The quick list
1. Best mattress overall
2. Best memory foam
3. Best for side sleepers
4. Best for back pain
5. Best cheap
6. Best firm
7. Best Hybrid
8. Best cooling
9. Best soft
How we test
Our experienced testing panel reviews and researches all of the latest mattresses, using our findings to provide accurate and unbiased recommendations.
Choosing the best mattress when you're in need of a new bed might seem like an exciting adventure, at least until you realize just how many options there are on the market. With so many brands and models out there, how are you supposed to pick the right one for your needs? Fortunately we're here to make the process a whole lot easier.
At TechRadar our experts are constantly testing mattresses – each one we review gets slept on for at least three weeks – and we're also keeping a close eye on all the top sleep brands, watching out for new models and monitoring prices. This means that we're well placed to advise you not only on the best mattress options available now, but also on what features you should look for according to your body type and sleep style.
Mattress deals happen all year round, but some deals are better than others. To help you spot the ones that are worthwhile, we've included buying info with each product entry. Below we've ranked the best mattresses available now, for a range of preferences and budgets. All clear? Then let's find the best mattress for your sleep needs...
The quick list
Don't want to comb through a load of information to find the best mattress? This at-a-glance overview picks out the most important features so you can narrow down your options, then jump down the page for a more detailed look.
Best memory foam
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal king, more...
The original Nectar is a great quality memory foam mattress in a box. The design is simple but very effective, with gently cradling foams. It's also excellent value for its lower-mid range price tag, with super-generous extras.
Read more below
Best for side sleepers
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal king, more...
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress that's perfect for side sleepers. Thick layers of cradling, contouring foam prevent pressure from building up in the shoulder and hip, while still keeping the spine supported.
Read more below
The best mattresses 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best mattresses in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
Best mattress overall
✅ You want to invest in a top quality mattress: With a pillowy cushion top and high build quality, the Classic looks and feels like a hotel bed.
✅ You suffer from back pain: The design is geared towards keeping your back aligned, with 'spinal zone technology' approved by the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations.
✅ You sleep warm: Because it's mostly coils rather than foam, this mattress is nice and breathable.
❌ You like the hug of memory foam: There's minimal foam here, so you won't get that sink-in feel. For that, check out the Nectar (#2) or Helix Midnight (#3).
❌ You're on a tight budget: While the Saatva Classic worth the price, it's not the cheapest bed around. A lower-priced alternative is the DreamCloud (#5).
❌ You're very short on space: The Classic is delivered flat (rather than vacuum-packed and rolled), so you'll need a bit of maneuvering room. White glove delivery is free, though.
🔎 The Saatva Classic is an outstanding all-rounder that can be customized to suit almost anyone. It sleeps cool and delivers excellent comfort and support in any position. If you're looking for hotel-quality luxury and impeccable build quality, this is the best mattress you can buy. ★★★★½
The Saatva Classic is a luxury innerspring hybrid mattress, and this premium sleep brand's flagship model. It comes in a choice of three firmness levels and two heights, so you can customize it to your needs.
Design
The sleep surface is a cushiony Euro pillow-top, which sits on a middle layer of pocketed steel coils, and a sturdy base layer of more coils. Foam rails around the perimeter bolster the edges, and there's also an extra bit, sandwiched between the pocket coils and pillow top, designed specifically to support your lumbar (it includes 'spinal wire' and high-density memory foam).
Comfort and performance
The Saatva Classic has a buoyant sleep surface; you'll lie on top of this mattress rather than sinking in. Our testers found it offered an excellent balance of pressure relief and support in all sleeping positions.
A standout feature is the ability to pick between three different sleep feels. The most popular is the Luxury Firm (the middle option), which will suit most sleep styles and body types. Lighter people and side sleepers who want extra give around their hips and shoulders could consider the Plush Soft option, while the Firm version is ideal for stomach and back sleepers, plus anyone who wants extra support. We tested the Firm version out, and found it hugely comfortable, with the pillow top providing a touch of cushiony softness, so it doesn't feel like you're lying on a board.
The Saatva Classic is one of the best mattresses for back pain; there are a number of features designed to keep your spine properly aligned and supported as you sleep, and the patented 'Lumbar Zone Technology' has been given the seal of approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations.
Because there's not much foam here, the Classic doesn't trap body heat, making it suitable for hot sleepers. The flip side of that is that the predominance of bouncy springs (some of which are continuous rather than pocketed) means levels of motion transfer are slightly higher. That'll only be an issue for very light sleepers, though.
Value for money
There's almost always a Saatva mattress deal running, so expect not to pay MSRP. For most of 2023 a queen size cost $1,695. The cheapest prices we saw were in March and August, when a queen size dropped to $1,495. MSRP has risen since then, though, so we're unlikely to see prices fall that low again. The new standard price for a queen size Classic is $1,795 – anything less than that is a good buy.
Although it's not the cheapest bed on the market, we think the Saatva Classic is worth the investment. The build quality is outstanding, and the extras match the best in the market: you've got a full year's trial, lifetime warranty, free white glove delivery (especially useful because this bed is delivered flat, not rolled), and Saatva will take your old mattress away for free if you need, too. We're not wild about the $99 fee for returns, though – most brands don't charge for this.
- Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review
Best memory foam mattress
✅ You suffer from sore joints: Memory foam is great for relieving pressure, as it contours to your shape, cushioning your joints as you sleep.
✅ You share a bed with a wriggler: The Nectar is excellent at absorbing movement, which means you won't be disturbed by a restless partner.
✅ You're a side sleeper: There's plenty of give here, to allow the shoulders and hips to sink in comfortably in a side-sleeping position.
❌ You sleep hot: All-foam mattresses can run slightly warm. Hybrids like the Saatva Classic (#1) sleep cooler, or if you prefer foam, check out the Cocoon Chill, which is very similar but adds a cooling cover.
❌ You need extra support: Heavier bodies, stomach sleepers and some back sleepers will need a firmer mattress to keep their spine properly aligned. The Loom & Leaf (#4) is sturdier and available in three firmness levels.
❌ You like a responsive sleep surface: Memory foam has a slow-moving feel, which can make shifting around more difficult. Try model with more springs if you want something more responsive.
🔎 If you love the hug of memory foam and want superb value for money, the Nectar Memory Foam mattress is our top choice. It'll suit a wide range of people, with the body-contouring foam relieving pressure on the sleeper's joints. ★★★★
The Nectar Memory Foam is an ultra-popular, all-foam mattress that'll suit a wide range of sleepers. The brand's original model and the cheapest in the current lineup, the Nectar sits in the mid-range market, but you get an awful lot for that relatively affordable price, including a super-long trial and forever warranty. In fact, we think this is the best memory foam mattress on the market.
Design
The Nectar mattress is a 12-inch tall mattress with three different foam layers. The top cover is made from polyethylene and designed to absorb and then disperse body heat. Beneath this you'll find a three-inch layer of body-molding memory foam, infused with gel (again to encourage cooling), on top of three inches of bouncy foam. At the base is a thick layer of study foam, with a non-slip bottom cover. If you prefer something with springs, there is a hybrid version of this mattress available.
Comfort and performance
If you're looking for a mattress that will contour gently around your body shape, offering custom support and relieving pressure on your joints, the Nectar is a great choice. Don't worry about getting stuck though – this mattress delivers plenty of support, and there's none of the quicksand feel some memory foam mattresses can have. It's an especially good choice for side sleepers and anyone who suffers from joint pain.
In terms of firmness, we judged the Nectar to be around a 6.5 out of 10 feel. That should work for most people and body types, although stomach sleepers and heavier people should opt for something firmer to ensure proper spinal support.
There's no bounce here, and the Nectar is excellent at absorbing movements, making it a great choice for anyone who shares a bed. If you're used to a traditional mattress, the slower-moving, bounce-free feel can take a little getting used to, but the Nectar is a great introduction to memory foam.
All-foam mattresses can trap body heat, and while the Nectar is by no means the worst for this, it can still sleep slightly warm. If you know you sleep hot, consider a hybrid instead, or check out the Cocoon By Sealy Chill, which is very similar but adds a special cooling cover (head to our Cocoon Chill mattress review for more on that one).
Value for money
You can basically ignore those MSRPs as there's always a Nectar mattress sale that takes this mattress into the lower-mid range bracket and delivers superb value for money. With the current evergreen deal, a queen size is $659. Anything less than that is well worth snapping up. The cheapest price we saw last year was during a Daylight Savings Time flash sale in March 2023, when a queen size cost $629. The extras are up there with the best on the market: a year-long mattress trial and a forever warranty.
- Read more: Nectar Mattress review
Best mattress for side sleepers
✅ You're a side sleeper: The softer sleep surface provides plenty of sink-in to keep side sleepers comfy and properly aligned.
✅ You share a bed: The Helix Midnight will absorb any movements from a shifting bedmate.
✅ You suffer from sore joints: We found the pressure relief excellent here, with the mattress providing ample cushioning around joints.
❌ You lie on your front: The softer feel won't provide enough support for those who lie on their stomachs. The firmer Nectar (#2) is a better choice for stomach sleepers.
❌ You prefer a responsive mattress: If you know you prefer more push-back from your mattress, this isn't the right choice for you. Try an innerspring or hybrid, like the Saatva Classic (#1).
❌ You need a sturdy edge: The edge support is only average here, so if you need something firmer – to push up off when getting up, for instance – look elsewhere.
🔎 The Helix Midnight has a softer memory foam surface that melds around the sleeper's joints in a way that's especially comfortable for side sleeper. The motion isolation is also excellent, but back/stomach sleepers should seek something firmer. ★★★★½
The Helix Midnight is a mid-market hybrid that we think is the best mattress for side sleepers, as well those who toss and turn at night, thanks to its squishy foam layers, which mold around your shape.
Design
The Helix Midnight is 12-inch thick hybrid mattress. At the very top you'll find a soft and stretchy knitted cover (it's breathable, but there is the option to upgrade to a specialist cooling cover, or even a padded 'pillow-top' cover). Beneath this there's a squishy memory foam layer, followed by a sturdier polyfoam layer to stop you from sinking in too deeply. These foam layers are followed by a tier of eight-inch steel pocket coils, on top of a dense foam base.
