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Your Mattress Types Guide For 2024

Thanks to their bouncy coils, innerspring and hybrid mattresses both generally offer high responsiveness and ease of movement. Latex mattresses also skew bouncy. Memory foam is normally the least responsive mattress type, which means you can expect to exert some effort moving around on one.

If you have a sleeping partner, take their habits into consideration as well when figuring out your desired level of responsiveness—maybe they're the one tossing and turning. In this case, you'll "want to minimize how much that affects you" by looking for lower responsiveness, Dr. Verma says.

What are some of the main things to avoid in a mattress?

Keeping an informed list of features to avoid in a mattress is just as important as knowing what to look for. Even "seemingly small things can have monumental effects," Dr. Kemp says.

Low-quality materials

Mattresses made with low-quality materials could lead to health issues. In order to steer clear of such risks, "shoppers should inspect the material that the mattress is made from," Dr. Lantz says. A good way to know your mattress is made with materials you can stand behind is if it qualifies for certain seals and certifications. For instance, as Sarah Silverman, PsyD, a behavioral sleep medicine specialist, previously shared with SELF, the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex seal shows that a mattress does not contain harmful chemicals like acetone and chloromethane, and the Global Organic Textile Standard seal signifies that it uses at least 70% organic materials.

Low-quality materials may also lack durability, leading to the bummer (and costly) situation of a shorter mattress lifespan.

Harmful chemicals

Dr. Dasgupta explains that some mattresses could have "chemicals that release fumes and mess with your breathing." These volatile organic compounds have been found to lead to respiratory irritation or more serious issues over time.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is sometimes used in mattresses because it is a flame retardant. Unfortunately, its fire protection doesn't translate to health preservation: Inhaling fiberglass could lead to issues affecting the eyes, skin, and lungs. Dr. Dasgupta also notes that "you're in for a headache if the cover rips—[the fiberglass] can get everywhere and be a nightmare to clean up."

FAQs

There are a lot of layers to look through when researching the best mattress types—we're breaking it down even further with quick answers to the most frequently asked questions:

What mattress type is best?

Each person's individual needs will help determine which type of mattress is best, but medium-firm mattresses are often a good place to start your search. "Make sure you find a mattress that fits your individual needs," says Dr. Lantz, who adds that it's important to pay attention to trial periods and return policies so you can replace an uncomfy bed with an option that works for you in the event your first choice isn't a winner.

Which type of mattress lasts the longest?

While the general guideline is to replace your mattress every seven years, latex beds might have a longer lifespan—they can last for 10 years or more with proper care.

Does the type of mattress matter?

Choosing a mattress type suited to your needs matters for your comfort and health; a good night's sleep affects more than your morning mood. "Poor sleep quality has also been associated with such health issues as chronic musculoskeletal (including spine) pain, metabolic dysregulations, dementia, and cardiovascular disease," Dr. Lantz says.

Is it better to sleep on a soft or firm mattress?

Factors including your weight, sleeping posture, and aches and pains can make a difference in whether you'll prefer a soft or firm mattress—or something in the middle. Research supports that a medium-firm option can work for many sleep styles. Dr. Verma also adds that "it's better to err on the side of firmness" if you're teetering, noting that you can always grab a mattress topper to soften things up. "It's much harder to make a soft mattress firmer," he says.

Related:

The Very Best Mattresses, As Tested By Our Editors

For decades, most mattresses were filled with interlocking hourglass-shaped springs, also known as Bonnell coils, that were designed for uniform support across the surface of the mattress, then topped with batting for comfort. Because the springs were all connected, there was a lot of bounciness and motion transfer, and they weren't especially good for pressure relief. It wasn't until the 1990s, when Tempur-Pedic first made a mattress using NASA-designed viscoelastic polyurethane foam, a.K.A. Memory foam, that there were any big shifts in how mattresses are built.

Today, there is a lot more variety in the mattress landscape. All-foam mattresses abound, as do hybrid mattresses that combine foam and springs. Traditional innerspring constructions have greatly evolved, replacing interlocking springs with "pocketed" steel coils that are individually encased in fabric and can move independently of one another. These pocketed coils are the most common type of springs used in hybrid mattresses, too; the result is better motion isolation, pressure relief, and overall support. Latex and latex hybrid mattresses (which actually had a brief moment in the mid-century before falling out of fashion in the 1970s) have surged in popularity, both for latex's bouncy, cooling feel, and its eco-friendliness relative to polyurethane foam.

