Sleeping on a hot, stuffy pillow in summer is a nightmare when I want to fall asleep fast. In fact, research shows that your body naturally cools as you go to sleep, so a heat-trapping pillow means you don't get the temperature drop you need to drift off.

The best pillows should avoid this problem, and we've found that luxury cooling pillows are top notch at regulating temperature. But is there a cheaper way to keep your head cool at night? Or is a fancy pillow packed with cooling tech the only way to keep you comfortable on a hot night?

To find out, I grabbed my $93 Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow, the $20 Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillow, and a trusty thermal cam. Here's how much heat each pillow absorbed and shed when our testers slept on these headrests in our lab...

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Hot temperatures make it difficult to sleep, as your body naturally cools before bed. Some pillow materials trap warm air rather than help it circulate. As a result, you get a hot head that can't cool down.
• Cooling pillows claim to use special materials that help wick away warmth, to keep you comfortable.
• However, our thermal cam tests showed for a neutral feel, a cotton cover might be enough.
• And flipping to the cool side won't always provide the relief you need — one of our pillows was actually warmer on the unused side.

How we tested a cheap vs a luxury cooling pillow

Temperature regulation testing is a key part of our rigorous mattress testing methodology. So when it came to analyzing our pillows, I turned to our tried and tested method.

In a comfortable environment, we ask a tester to lie on the pillow for 15 minutes. This is ample time for heat to transfer and cooling properties to kick in. The tester then gets up and we continue to measure the temperature of the pillow for the next 15 minutes. This allows heat to disperse (... or not).

For pillows, I also employed a flip test. After the above tests, I flipped the pillow to see how cool the other side was.

Meet the pillows:

I used two pillows for this test. One, a luxurious memory foam pillow packed with cooling tech. The other, an affordable pillow with 'down alternative' fill (that's probably fiber fill).

Test 1: How quickly does the pillow get warm?

For part one of the test, sleep writer Frances Daniels graciously agreed to lie on each pillow for 15 minutes. We used a side sleeping position as its the most common and a breathable but not cooling mattress (the DreamCloud Classic Mattress).

Click through the gallery to see what happened:

We marked the center of each pillow, which is where Frances rested her head. This is also where we took a temperature reading every minute.

Verdict

The Helix Cooling Memory Foam pillow is delightfully chill when you touch it. So when you first settle into that GlacioTex cover, it's going to feel great.

From there, the temperature gradually rose but never tipped over into uncomfortable. Frances noted (as did I during my testing period) that once the pillow had warmed to your body temperature, it hardly wavered.

The Beckham Hotel Collection pillow also impressed, and did so with the help of just a cotton cover. After a big initial jump in temperature (13.3°F), it slowly cooled and evened out. However, you won't get that initial 'aaah' of Helix's chilled cover.

Test 2: How quickly does the pillow cool down?

The work continues once our tester, the lovely Frances, has stepped away. For the next 15 minutes I monitored the temperature at the center of the pillow. This shows us how quickly the heat dissipates.

Click through the gallery to see what happened:

Verdict

A good cooling pillow should drop excess heat quickly. This means when you sit up in bed or step away for a few minutes, you can return to a blissfully chilled sleep surface.

You won't get that with either of these options.

The Helix Cooling Pillow took a long time to lose just 4°F of warmth. Even after 15 minutes, it wasn't back to the icy feel we started with. However, the edges and corners of the pillow kept cool. So if you're willing to move around, you don't have to sleep on the warm patch.

The Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow dropped to a cooler temperature quicker. After this initial heat shed, it remained roughly 2°F higher than when we started — that's a neutral feel.

These results back up our hands-on testing. If you get up to use the bathroom or grab a drink during the night, you won't return to a cool pillow. However, you should get back to something with an even, neutral finish.

Test 3: What about the 'cool side'?

There are few moments quite as satisfying as the brief relief of the cool side of the pillow. But in the spirit of investigation, I wanted to see just how cool this cool side is...

Having completed our tests, I flipped the pillows to reveal the so-called 'cool side'.

First up, the Helix Cooling Pillow. While the pillow wasn't as blissfully chilled on the other side as I expected, it did drop 1.4°F.

However, I was in for a shock with the Hotel Collection Pillow. A quick flip revealed the pillow was actually warmer on the other side. 1.8°F warmer, to be precise.

That's not a huge temperature jump. But it's not what you want when you're awake at 3 a.m.

Should you save or splurge on a cooling pillow?

So, should you spend or save on a cooling pillow? My test results show that cooling tech might not live up to its high promises. If it's a breathable feel you're after, cotton covers and airy fill can make a big difference.

However, I'd note I tested the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow at home during some brutal weather. (It's been heatwave after heatwave in my city.) Throughout it all, my pillow stayed neutral, if not cool.

And we know from testing over 130 of the best mattresses online that cooling tech can make a serious difference to your sleep comfort. The best cooling mattresses we've tested feature either specialist materials or use natural fabrics to create a chilled feel.

And luxury pillows do have their benefits, including enhanced durability. After being tossed around our Sleep Lab, the Helix Pillow looked in better shape than the Hotel Collection alternative.

My advice? You don't need to splurge to sleep cool, but investing in sleep comfort pays off in the long term.

Our favorite cooling sleep products

Astronauts on the International Space Station experience sleep inertia (grogginess upon waking) because they work in shifts, are rolling a chronic sleep debt, and see 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours, among many other factors.

I experience sleep inertia because my pre-schooler doesn’t believe in sleeping through the night. And that build-up of broken sleep makes me feel punch-drunk some mornings.

I tried easing the grogginess with caffeine, but it didn’t work. And after speaking with Dr. Erin Flynn-Evans, Director of the Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory at NASA Ames Research Center, I now know why…

“Caffeine takes time to take effect, so it’s not the best tool to use if you have to wake up and act quickly,” Dr. Flynn-Evans explains, whereas light activates retinal pathways immediately.

Well, my job doesn’t require me to perform complex tasks straight after waking. But my son is full bore from the moment he opens his eyes — sitting on the couch to watch him play while I'm still struggling to wake up fully is not an option.

Let there be (blue) light

While caffeine isn’t a fast-acting off-switch for post-sleep grogginess, the right type of blue light within 30 minutes of waking is.

Yes light therapy glasses and lamps can help to reduce sleep inertia, but devices cost money. For a $0 solution, Dr. Flynn-Evans says to step outside your front door: “Going outside when the sun is out will expose you to blue light from the sun naturally.”

Even though it looks yellow from Earth, the sun contains blue light (and many other colours). “There are specialized photoreceptors in our eyes that are very sensitive to blue-wavelength light that are different from the rods and cones that we use for vision,” explains Dr. Flynn-Evans.

“They are most sensitive to blue-enriched light, because the light that we receive from the sun has a strong blue component. When these photoreceptors detect light, they send a signal to our internal clock (circadian rhythm) to indicate that it’s daytime.

“This initiates a cascade of other effects throughout the body that promote alertness. For example, our bodies immediately stop producing melatonin when the photoreceptors detect light.”

Little wonder that blue light is being studied as a powerful off-switch for melatonin production (a master sleep hormone), and a powerful on-switch for wakefulness signals.

Key takeaways: At a glance

• The biological switch: Natural morning light triggers specialized photoreceptors in your eyes. These instantly signal your brain to stop producing melatonin.
• The $0 NASA solution: While blue light therapy devices are helpful for night-shift workers and in the darker months of the year, natural light outside contains all the blue-cyan light you need to help ease sleep inertia.
• Blue light isn’t a 24/7 enemy: Reduce your exposure at least one hour before bed, then embrace it soon after waking to reduce grogginess.
• The weekend trap: Sleeping in creates ‘social jetlag’, which throws off your circadian rhythm and makes your sleep inertia worse on Monday.

6 a.m. cement brain

At the start of this year, my son started going through a rough patch with sleep and my father-in-law was receiving end-of-life care in hospital. I was stressed day and night, and my sleep took a hit.

It didn’t matter how many hours of sleep I got, either – because it was so broken, I felt deeply groggy each morning.

“Sleep inertia is the groggy feeling when somebody wakes up from a deeper part of sleep, and the body is still transitioning from sleep to wake, so they don’t feel fully alert yet,” explains Dr. Lindsay Browning, Chartered Psychologist, Neuroscientist and the founder of Trouble Sleeping.

It was winter when my grogginess drifted in. Sun-dappled mornings were replaced by deep black 6 a.m. skies, and I had lent my trusty Lumie Vitamin L light to a friend battling Seasonal Affective Disorder.

So I became reliant on a daily vat of caffeine to ‘power up’.

Call it divine timing (or forgetting that I had requested the product for testing), but a few weeks later I was sent a pair of 470nm blue-turquoise light-emitting glasses. My morning grogginess was beginning to ease up when wearing them, but they weren't an instant 'on' switch to take me from punch-drunk to instantly alert at 7 a.m..

“The circadian rhythm is a forward feeding cycle, so if you generally wake up at the same time each morning, your internal clock will anticipate when it’s time to wake up and begin to turn off sleep signals and turn on wake signals at your typical wake time," explains Dr. Flynn-Evans.

“You’re also likely to be exposed to light at about the same time in the morning if you get up around the same time, so any light you are exposed to may simply be interpreted by the body as the expected daily light signal.”

So if I always wake up at 7 a.m., my internal body clock already anticipates light at 7 a.m., so that burst of artificial blue light isn't a ‘shock’ system boost and won’t be as potent against sleep inertia as it would be at, say, 2 a.m. when I'm normally asleep.

The right light at the right time

“Bright light exposure soon after waking is one of the best ways of helping you feel more awake more quickly,” explains Dr. Browning.

Ok, but is there a difference between the blue light that helps wake us up versus the ‘melatonin-disrupting’ blue light we’re told to avoid before bed?

“Nope! It’s the same,” says Dr. Flynn-Evans. “The difference is that light in the evening shifts the drive to sleep and wake later. Light in the morning shifts the drive to sleep and wake earlier.

“As a result, most people need to minimize light in the evening in order to fall asleep, and maximize light in the morning to wake up.”

“Additionally, physically getting up out of bed and moving can also help you wake up and feel more refreshed,” adds Dr. Browning. “Staying in bed, repeatedly pressing snooze, is unlikely to help you quickly wake up.”

This is a trap many of us fall into on weekends; a time when we feel we deserve a lie-in, or have the chance to catch up on sleep.

Truth is, this ‘social jetlag’ confuses our circadian rhythm and perpetuates our sleep issues. A consistent sleep schedule, especially your wake-time, is arguably the MVP of good sleep hygiene.

“Sleeping in later at weekends can shift your sleep-wake schedule later, making a Monday morning alarm feel more like waking up during your ‘biological night’,” Dr. Lindsay explains.

“This effect may be more pronounced in naturally later chronotypes (owls) compared to earlier chronotypes (larks)."

Less is more: How long to use blue light for

It’s important to remember that Dr. Flynn-Evans’s work at NASA is focused around how to help astronauts reduce sleep inertia fast when working in space.

Using enriched blue-light helps them go from groggy to alert when they wake up for a shift in a place where they have few circadian cues, yet many physical stressors.

Back on Earth, shift workers who sleep in the day and work through the night might also benefit from blue light exposure.

So how long should a person be exposed to this light before their brain switches from ‘sleepy and groggy’ to ‘awake and energized’?

“We don’t know exactly, because it depends on the time of day and the stage of sleep that a person has awoken from,” Dr. Flynn-Evans explains, before revealing more about her team’s lab protocol: “Our studies typically use a minimum of 20 minutes of bright light exposure.”

For most of us, getting outside soon after waking is still the gold standard approach for easing sleep inertia. Dr. Browning: “At the end of the day, natural daylight is easy, free and one of the most effective practical options for most people.” 

Why some people experience sleep inertia more than others

“If you wake up from a deeper part of sleep, particularly slow-wave sleep, you are more likely to experience sleep inertia.” Dr. Lindsay explains.

“If you wake up from a much lighter part of sleep, typically at the beginning or end of a sleep cycle, you are less likely to experience as much sleep inertia.

“Also, if you set your alarm for a different wake-up time from your usual one, either earlier or later, you might find yourself waking from a deeper part of sleep and therefore experience more sleep inertia.”

Dr. Lindsay's point rang true when I had to wake up around 3 a.m. for a family flight to Spain—not even the excitement of a holiday could override that crushing sleep inertia we all felt.

“Our sleep cycles tend to have more deep, slow-wave sleep in the first half of the night, and sleep tends to get lighter and less deep with each subsequent sleep cycle towards the morning,” Dr. Browning reveals.

“Therefore, if you wake up when your body clock thinks you should still be in the middle of your night’s sleep, you are more likely to wake up from a deeper part of sleep and experience sleep inertia.”

I used my light therapy glass to power through at the airport, giving me enough energy and concentration to lug my sleepy son in a hip carrier whilst also dragging a 20kg suitcase up a steep hill.

Other ways to reduce sleep inertia

In the lighter months where mornings are awash with daylight early doors, sleeping with your curtains partially open is a great way to harness natural light cues.

“Even through closed eyelids, you can sense the sunlight increasing, which has been suggested to help pull you from a deeper part of sleep into a lighter part of sleep.” Dr. Browning then recommends opening your curtains fully as soon as you’re up. “This helps to shift sleep inertia more quickly.”

A good sunrise alarm clock is an excellent solution here.

Her other top tip is to keep a consistent wake time, even on weekends. “This helps your body get used to that time as ‘wake-up time’, and it helps your body shift to that time being a more natural waking point between sleep cycles rather than from a deeper part of sleep.

“So, in summary," continues Dr. Browning, "getting some natural daylight shortly before waking and as soon as you wake up, and having a consistent wake-up time, may both help to reduce the likelihood of sleep inertia.”

When to see a doctor

“People who consistently wake up exhausted often have an undiagnosed sleep disorder," explains Dr. Flynn-Evans, "so the first thing I would recommend is talking with your doctor about a referral to a sleep clinic.

“For those who do not have sleep disorders, it’s important to maintain a regular bed and wake time, with regular bright morning light exposure.

“Night owls tend to struggle with waking up in the morning, which makes it more important for night owls to turn down the lights before bed and maximize morning light exposure to adapt to their work or social schedule." Dr. Flynn-Evans says. "It’s also important to have an appropriate cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment.”

Dr. Browning adds: “If you find that you experience severe sleep inertia most mornings, or it doesn't shift after waking and the sleepiness and grogginess persists long into the day, then this might be a sign that you aren't getting enough sleep, you might have circadian misalignment, or you might possibly have another sleep disorder such as sleep apnoea.”

If you only occasionally experience sleep inertia, it’s nothing to worry about: “Making sure that you get enough sleep is more important than worrying about avoiding sleep inertia, because even if you wake up with sleep inertia, it will usually wear off fairly quickly.”

Sleep tech to help banish morning grogginess

Like most people, my evening routine used to resemble scrolling on my phone in bed at the expense of getting the quality sleep I need. Tired, wired and averaging six hours of sleep a night, I needed to take drastic action.

I felt as though modern life was working against me, and the blue glare from my screens was keeping me artificially stimulated long after it was time for bed. Caffeine and sugar propelled me through the day but left we wide awake at 3 a.m.

So, inspired by the Amish and their healthy relationship with their circadian rhythm (our body's 24 hour internal clock), I decided to rise and sleep with the sun in an attempt to fix my poor sleep habits.

I expected that I might get more sleep, but what happened to my focus and energy levels caught me completely off guard. Here's my story...

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Our circadian rhythm is our body's internal clock, primarily regulating our sleep-wake cycle.
• The rising and setting of the sun acts as a circadian cue, triggering the production of the key sleep hormones we need to fall asleep and wake up.
• For me, modern life and artificial light has resulted in a disconnect between the solar day and my circadian rhythm. This has led to poor sleep.
• To get more sleep and improve my energy levels, I took inspiration from the Amish to sleep and rise with the sun for 14 days.
• The result? I slept longer after just night one. After two weeks, my cognitive fog lifted and my focus returned.

• Read more: I kept waking up exhausted until a NASA scientist shared her $0 lab-tested tip for beating morning grogginess — here’s how it works

What is your circadian rhythm and what role does in play in sleep?

Your circadian rhythm is your body’s internal clock. It’s governed by the sun and regulates your sleep-wake cycle. It also regulates other functions, including hormone production, temperature and metabolism.

“Circadian means ‘around the day,’ and for humans and almost every other living thing on earth, it's aligned with the sun and controls two of our most fundamental states of being — sleep and wake,” explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a doctor double-board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine.

“At the core of the circadian system is sleep and wake,” says Dr. Dimitriu. "Sleepiness is reset by sleep, and builds up the more hours you are awake.”

The sleep-wake cycle is made up of two parts. First comes sleep pressure (your homeostatic sleep drive). It builds from the moment you open your eyes in the morning. As does a chemical called adenosine.

“As it gets later in the day, we build up more adenosine, which accumulates and makes us sleepy over time,” says Dr. Dimitriu.

He then adds that the second part of the sleep-wake cycle is aligned with daylight and melatonin, which, alongside adenosine, delivers a one-two punch of tiredness, making it easier to fall asleep.

“The system is designed so that when these two signals overlap — so you are sleepy, and it is dark outside — you enter and stay asleep,” explains Dr. Dimitriu.

The catalyst: Why I turned the lights off in my life

I write about sleep for a living, yet my own relationship with sleep is complex. An erratic sleep schedule, endless to-do lists and age-related hormonal fluctuations (I’m 40+) means I usually get in the region of six hours of broken rest per night.

And, no, I’m not one of those rare humans who manage to thrive on less than seven hours of sleep. I exist in a cognitive fog, my emotions sit close to the surface and I often find myself wide awake at 3 a.m. in a mild panic.

Ironically, the idea to shun artificial light in order to claw back my sleep quality could be described as a lightbulb moment. It was during a camping trip that I mulled over the fact that I always slept better in the great outdoors.

These camping trips tend to follow a familiar pattern; a busy day of outdoor activities — hiking, surfing, swimming — followed by a gradual wind down, perhaps a short walk, before getting into bed soon after the sun sets. I climb onto my air mattress and sleep like a log.

During my most recent trip, I clocked up an unprecedented 8h 47m of sleep, 1h 55m of which was spent in deep sleep (most adults aged between 25 and 64 require between 45-90 minutes of deep sleep per night, which suggests my body was trying to repay a portion of the mountain of sleep debt I’ve accumulated over the past decade).

For the first time in weeks, I woke up feeling restored. I had (unintentionally) corroborated a 2013 study that explored how following a natural light cycle could shift your circadian rhythm forward, resulting in more sleep.

It was then that I realised I was slowly suffocating my circadian rhythm with artificial light and tech back home.

"Bright lights, late meals, and highly stimulating activities can make it harder for the body to register that it's time for sleep," explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a doctor double-board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. "Lightbulbs have changed our relationship to the sun, and screens and devices have made it worse.

"Bluish high efficiency LED lights do the same — they trick the circadian system into thinking it's daytime when it's night," he continues. "People need to be in dark dim sunset colors to sync their circadian systems, and align them for sleep."

With most modern homes packed with tech that actively prevents them from sleeping, could it ever be possible to apply the simplicity of a rustic camping trip — where I sleep and wake with the sun — to my busy daily life? I decided to try...

Sleeping like the Amish

In her quest to explore what life was like when humans had a closer relationship with natural light, health and science journalist Linda Geddes visited an Old Order Amish community in rural Pennsylvania. There connection to the electric grid is forbidden and their days are largely spent toiling the land and tending to the home.

It was here, while researching her book Chasing the Sun, that Geddes noticed how certain aspects of Amish life leant itself to quality sleep. Physical activity, a circadian rhythm closely aligned with the sun, and plenty of natural daylight.

In contrast, my life as a desk-bound journalist means I spend a large portion of my day hunched over a laptop under the glare of bright LED office lights. Instead of fresh air, I’m blasted by recycled air and survive on a staple diet of oven chips.

Sleeping and waking with the sun

When Geddes stayed with an Amish family, she noted how their attention isn’t absorbed by electrical gadgets. Their evenings weren’t punctuated by bright electrical lights, either.

Instead, they use a single, large, stand-mounted propane gaslight that they move between the kitchen and living space, where the family congregates. If anyone needs to use the bathroom, they take a battery powered LED lantern, a torch or oil lamp.

“Even so, once the sun goes down, most Amish households are far darker than the average American house,” writes Geddes.

As a result, a sleep schedule that closely aligns with the sun — around 9 p.m. until 4.45 a.m. — is standard, rising without an alarm before dawn.

Daily labor

Adenosine, a chemical that builds throughout the day and helps promote sleep, is a byproduct of physical activity. So sedentary lifestyles can impact sleep pressure, our biological urge for sleep.

Sleep pressure is a pillar of our circadian rhythm, so when we move less throughout the day, the delicate balance of our circadian rhythm — which regulates our sleep-wake cycles — is disrupted.

For the Amish community, who work, walk (for the Old Order, cars are forbidden), farm and do, this isn't an issue as they are constantly moving.

"The way many of us live today is almost the opposite of what our internal clock expects," Dr. Shelby Harris, a licenced Clinical Psychologist and Behavioral Sleep Medicine Specialist, tells me.

"We spend most of the day indoors, often under relatively dim lighting, and then at night we're surrounded by bright lights, TVs, laptops, and our phones. That evening light tells the brain to stay alert when it should be winding down."

Daylight exposure

While modern life has left many of us disconnected from the solar day and at the mercy of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression tied to a lack of natural sunlight, Geddes points out that the Amish population has the lowest prevalence of SAD of any Caucasian population.

And that could be down to the amount of daylight they're exposed to. According to Geddes, Amish people are exposed to an average daytime illuminance of 4,000 lux during the summer, compared to the 587 lux that Brits are exposed to.

In Winter, that drops to approximately 1,500 lux and 210 lux respectively, which, again, leads to a dysregulation of our circadian rhythm. "In other words, our waking hours are approximately seven times gloomier than those of the Amish," writes Geddes.

My experiment: What happened when I slept and rose like the Amish

I'm not about to disconnect my home from the National Grid, nor can I swing two weeks off work to grow my own food.

But there are aspects of Amish life that I can take inspiration from in order to improve my sleep — and that's sleeping and (hopefully) rising with the sun.

Instead of using artificial light to prop up a later bed time, I decide to spend two weeks going to bed as the sun goes down, just like I do when camping. Two weeks should give me enough time to settle into some sort of routine.

The night I start my experiment, the sunset takes me by surprise. Is it 10.15 p.m. already? I’ve accidentally left it until the light is practically non-existent before getting ready for bed.

But, like I would when I go camping, I muddle through with the little light there is and manage to get myself ready for bed.

I leave my phone downstairs out of reach, turn off my sunrise alarm (I’m just hoping that I wake up in time to get the kids ready for school) and climb into bed.

Normally, I would appreciate reading in bed (or, more accurately, scrolling on my phone) for a while in order to wind down after a busy day.

However turning on a light goes against the whole point of this exercise, so I lie in the darkness and wait for sleep to take me.

I sleep for longer from night one

The speedy bedtime routine (and earlier bedtime) means it takes me longer than normal to fall asleep. When I do, I’m aware I’m sleeping lightly as I’m worried about sleeping in and the kids being late for school.

Despite worrying, I wake naturally at 06:49, which is a little later than I would normally wake but still within the realms of my usual routine. My sleep tracker tells me I’ve clocked up 8h and 18 minutes of sleep and didn’t wake up in the night.

I question how accurate that is as I felt like I kept checking the time all night. Still, for me, 8h and 18 minutes of sleep is pretty incredible.

Waking up eventually stops being a struggle

Worrying about not setting an alarm is starting to impact my sleep. So I set my sunrise alarm clock for 6 a.m. as a safety net and hope that I don't need it.

I start my experiment on a Thursday and, when my sunrise alarm starts chirping away on Monday morning, I'm still dead to the world. I initially feel disappointed that I'm not waking naturally with the sun at 5 a.m.

But then I remind myself that I've been getting less sleep than I need for years, so paying off all that sleep debt won't happen within a few days.

However, as the experiment goes on and my alarm goes off, I begin to feel ready for it. For the first time in months, I'm waking with energy.

There are even occasions when I wake before my alarm.

