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A good mattress can change your life. Take me for example: the best mattress I’ve slept on, the Saatva Classic, was so good at relieving pressure points that from the first night it reduced the hip and back pain that had previously been ruining my sleep. After months of broken sleep I was finally resting comfortably again, and I’d forgotten how good it felt to sleep that well.
We conduct seven robust tests in our lab to capture objective data on the four 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 before subjectively rating it. All of this data is fed into our bespoke scoring system, along with feedback captured by our expert testing panel, to create an overall review score. Read our full mattress methodology here.
Each member of my team has a similar story, and out of the 120+ beds we've tested, in this guide you’ll find the 5 absolute best mattresses we recommend following rigorous testing in our lab and in our homes.
We’ve been testing mattresses for nearly five years at Tom’s Guide and after reviewing every type you can buy (from memory foam and hybrids to latex and innersprings), we’ve learned a lot about what makes a mattress ‘good’ and how to choose the right one for you. We’re sharing all of that expert knowledge here.
With Presidents’ Day right around the corner, now is a great time to buy too – we’re already seeing some excellent Presidents’ Day mattress deals from this year’s top brands. Here's a quick glance at our Top 5 recommendations...
Our top mattresses: 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.
The best mattress overall
Saatva Classic review scores
Overall performance: 4.8 out of 5
| Product | Pressure relief (Score) | Temperature control (Score) | Motion isolation (Score) | Edge support (Score) | Value for money (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
The Saatva Classic is our highest-rated mattress, scoring 4.8/5 under our new methodology. This luxury hotel-style innerspring hybrid was the top performer in the majority of our lab tests, and earned near-perfect feedback from our diverse panel of expert mattress testers.
I tested a queen-size luxury firm model for over seven months and have never slept better. From the first night, Saatva’s patented lumbar support erased the hip and back pain that had been keeping me awake on other beds — it’s now the mattress I return to when I’m not reviewing others.
This five-layer model scored an unmatched 5/5 for pressure relief, with everyone on our panel finding its three-inch Euro pillow top instantly soothing. It’s the best we’ve tested for managing everyday aches and pains. You don't sink into it as much as you do a plusher pillow top mattress like the Helix Midnight Luxe (in Highly Commended); instead you lie on top, lightly contoured.
It’s also a great choice for hot sleepers — I haven’t overheated on it yet, whereas I did on the DreamCloud below, and it absorbed the least heat in our tests, earning full marks for temperature regulation. However, the Bear Elite with Celliant-infused cover (number five) cooled down six minutes faster than the Saatva, giving it the edge in our best cooling mattress guide and making it a better option for chronic hot sleepers.
Comfortable and supportive for most people
It scored 5/5 for edge support, too. The high-density foam rails used along the edges and foot of the bed deliver unmatched perimeter support for getting in or out of bed.
The only area the Saatva Classic was out-performed is motion isolation (the best memory foam mattresses excel there). But it still scored highly (4/5), dampening motion faster than every other spring-based mattress we’ve tested — and quite a few all-foam mattresses too. You will feel some motion, but I’m not disturbed by my partner (or toddler, when he climbs in). And the pay off is that slight bounce makes it very easy to change position.
Given its top-of-the-class performance, we still rank the Saatva Classic as the best mattress you can buy — that's the fourth year in a row now. However, it doesn’t support couples weighing over 300lbs each (try The WinkBed instead, a great mattress for heavier people), and anyone with chronic back pain should look at the Saatva RX because it offers a higher level of back support.
Alternatively, for smaller budgets, the DreamCloud Classic at number two costs $1,000 less — just don’t expect the same luxury sleep experience. For everyone else, the Saatva Classic is the pinnacle of sleep comfort, and its free white glove delivery adds significant value.
Read more: Saatva Classic review
The best mid-range mattress
DreamCloud Classic review scores
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5
| Product | Pressure relief (Score) | Temperature control (Score) | Motion isolation (Score) | Edge support (Score) | Value for money (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DreamCloud Classic | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 |
The DreamCloud Classic is our second-highest scoring mattress — a remarkable achievement given it costs $1,000 less than the Saatva Classic. This mid-range innerspring hybrid is the best mattress in a box we’ve slept on, delivering excellent support and comfort. While it can’t match Saatva’s luxury build and impressive overall performance, you won’t find a better hybrid bed at this price.
