Club Benefits
Memory foam mattresses are best known as a slab of marshmallow comfort for you to sink into, but nowadays mattress brands have found ways to transform humble memory foam into a supportive, soothing and, yes, even cooling material, to ensure there's a memory foam mattress for every type of sleep style.
And we've tested many of them in our quest to find the best mattresses you can buy online in 2026. In our Sleep Lab we explore the key metrics in which every mattress needs to perform and for a memory foam mattress, we expect to see good motion isolation and pressure relief. But that doesn't mean they can skimp on temperature regulation and edge support if they want to make it into this guide.
Below are the memory foam mattresses that truly impressed, whether that's with traditional foam cushioned comfort or a firm feel that goes against the grain — like we said, there's something for everyone to shop in this month's mattress sales.
How we test memory foam mattresses
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.
Our mattress methodology consists of seven robust tests conducted in our Sleep Lab to capture objective data on the areas of a mattress that most affect your sleep comfort: pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation and edge support. We also sleep on a mattress for at least three weeks and receive feedback from an expert testing panel. Finally we assess value for money and user scores before feeding data into our bespoke scoring system to create an overall review score. See all our mattress reviews here.
Best memory foam mattress overall
What do you expect from a memory foam mattress? For most of us, it's a bed that slowly envelops the body in a cradling hug. That's what you get from the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress and at $949 for a queen, it delivers that classic feel at a highly competitive price.
Temperature regulation: 3.5/5
Pressure relief: 3.24/5
Motion isolation: 4/5
Edge support: 4/5
We perform a series of mattress tests on every bed we review and we'll be honest, the Nectar Premier doesn't knock it out of the park in any single metric. But it does deliver a performance that impressed all-round, includes areas memory foam beds are traditionally weak in. The temperature regulation is good (3.5/5), staying comfortably neutral on warm nights, while strong edges (4/5) allow you to use the entire sleep surface. The dense foams absorb motion, so you can sleep peacefully, while cradling the body to reduce aches at the hips and shoulders. However, support is variable; good for side sleepers but too soft for front sleepers and some of our back sleeping testers.
For all that pressure relief turned up a level, we recommend the DreamCloud Luxe Memory Foam. It's pricier at $1,599 for a queen but offers more of that sink-in coziness. Or for softer foams on a budget, try the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress. It's not as breathable or supportive as the Nectar Premier, but it's also much cheaper. Or to avoid soft foams altogether, consider Nectar's entry-level Classic mattress.
It's side sleepers who will find the most comfort in the Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress, although many back sleepers will enjoy the body-contouring feel. At $949 in the ever-present Nectar mattress sale, it's a good choice for anyone who wants the traditional memory foam feel without splashing out for pricey Tempur-Pedic beds — or sweating through the night on a cheap all-foam mattress.
Best cheap memory foam mattress
The Nectar Premier is the best mattress for side sleepers in this guide but at $949 for a queen, we recognize it might be out of budget for many. The Zinus Green Tea is an affordable alternative (seriously — you can often get a queen for around $200 on Amazon), a cheap all-foam mattress that shines when it comes to cloud-like pressure relief.
Temperature regulation: 3/5
Pressure relief: 4/5
Motion isolation: 4.5/5
Edge support: 2.5/5
The squishy foams of the Zinus had some stumbles during our mattress testing process, starting with temperature regulation; our tester often woke up having to kick the covers off. Edge support is also a weak point, with our lead tester literally sliding out of bed on more than one morning. However, those plush foams do come with dual benefits. For a start, the pressure relief is delightfully cozy for side sleepers, particularly those of a lighter build. And the motion isolation is fantastic (even if changing position is tricky.)
If edge support and temperature regulation are deal breakers, we recommend the Siena mattress instead. It's also the better choice for back and stomach sleepers (the Zinus simply lacks the support needed at the lumbar.) Alternatively, consider the EGOHOME Black. It's not as soft (or as cheap) but our lead tester is a lightweight side sleeper and she loved the cushioning.
For those who have the budget, we do recommend upgrading to the Nectar Premier for an all-round stronger performance. But if you're trying to save money, the Zinus has a full-body hug that side sleepers should love. It's always a budget-friendly bed if you shop on Amazon but if you're in no rush to buy, wait for the queen price to drop over $200 — it happens every couple of weeks.
