Oh, memory foam. It really is the best. From top-of-the-line TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses to more budget-conscious options, I have slept on so many of these beds. That’s why I was compelled to put together a list of the absolute best memory foam mattresses. I took a lot of factors into consideration when choosing, including luxury, value, and comfort. Keep scrolling for our top ten picks, a video summary, reviews of each of our favorite foam mattresses, and a best memory foam mattress buyer’s guide!
There should be something here for everyone. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for, try taking our mattress quiz for further-tailored recommendations!
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Memory Foam Mattress?
Our team of expert reviewers chose the Nectar as the best memory foam mattress. It has a classic slow moving feel, offers contouring for pressure relief, and doesn’t trap heat.
Best Memory Foam Mattresses of 2023: Our Top 10 Picks
- Nectar – Best Overall
- TEMPUR-Cloud – Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress
- Bear Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Athletes
- Helix Midnight – Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress for Couples
- Emma – Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
- Loom & Leaf – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Nolah Signature – Best Memory Foam Alternative
- WinkBeds GravityLux – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Combo Sleepers
- Titan Plus Luxe – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
- Dreamfoam Essential – Best Value Memory Foam Mattress
Video Review: Best Memory Foam Mattresses of 2023
Compare the Best Memory Foam Mattresses of 2023
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| Nectar Mattress | TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress | Bear Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Emma Mattress | Loom & Leaf Mattress | Nolah Signature 12" Mattress | WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Foam | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | -- | -- | ✓ | -- | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | -- | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back | Back & Side | Back & Side |
How We Chose Our Best Memory Foam Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
One of the strengths of memory foam is its ability to isolate motion and prevent partners from disturbing each other at night. So we wanted to pick products that scored high in this category.
Also, because memory foam tends to trap heat, we also tried to include beds that had additional cooling capabilities in their features and construction.
Nectar – Best Overall
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Offering sleepers the classic slow-sinking feeling of memory foam, the Nectar should be a good match for back sleepers, side sleepers, and couples.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Offering sleepers the classic slow-sinking feeling of memory foam, the Nectar should be a good match for back sleepers, side sleepers, and couples.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
Lying on the Nectar, you get that classic memory foam feeling of slowly sinking into the bed. The comfort layer has an infusion of gel for cooling and pain relief, while the thicker support layer is made up of high-density foam. Back sleepers should experience exceptional contouring and side sleepers should feel little to no pressure on their shoulders and hips. In fact, we’ve chosen the Nectar as one of the best mattresses for hip pain.
What the testers say: “When I tested the Nectar, the foam contoured around my joints really nicely. It felt particularly comfortable while side sleeping, but this bed is a great choice for back sleepers too.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Nectar
- Affordable
- Great for couples
- Low return rates during the 365-night sleep trial
Cons of the Nectar
- Heavier sleepers may not find enough support
Also, if you’re prone to sleeping hot, Nectar offers two more memory foam mattresses with advanced cooling features: the Nectar Premier mattress and the Nectar Premier Copper mattress.
Read our full Nectar mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses 2023 for more great options.
TEMPUR-Cloud – Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress
TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
90 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress
The Tempur-Cloud promises to provide the soft comfort consumers have come to expect from Tempur-Pedic mattresses, but for a more affordable price.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
90 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress
The Tempur-Cloud promises to provide the soft comfort consumers have come to expect from Tempur-Pedic mattresses, but for a more affordable price.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
90 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
When most people think about memory foam, they imagine slow-moving tempur material. If you love to sink into a soft mattress, then the TEMPUR-Cloud could be the one for you. Because tempur material is especially dense, it feels firmer for lightweight people. However, average-weight and heavy people should find this bed to be especially plush. The mattress’ luxurious material also gently contours the body, so it should work really well for side sleepers. In this sleeping position, most people feel zero pressure around their shoulders and hips.
What the testers say: “During my testing, I really sank into the TEMPUR-Cloud, which gave the feeling of being hugged by the mattress. Sleepers looking for a soft bed they can sink into will really like this mattress.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the TEMPUR-Cloud
- Really strong motion isolation
- Lots of sinkage and contouring
- Great for sleepers with joint pain
Cons of the TEMPUR-Cloud
- Hard to move around on
Read our full TEMPUR-Cloud mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Soft Mattresses for more great options.