All-foam mattresses often let you sink in a bit more and contour around your body, though foam can vary quite a bit in how soft or firm it is. Foam can also range in quality and durability — look for high-density foams for the most long-lasting material. Hybrid mattresses that layer foam on top of pocketed coils tend to offer more support, thanks to the sturdy coils. But hybrids can also vary a lot in how soft or firm they feel, depending on the thickness, type, and density of the top foam layers, also called "comfort layers." Some "zoned" mattresses also have extra lumbar support in the form of strategically placed high-gauge coils across the center of the mattress, or pillow tops, which are basically mattress toppers sewn to the top of the bed (you can think of them as essentially another comfort layer).

We've described the construction of each mattress below, and our testers took note of how enveloped or supported they felt; whether a mattress caused them to sleep warmer or cooler than usual; and, in cases of shared sleeping arrangements, whether they could feel partners or pets moving around.

Often, manufacturers rate their mattresses on a firmness scale from one to ten, but the way you sleep will have an impact on the type of mattress you find most comfortable and how you experience its firmness. Side sleepers, for example, need pressure relief on their hips and shoulders, along with a mattress that supports the alignment of the spine, shoulders, and pelvis. Back sleepers will do better with a firmer mattress, which helps support the spine, and stomach sleepers often prefer softer mattresses that cradle their body but are not so soft that they sink in too deep.

This is arguably the most important factor to consider when buying a mattress, but it's the hardest to quantify. Some of our writers and editors used sleep trackers or sleep-tracking apps to study their sleep quality. Others have anecdotal evidence, like waking up without an alarm or with less back pain, or never sweating through their sheets.

Mattress Type: InnerspringFirmness: Plush soft, luxury firm, or firmHeight: 11.5 or 14.5 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king

TL;DR: This mattress is good for just about anyone. Saatva's combo of innersprings, pocketed coils, three firmness options, and a pillow top ensures excellent support and comfort. Durable materials and quality construction, plus a great warranty and included white-glove delivery, sweeten the deal to make the Saatva our No. 1 pick.

Construction: The Saatva is basically made up of two coil layers and a Euro-top cover. The bottom coil layer is a section of interlocking steel coils (typical for an innerspring mattress), and the second layer features pocketed coils, which are individually wrapped in fabric and compress independently from one another. This double-stacked coil construction is what makes the Saatva both super-sturdy and -bouncy. Wrapped around the perimeter of both coil sections is high-density foam, which gives the mattress extremely sturdy edge support. An organic-cotton Euro top covers the coils, with a slim section of memory foam underneath the middle cross section of the bed, to serve as lumbar support. This construction — coils on coils with a touch of foam for the lower back — makes the Saatva one of our favorite mattresses for back pain, too.

Firmness and Support: Saatva offers three firmness levels for its classic mattress: plush soft, luxury firm, and firm. The luxury firm is the middle option, closest to the versatile "medium-firm" feel that most people will find comfortable. The plush soft offers a slightly more cushioned feel that may be preferable for side sleepers or lighter-weight people (who won't sink into their mattress as much). The firm model offers the least sinkage and the most resistance, keeping you the most "on top" of the bed.

Who Tested It: Simone Kitchens, Strategist senior editor and a back-to-side sleeper, who frequently deals with back pain. Kitchens also edits the Strategist's bedding coverage and is our resident firm-mattress connoisseur — she has tested four of the firm mattresses featured in this post.

What They Liked: Because of my generally sore back, I was tasked with testing some of the firm mattresses out there. Side sleepers, Saatva told me, are said to prefer the luxury firm. So I got it, and my first impression was that it felt very sturdy. But lying down, I immediately noticed how incredibly bouncy the double layer of coils makes the luxury firm. I can certainly see why side sleepers would like the pressure relief it offers, but I decided to swap it for the firm, hoping it would focus support on my lumbar region, which it very much did. You feel more on top of it because of the steel springs, but you still have the contoured shape of the raised pillow top. I move around at night, shifting from my back to my side, but the firmness of this mattress never created a sunken, stuck feeling, which I've found happening with memory foam. Instead, the supported feeling of this bed (which is still pretty plush) kept my lower back from collapsing in, making my spine feel more aligned overall.

What They Didn't Like: I just have a few cons for the Saatva since it is a really great mattress all around. One to note is that the bounciness from the coils can lead to more motion transfer than some of the other mattresses on this list. The second is the pillow top; I personally prefer to sleep on a flatter surface.

What Else to Know: 365-day trialLifetime warrantyFree white-glove delivery to 48 states and free mattress removal$99 processing fee for returns and exchanges during the trial period

Mattress type: HybridFirmness: MediumHeight: 12 inchesSizes: Full, queen, king

TL;DR: If you want a little bit of cushioning, a little bit of support, and you don't want to spend a lot of money, this hybrid mattress is a good bet for many types of sleepers.

