, which regulates your circadian rhythm — the body's internal clock. And this simply translates to better sleep quality.

What are the other benefits of Tencel?

Beyond its cooling benefits, Tencel is often praised for being sustainably sourced, super soft and durable which is why many mattress and bedding manufacturers favor it.

As an eco-friendly material made from wood pulp, it's a natural fit for the best organic mattresses, to enhance breathability and coolness.

Tencel is most often woven in a luxurious sateen weave, giving mattresses a smooth silky finish that looks as premium as it feels. This elegant finish, comparable to silk, is also why you'll often find it in the best luxury mattresses in the market.

What's more, in addition to having a premium look and feel, Tencel is also hypoallergenic. This means it can repel bacteria, dust mites, skin cells and bed bugs which can build up in your mattress when you sleep on it night after night without thorough deep cleaning.

Tencel mattresses and bedding products are less susceptible to allergens, making them ideal for people with sensitive skin, allergies and respiratory issues such as asthma.

A good example is the hypollergenic Sijo Airyweight Eucalyptus Mattress Protector, one of the picks in our best mattress protectors guide. It's made using lightweight and breathable Tencel Lyocell fibers derived, as the name suggests, from eucalyptus trees.

According to the brand, the breathable waterproof protector is also asthma and allergy certified, staying true to the hypoallergenic nature of Tencel fabric.

What mattresses and bedding use Tencel?

Some of the best mattresses and bedding we've slept on this year from top brands including Saatva and Helix feature Tencel. These include...

• Helix Midnight Luxe mattress
• Leesa Original mattress 
• Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Mattress Protector
• Zinus Tencel waterproof mattress protector at Zinus
• REST Evercool Cooling Comforter at Amazon

Tencel alternatives to consider

Tencel is one of many cooling materials in the mattress and bedding arena. Here are popular alternatives used by manufacturers to bring sleepers cooling relief...

Wool

Wool is one of the most underrated materials you'll find in a mattress — and a solid alternative to Tencel. It is also naturally breathable, hypoallergenic and free from harmful chemicals.

Its naturally wavy fibers allow air to circulate freely, helping to wick away heat and moisture for a cooler, fresher night's sleep.

A good example is the Birch Natural Mattress which has a temperature-regulating wool layer— a boon for hot sleepers who prefer a more organic bed composition.

Phase change materials

Phase change material (PCM) is a substance that can absorb and release heat as it changes state from a solid to a liquid state.

In mattresses it acts like a heat reservoir. It absorbs excess body heat when you get warm during the night, holds it, and then releases it back to your body when you cool down.

You can usually find PCM fabric incorporated into the comfort layer or the top cover of mattresses, providing a cool-to-the-touch feel while actively enhancing the temperature regulation, more so than organic materials.

Copper and graphite

Copper and graphite are metals with high thermal conductivity, which means they are good at dispersing heat.

Copper and graphite ribbons are often woven into dense mattress foams to combat their tendency to trap heat, something that happens with even the best memory foam mattresses. The metals draw heat away from the body and out of the mattress surface.

Bamboo

Bamboo is increasingly becoming a more popular choice in crafting bedding including luscious sheets, breathable cooling covers in pillows like our top recommendation in the guide, the Coop Original Adjustable and more.

It is smooth and silky soft, cool-to-the-touch, hypoallergenic and great for anyone who prefers low-maintenance lightweight bedding.

Organic cotton

This classic organic fiber is still in a popular go-to material that you'll find in many mattresses, pillows, comforters and weighted blankets.

It is regarded as the one fabric which can be used all-year round, thanks to its excellent breathability, moisture-wicking properties and durability.

In fact, the Coop Sleep Goods Percale Cotton sheet set review reports how it earned a whopping 5 out of 5 for temperature regulation. Our tester was also impressed by how it became softer with each wash, signaling that it's made to last a long time.

Tom's Guide reviews and buying guides are rooted in rigorous review processes and our bedsheet recommendations are no exception. Just like our guide to the best mattresses for all sleepers, this involves a combination of both subjective and objective testing.

First, we select the most popular bed sheets on the market based on extensive research, hand picking offerings from leading bedding brands such as Coop Sleep Goods and Brooklinen, ensuring our selection spans all budgets and sleep needs.

Our team of bedding and sleep experts then put the bed sheets to test with one goal in mind: to find bedding sets that feel as good as they look on the bed. We do this by carefully assessing factors such as fit, feel and durability, as well as the temperature regulation of the material and ease of maintenance.

Here's a closer look at our bed sheet testing methodology:

Our approach to testing bed sheets

Our testing process begins by measuring the dimensions of the sheet to see if it matches the brand specifications. We always advise against using bedding without washing them first. Once this is done, we re-measure the sheets and check for any shrinkage.

It's only once these two crucial steps are complete that we get into the actual hands-on use — sleeping on the sheets for a week, paying attention to the comfort, feel and breathability. Going by the fact that we should change our bed sheets every one to two weeks, sleeping on a sheet set for a week also gives us the time to wash it twice (before and after 7 days) to check for any wear and tear, color fading or pilling.

Finally, we weigh the overall experience and ease of maintenance to assess the value for money. Each parameter is scored on scale from 1-5, with 5 being the highest rating.

How we collect bed sheet testing data

• In-house bed sheet testing
• User reviews across retailer websites
• Bedding manufacturers

Let's take a closer look at each parameter:

Bed sheet performance rating

We use a score system of 1-5 to evaluate bed sheet performance:

1: Poor
2: Unsatisfactory
3: Satisfactory
4: Good
5: Outstanding

The final score awarded to a bed sheet set is calculated by finding the mean score across the following areas of performance:

1. How they feel

Look is subjective but comfort is universal. How it feels is a primary factor which helps us determine the quality of a bedsheet.

Depending on the type of fabric and thread count (the sum of horizontal and vertical threads in one square inch of fabric) we check if the quality matches the claims made by the brand.

We sleep on it for 7 days which helps us understand how soft they feel against our skin, note any changes after the first wash and over time during the testing period.

2. How they fit

Based on the size opted for, we check if the sheet set correctly fits our bed without having too much fabric left to be tucked in or being too short for the mattress.

Our tester tries changing sleeping positions to check if it stays securely in place or if it bunches up or slips off easily during the night. A very slippery bedsheet will shift too much beneath you which can feel uncomfortable when trying to sleep.

3. Temperature regulation

Top quality bedsheets are often made from plant-derived fibers like cotton and hemp, which are known for their breathability and moisture-wicking properties. On the other hand, those crafted using synthetic materials can lead to overheating and sweating, a recipe for sleep disaster.

We assess the temperature regulation of a bed sheet based on user experience. This is subjective and also dependent on other factors like room temperature, season and the type of mattress.

Our tester report if they experience any discomfort, overheating or nightsweats during the 7-day testing period, as well as noting the season, temperature of the bedroom and any other lifestyle factors that could elevate their temperature at night.

4. Durability

We wash the bed sheets twice, as per the manufacturers specifications: once before and once after our one-week testing period. This helps us determine any shrinkage or size changes, color fading or pilling.

We also do a tug test by gently pulling at the seams to asses the stitching strength. We check for any noticeable thinning or wear and tear after the wash cycles. A cheap bedsheet with a low thread count can thin out fast, which means having to replace them frequently.

5. Ease of care

We also score a bed sheet set for how easy it is to care for. If a bed sheet set looks and feels great on the bed but requires specialist cleaning, we'll tell you. In this section, we examining care labels; how hot can you wash your bed sheets at, are they tumble dryer friendly and how wrinkled are they post wash and dry?

A bed sheet set will get a full score of 5 out 5 stars for being machine-washable on a cool cycle with a normal mild detergent, tumble dryer friendly and relatively wrinkle-free for low maintenance care. We also remeasure the sheets post wash and dry to assess for any shrinkage.

It's true, we're a generation of poor sleepers. Research shows 57% of Americans say they would feel better if they got more sleep and, unsurprisingly, many people are turning to tech to find solutions to their sleep challenges.

Among the gadgets and gizmos promising to help a world of poor sleepers, there are top-rated sunrise alarm clocks, bougie smart beds and, what we're here to discuss, sleep earbuds.

Sleek and discreet, the best sleep earbuds sit comfortably in your ears overnight, blocking out ambient sound and replacing it with soothing audio tracks. Who said lullabies are just for kids?

With some models costing upwards of $200, you're probably wondering whether sleep earbuds are a worthwhile investment. Can they really help you sleep that well? The short answer is yes, and we'll delve into why below...

What are sleep earbuds?

Sleep earbuds are small, wireless earbuds designed specifically for use during sleep. They typically have the following features: exceptional comfort, noise cancellation and low volume.

Made with soft silicone or memory foam to prevent irritation while sleeping, these earbuds are specially designed to nestle flush in your ears overnight. This means they'll be comfortable whether you sleep on your side, back or front.

Many come with built-in sleep-friendly audio so you can use them phone-free, though you can usually connect them via Bluetooth too.

Some, like the Ozlo Sleepbuds, even come with biometric sensors that detect user movement and respiration to determine when you've fallen asleep. Plus they have a personal alarm feature that wakes you up gently without disrupting your partner.

3 ways sleep earbuds can help you fall asleep fast

From calming your mind to blocking out noise, there are several ways sleep earbuds can help you fall asleep fast and stay asleep through the night…

1. They mask disrupting noise

Whether you're struggling to sleep next to a snoring partner, living on a busy street or trying to sleep on planes or trains, a trusty pair of sleep earbuds can mean the difference between you drifting off peacefully or spending hours tossing and turning.

Through passive noise isolation and active noise cancellation, sleep earbuds are built to block out ambient noise and replace it with calming sleep sounds.

A quieter environment helps your brain stay in deep sleep, which is a more restorative stage of sleep. Even brief noises during the night can interrupt your sleep cycles or cause micro-awakenings that you may not remember but which have a negative impact on your overall sleep quality.

2. They play soothing audio

While non-digital sleep earbuds like the silicone Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs can successfully block out noise, tech-enhanced sleep earbuds will do that while also playing sleep-enhancing audio.

Many specialized sleep earbuds have built-in sounds like white noise, nature sounds, or AI-adapted soundscapes, which play directly from the earbuds without needing a phone. But you can link them to your phone via Bluetooth too to play a sleep playlist of your choice. Binaural beats, anyone?

Research shows 38% of Americans can’t sleep in silence. Hence, specialized sleep earbuds can help many sleepers drift off peacefully. They are especially useful if you share a bed and you and your partner have different nighttime noise preferences, or when you're trying to sleep on long flights.

3. They encourage a wind-down routine

Establishing a consistent nighttime routine trains your body to recognize sleep cues. In turn, it will know it is time to wind down for bed and produce sleepy hormones.

Your bedtime routine can include calming activities like stretching or reading, or simply slipping in some earbuds and playing calming music.

If you're particularly anxious or stressed, you could play meditations, breathing exercises or bedtime stories to quell racing thoughts.

The point is, if you consistently use sleep earbuds at bedtime, your body will associate the sounds and feeling with rest and you'll hopefully find it easier to fall asleep fast.

How much do sleep earbuds cost?

Like most sleep tech, sleep earbuds come at different price points. There are affordable options as well as more premium models, with features that reflect the cost. Budget sleep earbuds can be found on Amazon for around $30. These typically include basic built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, but will have reduced sound quality and comfort compared to more splashy models.

On the higher end, you can find premium sleep earbuds priced around $200 to $350. These often include features like active noise cancellation, long battery life and in some cases, sleep tracking through connected apps.

3 of the best sleep earbuds to shop today

Missed out on your precious eight hours of sleep? Put down the coffee and pick up your workout bag — creatine supplements might be the best way to beat fatigue, research suggests.

Creatine is a compound that occurs naturally in the body and assists the muscles with the production of energy.

It can also be found in certain protein-rich food, while creatine supplements are popular with athletes.

But recent online chatter has praised creatine for its supposed ability to undo 21 hours of sleep deprivation. And scientists suggest it's not as far-fetched a claim as it might first appear.

What is the impact of creatine on fatigue?

Creatine studies often focus on the long-term influence of the supplement but recent research has shone a light on the immediate impact of taking a high dose of creatine.

In a 2024 study, sleep deprived participants were offered a single high dose (35g) of creatine or a placebo. During the course of the following night, they engaged in cognitive tests to measure performance, alongside MRI scans to understand chemical response.

Those who had taken creatine showed improved cognitive performance and processing speed, with scans suggesting creatine could help maintain chemical levels in the brain. These benefits were observed for nine hours, peaking at four hours after creatine consumption.

Doctors suggest that taking a single high dose of creatine can potentially reverse the influence of fatigue, allowing you to maintain cognitive performance even after a bad night's sleep.

And there's growing interest in the short-term benefits of creatine.

A 2018 review found that creatine could improve short-term memory and reasoning, with a benefit for stressed individuals. A further 2024 review concluded that creatine can benefit cognitive function, particularly memory, attention time and the ability to process information.

A 2023 study similarly suggested that creatine can help boost memory and lessen fatigue, while results indicate creatine could potentially ease anxiety and depression (both common symptoms of sleep deprivation.)

How to use creatine to fight fatigue

While creatine for muscle energy is typically taken in small doses, research suggests that when using the supplement to fight fatigue, you need to up the dosage.

Those looking to feel more alert after a bad night's sleep should take between 25g and 35g of creatine a day, based on the 2024 study.

And drawing from the same research, the impact of creatine is best felt four hours after ingestion — so we recommend incorporating creatine into your morning routine.

But that doesn't mean creatine is an easy way to supercharge your brain. Scientists best observed the benefits of creatine among those experiencing sleep deprivation. A double dose of creatine on a regular day is unlikely to have any impact on your memory or reaction times.

So save your creatine for after a sleepless night or, for example, when you know an upcoming deadline will leave you running on fumes.

And the best method to fight fatigue is still to get a good night's sleep — we don't recommend skipping rest on purpose and compensating with creatine.

Creatine is largely regarded a safe supplement, but potential side effects include bloating (some Reddit users note digestive discomfort.) If you plan on introducing creatine to your diet, or upping your intake, consult with your doctor first.

Other methods to fight fatigue after a bad night's sleep

Even with the best sleep hacks to help you drift off — everything from finger breathing to drunken monkeys — and a solid and simple sleep routine, some nights you just can't avoid bad snooze.

On the mornings you wake up feeling as if you only just climbed into bed, these methods can help you stay awake... and maybe even stay alert.

1. Stay hydrated

Listen, if you've been up all night you've probably abandoned your coffee mug for a bucket. But while caffeine can help you feel alert, be sure to alternate your cappuccinos with cups of water.

Dehydration increases fatigue and while caffeine does hydrate you, water is still the best way to top up your fluid levels.

And if you're relying on coffee to wake you up, we recommend cutting it out after lunch. Caffeine can stay in your system many hours after digestion, meaning even though you feel bone tired, this stimulant can keep you alert.

2. Get sunlight

Light regulates our circadian rhythms — morning sun tells the body to produce cortisol, helping us wake up, while darkness encourages melatonin production, making us fall asleep.

If you're struggling to kickstart your morning, try taking your breakfast outside, or sipping your coffee in a spot of sunshine.

And top up your sunlight levels during the day by getting out at lunch. An early evening stroll is another way to improve your sleep (something we'll dive into below.)

3. Get active

While it's tempting to abandon good habits when you're feeling tired, rather than bed rotting and binge watching, it's better to get active.

Exercise can improve energy levels and oxygen circulation, so you feel more alert. If you've slept poorly, you probably want to avoid a vigorous gym session but an evening walk, light jog or yoga session can give you energy without tiring you out.

And as another benefit, exercise can help you sleep. By staying active during the day, you're more likely to drift off at night. In contrast, a day spent lying in bed is likely to make it harder to fall asleep.

You finally went for that premium Tempur-Pedic bed — but after several weeks, you're still not sleeping well on it. You decide it's best to send it back, but how do you return a Tempur-Pedic mattress?

In this article, we'll comb through the details of Tempur-Pedic's return policy so you know what to expect. (Note that this guide only refers to purchases made directly from Tempur-Pedic; if you buy from a third-party retailer, you will have to go by their return policy.)

Tempur-Pedic is known for making some of the best mattresses, but that doesn't mean their beds will suit everyone. Generally speaking, we recommend reading up on the return policy for the brand you're considering before buying so you don't run into any unpleasant surprises.

This is how you go about returning your Tempur-Pedic mattress within the 90-night sleep trial. Once you have that sorted, you can browse the latest mattress sales if you've decided to resume your quest for a new bed elsewhere.

How to return a Tempur-Pedic mattress

Tempur-Pedic offers a 90-night sleep trial to fully break in your mattress and decide if it's the right fit for you. There is a 30-day minimum before initiating a return at Tempur-Pedic; this is standard with most brands.

If you decide you don't love your Tempur-Pedic mattress within the first 30 nights, visit the Tempur-Pedic support page and scroll down to Returns & Exchanges. You can opt to send your Tempur-Pedic mattress back for a refund or exchange it for a different feel or model.

You'll fill out a short form where you also have the option of adding attachments. It can be especially helpful to add photos if you're making a return related to your mattress warranty and need to show proof of defects.

After you've submitted your information, a Tempur-Pedic representative will be in touch to discuss further details.

Tempur-Pedic will only accept returns from purchases made directly from their website or Tempur-Pedic phone sales. If you buy a Tempur-Pedic mattress from one of its authorized retailers, you'll have to abide by their return policy.

How do you get rid of a Tempur-Pedic mattress?

Tempur-Pedic's white glove delivery service will come and remove your old mattress when they deliver your new Tempur-Pedic mattress to your home. Those same delivery partners will be on hand to pick up a mattress you want to send back to Tempur-Pedic.

As for returned and exchanged Tempur-Pedic mattresses, those are usually recycled and turned into materials for other home products, such as carpet padding. Tempur-Pedic also donates select mattresses to charity.

How to return a Tempur-Pedic mattress: FAQs

How easy is it to return a Tempur-Pedic mattress?

Like we outlined above, it's very simple to return your Tempur-Pedic mattress online. You'll just fill out a form, providing as many details as possible. From there, you'll be able to receive a refund (or exchange for a different mattress).

If you'd rather speak to someone about making a return or exchange, you can call Tempur-Pedic customer service at 1-800-821-6621. (Note that you might still have to send additional details, depending on the issue.)

Does Tempur-Pedic have a restocking fee?

Yes. Tempur-Pedic charges $175 (plus tax) for a return. This is a common practice with luxury mattress brands such as Saatva and Stearns & Foster. It'll be deducted from your refund amount.

Does Tempur-Pedic exchange mattresses?

If you want to stick with Tempur-Pedic, you can exchange your mattress for another model or firmness. You'll just need to be aware of any price differences.

If you're going with an upgraded model, you'll need to pay the difference (plus the return shipping fee). On the other hand, going with a less expensive model will result in a refund of the difference in cost (minus the return shipping fee).

Are all Tempur-Pedic mattresses returnable?

No. The Tempur-Pedic return policy does not apply to close-out mattresses from Tempur-Pedic Outlet. Discontinued clearance models can't be returned or exchanged, nor do they come with the 90-night sleep trial. (You will, however, still get a 10-year limited warranty.)

You won't find any six-inch mattresses among our guide to this year's best mattresses, as this thin build rarely offers the support an adult body needs. However, that doesn't mean we can rule out six-inch mattresses altogether.

There are a few scenarios in which a slim profile mattress might be just right, particularly if you want a good bed for a small space, or if you're after thin, firm comfort similar to Japanese floor mattresses.

One of the main advantages to choosing a six-inch mattress is price: cutting down height often means cutting down costs. But it can also mean cutting out comfort. Below we'll explore who should and shouldn't buy a six-inch mattress (plus why mattress sales are a better way to find good sleep for less.)

What is a 6-inch mattress?

A six-inch mattress is a mattress that, once fully expanded, measures six inches from the base to the top cover. Six-inch mattresses are thin for an adult bed — they can be a good option for children — but the basic builds are often budget-friendly options.

Six-inch mattresses are often simple, as the slim profile means there's little room for multiple types of foams, springs or specialist features.

And due to their small stature, six-inch mattresses often lack cushioning. They don't have the thick comfort layers that are needed to provide a plush feel.

For that reason, most six-inch mattresses sit at the harder end of the mattress firmness scale. This firm feel tends to best suit back and stomach sleepers. However, a six-inch bed won't necessarily excel at support; high quality materials are needed to prevent sagging.

Why does mattress thickness matter?

We measure standard mattress thickness as between eight and 12 inches. Any taller than that and we tend to be in the realm of luxury mattresses. Any thinner and we're looking at budget beds or super-thick mattress toppers.

The height of a bed does influence the overall feel of the mattress. Typically, thinner builds have a firmer feel while taller mattresses, which can encompass more cushioning, tend to have a softer finish.

Thickness also impacts how much weight a mattress can hold. The best mattresses for heavy people are generally taller builds that incorporate more support layers.

Height can also influence price (although a thinner bed isn't always a cheaper one.) If you're on a budget, opting for an eight or 10-inch mattress can help you save — but it's important not to sacrifice support to save money.