Bear Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Athletes
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re an active person or if you consider yourself an athlete, know that the Bear Original mattress was built just for you. The special ingredient is the Celliant fiber in the mattress’ cover. It purportedly helps sleepers’ blood circulation and recovery. Thanks to its gel-infused memory foam, this mattress also has the impressive ability to cool down hot sleepers. This is great for athletes who like nighttime workouts, but don’t want to overheat when it’s time for bed.
What the testers say: “The Bear Mattress has a classic memory foam feel. It allows you to sink into the mattress, but its firm transition layers stop you from getting stuck.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Bear
- An excellent choice for back sleepers
- Great motion isolation for couples
- One of our favorite mattresses for back pain
Cons of the Bear
- Too soft for stomach sleepers
Read our full Bear mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Athletes for more great options.
Helix Midnight – Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress for Couples
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
Because of its support and ability to isolate motion, the Helix Midnight should be a good fit for anyone who shares a bed with a partner.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
Because of its support and ability to isolate motion, the Helix Midnight should be a good fit for anyone who shares a bed with a partner.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
If you sleep with a partner, you want to find a mattress that works for both of you. A hybrid memory foam mattress like the Helix Midnight is a great option! The Helix Midnight is a medium-firm mattress that should be a good fit for multiple sleeping positions. Even if you and your partner sleep in different positions, the Helix Midnight will offer the comfort and support you both require. The top layer of memory foam will also help to cut down on motion transfer so you and your partner don’t disturb each other when you move around at night!
What the testers say: “The Helix Midnight has a bouncier feel than an all-memory foam bed, which makes it easy to move around on. Its medium-firm feel should appeal to most sleepers, but if one or both of you prefers a firm mattress, I’d opt for the Helix Dawn instead.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Helix Midnight
- Prevents overheating
- Easy to move around on
- Great orthopedic mattress for pain
Cons of the Helix Midnight
- Stomach sleepers might find that their hips sink in too much
Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Couples for more great options.
Emma – Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
Emma Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Mattress
The Emma is a very popular mattress that offers fantastic pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Mattress
The Emma is a very popular mattress that offers fantastic pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
One of the best perks of the Emma mattress is that it comes in different options! Though we’ll be focusing on the all-foam Emma Original, we wanted to point out that the Emma also comes in a Hybrid version, so foam lovers who want a more responsive feel can still find their perfect Emma mattress.
The Emma is slightly firmer than average, and though it’s all foam, it’s equipped with features to help keep sleepers cool at night. The foam in the Emma mattress is made with proprietary materials and is infused with graphite to help dissipate body heat. The Emma also helps with cooling since it’s ventilated, which helps promote airflow throughout the mattress and prevents overheating.
What the testers say: “I’m a back sleeper, and the Emma mattress gave me great support. My spine stayed in alignment through the night, and the aerated foam layers kept me really cool throughout the night!”— Elisa Regulski, Editor and Certified Sleep Science Coach
Pros of the Emma Mattress
- Great for back sleepers
- Cooling features
- Good price for the value
Cons of the Emma Mattress
- Too firm for most side sleepers
- Lacks a responsive feel
Read our full Emma mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Cooling Mattresses for more great options.
Loom & Leaf – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Loom & Leaf is a perfect choice for those looking for a luxury memory foam feel but don't want to sleep hot.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Loom & Leaf is a perfect choice for those looking for a luxury memory foam feel but don't want to sleep hot.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re a back sleeper looking for a supportive memory foam mattress, then the Saatva Loom & Leaf could be right for you. The mattress contains three foam layers that are dedicated to your overall comfort. These layers help cushion sensitive joints and fill in the lumbar region. At the bottom of the mattress, there are two firmer foam layers, which provide support and prevent sleepers from sinking into the material. This promotes proper spinal alignment. This balanced feel (a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale) should suit lightweight to average-weight back sleepers.