When that happens I try to get out of bed straight away and enjoy my first cup of tea in the garden before anyone else wakes up.

While I would normally have spent that time on my phone in bed, I've instead been checking the progress of my dahlias and soaking up the early morning rays.

This, says Dr. Harris, is one of the most impactful ways I can anchor my circadian rhythm: "One of the biggest things is getting outside soon after you wake up. Even 15 to 30 minutes of morning light helps reinforce your body's schedule and makes it easier to fall asleep that night."

My cognitive fog is lifting and my focus is returning

Over time, the double whammy of sleep deprivation and underlying stress has taken a toll on my cognitive function. I've become forgetful, there are times I can struggle to focus, and I rarely allow myself the luxury of finishing a thought.

After a week of sleeping and rising(ish) with the sun, I begin to feel the cognitive fog lift.

For the first time in a long time, I feel creative again — ideas come to me and I allow myself the time to mull them over. I'm focusing on one task at a time and enjoying immersing myself in them, whether it's work, cooking or DIY.

This, says Dr. Dimitriu, is entirely expected: "Sleeping closer to sunset and waking closer to sunrise, is what we have been doing naturally for millennia, and it also helps establish deeper, and longer periods of sleep.

"More sleep, that is circadian aligned, has multiple benefits, physical and mental. Mood stability improves, anxiety is reduced, and there is more room to think before you react," he continues.

"People become more patient. Attention and focus, as well as memory and recall — the ability to learn, are also improved."

How to protect your circadian rhythm during the darker months

While attempting to align my circadian rhythm with the sun, I've been aware that summer is the easiest time to do this. After all, a sunset and sunrise time in the region of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. isn't a million miles from my optimal routine.

Which leads me to wonder, how can I anchor my circadian rhythm around the sun during the winter months when the days are shorter and the sunlight is weaker?

"Winter definitely makes it harder because we're naturally exposed to less sunlight, especially in the morning," acknowledges Dr. Harris.

"My advice is to make the most of whatever daylight you do have. If you can step outside for a morning walk, that light is still much stronger than what you get indoors."

For those who notice that their mood and energy levels are impacted during winter, Dr. Harris recommends a light therapy box, which emulates natural sunlight for improved health.

"More than anything, try not to let your routine drift," concludes Dr. Harris. "Keeping a consistent wake time, getting some movement during the day, and limiting bright light late at night can go a long way in keeping your body clock on track, even when the days are shorter."

Tech to help regulate your circadian rhythm

If you've ever become engrossed in CleanTok, that TikTok community dedicated to strangely-satisfying cleaning videos, you've probably watched influencers dunk their old, yellowed pillows into a bathtub full of household items to make them sparkly clean.

So compelling are these videos that I sometimes forget that the people who confidently guide me through their hacks are not professional cleaners but simply TikTok account holders with a bathtub and some grubby pillows. In fact, many CleanTok videos go against expert-approved cleaning advice on how to wash a pillow.

"I would be cautious because these household products were not formulated or tested as complete fabric cleaners," says Shamsa Kanwal, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and medical writer at MyPsoriasisTeam. "Standard laundering methods are more reliable because they are designed to lift sweat, skin oil, saliva, cosmetics, and other residue from fabric and rinse them away."

That's why I took bunch of old, grubby pillows with deep set stains to test five CleanTok hacks and to see how they compare against three gold-standard pillow cleaning techniques used by specialists and in hotels. Here's how it all went...

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Viral TikTok pillow cleaning trends (like shaving foam and vodka) are mostly visually-pleasing, clout-chasing quick-fixes that fail to completely remove deep-set, stubborn stains.
• Spritzing a 3% hydrogen peroxide and water mixture, scrubbing it in, and running the pillow through a standard wash cycle outperformed all other methods, lifting tough stains and restoring brightness.
• While soaking pillows in a bath of soda crystals yielded weak results, adding them directly to the washing machine drum proved far more effective for fading severe discoloration.
• However, the safest expert-recommended approach is to follow the pillow's care label and make sure its dried completely before using.

The pillow stains I needed to remove

To begin my experiment, co-workers (not going to name and shame!) kindly sent me their old, grubby yellow-stained pillows.

These yellow stains (usually caused by a build-up of sweat, body oils, and drool) are the most common type of pillow stain.

However, I know that plenty of people eat and drink in bed, so I decided to kick it up a notch by staining each pillow further with tea, coffee, and smoothies.

I then allowed each stain to set, making them mega-tough to remove so I could see how effective each pillow-cleaning method really is.

Putting each viral hack to the test — see my results and how I scored them

Hack 1: Shaving foam | Test score: 0 out of 5

We all love a medicine cabinet staple that can double as a multipurpose cleaner, which is why CleanTok is full of shaving foam cleaning hacks. It seems simple, right? Just apply a dollop of foam to a stain, leave for 15 minutes up to 1-2 hours, and wipe away with a damp microfibre cloth.

However, when I gave this hack a go on a prominent yellow pillow stain, it did nothing but make the pillow smell nice. I had an inkling that this quick fix seemed a little too good to be true, plus health experts advise against it.

"Shaving foam may leave fragrance and surfactant residue, which can cause irritation," warns Dr Kanwal.

If you do want to give this no-harm, no-foul hack a try, make sure to use a white shaving foam (the kind that's already foamed up as soon as it's squeezed out of the can) rather than a shaving gel with added dyes.

Hack 2: Vodka | Test score: 1 out of 5

Next up is vodka, which seems a little counter-intuitive as a drink is usually what causes stains. However, plenty of CleanTok videos herald vodka as a stain remover for grubbiness. So, I chose a feather pillow (the yellowest of the pack) to see if a vodka spritz could remove the build-up of body oils and grease.

I spritzed the pillow with a cheap bottle of vodka poured into a spray bottle, and then I rubbed the pillow with a cloth dunked soaked with hot water. Did it remove any stains? No. Did it de-odorize the pillow and give it a little refresh? Yes. As Dr Kanwal puts it: "Vodka does not replace the oil and dirt removing action of laundry detergent".

Hack 3. Soda crystals | Test score: 2 out of 5

Now, this is the hack I had high hopes for, as soda crystals seemed the most legitimate of cleaning tips. These magic crystals are not only used to remove detergent build-up in washing machines but they also help remove stains and soften water.

So, I added 1 cup of soda crystals to a half-filled bathtub of warm water, swished the crystals around, and left them to soak for 1 hour. When I returned, I found that the stains were removed slightly, but I feel that the soda crystals didn't live up to their stain-removing hype. However, I wouldn't skip the soda crystal treatment altogether (as you'll find out later).

Hack 4: Baking soda and vinegar | Test score: 3.5 out of 5

Ah, the baking soda volcano. I don't think any other kitchen ingredients have been used in DIY cleaners more frequently than baking soda and white vinegar. However, I was a little sceptical.

I've been told by cleaning experts to avoid using baking soda on certain mattresses due to its fine particle. "Baking soda may help with odour, but using too much can leave residue that may irritate sensitive, acne prone, or eczema prone skin when the face rests against the pillow for several hours," Dr Kanwal tells me.

However, a vinegar and baking soda mixture can be a cleaning wonder when baking soda is used properly. So, here's how I preceded: I put a stained pillow in the bathtub and sprinkled a generous amount of baking soda on the stains and rubbed it into the fabric. Next I filled the bathtub with warm water and added 2 cups of white vinegar. I then left the pillow to soak for a couple of hours.

Unsurprisingly, the mixture did fade the stains significantly, but definitely not completely or quickly. While a couple of hours is a slog, I will admit that these are stubborn, deep-set stains that faded with low effort and minimal scrubbing. My verdict? Worth a shot.

Hack 5: Lemon slice soak | Test score: 4 out of 5

Out of all the pillow hacks I've seen grace CleanTok, this one is probably the most talked about. Lemons are kind of seen as nature's cleansers, so soaking your pillow in a bath filled with citrusy goodness seems like a good idea.

However, this hack has become controversial because research shows that citrus acid degrades fabric. That doesn't stop it from remaining one of the most popular TikTok cleaning hacks out there, so I figured it would be pretty remiss of me not to give it a try.

In the video above, the TikToker soaks a child's pillow in a bathtub full of piping hot water, baking soda, detergent, and sliced lemons. Naturally I did the same.

As I scraped the last of the lemon slices from a chopping board and into the bath, I noticed the bathwater had already begun to discolor. Surely just the lemon juice?

Then, I started to squeeze and press the pillow, and as I was doing so, I began to see the tea and coffee stains spurt out of the fabric. With my hands massaging the fabric and the lemons floating on the surface, I felt like I was giving the pillow a luxury spa treatment rather than a good clean.

Out of all the cleaning hacks I tried, this was honestly the most fun to do and the most TikTok-worthy to look at. Watching the bath water fill with lemon zest and filth was oddly satisfying and made me realize why the original video was such as hit.

So, it was fun and hypnotizingly gross, but does this method help remove stains? I hate to admit it, but...yes. It didn't remove stains completely, but it did noticeably lighten them.

Overall, a fun cleaning hack to try, even if the addition of lemons is a little dubious.

Bottom line

All the CleanTok pillow cleaning hacks I tried above may seem like miracle solutions, but trying them for myself reminded me that most of these "hacks" are made for visually-pleasing quick-fix social media content and won’t actually remove deep-set pillow stains. Most will leave you either disappointed...or low on shaving foam.

If you want to know more about how to clean pillows from experts rather than cleanfluencers, then visit our guide on how to wash a pillow, how to wash a memory foam pillow, or read on to see how I got on using the specialist pillow cleaning techniques used by experts and luxury hotels.

3 gold standard pillow cleaning methods that actually work

According to Dr Kanwal, the best way to clean a pillow is to follow what its care label permits.

"The safest approach is the warmest suitable water setting, an appropriate laundry detergent, a complete rinse, and thorough drying so the pillow is not left damp," she advises.

However, some pillow stains need extra help to budge, so I've tried the ultra stain-removing methods that health experts, cleaning specialists, and luxury five-star hotels approve of. Here's what happened and why they actually work...

Method 1: Hotel hot wash | Test score: 3.5 out of 5

Hotels get their bedding crip and white by using a hot wash of 140 °F for a minimum of 90 minutes, to remove germs and stains. I was a bit apprehensive at first as none of the pillows' cleaning labels advise a hot cycle, plus it's not very environmentally friendly.

"A hot water cycle can improve cleaning and reduce some allergens or microorganisms, but only when the pillow’s care label permits it," says Dr Kanwal.

After putting a stained pillow in the machine for two hours, I wasn't at all surprised to see that the high temperature faded most of the tea and coffee stains.

It definitely didn't get the pillow clean enough for a five-star hotel bed, but most five-star hotels don't have pillows this stained.

Method 2: Soda crystal + washing machine | Test score: 4.5 out of 5

Now we're back to the soda crystals. While this versatile powder didn't impress me during the TikTok method, I thought maybe the power of the washing machine would bring out the soda crystal magic.

"Soda crystals can support detergent by helping loosen greasy buildup, but it should be rinsed thoroughly because it can irritate skin or damage certain fabrics if misused," says Dr Kanwal.

Turns out, the detergent really did bring out the soda crystal magic. After applying half a cup of soda crystals to the drum of my washing machine and following the laundry instructions on the pillow label.

I was pleased to see that the pillow stains had faded almost to nothing (though a few stubborn stains did linger).

Method 3: Hydrogen peroxide | Test score: 5 out of 5

I've written quite a few cleaning articles in my time, and every time I interview a cleaning specialist about the best ways to remove stubborn stains, they always bring up hydrogen peroxide. "Three percent hydrogen peroxide can help break down some organic stains, but rinse thoroughly to avoid skin irritation," says Dr Kanwal.

So, I followed this guide on how to hydrogen peroxide as a safe cleaner, and then grabbed some gloves, a spray bottle and 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

I spritzed a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water all over the stained pillow and let it sit. After 30 minutes, I worked the solution into the pillow with an electric toothbrush.

As I scrubbed, I was surprised to see the stains start rub and flake off. I then popped the pillow into the washing machine (following the label's cleaning instructions) for an hour.

When I took the pillow out of the drum, I was shocked. Not only had it removed even the toughest of stains, it had also made the pillow whiter and brighter — something that the other methods failed to do.

So, the best pillow cleaning method in my opinion? Hydrogen peroxide all the way.

Top-rated products to keep your pillows stain free

Review in brief

Birch by Helix is the brand behind some of the top organic mattresses you can buy online, and the Elite Natural is its most luxurious and durable offering — and boasts a price tag to match. A queen costs $3,749.33 at full MSRP, but regular Helix mattress sales mean you’ll usually pay around $2,999. It’s undoubtedly an investment, but is it worth it?

Along with my husband (and cat), I have been sleeping on a queen size Birch Elite Natural mattress for the past two months. Further below you’ll find my full review, including the test results that help paint a clear picture of its overall performance. But for a snapshot into how the Elite compares to the best mattresses of 2026 for all sleepers, here is my review in brief...

The Elite is a hybrid latex mattress made up of seven premium internal layers, which include individually wrapped steel coils, microcoils, organic cotton, sustainably sourced New Zealand wool and three different layers of GOLS certified organic latex.

Its organic materials result in a naturally breathable and cooling sleep feel. And, temperature-wise, I can honestly say I’ve slept pretty comfortably on this mattress throughout one of the hottest summers I can remember. (Yes, latex really is as naturally cooling as everyone says it is).

However, for an eco-friendly mattress packed with sustainably sourced organic materials, the glue-like smell during set-up was overwhelming.

Mattresses that have been compressed, rolled and placed in a box for delivery usually emit some kind of odor when unboxed. This is usually because the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) inside the materials are being released into the air.

But because VOCs are found in chemicals, I wouldn’t have expected any off-gassing from the (largely) organic Elite. I opened a window and the smell dissipated quickly (and was entirely gone within a few days).

Smell aside, I found the Elite to feel firmer than the medium-plush tension that it’s marketed as. This shouldn’t have come as a surprise, as Latex is renowned for its buoyant and responsive sleep feel.

I felt it was closer to 7/10 for firmness, as opposed to the 5/10 rating from Birch. There is definitely a degree of sink-in support, but it feels as though the latex compresses under my weight as opposed to contouring around it.

I found support around the edge to be reliably sturdy, which means that you can safely sleep right up to the edge without feeling the mattress dip or collapse beneath you.

It’s responsive, which means you can move around easily on the Elite — that’s good news for people who move around a lot in bed.

Natural latex is an unyielding material made from the sap of rubber trees, so if you’re an average weight side sleeper looking for an organic mattress with plenty of sink-in, body contouring support — this isn’t it.

But for eco-conscious shoppers who are combination sleepers who like to shift positions frequently throughout the night, the Birch Elite Natural could be your perfect bed.

Price and trial

• A queen costs $3,749.33 at full MSRP, but regular sales mean you’ll usually pay around $2,999
• Comes with a lifetime limited warranty and 120 night sleep trial
• Sales range between 20% and 30% off, with the best deals reserved for major holidays

The Birch Natural Elite is a premium mattress that sits at the top of the brand’s lineup of (largely) organic beds — and therefore the most expensive. A queen costs $3749.33 at full MSRP, but you’ll usually pay $2,999 in the regular 20% off sale.

That sale runs throughout most of the year, rising to 25% and 30% off during major holidays, like the upcoming Labor Day mattress sales.

That brings a queen down to $2,624,53, which is the lowest price you can expect to pay. Right now, it’s $2,812 in an extended 4th of July sale.

Here’s how much you can expect to pay, per size:

• Twin: MSRP $2,498.66 (usually sold at $1,998.93)
• Twin XL: MSRP $2,749.33 (usually sold at $2,199.46)
• Full: MSRP $3,310.66 (usually sold at $2,648.53)
• Queen: MSRP $3749.33 (usually sold at $2,999)
• King: MSRP $4,498.66 (usually sold at $3,598.93)
• Cal king: MSRP $4,498.66 (usually sold at $3,598.93)

Plus, for an extra $372 at full MSRP for all sizes, you can get a specialist EcoCool cooling layer, made up of graphite strips to draw heat away from your body (more on that below).

Shipping is free and fast, while a white glove delivery service is potentially available — the fee/availability is dependent on your location. The Elite Natural comes with a 120 night sleep trial, which is plenty of time to know whether it’s the right fit for you.

If you do decide within that sleep trial that it’s not quite right, you can exchange or return the mattress after a 30 ‘break-in’ period. It’s worth flagging that the return/exchange service incurs a $99 return fee.

Those benefits are generous, but fall short in comparison to the Saatva Zenhaven, which, can cost as 'little' as $3,017 for a queen after a 15% off Saatva mattress sale, is perhaps the Birch Elite’s main competitor.

In contrast, the Zenhaven comes with a 365 night sleep trial and a free White Glove Delivery Service, which includes old mattress removal. Plus, returns are free.

Design

• The Birch Elite Natural is 15” tall and has 7 internal layers
• These include three separate perforated latex layers for comfort and support
• Organic materials including wool, latex and cotton come with high standard certification

The Birch Elite Natural is a 15” mattress that boasts seven internal layers, plus an organic cotton quilted cover that feels soft and cozy to the touch and fiberglass-free fire retardant protection.

Birch comes under the 3Z parent brand umbrella, which includes Helix, Brooklyn Bedding and Plank. Like the best mattresses in a box, these beds are assembled in Arizona before being compressed, rolled and boxed up for speedy delivery.

From the cover down, the Elite boasts a 3” thick quilted cover made from natural New Zealand wool and the first of three perforated GOLS-certified latex layers. Both wool and latex are naturally breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that help keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.

Beneath the quilted cover and making up the top third layer of the mattress is a second softer layer of perforated latex. After that comes a 0.75” microcoil layer designed to contour around the touch points of the mattress.

Then comes the third, firmer layer of perforated layer of latex for stability. Combined together, the latex layers make up 4” of the mattress’ 15” height.

As a good hybrid mattress, underpinning it all is the 8” steel coil base, which is made up of hundreds of individually wrapped steel coils. These provide stability right up to the edge, as well as targeted lumbar support.

Comfort and support

• Mattress compresses rather than contours around the shape of your body
• Responsive surface is easy to shift positions on
• Feels firmer than the medium-plush that it’s advertised as

I slept on the Birch Elite Natural after sleeping on the DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid, a sumptuously soft but supportive luxury mattress with oodles of body-contouring support.

The Birch Elite is a completely different beast and, if I’m brutally honest, it was a while before I stopped craving the body hug feel of the DreamCloud.

In contrast, the Birch — despite being marketed as medium-plush with a firmness rating of 5/10 — felt too firm to me. I would place it closer to 7/10.

For context, I’m of average weight and I sleep predominantly on my side. So plenty of pressure relief around the shoulders, hips and knees is important.

But, initially, sleeping on my side felt like my shoulders were slowly being smushed up to my chin instead of being absorbed by the bed, leaving me with pain across my shoulder blades come morning.

Lying on my back also left me feeling fairly stiff and sore. As someone with recurrent lower back pain, I like my lumbar region to feel properly supported and weightless on the bed.

Instead, I could feel a slight gap between the base of my spine and the bed. This resulted in a build-up of pressure in the ‘S’ shape of my back.

If I could have handed the Birch Elite back after a week, I would have. But, as time went on, I was glad that I hadn’t. Yes, I personally prefer the gentle body cradling feel of some memory foam beds, but the responsiveness of the Birch’s latex layers have grown on me.

I can move around freely from position to position without feeling trapped (which has been a welcome feature during the recent heatwaves). I’m no longer waking up in pain. In fact, I now wake up feeling straightened out and refreshed.

Has the Birch softened up over time, or have I just got used to it? Probably a bit of both. But I now suspect going back to memory foam pillow tops might initially feel rather stuffy and restrictive in comparison.
Comfort and firmness is subjective and we all have our preferences. But I think the Birch Elite is best suited to eco-conscious combination sleepers who like to move around at night while sleeping on top of the mattress, as opposed to sinking deeply into it.

Comfort score: 2.5 out of 5

Delivery and setup

• The mattress comes in two separate boxes for ease of movement and set up
• Unboxing smell was surprisingly strong for a natural mattress
• The mattress expanded instantly, but brand says it can take up to 48 hours to establish its full shape

At 15” tall, the Birch Elite is a substantially tall bed. As such, Birch sends the mattress in two separate boxes (one bigger than the other). This is so that the box doesn’t become unmanageably big or heavy — but you’ll still need two people to manage both boxes.

Once my husband and I maneuvered the boxes upstairs, we set to unboxing the Elite. The mattress is separated into a thick base layer and then an insert layer. Once the base layer is cut out of its packaging and unrolled on your bed, you can unzip and pull back the top cover.

Then, once the insert layer is unboxed and unrolled, you can zip it into the base layer. It takes a bit of adjusting to make sure that the top layer aligns properly with the base layer, but it’s all fairly straightforward — if slightly more time consuming.

However, the payoff is that you get a luxuriously tall mattress packed with premium materials without compromising on the convenience of a mattress in a box.

Once set up, the mattress looked ready to sleep on immediately. However, Birch advises allowing two hours before applying any weight to it to ensure it establishes its proper shape and firmness, and cites that it could be between 24-48 hours until fully expanded.

As an all-natural (and mostly organic) mattress, I was expecting zero off-gassing from the Birch Elite. Off gassing is the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from chemicals into the air.

The smell was glue-like and pungent, but quickly dissipated once I opened the window.

Performance

• Some motion transfer means that restless couples could feel some disturbance
• Excellent support around the edge of the bed means you can sleep right up to the edge
• Breathable materials mean it boasts excellent temperature regulation

As well as my subjective experience of sleeping on the Birch Elite Natural mattress, I performed a series of objective tests that allows me to give a 360 view of its performance. During testing I focused on three areas of performance: temperature regulation, motion isolation, and edge support.

Temperature regulation is a term to describe how effectively a mattress dissipates body heat, rather than trapping it.

Strong temperature regulation doesn't necessarily mean it's actively cooling, it means that it keeps the temperature consistent. On the flip side, a mattress that holds on to heat can lead to night sweats and night time awakenings.

Motion isolation is essentially how well a mattress absorbs movement across the surface of the bed, which is why it's an important feature for couples.

A mattress with strong motion isolation means you're unlikely to be disturbed by movement elsewhere in the bed. However, a mattress with poor motion isolations means you're likely to feel every toss and turn.

Finally, edge support refers to how sturdy the perimeter of the mattress feels. Strong edge support is important for bed sharers or anyone else who might like to sleep right up to the bed's edge.

It's also important for those with mobility issues who need to safely sit before getting in or out of bed.

Motion isolation

In order to test the motion isolation of a mattress during our at-home testing process, I measured 32” down from the top and 12” in from the left side of the mattress.

I marked this spot with a piece of black tape before placing an empty wine glass on it. On the opposite side of the mattress I measured 32" down and 12" in from the side and marked this spot with black tape.

I then measured 24" in the air above this second spot, before dropping a 10lb kettle bell. This test mimics someone getting in and out of bed. After the initial drop, the wine glass wobbled but didn't fall over. I repeated this process a further four times, during which it fell over once.

This mirrors my experience of sharing the bed with my husband. I do feel some motion across the surface of the bed when my husband gets in and out of bed, but it isn't pronounced enough to wake me. However, I suspect this would be a different story for light sleepers.

Motion isolation score: 2.5 out of 5

Temperature control

To asses the temperature regulation of a mattress at home, I lie on my side for fifteen minutes. I tested the mattress during an unseasonably hot spring and summer, so my bedroom felt warmer than usual.

Despite this, the mattress felt cool beneath me throughout the fifteen minute testing period. Again, this test reflected how I felt during the two months of sleeping on it, the majority of which was during heatwaves.

During hot evenings, I only needed to kick a leg out or roll over to feel the coolness of the latex (this felt like flipping your pillow over to feel the cool side). Although the Birch Elite is not a specialist cooling mattress, it did an excellent job of helping me sleep comfortably cool.

However, for very hot sleepers, there is also an option to upgrade to an EcoCool layer for an extra $372 for all sizes. This is a layer of graphite ribbons that actively draw heat from the body and dissipates it across the surface of the bed.

Temperature control score: 4 out of 5

Edge support

To measure a mattress' edge support at home I initially sat on the edge to assess how it felt beneath me; comfortably sturdy. I could safely plant both feet on the floor without feeling myself sliding off.