Our lead reviewer, Lauren Jeffries, stopped waking up at night while testing the DreamCloud Classic: “After getting into bed, I became instantly comfortable and stayed that way until morning.”
Though advertised as a medium-firm mattress (6/10 on the firmness scale), we rate the DreamCloud a little softer (5.5/10). If you want deeper cushioning, the Nectar Premier (number four) is a better option.
Still, its foam and coil layers provided very good pressure relief in our tests, compressing over four inches under our 25kg weight to support the hips and shoulders well. Both Lauren and our testing panel found it very comfortable for side and back sleeping, but not supportive enough for stomach sleepers – you'll need a firmer mattress like the Siena Signature (number three) or Helix Dawn.
Great for most, but can sleep warm
The DreamCloud Classic also has excellent edge support – it scored 4/5, matching the Siena Signature and the Nectar Premier. The reinforced perimeter is sturdy, sinking only an inch more than the center of the mattress in our weighted test. This means you can sit comfortably on the side, and sleep right up to the edge without feeling as though you’ll roll off.
Temperature-wise, the DreamCloud does a good job of remaining neutral overall. It stayed cool in our lab tests, absorbing only one degree more heat than the Saatva Classic. Lauren and her husband didn’t overheat once at home. However, I’m a hot sleeper and found it a bit too warm, so I’d recommend the Saatva or Bear if you’re prone to overheating like me.
The DreamCloud’s only weaker point was in our lab test for motion isolation, where it took an average of over three seconds to deaden movement. That’s the longest of almost all our top five mattresses, but in our real-world testing it wasn’t an issue. Lauren wasn’t woken by her husband’s movements at any point during the three weeks they slept on it together.
Side by side, the Saatva Classic is evidently the better mattress, but the DreamCloud’s excellent performance for a much lower price makes it superb value. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and a 365-night trial with free returns (Saatva charges $99) so you can try it without risk.
Read more: DreamCloud Classic review
The best cheap mattress
Siena Signature review scores
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5
| Product | Pressure relief (Score) | Temperature control (Score) | Motion isolation (Score) | Edge support (Score) | Value for money (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siena Signature | 3.76 | 3.3 | 4.6 | 4 | 4 |
We’ve been testing mattresses for five years at Tom’s Guide and in our experience the majority of cheap mattresses often have to make sacrifices in terms of design and performance to keep costs down.
Well, the Siena Signature didn’t get that memo. This plucky budget memory foam mattress fought hard in all of our lab tests, eventually beating several mid-range and luxury rivals at motion isolation (how well it stops motion transferring from one side to the other).
It also performed very well in our edge support and pressure relief tests, scoring 4 out of 5 for both.
Little wonder it has climbed our mattress rankings significantly to become the best cheap mattress you can buy for stomach and back sleeping. The Siena Signature is the firmest mattress in our Top 5. Siena Sleep says it’s a ‘just right’ medium-firm, but our testers unanimously agreed it's firmer and rated it an 8/10 on the firmness scale.
Our 25kg cast iron testing weight sank just three inches — an inch less than on the Saatva, the DreamCloud and the Bear Elite Hybrid. So even though this is an all-foam mattress, don’t expect much contouring here.
If you want a body-hugging bed, or you’re a side sleeper who likes softer foam mattresses, consider the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress instead.
Big sleep comfort for a small price
Motion transfer is one of the biggest sleep killers for couples who share a bed. It’s one of the reasons why my husband and I sleep in different beds, as his tossing and turning through the night was waking me up too much.
If you’re in the same boat, and you have a budget of $400 or under for a queen mattress, and you’re both front/back sleepers, then the Siena Signature is the best choice for you. It delivers best-in-class motion isolation thanks to dense foams that deadened all movement in just over a second — faster than the rest of our top five.
The Siena Signature also has excellent edge support, scoring 4/5. You just don’t see this level of perimeter support in a cheap mattress, making the Siena an ideal choice for people who like firmer beds and need strong edge support to get in and out.
