Bed-in-a-box brand Emma has launched its "biggest sale of the year", and there's one deal I have my eye on. The Original Pro Mattress, now £607.24 in a king at Emma, down from £799. This is the brand's most popular model thanks to its enhanced cooling tech and its targeted support for side and back sleepers.

Emma beds are frequently featured in our guide to the best mattresses you can shop online, and the brand's Original Collection provides excellent value for money. Thanks to its cooling and soothing feel, the Original Pro, as one customer puts it, "is perfect for a side sleeper and, in this blistering heat, still comfortable and airy too."

While there's up to 35% off in Emma's sitewide sale, this 25% off discount on the Original Pro is the Emma mattress discount I recommend to side and back sleepers. Plus, no matter when you buy, you'll always get a 200-night sleep trial and a 10-year guarantee.

Who should buy the Emma Original Pro mattress?

The Emma Original is recommended to back and side sleepers, as its targeted support spring system is designed to add extra cushioning along side sleeper pressure points, meaning the shoulders and hips. Meanwhile, more support is added to areas that need better alignment (such as the lumbar region and the edges).

While the Original Pro aims to balance support and comfort, Emma discourages stomach sleepers to invest in the Original Pro as its support isn't firm enough.

The Emma Original Pro, along with the Original Elite, has the most advanced temperature regulation of the Original collection. It relies on graphite-infused foam to dissipate body heat, making it a top reccomendation for hot sleepers.

Want something firmer? Try the cheaper Emma Original

Helix just dropped a surprise extended Labor Day sale, taking 27% off everything on site with the discount code TOMS27. That includes the Helix Midnight Luxe, which drops to $1,824 for a queen at Helix, down from $2,498. That matches the biggest saving of the year.

After testing it and re-testing it, the Helix Midnight Luxe has secured its position as one of the best mattresses you can shop online. I've slept on it on and off for the past two years and it's the luxury hybrid mattress I always tell my friends and family to buy.

It's superbly supportive for side sleepers, but is also comfortable for back sleepers too. I hoped there would be 27% off for Labor Day, but there was 'only' 25% off. My advice? Shop this mattress sale now — there's no guarantee we'll see the same 27% off sale for Black Friday.

Why the Helix Midnight Luxe is my top mattress recommendation

As a mattress tester, I often get asked the same question — what mattress should I buy? Comfort is subjective and what's comfortable for me might not be comfortable for you. But if it's my personal mattress recommendation for side sleepers you're after, it's always the Helix Midnight Luxe.

This is a quality hybrid mattress that has been crafted specifically for those who sleep on their sides — and, boy, does it deliver. It offers blissful pressure relief across the shoulders, hips and knees. This means I can lie on my side and stay there all night without experiencing any of the hip pain I'm prone to.

Happily, my back sleeping husband loves it too. Beneath its plush pillow top and dense memory foam layers, you'll find up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils for support.

It's a combination of these coils and foams that hold your spine in healthy alignment with the rest of your body. Which is why it's one of the best mattresses for back pain you can buy.

While the Luxe is a great option for side and back sleepers, the slow-moving foams can make shifting positions a tiny bit of a chore. So those who like to toss and turn and change positions all night long will be better off on something more responsive, like the Saatva Classic.

While they might make shifting positions a bit tricky, those slow moving foams do an excellent job of dampening movement across the surface of the bed, resulting in excellent motion isolation — and that's another win for restless couples.

Elsewhere, the Luxe does everything you would expect from one of the best luxury mattresses, and to a very high standard. Support around the edge is study and the breathable hybrid design and Tencel cover makes it a great cooling mattress option.

If the 4th of July and Labor Day mattress sales are anything to go by, there's no guarantee that the Luxe will be 27% off for Black Friday. So my advice would be to snap it up before this deal ends.

Smaller budget? Try this deal instead...

The Luxe is always my top pick, but at $1,824 for a queen after discounts, it's undoubtedly an investment. If you're working with a smaller budget, this is my recommendation...

There’s nothing quite like waking up well rested after a good night’s sleep. That’s why it’s so important to find the right mattress, pillow and everything else for your particular sleep position and that’s where we can help.

From hybrid mattresses for side sleepers to mattress toppers designed to instantly upgrade your existing mattress to pillows, sunrise alarms and more, there are plenty of options when it comes to upgrading your bedroom and your overall sleep experience.

For the Tom’s Guide Awards 2026, our team of experts has tested and reviewed all of the latest mattresses, pillows and other bedding gear. Below, we highlight our favorite mattresses, toppers, pillows and other sleep tech to help you get the rest you deserve as soon as your head hits the pillow.

Best mattress

Saatva Classic

If mattresses were Beatles albums, then the Saatva Classic would be Abbey Road; a perennial classic, perfect from start to finish, and impossible to forget.

For the fifth year running, we’ve crowned this luxury hybrid innerspring the Best Mattress of The Year. It’s comfy for every sleeping position, and so breathable it could keep a snowball cool during a heatwave.

The support is superb too – our Managing Editor of Sleep, Claire Davies, says it feels like getting a gentle back massage every night: "I climb into bed most nights feeling crooked from a day bent over my desk working, or playing on the floor with my kid, then I wake up each morning feeling straightened out and pain-free."

We developed a new review methodology last year and the Saatva Classic aced every part of it, becoming the highest-scoring lab-tested mattress we’ve reviewed (it scored a 24 out of 25 in our Saatva Classic review). In 2026, the Saatva Classic is still the epitome of sleep comfort.

— Claire Davies, Managing Editor Sleep

Best mattress in a box

DreamCloud Classic

Good sleep needn’t cost the earth, and the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is the perfect example of that. This hybrid mattress looks like a 5-star hotel bed, yet the price is more attainable at under $700 for a queen on sale.

At the beginning of this year we retested the newly updated DreamCloud Classic Hybrid and watched it ace several of our tests, from pressure relief to temperature control. It delivers a big wedge of comfort and support for the money, outperforming many luxury beds over four times the price.

This newer version of the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is a little softer than previous models, so the lighter to average weight side sleepers on our review team love it the most. But honestly? We’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t enjoy sleeping on this breathable beauty.

At a point in the economy where many of us are counting every cent, the DreamCloud Classic delivers an excellent performance for the price, once again taking home our award for the year’s Best Mattress In A Box.

— Claire Davies, Managing Editor Sleep

Best hybrid mattress

Saatva Classic

A good hybrid mattress offers the contouring support of a cradling foam mattress with the bounce and responsiveness of an innerspring bed. The Saatva Classic delivers all of this and more, earning its title as the undisputed Best Hybrid Mattress of 2026.

We’ve retested this handcrafted innerspring hybrid twice in the last year alone, and no other mattress comes close. It’s breathable, offers proper lumbar support to ease back pain, and uses high-density foam rails around the perimeter so that you can sleep right up to the edge.

The Saatva Classic is ideal for bedsharing couples and families. It reduces heavy motion transfer while still being responsive enough for you to move around easily without getting wedged in the bed — a rare feat for any hybrid we’ve tested.

With three customizable firmness levels and two height profiles, the Classic adapts seamlessly to most body weights and sleeping styles. Add in a feast of natural and organic materials, and free set-up in your bedroom (they’ll even remove your old bed for free), and it’s easy to see why the Saatva Classic’s knock-out luxury package is yet to be rivalled.

— Claire Davies, Managing Editor Sleep

Best memory foam mattress

Nectar Premier

Currently No 1 in our best memory foam mattress 2026 guide, the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress is designed to both support and cushion back and side sleepers. After sleeping on the Premier for three weeks and putting it through vigorous lab testing, we have to say its design delivers what it promises.

The Premier is great at cushioning our pressure points when side sleeping, but it also kept our hips upright when sleeping on our backs. As for the overheating that memory foam beds can be prone to, the Premier’s cooling cover eliminates this problem and dissipates heat well. Its foam layers mean that a restless partner’s movements won’t travel to your side of the bed, too. Gone are the days when a memory foam mattress meant sleeping on a cheap, stuffy slab of quicksand, and the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress proves it.

— Frances Daniels, Senior Sleep Staff Writer

Best mattress for side sleepers

Helix Midnight Luxe

We’ve tested and retested the Helix Midnight Luxe multiple times over the past two years and it still offers unparalleled support for those who primarily sleep on their sides, fending off some stiff competition (we’re looking at you, Saatva Classic).

The real star of the show here is the plush pillow top layer, which gently contours around the touch points of the mattress to remove pressure from your shoulders, hips and knees. The result? A superbly comfortable bed that you can stay sleeping on your side all night long.

The Helix Midnight Luxe is undoubtedly the best mattress for side sleepers on the market in 2026. However, it’s also comfortable and supportive for back sleepers, too. Which, for co-sleeping couples with different sleep needs, is a dream.

— Nicola Appleton, Sleep editor

Best mattress topper

Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper

The best mattress toppers should offer a literal slice of a luxury mattress, and the Helix Ergo Align Mattress Topper is a prime example.Premium sleep brand Helix adds enhanced lumbar support to its luxurious hotel-style mattresses with the trademark ErgoAlign Layer. While Helix mattresses featuring the ErgoAlign upgrade can cost over $2,000 in a queen, a queen-sized Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper boasts this back pain-relieving layer for under $350.

Not only is the ErgoAlign Mattress Topper excellent for those waking up to back pain every morning, but it’s comfortable for all sleep positions and will keep hot sleepers cool, too. Its cooling cover is made from GlacioTex, a heat-dissipating fabric that’s also found in Helix’s most deluxe mattress models. As tester Alison Barretta summarises in our Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper review, ”No matter your sleep position, the Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper will add meaningful support and pressure relief to an older or less-than-perfect mattress.”

— Frances Daniels, Senior Sleep Staff Writer

Best pillow

Helix Talalay Latex Pillow

With two lofts to choose from and crafted from natural materials, the Helix Talalay Latex Pillow is a responsive (read: bouncy) and naturally cooling pillow which suits practically every type of sleeper. Whether you opt for the low or high loft, the pillow immediately adapts to your new shape with every toss and turn — no plumping required.

Design-wise, it’s simple. Its core is a block of natural Talalay latex, which is known for its temperature regulating properties (that’s great news for hot sleepers). This is wrapped in a quilted and breathable Tencel layer, which you can remove to machine wash.

The Helix Talalay Latex Pillow isn’t a pillow that your head sinks into, like you might with a squishy memory foam pillow. Our lead teaser Ruth Jones describes sleeping on it as “a bit like resting your head on a bounce house...but we mean that in the best way possible.”

— Nicola Appleton, Sleep editor

Best sunrise alarm clock

Hatch Sleep Clock

As one of the best sunrise alarm clocks and a sleep tracker rolled into one sleek package, the Hatch Sleep Clock is one of the most exciting launches of 2026. It’s a sunrise alarm clock which delivers circadian lighting for brighter and easier mornings, while simultaneously tracking your sleep.

Lead tester Ruth Jones took the Hatch Sleep Clock for a spin and loved that she could ditch the health wearables and still get an overview of her sleep. Sleep tracking aside, the Hatch does everything you would expect from a sunrise alarm clock of this pedigree, with a vast library of sounds and light options at your fingertips.

In addition to helping you wake up, it actively helps you drop off, too. We love how you can program your own turndown service to activate on command, which initiates a sunset simulation with lights and sounds of your choosing.

— Nicola Appleton, Sleep editor

Best sleep tracker

Oura Ring 5

The Oura Ring 5 was launched this summer, promising more accurate sleep data and a slimmer design than the 4th generation. As we were blown away by the previous model’s sleep tracking, we started testing the Oura Ring 5 as soon as it became available.Three months of testing later, and we’re already convinced it’s the best sleep tracker we’ve tested..