Comfort and performance
The Helix Midnight is perfect for side sleepers because the upper layers of squishy foams mold around your joints, cushioning the shoulder and hip and preventing pressure from building up in these areas.
In our review, we found this mattress offers strong motion isolation (important if you share a bed) and pressure relief (great if you suffer sore joints), as well as good temperature regulation, even without that extra cooling cover. One area where it was slightly less impressive – although still very acceptable – was edge support. If you need a bed you can use every inch of, and sit on the edge of comfortably, there are better picks in our list.
The beauty of this brand is that it has a wide range of mattresses that are slightly different, to suit your exact preference. So the medium firmness and squishy foams of the Midnight are perfect for side sleepers as well as lightweight people. However, if you lie on your back/stomach and want something a more supportive, the Twilight has the same design but slightly firmer. Or if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Dawn is the same again but with the memory foam swapped for a bouncier foam.
Value for money
The Helix Midnight sits in the mid-range price bracket. It's great quality for that price, and a worthwhile investment. You'll never pay MSRP – the evergreen Helix mattress sale knocks 20% off, rising to 25% off around major sales events. The typical price for a queen size Midnight is $1,099 – anything less than that is worth snapping up. The cheapest price we saw in 2023 was $999 for a queen size, and that offer cropped up a few times in the latter half of the year. The 10-year warranty and 100-night trial aren't ultra-generous, but still acceptable.
- Read more: Helix Midnight mattress review
Best mattress for back pain
✅ You suffer from back pain: Sleeping on the Loom & Leaf led to a noticeable improvement in our reviewer's back pain. It's available in two firmness feels, and the central third is reinforced to provide extra support beneath the lumbar.
✅ You share a bed: This mattress' foams absorb motion very effectively, so a partner's movements won't jolt you awake.
✅ You want a high quality mattress: Saatva is a premium brand, offering top quality mattresses and a comprehensive customer experience, including free white glove delivery.
❌ You sleep hot: Our tester found the Loom & Leaf's foams could sometimes cling on to body heat. If you sleep hot, consider the Classic (#1) instead.
❌ You're on a budget: This mattress is a bit of an investment. A cheaper option for back pain sufferers is the DreamCloud (#5).
❌ You want a firm sleep surface: The Loom & Leaf has a quilted pillow-top – if you prefer tight-top with less cushioning, consider the Awara (#7).
🔎 The Loom & Leaf is a premium mattress that actively improved our reviewer's lower back pain. It uses high-end, super-dense foams, which deliver excellent pressure relief and motion absorption, but can run a bit warm on occasion. ★★★★
Next up in our best mattress ranking is the Loom & Leaf from Saatva. This premium memory foam mattress is especially worth checking out if you suffer from back pain – although individual needs will vary from person to person, our tester found her lower back pain was noticeably eased during her time sleeping on this mattress, which is a strong endorsement.
Design
The Loom & Leaf is a 12-inch tall mattress made from various different layers of foams, topped off by a tufted, organic cotton cover. It's available in two different firmness levels, and like the Saatva Classic (#1) has extra reinforcement in the central third, beneath the lumbar. As you'd expect for the price, the build quality is impeccable and the materials used are premium – for example, the core is made from 5lb memory foam (i.e. super-dense and high quality).
Comfort and performance
We tested the softer of the two options – the 'Relaxed Firm'. Saatva describes it as a 5-7 out of 10 on firmness, and our reviewers felt it was at the top end of that band. There's also a 'Firm' version, marketed as 8 out of 10. We found the mattress was instantly comfortable in any position, with excellent pressure relief. There's some of that cradling, sink-in feel you expect from a memory foam mattress, but it's still easy enough to change position on. The tufted cover adds some extra cushioning.
Too much softness can be a bad thing for back pain, but that's certainly not an issue here, as the contouring is balanced with superb support, in particular from the reinforced central third, which prevents the pelvis from dropping too low into the surface and putting strain on the spine.
Our lead tester found it led to a marked improvement in her lower back pain. However, some back pain sufferers prefer a very firm, tight-top feel, and if that's the case for you, then check out the Awara (#7).
Value for money
Saatva sales and deals happen year-round, so you'll never have to pay full price for the Loom & leaf. The lowest price we saw this mattress for in 2023 was $1,895 for a queen, but rising MSRP means it's unlikely it'll ever be that cheap again. The new standard price is around $2,095 for a queen – anything less than that is worth paying attention to.
Although it's a premium mattress, but we think the Loom & Leaf is worth the investment. Alongside the high build quality, Saatva offers the most comprehensive customer experience package we've come across. White glove delivery is included as standard, there's a full year's trial and forever warranty. However, if it's still out of your budget, there are more affordable options in our best mattress for back pain guide.
- Read more: Loom & Leaf mattress review
Best value hybrid mattress
✅ You want a fairly traditional feel: Hybrids feel more traditional than memory foam – there's a bit of bounce, and you won't sink too far into the upper foam layers.
