Best Memory Foam Mattress – Updated Reviews for 2024

Written by: Jovana Bozic
Updated: 01/10/2024

The bedroom is, and always should be, your temple of rest. It’s not just a place where you sleep. It’s a place where you reconnect with your mind, body, and soul after a hard day’s work. No wonder you want the best for yourself, and we honor you for that.

The memory foam mattress is one of the common choices of so many people. We can see why – a comfortable cloud-like sensation is at the top of the mind. 

They are also very versatile. You get to choose from traditional to copper-infused memory foam. The construction of the materials enhances different aspects from comfort to exceptional cooling. 

Another reason people decide to buy a memory foam mattress is the affordable price. Depending on your budget, you are likely to find many great options for you and your family. Luckily, most of our mattress picks have great coupons and discounts. Remember to check them out.

Now, we are all different and unique. It’s impossible to have one mattress fit everyone on the planet. That doesn’t mean we can’t see which mattresses showed to be a good fit for a wide diversity of sleepers.

In the list below, you’ll see our top picks for the best memory foam mattresses. Keep in mind that we focused on options we considered good in categories like:

  • sleep position
  • value for the money
  • cooling
  • sleeper weight, etc. 

Continue reading to find out which memory foam mattress would be the best choice for you!

Our Top Picks:

Casper Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress For Back Pain

Casper Original - Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain

Casper Original is the flagship model offering unique and brilliant construction. 

Underneath the cover and AirScape™ comfort layer lies the Zoned Support™. It’s a transitional layer divided into three ergonomic zones. The zones are designed to keep your spine aligned. The softer zones of the foam provide relief to the upper and lower body. The firmer zone is targeting your hips and back. The firmness of the middle section keeps your hips in a lifted and neutral position. The result is optimal spinal alignment and restful sleep.

The design of the Zoned Support™ is an attractive opportunity for back sleepers and anyone with back pain issues. So, if you tend to struggle with back pain, the ergonomic qualities will provide much-needed relief. Your back pain will be ghosting you pretty soon after you start sleeping on the Casper mattress. But not because your mattress shares a name with a friendly neighborhood ghost. 

When it comes to mattress firmness, we recognize it as a 7/10, medium-firm mattress. It does offer a firmer feel, with a little bit of bounce to it.

Casper is also very popular among combination sleepers. It adapts very fast and contours the body during the position switch. Still, we do recommend this mattress for back sleepers and combination sleepers that prefer back sleeping.

What Makes Casper Stand Out?

  • Zoned Support™ layer perfect for back pain
  • A great pick for combination sleepers
  • A medium-firm mattress with a bit of a bounce
  • Airscape comfort layer that keeps the heat away

Want to learn more about Casper? Read our in-depth Casper mattress review here.

Casper Mattress

With a perfect balance of comfort and support, it’s no wonder that the all-foam Casper mattress is such a great fit with back and combination sleepers.

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Product Details

Material

Foam

Trail Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free Shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm 7/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$

Our Recommendation

Perfect for:

Back Sleepers

Great fit for the the majority of back sleepers.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers will like its versatility and advanced pressure relief.

Couples

This model has excellent motion isolation making it a great choice for couples that toss and turn at night.

Back Pain

This mattress is a perfect fit for anyone suffering from back pain.

Neck & Shoulder Pain

Anyone that suffer from neck and shoulder pain will enjoy this bed.

Website

Casper

Average Customer Rating:

4.5 / 5

Loom & Leaf – Best Foam Mattress For Heavy People

Loom & Leaf – Best Foam Mattress For Heavy People

What is the best memory foam mattress for heavy people?

Loom & Leaf is an excellent candidate to consider. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. It depends on the sleeping position, preference in terms of mattress feel, and so on. 

However, we do know that sleepers over 230 pounds need a firmer mattress. That’s why 12 inches of foam seems like a great, sturdy base. That is precisely what Loom & Leaf is.

The 3″ comfort layer is split into two layers that offer deep contouring and maximum spinal support. They are also very durable due to the higher density of the material. The same goes for the 2″ transitional layer. Transition Loft Pad has a density of 5 lb PCF, making it medium to high-density foam. 

As you can tell from the Loom & Leaf construction, it’s an excellent pick for heavy sleepers. It’s especially good for back and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers between 130 to 230 pounds may also find the mattress enjoyable.

Another thing to note about the Loom & Leaf mattress is the price. It is a luxury memory foam mattress made with high-quality, eco-friendly materials. That is why a Loom & Leaf Twin costs $1,095, and a Queen would cost $2,195.  

Still, with a high-end mattress, there’s a generous 180-night sleep trial. A 15-year warranty makes this mattress a great option if you want a long-lasting mattress.

What Makes Loom & Leaf Stand Out?

  • An excellent pick for heavy sleepers
  • Two firmness levels: Relaxed Firm (5-7) and Firm (8)
  • Good choice for hot sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleeping
  • Made of eco-friendly, high-quality foams, it should last a long time

Is this mattress an excellent choice for you? Read more about it in our in-depth Loom & Leaf mattress review here.