What the testers say: “The Loom & Leaf comes in two firmness options, and back sleepers will want to make sure to go for the Firm version, which will give them the added support they need.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Loom & Leaf
- White-glove delivery (Saatva will help set up your new mattress)
- Gel-infused memory foam helps with cooling
- Firm feel can be hard to find in other memory foam beds
Cons of the Loom & Leaf
- Not supportive enough for heavy sleepers
Read our full Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers for more great options.
Nolah Signature – Best Memory Foam Alternative
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
The Nolah Signature is a fantastic medium-firm mattress that offers plenty of foam comfort and pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
The Nolah Signature is a fantastic medium-firm mattress that offers plenty of foam comfort and pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
The Nolah Signature mattress uses a proprietary foam called AirFoam that has some unique properties to help with pressure relief and to help keep you cool at night. While the top layers of the Nolah Signature still offer the slow-moving feel of memory foam, the AirFoam is balanced enough to allow you to move around freely on the mattress without sinking into it.
What the testers say: “During my testing, I found the Nolah Signature to be easy to move around on, which made switching positions easy. I’d recommend this bed to those who like memory foam, but don’t want to feel stuck in their mattress.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Nolah Signature Mattress
- Great motion isolation
- Durable enough to last 7-10 years
- A good choice for side sleepers
Cons of the Nolah Signature Mattress
- Stomach sleepers will need a firmer option
Read our full Nolah Signature mattress review for more information.
WinkBeds GravityLux – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Combo Sleepers
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
The WinkBeds GravityLux is a very comfortable all-foam mattress. It should be a good match for back, side, and combo sleepers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
The WinkBeds GravityLux is a very comfortable all-foam mattress. It should be a good match for back, side, and combo sleepers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
The WinkBeds GravityLux features a zoned construction where the center is firmer than the rest of the mattress. This makes it feel softer when side-sleeping, and firmer when back-sleeping and stomach-sleeping. It also contains a proprietary AirCell memory foam that’s more responsive than standard memory foam, so it should be easy for combination sleepers to move around at night.
What the testers say: “Finding a great bed for combination sleepers can be tricky since they need a mattress that’s comfortable in multiple sleeping positions. The GravityLux has zoned support, which means its softer at the shoulders and firmer in the middle— this makes it comfortable for side, back, and stomach sleepers alike.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the WinkBeds GravityLux
- Comes in three different firmness models
- More breathable than other memory foam beds
- Zoned support makes it comfortable in all sleeping positions
Cons of the WinkBeds GravityLux
- Expensive
Read our full WinkBeds GravityLux mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers for more great options.
Titan Plus Luxe – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
This hybrid mattress was designed especially for heavy sleepers, and is the luxury version of the Titan Plus.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
This hybrid mattress was designed especially for heavy sleepers, and is the luxury version of the Titan Plus.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
Because heavy people need more support, we chose a mattress for them that’s constructed a little different than your typical memory foam bed. Yes, there’s foam in the Titan Plus Luxe, but it’s firmer and more responsive — all the better for properly holding up extra weight. There’s also a layer of coils at the bottom of the mattress to help heavy sleepers keep their spines neutrally aligned.
What the testers say: “As a heavy sleeper, I know that I need strong support from my mattress. The Titan Plus Luxe was designed with higher weights in mind, and I felt its sturdy coils prevent me from sinking too far into the bed.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Titan Plus Luxe
- Designed specifically for heavy sleepers
- Luxury mattress with thick layers of foam
- Cover is cooling and infused with memory foam
Cons of the Titan Plus Luxe
- Heavy stomach sleepers should go for the Titan Plus.
Read our full Titan Plus Luxe mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Heavy Sleepers for more great options.
Dreamfoam Essential – Best Value Memory Foam Mattress
Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
The Dreamfoam Essential is a cooling, affordable memory foam mattress that comes in multiple thicknesses.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
The Dreamfoam Essential is a cooling, affordable memory foam mattress that comes in multiple thicknesses.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
Even if you’re looking for the most comfortable memory foam mattress, you don’t want to spend an exorbitant amount of money. The Dreamfoam Essential is extremely comfortable and is also a great deal. At full price, a Queen-size is around $474.00. The mattress comes in multiple thicknesses. You can select from 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″, and 14″.