Its improved sensor precision and extended week-long battery life are the new standout features, but we also love its streamlined, stylish build that’s much more comfortable to wear than chunky smart watches. While the ring itself is screenless, the Oura Ring 5 has an intuitive accompanying app which presents visual breakdowns of sleep duration and stages via easy-to-read charts. The smart ring also measures sleep debt, nighttime breathing, and heart rate, while the app’s library of bedtime stories and guided meditations is a nice touch beyond key sleep metrics.

— Frances Daniels, Senior Sleep Staff Writer

Watching your once snow-white pillow develop a multitude of yellow pillow stains is pretty gross – and your bedtime routine and laundry habits are high on the list of culprits for why pillows turn yellow.

From sleeping with wet hair to skipping regular bedding washes, there are five common habits that cause moisture and oils to seep into your pillow where they then oxidize and turn yellow.

The good news? Making a few simple changes to your routine will stop this discolouration from happening in the first place and keep your pillow brilliant white for longer.

Top 5 reasons why your pillows turn yellow

• 1. Sweat and natural body oils – breaks down pillow fibers overnight.
• 2. Going to bed with wet hair – trapped dampness causes bacterial growth and yellowing.
• 3. Skincare and makeup – transfers directly to the pillow, causing yellowing (retinol is notorious for this).
• 4. Not washing your pillow and pillowcases enough – stains set deeper and look more yellow.
• 5. Not replacing your pillows often enough – over time, pillows naturally decay and yellow.

1. Sweat and natural body oils

The two main culprits behind yellow pillow stains are moisture and oil, which we pump out hour by hour when sleeping.

Dr Shamsa Kanwal, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MyPsoriasisTeam explains it further: "Sweat, natural skin oils, saliva, dead skin cells, and moisture from wet hair gradually soak through the pillowcase and into the pillow, creating that familiar yellow discoloration over time."

All of this oxidizes when exposed to air. And when sweat and sebum react with oxygen, yellow pillow stains form — and overheating while sleeping can make the stains worse.

2. Going to bed with wet hair

I've all been guilty of this one, especially at the end of a long day when I'm tried and desperate to hop into bed.

But going to be with wet or damp hair not only makes your pillow feel soggy, it can also cause excess moisture from your hair to seep through your pillowcase and oxidize just like sweat and saliva does.

The result? Yellow staining on your pillow. If you keep doing this, your pillow will become yellowed regardless of whether you use a pillow protector.

3. Skincare and makeup

From skin-smoothing retinol to plumping overnight lip masks, beauty sleep products are a dream for our skin but a nightmare for our pillows.

Applying these skincare products right before bed means that the products' moisture and oils are still sitting on your skin, ready to transfer down into your pillow.

Same goes for sleeping with your make-up on.

The result? Yep, you guessed it: yellow stains. "Products that have not fully absorbed before bed can transfer onto the pillowcase and eventually seep into the pillow," says Dr Kanwal.

"Rich moisturizers, facial oils, leave-in conditioners, and other oily or pigmented products are more likely to leave residue, especially when combined with sweat and body oils."

4. Not washing your pillow and pillowcases enough

Skipping laundry day can mean that moisture and oils that have accumulated and oxidized on your pillow have a chance to really dig in to the fabric, causing deep staining that's harder to remove.

One survey found that 24% of adults admit to only washing their pillowcases every three to four weeks. While another found that only 15% of people wash their pillows on a regular basis.

To keep your pillow clean, fresh and free of yellow stains, you should aim to wash your pillowcase once a week and wash your pillow monthly.

5. Not replacing your pillows often enough

If you've noticed that your yellowest pillow is also flat and unsupportive, it's no coincidence – yellow stains are one of the key signs that your pillow needs replacing.

The average lifespan of a pillow is up to two years, but one survey found that only 18% of 2,200 respondents knew this.

Meanwhile, the same study found that the average person keeps their pillow for around 14 months after the recommended time to replace it.

5 ways to stop your pillow turning yellow in the first place

• 1. Wash your pillow every 3 months – regular deep washes prevent sweat and oils from seeping deep down into the fill.
• 2. Use a pillow protector – this fabric barrier stops the majority of moisture and skincare from transferring to your actual pillow
• 3. Apply skincare routine an hour before bed – gives your products time to seep in, so your skin is dry when you lie down on your pillow.
• 4. Use breathable pillowcases – encourages better airflow and less nighttime sweating (a major cause of yellowing).
• 5. Replace your pillow every two years – ensures you're never sleeping on a decaying pillow that's yellow from natural old age.

1. Wash your pillow every 3 months

The first way to prevent your pillows from turning yellow? Start washing them more.

"I would wash pillowcases at least once a week, and more often if you sweat heavily, have oily or acne-prone skin, or use a lot of hair and skincare products," advise Dr Kanwal.

"Many washable pillows can be cleaned every 3 to 6 months, but always follow the care label because foam, latex, feather, and synthetic pillows need different cleaning methods," she adds.

For advice on how to clean your pillow, visit our guide on how to wash a pillow.

2. Use a pillow protector

Along with washing your pillowcases regularly, you can also try adding an extra layer of pillow protection.

"Using a washable pillow protector also helps keep sweat and product residue from reaching the pillow itself," explains Dr Kanwal.

While you can get pillow protectors that act as a pillow encasement, you can also get a waterproof pillow protector for more safeguarding.

3. Apply skincare routine an hour before bed

If skincare is a crucial step in your night-time routine, make sure that you've taken off your make-up and applied any lotions at least an hour before bedtime.

Dr Kanwal says that making skincare the first step of your evening regimen gives the products enough time to be absorbed by your skin and less likely to be absorbed by your pillowcase.

4. Use breathable pillowcases

Sweat is a big cause of yellowed pillows, so the more things you can do to sleep cool and dry the better.

This can mean switching your current pillow with a pillow featuring cooling tech like GlacioTex, or making sure that the fabric of your pillowcase is breathable.

Ditching heat-trapping synthetic bedding material like polyester or satin for naturally cooling, moisture-wicking materials like cotton, bamboo, linen, silk, or Tencel can help limit night sweats and overheating, meaning less discoloration from moisture build-up.

5. Replace your pillow every two years

As surprising as it sounds, I can understand why some people may want to hold onto their ageing yellow-stained pillow. It's comfortable, it's familiar, and if it ain't broke, why fix it?

However, even if you're happy to camouflage the yellow stains with a pillowcase, the truth is that an old pillow that's over two years old and covered in yellow stains needs to be replaced.

Trust me, it's much easier to invest in one of the best pillows every two years than to struggle with allergies, neck pain, and tension headaches from an old, unsupportive yellowed pillow.

Top 3 products to prevent yellow pillow stains

With a slew of Hollywood blockbusters and an Oscar nomination under his belt, Austin Butler’s star continues to soar. However, not even he is immune to the common sleep issues that plague the rest of us.

After admitting to once going to bed around 2-3 a.m. (or going to bed early only to wake up at 3 a.m. with anxiety) the actor has cleaned up his sleep habits in order to maximize his rest and recovery. The top of his sleep hygiene hit list? Dark showering before bed and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule.

Dark showering is a popular wellness trend that involves (you guessed it) showering in low or no light. Intrigued by how this habit helped supercharged Butler's sleep, I decided to give it a go. Scroll down to read about how I got on, plus I take a closer look at Butler's nighttime routine.

Inside Austin Butler’s nighttime routine

Erratic filming schedules means that a regular nighttime routine can be difficult to stick to for a busy A-list actor. However, consistently good sleep appears to be exactly what Butler's striving for.

There one thing that Butler does every night as part of his nighttime routine — and that's taking a shower. “I love taking a shower before bed,” Butler revealed during a taping of The Drew Barrymore show. “It’s really simple but I just love getting into bed clean.”

When asked by Coveteur magazine what he was manifesting for 2026, “prioritizing sleep” was his answer.

“I tend to be a night owl, but lately I’ve been trying to find a healthier balance,” he told the lifestyle mag. “On a really good night, I’m asleep by nine or ten.

"Historically, it’s been more like two or three in the morning. But I like the idea of the sun going down, winding down with it, eating dinner, and going to bed early. I always feel better when I do.”

If you’re imagining a stark overhead light in a bright bathroom, think again. When asked by Coveteur to describe his home’s aesthetic,“cozy” was his response.

“I never turn on overhead lights at night,” Butler admits, indicating that his nightly shower is of the ‘dark’ variety — a popular wellness trend that can promote sleep.

“Once it starts getting dark, I turn the fireplace on and light a bunch of candles. I just like it so much more. It feels calmer. Softer.”

A consistent sleep schedule with a regular bedtime that Butler aims for is an excellent way to improve sleep quality. However, occasional late night shoots can throw a spanner in the works, he tells Men’s Health.

Despite admitting that he finds it hard to sleep after working late into the night, he has found a solution that works for him — a 30 minute incline walk on a treadmill, then a sauna closely followed by a cold shower.

Then, when he wakes up, he likes to get plenty of natural sunlight, which experts rate as an excellent way to anchor your circadian rhythm. “I’m just trying to find little things like that,” Butler tells the mag.

Does dark showering before bed help you fall asleep faster? I put it to the test

There aren't many things I can say I have in common with Hollywood stars, but I do share Butler's desire to clean up my sleep habits. As someone who has previously reported on how our relationship with artificial light at night can impact our ability to sleep, I was keen to try dark showering.

Does it work? In short, yes. I found it to be an excellent way to wind down and prepare brain and body for sleep, and found myself nodding off within minutes of getting into bed (that's fairly unusual for me).

Below Dr. Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM, a licensed clinical psychologist and sleep specialist at Better Sleep, outlines how three specific ways that dark showering can improve sleep quality and help you fall asleep faster.

1. Lowers stress

I hate a harsh bright light at night, so swapping the main overhead light for a cozy candle immediately set the scene for relaxation in my bathroom. After a busy day, I could feel my nervous system start to decompress under the stream of warm water.

While showering under bright lights can be overstimulating, a dark shower — combined with the warmth of the water — can help lower cortisol levels for better relaxation.

"The combination of a warm shower, lower light and a consistent routine can create a nice transition from the busy day into bedtime," explains Dr. Harris, a clinical psychologist who specializes in behavioral sleep medicine.

"It’s less about the shower needing to be completely dark and more about creating a calming, low-light environment before sleep."

2. Promotes melatonin production

If I'm honest, showering by a single candlelight initially feels too dark. But then my eyes begin to adjust to the low level of light and I begin to feel pleasantly drowsy.

That's because levels of the sleep hormone melatonin begin to steadily rise in the run up to bedtime, helping you to feel tired at the right time. However, exposure to stark, bright lights can inhibit this natural rise, which stops you from feeling as tired.

"Dark showering may be helpful because it reduces your exposure to bright light in the evening, which can make it easier for your body to transition toward sleep," explains Dr. Harris, who is board-certified in Sleep Behavioral Medicine.

"Light is an important signal for your circadian rhythm, so dimming the lights as bedtime approaches can support that natural wind-down process."

3. Triggers a core body temperature drop

Dark showering helped me feel tired and relaxed, but it also helped trigger a core drop in my body temperature when I got out — and that's crucial for sleep.

However, Dr. Harris warns against taking a shower that's too hot right before bed as it will raise your core temperature instead.

In order to fall asleep, your body temperature needs to drop around 2°F / 1°C (that's why you often feel cold when you're tired). When you step out of a warm (not hot) shower, your body temperature naturally dips, which signals to your brain that sleep is imminent.

