Club Benefits
We’ve tested over 125 mattresses to date, and several of the best are made by Helix, Bear, Brooklyn Bedding, Birch, Plank, and Nolah. We’ve rounded up our faves here to help you find the right one for your budget and sleep needs, and because each of them comes with a trial of at least 100 nights, you'll have plenty of time to try yours at home.
We conduct seven rigorous tests in our lab to capture objective data on the four areas of a mattress that most affect your sleep comfort: pressure relief, temperature, motion isolation, and edge support. We also sleep on each mattress for three weeks at home. Read our full methodology here.
Even the best mattresses need to be replaced every seven to ten years, so if your bed is approaching the seven-year mark and you keep waking up in discomfort, then it’s time to replace your mattress.
Those are key signs that your current mattress is unlikely to be providing the same level of support it used to.
A good mattress should support your back and spine, keeping you in healthy alignment while you sleep. You'll get all that, plus great pressure relief and temperature regulation, from each of the top mattresses ranked here.
Our top picks: At a glance
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
In a rush? These are the best Helix, Bear, Brooklyn Bedding, Nolah, Birch, and Plank mattresses for every type of sleeper and budget, according to our testing:
The best mattress for side sleepers
We've tested (and retested) the Helix Midnight Luxe multiple times during the last two years. In our experience, the Helix Midnight Luxe is the complete package for the majority of side sleepers seeking the perfect blend of comfort and support.
The plush pillow top delivers an immediate hit of cushioning, while the strong core ensures you don't sink too low. Our lead tester didn't experience the 'dead hip' she's prone to developing when resting on her side for too long.
As well as offering outstanding pressure relief for those who sleep on their sides, the Luxe also does all the little things incredibly well. It regulates temperatures effectively (although very hot sleepers have two cooling upgrade options — more on that below), isolates motion across the surface of the mattress for calmer, less disturbed sleep, and provides sturdy support right up to the edges.
Zero pressure, hero comfort
The cushy upper layers soothe pressure points (shoulders, hips, and knees) while the supportive core and zoned lumbar support encourages good posture to avoid back pain. Plus, those who require sturdier support for their back have the option to upgrade to the ErgoAlign support layer (an extra $249.33 at full MSRP for a queen), which includes denser foam in the mid-section.
With a medium tension, the Helix Midnight Luxe yields a balanced, comfortable experience for side sleepers. However, the targeted support for the spine and sturdy hybrid construction means it's supremely comfortable for back sleepers, too. In fact, one side-sleeping member of our testing panel preferred the Luxe for back sleeping.
Our testers didn't overheat on the Midnight Luxe with the standard Tencel cover. However, hot sleepers can add a GlacioTex cover along with a CoolForce layer crafted from graphite ribbons, but these upgrades add up, putting it over the cost of the ultra cooling Bear Elite (below).
With the MSRP of $2,373 for a queen, the Luxe is a premium purchase that we think is justified. However, if you're looking for a flavor of what the Luxe offers (outstanding support for side sleepers and reliable temperature regulation) for less, we recommend the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro (#3)
Read our Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review
The best cooling mattress
The Bear Elite Hybrid is the best cooling mattress we've tested, beating off stiff competition thanks to its extremely efficient dissipation of heat. It works differently to the other top-rated beds here, using copper-infused foam and the optional Celliant cover to create active temperature control.
Temperature control is the stand-out feature in the Bear Elite Hybrid with Celliant-infused cover (a $92 add-on). With the upgrade, this places the luxury hybrid in line with its direct competitors, including the Luxe (#1). However, with three firmness options (we tested the medium) and excellent pressure relief, the Bear is well worth the price ($2,487 for a queen at full MSRP).
In our lab tests, the Bear rapidly absorbed the highest amount of heat out of all the mattresses we tested under our new methodology, then just as rapidly dissipated it, returning to its original temperature in just three minutes, making it an excellent option for chronically hot sleepers.
Our lead reviewer, Eve Davies, backs up our lab data. She remained cool through the night, even after exercise — and her peri-menopausal mom had the same experience.
Cooler than a cucumber on ice
The Bear Elite’s zoned support is also very effective at preventing pressure from building up, earning it a 4.6/5 score for pressure relief. Our panel agreed it’s a great choice for side and combination sleepers.
However, it has comparatively high motion transfer, taking over three seconds to dampen movement in our tests (the slowest of our top five), so light sleepers with restless partners might be disturbed.