Temperature regulation was its weakest point, but better than expected at this price range. In our tests the Siena absorbed the second-highest amount of heat, and took the second-longest to return to its original temperature.
In real-life, our lead reviewer remained comfortable all night, but she isn't a hot sleeper. We'd exercise caution if you often overheat while sleeping and are thinking of buying the Siena Signature.
With a queen normally $359 in the Siena mattress sales, the Signature Mattress is a highly recommended option for back and stomach sleepers, as well as teens who need firmer support for growing bodies, or anyone looking to upgrade their guest room.
Read more: Siena Signature review
4. The best memory foam mattress
Nectar Premier review scores
Overall score: 3.7 out of 5
| Product | Pressure relief (Score) | Temperature control (Score) | Motion isolation (Score) | Edge support (Score) | Value for money (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Premier | 3.24 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
The Nectar Premier is our top memory foam recommendation. It delivers something that the rest of our top five don’t: a classic memory foam ‘hug’ with deep contouring. The comfort layers immediately mold to your body, cushioning the joints and distributing your weight to prevent pressure building up.
It was slightly out-performed in our tests by its cheaper foam rival, the Siena Signature. But the Siena is a firm mattress. It doesn’t deliver a deep ‘hug’ — which is why the Nectar Premier sits at the top of our best memory foam mattress guide.
Our lead reviewer, Ruth Jones, was struck by how plush the Nectar Premier felt. She felt most comfortable on her back and side, but as a natural front sleeper, she found it wasn’t quite as supportive in this position (the firmer Siena is better).
This was reflected in our tests. Our 25kg weight sank roughly 3.8 inches in both the shoulder and hip areas, illustrating that deep ‘hug’, but it had the slowest response time, indicating that support could be slightly better. This resulted in a ‘good’ rating for pressure relief, but it was out-performed by all other mattresses in our top five. If you need robust support, choose the Saatva or Bear instead.
Comfy for couples but support could be better
Where the Nectar performed particularly well was motion isolation, beaten only by the Siena (4.6/5). Our panel felt little disturbance, and its dense foams dampened the impact of our 5kg weight in 2.5 seconds (slower than the Siena, but faster than the Bear).
It also scored highly for edge support (4.5/5). Ruth felt comfortable sleeping right up to the perimeter. This, combined with its excellent motion isolation, makes it a good choice for couples and bed-sharing families.
Temperature-wise, it was the slowest in our top five to shed heat, taking 15 minutes to cool back down in our lab tests (the Bear Elite took five minutes). But it absorbed less heat than some of its rivals in the first place, and Ruth didn’t overheat at home. We would recommend it to anyone who doesn't sleep chronically hot.
While the Nectar Premier’s overall score of 3.7/5 is the lowest in our top five, it’s still a very good rating. And it’s great value for money: dense, contouring, luxury-feeling foam mattresses like this normally cost twice the price — just take a look at the Saatva Contour 5, which is upwards of $2,600 for a queen.
Read more: Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress review
The best cooling mattress
Bear Elite Hybrid review scores
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5
| Product | Pressure relief (Score) | Temperature control (Score) | Motion isolation (Score) | Edge support (Score) | Value for money (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 4.6 | 5 | 3.2 | 2.5 | 4 |
Temperature control is the stand-out feature in the Bear Elite Hybrid with Celliant-infused cover (a $92 add-on). With the upgrade, this luxury hybrid is a close competitor to the Saatva Classic at number one, especially with three firmness options (we tested the medium) and excellent pressure relief. However, the Bear’s weaker edge support and higher levels of motion transfer nudge it down our rankings.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is the best cooling mattress we've tested, narrowly beating the Saatva Classic 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.
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. That’s twice as fast as the next most efficient (the DreamCloud), 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.
Great relief, but hit-and-miss edge support
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 — second only to Saatva. 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 Saatva 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, giving the Elite the lowest score for edge support.
Overall, the Saatva is superior for the money. It feels more luxurious, and its higher motion isolation and edge support scores make it a stronger choice for couples. However, the Bear Elite is a clear winner in two scenarios: for heavier couples (the firm model can support over 1,000lbs) and for chronic hot sleepers.