3 reasons to buy a 6-inch mattress

We rarely recommend six-inch tall mattresses; in our experience, eight inches is the minimum height an adult needs for both comfort and support.

But there are a handful of occasions in which a six-inch mattress can prove suitable — these are the three reasons you might want a six-inch bed.

1. You're shopping for a child or teen

Kids needs plenty of good quality sleep to help them learn and grow but while we recommend investing in a high quality mattress for children, you don't necessarily need a thick mattress.

We mentioned above that thinner mattresses often lack the height to hold up an adult body. Children and teens don't have the same support needs, which means you can focus on choosing quality materials, rather than spending your money on extra inches.

For example, the Helix Kids mattress is available in a six or eight-inch build, while the BB Kids mattress from Brooklyn Bedding measures six inches.

On a similar note, kids also benefit from a firm or medium-firm mattress, to support their spinal development. So you want to steer clear of plush mattresses anyway.

2. You want similar comfort to a Japanese floor mattress

Thinner mattresses tend to have a firmer feel (less padding to create cushioning) which means they're sometimes compared to thin, hard Japanese floor mattress or shikibuton.

Traditional Japanese floor mattresses are designed to be rolled up and stored, which is a convenience you won't get with six-inch mattresses.

However, the slim build and low profile of six-inch mattresses does often emulate the minimal padding and firm support of a Japanese style-bed.

If it's the minimalist design and basic comfort of a shikibuton you're emulating, a six-inch mattress can be a good starting place. But we recommend seeking out a mattress made with high-quality materials, to ensure you're getting the support you need.

Alternatively, check out our Plank Firm mattress review for a bed with a similar firm, flat feel to a Japanese floor mattress, plus the increased durability of a taller bed.

3. You need a mattress for an RV (or a spare room)

If you think you sleep best on the open road, you'll understand the importance of choosing the right mattress for your RV.

RV mattresses tend to be small and light; anything else will dominate the space and weigh down your vehicle. A six-inch mattress, like the RV MobilePlush Mattress from PlushBeds, nails the brief.

Six inch mattresses can also be good for spare rooms, particularly if your guest bed is in a multipurpose room and you don't want to overwhelm the space.

In both these scenarios there's one important detail to note: the mattress won't be used that often.

As anyone who's snoozed on the couch can attest, the human body can put up with a few night's rest in less-than-ideal conditions. It's when you regularly sleep on a mattress that can't support your body that your back will start to protest.

What to look for in a 6-inch mattress?

If you fall into one of the above categories (or you don't but you still want a six-inch bed) these are the features to look for to ensure your six-inch mattress contains as much comfort as possible in its slim profile.

✅ High quality materials: A good quality build makes all the difference in a six-inch mattress. Look for beds made using dense foams (or latex foams) and reinforced springs.

✅ Support layers: Six-inch mattresses don't have the height for multiple layers so the ones they do have need to provide plenty of support. Make sure there's either a sprung base or a base layer of durable foams.

✅ A reliable brand name: Many six-inch mattresses are budget options from little known brands. We recommend closely reading any mattress reviews before buying a bed, to better understand the quality and feel.

Who should avoid a 6-inch mattress?

We don't recommend six-inch mattresses for most adults, outside the specific circumstances outlined above. But there are some sleepers who should avoid six-inch beds altogether:

❌ Side sleepers: The best mattresses for side sleepers must offer pressure relief and this is often achieved through cushioning at the shoulders and hips. Realistically, a six-inch mattress doesn't have room for enough cushioning.

❌ Heavier people: For those with a larger build, when you lie on a six-inch mattress it often feels like sinking straight through to the floor. Slim builds like six- and eight-inch mattresses rarely support heavy people.

❌ Bed sharers: A six-inch mattress might cause some relationship woes for bed sharers, as these thin mattresses can't comfortably support the weight of two people and often lack the cushioning needed to successfully absorb motion — you might feel every time your partner shifts about.

Where to buy a 6-inch mattress?

Few of the best mattresses in a box are available in six-inch builds, so if you're looking for a high quality thin mattress, you might need to head to specialist retailers (particularly if you're after an RV mattress size.)

Otherwise, the best place to find a six-inch mattress is through retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. Although keep in mind these beds can be very cheap but often lack quality.

If it's a kid's mattress you need, many of our favorite sleep brands have expanded into children's bedding in recent years, meaning you get the sleep know-how of an experienced mattress brand, squeezed into a kid-friendly package.

3 best 6-inch mattresses to shop today

The space beneath your bed is an enticing area to hide unneeded items but this 'out of sight, out of mind' storage solution might be bad news for your sleep health... as well as turning your room into a haven for bed bugs.

Because let's be honest, when something goes under your bed, how often do you get it out? This forgotten clutter is a magnet for dust and dust mites, and all kinds of creepy crawlies.

Storing things under the bed also makes it harder to keep your mattress clean, particularly if bulky items are preventing air circulation. And if you've invested in one of this year's best mattresses, you don't want your long-discarded socks to be the reason it needs replacing...

• Read more: 3 bedroom items you should clean weekly to spot early signs of bed bugs

5 things to remove from under your bed....

"Clear away clutter such as newspapers, cardboard boxes, or laundry piles, which provide hiding spots [for pests]" advises Adham Perriseau, Licensed Pest Management Professional & Eco Solutions Specialist at Dr. Killigan’s Natural Pest Control Products.

Here's how to get started...

1. Linens and fabrics

Textiles don't show the dust as much as plastic and smooth surfaces, but if you've ever experienced the dust explosion of shaking out a forgotten blanket, you'll know looks can be deceiving.

Dust settles into the surface of fabrics, which is why even clean-looking sheets and clothing can be ground zero for dust mites.

“The fewer places dust has to land, the fewer spots dust mites have to breed,” explained Nigel Bearman, managing director at Daily Poppins, when we asked him how to remove dust from your bedroom.

The dark folds of fabrics also provide a convenient hiding place for bed bugs. Bed bugs like the dark and the cluttered under-space of your bed is the perfect place for bed bugs to call home. And once bed bugs have moved in, they're hard to get out.

So next time you go to kick last week's socks under the bed, remember that the few seconds it takes to put them away can save you a lot of hassle down the line.

2. Cardboard or paper

Okay, so you're not going to keep fabrics tucked under the bed anymore. Surely storing them in a cardboard box is a sensible solution?

Unfortunately, no. Some pests, including silverfish and certain moths, actually consider paper a food source, meaning your cardboard storage isn't quite the critter deterrent you hoped it was.

And while it's not their favorite dinner, cockroaches have also been known to nibble on cardboard.

3. Electronics

Let's take a quick break from creepy crawlies to discuss another hazard of uncovered under the bed storage: old tech.

Left under the bed, electronics will start to gather dust (and can even attract dust at a high rate, due to the static electricity.)

This is bad news for your electronics, as the build of dust can impair their performance. But it also poses a risk to your wellbeing; dusty electronics can become a fire risk.

4. Bulky items

“Ventilation is key when it comes to keeping your bed a fresh sleeping environment," advises George Sfintescu from specialist bed manufacturer Get Laid Beds.

Big, bulky items kept under the bed prevent air from moving freely through the mattress. This can cause moisture from sweat to become trapped in the materials, potentially leading to mattress mold.

Bulky items also make it harder to vacuum under the mattress, once again leading to a build up of dust and dust mites.

5. Shoes

If you're used to getting home and kicking your shoes under the bed, we suggest you find another storage solution.

For a start, research from the University of Arizona found regularly worn shoes collect an average of 421,000 units of bacteria. That's a lot of bacteria to have hanging around your bed.

And if you're storing out-of-season shoes under your bed, they contain numerous crooks and crannies for dust (and dust mites) to lurk... as well as even more appealing dark places for bed bugs to hide in.

How to keep your mattress clean

Cleaning your mattress can both extend the life of your bed and create a healthier sleep environment. While we do recommend occasionally deep cleaning your mattress, upkeep doesn't have to be difficult, just frequent:

• Wash your sheets roughly once a week
• Let your mattress breathe by regularly leaving it uncovered
• Invest in a mattress protector or mattress encasement
• Clean spills as soon as they occur
• Regularly vacuum your bed, including the mattress, bed frame, and space around and beneath the bed
• If you are storing items under the bed, place them in sealed plastic containers and regularly dust the containers

By regularly following the above steps, you can keep your mattress in good condition for longer (and hopefully avoid the nightmare of getting rid of bed bugs.)

It might be safe to say that many of us consider mattress firmness and mattress thickness determine how comfortable your bed is, but did you know that the mattress size also dictates comfort?

A sleep surface that's too narrow or not long enough will make it tough for you to get cosy — especially if you share a bed with someone. There's no better feeling than finding the best mattress in Australia for your sleep needs — and that includes choosing the right size to comfortably support you and your bedmate(s). Naturally, the larger the bed the more money you'll pay, but you can take a look at our regularly updated page on the best mattress sales in Australia where we list top offers on the three most commonly purchases sizes.

There are more than three though: in Australia, there are a total of seven sizes to choose from, but most brands and retailers only offer five of those. So what are these seven sizes and how to do you choose between them? Read on to find out.

Mattress sizes and dimensions in Australia

As you've just found out, there are a total of seven sizes in Australia, but finding a brand that lists all of them on their site is difficult. Each mattress maker typically offers only five of the most commonly purchased options, but Sleeping Duck and Ergoflex offer six. Ecosa is a rare brand to offer all seven, plus the cot mattress for cribs, although not all Ecosa mattresses come in all seven sizes.

Below is a list of all seven mattress sizes in Australia, along with their dimensions and who each is best suited to.

Of the seven sizes listed above, the most common ones are:
• Single
• King single
• Double
• Queen
• King

Of these, the popular size is queen, with double and king following closely.

What is a split king?

A split king is two king single mattress placed side by side on a king-sized bed to make one cohesive sleep surface.

In Australia, you won't find brands specifically selling split king mattresses (or bed frames), but purchasing a king-sized frame and adding two king single mattress will give you this size.

There are certain advantages to using a split king bed. It allows couples with different preferences and schedules to sleep together comfortably as the two separate mattresses eliminated (not just minimise) motion transfer. Split king beds can have different firmness levels on either side to suit both partners.

What is a cot mattress?

Cot mattresses are specifically designed for babies and toddlers, to be used for newborns till the age of two or three.

When purchasing a cot mattress in Australia, there are some mandatory product safety standards that need to be met, and it lists the recommended mattress size and thickness for different frames.

Cot mattresses can be foam or hybrid, but they all be firm for babies as soft surfaces post a serious risk when they roll over and their face sinks into the pillowy bed.

Ecosa is one Australia-based company that makes cot mattresses as well as other boxed options.

How to choose the right mattress size

If you're unsure of which mattress size to shop for, consider the following questions to find the right fit:

Do you share a bed or sleep alone?

Although single and king single mattresses are geared toward children and teenagers, smaller-framed adults who sleep alone may find them sufficient. Taller but slim-framed adults will find a long single suitable, but a king single would also work as they both share the same 203cm length and the latter is also easier to purchase.

Queen and double beds will suit couples who share a bed, as well as solo sleepers who like to sprawl. Meanwhile, king-sized mattresses will accommodate families who co-sleep with younger children and pets.

How big is your bedroom?

Most couples will fare well with a queen or a double, but those with palatial bedrooms can go for a king or super king.

If you're a solo sleeper, you'll want to stick to a smaller mattress size if you live in cramped quarters. However, you can upgrade to a queen/double if your space allows.

While you may want your bed to serve as a focal point for your bedroom, you don't want it to overtake your space either. Strive for at least 60cm / 24 inches of clearance on at least one side of your bed so you have plenty of room to get up and walk around. Don't forget to account for other furniture in your room.

How tall are you (and your partner)? 

You'll want to avoid having your feet hang over the edge of your bed. Solo sleepers who are north of six feet can choose a king single if they're tight on space, which has the longest length of any bed standard bed size (203cm).

In Australia, queen and king-sized beds also have the same length (203cm), so couples with at least one tall partner should opt for one of the larger sizes. If you have the additional room, the super king will also be a good option if either one of you like to sprawl.

How much are you willing to spend?

Obviously, the bigger the bed, the more you'll have to pay for it. If you don't have the means to splurge, stick to a smaller size. That said, these days there are excellent budget foam and hybrid mattresses that won't burn a massive hole in your pocket even with the larger sizes. For example, you can read our Origin Hybrid Pro review to see if it would suit you, and a queen can usually be found below the one-grand mark. Even the Valmori Hybrid Mattress II review could be worth checking out for a budget option with a softer sleep surface.

Also, consider your intended use — you don't need to overspend for a guest bed or for student accommodation. Of course, browsing regular mattress sales in Australia will ensure you find a good deal for something comfortable.

Key differences between common mattress sizes

Most people find themselves torn between two mattress sizes. Here are the most common size match-ups and the ways to determine the best one for you:

Single vs double size mattress 

A single-sized mattress is the cheapest available. At 92cm x 190cm, it's perfect for kids and younger teenagers, as well as for bunk and trundle beds. Smaller-framed adults can get by with a single if they sleep alone and don't have a lot of bedroom space to work with.

However, for most adults and older teenagers, a double (137cm x 190cm) will be the better choice as there's a bit more room. It's not so large that it will overwhelm a smaller-sized bedroom (as a queen or king would) and it's also a great size for a guest bedroom. A double is even great to share with a partner, but some people might find it a tight squeeze.

Double vs queen size mattress 

A queen mattress measures 153cm x 203cm. It's both wider and taller than a double, so is better suited for couples and taller individuals. Of course, solo sleepers will find a lot more room to sprawl on a queen bed, but if you have a small bedroom, consider the double instead.

Price-wise, expect to pay around AU$550 for a double mattress when discounted compared to about AU$900 for a queen on sale, although at full price, a queen can be well over AU1,000. Queen is the most popular mattress size in Australia, so the variety of bedding and accessories on offer are more varied and easier to come by than a double.

Queen vs king size mattress

A king mattress size is the widest of all the standard sizes at 183cm, but it is the same length as a queen (203cm). If you and/or your partner have a larger build, a king will afford both of you more space to spread out. A king mattress can accommodate more people than a queen, so it's great for families who bedshare. On the other hand, if you don't have a spacious room, stick with a queen.

A discounted queen mattress will set you back around AU$900, while a king mattress in the same class and similar sale price will cost you closer to AU$1,200. Keep in mind the materials, brand and mattress type will also influence the price. Since king is the second most popular mattress size behind queen, you'll have no issue shopping for accessories.

How to choose the right bed frame for your mattress

The size of your bed frame corresponds with the size of your mattress — that's simple enough. However, a bed frame will be roughly 5-12cm (2-5 inches) larger than the mattress it'll be holding (although this will vary by model).

Measure your bedroom plus the amount of space you have allotted for your sleeping area. Remember to reserve at least two feet (or half a metre) of clearance on the side where you normally get out of bed.

Here's what else you need to know when shopping for the right bed frame:

• Height: You should be able to sit at the edge of your bed with your feet flat on the ground and your knees at a 90º angle. A frame that's too tall could make it harder for you to safely get out of bed.
• Support: Your bed frame should be sturdy enough to hold you and your mattress — along with a partner, your kids, and/or your pets, if applicable. This will likely be a foundation with slats or a solid wooden board.
• Style: Platform (basic) bed frames are popular for their minimalist aesthetic and you may find one with built-in storage. If you have very limited space, consider a trundle or a bunk bed. If you want to make more of a statement, add a headboard and/or a footboard, or go for a lavish four-post bed.

What do you look for when buying a new mattress? The obvious answer would be price, firmness and comfort, but many people would also likely look at the materials used.

You'll also notice that the best mattresses in Australia come in a range of heights, and this one criterion is easy to overlook as not being important. In fact, mattress thickness determines how it feels and performs, making it quite an important aspect to look into when shopping for a new bed.

So, is there a particular thickness a mattress should be for the best sleep? It's not really a one-size-fits-all scenario, so we've put together this guide to explain the different thickness categories and which ones would suit each kind of sleeper.

While thick mattresses tend to cost more due to all of the materials they use, you'll be able to save money by taking advantage of this month's mattress sales.

Mattress thickness chart

Here's a brief rundown of the most common mattress thickness levels and who (and what sleep scenarios) they are best for:

What determines mattress thickness?

The thickness of a mattress is determined by its construction.

Every mattress has two main components — a comfort system and the support layer. Each of these are made up of layers, and the more there are, the thicker (or taller) the mattress will be.

The support core is the base of the mattress, providing stability and support to the sleeper. In most mattresses, this component can make up at least half the mattress' height, ranging about 10cm to 25cm.

The comfort layer is what you feel when you lie down, designed to cushion the body by contouring around it, but without creating pressure points. Depending on the mattress type, this component is made of multiple layers, typically made from memory foam, latex or soft polyfoam. Some mattresses also use natural materials like wool or cotton. Comfort layers can be about 2cm to 4cm.

There are some thick mattresses that also feature a 'transition' layer, which separates the support core from the top comfort system. This layer is usually made from firmer foam or latex. Transition layers can add about 3cm to 8cm more thickness.

How to choose the right mattress thickness

Just because a mattress is extra thick, doesn't mean it's the best option for you. Once you understand what the different thickness options mean, you'll be able to make better choices for your new bed.

Keep the following criteria in mind when choosing the right mattress thickness for your needs. That said, it's important to note that the below information isn't set in stone — mattress choice is very subjective and personal, which is why the free trial periods that most mattress-in-a-box brands offer is important.

1. Sleeping position

Are you a side, back or front sleeper (or a little bit of each)? How you fall into bed at night and wake up in the morning will determine how thick or thin your mattress should be:

• Side sleepers benefit most from a thicker mattress (30cm to 35cm) with multiple comfort layers to alleviate pressure from their shoulders and hips.
• Back sleepers should fare well with a standard mattress height (25cm to 30cm) that keeps their spine aligned while relieving pressure from their lower back.
• Stomach sleepers can opt for a mattress that skews thinner (25cm) to keep their hips upright.
• Combination sleepers are best suited to a mattress with a standard thickness (30cm) to comfortably accommodate any position.

2. Body Weight

Choose a mattress thickness that can comfortably support your weight. Anything too firm or soft will result in unpleasant aches in the morning:

• Lightweight sleepers (under 60kg) will want to look for a tall mattress (at least 30cm) with multiple plush comfort layers.
• Average-weight sleepers (60kg to 105kg) should be fine with a standard-height mattress (25cm to 30cm) with a medium-firm feel. This will depend on your main sleep position and the construction of the mattress.
• Heavier sleepers (over 105kg) will need a tall mattress (30cm to 35cm) with at least a 15cm base layer and thicker comfort layers for maximum contouring and support.

3. Health conditions

If you suffer from joint or back aches, or have limited mobility, using a tall mattress might not be the best option for you. You should be able to sit at the edge of your bed with your feet flat on the ground and knees bent at a 90º angle.

Anything too tall or short will make it difficult to get in and out of bed in the morning, especially if you have limited mobility. However, if a taller mattress makes more sense based on other factors, adding a set of bedside steps could help.

4. Sleeping arrangements

Thicker mattresses can handle more weight. If you're sharing a bed with a partner, your kids, and/or your pets, look for a mattress that's at least 30cm thick. Anything thinner will wear out sooner.

5. Size of your bedroom

A thick mattress will fit nicely in a palatial space, but in a smaller room, it could make you feel claustrophobic. Also consider your bed frame — if you have an adjustable bed or a basic (platform) frame, a thick mattress may not work.

Which mattress thickness should you buy?

Most adults should fare well with a standard mattress height (25cm to 30cm), but if you want to go taller or shorter, here's what we recommend.

Buy a thicker mattress if...

✅ You're a side sleeper: Most of the best mattresses for side sleepers skew taller as they're loaded with comfort foams to relieve pressure in the shoulders and hips.

✅ You're over 105kg: Thicker beds boast more layers and taller support cores.

✅ You share a bed: Whether you're sharing a bed with one person or as a family, thicker mattresses can withstand more weight than thinner ones.

Buy a thinner mattress if...

✅ You have mobility issues: A thinner mattress will not only be easier for you to get in and out of, but it'll be easier to move and rotate with limited assistance.

✅ You have a small bedroom: Tall mattresses just don't look good in a tiny bedroom. A mattress on the smaller side of standard should work.

✅ You want to save money: Thicker mattresses use more materials, and that's reflected in their pricing. Going for a bed that's not too lofty is one way to keep some cash in your wallet.

Getting a good night's sleep isn't just about going to bed on time (though that's notably important), it's also about creating the right environment where you can get comfortable, let go of daily stress and drift off into a restorative sleep.

Whether you’re setting up a nursery for a newborn, helping a teen unwind from screen time, or managing sleep challenges that come with age, the right tools can make a world of difference.

I spend five days a week testing and reviewing sleep gear and gadgets from the best mattresses you can buy online right now to the latest alarm clocks, sleep trackers and sleep apps. While some are nice-to-haves, there are a handful of products myself, the rest of Tom's Guide's sleep team and our families (of all ages) rely on to get quality sleep each and every night.