Best luxury memory foam mattress
The DreamCloud Luxe Memory Foam mattress is a luxurious all-foam mattress and despite the premium $1,599 price tag for a queen, we think the indulgent feel makes it excellent value for money. It's more affordable than similar luxury mattresses such as the Saatva Contour5 or the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt, but in turn it does sleep hot.
Temperature regulation: 3.6/5
Pressure relief: 2.75/5
Motion isolation: 3.5/5
Edge support: 3.7/5
At this price tag we expect the DreamCloud Luxe to perform well in all our mattress testing criteria but there are, admittedly, some shortcomings. Primarily temperature regulation, as the dense, slow moving foams have a tendency to trap heat. But they also eat up movement, meaning our lead tester couldn't feel her husband climb into bed when she was already tucked up asleep. In terms of pressure relief, the Luxe offers all the contouring and less of the support. For side sleepers, that means no pressure build-up at the shoulders and hips, but back and stomach sleepers will want more support at the lumbar. Similarly, the edge support is decent (3.7/5) but you might find yourself sliding off the edges when you put your shoes on.
For luxury alternatives, it's hard to look past Saatva, the brand behind the best luxury mattress we've tested (that's the hybrid Saatva Classic.) The Saatva Contour5 has a cooler feel than the DreamCloud but less of the marshmallow soft body-contouring; a better luxury choice for back sleepers. Those on a tighter budget should consider the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex or the DreamCloud Classic Memory Foam — a touch of indulgence for under $1,000.
If you're a side sleeper and you want a mattress you can sink into at the end of a trying day, the DreamCloud Luxe has a lot going for it, including soft pressure relief to take the strain of aching joints. However, it does sleep warm and lacks the lumbar support back and stomach sleepers will need. But at $1,599 for a queen in the year-round DreamCloud mattress sale, it's surprisingly good value for a bed this indulgent.
Best memory foam mattress for hot sleepers
Memory foam mattresses have a long-standing reputation for sleeping warm and it's not entirely unearned — dense foams do trap heat. But the Cocoon by Sealy Chill is a memory foam mattress that reduces heat build-up through the use of gel-infused foams and phase change materials, so you can enjoy memory foam cushioning without the sweating. Even better, it's a budget-friendly choice.
Temperature regulation: 4/5
Pressure relief: 3.5/5
Motion isolation: 4.5/5
Edge support: 3.5/5
As an affordable all-foam bed the Cocoon by Sealy is never going to deliver the chill feel of the very best cooling mattresses but it did keep our testing team a comfortable neutral temperature even on warm nights. And it's not just cooling that impressed during our testing; the firm feel gives full-body support even if it lacks the body-contouring of softer foam beds (and it's a little weaker at the edges, if you like to starfish.) As expected from a memory foam mattress, the motion isolation is also strong, should your cat decides to jump on the bed at 3 a.m.
For chronic hot sleepers, we recommend upgrading to the GhostBed Memory Foam Luxe mattress. It delivers better temperature regulation but be warned, it's a premium buy. Alternatively, the Puffy Cloud Mattress has a similar feel to the Cocoon by Sealy, as does the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex, including a cooler finish. They're a touch more expensive but in turn you also get a more luxurious design.
Hot sleepers don't have to shy away from memory foam any more thanks to innovations in cooling materials and the Cocoon by Sealy is proof. The firm feel means you aren't getting the traditional memory foam 'hug' but in turn, a lack of contouring helps maintain the cooler feel (less places for warmth to get trapped.) Cocoon's sales are all over the place ranging from free bedding, to VISA gift cards, to nothing at all but we have a cheat code: use COCOON35 to save at checkout year-round.
Best memory foam mattress for side sleepers
Memory foam mattresses typically have a feel to suit lying on your side — all that cushioning can be great at the shoulders and hips — and the Leesa Original exemplifies what we expect to see in a side sleeper mattress. The dense foams deliver body contouring similar to premium beds (*cough* Tempur-Pedic *cough*), but at a mid-range price tag.