Read more: Bear Elite Hybrid review
Highly commended
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a specialist mattress designed for side sleepers and side-back combi sleepers. It’s the pricier version of the original Helix Midnight mattress, and stands two inches taller thanks to eight layers of fiberglass-free premium materials, including a breathable, sweat-wicking Tencel cover. The GlacioTex cooling cover costs more (from $187), so the cheaper Bear Elite Hybrid (number five) is arguably better value for side sleepers dealing with chronic overheating.
So what’s it like to sleep on? Nicola Appleton, a Sleep Editor at Tom’s Guide, has spent over three months sleeping on the Helix Midnight Luxe. In her review she said: “It cradles the shoulders, hips, and knees to provide a weightless sensation.” That’s exactly how I feel when sleeping on the Saatva Classic, but the difference in immediate feel between the Helix and the Saatva is enormous: the Midnight Luxe feels marshmallow-y, while the Saatva is firmer without ever feeling hard.
As for pressure relief, Helix uses zoned lumbar support coils to better cradle your body and create that weightless sensation Nicola was referring to. Also like the Saatva Classic, the Midnight Luxe feels softer under the shoulders and firmer under the hips to better align with the natural shape of your body.
Price could be a sticking point for some. The Helix Midnight Luxe normally costs around $1,918 in the Helix mattress sale, so if you want a deeply contouring, softer mattress at a smaller price, consider the Nectar Premier (number four) instead. It’s nearly $1,000 cheaper, but you won’t get the same luxury sleep experience as you would on the Helix. Otherwise, for die-hard side sleepers wanting an opulent hotel-style mattress, this is the one we recommend.
Read more: Helix Midnight Luxe review
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is a softer, cheaper alternative to the Nectar Premier, although for the savings you have to accept some flaws. Much like the Nectar Premier Memory Foam, the Zinus excels at cushioning for side sleepers, while the superb motion isolation makes this a good choice for anyone sharing a bed with a restless co-sleeper.
The Zinus mattress does, however, lack the temperature regulation and edge support of the Nectar Premier (or even the similarly priced Siena.) These are common flaws of memory foam mattresses at this price but for hot sleepers and those with reduced mobility, we think the Nectar is worth the upgrade.
However, the Zinus Green Tea's contouring comfort puts it above many of its budget competitors. We recommend side sleepers looking for a low-cost mattress head to Amazon, where you can typically find a queen Zinus 10" Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress for less than $300.
Read more: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam review
5 best mattresses compared
Here's a summary of how our top five mattresses compare in the five most important areas we test: pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation, edge support and value for money. Swipe or click to the right or left to navigate to the performance area you're most interested in.
Test results side-by-side
How our top five mattresses compare on firmness, pressure relief, temperature control, motion isolation, edge support and value for money
Firmness
| Product | Value (Scale) |
|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | 6.5 |
| DreamCloud Classic | 6 |
| Siena Signature | 8 |
| Nectar Premier | 6.5 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 6 |
Close up on temperature control
Good temperature regulation is critical for getting a restful night's sleep. According to global analytics and advisory firm Gallup, 57% of adults in the US report being too hot at least occasionally while sleeping (or trying to sleep), and 46% of typically hot sleepers have experienced sub-par sleep. That's why we focus so closely on temperature regulation: if you're too hot - or too cold - your sleep suffers.
The good news is, all the mattresses in our top five were rated at least 'good' at regulating temperature, with the best ones (the Bear Elite and Saatva) rated 'outstanding'.
Here's how we tested it. We asked a biologically female mattress tester of average body weight to lie on each mattress for 15 minutes and then get off. We used a thermal imaging camera to track heat at six standardized points to see how much heat each mattress absorbs, on average, per minute, and how quickly it dissipated heat. Here's a close-up of how our top five mattresses performed.