Ahead, I’ve rounded up our top sleep gear and gadget recommendations for every life stage so you can get your sleep essentials shopping list ready ahead of the upcoming Labor Day mattress sales.

7 products to help you sleep better at every age

Investing in the following product and gadgets can elevate your nighttime and morning routines and boost the quality of your rest overall, no matter your age...

1. A mattress tailored to your body

The right mattress for your sleep style and body weight will keep you supported and comfortable so you can sleep peacefully through the night.

Of course, our bodies change through life and so will your sleep needs and mattress preferences. Smaller bodies can be well supported by thinner (but still good quality) mattresses, from crib mattresses for infants through to simple and affordable memory foam mattresses for growing children.

As an adult you may need a mattress with technology targeting different sleep needs. For example, people prone to hot sleeping would benefit from a bed with specialized temperature regulation, which you can find in our best cooling mattress guide.

In later adulthood, your mobility may be reduced, meaning you'd benefit from an adjustable bed which you can customize to help you get in and out of bed.

2. A supportive pillow

A supportive pillow is key to avoiding back or neck pain at any age. You can find our top-rated pillows in our best pillow of the year guide.

If you're wondering what to look for specifically, here's a word of advice from our pillow expert Becky George: "Side sleepers generally need a reasonably tall (ideally between four to six inches) and comfortable pillow to ensure that the side of the head doesn't dip toward the mattress and cause misalignment."

Meanwhile, she says back sleepers "need a pillow that is just high enough to support your head, while keeping your chin in neutral position. One with low loft will help you achieve this."

And if you sleep on your front: "You'll need to find a low-loft pillow as these prevent you straining your neck and help keep it in alignment with your spine."

3. Sunrise alarm clock

When my friends ask about which products can *actually* help them sleep, I'm always quick to recommend a top-rated sunrise alarm clock.

I've had one at my bedside ever since I started testing them in the fall last year and now rely on it for both my nighttime and morning routine.

These sunrise alarm clocks gently wake you up with gradual light, allowing you to reach the end of a sleep cycle before jolting you awake so you wake up feeling more refreshed.

They double (or triple) up as night lights and sleep sound machines too as most devices from trusted brands, like Hatch and Lumie, offer a library sleep podcasts, guided meditations and white noise.

Plus, children are sure to love the colorful light options available on sunrise clocks like the Momcozy Sunrise Sound Machine.

4. Comfy bedding

Investing in comfy bedding is one of the most simple but impactful ways to elevate your sleep space and improve sleep quality at any age.

Good quality, breathable duvets, comforters and bed sheets can both make your bed cosy and keep you at an ideal sleep temperature.

For babies and toddlers, soft, breathable materials help regulate body temperature and create a safe, soothing sleep environment.

Kids and teens benefit from cozy bedding that encourages them to wind down and feel secure at night — especially during growth spurts or busy school schedules.

Meanwhile, high quality, cooling sheets can prevent adults getting irritated or overheating through the night so you spend less time tossing and turning and more time snoozing.

And for older adults, bedding that’s both comfortable and easy to manage is key.

5. Sleep mask and ear plugs

Be you subject to noisy neighbours or a snoring partner, sometimes you have to sleep in a not-so quiet environment, and this is when reliable, comfy earplugs will be your best sound-blocking sleep companion.

Similarly, if you work shifts or you and your partner are on different sleep schedules, a eye mask can help you snooze when your room isn't completely dark.

Personally, I love the SOMO sleep fitness mask which uses acupressure to help you relax. But you can find ample more affordable sleep masks online like this MyHalos sleep mask for $12.99 at Amazon.

6. Blackout blinds

Light pollution is prevalent in many urban U.S. states and many studies show that this light pollution can negatively impact sleep quality and duration.

This is because light pollution can block secretion of melatonin, throwing off your circadian rhythm and keeping you awake longer. But blackout curtains can help by turning your bedroom into a dark sanctuary where you can rest without being disturbed by a street light flickering outside your window.

Blackout curtains can be especially useful when it comes to getting your young children off to sleep before the sun has fully set.

7. Sleep apps

Sleep apps come with many functions, which can benefit you at different stages of life.

Some, like Rise Science and Sleep Cycle, help you keep track of your sleep routine and help you learn how you can harness your energy peaks and troughs through the day as working adults.

Others, like Calm, are packed with sleep audio tracks. You can use them to read you sleep stories or play soothing soundscapes (we're never too old for a bedtime story or lullaby) that can help children and adults alike drift off to the land of ZZZs.

Side sleeping is regarded as the best sleep position by experts and is the most popular sleep position worldwide, according to a study of over 660 people.

However, side sleepers tend to need more cushioning in their beds to reduce pressure buildup in the shoulders, hips and knees. This means the best mattresses for side sleepers are softer ones with plenty of foam layers — and more foam can mean more heat.

Without specialized cooling adaptations, memory foam in mattresses acts like a sponge, absorbing heat and moisture from the air and your body, which can make the bed feel stuffy and leave you sweltering on warm nights.

But worry not, hot side sleepers; there are several features to look out for that can help you find a cooling and comfortable bed in the mattress sales.

I'm a predominant side sleeper myself and have tested many of the best mattresses in both the Tom's Guide sleep studio and a warm attic bedroom over the past year. Here, I'll be sharing my top tips for finding the right cooling mattress for your sleep position...

What mattresses are ideal for side sleepers?

Sleeping on your side requires the right balance between cushioning around your shoulders, hips and knees and support for your back.

Many of our side-sleeping mattress testers like ultra-plush beds you sink into rather than lie on top of, while others prefer a medium-firm bed that contours around joints in contact with the mattress but is responsive enough to keep the spine aligned (which is ideal).

Ultimately, your body weight will influence exactly how firm your mattress should be and how much cushioning you need. Lighter people will find softer mattresses supportive enough, while heavier side sleepers will need a firmer surface to avoid spinal dips that lead to back pain.

Generally, soft and medium-firm beds, or pillow-top mattresses, are best for side sleepers. But these mattresses come with lots of foams and other cushioning materials, throwing a curveball in front of temperature regulation.

4 things to look for in a cooling mattress for side sleepers

The best cooling mattresses for side sleepers feature materials and designs geared towards improving breathability, moisture absorption and heat dissipation. Here's what to look for when shopping for your new bed…

1. Hybrid designs

Hybrid mattresses are generally more temperature balancing than memory foam mattresses as the airy spring layers allow air to circulate through the mattress, cooling it down. On the other hand, foams act like a sponge, trapping heat and moisture.

The good news is that unlike full innerspring beds, hybrids still have foam layers offering plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers, with a good balance of support from responsive coils too.

2. Cooling covers

With temperature regulation problems being a common sleep disruptor, the world of cooling mattress technology is quickly evolving. Mattress manufactures have started using innovative fabrics to help cool down the surface of beds while you sleep on them.

Phase Change Material (PCM), GlacioTex and Tencel are three examples of such technology. These materials are embedded into mattress covers and combined with cooling fibers that can dissipate heat from the mattress surface, absorb moisture or improve breathability, providing a cool-to-the-touch sleep surface.

3. Gel-infused foams

Gel-foam mattresses incorporate tiny polymer gel beads or particles within the foam to improve temperature regulation and keep sleepers cooler. Similar to the cooling cover fabrics above, these gel beads absorb and disperse body heat through the night.

This means that they can prevent foam from trapping heat and create a cooler sleeping surface compared to traditional memory foam. In short, they can create a dreamy bed for side sleepers, but gel-foam alone may not provide enough cooling power for you; look out for mattresses that combine gel-foam with other cooling tech.

4. Copper or graphite foams

If you think back to high school chemistry class, you'll remember copper and graphite are metals with high thermal conductivity. This means they easily absorb heat, making them great mattress components.

Manufacturers often infuse copper and graphite ribbons into mattress foams to aid temperature regulation. These ribbons conduct heat away from your sleeping body and disperses it across the mattress surface to prevent hot spots forming in your bed.

Examples of mattresses with copper infusions include our favorite cooling option, the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress, and the more affordable Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid Mattress. Examples of mattress with graphite include the ultra cooling and supportive Zoma Boost Mattress and the Glacier Apex Hybrid Mattress that we tested recently.

A Murphy bed is a convenient, space-saving solution for people living in small homes or studio apartments. These nifty beds can be folded away vertically when not in use, so it’s essential to choose a mattress that both fits your Murphy bed and holds its shape when tucked away in storage.

But while many of the best mattresses we've tested can be used in a Murphy bed frame, it's not quite as simple as choosing a standard bed in a box.

Whether you’re looking for a mattress for a college student to fit modest accommodation, or your bedroom doubles as a creative space and a Murphy bed will provide more square footage to work, we’re here to help you determine what to consider when choosing a Murphy bed mattress.

What is a Murphy bed?

A Murphy bed is a bed that’s hinged on one end so you can fold the frame and mattress up against the well when not in use. It’s also called a pull-down bed, wall bed or fold-down bed.

Most Murphy beds are hinged vertically, but this space-saving solution also comes in horizontal form (with a hinges lengthwise along the bed) for narrow rooms or lower ceilings.

The biggest benefit of the Murphy bed is, of course, their ability to free up space. They can easily transform a bedroom or studio into a multi-use room.

However, Murphy beds come with a few disadvantages. They tend to be more expensive than traditional beds, may require professional installation and aren’t suitable for all room layouts.

Do Murphy beds need special mattresses?

Most standard mattresses in a box are suitable for a Murphy bed. However, while you don’t need a specialty model, some brands do offer mattresses created specifically for use with this unusual bed frame.

These mattresses are designed to withstand the unique requirements of a Murphy bed, including retaining their shape even when placed in upright storage.

Still, you should be able to use a mattress from your favorite brand — with a few caveats in mind. When choosing a mattress for a Murphy bed, there are some features you need to consider to ensure your mattress fits the frame and stays comfortable even after time in vertical storage.

What to consider when choosing a Murphy bed mattress

Buying a mattress for a Murphy bed? Here’s everything you need to know before you start browsing to help you find a Murphy bed mattress that meets your needs.

1. Mattress material

Memory foam is often considered the best mattress material for Murphy beds, as the contouring foams mold to the frame when in upright storage, before springing back into place when the bed is flat.

While a spring mattress isn’t necessarily out of the picture for Murphy bed use, more structured and firm coil mattresses can be damaged by upright storage.

You’ll also want to steer clear of most mattresses with pillow tops (or Euro tops.) These padded layers can add extra height to your mattress and pose difficulty when folding the bed.

2. Weight and size

Most Murphy beds can comfortably house a mattress that’s eight to 12 inches tall (though a handful have a maximum mattress height of 10 inches, so be sure to review product specs before purchasing.)

While it may be enticing to purchase a thicker mattress for aesthetic appeal, a mattress that’s too tall (such as 14 inches) can ultimately prevent you from folding your Murphy bed, defeating its purpose.

It’s also wise for Murphy bed users to purchase a lightweight mattress. A lighter mattress will be easier to fold down and fold up, while a heavy mattress will be harder to lift when moving the bed into upright storage.

Purchasing a mattress with a smaller profile and lighter weight shouldn't compromise comfort. A bed within these specs should still be supportive without hampering storage.

3. Comfort and support

It’s important to choose a mattress that meets your unique sleep needs. Stomach and back sleepers will want a firmer mattress to help keep their hips and low back in alignment, while side sleepers require a mattress with greater contouring to help prevent shoulder pain.

If you’re a hot sleeper, mattresses with ventilated foam or cooling covers can help you sleep comfortably, while couples who bed share will want to opt for a mattress with good motion isolation to help absorb movement.

Since Murphy bed mattresses are typically on the thinner side, you’ll want to look for support features like dense foam layers, reinforced edges or coils.

These features will help keep your spine in alignment as you sleep, make it easier to sit on the bed to get dressed or tie your shoes, and add to the overall durability of the mattress.

4. Mattress warranty

Warranties often contain fine print that many of us skip over, but you’ll want to read your mattress warranty carefully if you plan on using it in a Murphy bed.

That’s because using certain types of mattresses in a Murphy bed frame can actually void the warranty, so it’s important to do your homework before buying. Always put your mattress on a suitable bed base.

Where to buy a mattress for a Murphy bed?

The good news is that there are plenty of options for purchasing a Murphy bed mattress both in-store or online, allowing you to shop around for the perfect fit.

Some retailers specialize in Murphy beds and sell accompanying mattresses, but traditional sleep brands are getting in on the action, with options like the luxury Murphy Bed from Saatva. Third-party retailers such as Amazon, Wayfair and Home Depot also sell Murphy bed mattresses.

Murphy bed mattresses come at a variety of price points depending on your budget, though you can always expect to pay more for a specialty mattress designed specifically for Murphy bed use (as opposed to buying a traditional mattress for your frame).

No matter which brand or retailer you choose to buy from, be sure to look for a Murphy bed mattress with a warranty and sleep trial period. This provides protection from manufacturer’s defects (or a bed that just isn't right.) Keep in mind it can take 30-90 days to get used to a new mattress, so it’s important to give yourself time to adjust.

In a wireless phone market filled with low-cost carriers, Lyca Mobile can sail under the radar of would-be customers — an odd development given that the company has been providing wireless service in the U.S. for more than a decade.

Should you take another look at Lyca Mobile for your wireless coverage? Given the company's competitive rates — particularly when you pay for a year's worth of service in advance — it may be a good idea if you're looking to lower your monthly cell phone bill.

With Lyca operating in multiple countries, here's what you need to know about Lyca Mobile and its wireless service in the U.S.

What network does Lyca Mobile use?

As an MVNO, or mobile virtual network operator, Lyca Mobile doesn't own and operate its own towers. Instead, it turns to another carrier's network to provide cellular coverage for talk, text and data, including 5G service.

In Lyca's case, that service comes from T-Mobile, even after the companies settled a long-standing dispute over their arrangement in October 2024. At the time, multiple reports claimed Lyca Mobile would migrate its service to AT&T's network, but when I checked with the carrier in summer 2025, T-Mobile remains the network provider.

That's good news for Lyca customers, as mobile-testing firm Ookla named T-Mobile as the fastest network in the U.S. for the first two months of 2025. Both RootMetrics and Opensignal have T-Mobile as the fastest carrier, too, and it's widely accepted that T-Mobile has the most extensive 5G reach right now.

In my experience testing service from other MVNOs, including T-Mobile's Metro by T-Mobile and Verizon's Visible, I've found that performance through an MVNO tends to pretty closely match the service you'd get directly from the parent carrier, though you can see speeds slowed down when there's a lot of traffic on the network. I haven't personally tested Lyca's performance, but I imagine the experience would be similar to other MVNOs.

What phones can you use with Lyca Mobile?

Some MVNOs sell phones, but that's not Lyca Mobile's modus operandi. Instead, you bring your own device to the carrier, making it an ideal option if you've got one of the best unlocked phones.

You can check ahead of time to see if your phone is compatible with Lyca's mobile service, using the company's IMEI checker. There are instructions there for checking both iPhone and Android devices.

What are the best Lyca Mobile plans?

Lyca Mobile has a whole host of plans. Looking at the carrier's plan page, which is covered with various promotional offers, data bonus and options for longer term coverage than just month-to-month service, might make you kinda dizzy.

To cut through some of that clutter, I've broken down Lyca's monthly plans into the chart below. Each plan features unlimited talk and text along with a specified data amount, and escalating perks as you opt for higher-priced plans.

A basic plan at Lyca starts at $15/month and includes a mere 500MB of data. For just $4 extra each month, you can expand that data pool to 3GB, with 5GB ($23/month) and 25GB ($29/month) also available. Go over your monthly cap and your speeds are throttled.

In addition, Lyca has two unlimited data plan options. Unlimited Plus ($49/month) lets you enjoy up to 40GB of high-speed data while the Unlimited Pro offering ($59) ups that data cap to 60GB. It's not uncommon for even unlimited data plans to cap the amount of high-speed data you can consume each billing cycle, so Lyca is just following a widespread practice among carriers.

Each plans include talk and text to other countries, with plans from the 25GB option on adding hotspot data as a perk. Unlimited Pro offers the biggest allotment of hotspot data at 25GB.

Like Mint Mobile, Lyca lowers your monthly rate when you pay for your service in advance, with Lyca offering different pricing tiers at 3, 6 and 12 months. Take that $23/month 5GB option. You can save $48 total by paying $21 for 3 months of service in advance. The savings go up to $54 total by paying $84 for 6 months of service and $120 when you buy a full year for $156.

There are 10GB and 12GB plans available in 3-, 6- and 12-month payments, too. Lyca also has a variety of buy-one-month-get-one-month offers as of this writing.

Does Lyca Mobile offer family plans?

Lyca Mobile allows you to add additional lines of data to just one of its plans, the one with 25GB of data. Even better, the cost of each new line drops as you add extra lines.

While your first line of Lyca's 25GB plan starts at $29, the cost of the second line drops to $14. A third line costs another $10, while the fourth line is available for $7. Add it all up, and a family of four would pay a total of $60/month with each member getting their own 25GB data pool.

Among the best family cell phone plans, Total Wireless has been our pick, with four lines of unlimited data costing a total of $110, which is $50 more than what Lyca would charge. Total's plan comes with more data and slightly better perks — in addition to more hotspot data, Total's plan also provides six months of Disney Plus and discounts on phone upgrades if you stick with the carrier for a year. But Lyca's family plan definitely competes on value.

How does Lyca Mobile compare to other carriers?

While we're comparing Lyca Mobile to what other low-cost carriers charge, let's look at prices for just one line of data. For our best cheap cell phone plans, we look at offerings under $40/month, and Lyca's 25GB plan for $29 would be your best option there.

You can get unlimited data from Mint Mobile for roughly the same amount — Mint charges $30/month — but to get that rate, you'd need to pay for a full year of service in advance. Boost and Visible both have unlimited data plans for $25/month without requiring big upfront payments, and Visible's best unlimited data plan costs $35/month — less than the $49/month you'd pay for unlimited data at Lyca.

It's when you pay for your cell phone plans in 6- or 12-month chunks that Lyca becomes a more attractive option than the competition. As noted, Lyca charges $156 total for 12 months of its 5GB plan — that works out to $13/month. Mint's 5GB plan requires a $180 upfront payment for a full year of coverage, so you're essentially saving $2 per month by opting for Lyca.

What do customers say about Lyca Mobile?

Lyca Mobile currently has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 on TrustPilot based on 8,600-plus customers reviews. At Amazon, where you can buy SIM cards from Lyca, customers give the carrier a 3.8 out of 5 rating, based on 200-plus reviews.

Customer reviews tend to praise the wide variety of options and the ease of setting up an account. The most consistent complaints revolve around customer service, particularly the speed of responses.

Lyca Mobile outlook

Lyca Mobile seems geared toward a very specific type of wireless customer — one who's willing to move their current phone to a new carrier and doesn't mind paying in advance if it means the best rate. Lyca isn't the overall cheapest option around for phone coverage and some low-cost carriers offer better perks, but if you're looking for a specific type of plan, you may find a lot of value in what Lyca Mobile has to offer.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best phone carriers
• Best prepaid phone plans
• Best cell phone plans

While mattress toppers typically consist of a single layer of foam, we're now seeing plenty of innovations being made to these bed boosters — from pillow-top designs to high-tech cooling covers.

And now there's new material that's recently taken the mattress topper by storm: the microcoil.

You can find microcoils in toppers from some of the most popular sleep brands in the US, Saatva and Helix included, and they're all vying for a place in our guide to 2025's best mattress toppers.

But what are microcoils and why are they appearing in so many mattress toppers (and even in some of this year's top mattresses) these days?

Here, we'll take a look at these innovative components, their pros and cons, and where you can buy a bed topper or mattress that uses microcoils in this month's mattress sales.

What are microcoils?

Microcoils are small coils typically made from steel. They are like regular mattress coils, only shorter and typically used in mattress toppers, which are much thinner than mattresses and need smaller components.

While mattress coils are around six inches tall on average, microcoils are usually around one inch (or even less) in height. Mattress toppers that use microcoils typically have two or three layers, and they use the tier of microcoils as a middle layer in triple-layered toppers or as a base layer in dual-layered toppers.

Why are microcoils used in mattress toppers?

Mattress coils in general have a lot of benefits. Their open design enables airflow for breathable comfort, while their durable steel build provides zoned support.

However, as they're usually six inches or more in height, coils haven't always been used in bed toppers as these mattress enhancers are thin (usually around two to four inches) so aren't tall enough to contain full size coils.

And that's where microcoils come in, to bring the benefits of coils without the height and finally allowing mattress toppers to utilize the humble coil's supportive pressure relief.

Are microcoils used in mattresses?

While microcoils are mostly used in bed toppers due to their small height, they can also be used in mattresses in conjunction with larger coils. The addition of a microcoil layer can enhance both the comfort and support you'll get from a top-quality hybrid mattress.

For instance, the Saatva RX mattress (which is currently #1 in our best mattress for back pain guide) uses a one-inch microcoil layer for flexibility and enhanced back support.