Loom & Leaf

Loom & Leaf is a premium all-foam mattress, that excells both at pressure relief and motion isolation. Perfect for those that have neck and shoulder pain.

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Product Details

Material

Foam

Trial Period

180 nights

Shipping Method

Free Shipping

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Warranty

15-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

Our Recommendation

Perfect For:

Stomach Sleepers

Perfectly suited for many stomach sleepers.

Sex

Great choice for sexually-active couples.

Neck & Shoulder Pain

Ideal for those that have neck and shoulder pain.

Website

Loom&Leaf

Average Customer Rating:

4.9 / 5

Leesa Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress For Back and Stomach Sleepers

Leesa Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress For Back and Stomach Sleeping

Leesa is one of the most sought-after models on the market. This all-foam mattress offers excellent pressure relief. It relieves lower back pain associated with sleeping on the back or stomach. Why is that?

Well, back sleepers and stomach sleepers need a dense and supportive surface to keep larger parts of the body elevated. When a mattress is too soft, the body falls out of balance, causing improper spinal alignment, and resulting in lower back pain. 

Luckily, Leesa Original got your back! It’s especially recommended for back and stomach sleepers because it provides the perfect balance. It’s a true medium-firm mattress (6.5) that provides the right amount of support in the middle section of the mattress. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers can achieve cozy bliss and wake up feeling rejuvenated.

Leesa Original has an interesting construction. The comfort and the transitional layer are a part of one integrated system with an average density of 3 PCF. The foams of two layers show great contouring, bounciness, and motion isolation properties. Together they achieve the perfect balance for a refreshing sleep.

Even though Leesa Original isn’t a good choice for heavy sleepers, it will cater to the needs of light and medium-weight sleepers.

What Makes Leesa Mattress Stand Out?

  • Excellent choice for lightweight and medium weight back and stomach sleepers
  • Superb pressure relief, relieves lower back pain
  • Medium-firm mattress, 6.5/10

What else does Leesa Original has to offer? Read our full mattress review.

Leesa Mattress

The all-foam Leesa mattress is the company’s flagship model that many lightweight sleepers rely on exceptional pressure relief.

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Product Details

Material

Foam

Trail Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free Shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm 6.5-7/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$

Our Recommendation

Perfect for:

Combination Sleepers

Good fit for lightweight and average weight combo sleepers.

Back Sleepers

Good fit for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.

Stomach Sleepes

Good fit for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Sex

Offers good balance between comfort and bounciness.

Hot Sleepers

Good option for cooling experience combined with memory foam feel.

Website

Leesa

Average Customer Rating:

4.5 / 5

Nectar Mattress – Best Memory Foam Mattress For The Money

Nectar Mattress – Best Memory Foam Mattress For The Money

Looking for a budget-friendly choice with a traditional memory foam feel? Look no more because, with Nectar, it’s practically a steal! 

Nectar is one of the most popular and best-rated gel memory foam mattresses on the market. It’s been around since 2016. and is one of the fastest-growing mattress brands. Only around 3% of customers return it. That means over 95% of purchases are happy people who adore their Nectar mattress.

Nectar offers exceptional contouring and pressure relief and brings good cooling properties. The 3″ gel-infused comfort layer regulates the sleeper’s body temperature and repels the excess heat, which makes it one of the best cooling memory foam choices for hot sleepers.

Nectar performs well for lightweight and medium-weight side sleepers and back sleepers. Overall it is a great mattress for couples, elders, and kids

The price for a Twin is $599, and a Queen size costs $999. Nectar mattress is sold for a song, considering the quality of the mattress. 

Additionally, there’s a very generous sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. You get an unforgettable 365 nights to test the mattress. Not many mattress companies show such clear signs of generosity and confidence. 

What Makes Nectar Stand Out?

  • Best value for the price
  • Utmost comfort, durability, and quality
  • A great pick for back and stomach sleepers
  • 365 days of home trial and a lifetime warranty

Do you want more information? Take a peek at our full Nectar review here.

Nectar Mattress

Nectar is a premium quality mattress at an affordable price. The secret to its outstanding comfort lies in plush layers of memory foam.

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Product Details

Material

Foam

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free Shipping

Firmness

Medium-Firm 6.5/10

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Price Range

$$$

Our Recommendation

Perfect For:

Back Sleepers

Perfect option for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

Perfect option for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Side Sleepers

Perfect option for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Back Pain

This mattress is good for anyone with back pain.

Couples

It’s great for couples because of its motion isolation.

Average Customer Rating:

4.8 / 5

Layla – Best Mattress For Side Sleepers

Layla – Best Mattress For Side Sleepers

Another great mattress is the Layla mattress. It offers some fantastic features to bring the ultimate sleep experience to different sleepers.