Construction: The Ultra Cooling Green Tea Hybrid is the most luxurious and expensive bed that Zinus offers, but it is still incredibly affordable compared to most other mattresses on the market. The mattress is 12 inches tall with two inches of gel-infused memory foam, a half-inch of memory foam, and a layer of individually wrapped coils that Zinus says are sorted into seven distinct zones to provide different levels of cushioning and support for different parts of your body. The coils are reinforced around the perimeter of the mattress for extra edge support, and the mattress has a polyester-knit cover.

Firmness and Support: Zinus doesn't specify the mattress's firmness but recommends it for combination sleepers and says it will provide "customized support" to relieve aches and pains. I'd personally rank it between five and six on a firmness scale of one to ten where one is soft and ten is firm.

Who Tested It: Amelia Jerden, the Strategist's sleep writer, who has tested over 50 mattresses in her career. Jerden is a back and side sleeper who prefers a softer mattress.

What They Liked: My expectations were admittedly low for this mattress given how inexpensive it is. But after only a few nights of sleeping on it, I had to rethink those expectations. I'd call this mattress a "true medium" — a little softer and cushier than the mattress-industry standard of medium-firm. As someone who likes a lot of padding and pressure relief, this slightly-soft feel was really comfortable for me. I felt well supported on my back with a touch of low-back cushioning from the soft foams. I like when a mattress's upper layers can "fill in" the gap between my lower back and the mattress, as my back has a bit of a natural arch to it — I have to actively engage my core muscles, Pilates style, to lay my back flat against a hard surface, so I appreciated how this mattress adapted to me. And on my side, I usually didn't feel too much pressure on my shoulder. The springs give the bed some support structure, keep it from feeling overly doughy, and add a bit of bounce. After about two weeks of sleeping on the mattress, I still found it really comfortable. I think it's a great choice for people who want a hybrid mattress at a very affordable price.

What They Didn't Like: On my side, I occasionally felt my shoulder jamming up (a common issue for me on a too-firm mattress). For someone with sensitive joints, or who routinely sleeps on their side, it may not offer enough pressure relief. My other con would be the lackluster edge support; when I sit on the edge of the mattress, I easily start to slip off.

What Else to Know: 100-night trialTen-year warrantyFree shipping to 48 states and Washington, D.C.

Mattress type: All foamFirmness: FirmHeight: 12 inchesSizes: Twin, full, queen, king

TL;DR: An ultra-affordable, all-foam mattress that will get the job done as long as you like a firmer feel.

Construction: The least expensive mattress Zinus offers, the Original Green Tea has a pretty simple construction. It's ten inches tall and made of three layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foams. According to the federal-law tag, the ratio is about 80 percent polyurethane foam (for the base) to 20 percent memory foam (for the comfort layer). Zinus says its foam is infused with green tea for use as an antioxidant to "maintain freshness." The mattress is covered with a polyester-knit cover that Zinus says should not be removed and is not washable, though I did notice mine had a zipper on the bottom of the cover.

Firmness and Support: Zinus advertises its Original Green Tea mattress as soft and pressure-relieving, but I disagree — I think it's pretty firm, and the foam didn't conform around my body very much. Compared to the brand's Ultra Cooling Green Tea Hybrid above, I'd rank it as a 7.5 on a firmness scale of one to ten where one is soft and ten is firm.

Who Tested It: Amelia Jerden, the Strategist's sleep writer, who has tested over 50 mattresses in her career. Jerden is a back and side sleeper who prefers a softer mattress.

What They Liked: As a fan of softer mattresses, this Zinus Original Green Tea mattress was not a great fit for me (more on that below). However, my partner actually loved the Original Green Tea; he even said he felt less neck pain, and as if his spine were more neutrally aligned, after we switched to this bed. He is a textbook combination sleeper and reported feeling comfortable in all three main sleeping positions, including on his side. For those who like a firmer feel, this is a good bang for your buck.

What They Didn't Like: Prior to testing this mattress, I had been sleeping on an ultracushy memory-foam mattress, so lying down on the firmer Zinus was quite a change as it doesn't have much give. However, it's not as firm as some other superfirm beds I've tried, such as the Plank (which Kitchens has reviewed below). After a couple of weeks on the Original Green Tea, I started to feel more comfortable when lying on my back, but it still felt too firm for side sleeping — my shoulder felt jammed. The materials of the Original Green Tea also feel a little cheap to me, so I suspect this bed may not be super-durable in the long run, but if you're looking to save money, it's a solid option.

What Else to Know: 100-night trialTen-year warrantyFree shipping to 48 states and Washington, D.C.

Mattress type: All foamFirmness: MediumHeight: Ten inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

TL;DR: This is a good mattress for anyone who doesn't want to overthink it, with substantial pressure relief that suits all types of sleepers.