Where can you buy a microcoil mattress topper?

Microcoil mattress toppers are available at many top mattress brands. They're particularly prominent at 3Z Brands (parent company of Helix, Nolah, and Brooklyn Bedding), which manufactures its own microcoils at its factory in Arizona.

Saatva also utilizes the benefits of the microcoil, with its Micro-Coil Mattress Topper featuring a one-inch recycled steel microcoil layer.

The pros and cons of microcoils

Before shopping for a microcoil mattress topper, it's good to acknowledge both the pros and cons first. Weighing their benefits and drawbacks will help you to know how to choose the right mattress topper for your budget, sleep position, and body type, so here's a breakdown...

What are the benefits of microcoils?

Minimal height isn't the only unique selling point that microcoils have. They're also more flexible and responsive than traditional mattress coils, which is why they're also used in mattresses as well as bed toppers. Like most coils, they can boost air circulation for a cooler sleep and are often used in toppers that are billed as cooling.

They also function as a transition layer between comfort and support layers, and can also provide zoned support (this means that it provides extra support in regions that need it, such as the lower back, to prevent aches and pains) and body-cradling comfort.

What are the drawbacks of microcoils?

A microcoils are a recent, premium innovation in the world of mattress toppers, they're mainly found in mattress toppers with a luxury price tag. That means microcoil mattress toppers are generally more expensive than toppers with more traditional fills such as memory foam or latex.

Plus, as with all coils, microcoils are not immune to deterioration from everyday wear and tear, which can cause creaking and shorten the mattress topper's lifespan.

Adjustable bed bases have many benefits, from silencing snoring to alleviating aches and pains. If you're thinking of investing in an adjustable frame you'll need a mattress to match, and the cozy cushioning of an all-foam bed might sound just right — but can you put a memory foam mattress on an adjustable bed?

For the most part, yes. Memory foam mattresses typically have plenty of flex, allowing them to move with the bed frame whenever you make an adjustment.

There are likely to be some exceptions to the rule, but if you're enticed by one of the best memory foam mattresses we've tested, it should be a good fit for your adjustable bed. Below we'll explore what to look for (and what to avoid.)

What is a memory foam mattress?

Memory foam mattresses have become one of the most popular bed types, thanks to their cushioned feel and typically excellent pressure relief. Using multiple layers of foam to blend support with comfort, you'll find several all-foam models in our guide to the best mattresses we've tested

Known for their durability and affordability, memory foam mattresses are available in everything from a quicksand-soft feel to a hard and unyielding finish. This means that if you want the perfect memory foam mattress for your adjustable bed, you should have ample choice.

What is an adjustable bed base?

An adjustable bed is a bed frame that can be lifted and lowered in certain areas, to adjust the angle you're lying at. Many adjustable bed frames feature both head and leg elevation (meaning both the top section and bottom section of the frame can be moved) but some only have head elevation.

Adjustable beds are often popular with those who experience back or joint pain, as the head and feet elevation of zero gravity positioning can help reduce aches.

Sleeping with a raised head and neck can also alleviate snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea. It's also a more comfortable position for reading or watching TV in bed.

What to look for in a memory foam mattress for an adjustable bed base

As most memory foam mattresses can be used with adjustable bases, you're able to focus on your sleep needs when finding the right mattress for you. These are the three areas worth prioritizing when searching for a memory foam mattress for an adjustable bed.

1. The right firmness level

Mattress firmness refers to the overall feel of the mattress, and while we often associate foam with its cushioning powers, all-foam beds come in every feel, from the marshmallow-soft to the ultra-hard.

You can use a memory foam mattress of almost any firmness level on an adjustable bed base — although some very firm models might not be compatible, for reasons we'll cover below — which allows you to opt for the feel that best suits your needs.

The best mattresses for side sleepers often have a medium to medium-firm feel, to cushion the shoulders, while the best mattresses for stomach sleepers typically use a firm build to enhance support.

One thing to note is the flat base of an adjustable bed can make your mattress feel firmer — keep that in mind when choosing the perfect feel for you.

2. Ample support

Adjustable bed bases are a popular choice for people experiencing reoccurring back pain. To ensure your memory foam mattress isn't worsening your back pain, it needs to have plenty of support in the central third.

The best mattresses for back pain often have enhanced lumbar support, a feature most commonly found in hybrid mattresses. However, memory foam mattresses with a dense and sturdy base can still offer the support you need.

3. Pressure relief

If you're choosing an adjustable bed frame to help alleviate joint pain, you should consider a mattress with plenty of pressure relief. Luckily, this is an area where memory foam mattresses tend to shine.

The thick cushioning of memory foam mattresses can evenly distribute weight where your body presses into the bed, preventing pressure from building up. This is particularly important for side sleepers (who need cushioning at the shoulder and hips), but back and side sleepers will also appreciate some relief for their joints and back.

Are there any memory foam mattresses you can't use an on adjustable bed?

There are some mattress types that can't be used with adjustable bed bases but few of them are all-foam (continuous coil mattresses are the main type to avoid.)

However, if you do plan on using your memory foam mattress with an adjustable base, it's worth checking compatibility. Using a mattress on the wrong bed frame can void the mattress warranty, preventing you from receiving a refund if the mattress is faulty.

These are the most common reasons why a memory foam mattress might not be compatible with an adjustable bed frame.

1. It's too tall

Mattresses with a depth taller than 14 inches aren't always compatible with adjustable bed bases, regardless of the materials used in the mattress. These thick designs often have limited flex and are unable to bend properly when the adjustable bed moves.

But that doesn't mean you can't use any taller mattress on an adjustable bed base. For example, the GhostBed Luxe Foam mattress is 14 inches tall and has enough flex to work on a adjustable frame.

2. The materials are low quality

You can use a cheap memory foam mattress on an adjustable bed base (and some of the best cheap mattresses we've slept on are all-foam.)

However, the inner materials of low quality memory foam mattresses often deteriorate quickly with use. The bending and flexing of an adjustable bed base can cause this breakdown to happen quicker.

So although you can pair your adjustable frame with an inexpensive all-foam mattress, you might find it doesn't provide the comfort you need for as long as you hoped.

3. It's too firm

In order to move with the bed frame when you make adjustments, a mattress needs to have some bend and flex. This can be an issue if you've opted for the ultra-hard feel of one of our favorite firm mattresses.

However, the firmest mattress we've tested is the aptly named Plank Firm and even this can be used with an adjustable bed frame — so we doubt it's a problem you'll run into.

The background buzz of white noise is used by many to block out distracting sounds, but might another type of noise help you fall asleep faster? Research suggests pink noise might be the colorful secret to better sleep.

So what is pink noise? Like white noise, pink noise contains all sounds from the frequency spectrum. But unlike white noise, pink noise increases the intensity of lower frequency sounds, for a softer, gentler effect.

Creating a soothing environment is essential to achieving consistently good sleep, from finding the best mattress for your sleep needs to picking the perfect temperature. To find out more about pink noise, we asked experts what it is and how to use it to help you sleep...

What is pink noise for sleep?

Pink noise describes a sound that, while featuring tones across frequencies, places the focus and intensity on the lower end of the spectrum.

"Pink noise is very similar to white noise; it still plays all the frequencies on the spectrum at the same time, but the intensity (loudness) of these frequencies is distributed differently," explains Bogdan Bratis, audio specialist and founder of Saspod. "Instead of all frequencies being played equally, the intensity of a frequency is lower the higher the frequency is."

Essentially, pink noise delivers the same background 'hum' of white noise, but the overall sound is lower.

While this might not seem like a major difference, Bratis explains the intensity of lower frequencies influences how we perceive pink noise. "[It's] more pleasant to listen to because the higher frequencies are lower in intensity, providing a calmer experience."

In addition, softening the higher frequencies to a lower intensity means we often associate pink noise with the soothing sounds of nature.

"It feels softer and more natural," describes Dr. Leah Kaylor, sleep specialist and psychologist, "like rainfall, wind, or waves."

Dr. Hamid Djalilian, Chief Medical Director at NeuroMed Tinnitus Clinic, explains that pink noise encourages "slow-wave activity in the brain", which is associated with deeper, better sleep. "It also helps with sleep onset issues, when the mind stays too active when there's total silence in the bedroom."

What is white noise for sleep?

While white noise is a term that can be used to describe irritating conversations you'd rather just ignore, it actually refers to sounds made up of a blend of frequencies.

"White noise is the sound generated by each frequency from 20 Hz to 20 kHz played at the same time at equal intensities (loudness)," explains Bratis. "For example, an untuned radio will play white noise when no channel is selected."

When these frequencies mix together it creates a steady wall of noise that can effectively mask disruptive sounds, even if they're loud or infrequent. For that reason, many people use the 'blocking' effect of white noise to aid concentration.

But this mixture of frequencies isn't always gentle on the ear.

"White noise tends to sound harsher and unpleasant," explains Bratis.

However, if you're trying to sleep in a disruptive environment, white noise can still have its benefits. Beyond white noise machines, you can create white noise in your own home using objects such as fans and vacuum cleaners.

Is pink noise more effective for sleep than white noise?

While both pink and white noise do have some benefits in aiding sleep, the gentler tones of pink noise can be better for your rest.

"In terms of overall suitability as a sleep aid, pink noise tends to win out. It’s simply more soothing to most people’s ears," explains Dr. Djalilian, citing a systematic review of audio stimulation and sleep.

"Both white noise and pink noise block external sounds and can help us be less distracted. However, white noise can keep us alert, while pink noise can have the opposite effect, putting us to sleep," elaborates Bratis.

Dr. Kaylor has similar advice. "Choose pink noise over white noise if you want something more calming, natural, and easier on the ears — especially if you're sensitive to sound or easily startled," she advises.

When to use pink noise for sleep

The gentle tones of pink noise can help those who find drifting off eludes them, particularly if it's a busy brain keeping you awake.

"Most people struggle with falling asleep. For that, pink noise is often a great choice. It’s gentle, non-distracting, and tends to blend into the background." explains Dr. Djalilian.

Dr. Kaylor also recommends pink noise for those who struggle to stay asleep. "It helps by blocking out background noises, calming the brain and body, boosting deep sleep by syncing with your brainwaves," she describes.

As well as quieting racing thoughts, the background hum of pink noise can be used to block out distracting noises, such as cars and conversations. And it can even help if the noise is coming from your own ears.

"People with tinnitus especially benefit [from pink noise], since the ringing in their ears feels louder at night when everything else is quiet," says Dr. Djalilian. "Pink noise helps by filling in that silence without being sharp or irritating."

When to use white noise for sleep

White noise can still be used to help you sleep, although Dr. Djalilian primarily recommends it for those trying to block out loud noises. "It's more intense and better at masking environmental sounds," he explains.

This is because, while pink noise fades into the background, the higher frequencies of white noise can keep the brain alert. Great for concentration, not so good for sleep.

"Human ears are particularly sensitive in the mid-to-high frequency spectrum, ranging from 1 kHz to 15 kHz," explains Bratis. "The human ear evolved this way because being sensitive to higher-frequency sounds helps our species in survival. For example, the crying of a baby is present in that exact part of the frequency spectrum, making us hear them and stay alert."

So if you've ever struggled to sleep to white noise, this could explain why; the human brain has spent a millennia training itself to look out for those sounds.

How to use pink noise for sleep

Pink noise is an accessible sleep hack — if you have a phone, you can give it a go — but as with many sleep tips, it might take some trial and error to find what works for you.

Dr. Kaylor recommends listening to pink noise; "right before bed, as you are falling asleep, with a sleep timer (20 minutes.)"

If you're thinking of adding pink noise to your bedtime routine, here are our tips to get started:

1. Find a sound you like: You can find playlists of pink noise on YouTube, Spotify, and mediation apps... give them a spin and see which noise is most appealing to your ears.
2. Alter the volume: Too loud and you might find pink noise disruptive, too quiet and you might strain to even hear it. Have a play with the volume button until you find the level you can drift off to.
3. Incorporate it into your evening routine: If a busy brain is keeping you from falling asleep, try adding pink noise to your pre-bed routine. Dr. Kaylor suggests listening to pink noise can help "if you have trouble relaxing."
4. Check for ads: Give your chosen sound a quick play through while awake to make sure there are no pesky ads to surprise you during the night.
5. Press play: The calming effect of pink noise can help soothe you to sleep and it's particularly useful for those who live in noisy areas, blocking out background sounds.

Dr. Djalilian does offer a note of caution for those using pink noise overnight. "Consider setting it on a timer," he advises. "A 2022 study found that leaving pink noise on all night might interfere with some of the brain activity involved in creativity and problem-solving. Using a timer avoids this while still giving you most of the sleep benefits of pink noise."

What about green and brown noise?

If you like pink noise but it doesn't hit quite right, you might prefer some other noise colors.

Like pink noise, brown noise focus on the lower end of the frequency spectrum, while green noise for sleep focuses on the mid-range, both of which create a background hum similar to nature soothing sounds.

But it's a case of experimentation when finding the relaxing sleep sound for you. It might be the drone of a vacuum cleaner, the babbling of a brook or you might even sleep best with the total silence afforded by a pair of earplugs for sleep.

Even as a superb sleeper who falls asleep fast, gets at least seven and a half hours of sleep a night, and (usually) wakes up with energy, I still enjoy a daytime nap when my schedule allows it.

Naps can often get a bad rap as people assume they stop you sleeping at night. But when timed correctly, an afternoon nap on the best mattress for your sleep style (rather than an unsupportive couch) can do wonders for your cognitive function, energy levels and even your mood.

If you're wondering how a daytime snooze can benefit you, here's how Dr. Hana Patel, NHS GP and resident sleep expert at Time4Sleep, and Andres Moran, co-founder and CEO of sleep apnea treatment company, Complete Sleep, recommend you ace nap time...

How long should a nap be?

How long your nap should be is subjective and depends on your individual sleep habits and sleep needs.

Essentially, around 20 minutes is considered the sweet spot for a power nap that's intended to give you a boost in alertness and energy even when you sleep well at night.

But if you're particularly sleep deprived — whether that's due to parenting responsibilities, insomnia or other issues — a longer nap could be more effective.

Moran recommends a 90-minute nap in these cases (more on that below), as they allow you to complete a full, restorative sleep cycle.

Benefits of a 20-minute nap

A 20-minute nap offers several benefits for alertness, mood and cognitive function, especially when taken during a natural dip in the circadian rhythm which tends to occur in the afternoon.

"Even these brief naps allow for memory consolidation, cellular repair processes, and neurotransmitter regulation," Moran says.

"The brain clears metabolic waste and consolidates information from the day."

Benefits of a 90-minute nap

Moran says longer naps of 90 minutes can be useful if you're severely sleep-deprived, but warns they carry higher risk of grogginess and nighttime sleep disruption.

While napping isn't a long-term solution to sleep deprivation, a 90-minute nap allows you the chance to complete a full sleep cycle, which can be useful in making up sleep debt if you're not getting enough restorative sleep at night.

Waking up at the 90 minute mark can also reduce sleep inertia, because you wake up at the end of a sleep cycle rather than disrupting one. Being jolted awake mid sleep cycle is known to cause grogginess.

Nap vs sleep: what's the difference?

You may think the only difference between sleeping and napping is the time of day and length of time you choose to close your eyes to rest.

Naps are generally short periods of sleep taken in the day, while sleep refers to a longer, restorative period of rest at night.

However, the key difference between napping and sleep is all to do with which essential sleep stages you enter.

A sleep cycle is made up of three stages of non-rapid eye-movement (NREM) sleep and one stage of rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep.

When you take a quick nap between 10 and 20 minutes, you enter the first (NREM 1) and sometimes the second (NREM 2) stages of sleep.

As you transition from wakefulness to sleep, you enter NREM stage 1 — the initial lightest stage of sleep where brain waves start to slow down, and your breathing will be regular.

You're most susceptible to being woken during this stage, and may experience muscle twitches or the feeling of falling. NREM stage 1 tends to last a few minutes.

Then comes NREM stage 2, which is a deeper stage, but still considered light sleep. Brain waves slow further, body temperature drops, heart rate slows down and muscles relax more fully.

However, when you sleep, you'll pass through these sleep stages and on to the deep sleep (NREM stage 3) where physical restoration occurs and REM sleep, during which dreaming happens.

These four stages complete a sleep cycle which tends to last 90 to 100 minutes. You will continue cycling through these 90-100 minute sleep cycles through the night.

Top tips for an effective nap

Timing your nap so it doesn't interfere with nighttime sleep (and actually gives you the energy boost you need) is important. Here's what the experts recommend for perfecting your daytime ZZZs...

Nap between 1pm and 3pm

Moran recommends a nap window of 1pm to 3pm, and Dr. Patel agrees. “If you do choose to take a nap, the early afternoon is a good time to do so," she says.

"This is roughly when your circadian rhythm naturally dips, and napping any later can cause disrupted sleep at night."

A nap during this time period can help you get over any afternoon slump so you have energy and enough concentration to get through the rest of your daily tasks and responsibilities.

Moran says you should nap at least six to eight hours before bedtime to make sure you build up enough sleep drive to fall asleep fast at night.

Keep it short

"Napping is not a recommended alternative to a good night’s sleep" and "long or frequent naps can interfere with nighttime sleep," says Dr. Patel.

Being strict about the length of your naps is important to ensure they doesn't disrupt your nighttime ZZZs.

Set an alarm to stop you tipping over the 20 minute mark and risking feeling groggy upon waking. "Try not to hit snooze to ensure that you feel refreshed when you wake up and avoid entering a deeper sleep," the doctor advises.

Similarly, if you fall into the category of those who are sleep-deprived and could benefit from a 90-minute nap, set your alarm for that length of time.

Do note, you'll want to take this longer nap closer to 1pm than 3pm to minimize the impact on your nighttime sleep.

Have a post-nap plan

Just like early morning sunlight exposure helps you feel energized first thing, creating a post-nap plan that involves light exposure and fresh air can help you shake off any grogginess and assist you in getting the energy boost you were aiming for.

Exposing yourself to bright light suppresses the sleepy hormone melatonin and boost the alertness hormone cortisol, helping you feel bright-eyed rather than groggy after your nap.

What pillows do the Four Seasons use? There's no denying that they are beyond luxurious, and at an eye-watering price of $200 for a pillow at the Four Seasons, we would expect no less.

We've tested some of the best pillows, and we know that what the fill composition is made of is the true key to delivering support, comfort, and even temperature regulation.

The Four Seasons pillow has mastered this combination with its signature Down and Feather pillow. Pair this with one of the best mattresses, and you're in for one of the most luxurious nights we could imagine.

This expert guide goes into all the details of the Four Seasons pillows, including where you can buy them and cheaper alternatives. Let's dive in!

What pillows does the Four Seasons use?

The Signature Four Seasons mattress is an innerspring bed that is complemented by Four Seasons' plush Down & Feather pillows. These are crafted from a hypoallergenic blend of 25% white down and 75% feathers, striking a perfect balance of fluffy comfort and support.

The Euro pillow model, on the other hand, consists of 20% down and 80% feathers.

Both come encased in a 240 thread count calendered (a finishing process to smooth out the fabric) cotton cover with double-stitched piped edges to complete the luxury look.

All materials used are OEKO-TEX certified, which means that they're free of harmful substances and are safe and skin-friendly.

When it comes to maintenance, Four Seasons Down & Feather pillows can only be dry cleaned. The brand also recommends fluffing up the pillows in a dryer at a no-heat setting for 20 to 30 minutes before use, as they may have become compressed during transit.

Other Four Seasons bedding you can buy

Beyond hotel pillows you can create the whole Four Seasons top-tier sleep experience at home by adding its luscious linen sets, duvets and other bedding.

Four Seasons currently offers three sheet sets at the store: Acacia, Willow and its Signature Hotel linen bundle. These are crafted from premium materials to deliver the sumptuous sleep that hotel guests love.

The Signature Hotel Linen set, for instance, is made using long-staple Supima cotton that's better at holding its shape, retaining its lustrousness for years.

Each collection is available as a sheet set and a duvet set. A sheet set includes a deep pocketed fitted sheet, a flat sheet and a pair of French closure pillow cases.

You can also grab three types of duvets from Four Seasons: All Season, Lightweight and Down-Alternative (100% polyester fiber). Each duvet set consists of a duvet cover, a pair of bordered pillows shams and two euro shams.

Affordable alternatives to the Four Seasons pillow

Should you buy the Four Seasons pillow?

The Four Season Down & Feather pillow is carefully crafted with a dreamy blend of premium materials, making it suitable for all kinds of sleepers.

We expect the natural down and feather mix to be supremely plush yet supportive, and a strong choice for those prone to hot sleep, thanks to its 240 thread count cotton cover.

However, as you might expect, considering the brand and the materials used, the Four Seasons Down & Feather is an expensive pillow with prices starting from $190 for a twin.

Unlike other bedding brands, these pillows also lack a warranty or sleep trial. This means you'll be stuck with these costly pillows even if you're not satisfied with the purchase.