✅ Your budget won't stretch to a Saatva: We'd consider the DreamCloud a strong budget-friendly alternative to the Saatva Classic (#1) , and it feels surprisingly luxurious for the price.
✅ You share a bed: The DreamCloud delivers good motion isolation – so if you have a wriggly sleep partner, you shouldn't feel their movements.
❌ You're a lightweight side sleeper: Lightweight individuals might find this bed too hard, especially in a side lying position. Consider the Helix Midnight (#3) if that's you.
❌ You're not sure what firmness will suit you: While many luxury mattresses (such as the Saatva Classic at #1) come in a few different firmness options, and let you swap if you pick wrong, the DreamCloud is a one-and-done kind of thing.
❌ You don't want a deep mattress: At 14", the DreamCloud is thicker than average, which might require you to buy deep sheets.
🔎 The DreamCloud mattress is a high-quality bed that delivers hotel-level luxury for an impressively affordable price (that's even better value with the bedding bundle). It offers excellent pressure relief, temperature regulation, and motion isolation, with a medium-firm feel will suit most side and back sleepers. ★★★★½
The DreamCloud is our best hybrid pick. Technically, a hybrid is any mattress that combines layers of different materials, which means there are lots of hybrids on this list. However, the DreamCloud is what we'd consider a 'classic' hybrid, in that there's the bounce of springs, but also a nice layer of memory foam for cushioning and contouring. For that reason, it tops our best hybrid mattress list. If you want a fairly traditional feel, but slightly elevated, this is an outstanding choice, and it's great value for money, too.
Design
At the top you'll find a tufted, luxe-feeling soft-touch cover made from quilted foam and cashmere. Beneath this are three different types of foams, totaling 4.5 inches, designed to offer cushioned comfort. Those sit on top of a layer of eight-inch wrapped coils. If you're not fussed about those, you can opt for an all-foam version of this mattress (although at time of writing that cost more than the hybrid, which is weird). The whole thing is thicker than average, at 14 inches tall.
Comfort and performance
The DreamCloud Hybrid mattress is an excellent choice for anyone who likes the sound of a pressure-relieving memory foam, but wants something slightly more responsive. You're getting the best of both worlds here: the coils make it bouncier and easier to move about on than something like the Nectar Memory Foam mattress (#2), while the foam layers means it also isolates motion better than something like the Saatva Classic (#1).
Unlike some pricier hybrids, you've only got one firmness option here. Our reviewers judged it to be a 7.5 out of 10 on firmness – that'll suit most people, although if you're light in weight or lie on your side, you could consider a softer option such as the Helix Midnight (#3). The thick memory foam layers help relieve pressure, and gently cradle the sleeper's shoulders, hips, and knees.
We found this mattress does a great job of regulating temperature, and if you do get a bit clammy, the quilted foam and cashmere top layer is designed to wick away moisture. Edge support is reliable too, so you'll be able to sleep right up to the perimeter of the bed without fear of rolling off.
Value for money
You can ignore MSRP, as this mattress is never sold at full price. Numbers fluctuate, so focus on price rather than percentage discount. The new regular 2024 DreamCloud deal gets you a queen size for $665, which is the lowest price we have on record for this model, and incredible value for money. It's also significantly less than it was for most of last year (a queen was either $899 or $799 for most of 2023).
Based on that, the DreamCloud sits in the lower mid-range bracket, and is among the most affordable mattresses in its class. The extras are also in line with much higher-end mattresses: you get a full year's sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.
- Read more: DreamCloud mattress review
Best affordable mattress
✅ You're on a budget: This is the cheapest mattress in our roundup, and the quality is much higher than you'd expect for the price.
✅ You sleep on your back or stomach: The firm feel is best suited to back or stomach sleepers, who need that extra bit of sturdiness to keep their hips properly supported.
✅ You share a bed: We were impressed with the motion isolation here – you won't feel a partner's movements making their way over to your side of the bed.
❌ You can push to a slightly higher price: The Nectar (#2) is a better memory foam mattress, and outstanding value for the slightly higher price.
❌ You'd prefer a hybrid: There are no coils here – if you're seeking a cheap hybrid, consider an Allswell (read our Allswell mattress review) or, for a slightly higher price, the DreamCloud (#5).
❌ You're a side sleeper: The Siena is one of the firmest mattresses we've tested, and it might give side sleepers an achy shoulder – the Nectar (#2) is a better option for budget-conscious side-sleepers.
🔎 The Siena Memory Foam is an affordable all-foam mattress, and the best quality mattress we've tested in this price bracket – perhaps because it's from the same parent company as Nectar. It's much firmer than advertised, and most comfortable for back and stomach sleepers. ★★★★½
The Siena is the best affordable mattress we've tested. It has been discounted since launch, and a queen size comes in a smidge under $400, but the quality is well above what we'd expect for that price. This all-foam mattress comes from the same parent company as Nectar and DreamCloud, and is perfect for spare rooms or anyone on a budget.
