The 10 Best Mattress Brands in January 2022, According to Lab Testing

Life is hectic. Between work, family, and social commitments, we're all going about our business at high speed. When it's time for bed, we're dog-tired. But if you plan to lie down on any old mattress at the end of the day and hope for a good night's sleep, you're doing it wrong.

"Sleeping on the right mattress can have a significant impact on how well you function during the day," says Dr. Luis Peña-Hernández, MD, FCCP at the Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Disorders Institute of South Florida (PCSI). "Choosing the right mattress for your needs can help address everything from back, shoulder, and neck pain to nighttime sweats, so you have a greater chance of waking up refreshed each morning."

Sleep is extraordinarily important for our safety and mental and physical well-being, according to a report by the National Institute of Health. So choosing the best mattress brand should be a priority. If you're in the market for a new mattress, you'll want to consider factors such as mattress type and materials, pressure relief, firmness, and sleep position.

To help, the Mattress Advisor review team carefully curated a list of the best, most innovative brands on the market today. It's worth noting that all of the mattress companies on this list offer generous sleep trial periods and return policies. You can "test drive" their products for anywhere from 100 days to a full year to thoroughly evaluate the mattress before committing.

Our mattress brand recommendations:

Best Overall: Helix Midnight
Best for Couples: Saatva Classic
Most Luxurious: The WinkBed
Best Extra-Firm: Brooklyn Bedding Plank
Best for Sex: DreamCloud Premier
Best Cooling: GhostBed Luxe
Best for Back Pain: Puffy Lux
Best Value: Nectar
Best Hybrid: Awara
Best for Combination Sleepers: Casper

The 10 best mattress brands

01 of 10

Best Overall: Helix Midnight

BUY IT, $999 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,099)

The Helix Midnight delivers on cooling, responsiveness, and motion isolation. It earned an 8 or higher from Mattress Advisor testers in each of those categories, performing best (8.75/10) for motion isolation. The higher the motion isolation score, the less likely you are to feel your partner's movements ripple across the mattress, making the Midnight a great bed for couples.

Other noteworthy features of the Helix Midnight include its base of individually wrapped coils, breathable cover, and layers of memory foam and polyfoam. It earned an 8.5 out of 10 for pressure relief. When beds have a combination of soft foam and firm innersprings, they tend to suit all sleep styles, which is true of the Helix Midnight. Back and stomach sleepers get the hip lift and support they need while side sleepers' hips and shoulders are cushioned. An added plus? The Helix Midnight is one of the most affordable beds on this list.

Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
Mattress Advisor Score: 8.9/10
Firmness: Medium (6/10)
Trial Period for Returns: 100 nights

02 of 10

Best for Couples: Saatva Classic

BUY IT, $887 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,695)

Couples who share a bed may not share sleeping styles. Fortunately, the Saatva Classic is a mattress made to accommodate all sleep positions. You and your partner will have to agree on your Saatva's firmness level—plush-soft, luxury-firm (feels like medium-firm), or firm. But whichever you select, the Saatva Classic's hybrid construction aims to keep you well-supported.

Inside are more than 800 individually wrapped comfort coils meant to respond to your movements and contour to your body. The coils are surrounded by memory foam to create a comfortable and durable sleep surface (the Saatva Classic earned a perfect 10 in durability). Finally, the Euro pillow top offers another layer of cushioning. Mattress Advisor testers, who awarded the Saatva Classic a 10 out of 10 for spine alignment, said the combination of coil support and foam layers helps the sleeper maintain a healthy posture throughout the night.

Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
Mattress Advisor Score: 9.3/10
Firmness: Plush-soft (3/10), luxury-firm (6/10), and firm (8/10)
Trial Period for Returns: 180 nights

03 of 10

Most Luxurious: The WinkBed

BUY IT, $1,499 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,799)

The WinkBed is a mattress reminiscent of those in five-star hotels. The cover is made from Tencel, a material derived from eucalyptus that wicks away moisture more effectively than cotton. The next layer is a gel-infused foam pillow top that allows you to sink into the surface of the mattress without feeling overheated. Beneath these plush layers comes a base of individually wrapped coils and a reinforced edge support system. If you tend to sleep near the perimeter of your mattress or sit on the bed's edge to slip your shoes on, The WinkBed offers more than enough stability to keep you supported. It earned a 9.75 out of 10 in edge support, plus a perfect 10 in durability.

Due to The WinkBed's durable support, back sleepers are a good fit for this mattress. Testers gave the mattress an 8.75 out of 10 in spine alignment. The WinkBed received an even higher score for responsiveness (9/10), so combination sleepers will find that it quickly responds to sleep position changes. If you're still on the fence about buying it, multiple firmness options and a lifetime warranty make this luxury mattress all the more attractive.

Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
Mattress Advisor Score: 8.6/10
Firmness: Soft (4.5/10), luxury-firm (6.5/10), firm (7.5/10), and plus (8/10)
Trial Period for Returns: 120 nights

04 of 10

Best Extra-Firm: Brooklyn Bedding Plank

BUY IT, $1,274 FOR A QUEEN

The Brooklyn Bedding Plank, already the firmest bed in the company's lineup, can be flipped for an even sturdier feel. If you want a solid polyfoam mattress without feeling like you're sinking into its surface, the ultra-firm Plank may be a good fit. It excelled at spinal alignment and responsiveness in the Mattress Advisor testing lab, earning an 8.75 out of 10 in both categories.

Just because the Plank is firm doesn't mean the mattress skimps on pressure relief. Testers gave the Plank a 9 out of 10 for its ability to relieve tension from the hips and shoulders. If you sleep hot, you can add an optional cooling panel to the firm or ultra-firm side of the mattress.

Mattress Type: Polyfoam
Mattress Advisor Score: 9.1/10
Firmness: Firm (7/10) and ultra-firm (9/10)
Trial Period for Returns: 120 nights

05 of 10

Best for Sex: DreamCloud Premier

BUY IT, $1,399 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,998)

If you want to use your mattress for more than just snoozing, the DreamCloud Premier is up to the challenge with its hybrid design of coils and foam. The pocketed coils excel at responsiveness (earning a 9 out of 10 in the testing lab), meaning it's easy for you and your partner to move across the mattress's surface. The two thick layers of high-density memory foam provide a cushioning surface for plenty of foreplay. The plush pillow top includes a cashmere blend cover.

When you start to work up a sweat, have no fear. The DreamCloud Premier earned an 8.5 out of 10 for its breathability. This is due to the coils, which leave room for plenty of airflow. This mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty and one-year sleep trial, giving you enough time to test drive the bed.

Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
Mattress Advisor Score: 9/10
Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
Trial Period for Returns: 365 nights

06 of 10

Best Cooling: GhostBed Luxe

BUY IT, $1,677 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $2,395)

If you often wake up in a sweat, try a mattress that transfers body heat away from you during the night. Typical memory foam mattresses sleep hot, but the GhostBed Luxe defies those expectations. It earned an impressive 9 out of 10 cooling score from Mattress Advisor. The GhostBed Luxe starts off with a cool-to-the-touch fabric, followed by two layers of gel memory foam, and finally a foam layer that redistributes heat away from the center of the mattress.

Besides sleeping cool, the GhostBed Luxe also excels in responsiveness and spine alignment. It earned a 9.25 out of 10 in both categories, so combination and back sleepers can rest easy.