The lack of benefits aside, Four Seasons is a luxury name, and if you're planning on recreating the same hotel experience at home, investing in a set of Down & Feather pillows from this prestigious brand is one great way to go about it.

Constantly tossing and turning during the night, trying to find (seemingly non-existent) cooler parts of the bed? This could be because your memory foam mattress is sucking up heat.

I should preface this article by saying not all memory foam mattresses are the reason behind your hot sleeping.

In fact, the best memory foam mattresses we've tested this year are built with specialist cooling technology to make sure you remain comfortable throughout the night.

However, some memory foam beds hold on to heat due to their dense structure and lack of airflow. Ahead, I'll dig into why your foam mattress can make you sleep hot, what you can do to cool it down and what materials you should look out for if you're a memory foam lover shopping this month's mattress sales.

Why your memory foam mattress can make you sleep hot

Synthetic materials lack airflow

Unlike natural fibers like wool and cotton, which have airy open-cell structures, synthetic materials found in many mattresses tend to trap heat.

Memory foam mattresses are primarily made from polyurethane, a synthetic material derived from petroleum. This material has strong heat retention (perfect in insulation, but not so much in a mattress, especially in summer).

Other synthetic materials, like polyester and latex, are also commonly used in the construction of these mattresses. While air flows naturally through natural latex, synthetic latex is essentially a dense polymer foam.

This means it's not great for hot sleepers who struggle to regulate their body temperature through the night as this dense structure cuts off airflow.

Dense structures hold on to heat

Think of mattress foam like a sponge — it soaks up air and moisture around it. With little air flowing through the dense foam, heat from your body and bedroom gets trapped within your mattress.

This means memory foam easily retains heat and holds on to body moisture when there aren't cooling technologies, such as heat-conducting metals or antimicrobial fabrics, present to combat it.

This has the potential to worsen night sweats, and can lead to you waking up feeling clammy in the night. Not good news for your sleep hygiene.

Memory foam 'hug' can be suffocating

One of popular features of a memory foam mattress is its ability to contour to your body, feeling like a gentle hug from your bed while providing a good balance of pressure relief and lumbar support.

However, hot sleepers may find this sensation suffocating, especially as it means there's less room for air to flow around the body and more chance of it retaining heat.

As the foam molds to the contours in your body, it can become a dam where sweat builds up. Foams also tend to soften when heated up, which can make the bed sink even more beneath you.

How to sleep cool on a memory foam mattress

Select the right bedframe

A bedframe with good ventilation is key to keeping your memory foam mattress as cool as possible.

A frame with slats rather than a solid surface allows air to flow freely beneath the mattress for a better chance of cooling.

While placing your mattress on certain floors can also help to keep it cool, we don't recommend this with memory foam, as you'll be preventing airflow further.

Add a cooling topper

You can add a cooling layer to your memory foam mattress with a top-rated mattress topper. Toppers with cooling gel and breathable materials like natural latex and wool can help counteract the heat-trapping tendencies of memory foam.

The Molecule CopperWELL mattress topper is the best cooling topper we've tested this year, but we also recommend the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper to hot sleepers.

If you seriously want to level up the climate control in your bed, you can shop a smart mattress topper with active cooling.

These toppers sit between your mattress and fitted sheet and, like the best smart beds, are fitted with smart temperature management systems.

Which ones do I recommend? The Chilipad (available from $1,199 $1,019.15 at Sleepme) is a hydronic cooling pad, while the Sleep Number (available from $999 $749.99 at Sleep Number) uses active air technology to cool (or warm) your bed.

Use breathable bedding

Sweaty sheets? No thank you. Cooling bedding, including pillows, pillowcases, sheets, comforters and mattress protectors, is essential during the warmer summer months.

You'll want to look out for light, breathable fabrics that can wick away sweat, quickly absorb moisture and help air circulate around your bed. Cotton, bamboo and down are all great options in bedding.

These materials promote a 'cool-to-touch' feel and help prevent night sweats and keep your sleeping set-up dry, promoting a cooler and more comfortable night's rest.

I especially recommend the Olive + Crate Luxury Series bedding set and Coop Cool+ pillow (our testers rate this as the best pillow hot sleepers can buy online right now).

3 things to look for in a cooling memory foam mattress

If you're a memory foam fan who loves the pressure relief it provides but is also prone to sleeping hot, this is what to look for...

Copper or graphite

Foam beds are typically warmer, but many sleepers still love a memory foam feel. Hence, mattress manufacturers have sought out ways to improve temperature regulation in these beds and one way they do this is by infusing foams with copper and graphite particles.

Metals in mattresses; really? These heat conducting elements are, in fact, able to remove heat from the mattress surface, keeping it cool to touch and helping you sleep cooler while laying on it.

I've recently tested the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid mattress which, as its name suggests, has foams infused with copper, and have been sleeping comfortably through the warm weather — even in a heat-trapping attic bedroom.

Phase Change Material

Phase Change Material (PCM) is a another popular cooling mechanism. These materials are similarly infused in mattresses and remove heat from your sleep surface as they change from a solid to a liquid state.

PCM specializes in temperature balancing. It absorbs excess body heat when you get warm during the night, holds it, and then releases back to your body when you cool down, acting like a thermal reservoir in your bed.

Cooling covers

Mattresses, whether hybrid, memory foam or spring, all benefit from cooling materials in their covers. The mattress cover is what is closest to your body, after all, so you'll want to make sure it has some cooling properties.

Recognizable materials like cotton and wool are naturally cooling thanks to their open-cell. Meanwhile, innovative fabrics like Tencel, made from wood cellulose, are becoming more popular.

This fabric is now used in both the Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress and the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress and draws moisture away from your skin, preventing the clammy, sweaty feeling we're prone to during summer nights.

Look out also for mattresses that use cool-to-the-touch fabrics such as GlacioTex in their covers. Such fabrics actively draw heat away from your body, resulting in cooler sleep, especially combined with other cooling materials with your mattress.

Struggling to get to sleep, and stay asleep, because you're too hot? Not only does your body temperature need to drop to regulate the hormones that will help you sleep, but research has shown that heat at night keeps people awake and reduces deep and REM sleep.

It's a issue for many — 57% of Americans said they sometimes struggle to sleep due to being too hot — that's only likely to get worse over the warmer months. One option is shopping a top-rated cooling mattress but, if you're looking for a high tech cooling upgrade for your existing mattress, consider the Chilipad Dock Pro bed cooling system at Sleepme

It's a mattress pad that is cooled (or heated) by water that flows through it via a control unit, with a smartphone app that allows you to fine tune the climate of your bed. Here, we explore more about the tech, how it works and whether the Chilipad Dock Pro is the right cooling option for you.

What is the Sleepme Chilipad system?

The Sleepme Chilipad Dock Pro is a hydronic system (that means it uses water as the means of heating and cooling) comprising a EMF-free smart mattress pad, bedside control unit and Sleepme app.

In an upgrade from the Chilipad Cube, the Dock Pro uses a membrane (rather than tubing) to circulate temperature controlled water through the mattress pad — which fits over your existing mattress and under your fitted sheet — to cool or warm your sleep surface, and therefore your body, through the night.

The pad is designed to absorb heat, and as this warms the circulating water, it returns to the control unit to be cooled again (where the heat being released into the air to stop your bedroom getting too cool).

The mattress pad itself has no electrical connections or wires, which means no electromagnetic fields (EMFs) surrounding it, reducing potentially harmful radiation in your sleep space. Additionally, "Airplane mode reduces EMFs from the Dock Pro control unit," according to Sleepme.

You can control the temperature of your bed and schedule temperature adjustments through the Sleepme App, or keep your sleep space phone-free by using buttons on the control unit.

Design and features

The Chilipad Dock Pro is available in a 'Me' size mattress pad with a hydrolayer membrane that covers half the bed and a 'We' size that covers the whole bed, with sizes from Queen to Cal King. Depending on which size you choose, the Dock Pro can cool one or both sides of the bed to temperatures as low as 55°F and as high as 115°F, offering a temperature solution no matter the time of year.

This dual temperature control is a key selling point for the Chilipad. Even with the 'we' option, which covers the full bed, you can adjust the temperature of each side independently, meaning you and your partner needn't bicker over your nighttime temperature preferences.

You can control the temperature, schedule changes during the night and set your pad to wake you by gently warming as an alternative to an alarm, all with the free Sleepme app.

Or, for an extra fee ($299 $249), you can add Chilipad's non-wearable sleep tracker which uses AI to identify when you'd benefit from a temperature adjustment during the night. In turn, the mattress pad will heat or cool to keep you at an optimal temperature for the best quality sleep (goodbye sweaty tossing and turning).

Like the Eight Sleep Pod 4, this sleep tracker will also produce a nightly sleep score and report, offering detailed analysis of your sleep metrics including time spent in each essential sleep stage, heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV).

How does the Chilipad differ from other cooling mattress toppers and beds?

The best mattress toppers for hot sleepers rely on cooling materials like gel-infused foam, copper and breathable fabrics to dissipate heat. While these offer good temperature regulation, they don't actively cool or heat your bed. They simply help wick away excess heat and moisture for a cooler, comfier night's sleep.

However, the Chilipad offers that active climate control, meaning it makes temperature adjustments based on your real-time metrics in order to increase deep and REM sleep — if you upgrade with the sleep tracker that is. Otherwise, temperature adjustments are in your hands, though you can schedule them through the night.

It essentially does what the best smart beds of the year do in terms of climate control, but at a slightly lower price and minus subscription fees.

For reference, a queen size Chilipad 'We' with the sleep tracking upgrade for both sides of the bed is currently a total of $2,367.15 (was $2,797) compared to a queen Eight Sleep Pod 4 at $2,649, which offers dual-sided sleep tracking and temperature regulation, but the subscription fees are a minimum of $199 a year on top.

You can also opt for the Chilipad Dock Pro Bundle, which for a queen-sized 'We' includes everything you'd get if you bought the queen 'We' on it's own, plus two sleep trackers, 12 months of system cleaner and an extended protection plan. This is currently $2,528.00 (was $3,238).

Benefits of the Sleepme Chilipad

Specializing in active, dual climate control, the 4.1/5 star-rated (from over 400 reviews) Chilipad Dock Pro could benefit many sleepers, from couples with different temperature needs in bed to people sleeping poorly due to menopause. Many reviewers raved about its cooling abilities, claiming it had eliminated their nightsweats.

The Chilipad is a more affordable option offering similar water heating and cooling features to an Eight Sleep Pod for almost $300 less for a queen, and without any additional subscription fees.

As a tight-fitting mattress cover, the Eight Sleep Pod feels more like a part of your mattress, whereas the Chilipad is a topper. Chilipad claim that the Dock Pro only takes 20 minutes to install, compared to up to an hour for the Eight Sleep Pod.

As it's compatible with any mattresses between 8 and 18 inches, you needn't splash on a new mattress either. And, unlike the Eight Sleep Pod, it's machine washable and dryable, making easy work of your mattress cleaning.

Finally, Chilipad say their water-based cooling system is, in general, more energy-efficient than air conditioning units, which is good news for both your wallet and the environment.

Drawbacks of the Sleepme Chilipad

While the cover is washable, the Chilipad Dock Pro does require regular maintenance too, like water filter refills, which you wouldn't have to do with a standard cooling mattress or mattress topper.

While the majority of reviews on the Chilipad site are positive, those who had gave negative feedback noted issues connecting the Dock Pro with their WiFi (and maintaining that connection), and some said that they found it too noisy. While white noise can be helpful for some sleepers, it could keep light sleepers who dislike the noise awake at night.

Some customers reported leaking issues with the Chilipad, though the reviewers generally noted the brand had provided replacements or refunds. Anyone keen on decluttering their sleep space should also consider that you must make sure you have bedroom space for the control unit(s).

Conclusion

We'd particularly recommend the Chilipad Dock Pro by Sleepme to hot sleepers struggling to beat the heat at night, but who don't want to change their current mattress. With personalized, customizable and automatic (if you upgrade) climate control, it will help you regulate your body temperature at night.

However, you must have the $1,000+ budget for this tech-enhanced sleep set, so we recommend you try more affordable methods first to ensure it is a worthy investment for you. Cheaper approaches to cooling your sleep space include keeping your blinds closed through the day, keeping windows open and sleeping with breathable nightwear and bedding.

From sleep headbands to sleep masks and viral vagus nerve stimulators, my job as a sleep tech writer means I've tried my fair share of gadgets that promise to help you fall asleep fast and sleep well through the night.

But what's the one device that I think is really worth your money? A top sunrise alarm clock. Honestly, I've asked the same question as you — is there really any benefit to using a sunrise-simulating gadget in summer when natural daylight streams through your window?

While I can't wake up without one in winter, I assumed a sunrise alarm clock would be redundant come summer. Turns out I was wrong: I'm still using my beloved Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light in June.

From elevating your bedtime routine to fighting morning blues, here are the benefits of using a sunrise alarm clock all year round...

5 benefits of using a sunrise alarm clock in summer

You don't have to pack your sunrise alarm clock away during summer. Here's how it can still help you get a good night's sleep and wake up refreshed...

1. Elevates your nighttime routine

The sunset simulation and sleep sounds including with many sunrise alarm clocks are great year-round additions to your nighttime routine.

Personally, I love using my Philips SmartSleep as a reading light before bed. It provides a warm light that gradually dims as I read, helping me feel sleepy and relaxed as I get through a chapter or two.

Plus I don't have to get up or reach over to turn the light off just as I'm nodding off, counteracting the sleep-inducing effects of reading. You can put it on a timer so it turns off automatically.

According to Talker Research, 49% of Gen Z and 32% of baby boomers lean on sounds to fall asleep, and this is where a sunrise alarm clock can help you fall asleep fast.

The new Hatch Restore 3 sunrise alarm clock comes with an upgraded audio library holding more than 60 sleep sounds from guided mediations to sleep podcasts, soothing domestic sounds and ASMR.

2. You can use it as a normal alarm clock

Although simulating natural light is their main purpose, sunrise alarms have audio alarms too.

Even though the gradual light increase slowly pulls you from sleep, many people, including our testers, don't wake up to light alone and need an audio alarm too.

Packed with natural alarm sounds from tweeting birds to goat sounds, or upbeat music, sunrise alarm clocks have many alarm options that help you start your day on a better note than a jarring iPhone alarm sound.

Using an alarm device separate from phone means you can follow science-backed advice and keep screens out of bed for better sleep.

Plus, you're less likely to reach for your phone first thing, which experts say is bad news for sleep. Instead of mindlessly scrolling before your head leaves the pillow, you should get natural light exposure to help regulate your circadian rhythm.

3. Useful for shift workers

People subjected to poor sleep because of shift work schedules, or anyone who needs to sleep at irregular times of day or wakes up super early, would particularly benefit from a sunrise alarm clock in summer.

Shift workers may need to block out natural daylight for them to be able to nod off during the day to prepare or recover from a night shift.

The simulated sunrise can help them wake up gradually at any time of day, preventing grogginess upon waking.

While these people can't help their circadian rhythm being out of whack, the simulated daylight will help their internal body clock understand when to be alert and when to rest, which can help lift their mood, energy levels and sleep quality.

4. Gives you consistently brighter mornings

Heavy sleepers may not be woken up naturally by light coming in through the window, especially on greyer days which, unfortunately, still occur during summer months. The added intensity of light from the sunrise alarm clock can help them wake up.

The morning light exposure also helps reinforce your circadian rhythm, especially if you're exposed to late sunsets that can delay melatonin production.

What's more, the warm colored light from the alarm clock is more likely to boost your mood than grey skies.

This is because morning light exposure boosts serotonin levels, supporting a more positive mood and reducing irritability and grogginess.

5. Helps get the kids up

You may use blackout curtains to get your kids off to sleep at a reasonable time at night throughout the summer months when daylight hours are longer, so the sunrise alarm clock can help wake them up come morning.

Plus, they’re sure to enjoy the different color light options — particularly on the affordable Momcozy sunrise alarm clock available for $49.99 at Momcozy — and fun sleep and alarm sounds included with most clocks.

Struggling to sleep due to allergies? Your pillow might be the last thing you suspect to be triggering them, but certain materials found in even the best pillows of the year are notorious for causing allergic reactions.

So, depending on what you're currently sleeping on, you might need to shop for a replacement. As well as factors like your sleeping position, it's important to consider your health needs when purchasing a new pillow.

And to help you choose with confidence, we've listed the three pillow fill materials most likely to trigger allergies, as well as three hypoallergenic options for you to consider instead. Let's dive deeper...

• Read more: Allergies ruining your sleep? Here's how to pollen-proof your mattress and bedding

3 pillow materials that can worsen your allergies

1. Feathers and down

Feathers and down make up the dream pillow fill thanks to the unmatched comfort and support they deliver, no matter what your sleeping position is.

This is why most luxury hotel pillows feature a calculated blend of both, resulting in a plush yet supportive pillow.

Unfortunately, feathers and down are the pillow fills most likely to trigger allergies among sleepers.

This is because of a certain type of protein in bird feathers that causes allergic reactions such as sneezing, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or rashes.

2. Synthetic fibers

Research has shown that synthetic fibers in pillows can harbor dust mites and common allergens at a much higher rate than natural feathers and down.

This mainly happens due to two reasons:

Firstly, dust mites tend to accumulate in a warm, humid environment where they feed on dead skin cells, and synthetic fibers, being less breathable and moisture-trapping, provide just that.

Secondly, synthetic pillow covers tend to be looser than tightly-woven feather-proof encasings, allowing easier access for mites.

3. Latex

Organic latex is naturally hypoallergenic, but what if you're allergic to latex itself?

According to the Allergy and Asthma Network, latex allergy is quite rare, affecting roughly 1-6% of adults.

Latex allergy is triggered by direct skin contact with latex or by inhaling latex particles.

This can lead to irritated skin, rashes, hives, sneezing or a scratchy throat in some individuals, however in some cases an allergic reaction to latex can be life-threatening.

Hypoallergenic pillow materials to choose instead

1. Memory foam

Like the best memory foam mattresses, pillows made with memory foam are known to be supremely contouring, giving you pressure-relieving comfort and support, easing you into a good night's sleep.

While it's man-made and factory-produced, memory foam is an excellent hypoallergenic pillow fill, thanks to its dense cell structure that prevents the accumulation of dust mites and other allergens.

We'd specifically recommend that you choose CERTI-PUR US certified memory foam pillows, as this indicates that the foam is free from harmful chemicals and ozone depleters, and made with low emission materials for better indoor air quality.

2. Down alternative

A down alternative fill mimics the same plush luxury fluffiness and support of natural down, but with hypoallergenic properties.

This is good news for sleepers who want the temperature-regulating comfort of natural down, without enduring symptoms such as sneezing and coughing.

Down alternative pillows are usually manufactured using synthetic materials like polyester and microfiber, which are produced to be at a certain thickness and weave in order to replicated that dreamy down feel.

These are not be confused with the cheaper polyester fill pillows, as they may prove to be counterproductive for your allergies.

3. Anti-allergy treated pillows

Modern technology means that you can now get hold of specialized pillows treated to be immune against dust mites, bed bugs, mold and bacteria.

Such pillows are often made by incorporating additional barriers using hypoallergenic materials, or by putting them through anti-microbial treatment.

A great example would be the Westin Soft Hotel pillow, a top-tier hotel headrest that features both a hypoallergenic fiber fill and anti-microbial treatment.

• Read more: Layla Kapok pillow review 2025

Other ways to reduce your allergy symptoms

If you're a chronic allergy sufferer, choosing a pillow with a hypoallergenic fill is essential.

However, no pillow is 100% free from all kinds of allergens, so you need to shop carefully.

Regular care and maintenance is also required to ensure that your allergy tendencies won't be exacerbated due to dust mites, pollen or pet dander in your pillows.

Just as you'd use the best mattress protectors to safeguard your bed against common allergens, it's important to have a pillow protector under your pillowcase, too. This ensures that there is an extra layer acting as a barrier against allergens.

Experts also recommend washing your bedding every two weeks and drying it outside (if the weather allows), as sunlight has proven effects on bacteria and dust mites.

Replacing your pillows every one to two years is also crucial to maintaining a clean and uninterrupted night's sleep.

I'll be the first to admit, I spend more time than I'd like scrolling in the evening. I do my best to follow a relaxing screen-free nighttime routine, but some nights the screentime gets one over me.

Luckily, I sleep on one of this year's top-rated mattresses and get plenty of fresh air and movement during the day, so this evening light exposure doesn't completely ruin my sleep. However, I'm curious about the impact blue light has on my overall sleep quality.

Online advice around blue light is conflicting. Some sources say it's sure to ruin your sleep, while others say it's not so bad.

So, I've dug into studies and reached out to Dr. Michael Gradisar, head of sleep science at Sleep Cycle, and insomnia and sleep therapist Dr. Anna Joyce to set the record straight. Here's what these two experts want you to know about blue light and sleep...

• Read more: Reading in bed was keeping me awake, but this $16 gadget helps me fall asleep before I can even finish my chapter

What is blue light?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and accounts for about one-third of all light we see as humans.