Construction: Leesa is one of the OG mattress-in-a-box companies — it's been selling an all-foam mattress since 2014. In 2018, Leesa reformulated its basic mattress for the first time, replacing its top layer of trademarked Avena foam, a latex alternative, with a layer of what's called "LSA200 foam technology." Beneath this so-called comfort layer is a layer of memory foam, followed by a support layer.

Firmness and Support: According to Jamie Diamonstein, one of Leesa's co-founders, the comfort layer has improved "pushback," meaning it better fills in the gaps around your body when you lie down. "The goal was to enhance the pressure relief of the body through this technology," he says. "We've created a foam that responds to the shape and the sleeping position of your body, then it pushes back and balances your body out."

Who Tested It: Maxine Builder, former Strategist editor. She's a stomach sleeper who prefers a plush mattress.

What They Liked: I used a sleep tracker for five nights while testing this mattress, and according to the data, I fell into a deep sleep quickly and stayed there every night. The mattress felt soft and plush, but I never sank down into it. My partner, who is so enamored with sleeping on hard surfaces that he sometimes naps on a yoga mat on our hardwood floor, raved about the pressure relief and comfort he felt from the foam filling in the small of his back while he slept.

What Else to Know: 100-day trialTen-year limited warrantyFree U.S. ShippingWhite-glove delivery and old mattress removal starting at $159

Mattress type: All-foamFirmness: Medium-firmHeight: 12 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king

TL;DR: Get all of the benefits of memory foam — including motion isolation and meaningful support — without overheating.

Construction: The Nectar Memory-Foam Mattress is an all-foam bed with a quilted cover on top of layers of "gel-infused" memory foam, support memory foam, and high-density poly foam.

Firmness and Support: Because of all that foam, I found the Nectar to be quite firm. The company rates it as a "just-right" 6.5 on a scale of one to ten, where one is soft and ten is firm.

Who Tested It: Casey Lewis, former Strategist senior editor and stomach-to-side sleeper, who runs hot.

What They Liked: At first, the Nectar seemed almost too firm to the touch. When I plopped down on a corner, it had nearly no bounce at all. But when I curled up to go to sleep, it was surprisingly enveloping — and for the first time ever, I didn't wake up every time my dog flopped or fidgeted throughout the night. The mattress has just the right amount of give, in that it's comfortable for me to move around on, but I don't feel anyone (or anything) else moving around. What's more: My worries about the memory foam overheating me never came to fruition. Apparently, the mattress's cooling gel, which honestly sounded a little dubious to me, really does work. While I still woke up with stress dreams, I never once woke up with sweat-soaked sheets.

What They Didn't Like: If you do like some bounce to your bed, this one is a bit lacking in that department.

What Else to Know: 365-day trialForever warrantyFree shipping to 48 states$250 shipping to Alaska and HawaiiWhite-glove delivery and old-mattress removal for $199 in most states

Mattress type: All-foamFirmness: Medium-firmHeight: 9.5 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

TL;DR: Another crowd-pleaser for anyone who's happy with all-foam construction, Tuft & Needle is a smart choice for anyone looking to spend a bit less.

Construction: Tuft & Needle offers three mattresses: the Essential Original foam mattress; the Mint, an upgraded version of the original; and the Mint Hybrid, which has both foam and springs. The Original has just two layers of material: a seven-inch support layer of dense foam as the base and a three-inch top comfort layer of proprietary Adaptive Foam infused with a "cooling gel" and graphite to keep sleepers cool.

Firmness and Support: The mattress's simplicity may explain its lower price. It's a couple hundred dollars less than other foam competitors — but its appeal is meant to be broad and is aimed at a wide range of sleeping preferences and body weights. Tuft & Needle says it has a "medium firm" feel.

Who Tested It: Lauren Ro, Strategist writer and a back-to-side sleeper, who prefers a firm mattress. Ro also covers bedding for the Strategist, so she knows a thing or two about sleeping comfortably.

What They Liked: Right off the bat, the mattress felt substantial. The textured-fabric cover felt plush to the touch, and when I pressed my open hand down on the mattress, it bounced back with a friendly rebound. Lying on the Tuft & Needle for the first time, I immediately felt embraced. Sleeping on my back, I felt supported and cocooned at the same time, and when I turned to my side, the transition felt natural. The company describes its in-house Tuft & Needle Adaptive Foam soft and comfy while still being bouncy and supportive, and I completely agree. My husband really likes it, and he's a back and stomach sleeper whose temperature runs a little hotter than mine.

What They Didn't Like: Ultimately I decided to get a firmer mattress with springs, but I've kept the Tuft & Needle Original in my guest room for a few years now. In that time, we had a friend who stayed with us for several months report that it was very comfortable, and had other guests who've slept on it ask what mattress it is. Still, for me it felt too soft and squishy to sleep on every night.