How a consistent sleep schedule boosts longevity

When combined with a consistent sleep schedule like the one Butler aims for, dark showering is an excellent way to prepare your body for sleep. Think of it as a two-pronged attack.

A regular sleep routine helps optimize the production of key sleep hormones required for quality rest. However, a regular bedtime can also help you live longer. Here's how...

A ground breaking study published earlier this year by Vitality and The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) found that those who stuck to a consistent sleep schedule could potentially increase their life expectancy by up to four years.

Researchers analysed the wearable devices of 105,000 individuals, equating to 47 million nights of sleep data. They found that those who went to bed within the same one hour window and achieved at least seven hours of sleep at least five times a week could increase their longevity by 24%.

Instead of focusing solely on sleep duration, researchers found that a regular sleep pattern — sometimes referred to as Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) — helps anchor our circadian rhythms.

As well as helping us feel tired and alert at the right time, your circadian rhythm, which acts as your body's internal clock, also controls other bodily functions, including core temperature, digestion and hormone production.

When you stick to a regular sleep schedule, your circadian rhythm runs optimally, which reduces physiological stress on the body. However, if your current sleep schedule is a little erratic, the best way to fall into consistency is by establishing a regular wake time.

"If there's one thing you can do tonight to improve your sleep, it's to choose a consistent wake-up time and stick to it, even after a rough night's sleep," Dr. Jessica Meers, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Rhythm Wellness has previously explained.

Increasing awareness of sleep regularity means that some of the best sleep trackers, including the Oura Ring, Garmin Index Sleep Monitor, Whoop MG and Apple Watch include consistency as a key sleep metric.

Products we love to create a similar sleep routine

The hottest summer on record has turned my pristine white sheets into a yellowed mess. Even increasing my laundry schedule hasn't been able to banish yellow marks from my white duvet cover.

My first instinct was to grab the chlorine bleach. This strong chemical would effectively remove yellow sweat stains and turn my white sheets sparkling again. However, chlorine bleach is harsh on fabrics as well as stains, and overuse risks wearing holes in your duvet cover. That's even worse than stains.

The solution is a simple soak using a gentler chemical that helps lift stains without hurting the fabric. It returns your duvet cover to the bright white you enjoyed at the start of the summer.

• Too yellow to save? Check out our guide to the best bed sheets for our top tested picks.

Why you should avoid chlorine bleach in your laundry

Yes, chlorine bleach will strip the stains from your sheets. It contains sodium hypochlorite which causes a process known as oxidation. This changes the chemical composition of the stain to make it easier to wash away. It's an effective, albeit harsh, method.

But the stain isn't the only thing chlorine bleach removes. It breaks down dyes (so shouldn't be used on colored fabrics) and over time it can weaken fibers. If you regularly use chlorine bleach in your laundry routine, you might find your bedding begins to deteriorate, leading to holes.

Chlorine beach is also harsh against the skin. We advise always wearing gloves when handling chlorine bleach. And work in a well-ventilated area, as it can irritate the airways as well.

• Read more: 5 habits turning your pillows yellow — and how to keep them brilliant white for longer

How to remove yellow sweat stains without chlorine bleach

While oxygen bleach is gentler on the skin than chlorine bleach, we still recommend using gloves while handling it, particularly if you have sensitive skin. We also advice using it in a well ventilated area.

Clean yellow bed sheets with an oxygen bleach soak

When yellow stains are ruining your once-pristine bed sheets, use an oxygen bleach soak. While chlorine bleach relies on sodium hypochlorite to break down stains, oxygen bleach releases oxygen molecules to lift and remove unwanted marks.

It's a gentler oxidation process that leaves your sheets sparkling white without the wear and tear.

To begin, mix a scoop of oxygen bleach into a bath of lukewarm water (Avoid hot water — we'll explain why below). Supercharge your soak with a squirt of dish soap, to help lift any grease stains.

Immerse the duvet cover in the water and mix well. Leave to soak for up to six hours, stirring occasionally.

At the end of the soak, use a soft brush to scrub at any particularly stubborn yellow stains. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and squeeze out excess water.

Finish with a warm cycle in your washing machine

While hot water is best for removing stains caused by dirt or grease, when it comes to yellow sweat stains, it's best to use a cooler wash cycle.

Heat can cause the proteins in sweat to become set in the fabric, making those yellow stains even harder to remove. Cold (or lukewarm) water helps flush out the stain, for sparkling white sheets.

Once you've finished your initial, cooler, wash cycle, inspect your sheets and duvet cover for lingering marks. If you're happy with the white finish, follow-up with a hot cycle. Hot water (140°F / 60°C) is best for removing dust mites and allergens, but always check the care label for the right temperature.

White sheets are a hotel staple for good reason; they look crisp and inviting. And with this wash routine, you can enjoy those sparkling whites for longer.

For me, a good night's sleep lays the foundation for a productive work day. But lately, I've been tossing and turning at night and my sleep quality has taken a direct hit. I had a hunch my pillow might have something to do it, so I decided to perform a simple test that instantly tells you whether your pillow needs replacing or not.

Sure enough, my pillow failed this basic 30-second test.

A pillow that has lost its support and shape will force you to wake up multiple times a night to replump and reshape it. Long-term, a pillow that has lost its support can throw your neck out of alignment, causing morning aches and pains and poor posture.

Here's what the 30-second test involves, how to perform it yourself, and what the results mean for your pillow and the quality of your sleep.

The 30-second test explained

The 30-second pillow test is a simple way to find out if your pillow is supportive enough to hold your head, neck and shoulders in alignment with your spine while you sleep.

A pillow with an even fill distribution and good support will not fold easily. Instead it will snap back fast. This pillow is good for sleeping.

An unsupportive pillow, on the other hand, will not only fold, but also take time to spring back to its original position. This pillow needs replacing asap.

How to perform the 30-second pillow test

• Remove the pillowcase or any other protectors.
• Lay the pillow flat on a hard surface.
• Fold it completely in half and hold it closed for 30 seconds.
• Now release the pillow
• If it stays folded or springs back sluggishly, the support has gone and your pillow is no longer fit for purpose.
• If it snaps instantly back into shape, it’s still good for sleeping on.

Why my pillow failed the 30-second test

After several nights of broken sleep, I figured that it's time to put my pillow to the test. For reference, my microfiber pillow is over two years old and has overall lost its initial plushness. I laid it out on a flat surface and folded it in half. To my surprise, my pillow folded almost too easily, like a book.

Unlike newer supportive pillows, which instantly snap back, mine took longer to return to its original position. On further inspection, I figured that the filling inside was bunched up and uneven, giving a still-folded effect right in the middle. This made me realize that it's high time to replace it with another.

Why unsupportive pillows need replacing

A sagging or unsupportive pillow compromises your spinal alignment.

In order to correct your posture, your neck ends up bending unnaturally, straining the muscles— the major reason behind morning neck pain.

It can also lead to frequent wake-ups and tossing and turning, as it happened in my case, where I was constantly trying to find the right sleeping position.

If you're someone who already struggles with snoring, sleeping on an unsupportive pillow can also make your symptoms worse.

Other signs your pillow needs replacing

While experts recommend changing your pillow every one to two years, you can do it sooner if you notice any of these secondary indicators.

Clumping up of the filling is a strong indicator of a lack of support. Pillows with poor support can lead to those random 3 a.m. wake-ups because your head and neck fall out of alignment, and you wake to replump the pillow.

Another common sign is the yellowing of your pillow. This is due to a buildup of your sweat, body oils, drool and dead skin cells, which seeps through the pillowcase. Over time, this can create the perfect breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria, even resulting in a musty, bad smell.

And no, washing your pillow might not solve the problem, especially if you've been using it for a long time.

A constant need to re-fluff or plump your pillow also shows that it is not fit to provide you with the required comfort.

What to look for in a new pillow

As a professional bedding tester, I'm aware of the fact that finding a comfy pillow among a sea of options is tricky.

The key is to first understand what your sleeping position (side, back and stomach) is and then choosing the right pillow loft to support it.

Pillow loft is basically the height of your headrest. Lying on a pillow too low or too high for your sleeping position, once again, puts your neck muscles and spinal alignment at risk. This is why it's important to choose the right pillow for your sleeping position.

Side sleepers require a high to mid-loft pillow (4 to 6 inches) which effectively bridges the gap between your ear and your mattress.

Back sleepers need a low-loft pillow which is high enough to support your head, but keeps your chin in a neutral position.

Stomach sleeping is the least recommended position, but if it's a force of habit, you need a low-loft, soft pillow, which prevents any further strain on your neck muscles.

If your priority is long-term durability and support, look for pillows made of materials like latex and high-quality memory foam, known to provide responsive comfort consistently.

Still confused? We've curated the best pillows guide, which includes options for every sleep position and concern.

Check your pillow tonight

If you've been waking up several times during the night or struggling with morning neck pain, it's a good idea to check if your pillow is at fault.

All it takes is 30 seconds of your time. Simply fold your pillow, hold it for 30 seconds and observe how long it takes to return to its normal position.

This simple fold test can reveal if your pillow lacks the support you need to have an uninterrupted night's rest.

Don't worry, you haven't missed your chance to buy a great mattress for less in the Labor Day sales. I've scoured the best of the extended deals and the great news is that there's still time to save $400 on all sizes of the Saatva Classic at Saatva. This takes a queen down to $1,829 from $2,229. We strongly doubt you'll see that discount again until Black Friday

But if you want to save on the best mattress we've ever tested, you'll have to act fast. Saatva usually wraps their holiday sale up swiftly, so we don't expect this $400 sale to be live for long. Another time-limited sale I'd recommend hopping on is the 30% off the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud mattress at Tempur-Pedic deal, which shaves $599.70 off of a queen.

For discounts on the other end of the price spectrum, there's still an extra 10% off the SweetNight CoolNest at SweetNight today, which takes a queen down to $360 from $669.99. That incredible value on one of the best cheap mattresses we've tested. Let's get into the best of the extended Labor Day mattress sales...

Labor Day mattress sales 2026: The best extended deals at a glance

• Saatva Classic – best overall: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress – dorm room savior: From $173 at Amazon
• Helix Midnight Luxe – best for side sleepers: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic – best value: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
• Bear Elite Hybrid – best cooling: From $1,298 (was $1,998.80) at Bear
• Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro – best value cooling: From $652 (was $932) at Brooklyn Bedding
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud and smart base – best bundle deal: From $1,718.40 (was $2,598) at Tempur-Pedic
• Avocado Green – best organic: From $1,279 (was $1,599) at Avocado
• Purple Plus - best for joint pain relief: From $1,280 (was $1,599) at Purple

Today's best extended Labor Day mattress sales

Murphy beds are a fantastic option if you want to save space in your home, and you can add some luxury support to the practical sleep solution thanks to a new Labor Day deal from Saatva. The Murphy Bed Mattress, now $1,099 (was $1,499) in a queen at Saatva, is a premium hand-crafted hybrid that's designed to provide comfort at night and retain its shape when in storage.

Saatva is behind the best mattress of 2026, so it's small wonder that the brand would be behind the first luxury mattress designed for murphy beds. The Saatva Murphy Bed is $400 off both a queen and a full, and of course it comes with Saatva's generous benefits: a 365-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free white glove delivery.

Today's Labor Day is in full swing, but we don't expect this Saatva mattress sale to still be live tomorrow. This is one of the best Labor Day mattress sales of the year, so anyone who wants their foldaway bed to boast premium comfort, don't miss Saatva's Murphy Bed Mattress discount...