Design
The design is simple but effective. From top to bottom, you'll find a soft top cover (not removable), gel-infused memory foam for comfort, a sturdier 'support foam' with ripples cut out to encourage airflow, a base foam layer, and a shift-resistant lower cover. The whole thing is 10 inches tall, and while it's not especially luxe, it's still smart and modern.
Comfort and performance
Although it's marketed as a medium mattress in terms of firmness, our review panel agreed it was definitely firm – around a 9 out of 10. It's sturdily supportive, with minimal contouring. That makes it a good choice for back and stomach sleepers, who will often benefit from a firmer feel that prevents the hips from dropping too low into the mattress. However, some side sleepers might find they end up with an achy shoulder – the Nectar (#2) is a softer alternative in a similar price band.
For a cheap mattress, the Siena performed better than we expected in all our tests. The edges are nice and sturdy, it regulates temperature pretty effectively, and isolates movements well too. Of course, there are other mattresses in this guide that outshine the Siena in all these areas, and generally we recommend investing as much as you can afford to (the Nectar #2 and DreamCloud #5 are both worthwhile, great-value upgrades, if you can push to a slightly higher price). However, if you're shopping on a budget, this is a top choice.
Value for money
The Siena is never sold at full price. The current evergreen deal knocks 'up to 60% off', with a queen size discounted to $399. The lowest price we've recorded was $379 for a queen, in March 2024. There's nothing really in it though – whenever you buy it's going to be a major bargain. The extras are good for the price too: the Siena comes with a 180-night trial and 10-year warranty. There are (even) cheaper options in our best affordable mattress guide, but you'll have to make sacrifices on quality and extras.
- Read more: Siena Memory Foam Mattress review
Best firm mattress
✅ You want a firm mattress: The Awara is firmly supportive right up to the edges, with the latex offering a dreamy, weightless feel.
✅ You want a natural mattress (at an affordable price): The Awara is made with natural and organic materials, but is far more affordable than most natural mattresses.
✅ You want your mattress to last: Latex is perhaps the most durable mattress material, and the Awara comes with a lifetime warranty, too.
❌ You want joint contouring: There's gentle contouring here, but for the full sink-in feel, you need memory foam. Try the Helix (#3) or Nectar (#2).
❌ You share a bed: The bouncy surface means there's more motion transfer than usual here, which might be an issue for some bed-sharers. The Siena (#6) is still firm, but with better isolation.
❌ You want a more luxurious firm mattress: The Saatva (#1) is available in a firm feel, and is a more high-end and traditional option.
🔎 The Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress offers sustainable slumber at a surprisingly affordable price. The latex foam delivers firm support and a weightless feel, and the build quality is excellent. This is a mattress that should last. ★★★★½
The Awara Natural Hybrid mattress is our best natural mattress pick. Rather than synthetic foams and fabrics, it uses latex foam, wool and organic cotton. Organic mattresses tend to sit in the premium price bracket, but this model is a mid-range marvel, and delivers fantastic value for money.
Design
This 10-inch tall hybrid has a three internal layers: a soft cover made from a blend of organic cotton and New Zealand wool (both naturally breathable and temperature regulating), above a 2-inch layer of Rainforest Alliance-certified Dunlop latex. That sits on a base of individually wrapped, 8-inch coils.
Comfort and performance
Latex foam is bouncier and less contouring than memory foam, and gives the sleeper an almost weightless feeling. We rate this the best firm mattress on the market, and it's ideal for back/stomach sleepers, heavier bodies, and anyone who needs or prefers a sturdy sleep surface.
Our lead reviewer found it comfortable for side sleeping, but in general, side sleepers tend to get on better with a slightly softer mattress, and especially so if they're lighter in body weight. Something like the DreamCloud (#5) might be a good alternative – it sits in the medium-firm bracket.
The latex foam regulates temperature very effectively, making this a better choice for hot sleepers than a synthetic foam option. The edges are also reliably sturdy, and will sufficiently accommodate those who like to sprawl out or need a stable edge push up off when getting up in the morning.
The main potential downside to be aware of with the Awara is that it comes with higher-than-average motion transfer. That might be an issue if you share a bed and are easily disturbed. If that's the case for you, consider the Siena (#6) – it's slightly firmer (9 out of 10, compared to 8 for the Awara).
Value for money
The Awara is never sold at full price. The new regular price is $949 for a queen size (which is less than it was for most of last year). Based on that, this mattress sits in the mid-range price bracket, and is significantly cheaper than most of the best organic mattresses on the market. Because it's from the same parent brand as Nectar, you'll get the same super-generous extras: a full year's trial and forever warranty. Latex is known to be one of the most durable mattress materials, so you can expect the Awara to last, too.
- Read more: Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress review
Best mattress for hot sleepers
✅ You sleep hot: Our tester was blown away by this mattress' cooling properties – the open GelFlex grid allows air to circulate freely.
✅ You have joint pain: The GelFlex melds around the sleeper's joints, relieving pressure and creating a floating feeling without trapping heat (as foams can).
✅ You share a bed: The Grid absorbs movements, so you won't be disturbed by a partner shifting about in bed.