In order to assess its edge support objectively, I then measured a spot 30" across and 3" in from the foot of the mattress and marked this zone with tape. After placing a 56lb weight on this drop zone, the weight initially sank 2" and felt secure on the bed's edge.

After leaving the weight for 5 minutes, the weight has sunk to 3.5" but remained secure on the edge. Next, I measured 32" down and 3" in from the side of the mattress. Again, the initial sink here was 2" and sank to 2.5" after leaving it in situ for 5 minutes.

Having slept on the Birch Elite for the past two months, I feel as though edge support is one of the areas where it really shines. I can safely sleep right up to the bed's edge without feeling as though I'm slowly sinking or sliding off.

Edge support score: 4 out of 5

Customer reviews

• Launched in 2025, the Birch Elite has 4 stars after 48 reviews
• Positive reviews cite its naturally cool sleep feel, back support and overall comfort
• Negative reviews claim it feels firmer than advertised

Since its launch last year, there are only 48 reviews of the Birch Elite Natural, with an average 4 out of 5 stars. Among the positive reviews, customers laud its overall comfort and temperature control. "Extremely comfortably, supportive and cool," reads one review.

Others rate it highly for its back support, crediting it with helping them stay asleep all night and wake up pain free.

Of course, comfort is subjective and other reviews complain that it's firmer than advertised, with one couple saying it left them with a tingling sensation along their arms and legs after sleeping on their sides.

Should you buy it?

Who should buy it and why?

✅ Hot sleepers: Wool, cotton and natural latex are all naturally breathable materials that wick away moisture while you sleep, which translates to excellent temperature control.

✅ Eco-conscious shoppers: While not 100% organic, the Birch Elite is packed with premium GOLS and GREENGUARD GOLD certified materials for clean, non-toxic sleep.

Who shouldn't buy it and why?

❌ Side sleepers who favor a body contouring feel: Thanks to its latex layers, the Birch Elite compresses beneath your weight as opposed to contouring around it, which can lead to a build up of pressure along your shoulders and hips.

❌ Restless bed-sharers: Although support around the perimeter of the mattress means you can sleep right up to the bed's edge (which is great news for space-saving couples), average motion isolation means restless sleepers might feel movement from their partner.

Is it worth it?

The Birch Elite is made from a raft of premium natural and (largely) organic materials, including New Zealand wool, GOLS certified organic latex, organic cotton and steel coils.

The combination of quality materials and craftsmanship means that you're buying a durable mattress that could potentially last you decades.

If well looked after, latex mattresses could last up to 20 years. So, while you will pay in the region of $3,000 for queen, that investment could pay off in the long run.

Of course, it's only a worthwhile investment if you actually find the mattress comfortable. For me, the Birch Elite isn't quite plush enough to provide the body contouring support I personally crave as a side sleeper.

However, body type and weight impacts mattress firmness levels, so heavier side sleepers might find it more suitable. (For average weight side sleepers, I would recommend the Awara Classic Hybrid instead, an organic mattress with a softer feel).

On the flip side, heavier back and stomach sleeps might find the Birch Elite too soft. In that instance I would recommend the Saatva Zenhaven instead, a dual-sided premium latex mattress with firmer support.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Pairs well with…

Night sweats and allergens can ruin our sleep during the summer, and not washing your bedding enough can make these issues even worse. Sweat, oil, and allergens can build up if sheets and pillows during heatwaves, but how often (and at what temperature) should we wash our sheets in the summer?

While research has found that the average person changes their sheets every 24 days, an infection prevention expert says this is way too long a wait wash your bedding.

"Bedding collects normal skin bacteria, environmental bacteria, yeasts, mold spores, dust mites, and the allergens that come with all of it," says Dr. Shanina C. Knighton, PhD, RN, CIC, a Research Associate Professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University.

So, to set the record straight, I've called on Dr. Knighton to tell us how often we should be washing our sheets and pillows during the summer. She'll also tell us what temperature to wash your bedding at, and three other ways you can prevent summer allergens from piling up and disrupting your sleep.

• Read more: I pointed a thermal cam at a luxury cooling pillow to see if it actually helps you stay cool in a heatwave

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Wash your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week: but those with skin conditions, an active lifestyle, or allergies will need to change them more frequently.
• Duvet covers should be washes at least every two weeks: pillows and comforters can be washed every few months if they aren't visibly soiled or stained.
• Wash bedding at a temperature of at least 130°F: with 140°F being the optimal for killing dust mites.
• Make sure bedding is well-ventilated: this prevents moisture from encouraging bacterial growth, and use a waterproof mattress protector.
• Wear slippers: these stop your feet from picking up floor debris and bringing it into your bed.

How often should you wash bed sheets and pillowcases in summer?

"Wash your sheets and pillowcases weekly at a minimum during hot weather," advises Dr Knighton.

However, the infection expert stresses that many people may need to wash their bedding more frequently depending on their lifestyle, occupation, and conditions.

"Wash more frequently if you sweat heavily, go to bed without showering, have oily or acne-prone skin, have allergies or eczema, share the bed with pets, or work a high-exposure job such as healthcare, sanitation, childcare, or repair work where you carry the day home with you," she shares.

How often should other types of bedding be washed in summer?

While Dr. Knighton advises pillowcases and sheets be washed frequently, other types of bedding can survive a longer wait.

"Duvet covers should be washed weekly or every two weeks depending on use," says Dr Knighton. "Pillows and comforters follow the care label, which is usually every few months, and sooner if they become sweaty, stained, musty, or visibly soiled."

However, just because pillows, duvet cover, and comforters don't need to be washed as often as sheets and pillowcases, this doesn't mean they aren't immune to allergen and moisture build-up.

In fact, Dr. Knighton says that dense pillows and comforter can hold onto moisture far longer than thinner sheets do, trapping heat, sweat, skin oils, and dead cells without airflow.

These warm, moist conditions allow bacteria, fungi, and odors to thrive deep inside the fill — even if your sheets look completely clean on the surface.

"Over time, that same combination is what produces the musty smell, the yellowing, and the staining that will not wash out easily," explains the health specialist.

What temperature should bedding be washed at in summer?

As for what temperature you should was bedding at, Dr Knighton points to research that found that 140°F (60°C) kills all house dust mites.

However, she suggests following the bedding's care labels and opting for the warmest temperature the fabric can stand, with most allergy guidance pointing to 130°F (which is 54.4°C).

• I tested 5 viral pillow cleaning hacks to see if they work

What happens if you don't wash your bedding often enough in summer?

So, we know if we don't wash our bedding often enough, oil, sweat and allergens will start to accumulate in our beds, but what are the consequences of that happening?

"The risk is not the same for everyone, and that is the honest answer," Dr. Knighton tells me. "For a healthy person with intact skin, the usual result is odor, breakouts, skin irritation, or allergy and asthma flares.

"For someone with asthma, mold sensitivity, eczema, broken skin, or a weakened immune system, the picture is more serious, and there is real infection risk for the immunocompromised."

3 more ways to keep your bedding clean in summer

1. Wear slippers or socks

"Slippers are not optional in my house and serve a purpose beyond just comfort," says Dr Knighton.

She says this rule applies especially to those who have pets or allow outdoor shoes indoors, where the floor could be covered in debris.

"Walking across it barefoot and then climbing into bed means you have just dragged all of that up onto your sheets with your own feet.," she warns. "A pair of slippers between the floor and the bed breaks that chain."

2. Don't bring your phone to bed

You may want to skip your nightly doomscrolling session, as a phone's surface are "one of the dirtiest things most people own".

The same phone that has been on restaurant tables, in bathrooms, and in their hands all day, and they set it on the pillow or the sheets, " says Dr. Knighton. "My phone does not come to bed with me."

The expert also says she doesn't bring the clothes she's been wearing all day to bed either. " Whatever my outdoor clothes and my phone touched during the day stays out of the space where I sleep," she reveals.

3. Make sure your bed is dry

While washing your bedding is important, keeping it dry also prevents the risk of allergen buildup.

To prevent your bedding trapping moisture and encouraging microbial growth, Dr Knighton recommends using one of the best mattress protectors with waterproof protection and ensuring your bedding gets enough ventilation.

If excessive sweating at night means you're waking up to a damp bed, the infection prevention expert recommends allowing the bedding to dry before making it.

"After a sweaty night, throw the covers back, let the bed breathe for a while, and make it later," she advises.

For more cleaning advice, see our guide on how to clean a mattress. This is especially important if you've invested in the best mattress for your sleep needs and want it to last as long as possible to get your money's worth.

I thought my biggest challenge would be choosing between medium-firm and hybrid. Instead, my shiny new mattress arrived with an unwelcome guest: a harsh chemical stench that turned my bedroom into a paint factory.

While the support was sheer heaven for my aching back, the overwhelming scent made sleeping on it impossible. That lingering smell is off-gassing, a common nuisance with modern foam beds, but you do not have to just sit back and endure it.

Here is what actually causes that industrial odor, the rookie mistakes to avoid, and the practical steps I took to clear the smell from my bedroom.

What causes mattress off-gassing?

The moment you break the vacuum seal on a fresh mattress, synthetic materials suddenly react with room air. Most bed-in-a-box models rely on polyurethane foams, adhesives, and flame retardants that release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as they expand.

Trapped in heavy plastic packaging for weeks or months, those compounds escape all at once upon unboxing. While the scent is rarely harmful to health, it can trigger headaches or throat irritation, and it can certainly ruin a good night's sleep.

The initial mistakes that made the smell worse

My immediate instinct was to slap on a mattress protector, dress the bed with fresh linen, and shut the bedroom door to contain the problem. That was a mistake.

Sealing the mattress traps escaping gases directly inside the foam layers, prolonging the off-gassing process by days. Spraying heavy scented fabric refreshers only created a bizarre, nauseating mix of lavender and industrial solvent. To actually neutralize the odor, the mattress needs constant airflow and room to breathe.

How to stop the off-gassing smell

First, strip the mattress bare and open windows on opposite sides of the room to establish proper cross-ventilation.

Next, position a floor fan so it blows air directly across the top surface toward an open window. Pushing stale air away from the bed prevents escaping gases from settling back into the fabric, cutting the off-gassing timeframe nearly in half.

Foam acts like a dense, microscopic sponge filled with pockets of trapped gas. To speed up the release, walk barefoot back and forth across the mattress surface for ten minutes, or press down firmly with your hands.

This mechanical pressure squeezes trapped VOCs out of the inner core much faster than passive airing alone.

Once the room has aired out for several hours, sprinkle a light, even layer of plain baking soda over the exposed mattress top. Let it sit untouched for at least four hours (overnight is even better), so the powder can pull residual moisture and chemical odors out of the outer ticking.

Finish by thoroughly vacuuming the surface using a clean upholstery attachment, taking care to clean out the deep side seams.

How long does the smell really last?

By combining forced airflow with manual compression and a basic baking soda treatment, the heavy chemical scent vanished within 48 hours.

While a faint smell can linger for up to a week depending on the mattress density, taking active steps means you can sleep comfortably without sacrificing your air quality, or your lungs.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to take the perfect power nap — 5 dos and don'ts
• Don't throw out your used tea bags — this trick helps eliminate fridge odors as good as baking soda
• How to make your home smell amazing — try these top tips

Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Review in brief

In a brutally hot summer the average memory foam pillow turns into a sweat sponge. Not so the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow, which uses a GlacioTex cover and gel memory foam insert to prevent heat build up.

After putting it to the test for two weeks, we think the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow rivals the best pillows we've tried. I slept on the low loft version and found it buttery soft but still supportive for back and stomach sleeping. (A high loft version is available for side sleepers.)

What's more, I used the Helix foam pillow during a scorching heatwave and the cool-to-the-touch feel made climbing into bed refreshing. Admittedly, it warms to neutral within a few minutes but that's where it stops. No heat pooling, no excessive stuffiness.

It's not cheap with a price around $93 in the sale but the durable build should last for a fair few heatwaves, so you sleep comfortably even if your AC's on the fritz.

Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Price & deals

The Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow has an MSRP of $124 for a standard size in high or low loft. That's pricey, but you'll never actually pay that much. A year-round Helix mattress sale knocks 20% off, which means you're most likely to pay around $100. (A king has an MSRP of $161 and typically sells for around $129.)

Even in the sale, this isn't cheap but it's competitive for a memory foam pillow. In comparison, the Tempur-Cloud pillow is $84 at Tempur-Pedic (without cooling tech) while Casper's Hybrid Snow Pillow is around $143.20.

If you do want to save a little more, Helix often launches 25% and 27% off sales. This won't bring a huge price cut but it's a good way to save extra. (And speaking of saving extra, Helix provides free delivery to mainland US.)

Helix offers a 30-night trial and one-year warranty. We might expect slightly better benefits but as some brands offer no trial or warranty with their pillows, it's not awful.

Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Design & Materials

The Helix GlactioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is what it says on the tin: a memory foam pillow in a GlacioTex cover. But if that sounds like a load of buzzwords, I'll break it down for you.

At the core of the pillow is a block of ultra-dense memory foam. It's soft, squidgy and slow moving. On one side, this foam is topped with a layer of gel foam, to improve cooling.

The cover is made from Helix's GlacioTex fabric. Consisting of polyester and polyethylene, it's designed to draw heat away quickly. The cover is quilted but not particularly soft (I'll explain more below).

There's one more thing to note: the pillow loft. The Helix Cooling Memory Foam pillow is available in a low loft (4") and a high loft (5.1"). We recommend low loft for back and stomach sleepers, high loft for side sleepers.

Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Performance

I slept on the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow for two weeks and performed a series of objective and subjective tests, following our pillow testing methodology.

Set up

There's no set up required with the Helix Memory Foam Pillow. it's delivered flat so all you have to do is take it out of the packaging, put on your pillow cover, and start sleeping on it.

There was some off-gassing but it was mild. Off-gassing is the chemical scent associated with polyurethane foams and while harmless, it can irritate sensitive noses. If that's you, leave the pillow to breathe in a well-ventilated room for a few hours.

Score: 4 out of 5

Comfort & Support

There's a real 'ahh' moment when you first lie on the Helix Memory Foam Pillow. The foams immediately yield to accommodate your head and neck, with a buttery feel that means no pressure build-up at the ear.

I'm a stomach sleeper so I opted for the low loft. This holds my head in line with my spine, without pushing my neck up. Add on the contouring and in the month of testing, I've yet to wake up with neck pain. It's also comfortable for back sleepers (who have much the same pillow needs as front sleepers.)

The low loft model is too thin for side sleepers but Helix has a solution — the high loft model. I've not tested this version but the added inch should provide the support side sleepers need.

Overall, the feel is medium-soft. Its a pillow you sink into but it doesn't have 'melt' of something like the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud pillow.

My subjective tests confirmed this. On the Helix Memory Foam, my 10lb weight sank about an inch into the surface and then hit the supportive core. The Tempur-Cloud's Tempur foams pretty much ate the weight up.

You can also see the difference once the weight is removed. On the Tempur-Cloud, it took around seven seconds for the foams to bounce back from the pressure. On the Helix Memory Foam pillow, this was around four seconds. Still slow moving but more responsive.

This means when you shift in the night, the pillow takes a few seconds to conform to your new position. But it gets there eventually. (In comparison, the Helix Talalay Pillow bounced back instantly.)

The quilted cover adds to this spongy feel but the GlacioTex fiber gives it a slight roughness. Once wrapped in the cover, this was no problem. But for the silky soft touch of a hotel-style pillow though, try the Birch Organic Pillow.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Temperature control

Cooling is, literally, the name of the game here. But can the Helix Memory Foam Pillow live up to its icy promises?

In my experience, yes... with a but.

The GlacioTex cover feels cool to the touch at first but warms to neutral quickly. But then it stays neutral throughout the night. No excess heat gathering, no uncomfortably warm patches.

What it didn't do was maintain a chill feel all night long. You'll still need to flip it if you've looking for the 'cool side'. And I highly recommend choosing a breathable pillow cover to ensure the heat can escape properly (I used percale cotton).

However, considering how dense the foam is, and knowing memory foam's reputation for trapping heat, I was impressed. I previously tested the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud memory foam pillow and while I loved the soft feel, on a hot nights it became an oven. Not a problem on the Helix Pillow.

Together, GlacioTex and gel foams help wick away heat. However, the design isn't particularly breathable. Those with night sweats might prefer the superior airflow of a natural pillow like the Birch Organic or the Saatva Latex pillow.

Finally, it's worth noting I tested the Helix Memory Foam Pillow during a brutal heatwave. And I was still happy with the feel.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Durability & Care

You should replace your pillows roughly every two years but some pillows turn to pancakes after just a few weeks of testing. Durability and easy care allows you to get the most from your pillow investment.

Build quality

Both the cover and core of the Helix Cooling Memory Foam pillow have a high quality and durable feel.

It's also weighty. Helix claims the low loft standard size weighs 3.3 lbs, the exact same weight it gives the Talalay Latex Pillow. But the Cooling Memory Foam Pillow feels much heavier to my arms.

To put this into subjective terms, when I drop the Talalay pillow, it lands with a 'thud'. When I drop the Helix Memory Foam pillow, it hits the ground with a 'THWACK".

This is the opposite of a problem, as it implies the memory foam is dense and dense foams tend to have better durability. However, if you knock your pillow to the floor in the night, the quake might wake you.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Care and maintenance

With a removable and machine washable cover, the Helix GlacioTex Memory Foam pillow is easy to care for. The interior is spot clean only but that's common for memory foam pillows.

Plus, the cover is so thick it's hard to imagine much will get past it to the core itself.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow?

'Memory foam' and 'cooling' are often at odds but not when it comes to the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow.

During a heatwave, the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow stayed comfortably neutral, even if it lost its chill feel within a few minutes. In comparison, last summer I slept on the Tempur-Cloud pillow and while it delivered the soft feel I wanted, it warmed up in seconds.

The dense foam core also contours to the head to reduce pressure build-up. I never felt pain at the jaw or ear. And the two lofts gives the Helix Memory Foam pillow versatility, with an option for most sleep styles.

It's $93 but we predict good longevity, so you should get a lot of use for the money. And if you want the feel of memory foam that you can use even on the hottest summer nights, the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow might be your best option.

Buy the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow if...

✅ You want marshmallow-like cushioning: The plush, sink-in foams yield under weight to prevent soreness at the ear and jaw.

✅ You want sink-in pressure relief without the heat build-up: Memory foam can sleep warm but the Helix Cooling Pillow uses a combo of GlacioTex fibers and gel foams to kick out heat. It stays neutral even on very warm nights.

✅ You want to invest in quality: At close to $100 the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is a bit of an investment, but the dense foams should provide great longevity.

Don't buy the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow if...

❌ You sleep very hot: Those who experience night sweats might prefer a pillow with a more breathable build, like a latex or feather design.

❌ You move around a lot in the night: The slow-moving foams take a second to catch up when you shift position. A more responsive pillow, like the Helix Talalay Latex, is better if you want non-stop support on restless nights.

Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Alternatives

Packing your kids off to college? The best thing you can provide for them is a good night's sleep (that, and an endless supply of ramen). But in a college dorm, quality shut-eye isn't always to find. That's why we've rounded up the essentials to turn a dorm room into a sleep sanctuary.

Starting with the bed. Our best mattress guide has a pick for every sleep style but for dorm room comfort on a budget, you can't beat the Siena Signature (from $159 at Siena). Alternatively, a mattress topper adds comfort for less, while the right sheets and pillows are affordable upgrades that make a big difference.

And let's not forget the real barrier to good sleep in college: the roommate. (Why are they always nocturnal?) Ear plugs and eye masks are a must-have, plus a good going-away gift for the college bound. Because sleep in college shouldn't be a privilege — it's the secret to better learning.

College dorm room sleep essentials

Say goodbye to neck pain and sweaty mornings with the Birch Organic Pillow, now $149 (was $198) in the Birch 25% off sale. It's rocketed its way into our guide to the best pillows of 2026 thanks to its breathable build and plump design that suits most sleep styles.

We test a lot of pillows. The eco-friendly Birch Organic stood out because it's both naturally breathable (our lead tester described it as 'remarkably cool') and comfortable for most sleep styles. That includes side sleepers — it's already plush but the shredded latex fill can be plumped to your exact needs.

Latex is an increasingly popular pillow material but it's going to take something special to topple the Birch Organic. It's pricey but in our opinion, the luxury feel and premium materials make it worth the money. (And now is the time to buy, thanks to the sale).

What is the Birch Organic Pillow?

The Organic pillow is from eco-friendly bedding brand Birch. Our testers have previously been impressed with Birch beds — they compare to some of the best mattresses we've tested, even — so we were eager to give the pillow a go.

At the core of the Birch Organic Pillow is shredded organic latex foam. This gives the pillow its plumpness as well as support, and helps with temperature regulation (latex is known for its natural breathability which enhances air flow).

Surrounding the latex core is a layer of wool. This adds more cushioning and, yes, even more breathability. Wool is naturally moisture wicking, to keep you fresh.

Finally, it's all wrapped in a cotton cover. (Organic, of course.)

Why it's our favorite latex pillow

We've tested a fair few latex pillows over the years. So what makes the Birch Organic Latex pillow stand out?

There are three features that earned the Birch 4.5 stars from our tester.

First, the breathability. After a night on the Birch Pillow our tester described feeling 'refreshed'. She slept cool even during a warm spring.

Second, the all-round comfort. The Birch is a bit of a 'Goldilocks', a pillow that's just right for almost everyone. It's also super easy to plump and flatten, which means you can change the feel to match your needs.

Third, it feels luxurious. This isn't a cheap pillow but the good news is that the build quality reflects the higher price tag. Our only complaint was that you have to hand wash the cover.

Emma mattress has launched its newest line-up — and this cooler sleep collection might have arrived just in time for a scorching hot summer. The Performance mattress range, starting from £549 in the Emma sale, uses Emma's breathable AirGrid technology to keep you cooler even when another heatwave inevitably hits.

The Emma AirGrid is found in one of the best mattresses we've tested; the Emma Original Elite (formerly the Emma Hybrid AirGrid). Our tester credited the AirGrid with the plush, contouring feel that made the Original Elite so comfortable for side sleepers, as well as its breathable feel "even on warmer days."

So why not stick with the Original collection? Emma's new Performance mattress range aims to take the comfort of the Original and turn it up a notch, meaning more cushioning, enhanced support and better airflow... but that also means boosting the prices. Here's everything you need to know.

Emma Performance mattress collection: Price

Emma's Performance collection includes beds featuring the brand's most up-to-date comfort tech, so it's no surprise that they also come with the highest prices. Luckily, Emma is known to love a sale and two Performance mattresses are already on sale.

Here's the RRP and current sale price of each bed in the collection:

Performance 26 mattress at Emma prices:

• UK Single: £729 RRP (currently sold at £549)
• UK Double: £1,129 RRP (currently sold at £849)
• UK King: £1,259 RRP (currently sold at £949)
• UK Super King: £1,459 RRP (currently sold at £1,099)

Performance 28 mattress at Emma prices:

• UK Single: £799 RRP
• UK Double: £1,259 RRP
• UK King: £1,399 RRP
• UK Super King: £1,599 RRP

Performance 30 mattress at Emma prices:

• UK Single: £999 RRP (currently sold at £749)
• UK Double: £1,599 RRP (currently sold at £1,199)
• UK King: £1,799 RRP (currently sold at £1,349)
• UK Super King: £1,999 RRP (currently sold at £1,499)

Even the cheapest Performance mattress, the 26, has a higher RRP than the most luxurious mattress in the Original Emma line-up (the Emma Original Elite mattress, which starts at £454.30 in the sale.)

The line-up is similar in price to Simba's hybrid mattress range (without the mega-luxurious option of the Simba Ultra Hybrid mattress). And while brands such as Otty offer hybrid mattresses for a lower price (the Otty Original mattress is just £599.99 for a double), they lack the luxury and performance features of this new Emma range.

However, as premium mattresses, you might want to wait for a sale before you buy. Luckily, Emma doesn't shy away from a sale. If the bed you want isn't discounted right now, it's worth waiting for the discount to change.

Finally, Emma offers a 200-night trial and 10-year guarantee with all Performance mattresses.