This type of light influences alertness, hormone production and sleep cycles.

Blue light comes naturally from the sun, the biggest source of blue light we consume, but it can also come from artificial sources like smartphone screens, televisions and fluorescent and LED lights.

How does blue light impact sleep?

Bright light, i.e blue light, interferes with the circadian rhythm by suppressing production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.

When the brain identifies light, it sends signals to the body telling it to be alert rather than sleepy. So, in theory, blue light exposure in the evening should delay sleep onset.

On the flip side, it helps us feel alert come morning. Hence, exposing yourself to natural daylight first thing is a key tip for fighting morning grogginess and getting up and at 'em, which in turn helps us sleep better at night.

The common assumption is blue light is bad news for sleep — and with right reason. A 2022 systematic review by Swiss researchers of studies investigating the influence of blue light exposure on sleep, performance and wellbeing concluded blue light could have negative effects such as a decrease in sleep quality and sleep duration.

However, recent research by The Conversation suggests blue light isn’t as bad for sleep as we’ve previously been led to believe.

Sleep experts from Sweden, Australia and Israel found blue light exposure only delayed sleep by 2.7 minutes — hardly substantial.

Can blue light really ruin sleep?

Experts, including Dr. Gradisar and Dr. Joyce, now agree that although light from screens does delay melatonin release, it only makes a minimal difference. Light from screens just isn’t bright enough to significantly affect sleep patterns.

"For blue light to meaningfully shift a person’s sleep timing, the light source needs to be at least ten times brighter than what’s emitted from phones, tablets, or other devices," says Dr. Gradisar.

Rather, it is our cultural inability to shut down screens at bedtime, as we're sucked into unceasing social media feeds, that impacts our sleep, particularly how long we sleep for.

Research from Dr. Gradisar shows the biggest sleep disrupter is delaying bedtime due to screen use rather than the light from the screens.

"Don’t fear using screens before bed — just time them wisely," he says. "While blue light from phones is often blamed, my research has shown that the biggest disrupter is actually delaying bedtime, not the light or the content from screens themselves."

"Watching TV or listening to a podcast as a wind-down routine can be perfectly fine, especially if it helps reduce nighttime overthinking, as long as it doesn’t cut into the number of hours of rest you get."

Ways to stop blue light ruining your sleep

Evening blue light is pretty much unavoidable in our modern world and, as tech gurus here at Tom’s Guide, we’re not ones to say get rid of your gadgets altogether. Instead follow these tips for sleeping well even after your screentime fix…

Be selective over what you consume

When I do fall into the trap of being glued to my phone in the evening, it's certainly harder to switch off.

Be it catching up with gossip in the group chat, online shopping or a doom scroll through Instagram reels, I rarely come away from my screen feeling sleepy.

Instead I'm thinking about the breakup of a couple I've never met, contemplating whether I really need that new outfit or dreaming of that holiday destination that was made to look oh-so perfect in a 30 second video.

"The problem is that we usually use screens for engaging and alerting activities, like work, reading the news, or scrolling social media; all things which stimulate us and affect our mood," explains Dr. Joyce.

"The brain needs time to wind down in order to fall asleep so some transition time between screen use and bedtime is helpful."

Similarly, Dr. Gradisar recommends podcasts or watching TV for your bedtime digital fix instead of scrolling.

"TV is a passive device compared to phones. Many people fall asleep just fine after watching TV, with some drifting off while it’s on," he says.

Be disciplined around bedtime

There’s no serious harm in using screens as part of a nighttime wind-down routine — television programmes or films are a mainstay in many people's evenings.

But, as Dr. Gradisar's research shows, you need to be disciplined over your screen shut off time before bed to ensure it doesn’t eat into crucial sleep time.

That means having the self-control to flick up the TikTok app or turn off Netflix rather than hit 'play next episode' when bedtime rolls around.

A 2024 study by researchers at the University of Otago concludes we should keep screens out of bed for better sleep, rather than cutting them out in the evening completely.

This enforces a cut off point for screens — i.e. use them on the sofa, but put them down once you get into bed.

Consider blue light blocking tech

You can buy blue light blocking glasses and lamps that help minimize the glare of screens and prevent blue light from interfering with sleep.

I’ve been using a blue light blocking clip light (on sale for $29.99/£19.99 $25.49/£16.99 at Bon Charge) to read before bed.

I've found replacing my bright bedside lamp with this dim red light has been a game changer for helping me drift off immediately after closing my book.

While the scientific studies around blue light blocking glasses are tenuous, our Tom's Guide team have tested the best blue light blocking glasses you can buy online right now.

These glasses are designed to filter out wavelengths that disrupt our circadian rhythms. Be their effectiveness placebo or not, we think they're worth trying if you're concerned about how blue light is impacting your circadian cycle. Plus, they won't break the bank.

• Read more: My phone addiction kept me awake at night — these changes helped me fall asleep fast

Whether it's for financial, ethical, or convenience considerations — or simply to get ahead of potential tariffs — there are many reasons why you might consider investing in a mattress made in the US.

Many mattresses sold online are made either partly or primarily in the US, but they sit among large numbers of imported beds. As the online sleep market is vast, identifying the origin of your mattress can be tricky.

In this guide we're exploring the beds we've tested, reviewed and consider among the best mattresses you can buy this year, to find US-made mattresses for every sleep style and budget.

Made in the US or assembled in the US?

Before we dive in, let's take a closer look at the difference between 'made in the US' and 'assembled in the US.'

Mattresses that are 'made in the US' have to be crafted within the US using materials entirely or primarily sourced from the US. Claims of being 'made in the US' are strictly monitored by the Federal Trade Commission.

Mattresses that are 'assembled in the US' are put together in factories on US soil, but multiple components might be sourced or even manufactured globally.

There are multiple layers to this — just as there are multiple layers in your mattress and therefore multiple levels of manufacturing.

For example, some mattress brands in this guide will pour their own foams, coil their own springs and sew their own covers in the US. However, depending on how many materials comes from global markets, they might not be able to claim the 'made in the US' label.

Other brands might make every component individually in factories outside the US, but because the final layering and sewing is completed on US soil, they can also claim to be 'assembled in the US.'

We've tried to avoid the second option here and focus on mattress brands that do the majority of their manufacturing in the US.

Why does this matter?

There are numerous reasons why you might be interested in the provenance of your mattress, from manufacturing standards to eco concerns. But for many of us, the most pressing reason for identifying a place of origin is mattress tariffs.

Trump's tariffs on imported goods have proved unpredictable so far but they could potentially bring price hikes across the mattress industry. These tariffs are most likely to impact mattresses manufactured outside the US, as well as brands that import a large number of materials.

And every part of a mattress can be imported, from the steel used in springs to the cotton used in covers. If these materials become more expensive, that's likely to be reflected in how much you pay for your mattress.

Mattresses primarily manufactured and assembled within the US, however, will be subject to fewer increased tariffs, which means they might avoid the worst of rising costs.

Mattresses made or assembled in the US

While we've tried to be thorough, this isn't an exhaustive list of mattresses that are either made in or assembled in the US. The brands below manufacture at least one mattress that has been tested, reviewed and recommended by our experienced sleep team.

WinkBeds

Made in the US from materials sourced in the US

WinkBeds' flagship WinkBed mattress is a luxury hybrid designed to suit all sleep styles, including those of a bigger build.

While the WinkBeds mattress line-up is relatively small, the variety of builds and firmness options means these beds suit a lot of sleep needs.

All WinkBeds mattress are handmade to order in factories across the US, using materials sourced from within the US. WinkBeds claims this US-focused production allows it to "keep a close eye on the production process and quality of our mattresses."

• Read more: WinkBed mattress review

Saatva

Made to order in Saatva factories across the US from materials sourced domestically and internationally

Saatva mattresses are made in the US with materials sourced both from within the US ("mostly in the US" according to Saatva's materials guide) and globally, including GOTS certified wool from New Zealand.

Each Saatva mattress is handmade to order, which means construction doesn't start until you press 'buy'. The manufacturing then begins in the Saatva factory closest to the delivery address, to cut down on fuel use.

We've tested many of the best Saatva mattresses and the high marks from our review team can attest to the quality of the build.

• Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review

Helix

Assembled in Arizona from materials sourced in the US and globally

Helix mattresses are manufactured in Glendale, Arizona. The materials are sourced both within the US (the foams are made in the factory itself) and globally.

Helix specializes in hybrid mattresses that are tailored to specific needs — for example, the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is our favorite mattress for side sleepers — with Core, Luxe and Elite ranges to suit different budgets.

• Read more: Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review

Brooklyn Bedding

Assembled in Arizona from materials sourced in the US and globally

Brooklyn Bedding is one of the best mattress in a box brands we've tried due to the range of designs it has on offer, from the budget-friendly DreamFoam collection to the cooling Aurora Luxe and the impressive new CopperFlex Pro, as well as specialist sub-brands such as Titan and Plank Firm.

All mattresses under the Brooklyn Bedding umbrella are manufactured in Arizona and crafted using materials from the US and international suppliers.

• Read more: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid mattress review

Naturepedic

Manufactured in Ohio using materials sourced domestically and globally

Naturepedic mattresses are made in a GOTS certified organic factory in Ohio. Naturepedic works closely with the Amish community, using dedicated craftspeople to ensure each mattress is finished to the highest degree.

Naturepedic mattresses are made using a variety of domestic and imported materials.

For example, Naturepedic sources all its cotton from the US (and from USDA certified sources) but its organic latex foams appear to be sourced worldwide.

• Read more: Naturepedic Concerto Pillow Top Mattress review

Leesa

Assembled in Arizona from materials sourced in the US and globally

Leesa was founded with the intention of putting "conscious manufacturing" at the forefront of a mattress in a box brand, and its mattresses are designed and crafted in the US.

They're made in Arizona using materials that are better for the environment, including recycled steel for the springs, GOLS certified latex and recycled plastic (some of these materials are sourced globally.)

Leesa also works with charitable organizations to prevent products from ending up in landfills. The mattress line-up includes all-foam and hybrid beds, as well as a bed frame made from steel "reclaimed from U.S. railroad tracks."

• Read more: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress review

Bear

Assembled in the US from materials sourced in the US and globally

Bear mattresses are made in the US using foreign and domestic materials. Bear states that this in-house manufacturing allows them to "control product quality to meet the highest standards."

There is a diverse range of mattresses in the Bear line-up, including hybrid and all-foam beds, but perhaps the most notable feature of this brand is its use of Celliant fabrics.

Derived from minerals sourced from the Earth, Celliant is used in mattresses to enhance cooling and aid recovery. Celliant minerals are manufactured in the US but the fabrics they're applied to are often made globally.

• Read more: Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review

Amerisleep

Made in the US from domestic and global materials, covers sewn in Canada

It's probably no surprise that a brand named Amerisleep conducts at least some of its operations in the US.

Amerisleep mattresses are manufactured in the US using materials from both domestic and international suppliers. It's worth noting, however, that the covers for Amerisleep mattresses are sewn in Canada.

Amerisleep makes both hybrid and all-foam mattresses, as well as the Organica natural latex bed. Every Amerisleep mattress uses Bio-Pur, a type of foam designed as a breathable and responsive alternative to traditional memory foam.

• Read more: Amerisleep AS3 mattress review

Nolah

Assembled in Arizona using materials sourced from the US and globally

Nolah states that its intention is to "perfect the sleep experience for customers of all sleep positions, sizes, ages, and budgets" — that's a lofty goal, but designing and manufacturing all Nolah mattresses in the US allows greater oversight of the quality and comfort of each design.

Nolah mattresses include memory foam, hybrid and latex builds, with options for every sleep style (although many of the designs target side sleeper comfort.) You can also get a Nolah mattress in the rare Alaskan King size, for very big bedrooms.

• Read more: Nolah Evolution 15 mattress review

PlushBeds

Assembled in the US using sustainable materials from inside and outside the US

The PlushBeds factory in California covers 80,000 sq. ft. and is certified organic. The materials used to make PlushBeds mattresses come from US and global markets, with PlushBeds sourcing only "the world's highest quality natural and organic materials."

PlushBeds machinery is sourced from Europe and its craftsmen are trained by established European mattress makers.

Made using latex foams, PlushBeds offers both hybrid and all-foam builds for eco-conscious sleepers.

• Read more: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex mattress review

Avocado

Assembled in the US using sustainable materials sourced from the US and internationally

Operating from a GOTS and GOLS certified factory in Los Angeles, Avocado hopes to become one of the "most sustainable companies on the planet."

That means a close involvement with every part of the manufacturing process, including sourcing sustainable materials both within the US and internationally.

Avocado is a leader in the best organic mattress market, manufacturing latex hybrids alongside eco-friendly vegan beds and what might be the most luxurious organic mattress on the market; the Avocado Grand Luxe.

• Read more: Avocado Green Mattress review

Pillows differ in design and build to suit all manner of sleep requirements. While it may seem trivial, lying on the wrong pillow can trigger or worsen neck pain and shoulder aches, having the potential to ruin your sleep.

To avoid this, it’s wise to pay attention to one particular feature when shopping for your ideal head rest: pillow loft. This is the pillow's height, and it can have a huge impact on the support you'll feel from it.

We test the best pillows of 2025 and pillow loft is an important parameter to consider, making each pillow suitable to certain sleep styles, needs and positions. Here's what that means and how to choose the right loft for you.

What does pillow loft mean?

As we've mentioned, pillow loft refers to how tall a headrest is. This is important to ensure your head, neck and shoulders are in a healthy alignment, which means improved blood circulation, reduced strain on pressure points and better breathing, leading to a more restorative night's sleep.

Lying on a pillow that's too low or tall for your sleeping position can impact the balance of your spinal alignment, which can result in neck pain or aches. If you do not properly tend to this at the right time, this can lead to headaches and even serious issues like pinched nerves and injuries.

Top bedding manufacturers agree that the average pillow loft falls between four and seven inches but this, once again, depends on a variety of factors.

What pillow loft do you need?

Low-loft pillows

A low-loft pillow is one that measures up to three inches in thickness. This is an ideal choice for stomach sleepers as it effectively prevents the head from tilting upwars and thereby minimizes the potential risk on your neck muscles, when lying on your stomach.

This is often a position least recommended by both chiropractors and sleep experts because of the strains it puts on various parts of the body, including the neck, shoulders and back.

Stomach sleepers are, therefore, advised to opt for a soft low-loft pillow since a firmer headrest can compromise the alignment and shift your neck into an uncomfortable angle.

Medium-loft pillows

Pillows measuring anywhere between three to five inches are regarded as medium-loft.

Both back sleepers and some side sleepers can benefit from a medium-loft pillow since it stops your head from dipping into your mattress, causing misalignment.

However, the question of whether you should opt for a medium-loft pillow (or something taller) also largely depends on your body type.

If you're a side sleeper with broad shoulders and a larger frame, it is advisable to size up to a high-loft pillow, simply because you need that extra support.

High-loft pillows

Anything taller than five inches would be classed as a high-loft pillow. This is a perfect option for side sleeping, since anything lower can dip your head which can interfere with your body's natural alignment.

A high-loft pillow, on the other hand, can bridge the gap between your ears and shoulders when lying on your side.

It can work well to provide cradling and pressure relieving support to your head, neck and shoulders, reducing any muscle strain when you shift to your side.

What is an adjustable pillow loft and who needs it?

As the name suggests, adjustable loft pillows feature a customizable height and firmness. This can be ideal for combination sleepers who tend to shift between two or more positions during the night.

Adjustable loft pillows are usually crafted from materials like memory foam, microfiber and shredded latex, with a design that enables you to add or remove the fill to suit your sleeping preferences.

A good example would be the Coop Original Adjustable pillow we reviewed, made from a blend of both memory foam and microfiber. It comes with an extra half-pound bag of fill to let you decide your ideal pillow loft and firmness.

What to consider when choosing the right pillow for you

While pillow loft is a crucial element, there are other factors that you need to consider during your search for your ideal pillow.

We have listed the top three here, but you can refer to our guide to how to choose the right pillow for your sleep position if you want to know more.

1. Materials

Pillows are made from a variety of materials ranging from organic cotton, wool, down and latex to synthetic polyester fiber and down-alternative fill. Why does this matter? The feel and comfort of a pillow is determined by the materials it is made of.

Wondering whether you should opt for memory foam or latex? If you're someone who values a plush and cloud-like pillow, down or memory foam will be ideal.

Prefer the springiness of some of the best organic mattresses and want the same sensation for your pillow too? Latex is the right pick in that case, thanks to its responsive, bouncy feel.

2. Sleep needs

Are you prone to overheating during sleep? Do you often struggle with allergies? These are the kind of questions to ask yourself when trying to assess your sleep needs.

Different materials used in pillows affect your sleep in different ways. Memory foam, for instance, is notorious for trapping heat. So, the best fill for hot sleepers will be something more natural and breathable, like wool or down. Or, you can opt for pillows that incorporate specific cooling technology, like GlacioTex.

Similarly, some sleepers will find certain materials worsen their allergies, especially as we're in such close contact with them. Hypoallergenic pillows, often made from wool or silk, are made to resist dust mites and other allergens.

By identifying your particular sleep needs and finding the pillow that best caters to them, you'll be in with a much better chance of achieving properly restorative sleep every night.

3. Sleeping position

A pillow can make or break your sleep. As we've mentioned earlier, your sleeping position is a top factor in determining the type of pillow for your sleep.

There are three main sleeping positions – side, back and front – and many people are combination sleepers who change position throughout the night.

Just as the best mattresses of 2025 are designed to suit specific sleeping positions and body types, like the Helix Midnight Luxe being the best mattress for side sleepers, pillows too can support your sleep style. For example, the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper pillow we reviewed.

You don't need to leave good rest in the rearview mirror when you head onto the open road — from cheap air beds to luxury organic RV mattresses, your motorhome can be a sleep sanctuary.

While only a handful of the best mattresses you can buy online come in RV sizes, this is a rapidly expanding market and in this guide we're exploring the ins and outs of RV mattresses, including cost, sizes and materials.

But before we get started, the most important part of choosing any RV mattress is getting the measurements right, So break out the tape measure and let's get going.

What is an RV mattress?

An RV mattress is a specialist mattress designed to fit the smaller living spaces of an RV.

Admittedly, RV beds often come with a mattress already installed but these are generally thin, inexpensive builds that provide minimum comfort.

A good RV mattress will pair the quality and support features of a standard residential mattress with the necessary restrictions resulting from an RV (size, weight) for a bed setup that will provide better sleep wherever your motorhome takes you.

What's the difference between an RV mattress and a regular mattress?

RV mattresses and regular residential mattresses have a lot in common, including the materials used to make these beds. However, RV mattresses differ from the beds in your home in two key areas: size and weight.

Standard mattress sizes typically range from twin to Cal king (although you can find variations and unusual sizes, including the massive Alaskan king and the wide Olympic queen.)

But RV mattresses need to fit smaller, and often unusually shaped, living quarters. For that reason, RV mattresses tend to have less width and length than standard residential beds. (We'll dive into this more below.)

In terms of weight, RV mattresses are, on the whole, lighter than their residential counterparts for an important reason.

All RVs come with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and / or a GTWR (Gross Trailer Weight Rating) which determines how much weight the RV can safely carry.

That includes all cargo, fuel, passengers and, yes, mattresses.

A heavy residential mattress can contribute a lot of weight to your RVs overall gross amount, meaning you might have to cut back on cargo to avoid exceeding your limits.

RV mattresses, on the other hand, use less dense material to create a lighter build, reducing the weight added to your motorhome.

What sizes do RV mattresses come in?

RV mattress sizes often share a name with their at-home equivalents but that doesn't mean these sizes are interchangeable.

We highly recommend measuring your space and double checking the dimensions before purchasing an RV mattress. To misquote an old saying: measure twice, buy once, sleep eight hours.

Below we've rounded up some of the most common RV mattress widths and lengths but our guide to RV mattress sizes has a full breakdown.

Some specialist stores also offer custom RV mattress sizes, ordered to fit your exact need. These are less common (and can come at a premium) but also a surefire way to get the perfect dimensions.

What to look for in an RV mattress

Gone are the days when your RV mattress was simply whatever happened to fit the space. Nowadays, RVers can find a mattress to suit their specific sleep needs, ensuring a better night's rest wherever you spend the night.

With that in mind, while we typically recommend prioritizing your sleep needs when choosing a mattress, if you're kitting out an RV, a few considerations come first.

1. Size, depth and weight

Measure and measure again before buying an RV mattress to ensure your new bed will fit the space available.

Then double-check those measurements against the dimensions listed by your chosen retailer.

Depth is also an important consideration when choosing an RV mattress. We typically recommend a mattress thickness of 10 inches for an adult but in an RV, a thinner mattress might be easier to move (and less dominating in the space.)

A thinner mattress is also likely to weigh less (although it's not a guarantee, as materials also contribute to weight.)

But depth is a good way to add some coziness and pressure relief to your mattress, so weigh up the dimensions carefully... and literally. Check the weight of the mattress before you buy, so you can factor it into your GVWR.