What Else to Know: 100-day trialTen-year limited warrantyFree shipping to 48 states$200 shipping to Alaska and Hawaii

Mattress type: HybridFirmness: Plush soft, luxury firm, or firmHeight: 12 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

$1,049 at Aviya Mattress

Buy

TL;DR: Aviya is supportive but soft and another can't-go-wrong choice for those who don't want to overthink it but know that they'd prefer a combination of foam and springs.

Construction: Aviya's mattresses are made in a Cleveland factory that has been manufacturing mattresses for more than 100 years. The brand makes just one style of mattress that is 12 inches tall and layers foam over an innerspring system comprised of individually wrapped coils. In contrast to the Saatva, our pick for best mattress overall, the Aviya has two layers of foam above the coils, plus a cotton top layer, making it more of a hybrid than a true innerspring. There is also a three-inch perimeter of high-density foam surrounding the coils in the bottommost layer; these are designed to provide edge support so that you can sleep close to the edge or sit on the edge of your bed without feeling like the sides of your mattress are collapsing beneath you.

Firmness and Support: Aviya offers three options for firmness: plush/soft, luxury firm, and firm. According to the company, the luxury firm is its best seller.

Who Tested It: Alexis Swerdloff, New York deputy editor and a side sleeper.

What They Liked: I slept really well! At first, coming off of my experience with a mattress I will not name that was just way too soft, I wondered: Wait, is this "luxury firm" mattress too firm? But after a few nights, I got used to my new firmer mattress, and it's been great so far. It's quite a bit thinner than previous mattresses I've tried, which worried me — but it's just as supportive, if not more. After a month or so, I am sleeping very soundly and well with no aches and pains (which was a problem with my prior mattress), as does my husband, who honestly is a bit of "The Princess and the Pea." He put it like this to me: "I don't have a lot to say about it, because it's very comfortable and I never wake up complaining, which is all you can ask for." Kinda true!

What They Didn't Like: While this mattress is perfectly comfortable, I don't feel like I'm being bathed in the lap of luxury (the pillowy top of the mattress isn't particularly plush or soft).

What Else to Know: 100-night trialTen-year warrantyFree shipping to 48 statesNot available for shipping to Alaska or Hawaii

Mattress type: Latex hybridFirmness: Medium-firmHeight: 11 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

TL;DR: Come for the all-natural materials and handmade construction, but stay for the plush yet supportive mattress that's suitable for most types of sleepers.

Construction: The main selling point for Birch is that it's a "nontoxic" mattress made from "thoughtfully sourced" materials — including Rainforest Alliance–certified latex from sustainably tapped rubber trees, organic cotton, America-manufactured steel, and all-natural birch wool from New Zealand sheep. That wool is the standout material, as it provides cushion and plushness, helps regulate temperature, and acts as a natural flame retardant. In October 2021, Birch launched a second mattress — the Luxe Natural — that has a similar construction to the original we tested. But additional, full-perimeter edge support and targeted lumbar support are part of what makes it more luxe.

Firmness and Support: Birch rates both the Birch Natural and the Birch Natural Luxe as "medium firm"; we tested the Birch Natural.

Who Tested It: Liza Corsillo, Strategist senior writer and a back-and-side sleeper, who shares the bed with her husband and toy poodle.

What They Liked: I've been sleeping on the Birch Natural for over two years, and it's my favorite mattress of the ones I've tried so far because it is firmer and feels sturdier than the Avocado and the Casper I've slept on in the past. It has a solidly medium-firm feel, which works well for both me (a back-to-side combination sleeper) and my stomach-sleeper husband. While I don't feel actively "cooled" on this mattress, I don't overheat, either, even though I tend to run warm. The Birch is easy to move around on, and I've never felt stuck in it, but it still isolates motion well; my husband tosses and turns, but I never feel it unless he actually bumps into me. I also spent a lot of time on this mattress postpartum, and I still enjoy sitting on it to watch TV in bed. Some days, I even work from bed and I'm still comfortable, which is impressive considering it's not an ergonomic office chair. And even though it's usually covered with my bedding, I do appreciate how attractive this mattress looks bare — it looks expensive.

What They Didn't Like: While I don't ever feel stuck on the Birch, it's not particularly springy. And while I like the medium-firmness, I also would consider a firmer mattress in the future, as I have noticed my hips feeling less supported on this mattress, particularly after having a baby.

What Else to Know: 100-day trial25-year limited warrantyFree U.S. ShippingWhite-glove delivery and old-mattress removal available in most states, starting at $119

Mattress type: HybridFirmness: Medium-firmHeight: 11 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

TL;DR: An affordable, slightly softer hybrid mattress with an especially stylish cover.