❌ You prefer a traditional feel: Purples Gel Grid has earned it plenty of dedicated fans, but it does feel unusual. The Saatva (#1) or DreamCloud (#5) are both more traditional.
❌ You want a luxurious mattress: At 9.25 inches thick, this is one of the thinnest mattresses on this list, and it doesn't look or feel especially luxe, either. The Dusk Luxe (#9) is a more decadent mattress.
❌ You need something you can move easily: The Purple mattress is floppy and heavy, so moving it about is a bit of a challenge. Pick something with coils if you need to shift your mattress regularly.
🔎 The Purple mattress relieves pressure without trapping heat, thanks to its unique bouncy GelFlex Grid. The feel is unusual and the styling functional, but its not for nothing that this brand has earned so many dedicated fans (our reviewer included). ★★★★½
The original Purple is the best mattress for hot sleepers. It's not marketed as such, but it sits right at the top of our best cooling mattress guide because it doesn't trap heat like foam-based mattresses can. Our reviewer, who struggles with overheating at night, was blown away but this bed's chilling powers. It's mostly thanks to the GelFlex Grid – this brand's USP – which is also responsible for the unusual sleep feel.
Design
As with all Purple's beds, the star of the show is the GelFlex Grid. This is a bouncy, elastic grid layer that flexes around the sleeper's body shape and bounces back immediately when pressure is removed. You can feel the outline of the grid though the cover, which is also super-stretchy, so as not to dampen the effect. The Grid lies on top of two layers of foam, and there's also a foam rail around the perimeter, to bolster the edges. At 9.25 inches tall, it's the thinnest mattress in our list.
Comfort and performance
It's difficult to assign an overall firmness rating to the Purple mattress, because the Grid feels different depending on how much pressure is on it, delivering softness or support exactly where it's needed. It's suitable for any position and most body types, although the thinner profile means we perhaps wouldn't recommend it to heavier people.
Although the Grid molds around the sleeper's shape and relieves pressure like a memory foam, the bounciness means there's none of that quicksand feel. Another major benefit over foam is that it has an open structure that allows air through it, so it doesn't trap heat. This is the coolest mattress we've reviewed.
The Purple mattress is great when it comes to motion isolation – essentially, it'll absorb movements rather than allowing them to reverberate across the surface. That makes it a good choice for couples on different sleep schedules, or which include one restless sleeper.
There are a lot of benefits to this unusual design, but it is unusual, and it won't appeal to everyone. The overall design prioritizes function over style – there are more decadent looking and feeling models in our list, if that's a consideration.
Value for money
This mattress generally sits in the upper-mid price bracket, and if you're not in a rush, it's worth keeping an eye out for a Purple sale or deal. These crop up semi-regularly, and vary depending on when you buy. Unlike other bed brands, Purple doesn't mess with MSRP, so you can take those discounts at face value. In 2024, we'd consider $1,099 a good price for a queen size Purple Original, and anything less than that well worth snapping up. The lowest price we ever see on this model is $999 for the queen.
The extras (a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty) are acceptable but not especially generous – there are cheaper mattresses in this list that offer better perks on this front. Purple mattresses have a pretty unique design, and if you want that then you will just have to stump up.
- Read more: Purple mattress review
Best soft mattress
✅ You love a plush feel: This mattress has a medium firmness (6 out of 10), with dreamily cushioning. That's about the softest mattress we'd recommend to most people, and our tester called it 'divine' to sleep on.
✅ You want a luxurious mattress: With its thick profile and cradling pillow-top, the Dusk Luxe looks and feels decadent.
✅ You're light in weight: Soft mattresses are best suited to lightweight people, who will benefit from the extra cushioning without sacrificing support.
❌ You want something even softer: The Moonlight Luxe has the same price and design but is softer (medium-soft compared to medium) – think hard about if it'll provide enough support before buying, though.
❌ You get hot at night: Our tester found this mattress could trap heat. The Saatva (#1) sleeps cooler, or if this is a big issue for you, check out the Purple (#8).
❌ You want maximum value for money: The Saatva (#1) is also available in a plush feel – that model is significantly cheaper and the extras (trial, delivery, warranty) are far more generous.
🔎 The Helix Dusk Luxe is a tall, luxurious hybrid mattress. It has a softer feel with plush cushioning, but is still surprisingly supportive. An excellent choice for lightweight people or anyone seeking a sumptuous sleep feel. ★★★★
The Helix Dusk Luxe is a thick, hybrid mattress with a Euro-top, and it's our top soft mattress pick. Our tester described the feel of this mattress as 'divine'. You might have spotted that we rate this a 6 out of 10 on firmness, which puts it in the medium bracket rather than being a 'true' soft mattress. However, a medium is about as plush a feel as we'd typically recommend – start going softer, and most people won't find the support they need.
(If you're sure you want a soft mattress, the Moonlight Luxe is the same design and price but a bit more plush. Approach with caution though.)