Who needs the Saatva Murphy Bed Mattress?

The Saatva Murphy Bed Mattress is designed for (you guessed it) murphy beds. While you don't necessarily need a mattress that's built specially for a murphy bed, the type of mattress needed for a murphy bed does have to fit certain requirements — and that can sometimes mean that hybrid mattresses are out of the question as they're coils can be easily damaged when stored upright.

However, Saatva's Murphy Bed Mattress is a hybrid, meaning it has foam and springs, as it's built to prevent its materials from shifting in storage. This is good news for murphy bed users who want the lumbar support of springs and coils.

The Saatva Murphy Bed Mattress should also suit hot sleepers, as its organic cotton cover is breathable and its coils boost airflow. The type of mattress usually recommended to murphy bed users are all-foam beds. And while many of the best memory foam mattress are equipped with cooling tech, a lot of all-foam beds can still trap heat.

A cheaper option for your murphy bed...

Labor Day mattress sales 2026: More deals at a glance

• Saatva Classic – best overall: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress – dorm room savior: From $173 at Amazon
• Helix Midnight Luxe – best for side sleepers: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic – best value: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
• Bear Elite Hybrid – best cooling: From $1,298 (was $1,998.80) with TOMS40 code at Bear
• Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro – best value cooling: From $652 (was $932) at Brooklyn Bedding
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud and smart base – best bundle deal: From $1,718.40 (was $2,598) at Tempur-Pedic
• Avocado Green – best organic: From $1,279 (was $1,599) at Avocado
• Purple Plus - best for joint pain relief: From $1,280 (was $1,599) at Purple

If you thought you had to spend upwards of $1,500 to get a great queen mattress in today's Labor Day sales, think again. Good sleep is getting cheaper, with some budget mattress brands earning top scores from our experienced testers for their comfort and support.

Two of the best cheap mattresses that stand out from the pack are the SweetNight CoolNest and Siena Signature, both of which out-perform some luxury mattresses in certain areas. Instead of spending a fortune, you can buy both beds in today's Labor Day mattress sales for under $500 for a queen.

Admittedly, the top tier of the best mattresses we've tested do tend to come at a higher price tag. However, budget beds are putting up a fight. Cheap mattresses are getting comfier, delivering more support and even lasting longer.

The sub-$500 lab tested top performers

What are budget mattresses doing right?

It doesn't matter what the price tag is: we put all mattresses through the same intense mattress testing methodology. Here's where budget beds have impressed.

They're helping you sleep cool

Budget mattresses have long had a reputation for sleeping hot. A tendency towards cheap, heat trapping foams and synthetic fabrics meant in summer, your money-saving bed turned into a sauna.

So when we turned our thermal cam on the budget-friendly Siena Signature mattress, I was expecting a blaze of trapped heat.

And the Siena did warm up. But only a touch. And it then cooled quickly. It even made it into our best cooling mattress guide as a top pick under $400.

Both the Siena and the SweetNight CoolNest mattress have performed well in our temperature regulation tests, proving some low-cost foam beds aren't the heat sink they once were.

Admittedly, my testing period on the sub-$300 Zinus Green Tea mattress was disrupted by the occasional sweaty wake up. However, that might be due to the super-soft sink-in comfort of this affordable foam mattress. Which brings me to my next point...

They're good for all sleep styles

With just $500 to spend on a queen mattress, you might assume you have two choices: hard as a rock or saggier than a damp sponge. Cheap mattresses have had a reputation for sitting at either extreme of the mattress firmness scale.

But not anymore. I've been hands-on with a variety of cheap beds and no two of them feel the same.

One of my favorite mattresses for stomach sleepers and back sleepers is the Siena. It simply excels at support, holding my spine aloft so I can enjoy pain-free mornings.

The SweetNight CoolNest, on the other hand, delivers oodles of cushioning. The pressure relief is superb, meaning side sleepers don't have to worry about aching shoulders and sore hips.

Meanwhile, the Zinus Mattress turns the plushness up again. It's a bed like a giant marshmallow. It's one of the best mattress for side sleepers who like to feel hugged by their bed.

One thing often found in the best luxury mattresses that you won't get from a budget bed is a firmness choice. Mattresses like the Saatva Classic and the WinkBed come in multiple feels, so you can select your preference.

Budget beds don't provide the same multiple choice (...yet). But when you shop with a smaller budget, you can still find a feel for every need.

They're good for couples

We tend to recommend cheap mattresses to young adults and college students: those with less cash to spare who probably need a bed for just one person.

But the new crop of budget mattresses aren't just for your kitting out your first apartment. Beds like the Siena deliver excellent motion isolation (meaning you won't feel your partner toss and turn) alongside strong edge support (so you can both stretch out).

And it's not just the Siena. The EGOHOME Memory Foam Mattress is excellent at eating up excess movement, while the EGOHOME Hybrid is strong and stable right up to the corners.

So if you and your partner are saving money for a new kitchen, say, or the iPhone Ultra, your sleep won't have to suffer.

What are you missing out on with a queen mattress under $500?

Specialist features and diverse designs

The budget mattress market is expanding but paying premium does get you more choice.

Specialist beds like the adjustable comfort from Sleep Number, the targeted support of the Saatva RX and the smart cooling of the Eight Sleep are all going to set you back way over $1,000.

You'll also have to pay extra if you want to the luxury finish of the best hotel mattresses, or the innovative natural materials of the best organic mattresses.

Durability

Perhaps the biggest downfall of budget mattresses is that they rarely last as long as their premium counterparts.

To keep costs down, budget beds often opt for simpler builds and less durable materials. As a result, while some premium mattresses offer 10+ years lifespan, budget beds might only last for three to five years.

That means while you save money in the short-term, in the long-term, you might find you spend more on your multiple mattress shopping trips.

What's the future for budget mattresses?

As once premium materials like phase change technology, latex foams and targeted support springs become more accessible, we can look forward to budget beds with even greater variety.

However, luxury and premium beds will also continue to innovate. (And it's probably going to be a long time before we see one of the best smart beds under $500 for a queen.)

Rising costs of goods might also put a dampener on the burgeoning budget mattress market. Mattress prices are going up across the board and a few budget brands might soon find themselves in the mid-range price bracket

But the budget bed market is expanding and like a mattress out of its box, once it's started, it's impossible to stop. That makes this Labor Day a golden time to buy a mattress for less.

When you're a stomach sleeper, you get used to starting the day with back pain. I used to spend a good few minutes each morning trying to ease life back into my hips. Then I discovered the Plank Firm mattress, 30% off at Plank this Labor Day, and now I know what it's like to wake up feeling fresh.

The Plank Firm is unusual. When it comes to construction and quality, it can rival the best mattresses we've tested. However, this double-sided bed is super firm and incredibly flat. That's heavenly for stomach sleepers (and many back sleepers) but it's not a feel everyone will enjoy.

Where the Plank Firm excels is full-body support, and I'll explain below why that's so important for stomach sleepers. But if you're after something a little softer, check out the deals in our Labor Day mattress sales hub.

Why the Plank Firm is my favorite mattress for stomach sleepers

Stomach sleepers, there may not be many of us but we know there's nothing more comfortable than burrowing into your bed face first. However, stomach sleeping does come with a (fairly major) downside. It's hell on your back.

The best firm mattresses help offset that problem. On a softer bed, stomach sleepers will often find their body sinks at the hips. This puts strain on your muscles, as they work overtime to keep your spine aloft.

But firm beds hold the spine straight. By maintaining natural alignment, your body can relax and you'll wake up feeling fresh. For that reason, most of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers are firm.

It's not just stomach sleepers who can benefit from a firm mattress. Back sleepers often need extra support at the spine, while even some side sleepers (particularly those with a heavier build) can appreciate firm support.

And when it comes to firm, even support, no mattress has impressed me like the Plank Firm.

Well. Maybe these two came close...

More firm mattresses I've tried and loved

Labor Day mattress sales 2026: More deals at a glance

• Saatva Classic – best overall: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress – dorm room savior: From $173 at Amazon
• Helix Midnight Luxe – best for side sleepers: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic – best value: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
• Bear Elite Hybrid – best cooling: From $1,298 (was $1,998.80) with TOMS40 code at Bear
• Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro – best value cooling: From $652 (was $932) at Brooklyn Bedding
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud and smart base – best bundle deal: From $1,718.40 (was $2,598) at Tempur-Pedic
• Avocado Green – best organic: From $1,279 (was $1,599) at Avocado
• Purple Plus - best for joint pain relief: From $1,280 (was $1,599) at Purple

Labor Day is here, marking one of the best dates in the diary to invest in a new mattress. Our top recommendation? $400 off all sizes of the Saatva Classic mattress at Saatva, taking a queen down to $1,829 from $2,229. That's an incredible saving we don't expect to see again until Black Friday in November.

The Saatva Classic is the best mattress we're ever tested, earning an unprecedented 5 stars during our rigorous lab testing process. Quality construction from premium materials, customizable height and firmness options, and outstanding comfort for practically every type of sleeper make it our clear winner.

While some Labor Day mattress sales are the same discounts we see all year round but with different labeling, the Saatva mattress sale is different. There's $400 off today, but we expect prices to shoot back up tomorrow. So if you want to buy the Classic at this lower price, you'll have to be quick.

The Saatva Classic is the best mattress you can buy this Labor Day

With a price tag in the region of $2k for a queen, the Saatva Classic is certainly an investment. However, after testing (and re-testing) it, we can confidently say it's the best hybrid mattress on the market in 2026.

It's crafted from high quality and largely organic materials in the States, resulting in a superior product that's been painstakingly engineered to offer unbeatable comfort and support. Yes, it's expensive — but, when you take into account the craftsmanship that's gone into it, it's still excellent value for money.

Comfortable and supportive for (almost) every type of sleeper

With its cream and gold design, the Saatva Classic wouldn't look out of place in a luxury 5-star hotel. However, it's what's going on under the covers that impressed us most during testing.

The Classic does everything you would expect from the best luxury mattress on the market — and to a very high standard. Whether you're a side, back or stomach sleeper, you can choose from a plush soft, luxury firm or firm tension to ensure your Classic suits your sleep style.

We tested a luxury firm and felt the stress melt away from our shoulders, hips and knees, while our backs remained comfortably supported. The pressure relief in both back and side sleeping positions is unbeatable.

Support around the edge of the bed is phenomenal, making it the best Saatva mattress for anyone with impaired mobility who needs to sit before standing. For a hybrid mattress (which tend to skew on the bouncier side) motion isolation is superb, which means that movement is dampened before traveling across the surface of the bed (and that's good news for couples).

Despite not being a cooling mattress per se, our testing shows that the Classic boasts excellent temperature regulation. That means you're highly unlikely to wake up hot or sweaty, and instead maintain a comfortable and stable sleep temperature.

The bottom line is that the Classic is our top recommendation because it out-performs every other mattress on the market — it's that simple.

Looking for something with a higher weight capacity? Try this deal instead...

Labor Day mattress sales 2026: More top deals at a glance

• Saatva Classic – best overall: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress – dorm room savior: From $173 at Amazon
• Helix Midnight Luxe – best for side sleepers: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic – best value: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
• Bear Elite Hybrid – best cooling: From $1,298 (was $1,998.80) with TOMS40 code at Bear
• Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro – best value cooling: From $652 (was $932) at Brooklyn Bedding
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud and smart base – best bundle deal: From $1,718.40 (was $2,598) at Tempur-Pedic
• Avocado Green – best organic: From $1,279 (was $1,599) at Avocado
• Purple Plus - best for joint pain relief: From $1,280 (was $1,599) at Purple

Labor Day is here, making now one of the best times to invest in a new mattress for less — and I've got my eye on a certain Sleep Number smart bed. The ComfortNext Lux Mattress, now up to $1,284.75 at Sleep Number, is a smart mattress designed to provide advanced relief to side sleeper's shoulders and hips.