Mattress Type: Gel memory foam
Mattress Advisor Score: 9/10
Firmness: Medium-firm (5.5/10)
Trial Period for Returns: 101 nights

07 of 10

Best for Back Pain: Puffy Lux

BUY IT, $1,699 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $2,449)

Tired of waking with an achy back? Switching to a more supportive mattress like the Puffy Lux could relieve your back pain and help you get a better night's rest. Made from three layers of memory foam and an ultra-durable base layer, the Puffy Lux earned high scores in the three areas that matter most for those with back pain. Mattress Advisor awarded it a 9 out of 10 for spine alignment, a 9.5 out of 10 for pressure relief, and an 8.75 out of 10 for durability, which ensures the bed won't sag or buckle under pressure. Testers found that the Puffy Lux's cushioned-yet-supportive design kept them resting in a healthy spine alignment.

The one downside? The Puffy Lux is about $1,800. Budget shoppers might take more comfort in the original Puffy—the brand's flagship mattress is less than $1,300.

Mattress Type: Memory foam
Mattress Advisor Score: 9.3/10
Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
Trial Period for Returns: 101 nights

08 of 10

Best Value: Nectar

BUY IT, $899 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,298)

Is there an option out there that offers all of the benefits of a high-end mattress at an affordable cost? There certainly is: Nectar is the mattress brand likely to tick all your boxes. This company expertly combines the very best firmness, comfort, breathability, and coolness features to give you an unparalleled sleep experience at a lower price point than many comparable beds.

The Nectar mattress has a quilted, airy foam mattress layer on top and a five-layer foam construction. Each of these layers is expertly engineered to have the perfect balance of support, softness, and firmness. Since the foam is adaptive, it ensures optimal spinal alignment while simultaneously relieving pressure on your hips, legs, and shoulders. You won't be sleeping hot either, as the Nectar mattress earned top-marks for cooling (8/10) and allows for nonstop airflow. It's also great for couples. If your partner tends to toss and turn frequently in their sleep or get up for a late night snack, you'll be happy to know this mattress minimizes motion transfer (awarded an 8.5/10 in this category). Unlike most bed-in-a-box mattresses, the Nectar comes with a full-year sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, which gives you ample time to decide if this is the right fit for you.

Mattress type: Memory foam
Mattress Advisor Score: 8.7/10
Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
Trial Period for Returns: 365 nights

09 of 10

Best Hybrid: Awara

BUY IT, $1,199 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,898)

Hybrid mattresses combine multiple materials so sleepers benefit from the best of different mattress types. The Awara combines latex with innerspring coils, two of the industry's most durable materials, in one mattress. The base of pocketed micro coils sits beneath a 4-inch layer of natural Dunlop latex to help keep sleepers' spines aligned. Testers gave it an 8.5 out of 10 in spinal alignment and an 8.25 out of 10 for responsiveness. These are two reasons why Mattress Advisor recommends the Awara for back or combination sleepers.

An organic quilted cotton cover tops this mattress and creates a breathable surface. Like other hybrid mattresses, the Awara is known for its cooling properties (8.5/10). The coils promote airflow, while the latex layer regulates your body temperature for cooler rest.

Mattress Type: Hybrid (latex and coils)
Mattress Advisor Score: 8.8/10
Firmness: Firm (7/10)
Trial Period for Returns: 365 nights

10 of 10

Best for Combination Sleepers: Casper Original All-Foam

BUY IT, $895 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,295)

Despite the brand releasing newer models over the years, the original, all-foam Casper is still one of its most popular mattresses. Casper's flagship mattress is an especially good fit for combination sleepers, who need a mattress that easily responds when they switch from sleeping on their side, back, or stomach. Memory foam mattresses typically have poor performance for sleepers who change positions, but the Casper earned a perfect 10 in responsiveness. Other all-foam beds can sometimes give you a sinking sensation that leaves you feeling stuck in your mattress.

The Casper's three thick layers of memory foam also promote spine alignment (testers rated it 9.5 out of 10), so no matter which sleep position you end up in, you'll be well-supported.

Mattress Type: Memory foam
Mattress Advisor Score: 9.1/10
Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
Trial Period for Returns: 100 nights

How to find the best mattress brand

If you're overwhelmed by the amount of choices out there, keep these three tips in mind to help narrow down your search.