Temperature regulation lab test results
How effectively each mattress absorbed, managed, and dissipated heat
| Timestamp (minutes) | Saatva Classic (°F) | DreamCloud Classic (°F) | Siena Signature (°F) | Nectar Premier (°F) | Bear Elite Hybrid (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 | 3.5 | 7.3 | 8.1 | 8 | 8.2 |
| 2 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 8 | 8.1 | 9.5 |
| 3 | 5.5 | 6.9 | 8.6 | 6.76 | 9.2 |
| 4 | 5.4 | 7 | 8.4 | 5.6 | 9.3 |
| 5 | 4.6 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 5.7 | 9.8 |
| 6 | 4.6 | 7 | 8.6 | 5.3 | 8.9 |
| 7 | 5.8 | 7 | 9.2 | 5 | 9.3 |
| 8 | 5 | 6.2 | 8 | 6.2 | 10 |
| 9 | 5.4 | 6.5 | 8.4 | 7.4 | 10 |
| 10 | 5.5 | 6.7 | 7.9 | 6.4 | 9.6 |
| 11 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 8.3 | 6.2 | 9.4 |
| 12 | 4.8 | 6.5 | 8.2 | 5.9 | 9.3 |
| 13 | 4.7 | 6.5 | 9 | 6.1 | 9 |
| 14 | 5 | 6.7 | 9 | 6.3 | 10.1 |
| 15 | 5.2 | 6 | 9.8 | 6.6 | 10.5 |
| 16 | 5.3 | 3 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 3.3 |
| 17 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 2.8 | 1.1 |
| 18 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 3.1 | 1.9 | 0.2 |
| 19 | 1 | 1 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 20 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 2.2 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 21 | 0.5 | 0 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 0.2 |
| 22 | 0.4 | -0.4 | 1.6 | 2 | 0.2 |
| 23 | 0.3 | 0 | 1.8 | 2.1 | -0.3 |
| 24 | 0 | 0.2 | 2 | 2.5 | -0.4 |
| 25 | -0.9 | 0 | 1.8 | 2.4 | -0.1 |
| 26 | -1 | -0.7 | 2.1 | 1.4 | -0.7 |
| 27 | -1.2 | -0.7 | 2.1 | 1.6 | -0.8 |
| 28 | -1.3 | -0.6 | 2.1 | 1 | -0.7 |
| 29 | -0.5 | 0 | 0.4 | 1.1 | -1.3 |
| 30 | -0.6 | -0.3 | 1.5 | 0.3 | -1.1 |
Close up on comfort and support
Pressure relief refers to how well a mattress contours to your body, aligns your spine and distributes weight to prevent pressure building up.
See our pressure relief lab test results ▼
It’s probably not a concept the average person has first in mind when choosing a mattress, but it’s one of the most critical factors that can contribute to a good — or bad — night’s sleep.
All our top mattresses scored at least 'good' here. Our lab test involved placing a 25kg weight on the shoulder and hip areas to simulate the body's main pressure points.
We considered any mattress with a sinkage of 3.5 inches or more to have good pressure relief, if it also demonstrated responsive support by returning quickly to its original state when the weight was removed. We then combined this lab data with subjective feedback from our testing panel for the final score.
Pressure relief lab test results
The deeper the indentation and faster the response time, the better the ability of a mattress to relieve pressure
Hip indentation (25kg)
| Product | Value (inches) |
|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | 4.75 |
| DreamCloud Classic | 4.5 |
| Siena Signature | 4 |
| Nectar Premier | 4 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 3.875 |
How we test mattresses
Buying a mattress is a big decision — not just for your wallet, but your health too. Our expert team has been testing mattresses for half a decade, and we've just launched our brand-new mattress methodology comprising seven robust data-led lab tests, plus extensive value for money analysis.
Here's a breakdown of our new approach to testing mattresses at Tom's Guide, and the five most critical areas we test and analyze:
1. Pressure relief (Comfort and support)
Why it matters: This is a top reason for most mattress purchases. Although it’s somewhat subjective, an ideal mattress cushions pressure points (particularly at the hips and shoulders) while maintaining healthy spinal alignment. Without that balance, you'll start to develop aches and pains.
How we test: We use a 25kg (55lb) weight to simulate the body's heaviest touch points across multiple areas to measure indentation depth (how much the surface sinks after five minutes) and recovery time (how long it takes for the mattress to snap back into place). This allows us to assess how a mattress reacts when weight is put on it. We also use a laser level and a tripod to observe a tester's alignment when side sleeping.