Emma Performance mattress collection: Features

Emma describes the Performance mattress range as its "most cooling and responsive", and it's Emma's innovative AirGrid tech that should create this feel.

The AirGrid, found in all three of the Performance mattresses, is a flexible material constructed with cutouts to form a grid. The unusual shaping allows the material to bend and yield easily, to adapt to every part of your body. The result should be incredible pressure relief with no sore arms and shoulders.

The grid design also improves airflow, as warm air can escape through the holes. This allows air to circulate and cool, keeping you at a more comfortable temperature throughout the night (overheating was a common complaint of some of Emma's early mattresses).

Alongside the AirGrid, the Performance mattresses use MemoryAdapt foam (for cushioned comfort) and a SupportBase plus pocket springs (for full-body support). The Performance beds also feature a foam railing — this is new to Emma mattresses and should help boost edge support so you can stretch out without sliding off.

While the basic Performance mattress package is the same, the more you pay, the plusher and taller the design becomes. The Performance 26 is 26 centimeters tall, the 28 is 28 centimeters tall... you get it.

So the more you spend, the more mattress you get.

As a sleep editor I get the opportunity to test a huge range of sleep tech and products, all geared towards helping us in our collective quest for a decent night’s sleep. I have everything I need for a good night’s rest, and yet I still struggle with middle insomnia.

Middle insomnia is characterised by falling asleep with ease, only to then wake in the middle of the night. For me, I go through periods of waking up at 3 a.m., unable to fall back to sleep. While unpicking the root cause of my nighttime awakenings is an ongoing process, I’ve learnt that there are habits that make the issue worse.

Below, three leading sleep doctors weigh in on the nighttime routine mistakes I’m making, like falling asleep in front of the TV. Plus, they share the three simple switches I can make in order to better manage my middle insomnia.

• Read more: Stress was waking me up at 3 a.m. — until two of the world's best sleep doctors shared 5 fast fixes to lower my cortisol at night

Why do I keep waking up at 3 a.m.?

• Sleeping in on the weekends: Breaks your natural circadian rhythm and causes 'social jet lag.'
• Falling asleep in front of the TV: Falling asleep in front of the TV diminishes your sleep pressure, making it harder to both fall and stay asleep.
• Getting inadequate exercise: Incorporating less movement into my day when I'm tired perpetuates the cycle of poor sleep.

3 simple doctor-approved daily routine switches to help you sleep through the night

I strongly suspect that the underlying cause of my 3 a.m. wake ups is due to elevated baseline levels of cortisol, the 'stress' hormone.

While there's no quick fix to dealing with stress and anxiety, there are several nighttime routine mistakes that I wasn't aware were contributing to my middle insomnia.

Below, sleep doctors weigh in on why certain common daily habits wreak havoc on my rest, plus the simple switches I can try instead for better sleep.

1. The 3 a.m. culprit: Sleeping in on the weekend

As a parent, sleeping in on the weekend isn’t something that I get to do all too often. But if the opportunity arises to sleep in past my usual wake time, I tend to grab it with both hands — especially following a broken night’s sleep.

But, according to experts, this is one of the biggest sleep routine mistakes I could be making.

“Even after a poor night's sleep, maintaining a consistent wake time can help restore healthy sleep patterns more effectively than sleeping in,” says Dr. Joshua Roland, medical director at Dreem Health.

Dr. Matthew Walker, a leading sleep scientist, agrees. "Irregular wake times, particularly across weekends, can create social jet lag: a mismatch between biological time and clock time, even without travel."

The swap: Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule

Following a consistent sleep schedule, like the 7:1 sleep rule where you go to bed within the same one hour window and achieve a minimum of seven hours of sleep, ensures you have enough time to build adequate sleep pressure throughout the day.

Sleep pressure is your biological urge to sleep. It’s also referred to as your homeostatic sleep drive. It starts building from the moment you wake up, reaches its peak as you nod off, before levels begin to drop again.

When you sleep in later than usual, you aren’t giving your body enough time to build enough sleep pressure to both fall and stay asleep all night.
The best way to fall into a consistent sleep schedule is by anchoring your wake up time — even on the weekend.

“A fixed wake time determines the length of the waking day, stabilizes the accumulation of sleep pressure, and provides a repeatable circadian cue when paired with morning light,” explains Dr. Walker, neuroscientist and professor of neuroscience and bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas.

“A consistent wake time is arguably one of the most important anchors of the body's circadian rhythm because it helps set the timing of hormone release, body temperature cycles, alertness, and subsequent sleep pressure,“ agrees Dr. Roland, a Board-Certified Sleep Medicine Physician.

2. The 3 a.m. culprit: Falling asleep in front of the TV

Falling asleep in front of the TV is my guilty pleasure, particularly on the weekend. I'm not alone, an estimated 61% of us fall asleep in front of the TV every night. However, doctors warn that it could be contributing to my middle insomnia.

“A [mistake] is the brief evening doze, often during television or reading," Dr. Walker has previously explained. "Even twenty minutes of sleep in the evening can partially discharge sleep pressure and make it harder to initiate sleep later."

Falling asleep in front of the TV or napping during the day is a common mistake that Dr. Roland also encounters.

“Many people compensate for sleepiness by resting on the couch or napping throughout the day, which can relieve sleep pressure and make nighttime sleep more fragmented,” explains the sleep doctor.

What's more, when we push past our natural sleep window, it can trigger the production of wakeful chemicals, such as orepinephrine, dopamine, orexin and, my biggest foe, cortisol.

"When we push past our natural bedtime, we create a tug-of-war inside the body. Sleep pressure has been building all day; natural melatonin is rising, and every signal is telling you it's time to rest," Dr. Roland has previously explained.

That can result in a tired and wired feeling, which is when you're physically exhausted but feel too mentally stimulated to fall asleep.

The swap: Pay attention to sleep cues and go to bed when I’m tired

Instead of napping through a film or falling asleep when reading, Dr. Walker stresses the importance of staying in tune to our natural sleep window.

“Adequate sleep pressure is usually signalled by increasing eyelid heaviness, yawning, reduced alertness, impaired sustained attention, and the repeated loss of focus while reading or watching something,” explains Dr. Walker, who notes that artificial lighting, screen time and stimulation late into the night can impair your natural sleep cues.

“These [sleep] signals are often missed because evening light exposure, screens, and mental stimulation can override or obscure the biological drive for sleep," explains the author. "Think of the system like an instrument panel: the body is displaying reduced alertness, but environmental stimulation can distort the reading."

3. The 3 a.m. culprit: Getting less exercise on the days I feel tired

Forget the under eye bags — a quick glance at my fitness tracker stats will tell you if I’ve had a good night’s sleep or not.

On the days when I’m existing in a fog of sleep deprivation, my step count is pitifully low. But when I’ve had a good night’s sleep I tend to move more.

Why does this matter? “Moving less during the day can make it harder to get a good night's sleep,” explains Dr. Shelby Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in behavioral sleep medicine.

“But it’s really a cycle because when people don't get enough sleep, they're also often more fatigued the next day, which can lead to spending more time sitting and being less physically active.”

The swap: Incorporating movement into my day to build adequate sleep pressure

Instead of leading into exhaustion and barely getting out of my chair, Dr. Harris recommends incorporating movement into my day — even after a terrible night's sleep.

“Regular physical activity helps build the body's natural drive for sleep, supports a healthy sleep-wake cycle, and can reduce stress and improve mood,” says Dr. Harris, author of The Women's Guide to Overcoming Insomnia.

However, that doesn’t mean you need to push yourself too hard. “If you're exhausted after a bad night's sleep, don't put pressure on yourself to do an intense workout," says Dr. Harris. "Even getting up to stretch every hour, taking a short walk during lunch, or walking while you're on a phone call can make a difference.”

How to fall back to sleep when you're awake at 3 a.m.

• Don't check the clock: If you're anything like me, rolling over and checking the time can stress you out further. It can also lead to the temptation of scrolling on your phone, making it even harder to go back to sleep.
• Practice the 15 minute sleep rule: When I do wake up at 3 a.m., the advice from experts is clear — get up and leave the room and do something relaxing. This prevents creating a negative association with your bed and bedroom.
• Try the cognitive shuffling method: This is a visualisation technique or random objects and helps empty my mind of racing thoughts. To practice it, think of a word and spell out as many objects as you can beginning with each letter.

Getting a good night's sleep is vital for a happy and healthy life, but lots of different factors can impact on it. Perhaps you're too warm at night and that's keeping you awake (increasingly likely in our summer of heatwaves.) Maybe you don't like your pillows, or are simply not comfy enough in your current bed linen. If that's the case then it's time to give your bedding a complete overhaul!

One of the brands leading the way in comfortable and affordable bed linen and pillows is Bedsure. The company delivers, in its own words, "everyday comfort" at a reasonable cost. There's a wide range of products to choose from here, all available now at Amazon — and many of them currently have money off. Read on to find out 12 of our favorites...

It's your last chance to shop the 4th of July sales and if you're looking for a supportive, luxury-looking mattress that sleeps cooler for less, the only deal you need to know about is 30% off the CopperFlex Memory Foam mattress at Brooklyn Bedding. A queen is just $605.50 (was $865.)

I have to agree with our sleep writer, Eve Davies, who called the CopperFlex Memory Foam mattress "where cooling comfort meets value for money." She's slept on this affordable foam bed and thinks it's perfect for back and stomach sleepers, as well as bed sharers. It rates among the best mattresses you can buy online in 2026 if you're looking for sheer value for money.

The best of the 4th of July mattress sales are coming to an end soon and I don't expect this Brooklyn Bedding deal will stick around. It matches the biggest discount I've seen this year on the CopperFlex Memory Foam and if you want the most bang for your buck, here's why it's a saving you can't miss.

A memory foam mattress that feels "more premium than its price tag"

The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam mattress is a mid-range bed with a finish and feel that comes close to some of the best luxury mattresses we've tested. For those who dream of a premium bed but don't want to break the bank, it's an excellent value choice.

Our tester, Eve Davies, praised the dense foam support of the CopperFlex, recommending it to back and stomach sleepers who want a firm mattress that keeps the hips and spine aligned. Side sleepers will probably want a softer mattress (the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is a good alternative), but Eve noted that as a combination sleeper, she slept happily on the CopperFlex.

That's a benefit for couples with different sleep styles. And in more good news for bed sharers, Eve described the CopperFlex as "great at quelling movement." Good motion isolation is typical of the best memory foam mattresses, as foams are able to trap and absorb restless movement.

One of the highlights of Brooklyn Bedding's CopperFlex collection is the copper infusion (the clue's in the name). Copper enhances heat wicking, helping these affordable beds sleep cooler. While the CopperFlex Memory Foam can't quite match the breathable feel of the very best cooling mattresses, it does maintain a neutral temperature while sleeping (even in hot weather).

Want even better cooling? Try this...

We're once again experiencing a brutal heatwave but while in my part of the country temperatures are expected to reach triple digits, I'm not too concerned — I'm fortunate to have the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid, now $400 off in the Saatva 4th of July sale, a mattress that wicks away heat so I can sleep cool. Yes, even in a heatwave.

We look for good temperature regulation in all the best mattresses we've tested and the breathable design was a highlight of my Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress review, especially since I had a bout of night sweats. It's a feature that's coming in clutch again, as I now have to contend with Mother Nature's rapidly rising thermostat.

The 4th of July mattress sales are nearly over so if you're eyeing a new bed while sitting directly in front of the air con, here's why I highly recommend this entry-level Saatva hybrid mattress.

How the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress helped me cool off at night

At the time I received my Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress to test, I was dealing with a spell of night sweats and a surprise heatwave. This double-whammy of hotness presented me the ideal opportunity to evaluate just how well this hybrid mattress could regulate temperature.

The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is built to breathe with a base of individually-wrapped coils, an organic cotton cover, and a layer of waved AirCradle foam. Lying on the mattress without bedding, I didn't feel any noticeable heat buildup — and dressing it with bamboo sheets and a lightweight quilt didn't impede that breathability in the slightest.

The lack of profound sinkage also helped, as I didn't feel embedded in the mattress (pun intended), allowing air to pass through more easily. However, this was a detriment to side sleeping, as I would have liked more give for my joints. (Take a look at our guide to the best mattresses for side sleepers if that's what you need.)

For most people, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress will sleep comfortably enough amidst high nighttime temperatures. But if your night sweats are severe and you need that cool-to-touch sensation to help soothe you to sleep, I'd sooner recommend a dedicated cooling mattress.

For powerful, all-natural cooling, try this...

Too busy enjoying your 4th of July holiday to do a little mattress shopping?Well, that's totally understandable but before these 4th of July mattress sales fade like the fireworks, don't miss these excellent price cuts still live on top-rated beds, including the Bear Elite Hybrid Cooling Mattress, $1,370 for a queen with code TOMS40 at Bear Mattress.

July 4th is a reprieve during what's otherwise a low season for notable mattress sales. Whether you're shopping for a master bedroom or a college dorm, you'll find deals on some of the best mattresses we've tested from Saatva, Helix, Tempur-Pedic, and Walmart's budget Allswell brand. But these 4th of July mattress sales won't last long — these are the deals you can't miss...

The 8 best 4th of July mattress deals still live

Most of us know what we need to do in order to get a good night’s sleep. But I’ve found that when life gets busy, my routine gets thrown out of whack and middle insomnia makes an unwelcome return.

Waking up at 3 a.m. is miserable and I’ll never stop searching for ways to sleep peacefully throughout the night, every night. To help get my sleep back on track and fix my middle of the night awakenings, I’ve given the 3-2-1 sleep rule a go — and it’s already reduced my middle insomnia.

Sticking to a simple wind down strategy like the 3-2-1 method has helped me get back to the basics of healthy sleep hygiene and effectively reducing my 3 a.m. wake-ups. Below, I’ll dig into what this method is and how it helps with middle insomnia, plus share expert advice from leading sleep doctors on how to banish 3 a.m. wake-ups.

• Read more: Stress was waking me up at 3 a.m. — until two of the world's best sleep doctors shared 5 fast fixes to lower my cortisol at night

Key takeaways: At a glance

• The 3-2-1 sleep rule is a structured process of winding down before bed
• Practices such as avoiding heavy meals and cutting out screens before bed help promote quality sleep
• As well as falling asleep faster, I’ve found that sticking to a strict wind down structure helps combat my 3 a.m. wake ups through the healthy production of key ‘sleep’ hormones

What is the 3-2-1 sleep rule?

The 3-2-1 sleep rule is a term to describe a structured wind down routine, drawing on healthy habits that help promote deep sleep in a structured way. Here’s how to do it:

• 3 hours before bed: Stop eating heavy meals or consuming alcohol.
• 2 hours before bed: Stop working and engaging with stimulating tasks.
• 1 hour before bed: Turn off your screens or devices, including your TV.

How the 3-2-1 sleep rule reduced my 3 a.m. wake ups

The 3-2-1 sleep rule isn’t ground breaking, but I’ve found that following it is reminding me of the healthy habits I need to follow in order to get the sleep I need.

Here’s how it’s helping with my 3 a.m. wake ups...

My blood sugar levels stay regulated

Rich, heavy meals too close to bedtime is a leading cause of broken sleep, say dieticians. “One of the most common reasons for waking around 3 a.m. is a drop in blood sugar during the night,” Conny Wade at Wade Wellness, a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P) and practising Nurse Practitioner, previously explained to us.

“If you eat dinner too late or the meal is unbalanced, your body may release stress hormones to bring blood sugar back up, and that can wake you suddenly,” Wade explains.

As someone with recurrent nighttime anxiety, I knew that rising cortisol levels were often to blame for my 3 a.m. wake ups. However, I didn’t know that my evening meals could be contributing to that.

Instead of late, carb-heavy dinners, I’m making an effort to eat my evening meal by 7 p.m. in order to allow my body to digest my food before my 10 p.m. bedtime. If I’m still hungry in the runup to bedtime, I opt for light healthy snacks like yoghurt and fruit and water.

As for cutting out alcohol three hours before bedtime, I rarely drink so this isn’t something I have needed to take on board. However, it’s worth reiterating that, along with a whole host of other side effects, studies show that alcohol consumption compromises your sleep quality and disrupts your rest.

That’s because our brains produce cortisol in order to metabolize alcohol, leading to frequent nighttime awakenings. If you’re struggling with middle insomnia and enjoy a nightcap or two, consider cutting yourself off three hours before bedtime in order to allow your body to metabolize it before nodding off.

Avoiding stimulating tasks before bed prevents disruption of key sleep hormones

Whether it’s work or life admin that you haven’t had time to tackle during the day, the pocket of time you might have in the runup to bedtime (or beyond) can feel like the right time to tick things off of your to-do list.

However, studies indicate that when we work past our bedtime, it disrupts the natural rhythm of key sleep hormones required to help us feel ready for sleep — and that can lead to difficulty both falling and staying asleep.

“The brain activates its alertness systems, releasing chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine, and orexin to keep you functional,” explains Dr. Joshua Roland, a board-certified sleep medicine physician and medical director at Dreem Health.

“Cortisol can creep up, too, which is why you get that ‘tired but wired’ feeling: physically drained but mentally switched on,” says the sleep physician. Cortisol levels naturally rise around 3 a.m. before peaking upon waking. However, elevated baseline levels of cortisol levels can cause levels to rise enough around this time to wake you up.
As a time-poor parent, working beyond bedtime is a trap I often fall into, and it’s why I often lie in bed feeling too switched on to fall asleep, only to then wake in the early hours of the morning. Now, if I’m aiming for a 10 p.m. bedtime, I’ll close my laptop at 8 p.m. and allow my brain to wind down naturally for sleep.

Going screen-free before bedtime calms my nervous system

There is evidence to suggest that blue light from our screens isn’t as disruptive to the production of the sleep hormone melatonin as we once thought. However, the content that we’re consuming on those screens can be, and it can lead to an overwrought nervous system.

“What's interesting is that scrolling often feels restful, but physiologically it isn't,” says Dr. Jessica Meers, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Rhythm Wellness. “Every swipe brings something new and unpredictable, keeping the brain engaged and alert.

“Even when we're relaxing on the couch, our brains are still processing information, emotions, and stimulation. That's one reason many people feel mentally tired but not truly rested,” says the Board-Certified Sleep Behavioral Specialist.

So, although scrolling on my phone or watching TV looks like downtime, switching off my screens one hour before bedtime in favor of an analogue activity (puzzling and reading are currently my go-to activities of choice) I’m allowing my nervous system to decompress — and that’s crucial for combatting middle insomnia.

3 sleep doctor-approved tips for stopping 3 a.m. wake ups

It’s normal to partially wake during the night as we cycle through different sleep stages and rarely even remember it.

However, waking up at night becomes a problem when you find yourself wide awake for extended periods of time and struggle to fall back to sleep.

For me, nighttime anxiety is a leading cause of my 3 a.m. wake ups. Here, leading sleep doctors share their tips for banishing middle insomnia and getting the rest you need.

1. Set aside worry time

In an ideal world we wouldn't worry at all, but if anxiety is causing you to wake up at night then setting aside time before bed to offload could help.

"One of my favorite strategies for reducing nighttime anxiety is what I call a cognitive offload," says Dr. Meers.

"Before bed, write down everything that's on your mind — tasks, worries, reminders, anything unfinished. It helps signal to the brain that it doesn't need to keep rehearsing those thoughts overnight."

2. Build sleep pressure

Building adequate sleep pressure has been a game changer for my sleep. Sleep pressure, also referred to as your homeostatic sleep drive, is essentially a term to describe your biological urge to sleep.

It builds from the moment you wake up and hits its peak just before you go to sleep. Things that add to sleep pressure include exercise and a consistent wake time. On the flip side, excessive napping, a sedentary lifestyle and caffeine can rob you of the sleep pressure required to stay asleep all night.

3. Try an invisible hour

I've tried an invisible day method, a digital 24-hour detox, in order to combat my 3 a.m. wake ups. While it undoubtedly works, it can be difficult to carve out the time in my busy schedule to implement one.

Instead, Dr. Eric Zhou, associate professor in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, recommends taking a regular 'invisible hour' before bedtime.

"Create a consistent 'invisible hour' each night," recommends Dr. Zhou, a sleep researcher. "During this time, promise yourself that you won't turn on your work laptop, or see what your friends have posted on Tik Tok. Instead, use this time to participate in something that you genuinely enjoy."

We first tested the Tempur-Pedic Cloud mattress two years ago, and it has such a unique feel that we still talk about it now. NASA-developed Tempur foam is famous for its body-cradling feel, and the cheapest bed to be stuffed with it is the Tempur-Cloud, down to $769 (was $1,699) at Tempur-Pedic. For the 4th of July sales only, you’ll also get a $300 VISA gift card.

In her Tempur-Cloud mattress review lead tester Diana awarded the bed a 5/5 for motion isolation (it’s the ultimate choice for a peaceful night’s sleep), but warned that pressure relief and motion reduction comes at a price: heat retention, and a quicksand feel that can be hard to move around on.

Yep, if you’re a hot sleeper, or need a responsive mattress, the Tempur-Cloud isn’t the one for you. But don’t worry, as all of the top-rated options in our best mattress guide are on sale today – some are even up to 60% off in this year’s 4th of July mattress sales. For now, here’s a closer look at the Tempur-Cloud deal…

A mattress that hugs you back

While we weren’t blown away quite as much by the Tempur-Cloud as the Tempur-Adapt Mattress, one of the best memory foam mattresses for most sleepers, we did find it comfy for side sleeping with hip pain.

A good mattress for side sleepers offers gentle contouring around the shoulders, hips and knees, and you’ll definitely get that with the Tempur-Cloud.

The downside is that you may feel a little stuck in the mattress – this isn’t the easiest bed to move around on.

We also don’t recommend it to people who overheat because the Tempur foam used in our testing model retained heat through the night. There is a moisture-wicking cover, and it does wick sweat well, but for us the heat remained in the mattress.

Those points aside, if you’re thinking of buying the five-layer Tempur-Cloud to help you sleep comfortably again on your side with shoulder, hip or knee pain, you won’t be disappointed.

Smaller budget? Try this instead…

Other good mattress sales we recommend

• Saatva Classic: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Bear Elite Hybrid: From $1,298 (was $1,998) with TOMS35 code at Bear
• DreamCloud Classic: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
• Zinus 10" Green Tea: From $137 (170.99) at Amazon
• Allswell Home 10" Hybrid: From $214 (was $252) at Walmart
• Helix Midnight Luxe: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
• Siena Signature: From $159 (was $484) at Siena
• Avocado Green: From $1,359 (was $1,599) at Avocado
• PurplePlus: From $1,349 (was $1,599) at Purple
• Sleep Number ComfortNext: From $2,199 (was $2,599) at Sleep Number

Sleep Number has been making headlines this year. NFL tight end Travis Kelce — yes, the newly minted Mr. Taylor Swift himself — entered a strategic partnership with the sleep company in January.

Then, in March, Sleep Number refreshed its entire lineup of smart beds, all of which are discounted during its 4th of July sale. The standout offer is 20% off the Sleep Number ComfortNext Smart Bed, with a queen-size on sale for $2,399 (from $2,999). You can also add a free bed base, up to a $549 value.

We're currently testing the ComfortNext, so stay tuned for our full review to see where it lands among our best mattresses of 2026. What we can tell you is that it includes the signature features we've come to expect and appreciate from Sleep Number, including adjustable firmness and sleep tracking.

If you can't wait for our ComfortNext review, you can take Mr. Kelce's word for it instead, or browse the rest of the 4th of July mattress sales for other great sleep deals.

Is it safe to buy a Sleep Number bed right now?

The headlines haven't all been pleasant. In case you missed it, Sleep Number recently filed for bankruptcy amidst declining sales and other financial troubles. Sleep Country Canada will likely be acquiring the brand.

Sleep Number aims to close the sale by the end of July, although it's currently open to higher bids. An auction is planned for July 13, should Sleep Number accept a better offer.

As it stands now, Sleep Number is looking ahead to its potential partnership with Sleep Country Canada — so what does that mean for current and future Sleep Number customers?

In a statement to Tom's Guide, a Sleep Number spokesperson said, "Sleep Number is operating as usual and remains focused on serving its customers and helping them achieve their best sleep. Now and following the close of the transaction, customers will continue to experience the same Sleep Number products, services, and support they know today."