It would be a mistake not to start from the dual firmness of the mattress. Layla offers a flippable mattress that has a soft and firm side. The softer side rates between 2 and 4 on the firmness scale, making it a soft mattress. 

Layla mattress allows for adequate body contouring and pressure relief for hips and shoulders. That is what makes this mattress a perfect pick for lightweight and medium-weight side sleepers. Just what the doctor ordered!

The firmer side rates 5.5/10, which makes it a medium-firm mattress. This side has excellent benefits for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. 

Another unique feature of the Layla mattress is the copper-infused memory foam. Copper makes the foam antimicrobial, which helps prolong the mattress’s lifespan. It protects the mattress from germs and mold.

Copper’s cooling properties are another essential aspect, which will make you fall further in love with this model. It helps with heat dissipation and provides temperature regulation. This feature will be vital for hot sleepers who tend to overheat on traditional foam mattresses.

Layla offers a 120-nights sleep trial with a lifetime warranty which additionally makes this mattress a good catch. 

What Makes Layla Stand Out?

  • Dual firmness, flippable mattress
  • Perfect for side sleepers of lightweight and medium weight
  • The firm side is an excellent fit for back and stomach sleepers
  • Lifetime Warranty and 120-night sleep trial

What else makes this mattress a good catch? Read our Layla mattress review here!

Layla Mattress

Layla is a mattress with switchable firmness. Side sleepers enjoy it most, but all sleeper types call Layla a dream in a box.

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Product Details

Material

Foam

Trail Period

120 Nights

Shipping Method

Free Shipping

Firmness

Multiple options

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Price Range

$$$

Our Recommendation

Perfect for:

Back Sleepers

Great pick for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.

Side Sleepers

Great pick for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

Great pick for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Neck & Shoulder Pain

If you suffer from neck and shoulder pain this mattress could be a good fit.

Hot Sleepers

The copper gels in the mattress should help you sleep cool.

Website

Visit Layla

Average Customer Rating:

4.5 / 5

Puffy Mattress – Best Memory Foam Mattress with Cooling

Puffy Mattress – Best Memory Foam Mattress with Cooling

Looking for a memory foam bed that offers a pleasant, cool sleeping experience? You need to check out the Puffy then.

Many sleepers end up dissatisfied with foam mattresses. They sometimes tend to trap heat. That’s why the Puffy mattress uses a different type of material. It has clear advantages over traditional memory foam mattresses for those who sleep hot.

This mattress features a gel-infused 2-inch Cooling Cloud Memory foam. It’s specially designed to increase airflow in the mattress and bring neutral temperature. Cooling gel repels heat and helps you sleep without any discomfort or interruptions.

This makes it a good fit for hot sleepers and the best cooling memory foam mattress on the list for those who want that cuddly feel of memory foam.

Generally, Puffy gives a nice, cradling feeling without sinking in too much. It creates the classic memory foam feel that so many people love and look for in a mattress. 

Puffy is a medium-firm mattress rated 6/10 on the firmness scale. It offers optimal pressure relief to most lightweight and medium-weight sleepers. Side sleepers and back sleepers seem to appreciate the mattress feel the most. 

What Makes Puffy Mattress Stand Out?

  • Excellent cooling properties for hot sleepers
  • Offers a firm memory foam feel
  • Excellent for side sleepers and back sleepers 
  • Isolates motion very well, suitable for couples
  • Puffy is made in the USA
  • 101-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty

Interested in Puffy? Read our full Puffy mattress review!

Puffy Mattress

Puffy is a medium-firm, all-foam mattress comfortable for lightweight to medium side sleepers and back sleepers.

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Product Details

Material

Foam

Trial Period

101 nights

Shipping Method

Free Shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm 6/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$

Our Recommendation

Perfect For:

Side Sleepers

Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Back Sleepers

Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.

Stomach Sleepes

Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Hot Sleepers

This mattress provides cool sleeping experience.

Budget Shoppers

This mattress offers good value for the price.

Website

Puffy

Average Customer Rating:

5 / 5

Tuft & Needle Original – The Best Memory Foam Mattress For Combination Sleepers

Tuft & Needle Original – The Best Memory Foam Mattress For Combination Sleepers

Tuft & Needle Mattress

Tuft & Needle is an all-foam, budget-friendly mattress with a simple design, that will provide you excellent comfort and support.

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Product Details

Material

Foam

Trial Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free Shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm 6.5-7/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$

Our Recommendation

Perfect For:

Back Sleepers

Most back sleepers will enjoy sleeping on it.

Combination Sleepers

Perfect match for combination sleepers.

Side Sleepers

Well-received with average-weight side sleepers.

Budget Shoppers

Ideal pick for budget-minded sleepers.

Website

Tuft&Needle

Average Customer Rating:

4.6 / 5

Next up, we have Tuft & Needle Original. The company wanted to create a mattress based on what people wanted. They combined the divine comfort of a memory foam mattress with breathability.

Thanks to a blend of micro polyamide and polyester, the cover is airy and soft to the touch. It keeps you cool at night, allowing the air to leave the mattress. 