Temperature regulation: 4/5
Pressure relief: 4/5
Motion isolation: 4.5/5
Edge support: 2.5/5
Our lead tester described the Leesa Original as having a "squishy cushioning and adaptive feel" — that basically means it cradles the body to prevent pressure building up in one area. That's great for side sleepers and the Leesa's supportive core makes it comfortable for back sleepers as well (less hip sinkage.) The motion isolation is excellent, which we'd expect from an all-foam bed, and the temperature regulation is decent but hot sleepers will likely find it holds onto some heat. However, edge support is weak and you might find yourself slipping when you sit on the sides.
The Nectar Premier beats out the Leesa to our top-spot thanks to its superior edge support and better benefits (a 365-night trial vs 120 nights), but the Leesa is slightly softer. For budget shoppers, the Zinus is an alternative with a similar feel. Or for something more luxurious, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt offers the "legendary" pressure relief associated with classic memory foam.
Most side sleepers know the discomfort of waking up to a tingling arm but the Leesa Original aims to keep this to a minimum, thanks to its "oodles" of pressure relief. It feels luxuriously dense and if you can wait for a holiday, expect a 30% off sale to drop the price of a queen to around $929. There's plenty of support for back sleepers as well and, combined with the great motion isolation, it's a good choice for couples. However, it does lack all-round support in comparison to its rival the Nectar Premier.
Best memory foam mattress for back sleepers
If you want a classic memory foam feel you'll find plenty of it with the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress. Tempur Materials are the original memory foam, developed from NASA foams to create cozy cushioning that immediately hugs your body. It's a feel Tempur-Pedic describes as "legendary" and while many brands imitate it, few get it spot on. But if you want the original, you'll have to pay a high price (literally, it's a premium bed.)
Temperature regulation: 2/5
Pressure relief: 4.5/5
Motion isolation: 4.5/5
Edge support: 3.5/5
The Tempur-Adapt strikes a balance of relief and support that eased the aches of our testing team (including a tester with chronic pain.) Side sleepers might find it takes a few days to break in, but back sleepers can expect comfort from the get-go. The motion isolation is also top-notch, with our tested praising how the foam absorbed "virtually every movement." But there is an elephant in the room: temperature regulation. Tempur-Pedic beds have a reputation for sleeping hot and the Tempur-Adapt is no exception, earning a 2/5 from our testing team.
If you want more affordable body cradling, the Nectar Premier and Leesa Original are mid-range alternatives. There's also the Zinus, if you want a budget choice, but be aware it lacks the support of the other options. For hot sleepers, consider the GhostBed Luxe or splash out on the Tempur-Breeze (from $3,899 at Tempur-Pedic.)
It's almost impossible to mention memory foam and not talk about Tempur-Pedic and the Tempur-Adapt exemplifies what we expect from a classic foam feel: a full-body hug that leaves you weightless. However, the temperature regulation is a big sticking point, as even non-hot sleepers are likely to wake up warm. If that's a problem you can overlook, be advised that Tempur-Pedic sales are regular but fleeting; if you spot money off, don't wait to buy.
Best memory foam mattress for stomach sleepers
Think of a memory foam mattress and you probably imagine yourself sinking into soft foams. That's not what you get with the Plank. This double-sided bed is firm on one side, extra firm on the other, with exceptional support that lifts the body from tip to toe. It's unlike almost any memory foam mattress out there and justifies its typical $999 price tag for a queen with a unique (but divisive feel.)
Temperature regulation: 3.5/5
Pressure relief: 3.5/5
Motion isolation: 4.5/5
Edge support: 5/5
Testing pressure relief on the Plank mattress is tricky. The best beds create relief via cushioning and support. The Plank, on the other hand, is pretty much all about the support, particularly on the Extra Firm side (the Firm side has a little more padding.) As a result back and stomach sleepers will feel minimal strain on the spine but side sleepers are going to wake up with sore shoulders. One advantage of this firmness is incredible edge support — our tester could starfish off the sides — and even the motion isolation is good. However, we were surprised at how much heat those unyielding foams retained, so expect some warm mornings.