This year's best mattresses balance comfort and support, and the ComfortNext Lux does just that. Like most picks in our best smart mattress guide, the ComfortNext Lux boasts adjustable firmness, with 100 different firmness levels to choose from.

We're in the process of reviewing this bed, but our lead tester has already reported that he's waking up "more refreshed and with less joint pain." Today's your last chance to shop the Labor Day mattress sales before prices go back up, so let's take a closer look at this deal...

Advanced comfort to side sleepers and couples...

The brand describes the ComfortNext Lux as possessing "superior" pressure relief, aiming to reduce build-up in key side sleeper pressure points: shoulders, hips and knees.

Its 100 adjustable firmness levels acknowledge that firmness is subjective, with some side sleepers needing firmer comfort than others. Plus, back and stomach sleepers should be pleased that the ComfortNext Lux is built to provide good lumbar support.

As for bed-sharing couples, the good news is that you can select your own firmness settings independent of the other side of the bed. This means that if your partner prefers a firmer bed while you like a softer mattress (or vice versa), you can choose your respective firmness levels and cancel the sleep divorce.

Looking for something a little cheaper?

Labor Day mattress sales 2026: More top deals at a glance

• Saatva Classic – best overall: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress – dorm room savior: From $173 at Amazon
• Helix Midnight Luxe – best for side sleepers: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic – best value: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
• Bear Elite Hybrid – best cooling: From $1,298 (was $1,998.80) with TOMS40 code at Bear
• Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro – best value cooling: From $652 (was $932) at Brooklyn Bedding
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud and smart base – best bundle deal: From $1,718.40 (was $2,598) at Tempur-Pedic
• Avocado Green – best organic: From $1,279 (was $1,599) at Avocado
• Purple Plus - best for joint pain relief: From $1,280 (was $1,599) at Purple

The Labor Day sales are underway, bringing with them scores of mattresses at heavily discounted prices. However, the sheer volume of deals can feel overwhelming sometimes. But if you’re someone who sleeps on your side, don't worry. I’m here to help.

I’ve tested many of the best mattresses for side sleepers from every major brand and there’s only three I’d consider buying this holiday — and they span from $399.99 to $1,874 for a queen.

A bigger budget undoubtedly unlocks more choice, but you don't have to spend a fortune to pick up a superbly comfortable mattress in the Labor Day mattress sales. Keep scrolling for the only three specialist side sleeper beds I'd consider buying...

1. SweetNight CoolNest

Along with the other side sleeping members of our mattress testing panel, I was suitably impressed by the SweetNight CoolNest, a comfortable and supportive memory mattress with a permanent sub-$400 queen sale price. Right now, you can buy a queen CoolNest for $399.99 at SweetNight, down from an MSRP of $599.99.

The CoolNest is made up of five thick foam layers and stands 12" tall (but is also available to buy in depths of 14" and 16".) That height is significant, as a mattress depth of between 12" and 14" is considered optimum for supporting the side sleeping position.

The lead tester in our SweetNight CoolNest mattress review, a side and back sleeper weighing under 130lbs, found that the flexibility and 'give' of the foams cradled her shoulders, hips and knees when side sleeping. Crucially as a combination sleeper, she found it also supported her lumbar when lying on her back.

In our pressure relief tests we placed a a 25kg weight at the shoulder and hip area of the mattress — the touch points of the bed when side sleeping — and awarded the CoolNest a score of 3.7/5. That's a strong performance. The indentation depth combined with quick recovery time suggests that as well as effectively relieving pressure along the shoulders and hips, this mattress is responsive. So you won't feel trapped in its foams.

However, as the name suggest, the main USP of the CoolNest is its cooling credentials. Its top foam layer is packed with heat dissipating PCM materials, a specialist technology usually found in only the best cooling mattresses. For three weeks our lead tester slept comfortably on the CoolNest during a hotter than average summer, so you're unlikely to overheat on it.

2. Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress

Nectar is one of the most recognizable sleep brands in America, and the 13" Premier Memory Foam offers full body cradling comfort with an indulgent feel that most side sleepers will appreciate. You can buy a queen Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress for $999 at Nectar, down from the 'total value' price of $2,316. (This is the same Nectar mattress sale we see all year round, but is still outstanding value for money).

After putting the Premier through its paces in our Sleep Lab, we rate it as the best memory foam mattress you can buy for most people. However, it was most popular among the side sleeping members of our testing panel, as the top comfort layers of memory foam contour around your shoulders, hips and knees to relieve pressure.

Like the SweetNight above and the Luxe below, the Premier delivers on providing ample pressure relief for side sleepers while being supportive enough for back sleepers too. Whether you're a combination sleeper or you share a bed with someone who sleeps predominantly on their back, a sturdy base layer of dense foams will prevent either of you sinking too low.

After enduring one of the hottest summers many of us can remember, temperature regulation will likely also be a key consideration when shopping this Labor Day. Despite memory foam mattresses being renowned for trapping body heat, our Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress review outlines how the breathable cover does a great job of wicking away heat while you sleep.

However, the SweetNight memory foam mattress above scored an excellent 4/5 in our lab tests for temperature regulation, compared to the Premier's respectable 3.5/5. That means if you're a side sleeper who runs hot and you're wedded to the idea of a memory foam mattress, the SweetNight will likely be a cooler choice.

If you have a bigger budget and you're open to the idea of one of the best hybrid mattresses, the breathable Luxe below is potentially the coolest option. While it also scored a 4/5 for temperature control, it comes with two cooling upgrade options, including a GlacioTex cover and graphite-infused foams to draw heat from the body.

Temperature aside, the Premier's dense foam layers do an excellent job of dampening motion across the surface of the mattress — which is great news for anyone who shares a bed. Support around the edge of the bed is good enough for most sleepers, but those with mobility issues will require something sturdier, like the SweetNight above.

3. Helix Midnight Luxe

The Helix Midnight Luxe has been rigorously tested and re-tested and it's still our overall top choice for side sleepers, thanks to its outrageously comfortable feel at the hips and shoulders. We rate it as the second best mattress you can buy online, fighting off stiff competition from over 140 other mattresses (the Saatva Classic takes the top spot, if you're wondering).

The Helix is a luxury hybrid mattress, which means it's made from a blend of coils (for support) and soothing foams (for cushioning). The result? A 13.5" tall mattress that looks like it's been lifted straight out of a luxury hotel. But you don't have to book a holiday to sleep on it — the current 25% off Helix mattress sale means you can take home a queen Helix Midnight Luxe for $1,874 at Helix, down from $2,498.66.

I know from extensive mattress testing that if a bed is too firm it will lead to a build up of pressure in the shoulders and hips. Meanwhile, a mattress that is too soft could cause your spine to dip out of alignment, which can cause back pain.

As I rave about in my Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review, the Luxe hits the right notes for side sleepers; its plush pillow top provides oodles of pressure relief, while its coil support system prevents you from sinking too deeply.

After sleeping on it for the best part of two years, the Luxe is also an excellent choice for back sleepers. Targeted lumbar support means it fills and supports the 'S' shape of your back, making it one of the best mattresses for back pain you can buy.

While I found its temperature regulation to be reliable, there's two cooling upgrades for very hot sleepers. Edge support is excellent and it also dampens motion effectively, which is good news for wriggly and restless couples. In fact, it's the only mattress my husband and I have ever agreed on.

I never put much thought into choosing bedding. Typically I'd pick my bed sheets based on price and color, never bothering to check things like thread count or material composition. That is, until I started waking up at 3 a.m. feeling stuffy, sweaty, and overheated.

Night sweats aren't something I usually deal with, so I initially blamed my awakenings on this summer's hot weather. Then I started testing a cool, crisp cotton bedding set. It put an end to my 3 a.m. wake ups and made me realize that my bedding was behind my disrupted sleep all along.

If you're thinking of buying some breathable sheets to help you sleep cooler, you've picked an excellent time. Today's Labor Day sleep and mattress sales are in full swing, with excellent deals on sheets we've tested and recommend. But first, here's the classic bedding mistake I made and how I fixed it....

The classic bedding mistake I made...

If you're anything like me, you probably buy the sheets that catch your eye when it's time to replace your old bedding.

And as you browse through the bed sheet selection on Amazon, Target, or Walmart, you'll find some cheap sets earning praise for their softness and wrinkle-free appearance. Sounds perfect, right?

However, the low price and smooth look are usually down to a certain material: polyester. This material comes in different types, including microfiber and polycotton blends, and is sometimes described as "cotton-like".

Now, there are a lot of advantages to polyester, such as its affordability, durability, and low maintenance. (Take a look at the pros list in our Utopia Bedding Sheet Set review.)

However, the downside is that polyester is not a breathable fabric. In other words, its notorious for trapping body heat.

I came to learn this the hard way when I was plagued by sweaty night-time awakenings throughout summer (and even during the colder months). And that's because my polyester sheets — even ones with a cotton blend — didn't have enough temperature regulation. Hot air was getting trapped in the material and causing me to overheat.

How I fixed it...

I must admit, I fixed my bedding mistake by accident. I like the look of the Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set, now from $119.25 at Brooklinen and decided to test it out.

I never realized what switching to 100% cotton could do to your sleep until I made the swap. Cotton is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, and when a bed sheet is pure cotton instead of a polycotton mixture, you can feel the difference.

In this case, I used sheets made from percale cotton, a crisp, matte-look weave known for its fresh, hotel feel.

Other naturally breathable bedding materials you can try include linen, bamboo viscose (like the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set), and natural silk. Tencel, though technically a semi-synthetic material, is also great at cooling.

3 top-rated breathable bedding Labor Day deals

Synthetic materials to avoid...

Of course, it's not just polyester that you should avoid. Other bedding material that can cause night sweats are nylon, satin, and acrylic. Nylon blends are often found in glossy sheets, quilts and travel blankets, while acrylic is found in faux fur blankets, bedspreads and throws.

Meanwhile, satin is often used for pillowcases to make them more skin-friendly and to reduce hair frizz. Satin pillowcases are often used as a cheaper alternative to silk pillowcase, but unlike silk, satin is synthetic and can retain heat.

If you're a side sleeper hunting for a mattress this Labor Day, you'll need something that offers tonnes of soothing relief in the shoulders and hips. However, that doesn't mean you need to splurge on a luxury mattress — and our lab tests actually prove it.

One of the best mattresses on the market offers incredible comfort for side sleeping and is always under $1,000 for a queen. The Nectar Premier, now $999 for a queen at Nectar, a mid-range memory foam mattress from a popular bed-in-a-box brand. Taking on the Nectar is the budget-friendly SweetNight CoolNest Mattress, just $360 for a queen at SweetNight thanks to an extra 10% discount for Labor Day .

Both offer plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers, but which one should you buy in the Labor Day mattress sales? I've been on the testing panel for both the Nectar Premier and the SweetNight CoolNest, so I'm going to use my first-hand experience to compare both all-foam beds in terms of price, pressure relief, and sleep comfort. Here's what I found...

• 7 best Labor Day mattress sales I'd shop this weekend — from $179

Nectar Premier vs SweetNight CoolNest: Labor Day sales compared

• A queen CoolNest costs $360, while a queen Premier is $999
• Both brands usually stick to regular sale prices, even during Labor Day events
• Nectar has longer benefits, offering a forever warranty and 1-year trial

There's quite a noticeable price difference between the Nectar Premier and the SweetNight CoolNest, with both falling into different price tiers. The Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress is one of the best mattresses under $1,000 for a queen (you'll never see it for over $999 in this size) and lands in the mid-range category.