The first layer is the star of the show, called the T&N Adaptive® foam. The 3-inch polyfoam comfort layer essentially imitates the best qualities of both memory foam and latex. 

Latex offers that extra bounciness, which allows smooth position change. This makes Tuft & Needle Original a good mattress choice for combination sleepers.

Memory foam is adored for its deep contouring. T&N Adaptive® foam offers a gentle cradling feeling while giving the body optimal support.

The company enriched T&N Adaptive® foam with ceramic cooling gel and graphite. These materials work together to create a temperature-neutral environment for sleep.

The price range moves between $645 for a Twin and $895 for a Queen. The prices make Tuft & Needle one of the most affordable bed-in-a-box mattresses. We believe it’s worth considering. 

What Makes Tuft & Needle Stand Out?

  • Isolates motion well, allows smooth position change for combo sleepers
  • Temperature neutral mattress due to ceramic cooling gel and graphite
  • Option to add antimicrobial protection HeiQ NPJ03 to the cover 
  • Affordable alternative memory foam mattress 

Take a look at our Tuft & Needle mattress review to learn more about it!

Who Should Buy a Memory Foam Mattress?

If back and neck pain are recurring problems for you, you should buy a memory foam mattress. They will give you the much-needed pressure relief in various sleeping positions because memory foam beds are constructed for those who want to feel cradled and prefer to sink into their mattress rather than stay on top of it.

Also, the pressure relief memory foam can offer is also important for back sleepers and stomach sleepers who would prefer a medium-firm memory foam for the perfect balance between firmness and the feeling of sleeping “in” their mattress.

What to Look For in a Memory Foam Mattress

Price

How Much Do Memory Foam Mattresses Cost?

The price range for most memory foam mattresses tends to be a bit higher if you choose a multi-layered memory foam bed, but it usually lays in between $800 to $2,500.

The price range for memory foam mattresses is usually in the affordable spectrum of $800 to $1000, while the high-end luxury memory foam mattress can cost over $3000+, depending on the brand of your choosing.

A cheap memory foam mattress can always be found, but be wary of the materials used because some foam beds aren’t the best choice if you have excess body heat.

Of course, you can always find an affordable memory foam mattress, so scroll up again to find your best option!

Sleeping Position

Another important factor to consider when looking to narrow down your choices for the best memory foam mattress is sleeping positions.

Side Sleepers

Side Sleepers Sleeping Position

What are memory foam mattresses for side sleepers good for?

A memory foam bed can provide good support and excellent body contouring, which makes it easier to find a foam mattress for side sleepers, as they perform best in spinal alignment while giving support to shoulders and hips both, alleviating the pain side sleepers often face if their mattress is too firm.

Couples

Because a memory foam bed is so good at body contouring, it will adjust to each of the partner’s bodies on their side of the mattress. This way, they isolate motion so that both sleepers can slumber without feeling the other one’s movements.

Back and Joint Pain

Helping Spinal alignment is something all-foam beds have in common. No matter the number of foam layers used in its construction, you can always find excellent foam mattresses for side sleepers or sleepers who are dealing with back and joint pain.

Most memory foam beds are medium-firm and give the necessary balance between comfort and foam firmness, which is why pressure relief is one of their best properties.

Contouring

Memory foam mattresses are known for excellent body contouring because they will adjust to your body much faster than other mattresses, which is their winning trait.

A memory foam bed doesn’t have coils in it, so both the support and the comfort zone are made from foam layers. These foam layers provide much-needed pressure relief for side sleepers and those who deal with back pain.

Quality of Materials

What determines memory foam quality?

The secret in the layers, or better said, the secret to high-quality lies in the memory foam density and thickness.

Best memory foam mattresses contain not one high-density memory foam layer, but more. In fact, the thicker they are, it’s more likely that they’ll perform better and last longer. In addition to that, try to avoid low-end memory foam for better durability and overall performance.

If quality is your top priority, look into a gel memory foam bed or even a hybrid memory foam mattress. These types of mattresses are often considered high-end and belong in the more expensive price range, but they are worth the buck!

Firmness Level

Firmness Level

The memory foam mattress firmness depends on the number of firmness layers and comfort layers included in the overall build. Side sleepers and people with lower body weight tend to choose a soft memory foam mattress more often than firmer ones.

There are a couple of firmness options:

  • Soft memory foam mattress
  • Medium-firm
  • Firm memory foam mattress

Foam firmness is an important factor to consider, especially if you’re a side sleeper who needs softer options to prevent hip pain or a hot sleeper that needs a thinner mattress with cooling properties so that they don’t sleep hot while the mattress cradles the body.

Motion Isolation

Motion Isolation

One of the biggest selling points for a memory foam mattress is its top-notch performance when it comes to motion isolation because they are made to contour to the sleeper’s body, making it unlikely for your sleep to be disrupted by the feel of movements.

