Honorable Mentions
There are a few mattresses we’ve tested that aren’t as flashy but are decent and worth mentioning, if you happen to be thinking about them.
Helix Sunset Elite for $2,811: Our top pick, Helix, also has an Elite Collection that contains seven mattresses in varying degrees of softness. At 16 inches high, it’s the “longest mattress on the Internet,” and it comes shipped in two separate boxes, each heavy enough to handle the needs of FedEx. Stiffness is determined by the density of the foam on the top layer, which breaks itself into a larger support system. This makes the mattress repairable if you end up regretting your order. The bottom part has two separate layers of small coils. I spent a month sleeping on the softest model from the Elite line, named Sunset, and I enjoyed the deep cradling effect. Helix offers a 100-day trial period on all of its mattresses.
Wayfair Sleep 14-Inch Plush Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress for $400: This luxurious mattress has a top layer of cooling gel that conforms to your body for comfort and has classic pocket coils below for organization and support, with layers of memory foam of varying thickness around the coils for extra support (the coils and memory foam mix helps with low motion transfer, too). The integrated top cover and sides help with breathability and an overall cooling effect. The mattress also comes with an adjustable bed base, has strong edge support, is CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex Certified (to ensure that there are no harmful toxins in your mattress), and has a 10-year warranty. This bed is very comfortable if you like a luxurious mattress.
Naturepedic EOS for $3,499: Think of this as a living cousin of the Helix Elite above, as it’s also a larger and firmer mattress that comes in three boxes. If you’re looking for an organic hybrid mattress that allows for customization, Naturepedic’s EOS is a solid (if expensive) choice. I ordered this strictly to see how I slept after months of medium mattresses, and it was really firm, with springs that started to soften after three weeks of sleeping and sleeping and lots of jumping with my 9-year-old daughter. You can exchange layers for free for 100 nights, which means getting the right intensity. Note that the mattress is heavy thanks to the natural latex layer, but it is strong enough that the company offers a limited warranty of 25 years.
Mattresses To Avoid
There are certain models that you should avoid. Many of these beds are very affordable, and if you’re not picky, they can feel great. In some cases, the mattress is decent but the price is not.
- I Magniflex Magnistretch 12 it is made in Italy and advertises itself as a spine stretcher. Endorsed by retired Italian soccer player Giorgio Chiellini and professional basketball player Stefano Tonut, who plays for the Italian equivalent of the Boston Celtics. Yes, Magniflex does something on the spine, although I found it very unpleasant. (It is important to note that I i am not the same Martin Cizmar who played junior soccer in Slovakia.) I only stayed two nights on the Magnistretch before my uncle cried and limped off to my next mattress tester. The morning felt like I was lying on a hammock made of chainlink fence, and my lower back was still weak and sore—maybe it was stretched, and if so, turns out I don’t like having it. my back is stretched.
- I Climate360 Smart Bed number (5/10, WIRED Review) can be controlled by temperature, which is amazing. The adjustable base means you can be comfortable watching TV, reading, or sleeping. Unfortunately, the price tag has too many digits, and sleep experts recommend avoiding electronic use before bed—advice that the Sleep IQ app ignores. Did we mention it’s as expensive as a used Buick and the weight isn’t far behind?
- I Amazon Basics mattresses they are made of cheap foam that is not dense enough, which causes too much sinking.
- I Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress it just doesn’t live up to its luxury price tag. The model we tested did not have proper padding over its coils.