Meanwhile, the SweetNight CoolNest 12" Memory Foam Mattress is pretty much always $399.99 in a queen, making it one of the best cheap mattresses on the market. However, for Labor Day, there's now an extra 10% off added at checkout, which takes a queen to $360. This budget price tag is particularly impressive when you remember it's a dedicated cooling model, which tend to cost over a $1,000 more for a queen.

However, Nectar boasts the more generous benefits, offering a 365-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping and returns. SweetNight, on the other hand, throw in a 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty, and free shipping and returns.

These are perfectly adequate extras (100 nights is enough time to know that a mattress is right for you and even the best memory foam mattresses don't tend to last over 10 years) but completely average in the online mattress world.

As for regular mattress sales, both brands keep their prices discounted but static. While we have seen flash sales at both, they're rare and unpredictable, so it's not necessary to hold out for a major sale.

Nectar Premier vs SweetNight CoolNest: Pressure relief

• The CoolNest offers more cushioning relief in side sleeper's hips
• The CoolNest also has a quicker response time for ease of movement
• Both offer ample pressure relief in the shoulder region for side sleepers

Nectar Premier vs SweetNight CoolNest: pressure relief test results

The deeper the indentation and faster the response time, the better the ability of a mattress to relieve pressure

Hip indentation (25kg)Shoulder indentation (25kg)Hip recovery time (25kg)Shoulder recovery time (25kg)

SweetNight CoolNest

4.375

Nectar Premier

4

012345

inches

Hip indentation (25kg) Data

Product	Value
SweetNight CoolNest	4.375
Nectar Premier	4

SweetNight CoolNest

4

Nectar Premier

4.25

012345

inches

Shoulder indentation (25kg) Data

Product	Value
SweetNight CoolNest	4
Nectar Premier	4.25

SweetNight CoolNest

2

Nectar Premier

5

012345

seconds

Hip recovery time (25kg) Data

Product	Value
SweetNight CoolNest	2
Nectar Premier	5

SweetNight CoolNest

2

Nectar Premier

3.5

01234

seconds

Shoulder recovery time (25kg) Data

Product	Value
SweetNight CoolNest	2
Nectar Premier	3.5

Pressure relief is a term to describe a mattress's ability to soothe major pressure points, with the main side sleeper touch points being the shoulders, hips, and knees.

To measure each mattress's pressure relief for side sleepers, we placed a 25kg weight on the shoulder and hip regions of both mattress. We then measured how deep the indentation of the weight was, and how quickly the mattress bounced back when the weight was removed. The deeper the indentation and faster the response time, the better the ability of a mattress to relieve pressure.

The Nectar had a shoulder indentation measuring 4.25" and the SweetNight's measured at 4". Both illustrated excellent pressure relief at the shoulders, but the SweetNight exhibited a hip indentation 0.375" deeper with a depth of 4.375".

Both offered plenty of sinkage for side sleeping, but the SweetNight really stood out when testing response times. The Nectar Premier took 3 seconds longer to regain its shape in the hip region and 1.5 seconds longer in the shoulder region.

As per our mattress methodology, we also conducted subjective pressure relief tests. I was the lead tester for the SweetNight CoolNest Mattress Review, and I always feel the most comfortable when side and back sleeping (as did my fellow mattress testers). As part of the testing for the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress review, I also praised the Premier's back and side sleeper comfort.

Overall, these are two of the best mattresses for side sleepers, and our lab tests show that the budget CoolNest can pack slightly more pressure relief than the mid-range Nectar Premier.

Nectar Premier vs SweetNight CoolNest: Sleep comfort

• The CoolNest, a cooling model, offers better temperature regulation
• The Premier is better at absorbing a restless partner's movements
• The CoolNest has stronger edges for sitting, sleeping, and getting out of bed

We test sleep comfort in three key areas: motion isolation, edge support, and temperature regulation.

For the latter, the CoolNest is a specialist cooling mattress, containing heat-dissipating materials that are found in some of the best cooling mattresses on the market. Our tests showed that while the budget bed absorbed a high level of body heat when lying on it, it also displayed a fast rapid cooling rate. Our tests recorded a cooling rate of 2.1°F/min in our thermal imaging tests, compared to the Premier's 0.9°F/min.

However, the Nectar Premier did absorb less body heat, with a maximum temperature increase (MTI) of 8.1F compared to the CoolNest's MTI of 15.2°F. The Nectar Premier also returned to its original temperature 15 minutes after I climbed off it.

However, after combining our objective lab data with our subjective thoughts, we awarded the CoolNest a 4 out of 5 for temperature regulation. Meanwhile, we awarded the Premier a 3.5 out of 5 in this area.

To me (and others on the testing panel) the CoolNest felt immediately cool to the touch. I slept on the CoolNest throughout a series of heatwaves (with no AC) and I never once felt overheated.

Still, the Nectar Premier performed better in our motion isolation tests (which measure how well a mattress dampens a restless partner's movements), scoring a 4 out of 5 compared to the CoolNest's 3.5. When we measured the initial impact (IIA) of a 5KG slam ball being dropped on each bed using an accelerometer, the Nectar Premier came out on top. The Premier's IIA was 7.961m/s2 compared to an IIA of 17.162 m/s2 for the SweetNight.

The decay rate (how long it took each mattress to reduce the IIA) was faster in the CoolNest, however, taking 1.442 seconds. The Premier took 2.546 seconds. In our subjective tests, we found that both mattresses would be great choice for light sleepers who share a bed.

When measuring how supportive the edges were, we, we placed a 25kg weight 3" away from the edge of each mattress and measured how far it sank (the deeper it sinks, the less stable the edges). Both sank the same amount on the foot of the bed, with the SweetNIght's indentation measuring just 0.375" deeper at the sides.

We also measure the amount of usable sleep space each mattress surface has by seeing how close to the edge we could get before rolling out of bed.

We found that 99.04% of the SweetNight could be used as a sleep space, while 97.5% of the Nectar Premier was usable sleep space. Combing the results of weight tests and roll-off tests, the Nectar Premier scored 4 out of 5 for edge support while the SweetNight CoolNest scored 4.5 out of 5.

The decay rate (how long it took each mattress to reduce the IIA) was faster in the CoolNest, however, taking 1.442 seconds. The Premier took 2.546 seconds. In our subjective tests, we found that both mattresses would be great choice for light sleepers who share a bed.

When measuring how supportive the edges were, we, we placed a 25kg weight 3" away from the edge of each mattress and measured how far it sank (the deeper it sinks, the less stable the edges). Both sank the same amount on the foot of the bed, with the SweetNIght's indentation measuring just 0.375" deeper at the sides.

We also measure the amount of usable sleep space each mattress surface has by seeing how close to the edge we could get before rolling out of bed.

We found that 99.04% of the SweetNight could be used as a sleep space, while 97.5% of the Nectar Premier was usable sleep space. Combing the results of weight tests and roll-off tests, the Nectar Premier scored 4 out of 5 for edge support while the SweetNight CoolNest scored 4.5 out of 5.

Nectar Premier vs SweetNight CoolNest: Which should you buy?

Buy the Nectar Premier if...

✅ You share a bed: The Nectar Premier is great at absorbing a restless co-sleeper's movements, making it a great choice for light sleepers.

✅ You want a twin, twin XL, or Cal King: SweetNight only currently stocks a full, queen, and king size in the CoolNest.

✅ You want a longer sleep trial and warranty: Nectar offers industry-leading benefits with all their mattresses, including a forever warranty and a sleep trial that lasts an entire year.

Buy the Sweetnight CoolNest if...

✅ You're a side sleeper: The SweetNight CoolNest packs plenty of cushioning comfort for key side sleeper pressure points: shoulders, hips, and knees.

✅ You want cooler comfort: The CoolNest is a specialist cooling model that quickly dissipates heat and feels cool to the touch.

✅ You want to save some money: The CoolNest is $500 cheaper than the Premier in a queen size.

Labor Day weekend is here, making right now an excellent time to invest in a luxury bed for less. Such as the return of the $400 off all sizes of the Saatva Classic at Saatva, which brings the price of a queen down to $1,829 from $2,229. That's a superb saving.

With sales from some of our favorite sleep brands driving prices down and closer within our price range, there's no better time to invest in the best mattresses for your sleep needs.

You don't have to spend a fortune on a mattress to get a great night's sleep, nor does an expensive mattress automatically mean it's a good bed. However, a healthy budget certainly helps. I've handpicked the below beds are the luxury beds that are worth the splurge in the Labor Day mattress sales.

Labor Day mattress sales 2026: 3 luxury deals

Why it's worth the splurge: The Saatva Classic is the only mattress we've awarded 5 stars during testing — ever. That's why we've awarded it the best hybrid mattress of 2026 (among plenty of other accolades). Put simply, the Classic does everything you would except from a mattress and to an incredibly high standard.

It offers top tier pressure relief to irradicate pain along the touch points of the mattress, as well as sturdy edges all around the perimeter (which is very important for those with impaired mobility). It sleeps temperature neutral (you're unlikely to ever overheat on the Classic) and dampens movement from anyone you share a bed with.

Why it's worth the splurge: For me, the Helix Midnight Luxe is the pinnacle of what you should expect from one of the most luxurious mattresses on the market. Its pillow top gently contours around the touch points of the bed, helping you to rest comfortably on your side all night long (no hip pain here).

Like the Saatva above and DreamCloud below, it's a well-crafted quality bed that best suits to both side and back sleepers. As well as blissful pressure relief, it offers superb spinal support, which is great news for anyone with back pain.

Why it's worth the splurge: With its squishy pillow top, the DreamCloud Ultra is a mattress you'll sink right into — but not so much that you'll ever feel unsupported. I have recurrent back pain but the Ultra Hybrid comfortably cradled and supported my lumbar whether sleeping on my side or back.

Be warned, it's plush foams will make you feel slightly like you're being held hostage. If you move around a lot in your sleep, you'll be better off on something more responsive, like the Saatva at #1. But if, like me, you like to sink right into your mattress, the Ultra is an excellent option from a brand we love.

Labor Day mattress sales 2026: More deals

• Saatva Classic – best overall: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress – dorm room savior: From $173 at Amazon
• Helix Midnight Luxe – best for side sleepers: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic – best value: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
• Bear Elite Hybrid – best cooling: From $1,298 (was $1,998.80) with TOMS40 code at Bear
• Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro – best value cooling: From $652 (was $932) at Brooklyn Bedding
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud and smart base – best bundle deal: From $1,718.40 (was $2,598) at Tempur-Pedic
• Avocado Green – best organic: From $1,279 (was $1,599) at Avocado
• Purple Plus - best for joint pain relief: From $1,280 (was $1,599) at Purple

My life as a mattress tester means I'm sleeping on a cheap memory foam bed one month and then a luxury hybrid mattress the next — and this experience has made me realize that price isn't always a good indicator of comfort. For example, the CoolNest Memory Foam Mattress, now down to $360 (was $599) in a queen at SweetNight, is a budget mattress whose cooling comfort has impressed me more than some of the luxury hybrids I've slept on.

Yes, most of the beds that grace this year's best mattress guide are luxury hybrids. But I've tested plenty of mattresses that offer exceptional support and comfort for under $500 in a queen. For instance, I'm currently testing the CopperFlex Essential, now $489.30 (was $699) in a queen at Brooklyn Bedding, and it's great for lighter weight side sleepers like me.