Construction: Launched in May 2022, the Leesa Original Hybrid is a more budget-friendly alternative to Leesa's Sapira Hybrid mattress that sandwiches 789 "active response" springs between a high-density-foam base layer and two CertiPUR-US-certified foam top layers — one made of memory foam for pressure relief, the other made of high-airflow foam for breathability. The "cool knit" polyester-and-viscose cover is a step up aesthetically from more traditional-looking white quilted mattress covers; reminiscent of a classic T-shirt, it's heather gray with a diagonal pattern and Leesa's signature white accent stripes.

Firmness and Support: Leesa says the Original Hybrid is "medium to medium-firm," with a firmness range between five and eight on a scale of one to ten. The innerspring core is more supportive than the all-foam Leesa Original reviewed above; the brand recommends it for all body types and sleeping positions and describes it as the Leesa Original "with bounce."

Who Tested It: Ambar Pardilla, Strategist writer and a combination sleeper, who prefers a firmer mattress and runs hot.

What They Liked: Before I received the Leesa Original Hybrid, I was sleeping on an Allswell namesake hybrid mattress I'd purchased a few years earlier. The Leesa is firmer than the more cushiony Allswell, with good edge support and a comfortable level of bounciness — it's definitely a mattress you sleep on top of, rather than sink into. I tend to go to sleep on my side and wake up on my back, and I never had any trouble changing positions. I felt supported either way, with my posture aligned as it's supposed to be. And even though I run hot, the Leesa didn't cause me me wake up in a sweat. Part of the reason is that it has a fabric cover made from an especially breathable knit.

What They Didn't Like: Overall, I'm happy with this mattress, but I noticed that after about two years of sleeping on it, the knit cover has stretched out a bit and become somewhat loose. Occasionally, it will bunch up underneath my sheets, which isn't a deal-breaker for me but can be slightly annoying.

What Else to Know: 100-day trialTen-year limited warrantyFree U.S. ShippingWhite-glove delivery for $150

Photo: Cole Slutzky

Mattress type: HybridFirmness: FirmHeight: 11.5 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, short queen, RV king

$999 at Helix

Buy

with code: PRIMETIME25

TL;DR: An affordable and firm hybrid mattress that avoids that sinking feeling, thanks to its balanced combination of springs and foam.

Construction: Helix doesn't offer just one style of mattress-in-a-box. It has more than a dozen, ranging from plush to firm, including six "Luxe" editions that upgrade the "Core" designs with additional layers of foam and a pillow top and come with a longer warranty. (Beyond that, there is also a further-upgraded "Elite" collection that adds layers of micro-coils between the uppermost layers of foam, for even more support and a finished mattress that stands a towering 16 inches tall.) Most of Helix's core mattresses, including the Dawn, are made of four layers — one layer has springs, and the rest are various foams. Warm sleepers have the option to upgrade to a cooling cover for an additional $199 or a cooling cover plus a pillow top for an additional $299.

Firmness and Support: Of Helix's available mattresses, the Dawn is its firmest. The main differences between it and Helix's less firm options, according to the brand, is that the Dawn's second foam "comfort layer" has a firmer feel than other models' comfort layers. The company rates the Dawn's firmness level as eight or nine on a scale of one to ten and suggests it for back and stomach sleepers.

Who Tested It: Louis Cheslaw, former Strategist associate editor and a side sleeper, who prefers a firm mattress.

What They Liked: Even though this is a mattress designed for back and stomach sleepers, it was the one that was recommended to me when I took the brand's sleep quiz; I told representatives from Helix that I am a side sleeper who prefers something firm, and they promised it would work for me, too. Sleeping on the Dawn, I drifted off as quickly as I ever have, regularly slept through the night, and never woke up feeling hot, sweaty, or achy in the morning. Presumably because of its coils, I never once felt like I was sinking into the mattress — even on days I worked for hours in bed. When my girlfriend spent the night on it with me, we never rolled inward toward each other, as we would on the all-foam mattress we had been sleeping on. This support revealed itself in other ways, too: When sitting on the edge of the Dawn to, say, put my socks on or scroll through my inbox in the morning, I never slipped off.

What Else to Know: 100-day trialTen-year limited warrantyFree shipping to 48 states$250 shipping to Alaska and Hawaii

Mattress type: HybridFirmness: Medium-firmHeight: 11.5 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king

TL;DR: This foam-and-innerspring hybrid has zoned lumbar support and more foam overall than our top-pick Saatva, giving it a more cushioned and contoured feel.