The Plank is one of the best firm mattresses but the Siena is an excellent alternative if you want support on a budget. Alternatively, mattresses like the Nectar Classic and Puffy Cloud offer a firm feel without the extremes of the Plank. And if the words 'Plank' and 'comfort' sound like oxymorons to you, we recommend sticking with the cushioning of the Nectar Premier.
As a super firm mattress the Plank won't appeal to everyone and it definitely won't suit most side sleepers (although thanks to a 950lb mattress weight capacity, it's a good pick for side sleepers with a heavy build.) But it's a unique bed and that Extra Firm side really does keep every vertebrae of your spine lifted. Regular Plank mattress sales knock a queen under $1,000 and you won't find anything else like it at that price.
Best firm memory foam mattress
When we put the Siena Signature through our intense mattress review process, we weren't expecting a performance like this. At just $294 for a queen it sits firmly in the budget category but this affordable mattress outperformed beds several time its price. Particularly when it comes to support, as this firm mattress holds the spine lifted and aligned.
Temperature regulation: 3.3/5
Pressure relief: 3.8/5
Motion isolation: 4.6/5
Edge support: 4/5
As a cheaper foam bed we assumed the Siena would fall short at temperature regulation (foam has a reputation for trapping heat) and while it doesn't compare to something like the Cocoon by Sealy Chill, it does keep a relatively neutral feel all night (3.3/5.) However the real highlight is motion isolation: scoring 4.6/5, this bed absorbs nearly all of your co-sleepers tossing and turning. The edge support is excellent (4/5) and thanks to the firm feel you can lie right up to the sides. That firmness provides the whole mattress with sturdy support which is good news for back and stomach sleepers but side sleepers will likely want something softer.
Speaking of which: the Zinus Green Tea is a similarly priced alternative that delivers the softer pressure relief side sleepers will need. However, we suspect both beds will have issues with durability. If you want something with a longer lifespan, we recommend upgrading to the Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress. At $649 for a queen it's more expensive but you should make your money back in terms of usage.
For anyone looking to buy a mattress on a budget, you'll struggle to get better than the Siena — it's our best cheap mattress for good reason. And it's always a good price, as Siena mattress sales run year-round. However, while it's one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers and back sleepers, side sleepers might prefer to opt for the Zinus, sacrificing the temperature regulation and edge support for softer pressure relief.
Best breathable memory foam mattress with deep cradling comfort
The Saatva Contour5 transforms memory foam into a luxury material, creating an indulgent, pressure relieving hug without the temperature build-up. With two firmness levels to choose from it suits every sleep style but the price tag can be a stumbling block — a queen has an MSRP of $3,649 but Saatva mattress sales are common
Temperature regulation: 4/5
Pressure relief: 4.5/5
Motion isolation: 4.5/5
Edge support: 3/5
The Saatva Contour5 comes in two mattress firmness levels, which is rare for a memory foam bed but does give it more versatility. Our lead reviewer described the Medium model as the "best pressure relief of all the mattresses they've tested" but due to some slight hip pressure build-up, the Soft model might better suit dedicated side sleepers. This body-hugging bed earned the bed its 'contour' monicker and despite the "cradling softness", there's almost no heat build-up. The motion isolation was similarly praised but the edges are slightly too soft to sit comfortably on the side. It's not a major issue but for this price, we'd expect better.
The Saatva Contour5 is a cooler alternative to the Tempur-Adapt Mattress but it's also significantly more expensive. If you like the body-hug and don't mind the heat build-up, the Tempur-Adapt will save you money. On the other hand, if overheating is a major concern and you're happy to sacrifice some luxury, the GhostBed Luxe is a breathable, body-hugging alternative.
Saatva makes some of the best luxury mattresses on the market and the Contour5 elevates memory foam to an indulgent material. With two firmness levels it will suit pretty much every sleep style and the excellent temperature regulation is a benefit to anyone who wants to feel hugged without overheating. However, you have to splash out — even in the frequent Saatva mattress sales, it's the most expensive bed in this guide by a wide margin.
The Nectar Premier has proved once again that no bed can beat it when it comes to a traditional foam feel on a budget. However, the Leesa Original has returned to this guide as a potential alternative, while the recently tested DreamCloud Luxe earns a spot as a luxury choice.