So, now that the Labor Day mattress sales are well and truly upon us, I've rounded up the my favorite mattresses under $500 in a queen. Here's why I loved testing them and why you should buy them before Labor Day weekend is up...

• 7 best Labor Day mattress sales I'd shop this weekend — from $179

Labor Day mattress sales: At a glance

• Saatva Classic – best overall: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress – dorm room savior: From $173 at Amazon
• Helix Midnight Luxe – best for side sleepers: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic – best value: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
• Bear Elite Hybrid – best cooling: From $1,298 (was $1,998.80) with TOMS40 code at Bear
• Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro – best value cooling: From $652 (was $932) at Brooklyn Bedding
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud and smart base – best bundle deal: From $1,718.40 (was $2,598) at Tempur-Pedic
• Avocado Green – best organic: From $1,279 (was $1,599) at Avocado
• Purple Plus - best for joint pain relief: From $1,280 (was $1,599) at Purple

Labor Day sales: 3 budget mattress deals to shop now

To me, there's nothing better than getting into freshly washed bed sheets, but I recently discovered that my newly cleaned bedding was getting dirty again after just one night.

Why? According to infection prevention expert Dr. Shanina C. Knighton, PhD, RN, CIC, bringing these three key everyday items into bed at night can turn freshly washed sheets into a hotbed of bacteria. allergens, and germs.

So if you want cleaner bed sheets for longer, here are the three specific items Dr. Knighton keeps out of her bed – and would advise you to, too...

• Read more: 5 habits turning your pillows yellow — and how to keep them brilliant white for longer

What an infection expert bans from her bedroom for cleaner sheets

To help keep your sheets cleaner for longer, Dr. Knighton recommends you keep these three thinks far away from your bed.

1. Your phone

Whether it's for a sneaky pre-bed scroll or so you can check your messages first thing, many of us keep our phone close to hand at bedtime. But Dr. Knighton says that it's a magnet for things that have no place in the bedroom.

"People bring a filthy phone to bed, 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," explains Dr. Knighton. "A smartphone surface is one of the dirtiest things most people own, and they bring it right up to where they sleep."

Leaving your smartphone out of the bedroom not only locks out germs, but also keeps you away from numerous sleep disruptors. Light, sound, and social media temptation are all banished, alongside any nasties clinging to the surface.

2. Outside clothes

After a long day sometimes all you want to do is collapse directly onto the bed. But Dr. Knighton warns you should never let your outside clothes into your sleep space.

"I do not sit on the bed in [outside clothes], I do not sleep in them, and I do not sit them on or near the bed," she says.

Like your phone, your outside clothes pick up dust and grime throughout the day. And we're not just talking about the obvious coffee spills and dirty cuffs. Sweat, body oils, and other air pollutions can all get trapped in the fabrics before rubbing onto your bed.

"Whatever my outdoor clothes and my phone touched during the day stays out of the space where I sleep," says Dr. Knighton.

3. Bare feet

"Slippers are not optional in my house and serve a purpose beyond just comfort," says Dr. Knighton. "This is one people do not think about. If you allow outside shoes indoors, or you have pets, the floor is carrying everything that came in from outside."

The same goes for anyone who wears socks around the house and then sits on the bed in those exact same socks.

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

How little habits contribute to a dirty bed — and why it matters

Your pillows, comforter and mattress are already the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, as Dr. Knighton previously explained to Tom's Guide.

Now add on an explosion of grime and allergens — that's what happens when you bring your phone, outside clothes, and bare feet into the bedroom.

Dr. Knighton explains that for most, this dirt build-up can cause "odor, breakouts, skin irritation, or allergy and asthma flares." But if you have broken skin or a weakened immune system, the hours of close contact with dirty bedding can lead to more serious problems, including a "real infection risk for the immunocompromised."

How often should you wash your bed sheets?

Dr. Knighton recommends washing your bed sheets at least once a week in summer. This helps prevent a build up of dirt, grime and moisture. Heavier items, such as pillows, comforters and duvets should be washed every couple of months.

She recommends washing at a temperature of 130°F/54°C at least, turning it up to 140°F/60°C if you're worried about dust mites. However, always check the care instructions on your bedding first, as some materials can't handle high temperatures.

Missing the comfort and relaxation you enjoyed on vacation? With 25% off all mattresses and toppers from Marriott, you can bring luxury hotel-style sleep home with you. As a mattress tester and sleep writer, I think these premium Labor Day deals that are worth the splurge.

The best mattresses we've tested impressed us by delivering comfort night after night. The mattresses used by hotels have to provide that same service for every guest that passes through the door and, in many cases, offer a luxury feel to match the price you paid for the room.

Typically made with premium materials to ensure durability and all-round comfort, hotel mattresses are never cheap. But in the Labor Day mattress sales you can enjoy vacation-ready comfort for less. Just what you need as we wave goodbye to summer and get back to reality.

Looking for something less expensive? Try this...

With the arrival of September, you’re probably noticing that the high temperatures seen across the US this summer are starting to drop, and the days are gradually getting a little shorter. But as fall settles in you may also notice changes to your sleep, as with cooler weather and less sunlight can also come sleep problems.

“There are several changes that can happen to our lifestyle, weather and daylight hours as the weather gets cooler, all of which can impact our sleep,” chartered psychologist, neuroscientist and globally renowned sleep expert Dr. Lindsay Browning tells Tom’s Guide.

Here, Dr. Browning has shared five common sleep problems people experience from the onset of fall and beyond — including one that affects an estimated 410 million people globally — and her tips for how to manage them.

Plus, we’ve rounded up 5 products that can help combat these issues. And the great news is they’re all currently on offer in the Labor Day sleep and mattress sales, with up to 40% off.

• 7 best Labor Day mattress sales I'd shop this weekend — from $179

How can the onset of fall impact our sleep?

If you’ve experienced problems with your sleep from September onwards, you might be wondering what’s actually behind them.

“Light in particular is a powerful cue for our circadian rhythm and, with poorer weather and reduced exposure to daylight, this can contribute to some people feeling more sleepy or sluggish during the daytime, and for some people this is associated with lower mood and changes to their sleep,” explains Dr. Browning.

Lifestyle changes associated with the colder months can also impact your sleep at night, with the sleep expert explaining that “the increased stress, socialising and alcohol consumption during the festive period… can also negatively affect sleep.”

It’s not entirely bad news though, as Dr. Browning explains that “not everyone’s sleep is worse in the autumn and winter.” She points to research published in the scientific journal Nature, that includes studies showing people slept for slightly longer in autumn and winter months.

However, the psychologist adds: “If you are significantly struggling with your sleep or you notice persistent changes to your mood affecting your ability to function, please speak to your [doctor].”

5 common fall sleep problems

We spoke to Dr. Browning to find out what kind of sleep problems people can experience from September through December, particularly as fall begins, and why they can occur.

1. Reduced physical activity impacts sleep

As Dr. Browning points out, “regular physical activity is associated with better sleep,” but from fall onwards we may not do as much exercise, which can affect our sleep.

“With increasing poor weather of autumn and winter compared to the summer, people may be less inclined to go outside to exercise, and the reducing daylight hours may make it more difficult to stay active after work,” the sleep expert explains.

Several studies have shown the relationship between a lack of exercise and lower sleep quality. One study found that “‘poor’ sleep quality is associated with ‘insufficient’ physical activity,” while another study discovered that “a high percentage of people who reported low physical activity also reported poor sleep quality on the PSQI [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index].”

On the flip side, research has shown that exercise can have a variety of positive effects on sleep, from increasing melatonin production, to reducing stress (which can negatively impact sleep), improving sleep quality and duration and even contributing to the reduction of sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia.

2. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

“Some people can experience a form of depression associated with the reduced light levels of autumn and winter called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This can cause low mood and sleeping problems including insomnia or excessive sleeping,” Dr. Browning tells Tom’s Guide.

Other sleep issues SAD can cause include affecting the quality of your sleep, daytime tiredness and feeling groggy upon waking. Outside of sleep, symptoms may be anxiety, being less able to focus or think clearly, headaches, social withdrawal, and increased appetite and weight gain, per John Hopkins Medicine.

It's a condition that affects a huge number of people; a large-scale review of research into SAD found that 5% of people globally have the condition. While that statistic might not look large at first glance, the current global population is around 8.2 billion according to the US Census Bureau, which means that around 410 million people around the world are living with SAD.

If you are experiencing symptoms of SAD, Dr. Browning notes that you may “require support from your [doctor],” so it’s important to speak to a medical professional for advice.

3. Increased illness affects sleep

“Autumn and winter can be associated with an increase in colds and flu, both of which can impact sleep due to congestion, coughing or feeling unwell,” Dr. Browning explains.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, “colds, flus and other respiratory illnesses are often more common in colder months,” while research has shown how disruptive colds and flu can be on sleep.

One study performed a large survey of adults suffering with colds and flu in Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Russia, U.S. and found that the vast majority woke up “at least once at night due to their symptoms.”

So why exactly is sleeping with a cold so difficult? "When laying down, the mucus cannot drain in the same way it would when gravity is helping, leading to disturbed breathing or a cough caused by post-nasal drip,” Dr. Browning previously explained.

4. The clocks go back in fall

Although this issue technically won’t occur until later in the fall, it’s still worth being aware of how the clocks “falling back” on November 1 this year may affect your sleep.

Though this seasonal clock change means we get an extra hour of shut-eye, “some people may notice a slight change to their sleep,” says Dr. Browning.

Our bodies naturally operate on a 24-hour clock, known as our circadian rhythm, and even a one hour time change can disrupt that rhythm and cause dysregulation in the release of sleep hormones like melatonin and cortisol.

For example, you may notice that after the clocks fall back you have difficulty falling asleep or are waking up earlier, or that you’re experiencing nighttime awakenings.

But the sleep expert explains that any sleep problems caused by the clock change are generally “a temporary issue,” and according to The Sleep Foundation, effects of the clocks falling back on sleep typically ease over the subsequent days or weeks.

And there’s more good news; Dr. Browning explains “the reality is that the autumn clock change is less disruptive than the spring one, since this one is where people gain an additional hour in bed.”

5. Increased alcohol consumption

From Labor Day celebrations at the beginning of September, to Halloween parties, Thanksgiving and the arrival of the holiday season, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in a little more alcohol than usual from fall through winter.

“As autumn turns into winter, the festive period arrives. This season is when many people find themselves drinking more alcohol than usual, and alcohol can fragment sleep,” Dr. Browning explains.

You may find that a few glasses of wine initially seems to help you drop off to sleep, but the sedative effect of alcohol belies how it actually impacts the quality of your rest.

Once the alcohol in your body is metabolized, you’ll likely find yourself waking up during the night as a result of the cortisol that’s released during this process. Plus, alcohol can reduce REM sleep both in the first half of your night’s sleep, or across the whole night, according to research.

Dr. Browning’s tips for minimizing these sleep problems

• Get early morning sunlight: “One of the best things you can do to combat any potential sleep disruption is to actively seek out natural daylight during the day. Get outside, particularly in the morning where possible, to help anchor your circadian rhythm and support daytime alertness and a healthy sleep at night.”

• Stick to consistent wake times: “Another thing you can do to help your sleep in the autumn and winter is to try to keep your wake time relatively consistent. Long lie-ins can reduce your opportunity for morning light exposure and can shift your sleep timing even later.”
• Stay active: “Try to keep physically active despite the poor weather. Although you may not be able to go out for a run due to poor weather or increased darkness, consider staying active in another way such as an indoor sport.”