What the testers say: “Memory foam beds tend to be expensive. If you’re on a budget, but want a slow-moving, contouring feel, the Dreamfoam is a great affordable option.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Dreamfoam Essential
- Can choose from multiple thicknesses (thicker models are softer)
- Balances affordability and quality
- Has a cooling cover and gel infusion
Cons of the Dreamfoam Essential
- Will only last 5-7 years
Read our full Dreamfoam Essential mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for the Money for more great options.
Jump to
Memory Foam Feel | Who It’s Good For | Who It’s Not Good For | Types of Memory Foam | Firmness | How Much Foam is in a Mattress | Cost | Getting the Best Value | Sleeping Hot | Off-Gassing | Foam vs Spring | Foam vs Latex | Foam vs Hybrid
What Does Memory Foam Feel Like?
If someone pushes their hand into memory foam and then quickly removes it, the foam takes several seconds to return to its initial form.
Lying on a memory foam mattress, people will feel that they’re slowly sinking into the surface. There’s almost no bounce at all, and it’s harder to move around and switch positions in bed. Some people absolutely love this feel, while others don’t like it at all.
Memory foam is known for the pressure-relieving qualities that come with the sinking and slow-moving feel of these types of mattresses, so if you’re shopping for a mattress for joint pain, memory foam could be a great option for you!
Who Is a Memory Foam Mattress Good For?
- Side sleepers and/or people who want extra pressure relief.
- People who like the feeling of slowly sinking into their mattress.
- People who want a mattress that makes no noise.
- People with pain in their hips, shoulders, or back. Memory foam tends to conform to the curves of the body, meaning it promotes solid spinal alignment. It can also be some of the best material for addressing lower back pain and sciatica.
- People looking for a mattress with an adjustable bed frame.
Who Is a Memory Foam Mattress Not Good For?
- People who want a bouncy sleeping surface.
- People who like the feeling of sleeping on top of their mattress rather than slowly sinking into it.
- People who are overly concerned about sleeping hot. See our list of the Best Cooling Mattresses for some of the most breathable mattresses out there.
What Are the Different Types of Memory Foam?
- Standard Memory Foam: This refers to memory foam that doesn’t feature additional formulations or infusions. The density can range between 2.5 and 7 lb. Standard memory foam will have a slower response and is more likely to trap heat than specialty memory foam.
- Gel Memory Foam: One of the big innovations in the sleep industry has been to infuse gel beads into memory foam. The gel will ideally act as a conductor to draw heat away, which helps make for a cooler sleeping surface. Some studies show that this can be a fairly effective way to prevent the foam from overheating, but the effect may be limited.
- Plant-Based Memory Foam: Some memory foam has a portion of it replaced with bio-based foam (typically from soy). This makes the foam a little more “green,” even if it is only 25 to 30% plant-based.
- Copper-Infused Memory Foam: Copper is a natural heat conductor and features excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. It will help draw heat and moisture away from sleepers and allow them to sleep cooler at night. In addition, it’s anti-microbial and will help keep the mattress free of mold, mildew, and odors.
- Open-Celled Memory Foam: Some memory foam is more “open-celled,” which means its chemical nature has been altered to be more breathable.
- Fast-Response Memory Foam: Some mattress companies have recently developed memory foam that’s faster to respond than standard memory foam. This prevents the feeling of getting stuck which some sleepers often complain about.
Memory Foam Density Level and Firmness
When reading memory foam mattress reviews, customers will come across density levels quite a bit. Typically, I have found (and studies show) that the higher the density, the following is true:
- More materials go into a higher-density foam, so you should almost always expect to pay more for it. High-density foams will usually be higher than 4 lb. A medium density will be in the 3.5 to 4 lb. range, and low-density will be anything 3 lb. or less.
- Generally, the higher the density, the longer the mattress will last.
- The higher the density of the foam, the less motion transfer one will experience. Those who sleep with a partner should consider a mattress with high-density memory foam.