In other words, don't expect any disruptions — to your sleep or otherwise — during the sale process. You'll still be able to make purchases, use the Sleep Number app, and reach out to customer service. Your 100-night trial and 10-year warranty will be honored, as well.

With that said, here's what else is worth browsing in Sleep Number's 4th of July sale...

For ultimate temperature control...

For a no-frills approach...

More mattress deals to browse

• Bear Elite Hybrid: Save 40% with code TOMS40
• Allswell Home 10" Hybrid: From $192 at Walmart
• Helix Midnight Luxe: From $1,119 at Helix
• Siena Signature: From $159 at Siena
• Avocado Green Organic: From $1,359 at Avocado
• Eight Sleep Pod 5: From $2,848 at Eight Sleep
• Bryte: 20% off all smart beds, from $3,839

I've looked through every 4th of July mattress deal going and none have stopped me in my tracks quite like this — the Zinus 10" Foam mattress, now just $118 for a queen at Walmart. That's an incredible price drop on a mattress but sizes are selling fast, so don't wait to snap it up.

I've slept on a version of the Zinus 10" Memory Foam mattress and it has a soft, sink-in feel that hugs the shoulders and hips to prevent pressure build-up for side sleepers. Admittedly the Zinus probably won't compare to the best mattresses we've tested in terms of durability (and if it's like the one I tested, it'll sleep hot) but this is still excellent value for money.

The 4th of July mattress sales will be coming to an end soon so if you have your eye on a deal, there's no time to wait. For me, this Zinus saving is a tough one to beat but if you want more well-priced sleep savings, check out our guide to the best affordable 4th of July mattress sales.

Who should consider this Zinus 4th of July mattress deal?

It's rare that we recommend beds under $120 for a queen but the Zinus has a few things going for it. First, it's a clearance sale that knocks this mattress to such a low price. And second, we've tested an affordable Zinus mattress and been impressed by the quality. Here's how should being clicking 'add to basket' on this saving:

You want a short-term solution for a master bed

The best mattresses in a box can last upwards of six years but the Zinus memory foam bed is unlikely to provide the same level of long-lasting comfort. However, if you need a new bed to get you through the next few years or two (perhaps ahead of a planned move), it's a good pick.

I particularly recommend this mattress to side sleepers. Made using similar foams to the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress I tested, it should provide cushioned pressure relief for side sleepers to prevent sore shoulders. I also expect motion isolation to be excellent (those foams eat up excess movement.)

However, there are a few things to note. I predict the edge support will be weak, so don't try sitting on the sides. Also, if it's anything like my Zinus mattress, it's going to heat up in the night.

You need to spruce up your guest room

The poor, neglected spare room bed can be a source of contention when guests come to say (you might have heard some grumblings at breakfast this morning). If you've realized the guest bed is turning you into a bad host, don't let this saving get away.

While the Zinus mattress is unlikely to have great durability, that's less important in a spare room where it's only used on occasion. And the Zinus has the advantage of cushioned foams for immediate comfort, so your guests wake up with a smile on their face.

You want a mattress for a dorm room

Sending a loved one off to college? There's nothing like the dorm room experience but those college mattresses are rarely much to write home about. This Zinus mattress is a fantastic solution for ensuring your little scholar can catch some Zzzz's.

One word of warning, however: the best mattresses for college students tend to be twin XLs (a size the Zinus isn't available in), so double check the measurements before you buy.

Not quite right? Try this...

Like I said, I've combed through all the 4th of July mattress sales this year. If that deal doesn't catch your eye, here's an affordable bed to shop instead...

More mattress deals to browse

• Bear Elite Hybrid: Save 40% with code TOMS40
• Zinus Green Tea: From $137 at Amazon
• Allswell Home 10" Hybrid: From $214 at Walmart
• Helix Midnight Luxe: From $1,119 at Helix
• Siena Signature: From $159 at Siena
• Avocado Green Organic: From $1,359 at Avocado
• Sleep Number ComfortNext: From $2,199 at Sleep Number

Memory foam mattress toppers are great at softening hard beds, but some trap heat. The Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper, now $309 (was $429) at Tempur-Pedic, is unique in how it pairs bed-softening plushness with effective cooling tech.

It's like a miniature version of the Tempur-Adapt Mattress, but with a key difference: it has a specialist cooling cover that quickly wicks away excess heat.

To me, the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper is an excellent stop-gap if your current bed is too hard and too warm, but you don't have the budget to upgrade to a proper cooling bed just yet (although there are several good options in the 4th of July mattress sales). Here's a closer look at the Tempur-Pedic 4th of July mattress topper deal...

Astronaut-worthy pressure relief and cooling

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper delivers the same cloud-like, body-cradling plushness as the original Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper but without the heat build-up.

Inside the removable cover lies 3" of the brand's trademark Tempur material, allowing sleepers to experience premium pressure-relieving comfort for a fraction of the cost of a full mattress.

The key upgrade is a cool-to-the-touch performance fabric cover that replaces the standard high-stretch knit. This single modification successfully kept testers cool and dry all night. In fact, a main tester prone to regular night sweats reported that the topper exceeded her expectations, preventing her from waking up sweaty a single time.

The cover is also removable and machine-washable for an easy clean. It also sports anchor straps, ensuring the topper stays put on your bed. Overall, this plush mattress topper suits side sleepers the best, cushioning key pressure points, and is a top choice if you want to soften a hard bed.

Smaller budget? Try this...

When I slept on the Plank Firm mattress, now from $524 in the Plank 30% off 4th of July sale, I was most impressed by the full-body support. From my shoulders and lower back to my and hips and toes, my body was lifted and straightened, helping undo some of the tension from hunching over my desk all day.

The Plank is a slightly unusual mattress. Actually, it's very unusual. Not only is it a firm all-foam bed, it's also double-sided, meaning you can flip between Firm and Extra Firm feels. While the best mattresses we've tested tend to be crowd pleasers, the Plank is targeted at a specific audience: those who want a harder mattress that feels like its straightening out their spine.

If you're looking for a firm bed in today's 4th of July mattress sales, I don't think you'll find a better option than the Plank (especially as its back to its cheapest price of the year). Here's why...

Excellent support to ease back pain

I'd describe the Plank Firm's support as 'unyielding.' That might not sound like a compliment at first but it describes how the Plank Firm is able to hold my body in a completely straight line from head-to-toe. It's this feature that earned it the title of the best firm mattress of 2026.

Unyielding support means there's no sagging, sinking, or dipping that might put unwelcome strain on parts of the spine. Because my body doesn't have to work to hold itself up, it can get on with what sleep is meant for: rest and repair.

Ideal for back and stomach sleepers

While side sleepers tend to benefit from a softer bed (you'll find our top picks in our best mattress for side sleepers guide), back and stomach sleepers often need something firmer.

When you lie on your back or front on a softer bed, your hips tend to sink lower than the rest of your body. This puts pressure on the spine and can cause long-term discomfort.

But a firm bed, like the Plank mattress, keeps those hips lifted. It's particularly good for stomach sleepers (our best stomach sleeper mattress guide is dominated by firm beds). Stomach sleeping already puts your spine in odd positions — you don't want your mattress to make it worse.

Strong from edge-to-edge

Edge support refers to how sturdy a mattress is at the perimeter. Strong edges allow you to stretch out and make it easier to climb in and out of bed. Firm mattresses don't always have good edge support but the two do tend to go hand in hand (when there's less sink in general, the edges are less likely to collapse).

The Plank Firm has exceptional edge support. I always sit on the side of the bed while getting my bearings in the morning and on the Plank, I could believe I was sitting on a chair. These are sides you can park a truck on.

More firm mattress sales to browse today...

The Bear Elite Hybrid is the highest-scoring cooling mattress we've tested, scoring a perfect 5/5 for temperature regulation in our lab tests. That cooling tech comes at a price of around $1,370 for a queen Bear Elite Hybrid at Bear, so I was keen to test the cheaper SweetNight CoolNest Mattress, from $329.99 at SweetNight, to see how they compare.

The Bear Elite Hybrid is made with state-of-the-art cooling tech, but the CoolNest also sports some top-tier temperature-controlling materials. But how much cooling do you get for each price tag? And does $1,000 really make a huge difference?

In this SweetNight CoolNest vs Bear Elite comparison, I'm exploring the key differences in price and temperature regulation (learn about how we test mattresses). Here's a breakdown of what each has to offer hot sleepers browsing the 4th of July mattress sales or a new bed.

SweetNight CoolNest vs Bear Elite Hybrid: 4th of July deals compared

• Both beds are 40% off for the 4th of July – use the code TOMS40 at Bear
• A queen CoolNest in on sale for $399; a queen Elite is on sale for $1,370
• Bear offers a longer sleep trial and much longer warranty, plus free returns

If a smaller price tag is your priority when buying a cooling mattress, then the SweetNight CoolNest is your main option. It costs $399.99 for a queen (was $699.99) thanks to the current 40% saving. We haven't seen a cheaper deal on the CoolNest this year, so now is a good time to buy.

The Bear Elite Hybrid, while over three times the price of the Sweetnight, is excellent value for money when you consider the build quality, the level of cooling technology baked in, and how durable this bed is. With the code TOMS40 you can save 40% on this luxury hotel mattress for hot sleepers, adding up to a massive saving on the queen and larger sizes.

The Bear Elite Hybrid also has better benefits. For example, Bear offers a lifetime warranty and a 120-night sleep trial. SweetNight offers a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.

Shipping is free for both, but while Bear offers free returns within the sleep trial, SweetNight only offers a full refund "under specific circumstances". So the Bear is much easier to exchange or return.

SweetNight CoolNest vs Bear Elite Hybrid: Temperature regulation

• The Bear Elite Hybrid uses a Celliant Infrared Cover to regulate temperature
• The CoolNest uses Phase Change Material (PCM) to dissipate heat
• The Bear absorbed less heat and shed it faster than the Sweetnight

The Bear Elite Hybrid is one of the best hybrid mattresses we've tested. It has a design that's intrinsically more cooling than memory foam beds thanks to its addition of airflow-boosting coils. The Elite Hybrid also utilizes a Celliant cover for cooling, with this 'next-gen' textile converting body heat into infrared energy.

The Sweetnight CoolNest is a memory foam mattress that uses Phase Change Material (PCM) to dissipate heat. It's also found in rival affordable cooling mattress the Cocoon by Sealy Chill.

Both mattresses regulate temperature while you sleep, but there's a big difference in how they work, how they feel, and what the lab data tells us.

When testing the Sweetnight CoolNest, I was struck by how cool-to-the-touch the cover was. My fellow tester, Ruth Jones, felt the same: "I was taken aback by just how silky and cool the SweetNight CoolNest mattress felt," she said.

"I've slept on cheap foam mattresses before and been disappointed in the temperature regulation, but the SweetNight was a different experience. Even after lying on it for several minutes, I was surprised at how cool it remained."

However, Ruth was also involved in lab testing the Bear Elite Hybrid, and she said that she could definitely feel a difference in how cool the Bear felt versus the Sweetnight.

"The Bear felt airier (probably due to the coils), which allowed it to maintain a cooler feel for longer."

Ruth's hands-on observation of the Bear and SweetNight's cooling properties is also reflected in our objective data.

In our temperature regulation tests (which we use a thermal camera to carry out), the Bear Elite absorbed much less heat and shed it much faster than the SweetNight.

The SweetNight had a maximum temperature increase (MTI) of 15.2°F, compared to the Bear's MTI of 10.5°F.

Which cooling mattress should you buy in 4th of July sales?

Pros and cons of the SweetNight CoolNest...

✅ Has a smaller price tag: The SweetNight is the most obvious choice if you're working with a smaller budget.

✅ Has a classic memory foam hug: The SweetNight is a classic body-cradling mattress, so it's a top choice for a side and back sleepers.

✅ Has a sturdier edges: Edges are supportive, which makes it easier to get in and out of bed.

❌ Comes 2nd in cooling: While we were thoroughly impressed by how the cool-to-the-touch CoolNest dissipated heat, it didn't provide the rapid cooling rate of the Bear Elite.

❌ Too soft for stomach sleepers: The CoolNest supported side and back sleepers thanks to it medium to medium-firm support, but stomach sleepers will need something firmer.

Pros and cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid...

✅ Offers maximum cooling: The Bear Elite had the faster cooling rate and absorbed less body heat.

✅ Comes with better benefits: The Bear Elite offers a lifetime warranty, free shipping and returns, and a 120-night sleep trial.

✅ Three firmness options: The Bear Elite comes in a Soft, Medium, and Firm.

❌ Not the most budget-friendly: At over $1,300 for a queen, the Bear Elite is a luxury spend

❌ You have mobility issues: Edge support is a weak spot in the Bear Elite Hybrid, so you may want to reconsider if you need a boost when getting in and out of bed.

Let's face it, buying a new mattress can be super expensive nowadays. However, sometimes you need to bite the bullet if your mattress is so uncomfortable that it's affecting your sleep. But what if there were ways to keep saving up for a new mattress while fixing your current one in the meantime?

Luckily, there are two sleep products that can help: pillows and mattress toppers. The best mattress toppers are a low-cost, high-impact way to adjust firmness and extend the lifespan of ageing beds, while the best pillows can offer the right support that your mattress is struggling to still provide.

That's why I've curated all the best 4th of July mattress and sleep deals for fixing every kind of mattress issue. Mattress too hard? Try the super-soft Lucid 4" Gel Memory Foam Topper. Need more support? Use an adjustable pillow to get the right pillow loft for your sleep position. Mattress too stuffy? I've got plenty of cooling pillow and bed topper deals, too. Now, let's take a look...

Top 6 pillow deals for rescuing your old mattress

Top 6 topper deals for rescuing your old mattress

Cheap mattress deals worth considering

If you can invest a few hundred dollars in a new mattress, there are some good deals worth shopping in the 4th of July mattress sales. Here's what we recommend...

• DreamCloud Classic Hybrid – From $399 at DreamCloud
• Siena Signature Hard Foam Mattress – from $159 at Siena
• EgoHome Black Memory Foam – from $269 at EgoHome
• Lucid Memory Foam Mattress – from $172 at Lucid

More sales coverage

• Deals tracker: The best luxury 4th of July mattress sales for every sleep position

The 4th of July mattress sales are nearly over and as the last big sales event before summer, now's the time to snap up a saving on a comfy mattress. Our experts have found all the 4th of July mattress price cuts for every sleep style, with prices starting at just $82.

Our favorite value deal this year comes from DreamCloud — the brand's Classic Hybrid bed is among the best mattresses we've tested and it delivers support and comfort beyond its $699 price tag. But we've found plenty of deals from the likes of Casper and Brooklyn Bedding, plus cooling favorites to beat the summer heat waves.

The affordable mattress market is growing and nowadays you don't need to break the bank to find specialist beds. Even our eco-friendly favorites are getting cheaper (there's a 20% 4th of July sale on Birch Living's affordable new organic mattress, the Birch Essential). But if you are looking for something more indulgent, check out our guide to the best 4th of July luxury mattress sales.

Below are the 12 best affordable 4th of July mattress deals for all types of sleeper, and some of our favorite topper discounts as well, to spruce up your mattress for less. For bigger budgets and bedding deals too, check out our main guide to the best 4th of July mattress sales and bedding deals.

Best sales at a glance: Editor's choice

• DreamCloud Classic Hybrid – From $399 at DreamCloud
• Siena Signature Hard Foam Mattress – from $159 at Siena
• EgoHome Black Memory Foam – from $269 at EgoHome
• Nectar Premier Memory Foam – from $549 at Nectar Sleep
• Birch Essential Organic Hybrid – from $692 at Birch Living
• Cocoon by Sealy Chill Cooling Bed – from $349 with code COCOON35

The best affordable 4th of July mattress deals: Today's 10 top sales

Best affordable 4th of July mattress topper deals

More great mattress sales to browse

• Saatva Classic: From $1,049 at Saatva
• DreamCloud Classic: From $429 at DreamCloud
• Nectar Premier : From $549 at Nectar
• CopperFlex Pro Hybrid: From $652 at Brooklyn Bedding
• EGOHOME Black Memory Foam: From $269.10 at EGOHOME)
• Allswell Home 10" Hybrid: From $214 at Walmart
• Siena Signature: From $159 at Siena

There are some beds you just can't wait to jump onto — for our Tom's Guide testing team the Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress, now $999 for a queen at Nectar, was one of them. Its soft top layer is hard to resist sinking your hands into, so just imagine how it feels against your shoulder.

The Nectar Premier is one of the top-rated options in our guide to the best mattresses you can buy online, and it's our top-rated memory foam mattress too. It has the feel you want (and expect) from this type of bed: slow moving foams that wrap you up in a full body hug.

I was lead tester during our Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress review and, after sleeping on the Premier for a month, I highly recommend it to side sleepers browsing the 4th of July mattress sales. It might not be the most exciting sale (I'll explain why below) but the Nectar Premier is worth every cent of its $999 queen price. Here's why...

A traditional memory foam 'hug' for side sleepers

The reason why the Nectar Premier sits at the top of our guide to the best memory foam mattresses is because it delivers the classic memory foam 'hug'. The dense foams yield to pressure before gently wrapping around the body to cuddle you up.

It's a feel that suits side sleepers and when I tested the Nectar Premier, it was side sleeping I naturally gravitated towards (despite typically being a stomach sleeper). It's one of the best mattresses for side sleepers because this 'hug' helps reduce pressure build-up at the shoulders and hips.

But it's not all about cushioning — you can see in our hands-on video that while our testers can press into the bed, they aren't sinking all the way through.

That's because the Nectar Premier has a strong support layer made up of firm foam. This keeps your spine lifted while side sleeping, to reduce back ache. I also found it comfortable for back sleeping, although there were some mixed opinions here (some of my team found there was too much 'hug' at the hips).

The Nectar Premier Memory Foam is also one of the best mattresses in a box we've tested because it delivers all this at excellent value (a queen's just $999).

Smaller budget? Try this...

If a mattress you can sink into sounds dreamy to you but $999 for a queen is out of your budget, then the Zinus is our top rated alternative. I've slept on them both and found they had one key feature in common: a full body-hug.

As a cheaper bed, the Zinus can't deliver the same support as the Nectar Premier (particularly at the edges: I slid off the bed most mornings) and it also has a tendency to sleep hot. This is a common flaw of memory foam beds but the Nectar navigates it with a cool-to-the-touch cover.

However, with a queen Zinus only $219.99 in the sale, it's a 4th of July bargain.

More mattress deals to browse

• Bear Elite Hybrid: Save 40% with code TOMS40
• Zinus Green Tea: From $137 at Amazon
• Allswell Home 10" Hybrid: From $214 at Walmart
• Helix Midnight Luxe: From $1,119 at Helix
• Siena Signature: From $159 at Siena
• Avocado Green Organic: From $1,359 at Avocado
• Sleep Number ComfortNext: From $2,199 at Sleep Number

Most cooling mattresses have a luxury price tag — but the coolest bed I've slept on so far is a budget all-foam mattress. In my opinion, the CoolNest Memory Foam, now $399.99 (was $699.99) at SweetNight, is a great choice for hot sleepers on a budget.

While it won't beat the proper cooling beds ranked in our guide to this year's best mattresses for all sleepers, the SweetNight CoolNest offers reliable temperature regulation for a cheap mattress (in the heat dissipation part of our temperature control tests it kicked out five degrees of excess heat in a minute).

I also found the SweetNight comfy and supportive for side and back sleeping (read more in my SweetNight CoolNest Mattress hands-on review). Here's why I think it's one of the best 4th of July mattress deals you'll find this weekend...

Cooling comfort at a budget price

During our lab tests, I immediately noticed the CoolNest mattress is immediately cool to the touch. This excellent temperature regulation is due to the inclusion of high-quality, heat-dissipating materials. Specifically, it features Phase Change Material (PCM), a technology also utilized in top-rated cooling beds like the Bear Elite Hybrid.

PCM is scientifically proven to enhance human heat dissipation by up to 25.6% and lower skin temperature compared to conventional mattresses, ensuring a consistently cool sleep surface.

As both a side and back sleeper, I was impressed with the way the mattress supports and comforts these two sleep positions. While it lacks a plush pillow top and a supportive tier of coils, it effectively cushions side sleeper pressure points.

Stomach sleepers, try this instead...

If you or your loved one is off to college, it's important that you have everything you need to transform your dorm room from a basic box bed into a sleep-friendly sanctuary. Because sleeping well at college can set you up for life — a new study found students who slept longer had a higher grade point average that those who slept less.

But between rowdy roommates, strict schedules and less-than-inspiring dorm beds, you might be wondering how you can catch enough Zs to earns those As. Luckily, there are plenty of sleep products that can help — and they're on sale this 4th of July. Below I've curated all the 4th of July mattress and sleep deals on dorm room essentials.

From the best mattress toppers to soften (and add a hygienic layer to) uncomfortable dorm beds to side sleeper-friendly earplugs to block out noisy neighbors, here's every sleep product you need to make your dorm as relaxing as possible.

Choosing new bed sheets might seem like an easy task at first, but the. sheer number of fabrics, types of weaves, designs and more can be overwhelming. But that's where we can help, as we've tested multiple sets of bedding to create this guide to the 5 best bed sheets sets in 2026.

There are four main considerations you should make when choosing the best bed sheets for you: softness, ease of care, durability, and the maximum safe temperature they can be washed at to banish allergens, fungi and bacteria.

In this guide you'll find bed sheets sets for every budget, from under $20 to luxury hotel sheets made to last several years. Even better, many of our top-rated options are reduced in price thanks to this year's 4th of July mattress and bedding sales. Here's what we recommend...

Read more on 4th of July mattress and sleep deals

• The best Helix 4th of July mattress sales 2026
• The best Saatva 4th of July mattress sales 2026
• The best luxury 4th of July mattress sale 2026

The 6 best bed sheets we've tested

Also recommended

We're constantly testing new bed sheets to see if they're good enough to make the grade in our best bed sheets set guide. While we haven't finished reviewing the following yet, we also recommend considering them based on our early positive test data coupled with verified customer reviews.

Budget bed sheets sets

Luxury organic bed sheets sets

How we test bed sheets sets

Products reviews are at the heart of our content at Tom's Guide and to ensure we give you our top recommendations, we test rigorously. Our bed sheet guide is no exception.

Our in-house reviewers spend two weeks sleeping on each set and putting them through two wash and dry cycles. This lets us gauge the overall performance of a set— how it feels, fits, regulates temperature, its durability and ease of maintenance. We score each parameter out of 5 — 1 indicating poor and 5 meaning it's outstanding.

Our main objective is to help you make an informed decision and find the right set of sheets for your sleep, right from the fabric thread count, the material, softness and visual appeal.

For more information, refer to our bed sheet testing methodology.

How to choose the best bed sheets for you

Thread count, the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven into one square inch of fabric, is something to consider when choosing bed sheets.

It denotes the feel and softness of materials like cotton, bamboo or tencel. However, a higher thread count does not necessarily mean better quality.

"While it's often marketed as a sign of quality, thread count alone doesn't determine how soft, breathable, or durable sheets are," says Byron Golub, Vice President of Product and Merchandising at Saatva.

"Other factors like the type of fabric, weave, and fiber quality matter just as much," he adds.

Another key aspect to think of when picking bed sheets is material.

Classic cotton is the one material recommended by experts for year-round use thanks to its breathability, softness and durability.

If you're a hot sleeper, switching to cooling fabrics like linen, bamboo or Tencel Lyocell can help with overheating or night sweats.

"Linen is naturally cooling, moisture-wicking, and airy while bamboo (viscose or lyocell) is silky soft, temperature-regulating, and great for hot sleepers. Best in the 250–350 thread count range," says Golub.

"Tencel is another eco-friendly, breathable option that’s smooth and cool to the touch— ideal in the 300–400 range," he adds.

At Tom's Guide we've unboxed and tested scores of mattresses, ranging from budget-friendly beds to some of the most luxurious options on the market. The mattress we've unboxed recently that stands out for its comfort vs value for money is the DreamCloud Classic, now $699 for a queen at DreamCloud.

We rate the DreamCloud as one of the best mattresses you can buy onlin, thanks to its blend of pressure relieving support and superb build quality at a mid-range price. After testing it thoroughly, we recommend it to both side and back sleepers looking for a great mattress for well under $1,000 for a queen.