The sleep tech that can help

If you find yourself experiencing any of the sleep problems above from September onwards, these products can help you get a good night’s rest — and even better, Labor Day sales are here, so they’re all currently discounted.

Labor Day weekend is here, bringing with it excellent savings on mattresses we've tested and love. My top pick of the deals is 25% off the Helix Midnight Luxe at Helix, which brings a queen down to $1,874 from $2,498.66. That's an excellent saving.

The Midnight Luxe is one of the best mattresses we've tested as a team, but is also my number 1 personal recommendation for side sleepers like me. It's plush but responsive and contours around the shoulders, hips and knees to obliterate any build up of pressure.

I first tested the Midnight Luxe over two years ago, and it's still the mattress I return to in between testing other models. It's the only mattress my husband (a heavier back sleeper) and I have agreed on. At 25% off in the Labor Day mattress sales, now is your chance to snap up the Midnight Luxe before it shoots up in price.

• 7 best Labor Day mattress sales I'd shop this weekend — from $179

Why the Midnight Luxe is an investment in your sleep

Even after 25% off, $1,874 for a queen mattress is an enormous investment. However, provided that you can afford it, I personally believe the Helix Midnight Luxe is one of the best investments in your sleep.

As someone with recurrent lower back pain and prone to waking in the night with dead, achy hips, the Midnight Luxe — with its plush pillow top and zoned lumbar support — helps support my spine when both back and side sleeping and eradicates hip and shoulder pain entirely, helping me sleep better and for longer. That's why it's also one of the best mattresses for back pain you can buy.

This is my subjective option, and what is comfortable for me might not be quite as comfortable for you (stomach sleepers, for example, will require something firmer). However, we recently lab tested the Helix Midnight Luxe as part of our new mattress testing methodology.

This included focusing specifically on key areas of performance including pressure relief, edge support, motion isolation and temperature regulation.

The results confirmed what I have writing for years; the Helix Midnight Luxe is the best mattress for side sleepers you can buy. It aced our pressure relief tests, scoring an impressive 4.5/5. That means it delivers the right amount of sink for most people who sleep on their sides, providing body contouring support across the shoulders, hips and knees.

Of course, for a mattress to be comfortable all year round, it needs to deliver on all key areas of performance.

In terms of cooling prowess, the Midnight Luxe scored 4/5 in our temperature regulation tests, which means it provides adequate temperature regulation for most people. However, hot sleepers have two cooling option upgrades available; a GlacioTex cooling cover, and a GlacioTex Cooling cover and a CoolForce cooling layer.

Edge support is reliable, which means you can sit or sleep comfortably up to the bed's edge without it dipping or sagging beneath you. Meanwhile, motion isolation is excellent. My husband and I often go to bed at different times and we rarely disturb each other — and that's another big win for our sleep.

In short, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent allrounder that delivers on superb comfort and support, resulting in better sleep. What more could you ask for?

Bigger budget? Try this...

Labor Day mattress sales 2026: The best deals at a glance

• Saatva Classic – best overall: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress – dorm room savior: From $173 at Amazon
• Helix Midnight Luxe – best for side sleepers: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic – best value: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
• Bear Elite Hybrid – best cooling: From $1,298 (was $1,998.80) with TOMS40 code at Bear
• Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro – best value cooling: From $652 (was $932) at Brooklyn Bedding
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud and smart base – best bundle deal: From $1,718.40 (was $2,598) at Tempur-Pedic
• Avocado Green – best organic: From $1,279 (was $1,599) at Avocado
• Purple Plus - best for joint pain relief: From $1,280 (was $1,599) at Purple

I've tested plenty of mattresses, and I find that some of the best ones for side sleeping are made entirely of memory foam. For instance, I'm currently sleeping on the all-foam 10" queen CopperFlex Essential Mattress, now $489.30 at Brooklyn Bedding(was $699) and it cushions me exceptionally well whenever I sleep on my side.

Memory foam beds are no longer considered second to hybrid mattresses, with plenty of all-foam models populating our best mattress of 2026 guide. All-foam models also tend to be less expensive than their hybrid counterparts, which is why the CopperFlex Essential Mattress is Brooklyn Bedding's cheapest bed.

After months stuck at 25% off, the CopperFlex Essential is now 30% off for this weekend's Labor Day mattress sales. I predict that this discount won't stick around long after Labor Day weekend, so now is your last chance to buy at such a low price.

• 7 best Labor Day mattress sales I'd shop this weekend — from $179

How to choose the height of your CopperFlex Essential...

The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Essential comes in five different heights; 6", 8", 10", 12", or 14". When choosing mattress height, I always spring for a 10" mattress, as this height supports most adult sleepers and doesn't feel too low or too tall.

Brooklyn Bedding also describes the 10" height as medium-firm, which is usually the most crowd-pleasing firmness levels at it balances comfort and support.

The 6" and 8" heights are cheaper (a 6" queen CopperFlex Essential is $366.80), but I'd only reccomend getting these heights for temporary use, such as for guest rooms or growing kids and teens.

The taller heights (12" or 14") tend to be better for plus-sized adults, couples, families, and side sleepers who want more sink-in softness.

Looking for something cheaper? Try this...

Labor Day mattress sales 2026: The best deals at a glance

• Saatva Classic – best overall: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress – dorm room savior: From $173 at Amazon
• Helix Midnight Luxe – best for side sleepers: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic – best value: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
• Bear Elite Hybrid – best cooling: From $1,298 (was $1,998.80) with TOMS40 code at Bear
• Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro – best value cooling: From $652 (was $932) at Brooklyn Bedding
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud and smart base – best bundle deal: From $1,718.40 (was $2,598) at Tempur-Pedic
• Avocado Green – best organic: From $1,279 (was $1,599) at Avocado
• Purple Plus - best for joint pain relief: From $1,280 (was $1,599) at Purple

I've been tracking the Labor Day mattress sales for three years, so I know that this holiday weekend marks one of the best times of the year to buy a new bed. Labor Day 2026 is no different, with the return of the hugely popular $400 off all sizes of the Saatva Classic mattress at Saatva.

After vigorous testing, we name named the Saatva Classic as our No 1 choice in this year's best mattress guide. But it's not the only bed currently on sale we've tested and loved. Our top cooling pick is also back down to its lowest price, with our exclusive 40% discount code TOMS40 returning to help you save up to $1,028 on the ultra-cooling Elite Hybrid at Bear Mattress.

In fact, all the mattresses I recommend buying this Labor Day weekend rundown have been slept on and tested either by me or my fellow expert mattress testers. So here's what I'd shop in this weekend's Labor Day mattress sales.

Labor Day mattress sales 2026: The best deals at a glance

• Saatva Classic – best overall: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress – dorm room savior: From $173 at Amazon
• Helix Midnight Luxe – best for side sleepers: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic – best value: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
• Bear Elite Hybrid – best cooling: From $1,298 (was $1,998.80) with TOMS40 code at Bear
• Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro – best value cooling: From $652 (was $932) at Brooklyn Bedding
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud and smart base – best bundle deal: From $1,718.40 (was $2,598) at Tempur-Pedic
• Avocado Green – best organic: From $1,279 (was $1,599) at Avocado
• Purple Plus - best for joint pain relief: From $1,280 (was $1,599) at Purple

7 best Labor Day mattress sales

I'm a mattress tester and no bed has impressed me quite like the Saatva's flagship luxury hybrid. After trying the Saatva Classic, now $400 off when you follow our links to shop at Saatva, I can confirm it's so worth the splurge.

So why the Saatva Classic over all the deals you can shop in the Labor Day mattress sales? Not only does the Classic top our guide to the best mattresses for all sleepers, but it does so after earning full marks from our testing team. When it comes to comfort and support, this mattress goes above and beyond.

And with the Saatva Labor Day sales underway, a queen is now just $1,829 (down from $2,229 at Saatva.) If you need more convincing, I'll explain why the Saatva Classic mattress is the bed I recommend to everyone shopping the sales below.

• 7 best Labor Day mattress sales I'd shop this weekend — from $179

3 reasons why the Saatva Classic is 5-star hotel luxury in a mattress

1. It's available in three firmness levels

During our rigorous mattress testing, the Saatva Classic impressed with its support and pressure relief. The dual-coil design and lumbar quilting reduces strain on the spine, while the responsive surface cushions the hips and shoulder.

But Saatva takes this crowd pleasing design one step further. Available in three firmness levels — Plush Soft, Luxury Firm and Firm — there's a Saatva Classic mattress for almost everybody.

The only sleepers we don't recommend the Saatva Classic to are those weighing over 300lbs. The Classic has a relatively limited weight capacity so if you fall into this category, we recommend the WinkBed Plus instead.

2. It's made from premium materials

The Saatva Classic is crafted from 13-gauge tempered steel coils, high-density foams, a natural plant-based flame barrier and organic cotton, finished with a Guardin antimicrobial treatment.

It looks like it should be the focal point of a luxury resort. It's almost a shame to dress the Saatva Classic mattress in bed sheets.

High-quality materials also add to the durability of a Saatva mattress. We've been very hands-on with the Saatva Classic — and shipped it cross-continent — and it still looks near perfect. Factor in a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty, and you can expect many years of good sleep from the Classic.

3. It comes with free white glove delivery

Nothing says luxury quite like sitting back and letting other people do the work. And take it from someone who does this for a living; setting up a mattress is hard work.

But Saatva mattresses come with free white glove delivery. All you need to do is coordinate a delivery day and Saatva will send a team to install your new mattress and remove any packaging, as well as your old mattress (old mattress removal needs to be requested in advance.)

This is a service that regularly costs $199+ from other brands, so it's a real perk that Saatva throws it in for free. And if you've been eyeing up the Classic as one of the best mattresses for back pain, this is one way to reduce the strain on your spine.

On a tighter budget? Try these...

If you've recently moved into your dorm with an uncomfortable mattress, you don't have to suffer through your first semester. There are plenty of bed-softening mattress topper deals in this month's Labor Day sales. In fact, a twin XL CopperWELL Mattress Topper, now down to $144 (was $179.99) at Molecule, offers cooling side-sleeper comfort in a rare sale.

The CopperWELL Mattress Topper is our No 1 cooling pick in this year's best mattress toppers guide, but there are plenty of cheaper options if you don't want to spend over $100 on a twin XL mattress topper. The Linenspa Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper, now $36.55 in a twin XL with code TAKE15, is perfect for smaller budgets.

So, here's a roundup of the top five deals on mattress toppers for dorm beds. Plus, if you're looking to upgrade your dorm space even further with a new mattress, you'll find a lot of budget-friendly bed discounts in the Labor Day mattress sales.

• 7 best Labor Day mattress sales I'd shop this weekend — from $179

I’m a sleep tester based in Texas, so I know how big a role your mattress can play when it comes to waking up in a hot sweat or not. Two of the most naturally cooling beds I've ever tested both come from Saatva, the brand behind the best mattress you can buy online.

The Saatva Zenhaven and Saatva Latex Hybrid are both crafted from top notch natural materials like organic latex, which is toxic free, more supportive, and best of all — more breathable and cooling. Even better? both are $400 off all sizes in this month's Saatva mattress sales.

To be frank, both beds offer a similar temperature neutral sleep, free of sweat and heat. However, one performs slightly better in terms of isolating movement across the surface of the mattress and support around the bed's perimeter (which is great for couples). But the other has another trick up it's sleeve.

So how to choose between them in this weekend's Saatva Labor Day sale? Read below for my full comparison.

Saatva Latex Hybrid vs Saatva Zenhaven mattress: Specs at a glance