How we score: Indentation depth makes up 60% of our pressure relief (comfort and support) score, as the right balance is key to preventing pain. Mattresses receive a higher score for faster recovery times; anything over eight seconds is considered slow-moving (and therefore difficult to move around on).
2. Temperature regulation
Why it matters: Overheating disrupts sleep. The best mattresses dissipate heat and promote a neutral (or comfortable) temperature for an individual.
How we test: Using a medical-grade thermal imaging camera, we measure passive cooling (how much heat the mattress absorbs while our tester lies on it) and active cooling (how quickly it releases that heat once our tester gets up).
How we score: We combine the results of our passive and active cooling tests. Mattresses with minimal heat retention receive higher marks.
3. Motion isolation
Why it matters: Couples and families who share a bed with kids or pets need a mattress that prevents movement from transferring.
How we test: We drop a weighted ball next to a sensitive scientific accelerometer to simulate a partner shifting in bed, measuring the initial impact absorption and the motion-damping speed.
How we score: Our motion isolation score is weighted 60/40 initial impact absorption to motion-dampening speed. The most important thing we look for is how well a mattress prevents motion from reverberating across the surface.
4. Edge support
Why it matters: Strong edges allow couples to maximize every inch of their sleep surface, give sleepers with mobility issues a steady surface to push off from, and indicate how durable a mattress will be over time.
How we test: To measure sitting stability, we place a 25kg (55lb) weight on the middle perimeter of the mattress and measure the vertical sinkage after five minutes. As for sleeping security, our testers lie on the mattress and note (in inches) how far from the edge they feel most secure.
How we score: Sitting stability makes up 60% of our edge support score, with higher marks for lower sinkage. Sleep security makes up the remainder, with mattresses providing consistent edge-to-edge support receiving a perfect grade.
5. Value for money
Knowing you're getting a good mattress at a good price is important, so we've developed a new scoring rubric to give each mattress we test a rating out of 5 for value for money.
To create an overall value for money score, we consider the build quality of a mattress, and the quality of the materials. The better the quality, the higher the score, because these two factors indicate the likelihood of durability and longevity. In other words, how long we expect this mattress to last – a critical consideration when assessing value for money.
We also factor in the performance of the mattress in our lab tests versus price, plus the benefits (sleep trial, mattress warranty, and level of shipping) you get with the mattress.
Here's how our Top 5 mattresses score in terms of value for money:
- Saatva Classic – 5 out of 5
- DreamCloud Classic – 5 out of 5
- Siena Signature – 4 out of 5
- Nectar Premier – 4 out of 5
- Bear Elite Hybrid – 4 out of 5
- Longevity and assurance (35%): Encompasses the length of the mattress warranty and sleep trial.
- Build quality and materials (30%), Accounts for materials, construction, and country of origin.
- Price competitiveness (25%): Regards how a mattress is priced against direct competitors, using queen-size as a benchmark.
- Brand consensus and user rating (10%): Based on verified customer ratings and overall brand reputation.
How we measure subjective feedback
At the end of the day, we're humans sleeping on these mattresses, not inanimate objects. Our diverse group of testers lie on a mattress in all positions (side, back, and stomach) and make note of any pressure buildup (or relief) in their touchpoints.
Sensory feel and performance: This relates to how cool or warm a mattress feels to our testers upon first contact and after extended use.
Partner disturbance assessment: One tester gets in and out of bed and shifts positions while another tester lies still and measures the level of perceived disturbance for light sleepers.
Sit and sleep assessment: Our testers sit on the edge of the mattress to assess security and stability, then lie near the perimeter to gauge whether or not they'll roll off the bed.
How we score mattresses
The final rating a mattress receives is the sum of its performance across all five categories (a maximum score out of 25). For example, a final score of 23 or more culminates in a 5-star rating, while a score of 18-22 earns a 4-star rating.