Although we're seeing big discounts on some of our favorite beds in the run up to the 4th of July mattress sales, the current DreamCloud mattress deal is the sale we tend to see all year round. But don't let that put you off, this bed is reliably excellent value. Here's why...

Hitting the right notes for value vs sleep comfort

After thoroughly testing it in our lab studio, we rate the DreamCloud Classic as the best mattress in a box you can buy, thanks to its blend of quality construction, superb sleep comfort and incredible value for money.

Thanks to its therapeutic memory foam top layer, the DreamCloud provides ample cushioning along the touch points of the mattress. That makes it a great option for side and back sleepers (stomach sleepers will likely need something firmer, like the Nectar Classic memory foam mattress).

The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress, which means it's made with a blend of coils and comfort layers for support. That breathable construction allows air to pass through, which helps keep sleepers cool (reflected in our very respectable 3.5/5 score for temperature regulation based on hands-on testing and our thermal cam).

We did detect some motion transfer during testing, which means that restless couples might feel some disturbance when shifting positions. If strong motion isolation is a key area of performance for you, the EgoHome is also on sale this 4th of July, a memory foam bed that dampens movement effectively (hot sleepers be warned, the EgoHome holds on to bit of heat).

Ultimately, if you're looking for a better performing mattress all round, be prepared to pay around triple the price. But if you want a great bed for most sleepers without breaking the bank, the DreamCloud is our top recommendation.

Our top DreamCloud mattress alternative...

Granted, there are better mattresses than the DreamCloud Classic on the market — but they'll cost you. Case in point, the Saatva Classic, which scored an unprecedented 5 stars in our review and currently costs $1,829 for a queen in the Saatva 4th of July sales.

The Classic is a luxury mattress handcrafted in the US, available in two heights and three different firmness levels — so this really is a bed (almost) for everyone.

But with a weight capacity of 600lbs combined, heavier sleepers will need something that has been engineered to support additional weight (like the WinkBed plus).

Despite looking like it's been swiped from a 5-star luxury hotel, we particularly recommend the Saatva to those with back pain. That's thanks to its dual-coil design and patented lumbar crown for healthy spinal alignment.

More mattress deals to browse

• Bear Elite Hybrid: Save 40% with code TOMS40
• Zinus Green Tea: From $137 at Amazon
• Allswell Home 10" Hybrid: From $214 at Walmart
• Helix Midnight Luxe: From $1,119 at Helix
• Siena Signature: From $159 at Siena
• Avocado Green Organic: From $1,359 at Avocado
• Sleep Number ComfortNext: From $2,199 at Sleep Number

Side sleepers need a mattress that soothes and supports your hips and shoulders to prevent soreness. However, not all side sleepers have the same preferences and body types, so when sleep brand Helix decided to create a luxury bed for side sleepers, they made two: the Helix Midnight Luxe and the Helix Sunset Luxe.

The Midnight Luxe is currently our top choice for side sleepers in our best mattress guide, but there aren't plenty of great beds for side sleepers on the market. The Sunset Luxe is one of them, a worthy rival to the Midnight Luxe that has a softer feel I'm pitting against the medium-firm Midnight Luxe in this comparison guide.

As I've slept on both the Midnight Luxe and Sunset Luxe, I'm going to explore how two of the best mattresses for side sleepers compare in terms of price, design, and comfort. Both these models are worth buying, so here's a look at which one you should choose in the 4th of July mattress sales.

Helix Midnight vs Helix Sunset Luxe mattress: Specs at a glance

Helix Midnight vs Helix Sunset Luxe mattress: Price & Trials

• The Midnight Luxe and Sunset Luxe are the same price
• Both come with a 120-night trial and limited lifetime warranty
• A 20% off sale is the norm, but expect 25% off during major sales

Both the Midnight Luxe and Sunset Luxe are part of the Helix Luxe collection, meaning they come with the exact same price tags. Both have a starting MSRP of $1,492 and an MSRP of $2,498.66 for a queen, but these prices are always discounted thanks to the Helix mattress sales.

For instance, the standard 20% discount takes a queen-sized Luxe mattress down to $1,918. But wait for the holidays (such as 4th of July and the Labor Day mattress sale in September), and you can often save 25% and get a queen for just $1,874.

Both mattresses offer the same benefits, too: a lifetime warranty, a 120-night sleep trial, and free shipping and returns. So, in terms of price and deals, the Sunset Luxe and Midnight Luxe are both winners.

Helix Midnight vs Helix Sunset Luxe mattress: Design & Materials

• Both are 13.5" tall hybrids with 6 internal layers, plus a Tencel cover
• The Midnight has a custom "balance" layer for support and comfort
• The Sunset has a custom "plush" layer for a "pillowy" feel

The Midnight and Sunset Luxe are two of the best hybrid mattresses and, at first glance, they have an identical design.

They're both 13.5" tall and have six internal layers, including a support tier of 1,000 individually wrapped coils and a premium comfort layer made from gel-infused memory foam. Both the Midnight Luxe and the Sunset Luxe are finished with a pillow top wrapped in breathable eucalyptus-derived Tencel.

However, there's one key difference: the custom firmness layer. If you choose the Sunset Luxe, the firmness layer you'll get is a "plush" and "pillowy", while the Midnight Luxe's medium-firm firmness layer is designed to strike a "a balance between cushioning comfort and serious support".

In short, the custom firmness layer is the heart of both mattresses, giving them an overall different feel despite near-identical designs.

Helix Midnight vs Helix Sunset Luxe mattress: Comfort & Support

• The Midnight Luxe has a medium-firm feel ideal for side and back sleepers
• The Sunset Luxe has a medium feel for side sleepers only
• Neither are firm enough for stomach sleepers

We rank mattress firmness on a scale of 1-10 (1 being the softest), and myself and my fellow mattress testers awarded the Midnight Luxe a firmness level of 6. We placed the Sunset Luxe at 5. This puts the Midnight Luxe in the medium-firm category and the Sunset Luxe in the medium category.

While just one firmness point may not seem like a huge difference, we definitely felt it. The Helix Midnight Luxe has a lot of pressure relief for side sleeping, as your shoulders and hips sink into the surface. But its medium-firm feel means the spine is lifted, to provide enough lumbar support when back sleeping.

The Sunset Luxe, on the other hand, is strictly a side sleeper mattress. Its medium feel is excellent for cushioning side-sleeping pressure points but lie on your back, and you'll find your lumbar sagging uncomfortably.

I have slept on the Midnight Luxe and was part of the hands-on testing team for the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review. Meanwhile, I was the main tester for the Helix Sunset Luxe mattress review. As a side and back sleeper under 130lbs who prefers a softer bed, I felt that there was a noticeable difference between the two. I preferred the Midnight Luxe for back sleeping and the Sunset Luxe for side sleeping.

The Midnight Luxe scored 4/5 for edge support in our Sleep Lab tests compared to 3.2 for the Sunset Luxe. That means the Midnight Luxe is better for sleeping close to the edge and provides more support when getting in and out of bed.

As for motion isolation, the Midnight Luxe also scored better, with the lead tester (who shares a bed with her pets and young family members) calling the motion isolation "brilliant".

Helix Midnight vs Helix Sunset Luxe mattress: Temperature Control

• The Midnight Luxe has a relatively rapid cooling rate
• The Sunset Luxe has an excellent cooling rate, despite an initial heat spike
• Both offer an optional cooling cover upgrade

The best cooling mattresses use advanced cooling tech to dissipate heat and feel cool-to-the-touch. While neither the Helix Sunset Luxe or the Midnight Luxe are specialist cooling models, both are hybrids with airflow-boosting coils, cooling gel-infused memory foam, and a breathable Tencel cover.

The Midnight Luxe scored a strong 4 out of 5 for temperature regulation, displaying a rapid cooling rate of 1.82°F/minute (that's how quickly it loses heat — the lower the number, the better.)

The Sunset Luxe scored 3.5 overall and had a cooling rate of 2.06°F/minute, but it was let down by it's maximum temperature increase (MTI) of 12.4°F. Meanwhile, the Midnight Luxe had a MTI of 9°F. That's just how hot it gets.

Both come with the option to upgrade to a CoolForce Layer, which is: "scientifically proven to pull heat away from the body and has been shown to keep you 4 degrees cooler continuously for over 12 hours".

Helix Midnight vs Helix Sunset Luxe mattress: Which should you buy?

Buy the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress if...

✅ You’re a side and back sleeper: The Midnight Luxe is cushioning enough for side sleepers but supportive enough for back sleeping.

✅ You want better support: Not only is the Midnight Luxe firm enough for back sleeping, but it also has sturdy edges for sleeping and getting in and out of bed.

✅ You sleep hot: The Midnight Luxe experienced less of a heat spike during our thermal imaging tests and had a faster cooling rate.

Buy the Helix Sunset Luxe mattress if...

✅ You only sleep on your side: The Sunset Luxe is a true-blue side sleeper mattress thanks to its medium feel.

✅ You prefer a plusher hotel-style feel: If you want a cloud-like bed with a plush hotel-style pillow top, then the Sunset Luxe is much better for those who prefer a softer bed.

The 4th of July is over but before you start thinking about your summer vacation, don't miss these luxury mattress sales on hotel-worthy beds for every sleep style. With deals from Saatva, Westin, PlushBeds and more, these premium mattresses are the five-star way to invest in your sleep health.

So what's the advantage of a luxury mattress? These beds are typically made with the highest quality materials, to deliver longer lasting comfort, and offer premium features to target specific sleep needs. And in the 4th of July mattress sales, you can get the right bed at a better price.

Below we've rounded up our expert-approved deals, including up to $1,500 off mattresses that earned four stars or more from our sleep team. These are the mattresses that deliver on their price tag to ensure an elevated sleep experience.

But you don't have to spend big to get one of the best mattresses of 2026, so if you want a bed for a smaller budget, make sure to check out our guide to the best affordable 4th of July mattress sales.

4th of July luxury mattress sales 2026: Editor's choice

• Saatva Classic: From $1,049 at Saatva
• Bear Elite Hybrid: From $1,298 at Bear
• Helix Midnight Luxe From $1,119 at Helix
• Avocado Green: From $1,359 at Avocado
• PurpleRejuvenate: From $4,399 at Purple
• PlushBeds Botanical Bliss: From $1,499 at PlushBeds

Best luxury 4th of July mattress deals: Best deals

These mattresses have all earned four stars and more from our expert review team and are on sale for the 4th of July...

Best luxury 4th of July mattress deals: Also recommended

These mattresses didn't earn the same high scores as the ones above but the're still a great pick if you're looking for a luxury bed...

Best luxury hotel 4th of July mattress deals

The bed is the star of any good hotel room, which is why the best hotels invest in high quality mattresses that will please as many guests as possible and remain supportive after frequent wear and tear. Nowadays, many of your favorite hotel mattresses are sold online and there are plenty of savings to be found in the 4th of July sales...

The best 4th of July luxury pillows and bedding deals

Whether you want to complement your premium mattress or simply add a touch of indulgence to your current bed, these add-ons are perfect for a touch of luxury...

Heatwaves are gripping parts of America right now, and the National Weather Service is warning there'll be more sweltering hot weather over the holiday weekend. So one question remains: how are we meant to sleep in this record-breaking heat?

While there are plenty of cooling bedroom hacks to try, one of the most effective things you can do to fall asleep fast in a heatwave is to invest in cooling sleep products. From mattresses that use heat-dissipating Phase Change Material to bedding woven with specialist cooling fabrics like GlacioTex, these essentials help hot air cool so you can get some shut-eye.

I spent the last heatwave tossing and turning so I've been hunting for the best cooling deals the 4th of July mattress sales have to offer. And I've found 12 excellent price drops on cool-to-the-touch mattresses, mattress protectors, sheet sets, and blankets...

Top 3 cooling mattress protector deals

Top 3 cooling sheet set deals

Top 3 cooling blanket and comforter deals

Top 3 cooling mattress deals

I've tested plenty of luxury mattresses but it's actually a budget-friendly bed that I think suits my sleep style the best — and it's even cheaper ahead of the 4th of July mattress sales. The EGOHOME Black 12" Memory Foam Mattress, now just $299.99 for a king at Amazon, is ideal for those anyone who wants a cheap mattress that provides more excellent support.

We rate memory foam mattresses among the best mattresses we've tested. Always under $400 for a queen, the EGOHOME Black 12" Mattress is one of those memory foam beds that prove this mattress type has stepped up its game. It supported me in all sleep positions, and I could even sleep right up to the edges without feeling as if I was going to roll out of bed.

This Amazon deal offers outstanding value for money not only because it's offers you the chance to buy a king mattress for under $300, but because the same size and model at EGOHOME's official website is $499.99. Here's why I think this $200 discount is the best 4th of July mattress deal so far, plus what I loved about reviewing the EGOHOME Black 12" Memory Foam Mattress.

Support for all sleepers at a budget price

I slept on the EGOHOME Black 12" Mattress from May 2025 to April 2026, and I was impressed by how comfortable and supported it kept me through the year. Its testing followed my Leesa Legend mattress review, and I must say that I much preferred the EGOHOME over the luxury Leesa.

What I like about the EGOHOME is that it provided a slight hug when side sleeping but it firmly supported me when back and stomach sleeping. In fact, I named it one of the best cheap mattresses on the market.

It also has sturdy sides for sleeping, sitting, and getting in and out of bed. Motion isolation scored well, too, so I can recommend the bed to couples as well. However, just keep in mind that, despite the copper gel infusion, the temperature regulation isn't the best, and the bed can get a little stuffy. For a more breathable feel, check out our EGOHOME Black 12" Hybrid Mattress review.

Want a cheaper king deal? Take a look at this Amazon deal...

Just when I think I’ve got my sleep problems under control and I'm finally getting the rest I need, my 3 a.m. wake ups make an unwelcome return. During these periods of middle insomnia (the most common cause of insomnia) I wake with a jolt and my heart pounding in my chest.

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Doctors pinpoint three potential causes of my 3 a.m. wake ups, which include a lack of adequate sleep pressure, elevated cortisol levels and blood sugar fluctuations
• Daily habits such as napping and sleeping in on the weekend are unexpected causes of middle insomnia
• Tips for sleeping through my 3 a.m. wake ups include eating my evening meals earlier and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule
• Doctors also recommend spending more time in nature to manage anxiety and lower cortisol levels

Staring at the clock and willing myself to fall back to sleep just isn’t cutting it, so I spoke to leading sleep doctors to help pinpoint the cause behind my 3 a.m. wake ups — and how, crucially, I can better manage them for improved rest.

Together, they’ve helped identify the three main culprits behind my middle of the night awakenings, along with simple routine strategies I can use to try and sleep through once and for all.

• Read more: Stress was waking me up at 3 a.m. — until two of the world's best sleep doctors shared 5 fast fixes to lower my cortisol at night

Doctors pinpoint the top 3 causes of my 3 a.m. wake ups

Whether it's a health condition such as sleep apnea, a late-afternoon caffeine habit that you can't quite kick or environmental factors (like noisy neighbors or a sweltering heatwave), many of us go through periods of waking up at 3 a.m.

My middle insomnia has ramped up over the past five years or so and I'm determined to find a solution. But in order to do so, I need to find the root cause. Here, doctors outline the likely culprits behind my 3 a.m. wake ups.

1. Lack of adequate sleep pressure

Sleep pressure can also be referred to as your sleep hunger or homeostatic sleep drive. Essentially, it's how tired you feel in the run up to bedtime. Driven by neurotransmitter called adenosine, sleep pressure begins building from the moment you open your eyes, dropping once you go to sleep.

As cortisol levels naturally begin to rise around 3 a.m., insufficient sleep pressure means you're more susceptible to being woken up by the alerting impact of cortisol. So, if your homeostatic sleep drive is on the lower side before you go to bed, you're more likely to experience fragmented sleep.

Sedentary lifestyles, excess caffeine and late afternoon naps are all examples of factors that can negatively affect your sleep pressure.

After a disrupted night's sleep, I know I'm guilty of reaching for more coffee to help me get through the day. On those low-energy days, I'm also less inclined to exercise and I'm more inclined to snatch time for a nap — and that's a big no-no.

"Think of a late-afternoon nap like snacking just before dinner: it takes the edge off your appetite," explains Dr. Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas.

"In the same way, a late nap can blunt your sleep hunger, leaving you with less biological force driving you down into sleep at night," explains the leading sleep expert.

2. Elevated cortisol levels

Cortisol has a bad reputation as being the 'stress' hormone, but it also plays a pivotal role in our sleep-wake cycles. Cortisol levels begin to naturally rise in the early hours of the morning, before peaking upon waking. That's called your Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). It's part of what helps us feel alert when we start the day.

However, if your baseline level of cortisol is higher — often caused by stress or anxiety — that slight increase of cortisol at 3 a.m. can be enough to wake you up. That's why, for some of us with middle insomnia, those awakenings are accompanied by a racing heart and feelings of anxiety.

"The Cortisol Awakening Response is when your cortisol begins to rise early in the morning, a few hours before you get out of bed, which transitions your body from sleep to wake by raising blood sugar, blood pressure, and mental readiness," Dr. William Lu, a sleep medicine physician, has previously explained to me.

"However, if this increase happens too early it can wake you at 3 or 4 a.m. This usually happens when you are on high alert from stress, anxiety, or blood sugar instability," says Dr. Lu, medical director at Dreem Health.

3. Blood sugar fluctuations

As a busy working parent, there are times during the week that I don't get the opportunity to sit down and eat my evening meal until around 8-9 p.m. While going to bed soon after eating doesn't exactly feel comfortable and often means I have difficulty actually falling asleep, I didn't know that late, heavy meals could also be contributing to my middle insomnia.

“One of the most common reasons for waking around 3 a.m. is a drop in blood sugar during the night,” Conny Wade at Wade Wellness, a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P) and practicing Nurse Practitioner, previously explained to us.

“If you eat dinner too late or the meal is unbalanced, your body may release stress hormones to bring blood sugar back up, and that can wake you suddenly,” Wade explains.

Again, the culprit here is rising cortisol levels, which our bodies produce as a reaction to low sugar and insulin levels — which can wake you up.

The sleep doctor-recommended routine switches to help manage middle insomnia

Unfortunately, there's no one silver bullet solution to overcoming 3 a.m. wake ups. However, I have learnt that there are a series of small actions you can take every day for sleep better at night.

I've noticed that each small habit outlined below supports the others, which helps to improve my overall sleep hygiene and reduce middle of the night awakenings.

1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule for improved sleep pressure

Sleeping in later than usual can feel like an enticing prospect following a rough night of broken sleep. However, an erratic sleep schedule can lead to insufficient sleep pressure — which is a common culprit of middle insomnia.

Instead, sticking to a regular sleep schedule — like the 7:1 sleep rule — allows an adequate amount of time for adenosine to build, which makes you less susceptible to nighttime awakenings.

"A consistent wake time is one of the strongest behavioral anchors for the circadian system," explains Dr. Walker, who notes that while a consistent bed time is also important, sleep onset can't be forced and is therefore difficult to control.

"Waking at a stable time, followed by morning light exposure, provides the brain with a reliable daily timing cue that helps synchronize the 24-hour rhythm," says the best-selling author of Why We Sleep.

2. Forest bathing to help soothe my stressed nervous system

Forest bathing might sound like the act of rolling around on the muddy forest floor but is actually an ancient Japanese mindfulness practice that involves immersing yourself in nature.

I've written before about how making the time for a twenty minute mindfulness walk through my local woods helped calm my frazzled nervous system. However, once I saw an improvement in my stress levels and sleep, forest bathing slipped down my list of priorities.

Now that my 3 a.m. wake ups have returned, making time for activities that actively lower my baseline level of cortisol and increase my sleep pressure (adenosine is a natural by product of exercise) is something I need to prioritize.

"Science shows that spending mindful time in nature significantly lowers cortisol (our stress hormone) and blood pressure," says Gary Evans, director and co-founder of The Forest Bathing Institute in the UK.

If possible, spending time outdoors within the first 60 minutes of waking has the added benefit of natural daylight exposure, which helps build sleep pressure and anchor the circadian rhythm.

"Morning light helps stabilize the circadian signal, while daytime physical activity can strengthen the depth and continuity of subsequent sleep," explains Dr. Walker.

3. Eating evening meals earlier to regulate my blood sugar levels

Instead of carb-heavy comfort meals close to bedtime, a nutritionally balanced meal around three hours before my chosen bedtime allows my body enough time to digest dinner before hopping into bed.

Your circadian rhythm is your body's internal clock, helping you to feel tired and alert at the right time. And as well as orchestrating your sleep-wake cycle, your circadian rhythm regulates your metabolism.

“The human body thrives on routine,” Emma Zengh, a certified nutritionist, previously explained to us. “Which means that eating dinner at the same time every night helps keep the hormones in the body in check.”

So, as well as allowing enough time to digest my food (and prevent a spike in cortisol due to low blood sugar levels), eating mealtimes at roughly the same time every day is another way to cement my circadian rhythm.

Quick tips to falling back to sleep when you wake at 3 a.m.

Waking up at 3 a.m. can feel debilitating. However, I have learnt how to better manage them in the moment in order to fall back asleep faster. These are some of the strategies I find useful...

• Practice the 15 minute sleep rule: Staying in bed when you can't sleep leads to a negative association with your bed. The advice from experts is clear — if after 15 minutes you're still awake, get up and leave the room and do something relaxing. Then, when you feel tired, go back to bed.
• Don't immediately check the clock: Rolling over and checking the time can cause further feelings of anxiety. It can also lead to the temptation of scrolling on your phone, making it even harder to go back to sleep.
• Try cognitive shuffling to stop rumination: If you're waking with anxiety, it can be hard to turn off the chatter in your brain in order to fall back to sleep. To help, I try cognitive shuffling, a relaxation technique. To do it, pick a random letter then think of different words beginning with that letter.

After struggling through a recent sleep-killing heatwave, I've finally managed to get my hands on the CoolNest Memory Foam Mattress, now $399.99 (was $699.99) at SweetNight in the 4th of July sales. The CoolNest Mattress is designed to add cooling comfort to your sleep set-up — but does it deliver on its promise?

The best mattresses on the market typically have some degree of cooling features, as overheating stops you from falling asleep. The CoolNest takes things up a level. A dedicated cooling model, it uses an airflow-boosting cooling cover and heat-dissipating Phase Change Material (PCM) to guarantee a bed that's 8°F cooler than standard memory foam mattresses.

But as mattresses don't always live up to their hefty promises, I decided to give the SweetNight CoolNest Mattress a try ahead of the 4th of July mattress sales (and another heatwave). While a full review is coming soon, here is my first impression of the SweetNight CoolNest Mattress.

Easy to set up

Like the best mattresses in a box, the CoolNest is shipped compressed, rolled up, and wrapped in plastic. This shipping method means the CoolNest needs to be unboxed, unwrapped, and left to expand.

I unboxed the CoolNest with a fellow mattress tester (unboxing a mattress tends to be a two-person job) and we were pleasantly surprised how easy it was to set up. We had previously unboxed a bulky hybrid mattress, so the all-foam CoolNest was a dream in comparison. There was minimal off-gassing, too.

As for the expansion time, there's little to worry about — it was ready in hours. Fresh from the box it did look slightly squished (especially at the corners) and I worried we'd be waiting a while to test it. Plus, SweetNight writes on their website that it takes its mattresses 72 hours to fully expand.

However, the CoolNest Mattress seemed to plump up to its full size within hours of unboxing, and the brand says their beds are safe to sleep on within 6 hours of opening.

Immediately cool to the touch

Now for what you came for — the CoolNest's cooling properties. Straight from the box I felt the mattress's cover, and the CoolNest was immediately cool to the touch. We unboxed the CoolNest in the same lab as the Plank Firm Luxe, and all I can say is that the Plank's cover felt like a radiator compared to the CoolNest.

It's all well and good for a mattress to feel cool on first touch, but what's the CoolNest like after it's soaked up your body warmth? During our temperature regulation tests, I lay on the CoolNest for 15 minutes. That's ample time for it to warm up but not once did I feel heat building beneath me.