Also tested
How we test memory foam mattresses
At Tom's Guide we're always researching and testing new memory foam mattresses so we can confidently recommend the best. Our review process is editorially independent and our team of expert testers use a set criteria to ensure you get a well-rounded, unbiased opinion. Only the top ranked memory foam mattresses make it into this guide.
In our specialist sleep studio we test mattresses for key performance aspects including support and pressure relief. Each test is supervised by experts and we compare data across mattresses to best understand the results.
Comfort is a vital metric when choosing a memory foam mattress but it's also highly subjective. To create an objective understanding of how much pressure relief you can expect from a foam mattress, we use a series of weight tests. We place 25kg and 10kg weights in the sleeping areas and, using a laser, we measure immediate sinkage and sinkage after five minutes, as well as how long it takes the materials to bounce back.
Typically, the more the weight sinks, the more contouring you can expect and the more pressure relief. A quick bounce back indicates a foam that will move with you (good for those who like to shift around) while a slow bounce back suggests a bed that will hold onto you.
To further understand comfort in each sleep position, we use a laser to observe sinkage across the body. A member of our team will lie on the mattress and we align a laser pen with their spine. After 10 minutes in position, we check the two are still in-sync. If they are, this suggests good support. If they aren't, it's likely the body will sink during the night. This can cause aches and pains.
To test motion isolation, we use a 5kg slam ball and an accelerometer. We drop the ball on one side of the bed and, using an accelerometer secured to the other side, can observe the initial impact and how long it takes for the movement to fade. Memory foam mattresses are often known for their motion isolation — with this test, we can see if that honor is earned.
We also get hands on with motion isolation tests, using standardized movement to determine how every toss and turn feels for co-sleepers. Memory foam mattresses often have less 'bounce' than hybrids, so we pay close attention to how quickly the beds can absorb motion.
Next is temperature regulation. Memory foam has a reputation for sleeping hot but we use thermal cameras to determine if this is accurate. With a tester on the bed, we record how much the mattress heats up across 15 minutes (including the center and corners of the bed.)
Once the tester has left the bed, we continue to monitor the temperature, tracking heat retention and dissipation. Because all-foam mattresses can struggle with temperature control, you'll notice several beds in this guide fall behind in this aspect — they make up for it in other ways.
We use standardized weights to understand edge support, measuring the sinkage of a 25kg weight at the foot and side of the bed. Deep sinkage indicates you might find the edge of the bed unstable to sit on.
Our 'roll off' test is another hands-on (and fun) way to understand side support — how far to the edge of the bed can we get before we go crashing down? Memory foam mattresses can often suffer from weak edges, so these tests are important for understanding the all-round support.
Subjective experience is still key to our process and every mattress we review is slept on at home for at least three weeks by a member of our mattress testing team. We also ask a review panel, consisting of people with different body types and sleep needs, to try the mattress for at least 10 minutes, to gather a well-rounded opinion.
This at-home testing helps us better understand how the mattress performs in real world settings. It also gives us a chance to break in the mattress — memory foam often softens with use, which can impact our comfort.
After this subjective and objective testing we rate the mattress in each performance area, using these ratings to determine our overall score out of five.
You can find out the ins and outs of our review process in our mattress testing methodology.
Memory foam mattress FAQs
How to choose the right memory foam mattress for you
We've tested a variety of memory foam mattresses and while the choices above all come recommended by our experienced testing team, they won't suit every type of sleep style. Here's what to consider when choosing the right memory foam mattress for you:
Sleep position
The contouring cushioning of memory foam means this material has traditionally suited side sleepers — by adapting to the hips and shoulder, the foams can eliminate pressure build-up at the touch points. If you're a side sleeper, look for a memory foam mattress that contours to your body shape.
Back and stomach sleepers can also find comfort on a memory foam mattress, although we recommend a design that prioritizes support over pressure relief. Beds made with firmer foams, such as the Plank Firm and Siena, keep the body lifted to prevent the spine from twisting during the night.
Support and comfort
The support in a memory foam mattress typically comes from the base foams. Thick and durable, these base foams should deliver an even support from head-to-toe, preventing your body from sinking too far into the bed. Support is important for every sleep style but if you're a stomach sleeper looking for a memory foam mattress, this is the feature to prioritize.