Meet the testing team
We constantly have a wide selection of mattresses in on review to make sure our rankings are up-to-date — the entire Tom's Guide Sleep team gets involved. Here’s who tested the mattresses in the most recent version of this guide:
I’ve been reviewing mattresses and sleep products for more than five years, and led the development of our brand-new testing methodology. Of our top-ranked mattresses, I’ve slept on both the Saatva Classic and DreamCloud Classic, and oversaw the testing of all five in our Sleep Lab. I’m extremely excited to bring you the latest version of this guide: it’s backed by more data than ever before, which makes it easier than ever to recommend these brilliant mattresses.
Ruth joined the Tom’s Guide Sleep team nearly two years ago and has slept on the Siena, Nectar Premier and Zinus Green Tea mattresses here (among many others) — she’s something of a memory foam expert. She also joined the Saatva, DreamCloud and Bear Elite testing panels, getting hands-on with all our best mattresses and contributing to their final scores.
Lauren’s been testing and reviewing mattresses for over a year now, and had the pleasure of sleeping on the DreamCloud Classic mattress at number two for three weeks. She also extensively tested the Saatva Classic, Bear Elite Hybrid and Nectar Premier in our Sleep Lab.
Eve’s our in-house sleep tech and cooling mattress expert, and has been on the Tom’s Guide Sleep team for over a year. She headed-up our Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review — she originally slept on it for three weeks, but it’s now her mattress of choice — and was on the testing panel for both the Saatva and Dreamcloud Classic mattresses
Our resident hybrid mattress expert, Frances has been reviewing mattresses and toppers for more than two years. She sat on the testing panel for the Saatva Classic, Siena Signature and Nectar Premier mattresses in this guide
Nicola has been on Tom’s Guide sleep desk for two years, during which time she’s helped review some of the best mattresses for back pain and side sleepers. She joined the testing panel for the Saatva Classic, Bear Elite Hybrid and Siena Signature.
Mattress shopping advice
How to choose the right mattress firmness
All sleep brands rate the firmness of their mattresses on a 10-point scale, with 1 being soft and fluffy and 10 being a slab of stone. While this seems straightforward, there's no universal standard of mattress firmness as every brand has its own interpretation of what's plush and what's hard.
This is why it's important to purchase a mattress according to your sleep style and weight, as that'll influence how firm your mattress should be. If you're not keen on extremes, medium-firm is a good starting point. (Most hotel mattresses are medium-firm to cater to as many guests as possible.)
If your mattress comes in a box, make sure to set it up as soon as possible — the longer a mattress is compressed, the more it'll affect the overall bed feel. You should always buy a mattress with a trial period so you can exchange or return it for something that's a better fit.
How to buy a mattress online
The online mattress space has boomed over the last decade as sleep brands endeavor to make the buying process as simple as possible. Still, it's natural to have reservations about making such a big-ticket purchase from your laptop or smartphone. Here's how you can make the experience of buying a mattress online as painless as possible:
1. Don't buy without a mattress trial
Even if you've seen the mattress you want to buy up-close in a store, you won't know how it really performs until you're able to sleep on it each night. The average mattress trial is 100 nights, with some brands offering up to a full year so you can sample it across all four seasons. Remember that it takes at least three weeks for your body to adjust to a new sleep surface, and most brands won't accept returns before 30 days.
2. Know what the mattress warranty covers
More online sleep brands are keen to offer a mattress warranty for life to ease the minds of concerned customers. However, these terms aren't uniform across all companies — and many lifetime warranties are prorated after a certain point, meaning you'll have to at least pay in part for repairs or returns. Know what you may be getting into before you click 'buy' to prevent headaches later.
3. Consider shipping and delivery options
Most online sleep brands sell mattresses in a box, which means you'll have to set it up. This keeps the costs low, but if you're unable to unbox and haul a mattress yourself, consider a brand that offers White Glove Delivery. With this service, your mattress is delivered flat and set up in a room of your choice. Brands like Saatva and Tempur-Pedic provide free White Glove Delivery, while others charge a fee. White Glove Delivery often includes removal of your existing mattress, as well.
4. Do your homework
Know what type of mattress you need before you start shopping. (Refer to our buying tips above to help you out.) Also, read reviews from professional testers like ourselves and everyday shoppers who share your sleep preferences. Don't just focus on the glowing or scathing reviews, either — most people's experiences will be somewhere in the middle.