- More density means more support. Higher-density foam does a better job of contouring the body so, if someone has back pain, they will want a higher-density memory foam mattress.
One last thing to consider regarding density is Indentation Load Deflection (ILD), the measure of how firm the memory foam is in a mattress. More specifically, it’s a measure of how much weight or force must be put on the memory foam to compress it by 25%. The higher the number, the more weight has to be applied to compress that memory foam. So in a nutshell, the higher the ILD, the firmer the memory foam. A mattress with an ILD of 10–12 is going to be softer than one that has an ILD of 18–20.
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How Much Memory Foam Should Be in a Mattress?
Some mattresses will have just an inch or two of memory foam, while others will have four to six inches. Customers should take note of how much of this material is actually in the mattresses they’re considering.
| Sleep Position | How Much Memory Foam Do You Need? |
| Stomach sleepers | 1 to 2 inches |
| Back sleepers | 2 to 3 inches |
| Side sleepers | 3 to 5 inches |
- Stomach sleepers don’t need quite as much pressure relief and need to prevent their hips from sinking in too far. For this reason, they’ll only want one or two inches of memory foam in their mattress.
- Back sleepers will want their hips to sink in a little bit so that the foam can conform to the curves of the body and their lumbar area can be properly supported. Two or three inches of memory foam should do the trick.
- Side sleepers usually need more pressure relief, which means they need more “comfort” material, especially if they’re a heavier sleeper. Three to five inches of memory foam should give them the best sleeping experience.
What Makes a Memory Foam Mattress More or Less Expensive?
| Thicker layers of memory foam | Thinner layers of memory foam |
| High-density foam | Lower-density foam |
| Has cooling features | Does not use cooling technology |
| Uses coils for the support layer | Uses poly foam for the support layer |
- If the mattress contains a thick layer of memory foam on top, then the mattress will more than likely be more expensive due to the extra materials used in its construction.
- If the memory foam used in the mattress is higher-density, that typically means the mattress will be more expensive, but also more durable.
- If the memory foam has been chemically formulated to sleep cool or be more breathable, the mattress will probably be more expensive. Cooling features to keep an eye out for that may make a mattress more expensive include Phase Change Material, copper infusions, and gel infusions.
- If the mattress uses coils as the support system instead of poly foam, it will probably be more expensive. However, foam hybrid constructions like this can be more long-lasting than an all-foam construction.
Tips for Getting the Best Value Memory Foam Mattress
- Order online unless a retail store is having an incredible sale. Since the mattress is all-foam, it can be compressed and shipped from a factory to the customer’s door, cutting out the middleman and providing savings for the consumer. The Internet is truly one of the best places to buy a mattress right now.
- If you are buying through a retail store, you should wait for a sale. Black Friday, Labor Day, and President’s Day are big days for mattress sales, where customers will see up to 70% off some of the big-name brands.
- Higher-quality mattresses will last much longer than lower-quality ones. If someone purchases a cheap low-quality mattress, they may save money in the short term but may find themselves shopping for a replacement sooner than they had planned.
- Make sure you read up on the mattress warranty to see what options you have if the mattress starts to break down prematurely.
How Do You Keep Memory Foam Mattresses from Sleeping Hot?
Using plant-based foam has been shown to be very effective, as has a laminating layer of gel onto the foam. Companies can also use “open-celled” foam, which is a type of foam that allows more air to pass freely through it.
When it comes to gel, mattress companies really turn on the marketing machine. They will charge customers thousands of dollars more for certain types of gels that aren’t actually more effective (though they do sound amazing). One material to keep an eye out for that really does help with cooling is Phase Change Material. At a very basic level, Phase Change Material absorbs body heat throughout the night, pulling it away from you and storing it until you cool off. At this point, it will release the heat to help regulate your body temperature. The Nectar Premier Copper is one of my favorite memory foam mattresses that features this material.
Off-Gassing Memory Foam Mattresses
New memory foam mattresses typically give off a chemical smell when they’re unboxed. This is called “mattress off-gassing.” It’s not a concern for the long term, but the smell can potentially last as long as a week, depending on the mattress brand. With some mattresses, the smell is very faint and completely goes away within 24 hours. Either way, just place the bed in a well-ventilated room or open a window so it has time to off-gas.