Construction: Saatva's Memory Foam Hybrid is 11.5 inches tall, layering an organic cotton cover and 1.5 inches of memory foam over coils made from recycled steel. The mattress has a half-inch layer of cooling, gel-infused memory foam through the middle third of the mattress to disperse your body heat and provide enhanced lumbar support. (On the cooling front, the memory-foam layer features a "wave" design with rolling cutouts to promote airflow.) The eight-inch innerspring layer is made of pocketed steel coils that are individually wrapped to help with motion isolation, and sits on a one-inch layer of support foam. The perimeter of the mattress is wrapped in high-density foam rails to provide extra-strong edge support. All of the foam in the mattress is CertiPUR-US certified foam, and no chemical flame retardants are used.

Firmness and Support: The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid comes in one firmness level that the company rates as medium firm and says is best suited for side sleepers. It has zoned support through the center third of the mattress to provide lower-back-pressure relief.

Who Tested It: Latifah Miles, former Strategist writer. Miles is a side sleeper who doesn't move around much but sleeps next to a restless partner who tends to toss and turn.

What They Liked: When I first laid down on the Saatva, I was worried it was too soft, because the quilted top and memory-foam layers are very forward. But when I actually slept on the mattress, the top layers contoured around my body while the coils and extra lumbar support prevented the sinking feeling that can come with memory foam. The coils are designed to absorb motion which, for me, is essential. My husband moves around more and wakes up earlier than I do and the Saatva has more noticeable motion isolation than our previous mattress — I don't even feel him getting out of bed to start his pre-dawn morning routine. The extra-firm edge support around the perimeter also adds a lot of stability. I realized that within a few nights of sleeping on the mattress, my husband, who is often restless and snores very loudly, seemed to be sleeping more peacefully (and more quietly, too). He told me he feels like he's getting the best sleep of his life, and is waking up less often during the night. All that, plus the fact that Saatva delivers its mattresses unfurled and sleep-ready, while offering free disposal of your old mattress, has made us converts.

What Else to Know: 365-night trialLifetime warrantyFree white-glove delivery to 48 states and free mattress removal$99 processing fee for returns and exchanges during the trial period

Mattress type: HybridFirmness: Flippable with one soft side and one firm sideHeight: 13 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

$1,499 at Layla Sleep

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TL;DR: Layla's flippable design almost makes it feel like you're getting two mattresses for the price of one.

Construction: Layla, founded in 2016, offers two styles of mattress: an all-foam model and a coil-foam hybrid. The hybrid mattress consists of seven layers (the all-foam one has six); at its center is a six-inch layer of springy coils that offer increased airflow and more support, especially for larger bodies. Those foam layers are made of a copper-gel memory foam that the brand says has cooling ability.

Firmness and Support: Both the all-foam and hybrid mattresses are flippable, with one side featuring a layer of softer memory foam and the other a layer of firmer foam. Layla rates firmness on a scale of one to ten; the soft side ranks at a four and the firm side at a seven, regardless of construction.

Who Tested It: Tembe Denton-Hurst, Strategist writer and a plus-size back-to-stomach sleeper, who prefers a soft mattress.

What They Liked: The Layla Hybrid is bouncy, and never gives that sinking feeling. My partner and I have had no problems sleeping through the night on it — we never overheat, nor do we feel each other moving around. We've slept on both sides, firm and soft, and each proved supportive. I prefer the softer side because I like my mattresses to be a bit plusher, but the firm side isn't too firm for my taste — perhaps a smidge firmer than the Allswell Luxe Hybrid, which I slept on happily for years. While there are cheaper hybrid mattresses (like my beloved Allswell), the ability to simply flip this one should you want a softer or firmer feel makes it worth the investment, especially if you're sharing a mattress with someone who prefers a different feel. It's almost like you're getting two mattresses for the price of one.

What They Didn't Like: Nothing yet. I've been sleeping on this mattress for three years, and I still love it.

What Else to Know: 120-day trialTen-year warrantyFree shipping to 48 states$350 shipping to Alaska and Hawaii

Mattress type: HybridFirmness: Medium-firmHeight: 13 inchesSizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king

TL;DR: A luxe option for combination sleepers that's firm enough to keep stomach sleepers' hips lifted, yet flexible enough to relieve joint pressure for side sleepers, and balanced enough for back sleepers. Though it's priced on the higher end, white-glove delivery is included — a nice touch.

Construction: One of Purple's more high-end models, this hybrid mattress features a three-inch layer of the brand's signature flexible gel grid, a hyperelastic polymer that flexes under pressure but keeps you "floating" on top of the mattress, rather than sinking too deeply into it. Beneath the GelFlex grid, there's a middle section of foam, and then a base of pocketed coils, to provide extra-responsive support and pressure relief. The mattress also has a band of high-density foam wrapped around its perimeter to bolster the edges and prevent them from collapsing under weight.