For example, a memory foam mattress for side sleepers will let them sink into it enough to give them pressure relief and cradle them enough to help body contouring.

The best memory foam mattresses come with excellent body contouring to help in this regard. This also depends on foam firmness, though most memory foams are medium-firm, you can always look through softer options for better motion isolation.

Pressure Relief

Pressure Relief

Both the worst and the best memory foam mattresses will give you amazing pressure relief. This applies especially to side sleepers who wake up with back pain, or any sleeper that deals with body aches due to their mattress being too firm.

Being medium-firm, memory foam beds will provide your neck and joints with pressure relief. A soft memory foam mattress could help sleepers in pain by cradling all of their pressure points.

Lastly, a gel memory foam mattress could also pull a check-mate when it comes to pressure relief because it works hard to give you better spinal alignment which could help your body symmetry during sleep.

Ease of Movement

Memory foam is slow in responsiveness. Because it is made to give you a sinking feeling no matter the sleeping position, a memory foam bed will make it difficult to toss and turn during the night.

With that being said, even though memory foam beds are medium-firm on the mattress firmness scale, they are on the more comfortable side, firm enough to support you, but might be a miss with combination sleepers who need easier movement.

Edge Support

Edge Support

According to a good number of memory foam mattress reviews, memory foam beds aren’t the top pick when it comes to edge support.

Even a firm memory foam mattress is still built with foam layers whose job it is to cradle your body for better contouring and a softer feel, which is why you might find yourself gravitating off the edge.

Even though every all-foam mattress is usually medium-firm, memory foam will sink under pressure, which could create difficulty for those who sleep closer to the edge of their bed.

Temperature Regulation

Temperature Regulation

In general, most memory foams are known for trapping heat.

When it comes to temperature regulation, most memory foam mattresses tend to perform poorly in comparison with their innerspring or hybrid parts.

A gel-infused memory foam mattress is a good option if you tend to sleep hot or you want to avoid this from happening.

How Do You Keep Memory Foam Mattresses From Sleeping Hot?

If you are a hot sleeper who also happens to be on the team side sleepers in need of pressure relief and cooling as well, you could consider a cooling memory foam mattress as an option.

Also, you could look for a gel memory foam mattress or one that was built with open-cell foam because these materials are often used to keep it from trapping heat and make the perfect “chill memory foam mattress”.

Noise

No coils, no noise.

An all-foam bed is excellent at absorbing sound because a memory foam mattress doesn’t have coils in its construction so you won’t hear ghostly creeks through the night.

This is why an all-foam mattress is great for people who sleep light and are usually more sensitive to disruptions such as noise.

Off-gassing Memory Foam Mattresses

Off-gassing

An all-foam mattress usually has an unpleasant odor when it’s unpacked due to the chemicals whose smell gets trapped in the packaging. This isn’t a health concern, but it is considered mattress off-gassing.

Depending on the brand, off-gassing should stop as soon as 24h pass after unpacking your mattress, or in a few days if the room you’re keeping it in is highly ventilated.

Though, if you are sensitive to smells, maybe you should take a look at other types of mattresses.

Who Is a Memory Foam Mattress Good For?

Side Sleepers – these sleepers find memory foam to be the most enjoyable type of mattress because it is medium-firm and gives them the sinking feeling and contours to their body to help their spine align better during slumber.

Couples – if you’re sleeping with a partner, you will enjoy memory foam the most because it has top-notch motion isolation, so neither of you wakes up to the feel of each other’s movements. No matter the foam firmness, these mattresses will always give you that cradling feeling that stays on your side of the bed only.

Sleepers Who Suffer from Back and Joint Pain – just like side sleepers, people who have back and joint pain can benefit from this mattress most because of its contouring properties that help relieve pain, along with better body alignment.

People who have a limited budget – there are cheap memory foam mattress options, but you don’t have to look at them to save your buck. Memory foam is a good choice if you have a limited budget in comparison to latex or hybrids that usually fall into a more expensive price range.

Who Is a Memory Foam Mattress Not Good For?

Hot Sleepers – a memory foam mattress tends to trap heat, making it a poor choice for hot sleepers. If you need a more chill memory foam mattress, scroll up to see our top picks for mattresses with the best cooling memory foam!

People with higher BMI – this mattress doesn’t have a coil system or good edge support, so people with higher BMI will most likely sink into memory foam which can be uncomfortable.

Sleepers who like firmer mattresses – memory foam is made to give you a sinking feeling, no matter foam firmness. If you like sleeping on top of your mattress, go for a firmer type, or get a mattress protector to help with the sinking of your memory foam.

How Does it Feel to Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress?

Foam Firmness

They don’t call it sleeping on a cloud for nothing!

Memory foam beds will give you the feeling of sinking into the mattress like your entire body is being cradled and the mattress is giving you a hug. This is due to the fact that memory foams are made to remember body contours, no matter the sleeping positions.