Memory Foam vs Innerspring Mattresses
- Memory foam generally provides better pressure relief than spring mattresses, and it also conforms better to the curves of the body, potentially helping to promote better spinal alignment. This can make memory foam significantly better for people with pain issues.
- Spring mattresses do tend to sleep cooler because the coils can promote airflow through the mattress, while the chemical nature of memory foam makes those mattresses potentially trap heat more easily.
- Spring mattresses have more bounce overall. Depending on personal preference, this could be positive or negative.
RELATED: Memory Foam vs Innerspring Mattresses
Memory Foam vs Latex Mattresses
- Memory foam will have better pressure relief than latex mattresses do, and it will also be better at conforming to the curves of the body.
- In general, latex mattresses will sleep cooler than memory foam because of the more open-celled chemical makeup of latex.
- Latex mattresses will be much bouncier than memory foam mattresses.
- Memory foam is slow-reacting and akin to quicksand, while Latex is immediately responsive.
RELATED: Memory Foam vs Latex Mattresses
Memory Foam vs Hybrid Mattresses
- Because they combine a foam comfort layer (or layers) with support coils rather than polyfoam, hybrid mattresses should be more expensive on average. Coils tend to be pricier to manufacture than polyfoam.
- Hybrid mattresses should have a little more bounce than standard memory foam mattresses.
- Hybrid mattresses will be a little bit more breathable because the coils leave so much space for air to flow.
RELATED: Memory Foam vs Hybrid Mattresses
Summary
Here’s a summary of our top picks for the best memory foam mattresses:
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Nectar | Best Overall |
| TEMPUR-Cloud | Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress |
| Bear Original | Best Memory Foam Mattress for Athletes |
| Helix Midnight | Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress for Couples |
| Emma | Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress |
| Loom & Leaf | Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers |
| Nolah Signature | Best Alternative Memory Foam Mattress |
| WinkBeds GravityLux | Best Memory Foam Mattress for Combination Sleepers |
| Titan Plus Luxe | Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers |
| Dreamfoam Essential | Best Value Memory Foam Mattress |
FAQs
What are the benefits of memory foam mattresses?
When it comes to pros, memory foam mattresses are very comfortable and can relieve pressure especially well since the foam contours the body. They can also help relieve hip and back pain. This may be especially beneficial for side sleepers. Memory foam mattresses may also be beneficial for couples or for people who toss and turn often in their sleep since there is little motion transfer in foam mattresses.
What are some of the issues with memory foam mattresses?
When it comes to cons, memory foam mattresses are sometimes known for sleeping hot since the material doesn’t always allow for a lot of airflow. The fact that memory foam contours the body also may make you feel like you’re sinking in the mattress and may make it more difficult to change positions at night.
What is the best inexpensive memory foam mattress?
Those who are seeking an inexpensive memory foam mattress should consider the Nectar and Dreamfoam Essential mattresses. The Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that costs between about $800.00 and $1300.00 for a Queen-size. Dreamfoam offers their Essential mattress for just under $500.00 for a Queen.
What is the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers?
Side sleepers are going to want to find a mattress that is softer-than-average. We recommend the Layla and, to talk about a mattress that isn’t on this list, the Amerisleep AS4. Both mattresses are softer-than-average and should relieve most pressure on the shoulders and hips. The Layla and Amerisleep AS4 also performed very well on our pressure map test.
Are memory foam mattresses good for your back?
Like anything else, it depends on the sleeper and the mattress. But in general, a memory foam mattress that’s close to medium-firm and conforms to the shape of the sleeper’s body should be good for your back. The Leesa is an example of such a bed.
Does a memory foam mattress need a box spring?
The answer is more complex than you think. On one hand, a memory foam mattress is firm enough to lie flat on a floor or any other type of level surface. On the other hand, a box spring provides additional support, and you may also enjoy the extra height it provides. However, you only want to use one if you have a metal bed frame. If you have a platform bed, wooden slats, or adjustable bed as your sleep foundation, you shouldn’t use a box spring.