Firmness and Support: Purple describes this mattress as medium-firm and good for all sleeping positions. It originally came in two firmness levels (soft or firm), but the brand has since reduced it to one option that's more of a middle ground. We tested the Purple RestorePremier Hybrid firm model, which should be very similar to the new medium-firm one.

Who Tested It: Crystal Martin, senior editor and a combination back, stomach, and side sleeper, who needed a more supportive mattress.

What They Liked: The last mattress I had before the Purple was very squishy and pillowy. I sleep on my back, side, and stomach (with aspirations to stay mostly on my back and side). The softer mattress was starting to cause hip pain, and my theory was that when I slept on my stomach, my hips were sinking into the mattress; imagine there being an increased C-curve in my lower back. I started to think I needed something firmer, so when I was choosing a Purple mattress, I went with the most supportive option. I even went to a showroom to test it out and settled on the Purple RestorePremier Firm.

When it arrived, the delivery guys set it up and instructed me to let it rest for a few hours. I don't remember there being any noticeable off-gassing. For the first month, it felt too firm — not at all like it did in the showroom. So initially it wasn't very comfortable, and I had a few aches and pains in my shoulder and back. But because I had tried the same model in the showroom, I suspected the mattress would eventually give, and I toughed it out. I'm really glad I did. Now, after breaking it in and acclimating to it over four months, the Purple RestorePremier Firm feels very comfortable. I have the support I need as a combination sleeper. And the earlier shoulder pain I felt from side sleeping is gone too. The gel grid in the mattress has an interesting feel that I've grown to really appreciate. I get a slight suspension from the grid, which is really comfortable. It also gives a little shock absorption when I'm flipping back and forth at night. The feeling is subtle but meaningful, like wearing an excellent running shoe compared to a just-okay running shoe. Or even a bit like floating.

What They Didn't Like: While I was ultimately happy with this mattress, it did take a while to break in. Additionally, it's very heavy. I've had about six different mattresses in my life, and this is easily the heaviest, which can make it challenging to move.

What Else to Know: 100-day trialTen-year warrantyFree shipping to 48 states with white-glove deliveryShipping fees apply to Alaska and Hawaii, cost calculated at checkout

Mattress type: LatexFirmness: Medium or medium-firmHeight: Eight, ten, or 12 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, split queen, king, split king, California king, split California king

TL;DR: A truly plush mattress that's made with centuries-old mattress-making techniques but meets modern environmental standards.

Construction: PlushBeds makes all of its mattresses in a California factory using naturally derived, sustainable materials — an operation, it notes, that has received both Global Organic Textile Standard and Global Organic Latex Standard certifications. According to the brand, all of its mattresses are made following centuries-old methods of European mattress-makers; according to a representative, "hand side stitching, hand-compression tufting, and hand-stitching covers" are three such techniques used. But PlushBeds mattresses' materials — latex and gel memory foam — are more modern. The Natural Bliss mattress contains two layers of Arpico latex (a natural latex made from tapping rubber trees that the brand says have been grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides), a so-called Eco Fire Barrier layer (made of a chemical-free fire-retardant material), and a hand-stitched organic-cotton cover. It comes in three thicknesses — eight, ten, or 12 inches — with the thicker mattresses made of heftier latex layers.

Firmness and Support: No matter the thickness you choose, you can choose either a medium or medium-firm mattress. (We tested the medium.)

Who Tested It: Hilary Reid, Strategist senior editor and a combination side-and-stomach sleeper.

What They Liked: The Natural Bliss mattress I tested was ten inches thick, with the softest firmness level available. When I first sat down on it, I was immediately taken by how plush it was — something I appreciated even more when I lay down. The mattress had a pleasingly old-fashioned feel to it; it's hard to describe, but it felt like the sort of mattress you'd find in a spare room at your grandmother's house — something well made that she held onto for that reason (which kind of makes sense when you consider the company's use of old-world-style manufacturing techniques). Lying on my side and my stomach was incredibly comfortable: I felt both supported and like I was sinking into the bed a bit, which had a pleasantly coddling effect that I think helped me sleep more deeply. While I don't have any allergies or chemical sensitivities, I can imagine the latex mattress making a lot of sense for someone who does.

What They Didn't Like: This mattress is extremely heavy and difficult to move. When the mattress was delivered to the lobby of my building, I ended up having to enlist a neighbor (whom I didn't know well) to help me carry it into my apartment. I would definitely recommend that anyone who buys it make a plan in advance for how they'll get it into their home and onto their bed frame, as it is significantly heavier than any other mattress I've moved.

What Else to Know: 100-day trialLifetime warrantyFree standard shipping to 48 statesShipping not available to Alaska and HawaiiWhite-glove delivery and old-mattress removal starting at $249

Mattress type: InnerspringFirmness: FirmHeight: 12 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

TL;DR: The Parachute Eco Comfort i