This is why foam firmness impacts sinking into your mattress to a certain extent. Memory foam will stay in the shape it remembers, and won’t return back to its original state for a while. So if you have a fixed sleeping position – perhaps you’re a side sleeper – you’ll feel a great level of comfort due to the natural softness of your mattress.

What are the Different Types of Memory Foam?

Traditional Memory Foam

Mattresses made out of traditional memory foam are created from a closed-cell structure. This type of foam has high heat retention and off-gassing, but it’s excellent for body contouring. This is one of the most affordable memory foam options, as it doesn’t belong in the higher price range.

On the other hand, open-cell foam is created to ensure that the air moves through the mattress to trap less heat. The open-cell foam makes a softer cooling mattress that’s more breathable, but can still give enough needed support in combination with a high-density foam layer.

Plant-Based Memory Foam

Memory foam is made using a variety of chemicals, some of which are derived from petroleum. However, there’s an eco-friendly alternative that uses plant-based matter instead.

Plant-based memory foam – sometimes called “bio-foam” has been gaining momentum in recent years because the petrochemicals that are usually used in the memory foam manufacturing process are replaced with a “greener” alternative.

The tricky part is that bio-foam doesn’t replace the petrochemicals fully, but since it is a more eco-friendly option, this type of memory foam falls into a higher price range than its petroleum-based memory foam counterpart.

Gel-Infused Memory Foam

The latest innovation to cause rejoice for hot sleepers is the use of gel memory foam to keep your mattress cool throughout the night.

The gel-infused memory foam helps keep your mattress from trapping heat. The science behind these materials has not been fully studied yet, but it seems that they act as conductors for keeping your memory foam mattress sleeping hot.

It has similar benefits to traditional memory foam, but being a newbie on the mattress market, a gel memory foam mattress falls into a higher price range than traditional foam mattresses.

Copper-Infused Memory Foam

Copper-infused memory foam can be found in a cooling memory foam mattress. It’s one of the best types of memory foam used in manufacturing, due to being a natural heat conductor.

It wins the race with traditional memory foam because it’s antimicrobial, as it protects bacteria and germs from forming inside your mattress over the years, and with that, it also increases the cooling properties.

For instance, Layla memory foam mattress is a great choice for hot sleepers and side sleepers who need cooling properties. Scroll up for more details such as price range, comfortability, and features on Layla!

Memory Foam vs. Hybrid

A Memory foam mattress and a hybrid mattress can differ in many categories: support, responsiveness, firmness, temperature, etc.

Hybrid mattresses are a great way to get the best of both worlds, with support from innerspring.

Firstly, a hybrid memory foam mattress will perform better for those who have high body heat. Even the best memory foam mattress isn’t always the best choice for hot sleepers as they are notorious for trapping heat, so a hybrid memory foam mattress looks like a better choice.

Hybrid mattresses usually have a coil system incorporated in their build, so they tend to be slightly more comfortable, but noisier than memory foams. Their comfort layers are made up of either memory foam, polyfoam, or latex. These layers make hybrids firmer than memory foam, which is why it’s a better choice if you need more support.

A hybrid mattress sometimes has transition layers between comfort and support layers to help relieve pressure where you feel it most, while the memory foam comfort and support system are made from foam layers, built to contour the sleeper’s body.

Overall, with hybrids, you’ll get less sinkage and a cooling experience, while memory foam is good for side sleepers and sleepers who suffer from body aches such as back pain, due to being more responsive and offering better spinal alignment.

The price range for hybrids can vary, depending on the materials that were used in its construction, but it’s usually higher, compared to the memory foam price range, which is usually lower.

Memory Foam vs. Spring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are classic types of mattresses that rank higher when it comes to firmness and support. The main aspect of an innerspring mattress is its support core made from steel coils. 

The types of coils used in the mattress construction can differ, but they provide a very similar feeling to the sleeper. The coils also make spring mattresses more durable and very fast in responsiveness.

On the other side, we have memory foam that is known for its contouring properties and motion isolation. Compared to spring beds, memory foams are better suited for sleepers who like softer mattresses, while innerspring beds are more suited for those who like a firmer feel to their mattress.

Innerspring mattresses have no problems trapping heat because of the coils that provide more breathability to the mattress, while memory foam – medium-firm, soft, or firm – can trap heat. You can always get a cooling memory foam mattress if the innerspring doesn’t strike your fancy and you like a cradling feel to your mattress.

The price range can differ with spring mattresses as they tend to be more affordable, while the price range for memory foams is higher.

Memory Foam vs. Latex

Memory foam and latex are very different when it comes to the material used in their build. Latex mattresses are made from – you guessed it – latex that’s derived from rubber trees, or synthetically produced.

The latex is formed into the foam during manufacturing and gives you a much different feeling than memory foam.

First – there’s foam firmness. Latex mattresses tend to have a higher foam firmness, which is why they feel like sleeping more on the top of your bed, rather than sinking into it. This is why latex is a great choice for people with higher BMI. Also, latex is bouncier, while memory foam has better motion isolation.