2. Type of mattress and feel

As with standard mattresses, RV mattresses are available in a variety of types and builds. They tend to be thinner (and therefore use fewer layers) than a residential mattress, but the most common types include:

• Memory foam mattress: The best memory foam mattresses use multiple foam layers to create cushioned pressure relief. This is a common type of RV mattress due to its durability and potentially light build.
• Innerspring mattress: Made using coils, this traditional mattress type is often among the most affordable, although they do lack durability.
• Hybrid mattress: While our favorite hybrid mattresses use coils and foams to balance support and relief, these can be heavy builds, so make sure to check the dimensions.
• Air mattress: Inflatable and affordable, air mattresses are easy on the wallet but can wear out quickly.
• Latex mattress: A growing segment in RV mattresses, latex foams have a bouncy feel and excellent durability, even if they tend to be expensive upfront.

3. Ease of use

In a standard bedroom we recommend leaving several feet of space around the bed and the walls.

In an RV, you might not have this luxury which can make unboxing, setting up and making the bed difficult.

For that reason, we recommend choosing a lighter, thinner mattress for your RV. This will allow you to navigate the bed with (relative) ease.

We also recommend buying a mattress that's easy to clean, so you can keep your sleep space shipshape. A mattress protector is a must for quick cleans.

Where can I buy an RV mattress?

RV mattresses are becoming increasingly common with many of our favorite brands now offering RV sizes alongside the standard collection. We've rounded up some of our favorites below.

We also recommend exploring third-party retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair, where you can often find good deals on affordable RV mattresses.

Camping and outdoor retailers are another good option — check out the Cozyway selection at Camping World — particularly for inflatable designs.

How much do RV mattresses cost?

As the variety of RV mattresses has expanded so has the potential price point — there's an RV bed for almost every budget.

The cheapest RV mattresses are typically inflatable air beds. You can pick up a short queen air bed for around $50 to $150, but keep in mind these inexpensive options have reduced longevity.

Innerspring RV mattresses are another affordable choice, while all-foam mattresses encompass a wide price bracket: expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $950 for a short queen, with depth an important factor in price.

At the other end of the scale are hybrid and latex RV mattresses. A short queen can cost between $350 (for a thin hybrid) to upwards of $1,000 (for an organic latex mattress.)

Should you buy an RV mattress?

Buy an RV mattress if...

✅ You have an unusual bed size: The primary reason for choosing an RV mattress is the size, as these specialist beds are designed for the confined spaced of a motorhome.

✅ You use your RV regularly: If you spend a lot of time in your RV, choosing a mattress that properly fits the space and your sleep needs will make your trips more comfortable.

✅ A standard size mattress doesn't quite fit: We love a bargain — just check out our mattress sales hub — but forcing an ultra-cheap or second hand standard size mattress into a non-standard space risks damaging the interior, causing it to degrade faster. The result? Spending more on a replacement.

Don't buy an RV mattress if...

❌ You have space for a standard size mattress: While you don't have to avoid RV mattresses, if your motorhome has room for a standard bed size, you'll have more options to choose from.

❌ You don't spend much time overnight in your RV: For quick trips and overnight stays, you might be able to get away with the mattress pre-installed in the RV (or a sleeping bag.)

❌ You're on a very tight budget: If a new mattress is too high an expense, consider investing in one of our favorite mattress toppers instead. Measuring roughly two to four inches tall, a topper can add a layer of much needed comfort to your regulation RV bed.

While most of us rejoice at warm summer evenings (hello BBQs and beach days), they aren't so popular among hot sleepers whose sleep routine can suffer at this time of year.

While I'm not an especially hot sleeper, I often find myself tossing and turning trying to find the cool spots of bedding depending on where I am in my menstrual cycle. So, I know how frustrating running hot at night can be.

But since switching to one of the best cooling mattresses you can buy online right now (namely the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid mattress), I've been sleeping more comfortably, no matter the time of the month.

If you're a hot sleeper wondering whether a cooling bed is a wise purchase in the Memorial Day mattress sales, sit tight. Here, I'll dig into who'd best benefit from a cooling mattress and why Memorial Day is the perfect opportunity to get a great value deal.

5 people who’d benefit from investing in a cooling mattress

I want to preface what I say here by explaining that everyone can benefit from sleeping at a cool temperature. There is a close connection between our body temperature and our body clock, also called circadian rhythm.

As we prepare to sleep, our internal temperature naturally drops and this drop tells the brain to release sleep-inducing hormones like melatonin. Therefore, the best temperature for sleeping is cool.

That said, there are a handful of genetic, medical and lifestyle factors that cause you to run hot at night, wreaking havoc with your ability to nod off. Hence, a cooling mattress that helps regulate your body temperature is a particularly worthy investment for the following sleepers…

1. Naturally hot sleepers

All bodies are different and prone to different tendencies, one of which can be running hot at night.

Having your sleep disrupted by hot flushes occasionally isn't usually something to worry about — according to Gallup News, 57% of Americans experience the same sleep disturbance — but it can be frustrating, and this is where a cooling mattress can help.

The best mattress for this crowd is one that's breathable, cool-to-touch and sufficient at wicking away moisture.

This specialist cooling technology can give a hand in helping naturally hot sleepers reach that ideal cool sleep temperature during warmer summer months.

2. People going through menopause

There's no avoiding the fact hormones causes trouble sleeping during perimenopause and menopause, and this is mainly down to the impact these changes have on the body's ability to regulate temperature.

As progesterone and oestrogen decline at this point in life, your body's internal thermostat finds it more difficult to keep you at a stable sleep temperature through the night, causing hot flushes and night sweats.

But a specialist cooling mattress built with technology like Phase Change Materials (PCM) can aid climate control by wicking away moisture, keeping your sleep surface cooler to touch.

3. People with hot-sleeping prone medical conditions

A number of medical conditions and medications can cause you to run hot at night.

While a short-term fever may not warrant investing in a premium cooling mattress, chronic conditions like sleep apnea, hyperthyroidism, hyperhidrosis and nerve damage are all potential reasons why you get so hot when you sleep.

Additionally, nighttime hot flushes can be a side effect of medications like antidepressants, steroids, hormone therapies and painkillers. In these cases, a reliable cooling bed could be the answer to your sleep woes.

4. Athletes

Fine-tuned through training, people with athletic jobs and lifestyles have a higher metabolic rate, meaning their bodies burn through fuel (calories) at a faster pace. This increased metabolism results in a higher core body temperature which can pose sleep challenges.

Quick muscle recovery is also a priority for active people so they can adapt to training and perform well in sport.

Research shows we spend more time in deep sleep at cooler temperatures — the sleep stage where muscle repair and recovery occurs

Therefore, a cooling mattress is an ideal mattress for recovery, which is great news for athletes looking to optimize their physical performance.

5. Those who experience night sweats

Sweating through your sheets is no way to bag quality sleep. Night sweats are uncomfortable and irritating for both you and your partner.

Whatever the cause of your night sweats, be it menopause or anxiety, a cooling mattress will support you towards getting better rest.

If you experience night sweats, you'll want to look out for moisture-wicking materials like GlacioTex, wool and open-cell structures like coils found in the best hybrid mattresses you can buy now.

Alternatively, opting for latex in the best organic mattresses will prove cooler than memory foam. These breathable, open materials allow air to flow through your bed while you lay on it, cooling the mattress and you down.

Is Memorial Day a good time to buy a cooling mattress?

Heralding summer, Memorial Day is a great time to snap up a cooling mattress ready for you to take on the warmer nights sweat-free.

After years of tracking mattress sales and monthly prices, our team know Memorial Day is the second best time of year to buy a mattress behind Black Friday.

Packed with tech and quality materials designed to keep your sleep temperature at bay, cooling mattresses tend to have a higher price tag than standard mattresses, making it all the more important to make the most of Memorial Day discounts.

We expect to see some of the best prices of the year, unlikely to be beaten until Black Friday rolls around again in the winter.

What to look for in a cooling mattress

So, if you think a cooling mattress will help you get quality sleep throughout the summer, look out for the following features when you're shopping:

• Materials: Natural materials like wool, cotton and latex are moisture wicking and breathable. You can also keep an eye out for specialist cooling materials like Phase Change Materials, Glaciotex and copper-infused foams,
• Open structure: Even though some of the best memory foam mattresses can be great at temperature regulation, looking for more open structures like hybrid beds will ensure proper airflow and a cooler sleep.
• Mattress trial: Any reputable mattress brand should offer you a sleep trial to test out the mattress and see if it's right for you. This ranges from 100 nights to a full 365 nights.

Most mattresses only have space for one of two people but the oversized Alaskan king mattress fits four adults with room to spare. I tried one alongside four sleep experts plus a bulldog with the zoomies.

Who needs all that space? Alaskan king mattresses are primarily designed for families with pets and the 81 square foot surface area can accommodate toddlers, teens and even a husky (or two.)

But to enjoy the Alaskan king you first need to find a mattress that suits both your sleep needs and your size preferences. That might be trickier than it sounds. I test mattresses for a living and I've only once seen an Alaskan king in person — none of our favorite mattresses are available in this specialist size.

In this guide we're exploring the ins and outs of Alaskan king mattresses, including who this large bed suits and what to consider before buying one.

What is an Alaskan king mattress?

• An Alaskan king mattress measures 108" x 108"
• It's best for families with children and pets
• We recommend a minimum room size of 15' x 15'

An Alaskan king mattress is the biggest king mattress size and one of the largest bed sizes available. The Alaskan king can comfortably accommodate four adults (or two parents and kids) with space at the foot of the bed for pets.

Taking its name from the largest US state, the Alaskan king has a surface area of 81 square feet and unlike most standard bed sizes, it's shaped like a square.

But while the extra inches are excellent if you want a bed for you, your partner, your kids and any furry friends, the extensive size comes with its downsides. Primarily, it's hard to fit an Alaskan king mattress into a normal sized bedroom.

King vs Alaskan king mattress

• King mattresses measure 72" by 76"

A king mattress is the largest standard mattress size with ample room for two and space if your kids like to join you on occasion.

But there's a significant size leap between the king and Alaskan king: while a king measures 76" wide, an Alaskan king is 108" — that's a whopping 32" difference.

Similarly, while a king is 80" long, an Alaskan king ups it to 108". That provides a lot of room at the foot of the bed (for pets, as well as very tall sleepers.)

These extra inches ensure you can fit four people in an Alaskan king, compared to two in a king.

California king vs Alaskan king mattress

• California king mattresses measure 76" by 80"

Both taking their names from large US states, the California king (or Cal king) has been created for taller couples.

It's thinner than a king (72" compared to 76) but longer, measuring 84" to make room for those over six foot (a king is only 80" long.)

However, both these dimensions are dwarfed by the 108" by 108" Alaskan king, which can hold both very tall sleepers and still have space for a pet at the foot of the bed.

Considerations when buying an Alaskan King mattress

Size isn't everything when choosing a mattress, so keep these factors in mind before you buy an Alaskan king bed...

1. Occupancy

There's space to fit four standard pillows at the head of an Alaskan king bed, which translates to an occupancy of four adults.

But families will find that occupancy comes with a fair amount of wriggle room (quite literally.) Families should be able to fit three, four or even more children in bed with the parents, although some pillow sharing is required.

And that's not factoring in furry friends. Measuring 108" long, even the tallest families will find there's space at the foot of an Alaskan king mattress. Meaning, your Alaskan malamute can, fittingly, curl up on the bed it shares a name with.

2. Availability

Alaskan king is considered a non-standard size mattress, which means it isn't widely manufactured.

This results in limited options. There are many factors to consider when choosing a mattress but if you have your heart set on an Alaskan king, you might find size takes precedence.

The best king mattresses aren't as expansive as Alaskan kings, but as a standard bed size they encompass a larger range of feels and designs to suit all sleep preferences.

Bed sharers seeking an Alaskan king to get distance from their partner's sleeping habits might want to consider a split king mattress instead. These lack the surface area of an Alaskan king but the dual-surface design means you won't be bothered when your partner moves around.

3. Room space

We've focused primarily on what you can fit on to an Alaskan king but it's essential to consider what you can fit an Alaskan king in to.

A large bedroom is essential for an Alaskan king bed, to avoid overcrowding the space. We recommend a minimum room size of 15 feet by 15 feet, to ensure there's space for the bed, your furniture and any walkways.

If you have a large home or an open plan bedroom design, however, an Alaskan King mattress might be the most fitting bed for the space.

4. Budget

Larger mattress sizes are always pricier than their smaller equivalents — add on the specialist nature of the Alaskan king bed and you can expect to pay a premium price.

An Alaskan king mattress is likely to cost upwards of $3,000, with some luxury designs priced over $10,000.

In addition, you'll have to pay extra for Alaskan king sized bed frames and bedding, pushing the price up further.

Finally, don't forget to factor delivery costs into your purchase. Due to the difficulty of transporting oversized mattresses, you might need to pay extra to accommodate larger delivery teams.

Alaskan king mattress pros and cons

Benefits of an Alaskan King mattress

✅ You won't be disturbed by your partner's sleep habits: With several feet between you on an Alaskan king, your partner's fidgeting shouldn't disrupt your sleep. During our tests, I could hardly feel a bulldog jumping off the other end of the mattress.

✅ You can snuggle up with the family: Parents, kids and pets can all find space on an Alaskan king bed and you won't have to worry about elbows and knees getting in everyone's way.

✅ Your feet won't hang off the end: The Alaskan king mattress measures 9 foot long, which means even the tallest of sleepers can fit their feet on the bed.

Downsides of an Alaskan king mattress

❌ You need a huge bedroom: We recommend a minimum room size of at least 15' by 15' to accommodate an Alaskan king bed, your furniture and your walkways. And even this might be a tight squeeze.

❌ Getting out of bed can be a hassle: There's several feet of mattress between the center of the Alaskan king and the edge. I'm 5'3" and found clambering on and off the test bed more of a task than it needed to be.

Where to buy an Alaskan King mattress

Alaskan king mattresses are specialist bed sizes so you're not going to find them at your standard mattress store. Most Alaskan king mattresses are sold online from specialist bed makers.

As this is an unusual mattress size, expect longer delivery times (and possibly an extra charge for shipping.) If set-up isn't included in your purchase we recommend asking for several helping hands to get your mattress installed — an Alaskan king mattress is going to be heavy.

Sleep accessories such as the bed frame and bedding are also specialist buys when you require them in an Alaskan king size, so you may have to custom order these essentials.

But luckily you can use any pillow on an Alaskan king mattress — check out our best pillow guide for some of our favorite options.

You're most likely to come across Phase Change Material (PCM) and GlacioTex when you're shopping for a cooling mattress, and in some instances luxury cooling bedding, toppers and pillows.

On the surface both PCM and GlacioTex serve the same purpose: to keep you at an ideal temperature while you sleep by wicking away excess heat. But when you dig into the science behind these cooling material technologies, there are some differences that could affect your quality of sleep.

Here's what you need to know about PCM vs GlacioTex, how each works, and what their benefits and drawbacks are for different types of sleeper.

What is Phase Change Material?

Phase Change Material (PCM) is a substance that helps regulate your sleep temperature by acting as an in-bed heat reservoir. In mattresses, PCM tends to be in wax or gel form. The particles are coated with a protective shell and embedded in foams and fabrics without leaking.

PCM adsorbs and releases heat as its particles change from a solid to a liquid state. When the particles change from solid to liquid, they absorb heat and then they solidify when this stored heat is released.

PCMs are often embedded in comfort foams or woven into mattress covers. These materials can be found in many of our top-rated cooling mattresses including the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress, and the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Breeze mattress.

The benefits of Phase Change Material

PCM is a versatile material that can be incorporated into various components including foam layers and fabric covers without major manufacturing hassle.

These materials offer active temperature balancing as they adjust state according to your body temperature changes through the night. This means they can both absorb heat (drawing it away from the body) and release heat (warming up the body).

A study assessing mattresses with PCM using a thermal and perception test showed mattresses composed of PCMs better facilitate human heat dissipation and result in a cooler perception and greater thermal comfort compared to conventional mattresses after 20 minutes of use.

The drawbacks of Phase Change Material

A downfall of this material is it has a limited heat-absorbing capacity. This means, once it is fully liquefied, it cannot absorb excess heat, reducing its cooling effect.

While there is some scientific data backing PCM in mattresses, as referenced above, research is limited at this point.

A mattress that uses PCM may suit you if…

✅ Your body temperature fluctuates through the night: PCMs offer dynamic temperature regulation, meaning they actively adsorb and release heat to maintain a neutral sleeping temperature, which is useful for people who sleep hot or cold at different points of the night.

✅ You want dynamic climate control without tech: Temperature regulating smart beds digitally heat up and cool down, whereas PCM regulate temperature naturally, meaning you can keep your sleep space phone and subscription-free.

✅ You like a cushioning sleep surface: PCM are usually used in foams, adding pressure relief and cushioning for those with achy joints or side sleepers with a lighter built.

What is GlacioTex?

GlacioTex is a fabric made of fibers with high thermal conductivity that quickly and effectively pull heat away from your body while you sleep, keeping you and your sleep surface cool through the night.

These fibers are also hypoallergenic and waterproof, providing a stain and bug-resistant barrier over your mattress.

Some of our favorite best mattresses of the year come with GlacioTex covers. These include the new-and-improved Helix Elite mattress collection and the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid mattress.

The benefits of GlacioTex

GlacioTex has a lot going for it. It's designed to be cool to touch and hypoallergenic while adding pressure relief to mattresses.

When woven into mattress covers, GlacioTex provides a cool sleep surface, helping your body temperature drop in line with your circadian rhythm when you get into bed.

Thanks to its protective nature and contribution to pressure relief, you'll come across GlacioTex in top-rated mattress protectors and mattress toppers too as it repels allergens and makes your bed softer, providing more cushioning on joints.

The drawbacks of GlacioTex

A commonly reported drawback of GlacioTex mattress covers is the fact they can have a slippery texture causing a fitted sheet to shift or pop off when you sleep on it, which can be irritating through the night disrupting quality sleep.

GlacioTex covers don't tend to be removeable. Even though they provide a waterproof, hypoallergenic barrier, they cannot be removed and put through the washing machine. This means they lack points in terms of mattress cleaning practicality.

While GlacioTex toppers offer a cooling sensation, they may not be firm enough for all sleeping positions. Some users who prefer a firmer mattress might find them too soft

A mattress using GlacioTex may suit you if…

✅ You’re a seriously hot sleeper: GlacioTex continues to absorb heat through the night without a limit, which is better than PCM for significantly hot sleepers who struggle with night sweats.

✅ You suffer with allergies: GlacioTex covers add an allergen-repellent protective layer to your mattress which is particularly useful if you find yourself sneezing and coughing through the night.

✅ You bedshare with little ones: GlacioTex covers offer waterproof protection and spills and stains.

PCM vs GlacioTex: Which is more effective in a cooling mattress?

Both PCM and GlacioTex are effective at wicking away heat at night. However, each has its own strengths. GlacioTex is arguably more effective for super hot sleepers as there is no limit to how much heat it can draw away from the body.

Meanwhile, PCM is better suited to those whose temperature fluctuates as it can absorb heat, hold it and release it back to the body once cooled down. This helps you maintain a good temperature for sleeping which experts say lies between 65 to 70 F (18 to 21 °C).

Either way, PCM and GlacioTex can't do all the heat balancing alone. You'll want to make sure they are paired with other cooling technologies and breathable, moisture-wicking materials like wool, individually-wrapped coils and copper-infused foam to help you sleep comfortably.

It's hard to deny that being wrapped up in the right duvet can give you the cozy sleep of your dreams. But you might be wondering (particularly if you're not from the UK): what actually is a duvet?

Simply put, a duvet is a thick bedding layer composed of two separate parts: the fill insert and the outer soft cover. Unlike other blankets or bedding, a duvet is considered an essential no matter the season or the weather, but getting the best sleep depends on picking the correct one for your sleep environment.

All of the picks in our best duvets guide are designed to give you unmatched comfort throughout the night. However, with the sheer number of bedding options out there, it can get quite confusing about what your sleep really needs.

To make your search easier, we have gone into depth about what a duvet is, the different fill types and more. Let’s now start with the basics…

What is a duvet?

A duvet is a top cover for your bed, used primarily in Europe and made of two separate parts: an insert of comfy filling and a cozy outer cover which comes in direct contact with the sleeper.

The word 'duvet' is of French origin and translates to 'down' — referring to the supremely soft and fluffy feathers found beneath the outer feathers of ducks and geese. This doesn't mean these are just made from down but rather a variety of fills and fabrics (which we'll cover below in detail.)

Even if it is largely similar to other bedding like quilts, blankets and comforters, a duvet is different in terms of the construction and the insulation it offers. It could be said that a duvet provides the highest warmth and loft out of the three.

The duvet size is also better aligned to your sleeping style and bed structure in comparison to a comforter, which typically drapes over the sides of the mattress while quilts can come in various forms like decorative throws or bigger bed covers.