Design
The Dusk Luxe is 13.5 inches tall, with a high-end looking Euro-top (and super-strokable Tencel cover). At the top are three different foam layers, including a memory foam and a 'latex-alternative' (note – it's not natural latex, as in the Awara at #7, but just Helix's way of describing a bouncy foam). At the base are individually wrapped coils, which are firmer around the perimeter and in the central third, beneath the lumbar.
Comfort and performance
Our reviewer found the Helix Dusk Luxe had a cozy, cloud-like feel, providing soft cushioning but a surprising amount of support. It's suitable for any sleep position, although some side-sleepers might prefer the Midnight (#3) from the same brand – there's no pillow-top on that model, which allows for deeper contouring.
It's a testament to just how comfortable our reviewer found this model that it has made its way into this guide, because performance in our other tests was a little underwhelming. We found the Dusk Luxe didn't always regulate temperature well (there is a cooling cover upgrade option, or you could consider the Saatva Classic at #1, which has a coil-based design that doesn't trap heat). Motion isolation and edge support were both also fine but not amazing. Still, comfort counts for a lot, so if those aspects aren't ringing any particular alarm bells, this could still be a great choice.
Value for money
The Dusk Luxe sits in the premium price bracket. It's never sold at full price – a permanent Helix mattress sale knocks 20 per cent off MSRP, but that will rise on occasion to 25 per cent off. That means a queen size usually costs $1,899, but it's sometimes as cheap as $1,780. It's usually more expensive than our #1 model, the Saatva Classic, and to be honest, less strong value for money. The extras – a 100 night trial and 15 year warranty – are nothing special, and there's no option for white glove delivery (Saatva includes this for free).
- Read more: Helix Dusk Luxe review
How we test mattresses
The TechRadar mattress review process is editorially independent and controlled solely by us. We decide which products are reviewed and use a series of tests to help us generate an overall score out of 10 for each mattress. Here's what you need to know about how we test...
How long we test for – and why
During the review period, we sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks because this is how long it takes most people to get used to sleeping on a new mattress. Other sites test for shorter periods while others test for longer, but we feel three weeks provides ample time to gather testing data and to fact-check claims made by the manufacturer.
One of the most common complaints when sleeping on a new mattress is back pain. Often this is down to choosing the wrong firmness for your body weight and sleeping position, while other times it’s because you have gone from an older, less supportive mattress to something with more support. Your body will feel that change in the beginning, and this is why many leading mattress manufacturers will only accept returns once you have slept on a mattress for 21 to 30 nights and given it a fair trial.
What we test
Every mattress we review is tested and rated in the following areas:
- Firmness, comfort and support
- Design, build quality and materials
- Motion transfer
- Pressure relief in different sleep positions
- Temperature regulation
- Edge support
We also rate mattresses in terms of off-gassing (read more about what is mattress off-gassing) and how easy they are (or not) to unbox and set up for sleeping. We source mattresses directly from each manufacturer on the understanding that they have zero influence over our expert opinion of the mattress or the overall score.
We also evaluate user reviews to see what customers think of the mattress, and to identify any issues (or praise) that keep surfacing. User reviews also help us to see if customers are having issues with the materials or build quality months or even years down the line.
Our mattress testers
Our mattress reviewers vary in terms of body weight and sleep needs, and are experienced at testing mattresses, bedding and related sleep products. We have one lead reviewer per mattress, who then forms a review panel of additional sleepers. These panel members represent different types of sleeper (back, stomach, side, combi), and have different body weights and preferences for firmness. Why do we use a panel of testers in addition to a lead reviewer? To create a balanced opinion of the mattress.
Expert buying advice
What is the best mattress in 2024?
In our view, the luxury innerspring Saatva Classic is the best mattress you can buy. It's approved by the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations, and delivers hotel-style comfort and superb support for a few hundred dollars less than its luxury rivals. We really enjoyed sleeping on it.
As well as being great value for a luxury mattress, we love how customizable the Saatva Classic is: you can choose between three firmness options (plush soft, luxury firm and firm) and two heights (11.5 or 14.5 inches). It costs between $995 and $2,445, depending on the size you choose, and there's often a discount at Saatva when you spend over $1,000.
Alternatively, if you prefer the full 'hug' of memory foam mattress - and want to sink into your mattress while you sleep, rather than sleep on top of it - we'd recommend the Nectar Memory Foam mattress. Starting from $599 ($1049 for a queen) it's a competitively priced mid-range mattress that performs well and is almost always discounted substantially.
What's the deal with mattress deals on Black Friday?
There's a ton more info in our dedicated Black Friday mattress deals and Cyber Monday mattress deals pages, but here's the short version. Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that Black Friday (the last Friday of November, 29 November 2024) is a major day for sales. That goes for mattresses too. Pretty much all the brands and retailers will have a significant sale on.
It used to be the time to buy, with brands offering their lowest price of the year for a short period of time. Nowadays, the deals aren't quite as unique, with some brands matching Black Friday pricing at other times of the year – although crucially, it's unusual to see prices that are lower than a brand's Black Friday deal, so it's still a great time to shop. We're expecting major price drops on all the models in our best mattress guide, with the possible exception of the Zinus Green Tea, just because it's so cheap already and sold via Amazon.