Second, latex beds sleep cooler than memory foam, making them an ideal choice for hot sleepers who don’t want to wake up sweaty, because they don’t cradle your body during the night. This gives them an advantage in edge support, as they won’t sag. Another selling point? They are quite eco-friendly.

The price range for latex mattresses is often higher because latex is a natural material and could cost you more. If you do want a cooler mattress, gel memory foam is also a good choice, but it also meets latex in the higher price range.

Memory Foam Density Level and Firmness

Density

Generally speaking, memory foam level of density is medium-firm, but you can always come across higher-density foam that uses more materials, sometimes falling into a higher price range category, though that’s not always the case. The higher the density, the longer your mattress will last, you’ll experience less motion transfer, and get better support.

Indentation Load-Deflection (ILD)

Another thing to have in mind is indentation load deflection. This is a measurement of pressure needed to compress your memory foam up to 25%. This means that your memory foam is firmer if it has a higher ILD. Do keep in mind that high-density foam falls into a higher price range.

How Much Does a Memory Foam Mattress Cost?

One of the biggest decision-making factors to consider when you want to buy a memory foam mattress is its price range. As with any other mattress type, this price range can vary depending on the memory foam density, materials, number of memory foam layers, size, and the overall bed construction.

What Impacts the Price Range?

The Thickness of the Memory Foam Layer

If the mattress comes with a thick top layer, multiple thicker layers, or if there is a bigger number of layers in its build, it’s likely to be more expensive.

Memory Foam Level of Density

If the memory foam used in its build is high-density, your mattress won’t be in the affordable memory foam mattress price range, but it is a good investment because high-density memory foam lasts longer.

Country of Production

Usually, if your memory foam mattress was made in the USA, it won’t fall into the category of the “most affordable memory foam mattress”, but you will certainly find one for a good price and payment options the manufacturer offers.

Special Features

If your memory foam mattress comes with special features such as coils, organic foam, or materials for heat retention to make a cooling memory foam mattress, it’s going to be in the higher price range.

How Long Will a Memory Foam Mattress Last?

A memory foam mattress can last between 6 to 8 years, but its durability is affected by many factors, such as density, mattress care, and the stress from using the mattress. An all-foam bed with high-density foam will last you longer, especially if you choose the one that was manufactured by a brand with a care for details. To care better for your mattress and to make sure to give it minimum stress for the sake of longevity, it’s good to get a mattress protector.

Last Things to Consider With a Memory Foam Mattress

Sleep Trial Period

The night sleep trial period is very important so that you can make sure you made the right choice. There are companies that sell mattresses online and offer a night sleep trial period longer than 3 months. Comfy is one of the mattress companies that have an amazing return policy, and they even offer a lifetime warranty. Check out our full review to learn more!

Adequate Bed Support

It’s always important to have a strong bed frame that’s in accordance with the type of memory foam mattress you chose. Make sure to find appropriate bed support if you already don’t have it. This will help your mattress last longer and perform better.

Appropriate Bedding

When sleeping on a memory foam mattress, you’ll want to keep cool even if you’re not a hot sleeper. For instance, side sleepers should get thinner pillows and breathable sheets to get the best out of their memory foam mattress.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Are memory foam mattresses good?

Memory foam is a great option for those who can benefit from its properties the most. The question of whether memory foam is good for you can be answered by analyzing your own needs and preferences. Some prefer softer options, while others will like a firm memory foam mattress.

Side sleepers will agree that memory foam is a great option because it gives that hugging sensation to your body and pressure points. If you’re a side sleeper, their contouring properties help distribute your weight evenly on the mattress so that sleepers with back pain and joint pain can rejoice in sleeping on memory foam.

They aren’t good only for side sleepers. Memory foam is good for sleepers who are restless and like to move their body during their sleep also. Memory foam scores high when it comes to motion isolation because you’re sleeping “in them”, so your movements are pretty limited, which couples might appreciate most.

What is the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers?

The best memory foam mattress for side sleepers depends on the unique preferences and body of the sleeper.

First of all, the mattress must provide adequate pressure relief in the shoulder and hip area. While lying on your side, the mattress should be able to contour to your body and provide optimal spinal alignment. 

The mattress firmness level is the next point. Side sleepers prefer soft to medium-firm mattresses, which are 3 to 7 on the firmness scale.

If you are looking for a memory foam mattress for side sleepers to check, we suggest Layla because it’s flippable. You can test two different firmness options and see which firmness suits you.

However, we do recommend checking out our list of best mattresses for side sleepers.

What is the best memory foam mattress for back pain?

Memory foam can help with back pain if the firmness level is adequate for back sleepers. Generally, back sleepers need a firm yet supportive surface to promote optimal spinal alignment. That is why back sleepers usually go for medium-firm mattresses.

Standard memory foam mattresses can sometimes feel too soft due to their contouring properties. You should look for a mattress with one of these two:

  • ergonomic zones in layers
  • focus on mattresses that are 5.5 to 7 on a firmness scale 

Casper Original offers three ergonomic zones. That makes it an excellent candidate for you. 