An all-foam mattress typically uses memory foam in the comfort layers — the upper layers that are responsible for pressure relief. These materials adapt to the body to evenly distribute weight and prevent pressure from building up. A must for side sleepers.
Sleep needs
Whether you share a bed with your partner or your three dogs, motion isolation is a key concern of co-sleepers. Memory foam tends to excel at motion isolation as, unlike bouncy spring beds, foams are able to quickly absorb and deaden movement.
Temperature regulation is the flip side to motion isolation — compared to hybrids, memory foam mattresses tend to have poor temperature control. While spring beds have natural airflow, all-foam mattresses can trap heat. Some brands use cooling infusions, such as copper or graphite, to help heat dissipate.
Those with reduced mobility might require a mattress with strong edge support, to aid stability when getting on and off the bed. We recommend a firmer memory foam mattress, as these typically have stronger sides.
Body type
Memory foam mattresses can suit sleepers with bigger builds, although we recommend checking the weight capacity before making your purchase. Most of the best mattresses for heavy people come with the enhanced support of springs but brands like Plank Firm have developed new options for sleepers with larger frames.
Price, trial and warranty
We consider a mattress to be an investment piece and paying more can help you enjoy better sleep for longer. There are memory foam mattresses for every budget and as a whole, all-foam beds tend to be cheaper than hybrids of the equivalent quality.
A sleep trial is important when buying a mattress online, as it allows you to test the bed at home and receive a refund if it isn't right for you. It can take a few weeks to break in a foam mattress, so be aware the feel will change with time.
Finally, a warranty provides protection against manufacturing faults and errors. 10 years is considered a standard warranty length.
Do memory foam mattresses have fiberglass?
Some memory foam mattresses do contain fiberglass, while others don't. The best way to know if your mattress contains fiberglass is to check the label — brands that don't use fiberglass are happy to broadcast that fact.
Fiberglass is a cheap and effective fire retardant, which is why it has been frequently used in mattresses. Mattresses are otherwise highly flammable and fiberglass, a synthetic material that can be woven into beds, acts as a flame barrier.
Left inside the mattress, fiberglass doesn't pose much of a risk. However, if the fiberglass becomes exposed (through the mattress cover being removed or torn), it can damage the skin, eyes and respiratory system. It's also difficult to get rid off, meaning you might have to hire professional cleaners if fiberglass breaks free.
While many mattress brands are moving away from fiberglass towards safer alternatives, as a cost-effective fire barrier it's often found in cheaper beds. And as cheaper beds are typically all-foam, fiberglass has become associated with memory foam mattresses.
However, many memory foam mattresses contain no fiberglass. For example. all Nectar mattresses since 2023 are fiberglass free.
How long do memory foam mattresses last?
All-foam memory foam mattresses typically have good longevity, with a well-built memory foam mattress expected to last for around six to 10 years. After this time, we recommend you replace your mattress.
Six to 10 years is considered the standard lifespan of a mattress, although mattresses made with latex foams will typically last longer than this. All-foam mattresses as a whole tend to have better durability than hybrid and innerspring mattresses, but foam density has a major impact on lifespan.
High density foams literally pack more material into the foam, resulting in increased strength and durability to maintain comfort for longer.
However, eventually the consistent application and release of pressure will cause even the best foam mattresses to sag. When this happens, you need to replace your memory foam mattress.
How do you clean a memory foam mattress?
Taking good care of your memory foam mattress can prolong its lifespan. We recommend regular light cleaning to prevent the build-up of dust and sweat, with occasional deep cleans to keep your mattress free of dust mites and other pests.
To keep your memory foam mattress clean, air it regularly; simply strip back the covers in the morning to allow moisture to escape. We also suggest vacuuming your mattress roughly once a week — a specialist mattress vacuum can help you get into the corners but the furniture attachment on your household vacuum is a useful alternative.
Moisture can damage a memory foam mattress so be sure to blot any spills immediately. We also recommend a light touch during stain removal; avoid soaking the bed as trapped moisture can cause mold.
For more information, check out our guide to deep cleaning a mattress.