Know where to shop

There are pros and cons to both in-store and online mattress shopping, but more and more people are turning to bed-in-a-box brands. The draw of these mattresses is easy to understand: They're shipped directly to you, making the entire process incredibly convenient, and they're often much less expensive than in-store options because online retailers cut out middleman costs.

Plus, online brands offer sleep trials (anywhere between 100 nights to a full year), giving you ample time to test out the mattress before you need to commit. If the bed isn't a fit, you can return it within the trial period at no extra cost.

Do your research

Mattress brands are constantly trying to outdo each other by introducing new and innovative materials to keep you comfortable. Always read previous buyers' reviews before you purchase a bed to ensure the company is reputable and delivers on its promises.

Read the fine print

A new mattress is a big investment—not only financially, but also physically considering the amount of time you'll spend sleeping on it. The best course of action is to pick a durable model that comes with a lengthy warranty. Most trusted mattress brands offer at least a 10-year warranty.

Before clicking the order button, make sure you know what's covered under the warranty. Is it prorated or non-prorated? Does it cover faulty craftsmanship? What about natural wear and tear? Bottom line: Read before you buy.

Choosing the best mattress for you

Now you know where to look for a new bed, but how do you determine what type of mattress best suits your needs? Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a mattress.

Mattress types and materials

Memory foam mattresses help distribute your weight evenly while keeping your spine aligned. Latex mattresses conform to your body quickly and reshape after you leave the mattress. They're also notoriously durable and can last for up to two decades.

Innerspring mattresses are what most people think of as the traditional mattress type. These beds are made from a base of coils topped with a thin layer of foam.

You'll also find a lot of hybrid mattresses on the market. These combine one or more layers of foam or latex with one or more layers of innersprings. These foam and coil mattresses generally have good ventilation, a blend of support and contouring, and minimal motion transfer.

Pressure relief

Pressure relief is an important feature to look for in your mattress brand, and your needs will primarily depend on your sleeping position. You'll want to find a mattress that offers sufficient support and eliminates pressure points while you sleep. Memory foam and latex are better at relieving pressure than other materials and provide cushioning at the hips and shoulders.

Sleep Position

Different kinds of sleepers have different needs when it comes to their mattresses. Side sleepers are more likely to sleep well on a thick memory foam mattress, for example, as this material contours to the body to provide extra support for shoulders and hips. Back sleepers will need a comfortable mattress that contours to their back, supports their midsection, and keeps their spine aligned. If you sleep on your stomach, a firmer bed will keep your hips propped up and your spine aligned. Combination sleepers, or those who change positions during the night, need a bouncy mattress (think something with springy coils, like a hybrid or innerspring bed) that responds to their frequent movements.

Firmness

Most mattress brands offer a range of models with different degrees of firmness, letting you pick and choose depending on your personal preference. Others sell flippable mattresses, offering a different level of firmness on each side so you can have the best of both worlds. And still others, like Saatva go above and beyond and let you customize your firmness from among 50 different levels on the same bed. Mattress firmness is measured on a scale from 1-10, with 1 being super soft and 10 being the most firm. Take into account your preferred sleep position and whether you suffer from aches and pains before selecting a firmness level for your mattress.

Mattress Advisor's Review Process

Each mattress on this list was put to the test (literally) in Mattress Advisor's lab, which is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Bedding experts spent over 1,200 hours evaluating and comparing mattresses using a 14-point testing methodology to find the best mattress brands you can shop online.

While some of the factors tested are tied directly to performance, like responsiveness, edge support, and pressure relief, others are based around brand operations, such as customer service, shipping policies, and trial period. The Mattress Advisor team combines this proprietary methodology with in-depth interviews and customer experience to arrive at a weighted score out of 10.

Samara Kamenecka is a former insomniac and freelance writer for Mattress Advisor.

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