Just as the best pillows are crafted from different types of fills, duvets too are designed with a variety of fills to suit the different sleeping styles and sleep environments.

Duvet covers also feature one of the two types of construction: baffle box and box stitch. Baffle box uses a three-dimensional pocket with scrap materials to lock in the fill, preventing any shift or clumping up, resulting in a supportive and fluffy duvet. Box stitching, on the other hand, sews in all the layers together without any reinforcing materials and can be found in more affordable duvets in the market.

What are the sleep benefits of using a duvet?

A duvet offers a good package of warmth, comfort, support, easy care and maintenance and more. Let's look into each one in detail:

Easy to keep clean

A duvet needs less cleaning than a quilt or a comforter. This is primarily because you'll usually encase it in a separate duvet cover, which can be removed and washed as frequently as you clean your bed sheets.

We recommend that you deep clean your duvet insert up to twice a year. The first step is to check the care tag to understand if the particular product can be machine washed or if it needs to be sent to the dry cleaners.

While it's tempting to overload your machine by washing all your bedding in one go, this is a common mistake which can turn out to be counter-productive. It's important to wash them separately on a cold wash cycle to ensure effective cleaning with minimal wear and tear.

Customizable warmth

Are you a hot sleeper who can't drift off without snuggling up under a cozy layer? The good news is that there's a duvet for every kind of sleeper and the secret to finding your ideal one depends on knowing the right tog rating.

Tog rating is a measure of a duvet's thermal insulation – which determines how warm it can be. The highest tog rating is 15 and this is intended for harsh winters or extremely cold regions. Most sleepers, however, might just need a duvet between 12 to 13 during the colder months.

A 10.5 rating is a common standard suitable to be used during spring or autumn which provides enough warmth and comfy cushioning. A 4.5 to 7.5 tog rating is the lightest end of the spectrum and meant for summer and those prone to overheating.

Of course, if you share a bed but you're unable to agree with your partner on how warm you like things to be, brands such as Eve Sleep have launched zip-up duvets with swappable panels in different tog ratings, enabling you to set each side up so that you're both happy.

Customizable sizing

Unlike some of the best comforters or blanket, duvets are available within the same size structure of your mattress and is therefore more suited for your sleeping style.

Just like your bedsheets, these are available in sizes from twin/single to California king/super king. As a rule you'll find them to be a little wider than your mattress, so that the bed's still completely covered once you're underneath your duvet.

When in doubt, it's wise to size up as you can always create extra leg room and make a plush cozy sleep nest.

Hypoallergenic options

Down may be the most preferred filling but it's best to steer clear of down duvets if you're prone to allergies.

Your best pick if that's the case is a down-alternative duvet made from microfibers (like polyester), mimicking the plushness, warmth and comfort of natural down without triggering your immune system. Choosing a duvet made from organic wool or silk, which are naturally hypoallergenic too, is also another (admittedly more expensive) option.

What are duvets made of?

1. Down

Natural down is the undercoat of waterfowl and is hence considered the most luxurious fill for crafting bedding like pillows and duvets in terms of both construction and price.

Down duvets are considered industry-best since their warmth, comfort and support is simply unmatched. If you're someone who likes a 'sleeping among the clouds' feel to your bed, it's a good idea to pair up your mattress with a down duvet.

2. Feathers

Feather duvets are not only more affordable than traditional down but also flatter and more supportive. These are also typically heavier than down and will therefore suit anyone who loves using a weighted blanket.

3. Down and feathers

This offers the perfect balance of the softness and luxury plushness of down along with the supportive and heavier feathers.

You can often find quality down and feather duvets in high-end hotel chains just like how they pick and choose their luxury pillows.

4. Natural fibers

If feathers and down are a no-no, whether it's because of allergies or the expense, there are plenty of options in terms of natural fibers.

For starters, there's silk. The benefits of silk in your duvet are many. One, it's resistant to common allergens like dust mites and is there for great for sleepers prone to allergies.

Two, it's naturally insulating and lightweight and lastly, it's soft-to-touch and incredibly comfortable. Silk duvets are often on the pricier side of bedding, however. These also require delicate care and are in most cases, suitable only for dry cleaning.

Another natural fiber option is wool; it's almost like a magic fill for your duvet. It offers a complete range of benefits because it's breathable, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking and temperature regulating, not to mention supremely soft and comfy. A woolen duvet is certainly a good option for those who need a no-fuss design to be used all-year round.

You can also find duvets filled with cotton, which is naturally breathable and temperature-regulating. And of course there are also bamboo duvets such as our top pick, the Panda Cloud Duvet, which is made with a blend of bamboo and nano-microfiber, and is lightweight, breathable and antimicrobial.

5. Microfiber

While the top four we've discussed are all organic and natural fibers, it is undeniable that duvets made from synthetic materials are a good alternative for some types of sleepers.

Microfiber duvets are typically made from hypoallergenic ultra-fine synthetic fibers like 100% polyester, which are comparatively more tightly woven and easier to care for than their natural counterparts.

A cup of coffee can be the perfect pick-me-up, giving you a quick boost of energy on a slow afternoon. But how long does caffeine stay in your system and can it affect you even hours after consumption?

The half life of caffeine is typically around five to six hours but it can be as much as 12 hours, with many factors impacting how long it takes caffeine to leave your system.

This slow clearance means that while the immediate boost of your post-lunch coffee has faded by bed time, the lingering presence of caffeine in your body can still disrupt your sleep.

Understanding how long caffeine lasts in your system can help you regulate your intake. That way you can both indulge in your morning latte and enjoy a good night's sleep.

How long does caffeine last in your system?

The impact of caffeine can typically be felt within 10 minutes of ingesting, although it takes around 45 minutes to an hour for caffeine levels to peak in the bloodstream.

After this peak the effect of caffeine will start to wear off, eventually leaving your system altogether. But it can be a slow process.

“Caffeine takes longer to clear from the body than most people realize,” explains Matt Gallant kinesiologist and sleep supplement formulator. He places the half life of caffeine at around “4-6 hours.”

At this point, roughly half of the caffeine will have cleared from your system. However, the numbers aren't as clear-cut as you might first think.

“If you're a slow caffeine metabolizer or have the ADORA2A genotype, it can take much longer — and even 50 mg of caffeine may disrupt sleep,” advises Gallant.

Factors that impact how long caffeine lasts in your system include:

• Your age
• Your body weight
• How much you’ve eaten
• Certain medications
• Consuming alcohol
• If you smoke

These varying factors make it difficult to understand exactly how long caffeine stays in your body, with estimates for caffeine half-life ranging from two to 12 hours.

Even for those at the lower end of the half-life scale, caffeine will last in your body for many hours after ingestion. This is why an afternoon coffee can disrupt your sleep and why many sleep experts recommend you avoid caffeine for at least eight hours before bed.

The impact of caffeine on the brain and body

Caffeine is a naturally occurring chemical known for its stimulating effect on the brain and central nervous system. It’s considered the “most utilized psychoactive stimulant worldwide.”

“Caffeine has a lot of helpful — and not so helpful — side effects,” says Gallant. “The effects most people seek are the ones that boost energy and improve cognitive function, making it easier to react quickly and stay alert.”

As well as increasing activity in your brain and nervous system, caffeine blocks the impact of sleepy-feeling chemical adenosine. In turn, this makes us feel more awake.

Which is why we reach for a cup of coffee when we’re in an energy slump — but these stimulating effects have their downsides, particularly when going to bed.

“Caffeine can increase cortisol levels and leave you feeling stressed or jittery,” says Gallant.

“It may also cause digestive discomfort, which can often be reduced by avoiding caffeine on an empty stomach.”

Furthermore, research suggests caffeine can limit the amount of deep sleep you get, while its adenosine blocking ability might disrupt your natural sleep wake cycle.

For these reasons, caffeine consumed during the day can contribute to sleep deprivation. The remnants of that energy-boosting side effect means you aren't achieving the high quality rest your body needs.

Common sources of caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that both occurs naturally and can be artificially manufactured.

Natural caffeine is found in coffee beans, tea leaves and cacao pods, while manufactured caffeine is used in energy drinks, as well as various medications and foods.

Some common sources of caffeine and their approximate caffeine level per serving include:

Caffeine can often be found in energy foods and supplements, so if you enjoy exercising in the evening, pay attention to the caffeine content of your pre-workout snack.

Chocolate-flavored sweet treats are another sneaky source of caffeine. While high cacao dark chocolate contains the highest concentration of caffeine, even a scoop of chocolate flavored ice cream can contain low levels of the stimulant.

When should you stop drinking caffeine before bed?

There’s no set time to stop drinking coffee but most experts recommend staying away from caffeine at least eight hours before bed. This includes cutting out other caffeine sources, such as tea, chocolate and energy drinks.

Gallant suggests stopping caffeine intake from 2pm and advises if you're still having trouble sleeping to "try cutting it out altogether."

And followers of the 10-3-2-1-0 sleep method avoid caffeine 10 hours before bed, to give ample time for caffeine to clear from your system.

Post-lunch caffeine can help you avoid the afternoon slump but the side effect is often disrupted sleep and next day fatigue — meaning you'll find yourself reaching for even more coffee.

To increase energy without caffeine, try these tips:

• Stay hydrated: Your body feels weaker when you're lacking fluids so staying hydrated can help maintain your energy levels. Next time you reach for a cup of coffee to help with your dry mouth, try water instead.
• Go for a quick walk: Exercise can increase alertness levels through the release of endorphins, sometimes known as 'runner's high.' Or try a quick pilates routine for energy instead.
• Have a quick nap: Sleep-inducing adenosine is released throughout the day but a power nap can help shake off some fatigue. Keep it to 20 minutes and if you really can't put down the coffee, try a 'nappuccino.'
• Invest in your sleep: Turning your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary can help you enjoy better rest at night and more energy in the day. The bed is the place to start, as the best mattress for your sleep needs can transform your rest, while the best pillow can ensure you're supported.

Some sleep experts suggest there are those who can drink coffee before bed without damaging their sleep — although we suggest you tread carefully with this advice.

While a post-dinner espresso might sound like a nice idea, consider if it’s worth the next-day fatigue.

Caffeine can be a sneaky source of sleep problems, but if you are struggling with long-term sleep deprivation, speak with a healthcare professional

Often find yourself turning into a human furnace at night unable to cool yourself down? You're not alone. According to Gallup News, 57% of Americans are too hot to sleep at least occasionally.

Researching for our best cooling mattress 2025 guide, we've tested dozens of mattresses that promise a cool night's sleep.

Yet sometimes people find it impossible to cool down at night, no matter how good their mattress is at regulating temperature, and this can be down to lifestyle choices (such as what you eat and drink before bed) or medical conditions (such as menopause).

Ahead of this Menopause Awareness Month, we spoke to Medical Director at Complete Sleep, Dr. David Rosen, to find out the main reasons why you get so hot when you sleep. We also asked him when you should be concerned about nighttime hot flushes and how you can keep yourself cool in the bedroom.

What's the link between temperature and sleep?

Temperature is one of the circadian rhythm's main impetuses, meaning your body's core naturally cools down when it is preparing to sleep. Therefore, a drop in external and internal temperature signals to the brain and body that it is time to wind down.

Healthline says the best temperature for sleep is between 60°F and 65°F (15.5°C and 18.3°C), which is slightly below average room temperature. Hence, it's easy to see how running hot at night can cause sleep disruption.

7 reasons you get hot when you sleep

There is no single cause of nighttime hot flushes. Many physiological, hormonal and environmental conditions, along with lifestyle choices, can make you sleep hot. If you regularly find yourself too warm to sleep, it could be due to one or more of the following reasons…

1. Warm sleep environment

From an environmental stance, your bedroom, bed and nightwear can be causing your nighttime hot flushes.

Dr. Rosen explains bedding and sleepwear made from synthetic fibers and memory foam mattresses trap heat, making you too warm.

He says that, with good ventilation or an air conditioner, you should keep bedroom temperature between 60-67°F (15-19°C). Opt for "breathable, natural fabrics like cotton, linen or bamboo" and "layer light bedding rather than using one heavy blanket."

2. Hormonal changes

Hormones have the upper hand over many bodily functions including sleep and temperature regulation.

Perimenopause and menopause are often cited as the sources of nighttime hot flushes, and this is down to the hormone changes that occur.

The fluctuating and declining estrogen levels during this phase in a woman’s life impact the body's temperature regulation system.

The drop in estrogen specifically disrupts the hypothalamus, which is the region in the brain acting as the body's thermostat. In turn, women become more sensitive to slight climate changes, often feeling sudden sensations of heat.

Hormone changes (again fluctuating estrogen levels) also happen during pregnancy to support fetal development. In the same way as menopause, this can induce hot, uncomfortable nights.

Finally, hormones shift constantly throughout women's cycles. As estrogen levels drop during the luteal phase, women can be susceptible to hot flushes and bouts of hot sleeping.

3. Medical conditions

From sleep disorders to anxiety and the occasional fever, there are a range of medical conditions that can cause nighttime hot flushes or sweats. Here's why:

• Sleep disorders: Respiratory disorders like sleep apnea can contribute to nighttime overheating, says Dr. Rosen. "When breathing stops temporarily, the body enters a stress response that can trigger sweating and hot flashes," he explains. "The struggle to breathe also increases physical exertion during sleep, raising body temperature."
• Underlying medical conditions: Medical conditions like hyperhidrosis, hypoglycemia and hyperthyroidism all impact body temperature. Hyperhidrosis is where the body excessively sweats, leading to overheating. Meanwhile, the body responds to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) by sweating or increasing heart rate, leading to hot flushes. And an overproductive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) speeds up metabolism, spiking body temperature.

• Mental health disorders: . Dr. Rosen explains that, by activating the sympathetic nervous system and increasing cortisol levels, anxiety and chronic stress can both cause nighttime hot flushes. The feelings of panic trigger the body's fight or flight response. This increases heart rate and blood flow which equals a rise in body temperature.
• Nerve damage: The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions including temperature regulation. Nerve damage caused by autoimmune diseases, infections and diabetes can a make you sleep hot as the body's ability to maintain a stable temperature is impaired.
• Fever: Fever-related nighttime hot flushes occur because the body's thermoregulation system is disrupted by the infectious agents. Body temperature elevates while it fights off the illness.

4. Medications

Sleeping hot can be a side effect of medications that affect hormone levels, disrupt the body's thermoregulation or cause vasodilation (blood vessel widening).

Which medications does this apply to? Dr. Rosen list antidepressants, steroids, hormone therapies and some painkillers as potential causes of body temperature rises.

If possible, taking these medications in the morning rather than at night can help you prevent hot flushes from disrupting your sleep, but always consult with a professional before adjusting your medication routine.

5. Exercising before bed

For peaceful sleep you should be cooling down your body before bed, not cranking up the heat.

A study by researchers at the University of Ottawa demonstrates that body temperature remains elevated for as long as 90 minutes post exercise.

Therefore, hitting the gym is not recommended immediately before hitting the hay. Not allowing enough time to fully cool down before bed can mean you'll struggle to drop off as a higher body temperature is not conducive to sleep.

So, consider switching to morning or afternoon rather than evening workouts if you find yourself too warm to sleep. "Exercise regularly but finish at least 3 hours before bedtime," Dr. Rosen says.

6. Food and drink choices

Eating large or calorie-dense meals close to bedtime can lead to heatwaves at night. This is because the increased metabolic activity required for digestion raises body temperature and can disrupt sleep.

You should also pay attention to the afternoon and bedtime snacks and beverages you consume. Dr. Rosen says consuming spicy foods, sugar, caffeine or alcohol 4 to 6 hours before bed can wreak havoc on your sleep temperature.

Research shows spicy foods particularly elevate body temperature during the first sleep cycles.

Elsewhere, science shows caffeine increases core body temperature, which is associated with longer sleep latency and increased wakefulness after sleep onset.

Consuming these foods in the evening shouldn't be an issue if it happens occasionally. But if you find late meals repeatedly disturbing your sleep, consider how you can alter your diet and make healthier sleep-promoting choices.

7. Body composition

Sometimes your natural body composition, specifically muscle and fat mass, can be to blame for turning up the heat while you sleep.

Muscles generate heat as a byproduct of their activity, even at rest. Research shows people with greater muscle mass, therefore, produce more heat. This makes them feel warmer at night and can decrease sleep quality

Additionally, as fat in an insulator, people with higher fat percentage retain more body heat. Again, this rises core temperature, making it more difficult to bag quality shut eye.

What's it like to sleep hot?

In short, sleeping hot is no fun. It makes bedtime a challenge as you waste time frustratedly tossing and turning, trying to find the cool patches of bedding. This discomfort makes it harder to nod off.

Alongside delayed sleep onset, hot sleepers tend to experience more frequent nighttime awakenings as they wake themselves up by frantically kicking off covers.

Despite being bothersome, hot flushes can sabotage sleep quality by disrupting sleep cycles and decreasing time spent asleep.

As a result of poor quality sleep, hot sleepers can feel groggy in the morning and drowsy during the day. This can lead to signs of sleep deprivation like reduced productivity, physical fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

Tips for cooling down at night

These are the expert-approved tips to follow to help you get better sleep if you tend to run hot at night…

Invest in your sleep space

After thorough testing for our mattress guides, we've found the best mattress for hot sleepers is one that is breathable, moisture-wicking and good at conducting heat.

Many mattresses nowadays have specialized cooling technology like foams infused with high thermal conductivity elements or cool-to-touch covers.

The best smart beds even have dual control climate systems that keep you at an optimal sleep temperature all night long. It is worth investing in these beds if you're really struggling to beat the heat at night.

Breathable bedding, cooling pillows and lightweight nightwear will also go a long way in helping you regulate your sleep temperature.

As cozy as thick blankets and fluffy pyjamas can be, they can be also be stuffy — no good for keeping cool and sleeping well.

Try sleeping alone

Sleeping with a partner, pet or child can cause hot flushes as our bodies naturally release heat during sleep as part of the cooling process. So, a bed with more bodies tends to be warmer.

Temperature can cause arguments in the bedroom. A recent study by Naturepedic found 39% of couples sleep separately because they prefer different temperatures.

If you and your partner are struggling to find a compromise, a sleep divorce may be in order. Sleeping separately can help you cool down and stop your nighttime hot flushes affecting your partner's sleep quality.

One well-rested partner is better than none, right? At least they'll have energy for the household chores.

Keep hydrated through the day

Sweating is your body's way of cooling itself down. But to produce sweat (and release heat) your body needs ample water.

Hence, staying hydrated throughout the day can improve overall temp regulation, helping you sleep peacefully at night.

Timing your hydration is key. Leaving it too close to bedtime to guzzle litres of water will lead to more toilet breaks during the night, disrupting your sleep.

So drinking smaller quantities of water more consistently through the day is better for hydration levels and sleep quality.

"Keep water by the bed, but complete most drinking 1 to 2 hours before sleep," Dr. Rosen says.

Take a warm bath at bedtime

It may sound contradictory but a warm bath or sauna session before bed helps cool down your core temperature as it kickstarts the process of vasodilation.

Vasodilation is when muscles relax and blood vessels widen, enhancing circulation throughout the body.

Blood flows to the skin's surface (hence why your skin tends to get red in a warm bath) and heat is transferred from the body's core to the skin, where it can be dissipated into the environment.

A study published in the American Journal of Physiology provides evidence that this thermoregulatory process promotes readiness for sleep. However, Dr. Rosen warns this bath (or shower) should be lukewarm rather than hot.

Follow a nighttime routine

Getting good quality sleep is all about regulating your natural sleep-wake cycle, aka the circadian rhythm. Maintaining a consistent, relaxing nighttime routine helps your body recognise when it is time to prepare for sleep.

Your body is a clever machine and when it is told to sleep (by the recognisable wind down routine) it's temperature should naturally drop rather than spike.

A bedtime comprising of calming activities like reading, listening to soothing sounds, meditating or stretching also helps ease anxiety. In turn, your body avoids the fight or flight response known to induce hot flushes.

Dr. Rosen also suggests using a cold compress on pulse points in the wrists, neck or behind the knees as part of this routine if you find yourself hot around bedtime.

• Read more: The 4-step nighttime routine that helps me fall asleep fast when I have anxiety

When should I be worried about sleeping hot?

Sleeping hot occasionally isn’t anything to worry about. As we've explored here, it could be due to changing seasons, a temporary fever or, in women, a natural fluctuation in their cycle.

However if the cooling tips above fail, you’re regularly waking up drenched in sweat, or suspect hot flushes are due to one of the medical conditions listed above, you may require treatment so best to check with a doctor.

Dr. Rosen says you should consult a healthcare provider if:

• Hot episodes are sudden, severe, and new without explanation
• Night sweats are accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, or persistent fatigue
• You experience drenching sweats that require changing clothes/bedding
• Hot episodes disrupt sleep significantly and impact daytime functioning
• Symptoms persist for more than 2 to 3 weeks without improvement
• You have other concerning symptoms alongside hot flushes (chest pain, difficulty breathing)
• Hot episodes begin after starting a new medication
• You're male with no previous history of night sweats (especially middle-aged or older)