And if you need very strong edges for getting in or out of bed, choose the Luxe above instead. Our panel could lie right up to the edges on the Bear, but the outer edge of the perimeter couldn’t support a 25kg weight in our standardized test without collapsing, indicating weaker edge support.
If sitting or sleeping right up to the edge of the bed isn't hugely important for you, the Bear is an excellent option for chronic hot sleepers, heavier couples (the firm model can support over 1,000lbs) and for those with back pain (like the Luxe, you can expect zoned lumbar support for superb back pain relief.)
Read our Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review
3. The best pillowtop mattress
Pillowtops are considered a luxury feature — you'll find them on most of the mattresses used in hotels — making the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid incredible value for what you get. Features like zoned lumbar support, cooling tech and an indulgent 14-inch height are usually confined to the best luxury mattresses but the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid comes in at under $1,000 for a queen.
Pillowtops are more than just an attractive feature; they add a boost of cushioning that places the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid among the best mattresses we've tested for side sleepers. When our lead tester lay on her side, she felt a slight sink to relieve pressure at the shoulders, hips and knees, while the ample support makes it a top rated choice for back sleepers.
A coils base combined with a layer of zoned lumbar support foam eliminates pressure from the lower back and contours to your spine, keeping the body aligned and the hips lifted. Ultimately, our lead tester felt supported the whole night.
Unlike other, pricier pillowtop mattresses (such as the Bear Elite), the CopperFlex Pro is only available in one feel. However, Brooklyn Bedding describes it as a 7 out of 10, or medium firm, and our expert panel of testers agree it's comfortable for most back and side sleepers.
A plush hotel feel for less
A huge perk of the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro mattress is its cooling abilities. The pillowtop cover is made using GlacioTex, a material designed to draws heat away from the body to keep a neutral feel all-night. Our lead tester described the "cool to touch" feel as the first thing she noticed.
Paired with copper-infused foam that helps to regulate temperature, we never overheated when sleeping on this mattress (even during a heatwave.) These are features we expect from top rated cooling mattresses, so they're a big plus at this price point.
Beneath the pilowtop is an impressively sturdy coil base, which gives the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid a bit of bounce; it's easy to move around and change position. However, the cushioned top absorbs excess movement making it suitable for bed sharers.
Even the best pillowtop mattresses sometimes struggle with edge support — the added foams can collapse under your weight — but our testing team felt comfortable sitting and lying on the sides of the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid.
However, it can be a bit of a clamber to get up on this 14-inch beast of a bed. If you have limited mobility, you might prefer the slimmer (and cheaper) CopperFlex Hybrid mattress original.
4. The best firm mattress
Our pick for the best firm mattress overall, you’re basically getting two beds for one with the Plank Firm due to its flippable design. One side is marked firm (8 out of 10 on the firmness scale), and the other is extra firm (10 out of 10) — this side is the firmest mattress we've ever tested.
Our lead tester confirmed this is a top pick if you want a firm mattress that will hold the body straight from head to toe. The extra firm side is suited to stomach and back sleepers who want as little give as possible. We rate it as one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers you can buy.
Flip to the firm side and you have a little more cushioning — this side is more of an all-rounder and should appeal to heavier side sleepers (230lbs and above.) However, for strict side sleepers, the Plank Firm is likely to be too hard at the shoulders and hips.
Endorsed by chiropractors
But if you experience lower back pain, the Plank is a fantastic option with firm lumbar support to keep your spine aligned and hips lifted. No wonder it's endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
We love the simple design, featuring a 6-inch core of high-density foam for support, a layer of comfort foam, and a quilted top on the firm side. The extra firm side merely knocks out the comfort layer.
The motion isolation is excellent, as is the edge support. That's good news if you like to stretch out or you lean on the mattress to get out of bed in the morning.
With a price tag under $1,000 for a queen when on sale, we feel the Plank Firm is very competitive for a specialist mattress — you won't find much else like this on the market.
- Read our Plank Firm mattress review
5. The best cooling organic mattress
The Birch Luxe Natural is our top cooling choice for eco-conscious shoppers who want to invest in a durable, non-toxic organic mattress. Yes, the Bear Elite (#2) is our top cooling choice, but the Birch Luxe harnesses the cooling properties of latex for a naturally breathable bed.