The CoolNest's cooling performance is no surprise, as it uses the heat-dissipating materials found in some of the best cooling mattresses on the market. PCM, for example, is used in the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress (our favorite cooling mattress) and has been proven to lower skin temperature and improve human heat dissipation up to 25.6% (compared to conventional mattresses).

Ideal for side and back sleeping

My fellow mattress tester (Ruth Jones) and I have different sleep needs and sleep in different positions, so we both tried out the CoolNext to compare thoughts.

I'm a side and back sleeper, and I felt the most comfortable on the SweetNight in these positions. While it isn't the plushest or most cushioning mattress (there's no pillow top), it still hugged my pressure points when side sleeping to distribute weight and prevent soreness. I also felt my hips and spine were properly aligned when sleeping on my back, to reduce tension.

Ruth, who is a stomach sleeper through and through, didn't feel comfortable on her front (her hips dipped into the surface). But she loved sleeping on the mattress in the back and side sleeping positions.

My thoughts on the SweetNight CoolNest mattress so far

Overall, my first impression of the SweetNight Cooling Mattress is that of a mattress that outperforms its budget price tag. It provides the temperature regulation of the best luxury mattresses, using state-of-the-art cooling tech to dissipate heat for a refreshing feel.

As for comfort and support, it has the classic body-hugging feel of the best memory foam mattresses, providing great comfort for side sleepers and support for back sleepers — even if stomach sleepers will need something firmer.

Saatva's 4th of July mattress sale has come to an end but if you're looking for a discount on a hotel-style bed, we'll be tracking all the latest deals in our Saatva mattress sales hub. While Saatva reserves the biggest price cuts for major sales events, you can often find up to $300 off luxury handcrafted mattresses like the Classic at Saatva

After extensive testing we've rated the Saatva Classic as the best mattress for all sleepers thanks to its breathable build, targeted back support and choice of three firmness levels. But we've reviewed many of the best Saatva mattresses and they've all impressed our team with their luxury feel and high-quality materials. The deals below might not be live anymore but when it comes to Saatva beds, we've found they deliver reliably indulgent comfort.

Saatva 4th of July mattress sale: Quick links

• Saatva Classic sale — Now $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid sale — Now $999 (from $1,399) at Saatva
• Saatva Latex Hybrid sale — Now $1,349 (from $1,749) at Saatva
• Saatva Contour5 sale — Now $1,549 (from $1,949) at Saatva
• Saatva RX sale — Now $1,649 (from $2,049) at Saatva
• Saatva Solaire sale — Now $3,099 (from $3,49) at Saatva
• Saatva Zenhaven sale — Now $1,699 (from $2,099) at Saatva
• Saatva HD sale — Now $1,649 (from $2,049) at Saatva

Saatva 4th of July mattress sale: Best deals to shop now

Saatva offers a year's sleep trial and a lifetime mattress warranty, plus free White Glove Delivery. Here are the three mattresses we most recommend...

Saatva 4th of July mattress sale: Pillows and bedding

Saatva's 4th of July sale is primarily mattress focused but whether you're looking to upgrade your sleep without splashing out on a bed, or you want some accessories to complement your mattress, these are the best of the pillow and bedding deals...

These are the best Saatva 4th of July mattress deals; here's how to choose between them

Our top choice for most sleepers is the Saatva Classic mattress ($1,829 for a queen). With three firmness levels there's pretty much something for everyone, particularly as the combination of back support and bouncy cushioning helps ease aches and pains. It does, however, have the responsive feel of a traditional mattress, which won't suit everyone.

The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress ($1,749 for a queen) is Saatva's most affordable bed and a cheaper alternative to the Classic. Despite the layers of memory foam it doesn't have much contouring, making it better for back and stomach sleepers. (Side sleepers, it's worth paying more for the Classic.) It also sleeps temperature neutral, although hot sleepers might prefer...

The Saatva Zenhaven mattress ($3,149 for a queen) excels at cooling thanks to its naturally breathable latex build and the addition of air channels to speed up heat dispersion. It's also double-sided, which means it suits nearly all sleep styles. (Although side sleepers might still prefer the Plush Saatva Classic.) All these features do come at a high price so for eco-friendly comfort for less, try...

The Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress ($2,249 for a queen) uses latex foams to create responsive pressure relief and full-body support that's great for back and stomach sleepers. It's also breathable, to prevent sleep disruption caused by heat build-up. However, it might be a bit too firm for some side sleepers, which brings us back to the Classic...

Saatva mattress price history

Saatva is a luxury mattress brand and even in the sales you're not going to get a queen bed for less than $1,500. However, in recent years we've noticed a trend among Saatva mattress pricing...

Over the past year, Saatva has introduced small price rises every few months. These are rarely big increases (typically around $50-$70) and they don't always hit every size of every mattress.

But to give some context, for the 4th of July 2025, a Saatva Classic mattress was $1,699 for a queen in the $400 off sale. By Labor Day, it was $1,739 with $400 off. It's now $1,829 in the same sale.

These price hikes aren't unique to Saatva (rival WinkBed saw a similar jump last Black Friday) and it's likely the result of the increased cost of goods, rising production costs and tariffs.

However, based on this pattern, we might see another price increase before the Labor Day sales in September. Which means shopping now might get you the lowest price moving forward.

Saatva 4th of July mattress sale: FAQs

When do the Saatva 4th of July mattress sales end?

The Saatva 4th of July sales won't stick around for much longer — we predict this is your last chance to shop this discount so don't miss out on your saving.

Saatva typically starts its holiday sales in advance of the big day itself, and 4th of July 2026 was no exception with the deals going live on June 24th.

However, in recent years the sales have ended quickly after the holiday itself, which means by Monday 6th July we expect prices will go back to normal. That makes now the time to buy — this is one sale you don't want to get away from you.

Is 4th of July a good time to buy a Saatva mattress?

Yes, the 4th of July is an excellent time to buy a Saatva mattress as the price drop equals the deal we saw during previous sales such as Memorial Day 2026 and Black Friday 2025.

From over five years of tracking the 4th of July mattress sales, we know this is typically one of the smaller sales events. However, no one seems to have told Saatva, as $400 off is a major price cut. We don't think you'll get any better waiting around for another discount, as we expect to see the same offers over Labor Day.

Where to find the best Saatva 4th of July mattress deals

The best place to find a Saatva 4th of July mattress sale is online direct from Saatva. Here you can find Saatva's entire luxury mattress line-up (as well as its bedding and accessories) plus the biggest discounts.

Shopping online also gets you access to Saatva's market leading benefits, including free white glove delivery. This means Saatva's delivery team will come to your house and set up the mattress in a room of your choice and remove all packaging. This is a service that can costs upwards of $200 from other brands.

However, if you do prefer a hands-on experience, Saatva does operate several Viewing Rooms. Saatva's Viewing Rooms can be found across the country and they're a place to get hands-on with each mattress, see what works to you, and speak to one of Saatva's sleep team.

But when you place an order at a Saatva Viewing Room, this still happens online — you can't take a mattress home with you.

I'm a Certified Sleep Coach but early motherhood means I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in nearly four years. Most mornings I battle with sleep inertia — that dense, groggy feeling when your brain refuses to reboot. I’ve been relying on caffeine for an energy boost, but it’s interfering with my sleep (caffeine has a half-life of up three to seven hours in adults).

To break the cycle, I decided to stop propping up my morning brain with caffeine and start biohacking it instead. That’s how I ended up testing the AYO+ Light Therapy Glasses (from $249/£249 at Ayo)—lightweight phototherapy frames that use blue-enriched light to fine-tune my circadian rhythm.

NASA’s Fatigue Countermeasures Lab team, led by Dr. Erin Flynn-Evans, is doing some interesting research into blue light as a way to reduce sleep inertia, so I was curious to see how effective AYO’s blue light glasses were. Here’s my experience after testing them for three months…

• Read more: I kept waking up exhausted until a NASA scientist shared her $0 lab-tested tip for beating morning grogginess — here’s how it works

At a glance: Key takeaways

• The AYO+ glasses effectively reduce sleep inertia: The 470nm blue-turquoise light effectively flushes out deep, heavy brain fog after waking.
• They help stave off afternoon slumps: In my case, implementing a 20-minute ‘blue light boost’ session after lunch stopped me from crashing later that afternoon.
• Total freedom of movement: Unlike traditional 10,000-lux light boxes, you can go about your morning routine, get dressed, and pack lunches when wearing the AYO+ glasses.
• AYO+ Light Therapy Glasses are not an overnight miracle: It took around three weeks of consistent daily use for me to feel a noticeable biological shift.
• Some people need to exercise caution: Light therapy glasses aren’t suitable for everyone. People with cataracts, bipolar disorder, or lupus should speak to their doctor first.

What are AYO+ Light Therapy glasses?

• 10,000-lux equivalent: Because they sit in close proximity to your eyes, the AYO+ Light Therapy Glasses produce the same powerful wake-up signals as a clinical grade light therapy box.
• Targeted blue-turquoise light: The AYO+ emit a 470nm wavelength, which studies show as the sweet spot for stimulating your internal body clock and boosting daytime energy.
• Eye-safe: These narrow-band LEDs are free of harmful UV rays and infrared rays, making them safe for daily wear.
• Optimized light strength: They deliver a peak irradiance (light intensity) of 250 µW/cm² – that’s an effective clinical dose of phototherapy without causing glare or eye strain.

AYO+ are the next-gen version of the original AYO Light Therapy Glasses, which began life as a Kickstarter in 2019. They’re often pitted against rival phototherapy glasses such as Luminette, and are fall into the circadian tech bracket – a branch of sleep tech designed to regulate, fine-tune and strengthen your circadian health.

The AYO+ glasses emit a blue-turquoise light at around 470nm (nanometer), with a ‘light strength’ (irradiance) of 250 µW/cm² (250 microwatts of light energy per square centimeter).

This targeted 470nm wavelength works by stimulating specialized receptors in our eyes called ipRGCs. Neuroscientists at Harvard discovered these receptors are uniquely tuned to blue-turquoise light for regulating sleep and alertness.

I wear contact lenses and prescription glasses and the AYO+ Light Therapy Glasses work well with both.

On an eye health note, I haven’t experience any side effects since using the glasses, but on its website AYO lists possible side effects while your body adjusts to the glasses. These include headaches, eye strain and dizziness.

The glasses themselves are incredibly lightweight and can easily be worn over prescription eye glasses, emitting light downwards into your eyes via four light-emitting diodes.

The glasses turn on as soon as you open up the arms, kick-starting a 20-minute light therapy session. In the app you can change the duration of your session from 5 minutes (minimum) up to 90 minutes.

The light intensity can also be customized – choose from low, medium or high (most effective), or a custom intensity from 10% to 100%.

You also have the option of finishing your blue light therapy session with three minutes of red light.

There’s lots to dig into with narrowband red light, but in a nutshell it can stimulate the "powerhouses" of your cells (the mitochondria) to produce more energy. In terms of eye health, narrowband red light can help lower inflammation and give retinal cells a boost.

The root cause of my sleep and energy issues

There are two pain points in my day: feeling like a zombie when I wake-up, and hitting the wall, energy-wise, around 2.30 p.m. most afternoons.

In my defence, my sleep hygiene is excellent. I keep a consistent sleep schedule, follow the same bedtime routine, and go device-free and switch to circadian lighting an hour before bed. I drink water and eat soon after waking to give my body those wakeful cues, and I start moving my body.

None of that is a match for my wakeful three-year-old.

Sleeping has always been hard for him, for various health reasons. So I’m awake multiple times a night with my son, and that’s without my daytime caffeine habit fuelling more overnight chaos.

I can easily get through four or more cups of tea or coffee by 3pm. If I had to guess, I’ve probably been consuming around 400mg of caffeine in an eight-hour period (7am to 3pm) most days.

Caffeine can stay in your system for up to seven hours, which can make falling asleep within a decent time frame (20 minutes is average) quite tricky.

And according to the National Institutes of Health, even if you can fall asleep after a day on the caffeine train, high doses can reduce the amount of deep sleep you get. They can also trigger overnight awakenings.

Trading caffeine for circadian-optimized shots of blue light

I’ve tested many traditional light therapy boxes throughout my career working across Tom’s Guide, T3, TechRadar, and Top Ten Reviews, and while these S.A.D. lamps are highly effective, they require you to sit still.

The AYO+ Light Therapy Glasses are my first long-term experience using wearable phototherapy — and they’ve been a revelation.

Instead of being stuck at my kitchen table for 20 minutes each morning sat near a lightbox, I simply pop the AYO+ glasses soon after waking and get on with my morning routine.

From a productivity perspective alone, being able to move around the house while getting my daily dose of light therapy is convenient. And honestly? I don’t think I’ll ever go back to a stationary light therapy box.

But convenience wasn’t my main motive for testing the AYO+ Light Therapy Glasses. Instead I was desperate to tackle three major, interconnected issues:

• Intense grogginess upon waking – that heavy, stubborn sleep inertia that makes me feel like a zombie.
• Regular afternoon slumps – the ones that left me reaching for caffeine long past the recommended midday cut-off.
• Frequent overnight wake-ups – which I strongly suspect my caffeine habit was worsening.

To break the cycle, for three months I used the AYO+ glasses for 20 minutes soon after waking every morning. I wanted to see if they could reduce my morning fatigue and help me gain day-long energy without hammering the caffeine.

Here’s what happened…

My 90-day testing experience with the AYO+ Light Therapy glasses

When you’re rolling a huge sleep debt and feel so tired each morning that you want to crawl back into bed, setting up fiddly tech is a hard no. Luckily, the AYO+ Light Therapy Glasses are easy to use.

I keep mine next to my bed, nestled in the pill-shaped hard travel case they come in. My routine is simple: wake up, get out of bed, put on the AYO+ glasses, and go about my morning.

Here’s how effective, or not, the glasses were against each of my three big interconnected energy and sleep issues…

Sleep inertia

The AYO+ glasses were shipped to me during deep winter with its pitch black mornings. I’d given my Lumie light therapy box to a friend who was struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), so I’d been without a light therapy device for weeks at that point and I was really feeling it.

The AYO+ glasses came packed in a white reinforced cardboard box with the brand’s logo on the outside. Inside was a hard travel case, housing the glasses, a white charging cable, and a small dust bag / soft travel pouch.

After charging the glasses (a full charge takes around three hours and lasts for around nine 20-minute sessions), I placed them on my nightstand ready for the morning.

I chose my normal wake-up time of 7 a.m. as the approximate start time for each daily session, as numerous studies have shown that light therapy is most effective within an hour of waking.

On my first day of testing I used the pre-set 20-minute session. While the glasses were a novelty – they look quite ‘Tron-esque’ when switched on – I didn’t feel any benefit.

I was still yawning after taking them off, and by mid morning I was flagging and hitting the caffeine. At 2.30 p.m., despite staying hydrated, eating a good lunch and going for a brisk walk, I was firing up the kettle.

AYO states that it can take a few days to a few weeks (or longer, depending on the individual, severity of symptoms, and lifestyle habits) to see any improvement.

So I persevered for a week to see if repeated daily use would nudge my body into easing off the melatonin and ramping up the cortisol and other wakeful hormones soon after waking. But it didn’t.

Come week two, however, I was beginning to feel less groggy in the mornings.

I usually need a cup of coffee before leaving the house for work or nursery drop-off. On the morning of day eight I didn’t. Instead, I had my first cup of tea at around 11 a.m. However, I was flagging again in the afternoon.

This became my pattern for another week. During my third week of testing, my morning grogginess had vastly reduced. In fact, I was waking up a few minutes before my alarm and feeling energised to boot.

And from a caffeine perspective, I was down to one cup at 11 a.m. These were huge wins for me compared to even a month before when I would be finishing my third cup by 10 a.m.

The afternoon slumps were still hell though, so I went back to the biohack drawing board. That was when I decided to introduce what I now call my ‘2 p.m. blue light boost.’

It was a game-changer…

Goodbye, afternoon slumps

Ever heard of anticipatory anxiety? It’s a phenomenon where you have a feeling of dread or worry about something that hasn’t happened yet.

Mine would start creeping in soon after lunch, when I’d begin worrying about the inevitable energy slump waiting to ambush my afternoon.

I’d panic about not having enough fuel in the tank to get through my work-load, or to keep up with my busy bee of a son for another five hours.

So after three weeks of single-dosing with light therapy I started double-dosing. I wasn’t expecting it to work so fast, but it did; like a gentle bubbling up of fresh energy that carried me through the afternoon.

Was it as instantly powerful as a cup of coffee? No. But it also didn’t give me jitters, heart palpitations or interfere with my sleep at night.

This post-lunch, 20-minute blue light boost has become a reset button for my afternoons. And I no longer have a physical need to consume caffeine after midday.

I always finish my second dose of phototherapy by 2 p.m. too, as blue light exposure can affect sleep in some people when used later in the day.

Why the AYO+ Light Therapy Glasses didn’t stop my overnight wake-ups

The AYO+ Light Therapy Glasses are an excellent tool for strengthening your natural circadian rhythm and for understanding the best times of your day to eat, exercise, be productive, sleep, and wake up.

When your body clock is properly anchored, your brain naturally learns exactly when to produce the right hormones at the right time — whether that’s cortisol to keep you energized during the most productive parts of the day, or melatonin to help you wind down for sleep at night.

Biologically, this predictable rhythm should help you settle down, fall asleep faster and boost your chances of sleeping through the night.

So why am I still waking up at 1 a.m., 2 a.m., 3 a.m. and on? I mentioned him earlier: my three-year-old who wakes regularly due to ongoing health issues. As effective as the AYO+ Light Therapy Glasses are, they can’t help me there.

What I can say is this: when I do wake at night now, I fall back asleep fast. When I was necking loads of caffeine in the day, it took me an age to fall back asleep each time at night, even after practising techniques like 4 7 8 breathing or cognitive shuffling.

Energy levels rising, caffeine reliance dropping: Three months on

After three months of testing, the AYO+ Light Therapy Glasses have become a daily essential for me.

I love putting them on each morning and seeing that slim band of turquoise-blue sitting above my eyes. It feels summery, tropical and mood-boosting, even on dark winter mornings.

Having spent years reviewing traditional 10,000-lux S.A.D. lamps across Tom’s Guide, T3, and TechRadar, the freedom of wearable phototherapy has been a revelation and one I wish I’d embraced sooner.

The AYO+ didn't solve my interrupted nights — no piece of wearable tech can reprogram a wakeful three-year-old. But by using clinical-grade blue-turquoise light to anchor my circadian rhythm and reduce my morning grogginess and afternoon slumps, it did something much better: it gave me my days back.

I no longer feel like a zombie in the mornings, I don’t hit the wall at 2 p.m., and I no longer have to chug several coffees just to survive the day.

My reliance on caffeine has plummeted from around 400mg a day to just one solitary, late-morning cup of tea – and some days I even skip that.

Is light therapy suitable for everyone? No. According to AYO, people with bipolar disorder, those with eye conditions such as cataracts, people on photosensitizing medications, and those with skin sensitivities such as lupus should be cautious when considering light therapy glasses.

I’d recommend speaking to your doctor or healthcare professional first.

My verdict

If you’re looking for a magic wand that instantly guarantees seven+ hours of uninterrupted sleep a night, the AYO+ glasses aren't it.

As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, my recommendations there are choosing a few good sleep hygiene tips and sticking to them, keeping a consistent wake-up time, investing in the best mattress you can afford, and not stressing too much about ‘perfect sleep’ (orthosomnia).

But if you are a parent, a shift worker, or someone drowning in sleep debt and looking to break free from a vicious cycle of morning fatigue and afternoon caffeine crashes, the AYO+ Light Therapy Glasses are worth it.

I've been excited to get my hands-on the Plank Firm Luxe mattress, now from just $745 at Plank in the 4th of July sales, ever since I tested the original Plank. The all-foam Plank impressed me with its extra firm feel and incredible support — this hybrid upgrade promises all that and more.

I've slept on some of the best mattresses for every sleep style, but firm beds are always my winner. It's no wonder I was full or praise in my Plank Firm mattress review, as extra firm support was the stand-out feature. So far, the Plank Firm Luxe lives up to its predecessor and adds a bouncy, luxury finish.

I'll be writing a full review shortly. so keep an eye out for updates. But with the 4th of July mattress sales underway (and 30% off the Plank, FYI) I wanted to share my initial thoughts for all the firm mattress lovers. Here's my experience of both sides of the Plank Firm Luxe mattress so far — yes, it's a double-sided bed.

Set up is a strain on the back

Our mattress photographer is always yelling at me to lift with my knees and if he saw me handle the Plank Firm Luxe, he probably would have fainted.

This mattress is incredibly heavy and even with the help of my dad, getting a queen size up the stairs put strain on every muscle in my body. It was also difficult to remove the multiple layers of plastic wrap but that was largely because I was already exhausted.

The good news is that once your mattress is unboxed, it's pretty much ready to sleep on — and you'll appreciate the lie down after maneuvering the thing.

Normally, I can dismiss a difficult unboxing process. After all, mattresses in a box are never going to be light and once they're out of the packaging, the job is done.

However, the Plank Firm Luxe is a double-sided mattress, which means you don't just unbox it and leave it. Every so often you're going to want to flip this bed to enjoy the other side. By myself, I simply can't do it. That means either missing out on one half of the bed, or begging the Tom's Guide fitness team for advice on building your 'mattress flipping' muscles.

The firm feel delivers incredible support to ease back pains

Unboxing the Plank Firm Luxe might have done a number on my back but the mattress itself is great at soothing aches and pains. The firm feel keeps your whole body lifted — whichever of the dual sides you're sleeping on — to reduce strain on your spine.

As a front sleeper, I'm used to beds causing tension in my lower back (this unusual sleep position works against the natural curve of the spine.) However, the Plank Firm Luxe lifts everything from my shoulder down, holding me in comfortable alignment. That's the kind of feature I look for in all the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

But that's the experience that earned the original Plank Firm a place among the best mattresses for back pain. What makes the Luxe worth the upgrade?

Like our favorite hybrid mattresses, the Plank Firm Luxe uses springs and foam to create a bouncier, more responsive feel. I tend to move from side to side in the night (at least, according to my sleep tracker) and this quick response time ensures I receive continual support for every part of the body.

While the original Plank mattress wasn't bad in this respect, it did have a deadened feel that offered less targeted support.

It's a surprisingly luxurious firm mattress

The Plank Firm Luxe doesn't look as indulgent as, say, the Westin Heavenly Bed. However, dress the Plank Luxe in your best bed sheets and you'll believe you're sleeping on a luxury mattress.

This is an area where the Luxe distinguishes itself from the all-foam original. The addition of coils not only adds height (increased mattress thickness is a hallmark of premium beds) but also provides a more traditional feel that brings to mind designs like the Saatva Classic and the Stearns and Foster Estate mattress.

While the best memory foam mattresses can be luxurious, the firm build of the original Plank feels like a high quality necessity, rather than an indulgence. The Plank Firm Luxe adds that finishing touch to elevate the sleep space and make climbing into bed a treat.

My thoughts on the Plank Firm Luxe mattress so far

I'll be writing my full review of the Plank Firm Luxe mattress soon but so far, I'm impressed. It's a worthy upgrade to the Plank Firm (a mattress I loved).

The addition of springs feel like more than just a gimmick (or a way to hike up the price). They provide luxury and responsive support without sacrificing the super-firm feel that makes Plank beds stand out in the first place. But they also add weight and I'm curious to see how often I can work up the nerve to flip this bed during the review period.

And while the motion isolation and the edge support looked good during our Sleep Lab tests, I want to see how they hold up in real life circumstances. The Plank original also had a slight problem with overheating and early tests indicate the Luxe hasn't quite sorted the issue.

However, while it might be early days, I think we have a new contender for the top spot in our guide to the best firm mattresses.

Luxury organic mattress brand Birch is making eco-friendly sleep more accessible with the launch of the new Birch Essential mattress, a latex hybrid that's just $799 for a queen. And it comes from good pedigree: it's pricier counterparts the Birch Natural and Luxe both impressed with their high-quality builds.

$799 for a queen a highly competitive price, as organic beds can often set you back upwards of $2,000. For example, the Saatva Zenhaven is the best organic mattress we've tested, blending luxury with latex. It's $3,149 at Saatva in the current sale. That's a massive price gap (although the Saatva is dual-sided.)