The sales periods have gotten longer too. It's fairly common for mattress brands to drop their Black Friday pricing around mid-October. The branding of the sale will change ('Early Access', 'Black Friday deal', 'Cyber Week Deal') but the offer itself will remain consistent often until after Cyber Monday.
You'll also often see extra free gifts like pillows or sheets bundled in, to tempt you in further. Consider how much you need these when making your decision – the important thing is to get the right mattress for you.
When is the best time to buy a new mattress?
There are mattress sales running year-round, so you’re never far from a good discount on a top-rated mattress. That said, certain times of the year are definitely the best time to buy a new mattress. The obvious two are in November and December, over Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Outside of those major shopping events, the best times to buy a new mattress include the Presidents' Day mattress sales in February, as well as the Memorial Day mattress sales in late May. Retailers often come out with the most competitive savings as they attempt to shift old season stock to make way for newer models. We've even seen accessories, such as mattress protectors, comforters and the best pillows for sleeping get discounted.
The July 4th mattress sales, followed by the Labor Day mattress sales in September, also bring a variety of offers, but mattress prices can be higher than during Black Friday. So while the actual discounts may be the same, the base price of the mattress might be higher, so your savings are smaller.
Generally, summer is known as one of the most expensive times to buy a new mattress, so we’d recommend keeping your eye out for good deals during the other sales periods mentioned above instead. And if you don't have the budget right now for a new mattress but need more comfort from your bed, consider using one of the best mattress toppers instead.
What is the best mattress for me?
To choose the best mattress for you, think about the position you fall asleep in. Most mattresses are designed to support back, stomach and side sleepers, though we have found that some mattress types are best suited to specific sleep positions.
For example, contouring memory foam mattresses with sink-in cushioning are an excellent choice for side sleepers because they relieve pressure on the hips, knees and shoulders during side sleeping. All-foam models also provide comfort for lighter bodies.
Hybrid mattresses are usually firmer and therefore suit heavier bodies, and back and stomach sleepers who need to sleep on top of the mattress for better spinal alignment. Because they sleep cooler, they’re the best choice for hot sleepers too.
In terms of mattress firmness, a medium-firm feel works well for most people, so you’ll see this offered by a lot of mattress manufacturers. Though if you enjoy softer beds, you may find that medium-firm is too firm, so explore soft or plush-firm options instead. So to recap:
Choose a mattress that suits your sleeping position and make sure it offers enough comfort for your body type. Look for cooling materials if you sleep hot, and always opt for a mattress that comes with a risk-free trial period.
What are the different types of mattress?
Largely speaking, there are four different types of mattress: memory foam, hybrid, innerspring and latex, though there are many variations within those main types too. Here’s a handy guide to the different types and how they might best suit your body, sleep needs and budget:
Hybrid mattresses
These use a combination of memory foam and either coils or springs, and generally provide a firmer feel than an all-foam mattress. Hybrids pack in more material technologies, and are more breathable because air flows freely through and around the coils or springs.
Hybrids are a good choice for heavier bodies that need firmer support to keep their spine aligned during sleep. They also suit people with back pain as hybrids can often deliver zoned support, with different levels of firmness across different parts of the mattress.
Again, the average warranty is 10 years though brands such as DreamCloud and WinkBeds offer lifetime warranties on their hybrids.
Memory foam mattresses
This type of mattress is made from memory foam and other types of foam, and while they have in the past been known to retain heat, many of them are now made with gel-infused memory foam to make them cooler.
The main draw is that they create a body-hugging feel for a more weightless type of sleep. They also suit couples and restless sleepers who share a bed as memory foam offers more motion isolation than other materials.
Memory foam mattresses are best-suited to people who need deep pressure relief across their back, shoulders, hips and other impact points. They are cheaper than hybrids (see below for a description of those), and typically last around six to eight years depending on the build quality. Our feature on how long a mattress lasts goes into more detail on this.
The average warranty is 10 years, though some memory foam mattress brands, such as Nectar Sleep and WinkBeds, offer lifetime warranties.
Innerspring mattresses
This is a more traditional type of mattress, and one you’ll find in mattress stores and from some online manufacturers. Innerspring mattresses use a coil-based support system that suits most sleeping positions, with individually housed coils sat inside fabric pockets so that they can move independently of each other. This creates a bouncier feel than other mattresses types, and a more responsive feel.
The drawback with innerspring mattresses is that they don’t last as long as other mattresses, so you will need to replace them frequently compared to more durable memory foam and hybrids. Though if you want one of the most long-lasting types of mattress, look at the latex models (see below).
Warranties vary wildly for innerspring mattresses, and range from five years to eight years on average.
Latex mattresses
These are an excellent choice for anyone who wants a durable mattress that offers cooling comfort and a bouncy feel (innersprings are bouncier). There are different types of latex mattress, including Dunlop and natural Talalay latex.
Like memory foam, latex is a great material for contouring to the body and providing a slightly huggy feel, though it’s more breathable. If you want an organic mattress for non-toxic sleep, latex mattresses are worth exploring. However they are more expensive, which is reflected in the longer warranties - 20 years is the average.