Our top choice for hot sleepers in our guide to the best organic mattresses, the Birch Luxe makes good use of organic wool, latex, and cotton to add temperature regulation to this chemical-free, tech-free design.
Our lead reviewer, Lauren Jeffries, loved how the springy, supportive latex foam let her move around with ease, calling the Birch Luxe "a dream for combination sleepers like me".
She found that the Birch Luxe's cooling properties were top notch, with the bed feeling "incredibly fresh every day". Objective tests found the edges to be supportive for sleeping, with the foot of the bed being the only part that lacked edge support, which shouldn't affect sleep comfort. Overall, a great 4.5-star mattress for anyone who wants to invest in a sustainable sleep.
Cleaner, cooler sleep
In regards to temperature control, the Birch Luxe mattress performed at its best. Our review awarded the mattress 5 out of 5 stars for temperature regulation, an excellent score considering the Birch Luxe is not a dedicated cooling model.
Our lead testers said she had "never once woken up feeling sweaty or clammy, like I previously had on my foam mattress", which she chalks up to the hybrid, latex design. However, she says that those who experience intense hot flashes or night sweats should spring for the Bear Elite.
As for edge support, our reviewers praised how the Birch Luxe "remains supportive to the edges", even if we had to deduct points for the weak spot at foot of the bed. Our verdict said the Birch Luxe "offered a perfect balance of pressure relief and support", so its medium-firm feel is best suited to back and side sleepers.
Our lead reviewer felt the cushioning Euro top is a little too plush to support stomach sleepers, however. Meanwhile, the durable latex may be a little too firm for side sleepers under 130lbs. That said, we think the Birch Luxe is a perfect investment ($1,968 for a queen) for most side and back sleepers who want a supportive, long-lasting latex mattress.
- Read our Birch Luxe Natural mattress review
6. The best mattress for heavy side sleepers
The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ is a hybrid mattress in a box with a design and weight capacity that's best suited to heavy people who weigh over 250lbs. It's made from organic cotton, foam and coils, and delivers a breathable, slightly bouncy and responsive feel. This is a mattress that's easy to get in and out of.
The Evolution Comfort+ stands at 13 inches tall and sports six internal layers of supportive foam, along with a tier of reinforced HD Max coils for robust spinal support. It's designed to evenly distribute body weight to prevent build up of pressure in any one area, leading to deeper, more comfortable sleep for longer.
While the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ supports all sleeping positions, we think this quilted Euro-top bed is especially well-suited to heavier side sleepers. That's in part thanks to the enhanced flexibility at the shoulders, with ample cradling for those key impact points when you sleep on your side.
Built to last
As you'd expect from Nolah's best mattress for heavy people, the Evolution Comfort+ uses durable materials built to offer substantial support over a longer period. These include thicker (compared to the average Nolah) mattress coils that are stronger and more durable.
A great selection of foams are on hand to gently cradle your body while you sleep, with responsive foam ensuring the mattress adapts to your curves through the night to keep aches and pains at bay. This isn't a mattress you will sink into – it's designed to keep your hips and spine in healthy alignment to prevent dipping – but you will feel a gentle contouring.
The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ also has an organic cotton cover that works in tandem with those airflow-boosting coils to keep you at a good temperature for sleeping. Organic cotton is also naturally sweat-wicking, which is good news if you're dealing with night sweats.
There's also the option of upgrading to a cooling pillowtop version (from $140). However we also recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid (see number 2) with Celliant infused cover if you're a chronic overheater.
- Read more: What is the Nolah Evolution Comfort+
Can I return my mattress if I don't like it?
Yes, you can return any mattress bought online from Helix, Bear, Nolah, Plank, and Brooklyn Bedding, as each brand offers a sleep trial.
This means you can test the mattress for yourself at home, for the period of time offered under each brand's sleep trial, to make sure it's right for you.
If you change your mind, or you want to exchange the mattress for a different firmness level (if available) or a different model (check the brand's returns and exchanges policy before you buy), then you can do so for free as long as you are still within the timeframe of the sleep trial.
Here are the length of mattress trials offered by each brand:
- Helix Sleep – 120 nights
- Brooklyn Bedding – 120 nights
- Bear Mattress – 120 nights
- Nolah Sleep – 120 nights
- Plank Mattress – 120 nights
Each brand offers free shipping to your door, as well as free returns and exchanges as long as you are still within the sleep trial (sometimes called a comfort trial) timeframe.