But, if you’re still looking, take a peek at our list of mattresses for back pain.

What is the best inexpensive memory foam mattress?

The best inexpensive memory foam mattress is the one that fits your needs and helps you get a good night’s sleep. For instance, side sleepers will enjoy memory foam because it helps them with better spinal alignment and cradles their body to relieve pain in the biggest pressure points. This doesn’t mean memory foam is the perfect match for everyone.

When choosing a mattress, always think about your sleeping position, body type, needs, and preferences to choose the perfect mattress. There are great memory foam options that don’t fall into the highest price range, as this is one of the most affordable mattress types on the market.

Lastly, if you need more information to make the right decision, check out our guides for finding the right mattress size, type, and more!

What are some of the issues with memory foam mattresses?

Sleeping Hot – people with BMI and other sleepers who prefer staying on top of their mattress rather than feeling like they are “sleeping inside it” won’t find memory foam to be the best option. This can be a problem because memory foam tends to sink and stays that way according to the pressure that’s put on it.

Limited Edge Support – because they’re made to adjust to your body and shape under pressure, edge support isn’t a selling point for these mattresses, as they tend to sag on the sides.

Do memory foam mattresses sleep hot?

Yes, memory foam will feel like you’re getting a warm hug from your mattress, which is why it usually traps heat and sleeps hot.

Though, if memory foam suits all of your other needs for comfort, you can always consider getting the best cooling memory foam mattress for your needs.

Scroll up to see recommendations!

What are the pros and cons of memory foam mattresses?

Memory foam is still one of the most popular choices for mattress material. Could you guess how many memory foam mattresses are sold in a year? Well, a jaw-dropping 36 million. That confirms that people adore what memory foam has to offer. 

The pros:

But, you should know all the facts and choose what is best for you. Let’s see the ups and downs to get the complete picture:

  • Body conforming. The material naturally responds to body heat and pressure. It instantly adapts and shapes to accommodate the body and offer a comforting feel. Memory foam does an excellent job of relieving pressure points and pain.  
  • Motion isolation. Since the material cradles the body, it also keeps the movement isolated locally, so to say. Excellent motion transfer is a must if you have a partner who twists and turns all night. Light sleepers also need to pay attention to good motion isolation.
  • Hypoallergenic. Memory foam is usually hypoallergenic. It offers protection against allergens, mites, and other insects. It is the perfect choice for all allergy sufferers because it creates a safe, healthy, and cozy space for rest. 

The cons:

  • Heat. Even though mattress companies work hard to create temperature-neutral beds, it can still be a problem for hot sleepers. However, it’s manageable since many homes have air conditioners. It is easier to adjust the room temperature and sleep like a baby.
  • Off-gassing. Some people complain about the odor that appears after the mattress expansion. These smells are not harmful and usually dissipate after a day or two. 

What is the best thickness for a memory foam mattress?

The thickness of a mattress can vary from 6-inch to 14-inch depending on the material and mattress company preferences. The average thickness is usually 10 inches for standard memory foam mattresses. They provide enough pressure relief and a medium-firm feel.

For options that offer more support, look for a mattress that is 12 or 14 inches high. Be aware that those models typically cost more.

Can you flip a memory foam mattress?

The answer depends on the mattress construction. Many memory foam mattresses are constructed with a base. That means the base should always be on the bottom and provide a solid foundation. Some mattresses, like Layla, can be flipped and offer two levels of firmness. 

We recommend checking that information on the mattress website before deciding to purchase, just to be on the safe side.

Final Thoughts

To recap, here’s the list of best foam mattresses of 2024:

MattressBest For
Leesa OriginalBest Memory Foam Mattress For Back & Stomach Sleepers
Casper OriginalBest Memory Foam Mattress For Back Pain
Loom & LeafBest Foam Mattress For Heavy People
Leesa OriginalBest Memory Foam Mattress For Back & Stomach Sleepers
Nectar MattressBest Memory Foam Mattress For The Money
Layla MattressBest Mattress For Side Sleepers
Tuft & Needle Original Best Memory Foam Mattress For Combo Sleepers

As you know, there are so many more fantastic memory foam mattresses on the market. We wanted to give you a head start with the brands that showed outstanding results so far. Our advice is to check them out, and, who knows, maybe one of these mattresses is the one. Good luck!

Reviews written by:

Jovana Bozic - Senior Author & editor

Jovana is our Senior Author & Editor at Anatomy of Sleep. Her back pain emerged from sitting in an unfitting chair during the work-from-home period when she gained motivation to really explore all the ways and options to soothe this annoying ache and live tension free.
That’s where she entered the world of mattresses.
Having graduated in Psychology and mastered Marketing, you know Jovana’s uber skilled in connecting knowledge and facts to create easy-to-digest and applicable content for all mattress newbies out there.
You can find Jo watching Marvel movies and drinking dark beer in her free time.

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