The Essential is an exciting addition to Birch's line-up and further proof that latex is becoming an accessible eco-material for the consumer. But here we're focusing on the most pressing question: what's this affordable latex mattress like to sleep on?

Birch Essential Mattress: Price

Let's get straight to the price. Value for money is one of the key metrics we evaluate when testing the best mattresses you can buy online, and with a queen Birch Essential under $799, it's a mid-range mattress made with premium materials.

Here's the price at launch for each size of the Birch Essential mattress:

• Twin: $692 ($865 at MSRP)
• Twin XL: $746 ($932.50 at MSRP)
• Full: $778 ($972.50 at MSRP)
• Queen: $799 ($998.75 at MSRP)
• King: $999 ($1,248.75 at MSRP)
• California King: $1,066 ($1,332 at MSRP)

In comparison, a queen Birch Natural Mattress — the next step-up in the collection — is $1,499 for a queen in the 4th of July Birch mattress sale (from $1,873 MSRP) while the flagship Avocado Green mattress is $1,699 for a queen at Avocado.

And there's a chance we'll see even further price drops. Right now there's 20% off at Birch but we're hoping to see 25% off in future sales.

However, more affordable latex beds are becoming increasingly common as sleep brands take advantage of this responsive material. The Avocado Eco Organic Mattress, for example, is just $1,359 for a queen in the current sale (was $1,599) while the Awara Essential Hybrid is just $799 at Awara.

Birch offers a 120-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty.

Birch Essential Mattress: Features and design

When it comes to design, the Birch Essential mattress keeps things streamlined. There are just two comfort and support layers (a spring base and latex foams) plus a cotton cover and a layer of fiberglass-free fire protection.

Compared to say, the Birch Luxe Natural mattress, which has multiple layers of latex foam alongside natural wool, the Essential seems basic. It's also only nine inches tall, putting it at the lower end of our recommended mattress height for adults.

However, the simplicity of the design is likely what keeps costs down — it's a tactic used by many of the best mattresses in a box.

And while the build is modest, the materials are high quality. The natural cotton and latex are both known for their breathable feel to aid temperature regulation, while latex has excellent durability. They're also both certified organic, with GOLS and GREENGUARD GOLD recognition.

Birch says this mattress has a medium-firm feel and based on our testing of the Birch Natural Mattress, we predict this is largely accurate but that it might skew slightly firmer. With only one foam layer, there's not much to sink into.

Birch also describes the bed as "responsive" — considering our experience on the "bouncy" Birch Natural, that's probably apt.

So, a medium-firm mattress with a responsive feel and a cooler build. It's likely to suit back and stomach sleepers and we're interested to see how it stacks up against the best cooling mattresses we've tested.

But perhaps most excitingly, the Birch Essential follows the trend of more affordable organic mattresses. Could low-cost latex beds be the next big thing in sleep comfort?

The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex mattress line is where cooling comfort meets value for money. While cooling copper tech is found in all models of the CopperFlex mattress collection, now 30% off at Brooklyn Bedding, should you buy the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid or CopperFlex Memory Foam in the 4th July sales?

That depends on a) your budget and b) your comfort preferences. Both memory foam and hybrid designs can be found in our best mattress guide, so it's fair to say that neither the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid nor the CopperFlex Memory Foam have designs that are intrinsically inferior — but there are definitely other factors to consider when choosing which one to buy.

In my quest to find the best cooling mattresses of the year, I've slept on both the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid and CopperFlex Memory Foam, and analyzed the best of the 4th of July mattress sales, to help you decide which one you should buy now. So, here's my take on both models...

Which one would I buy in the current sale?

Honestly, it's a no brainer for me. The Copperflex mattress I'd buy in the current sale is the Pro Hybrid. Yes it's a little steeper on the wallet than the memory foam model, but you can't beat one of the best hybrid mattresses.

Its combination of coils and foam offer a great balance of support and cushioning, as well as promising longer durability (metal springs tend to be longer lasting than foam layers). The current $400 off a queen size makes it outstanding value, dropping it back to the lowest price we've seen it sell for since its release in November 2024.

On the other hand, the CopperFlex Memory Foam mattress has actually had a price increase lately, according to my tracking. Back in November 2025, the memory foam mattress has an MSRP of $665 selling for $465.50 in a 30% off Brooklyn Bedding sale. With that same discount applied now, a queen size is $605.50 , $140 more than it was in Fall.

Ultimately, I recommend shopping the Pro Hybrid mattress if you're an especially hot sleeper, like to feel slightly lifted on your bed (the coils provide more buoyancy than pure memory foam), or aren't too worried about spending an extra few dollars.

But, if you like a firmer sleep surface to keep your spine aligned (front and back sleepers, I'm looking at you), have a restless partner (the foams are great at quelling movement), or want the absolute lowest price, the memory foam model is the one for you. It's still a highly supportive mattress that I've slept relatively comfortably on as a combination sleeper.

Just over $600 for a queen now, you're not likely to find a better value, better built memory foam mattress elsewhere — yes the likes of the Siena Signature Memory Foam Mattress is cheaper ($294 for a queen) but you feel that price difference when you lay on it, whereas the CopperFlex Memory Foam feels more premium than its price tag.

Keep scrolling for more information about what both these beds are like to sleep on...

Copperflex Pro Hybrid vs Copperflex Pro Memory Foam: How different are they to sleep on?

Put simply, the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid is a plush feeling mattress, while the Copperflex Memory Foam has a denser, firmer feel.

The CopperFlex Pro Hybrid mattress is on the softer side of medium-firm — in other words, an ideal level of firmness for someone like myself who spends most time sleeping on their side and likes to slightly sink into a cloud-like bed. On the other hand, the dense feel of the CopperFlex Memory Foam would support light weight back and stomach sleepers who need a responsive sleep surface to keep their hips aligned.

Another selling point of the CopperFlex mattresses, as their name suggests, is the fact they are infused with copper filaments that help conduct heat away from your body while you sleep. What does this mean for you? You won't literally feel the copper ribbons, but they do help create a temperature neutral sleep surface that doesn't hold on to heat as is typical for even some of the best memory foam mattresses.

In the hybrid model, this cool to touch sensation is bolstered by the Glaciotex cooling cover, which seriously impressed our review panel who found the mattress cool-to-touch immediately upon unboxing. This makes it the better choice for people who run hot at night.

One thing I noticed about both these mattresses is that, despite their price point below $1,000, they're exceptionally well-built, and actually feel similar to hybrid mattresses with price tags closer to $2,000 (like the Saatva Classic, our best mattress of the year, for example).

On your side is the most common sleep position in the world, and it comes with some challenges: namely, hip and shoulder pain if you sleep on a bed that lacks pressure relief. One of our favorites for side sleeping is the Helix Midnight Luxe, down to $1,874 (was $2,498) for a queen at Helix. This luxury mattress offers a good balance of cushioning and support to create a feel our lead tester described as 'weightless.'

The Midnight Luxe is a top-rated option in our guide to the best mattresses of 2026, delivering good lower back support and that all-important pressure relief. It isn't as perfect as our highest-scoring bed overall, the Saatva Classic (now $400 off at Saatva), but it's a fantastic choice for side sleeping couples.

You can save 25% on the Midnight Luxe in this year's 4th of July mattress sales, with prices from $1,119. The price drop isn't as good as the one we saw on Memorial Day sale, and prices at Helix have been creeping upwards lately (the Midnight Luxe is around $100 more expensive now), so this might be your last chance to get a decent deal on this mattress. Let's take a closer look...

It cushions the hips and shoulders

When you sleep on your side, your shoulders and hips bear the brunt of your weight, as these two areas push deepest into the mattress. The result is often numbness, tingling and aching arms.

But the Helix Midnight Luxe has plush cushioning at the top of the mattress. This contours to the body, helping distribute weight evenly so it doesn't all concentrate on a few key areas.

Nicola, the Midnight Luxe lead tester, described the bed as 'cradling' the touch points and noted it felt 'like sleeping on a cloud.'

During our pressure relief tests, when we placed a 25kg weight on the bed we observed 4.8 inches of sinkage at the shoulder and 5 inches at the hip. So you can imagine how the comfort foams will yield beneath you.

There is a downside to this body-hugging feel though: both myself and Tom's Guide's Managing Editor of Sleep, Claire Davies, felt wedged in the Helix Midnight Luxe when we re-tested it in the lab in April.

Claire has been sleeping on the Midnight Luxe for two months and still finds it hard to get out of and to move around on. "The Helix is a nice mattress, and definitely a good choice for shoulder and hip cushioning, but I'm looking forward to going back to the Saatva Classic.

"We've proven in the lab that it's more responsive," says Claire, "and it's still my top pick for side sleepers who, like me, want to remain on top of the bed."

Holds the spine straight with minimal strain

Cushioning is just one part of the Midnight Luxe's secret side sleeper weapon. The other is spinal support. Because while sinking into a bed is nice, if your back isn't supported, it's going to put serious strain on your lumbar.

Nicola described the Midnight Luxe as 'blissfully' supportive, holding her spine in healthy alignment to prevent tension.

I was similarly impressed by how well the Midnight Luxe kept my body straight from tip to toe. I'm used to my hips sinking on side sleeper mattresses, which puts pressure on my lower back. However on the Midnight Luxe, I could back and side sleep without feeling my spine had to work.

Not what you're looking for? Try these instead...

The early 4th of July mattress deals have begun, and this sizzling summer sale is one of the best times to invest in a smart cooling mattress. As each night is getting hotter than the last, I'm using the one sleep gadget I know will keep me cool: my Eight Sleep Pod. Latest Eight Sleep model Pod 5, now down to $2,749 (was $2,999) in a queen at Eight Sleep, is deigned for providing optimal cooling.

While Eight Sleep is the brand behind our top choice in out top-rated best smart mattress guide, it's not the only highly-rated cooling smart cooling bed on sale this weekend. Major brands such as Tempur-Pedic are also offering deals that are worth buying this 4th of July.

Lucky for you, I've been tracking the 4th July mattress sales to bring you all the best savings on smart cooling mattresses and mattress covers used by tech-bros, A-list celebs, and elite athletes — so you can start sleeping soundly no matter the temperature.

4 smart cooling mattress deals to shop now

Mattress shopping can be a tricky task for couples, especially if you have different sleep styles and body types. But the Saatva Solaire, which is now $4,074 (was $4599) for a queen size at Saatva, can put those disagreements to bed.

As our expert testers found out in our Saatva Solaire mattress review, this top-rated smart mattress is easy to personalize on each side and is excellent at stopping movement from travelling across the bed: no sleep divorce here.

Such a luxury, customisable bed comes with an expense, but fortunately, 4th July mattress sales are knocking $525 off the Saatva Solaire. Here's why now is a great time for you and your partner to take the plunge into smart sleep technology...

Why the Saatva Solaire is the best adjustable firmness mattress for couples

You won't be surprised to hear that Saatva is a great place to shop if you're looking for a luxury sleep set up. It's the brand behind the only mattress that has scored five stars under our rigorous mattress testing methodology (the Saatva Classic, if you're not familiar) and, out of the adjustable firmness beds we've tested, the Saatva Solaire Mattress has garnered the best ratings from our team.

Precisely, our review team award it 4.5 stars overall in comparison to the 3.5 stars they gave the similarly built Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed.

The dual air chambers have 50 different firmness settings meaning you can adjust your side of the bed from a plush, soft feel (great for light side sleepers) to a 'solid as a rock' feel providing enough support for front and back sleepers.

Having slept on the bed for three weeks with her husband, our lead tester, Ashley Zlatopolsky, summarises: "The Saatva Solaire is a smart investment for shoppers who want highly adjustable comfort or couples who don’t want to compromise on firmness."

Plus you needn't worry if your partner is a nighttime wriggler. Ashley says: "The Solaire’s dual air chambers also boost motion isolation for couples by allowing each side to remain largely unaffected by the other’s movements." It's a win, win.

Do note, however, that Ashley observed somewhat of a "hill and valley effect" when the two sides of the mattress were on drastically different settings. If you're yards apart in our firmness preferences, maybe that sleep divorce just has to happen.

Want a cheaper fix? Try this...

Prime Day ends today, so now is your last chance to bag a cracking deal on one of two top-rated mid-range mattresses: the Nectar Classic Memory Foam and the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid, both on sale for a record-low price at Amazon today.

Nectar and DreamCloud are among the best mattresses we've tested and they've never been cheaper in 2026 than they are right now. A queen DreamCloud is down to $535.95 at Amazon, while, a queen Nectar is down to $537 at Amazon. Those are unreal prices for top-rated mattresses in a box.

Can't choose between them? That's where we come in. We've retested the Nectar and DreamCloud three times from cover to base, and know every inch of them. Here's how to pick between these last chance Amazon Prime Day mattress deals before time runs.

DreamCloud Classic vs Nectar Classic mattress: Specs at a glance

DreamCloud vs Nectar: Which mattress is right for you in the Prime Day deals?

1. Price and deals

The Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress is Nectar's best-value bed, and it's now even less expensive thanks to this year's Prime Day sale.

While a twin is usually between $399 and $369 in the Nectar sales, this 15% extra discount from Amazon takes the starting price down to $282.15. A queen is now an extra 23% cheaper at $537 (was $649).

The main draw of the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress is its luxury design at a mid-range price. A queen is usually $649 in the regular DreamCloud sale, but now it's been taken down to $535.95 at Amazon. Meanwhile, a twin is now $339 (was $369).

Both are still in the mid-range price tier, but the DreamCloud is under $2 cheaper for a queen, while the Nectar is almost $57 cheaper in a twin. These aren't huge price differences, and both offer excellent value for money.

2. Benefits

The perks of buying a mattress directly from a brand vs Amazon means that you're guaranteed access to generous, money-saving extras.

For example, instead of 30 or 90-day return policies that you'll find on Amazon, you'll instead get full sleep trials that allow you to try out your new bed for at least 100 nights.

However, the current Prime Day deals on the Nectar and DreamCloud seem to offer the same benefits you'd get if buying directly from the brands.

As Nectar and DreamCloud belong to the same parent company, Resident Home, both Classic mattresses offer the same industry-leading benefits at Amazon.

These benefits include a 365-night sleep trial, a lifetime mattress warranty, and free shipping and returns.

3. Sleep positions

In our Nectar Classic mattress review, we were surprised how supportive the memory foam bed was for all sleep positions.

We rated the firmness a 7.5 on the mattress firmness scale (10 being the firmest), and felt this medium-firm to firm feel was perfect for stomach and back sleeping.

While it supported side sleepers, we felt those who prefer a cushioning bed will want to look at the best mattress for side sleepers instead.

On the other hand, our DreamCloud Classic mattress review found the hybrid mattress to be perfect for side sleepers.

Its plush pillow top adds pressure relief to the shoulders and hips (key side-sleeping) pressure points, but stomach sleepers won't find it firm enough to support their hips.

4. Overall feel

The Nectar Classic should provide a peaceful night sleep or those who share a bed, as co-sleeper's movements are contained. However, temperature regulation isn't the best, as testers felt it retained some heat.

As for the DreamCloud Classic, we found that its breathable cover and airflow-boosting springs prevents heat buildup. Motion isolation, meanwhile, is weak as you're likely to feel partner's movements.

Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress

Overall, our lab testing found the Nectar Classic to be a top value choice if you need a mattress that supports both you and your partner's sleep styles.

Its firmer, solid design means that edge support scored a perfect 5 out of 5, making it great for those who sleep close to the edge of the mattress or need a helpful boost while getting in and out of bed.

It scored a good 3.5 out of 5 overall, but the DreamCloud received 4 out of 5 stars overall as it had a slight edge in areas such a cooling properties and comfort and support.

However, the Nectar Classic is a better choice if you need firmer support or share a bed.

DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress

After rigorous lab testing, the DreamCloud Classic scored high in pressure relief (especially for side sleeping) and temperature control.

It received a flawless score for value for money, thanks to a combo of industry-leading benefits and a design that outshines its mid-range price tag.

The Nectar Classic has a firmer feel that will suit stomach sleepers better, plus its slow-moving all-foam design offers better motion isolation than the DreamCloud.

But if you want one of the best luxury mattresses that delivers maximum value for money, choose the DreamCloud over the Nectar.

Which Amazon Prime Day mattress deal is right for you? How to choose

If you're looking to buy a one of the best mattresses in a box at a rock-bottom price, then you can't go wrong in buying either the DreamCloud Classic or the Nectar Classic today.

However, in terms of buying a mattress that suits your sleep needs, then its wise to choose the right bed based on our lab tests.

This means that the Nectar Classic is better suited if you're looking for a firmer feel that supports couples of different sleep styles, while the DreamCloud should be your top choice if you want a cooler, plusher feel for side sleeping.

Buy the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid if...

✅ You sleep on your side: The quilted pillow top design cushions your side-sleeping pressure points: shoulders, hips and knees.

✅ You want a luxury design: The DreamCloud Classic mattress is one of the best hybrid mattresses on the market as it offers a high-quality luxury build.

✅ You sleep hot: While not possessing specialist cooling tech like the best cooling mattresses, the DreamCloud Classic absorbed very little heat during our thermal imaging tests, with is hybrid structure boosting airflow for temperature neutrality.

Buy the Nectar Classic Memory Foam if...

✅ You sleep on your stomach: Like the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, the Nectar Classic offers a firm feel that will keep you hips upright and your spine healthily aligned when front sleeping.

✅ You share a bed: Testers felt that the slow-moving all-foam build prevents your partner's movements from travelling to your side of the bed.

✅ You want a bed that supports your right to the edges: The strong edges of the Nectar Classic means you can sleep right up to the side without the fear that you'll roll out of bed.

More top Amazon Prime Day mattress deals

• Saatva: save up to $400 on luxury mattresses
• Zinus: 10" Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress from $113 at Amazon
• DreamCloud: queen-sized luxury hybrid down to $552 at DreamCloud
• Casper: up to 31% off the Element Mattress at Amazon
• Nectar Mattress: an extra 15% off the usual 60% off sale at Nectar
• Bear: Save 40% on our fave cooling mattress with the code TOMS40
• Siena: queen-sized Signature Memory Foam Mattress down to $294
• Linenspa: 15% off all mattress and bed toppers at Linenspa
• SweetNight: queen-sized 14" CoolNest Mattress now under $400 at Amazon
• Helix: Save 30% on mattress and toppers
• Birch: Save 30% on mattress and toppers
• Brooklyn Bedding: Save 30% on mattress and mattress toppers
• Naturepedic: Save 20% on organic mattresses and bed toppers + free blanket

While people's may turn to Amazon this week for Prime Day mattress deals, plenty of popular bed-in-a-box brands are throwing their own rival sales. For instance, the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress, now $552 (was $649) in a queen at Nectar, is now offering even more value for money.

The Nectar Premier may appear in our best mattress guide for its side-sleeping, body-cradling comfort, but we think the Nectar Classic is the mid-range hero that outperforms its mid-market price tag. Testers felt it offered medium-firm support for all sleep positions, suiting back sleepers the most.

This Nectar deal goes to show that the best Amazon Prime Day mattress deals aren't necessarily at Amazon. Here's why we think the Nectar Classic offers the best value for money and the advantages of buying it from Nectar over Amazon.

The Nectar Classic offered medium-firm support

The Nectar Classic is one of the best memory foam mattresses on the market thanks to its mid-range price and medium-firm support that offers that Goldilocks-level of comfort for all sleep positions. While it may not be as pressure-relieving as some of the best mattresses for side sleepers, it's ideal for back and combination sleep styles.

Nectar mattress sales are pretty static, tending to boast the same mid-range prices every month. However, this $552-for-a-queen deal deviates from the normal $649 sale price.

Another perk of buying from Nectar (besides this surprise Prime Day-rivalling deal) is the guaranteed benefits. Buying a mattress from Amazon means you're usually facing a murky return policy, but Nectar's benefits are all there in black and white: a 365-night sleep trial, free shipping and free returns, and a lifetime warranty.

Smaller budget? Try this...

I've been waiting for the Prime Day sales to bring discounts on mattresses but so far the deals are (whisper it)... disappointing. I was ready to write the sale off altogether until I stumbled across the Zinus Green Tea Mattress, now just $162 for a queen at Amazon, and now I'm glad I didn't sleep on these offers.

I reviewed a version of this Zinus bed and I rate it among the best mattresses we've tested when it comes to sheet value for money. I was most impressed by its pressure relief for side sleepers — within minutes of lying on the bed it was as if my shoulders and hips were being cradled by a marshmallow.

So perhaps I was a little hasty to write off the Amazon Prime Day mattress sales. This deal certainly proves there are great offers to be had, although I'll be keeping an eye out more offers in the 4th of July mattress sales. If it's better sleep for less you're after, shop this Zinus mattress deal now.

What the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam is the best bargain mattress to buy this Prime Day

I haven't tested this exact model but I did sleep on an older version of the Zinus 10-inch Green Tea for several weeks. You'll find all the details in my Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress review but with Prime Day nearly over, here are the headline...

It cushions shoulder and hip pain

The stand-out feature of the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress is its body contouring. As soon as my shoulder hit the bed I could feel the foams moving around me to cushion the joint and prevent sore spots from building up. It's this that earned the Zinus a place in our guide to the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Most side sleepers will know the pain of sleeping on a bed without sufficient cushioning. Think numb arms, tinging hips and aching knees. But because the Zinus hugs those key touch points to evenly distribute weight, you can avoid sore morning.

Co-sleepers won't feel their restless partner

The cushioned foam of the Zinus Green Tea means it also delivers excellent motion isolation, which is the ability to absorb excess movement. When your partner moves around, the thick foams will deaden the motion before it reaches you (it can't do anything about the snoring, though.)

I sleep alone but I tested this by asking people to hop onto the bed while I had a quick lie down (yes, a strange request.) In some cases they were able to get on and off the mattress without me noticing, so expect minimal disruption from your partner's 3 a.m. wake ups.

Good quality at a low price

The Zinus does have some weak points — I talk about the lack of edge support and heat build-up in my review — and I doubt it has the durability of the best mattresses in a box.

However, there's always some concession to be made when prices are this low. Under $200 for a queen is budget-friendly for any mattress and at just $162 in the Prime Day sales the Zinus is true value for money.

From my experience, it's comfortable enough for a master bedroom and should provide a few years of supported sleep (although not the six year+ mattress lifespan we expect from more expensive beds.) Or you can put it in your spare room, where it'll make visitors happy.

Or try this...

Hybrid mattresses are famed for their airflow-boosting support, but you can get the same cooling comfort for less with a hybrid mattress topper — and one of the most popular hybrid toppers has now had a massive price drop at Amazon. The Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper, now down from £296.65 from £349 in a double at Amazon, is one of our favorite Prime Day sleep deals.

Most mattresses in our best mattress guide are hybrids, and the multi-layered Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper is designed to deliver a similar build. It currently has a 4.2 star score from over 200 customer ratings — 63% of those customers awarded the bed topper five stars.

We haven't seen many discounts on big-name brands while tracking the Amazon UK Prime Day mattress deals, so this discount from the ultra-popular Simba brand is one to snap up soon (a single is almost sold out.)

What customers are saying about the Simba Hybrid Topper...

While some user reviews do criticise the price tag and off-gassing, costumers on the whole praise this mattress topper.

Most Amazon customers love this hybrid mattress topper's ability to add cooling comfort to stuffy memory foam beds, with one reviewer noting that it's "noticeably cooler than any other mattress toppers" and another saying that it adds a "cool and firm layer".

Other customers also praise the pressure relief it adds to the bed, helping with aches and pains. "It's got a nice thickness, weighs a bit but is manageable, helps with controlling temperature and helps with pain relief in my hip," one customer writes.

Want something cheaper? Try this...

Being green has just gotten easier, with the launch of Leesa's new GreenFlex BioFoam. This plant-based material is designed to deliver the same cushioned feel as memory foam, but with less impact on the planet.

The best mattresses you can buy online typically use foams derived from plastic — big on comfort but harsh on the environment. The GreenFlex BioFoam swaps petroleum for plant-based polyols, and it's made in-house to further cut down emissions.

This biobased material can be found in all Leesa mattresses (except the Oasis Chill, Legend Hybrid and Natural Youth) and just in time for the 4th of July mattress sales. But before you shop 30% off mattresses at Leesa, here's everything you need to know about the new GreenFlex foam.