The 13 best mattresses of 2023, tested and reviewed

Pros: Foam and pocket springs offer breathability and support, ideal motion isolation and edge support for couples, medium firmness will benefit all sleeping styles

Cons: Heavy and difficult to maneuver

Before I started testing a new mattress every two weeks, I slept on the Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress for a year and loved it. My wife is a back sleeper, while I sleep on my stomach and side, and we both found it offered an outstanding balance of comfort and support with excellent motion transfer.

I have only found two or three mattresses with comparable comfort in the four years since I tested this, but these were geared toward side sleepers and too soft for back and stomach sleepers. The Leesa Sapira is great for all sleeping positions. That's why it's tops in several of our mattress guides.

The mattress has five layers, from top to bottom: cooling foam, contouring memory foam, and airflow-facilitating 14.5-gauge pocket springs nestled between two supportive foam layers. The cooling foam and airflow did a great job keeping my hot-sleeping body cool even on the muggiest summer nights when the AC struggled to keep up.

I have a history of back pain. Yet, while testing the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, I never awoke with back pain. It supplied the comfort and pressure relief I needed to recover when I wrenched my back while putting together a standing desk. I think it's the best mattress for back pain. However, this is based on my experience. Back pain sufferers should consult with a doctor before buying a new mattress. Also, consider getting someone else to help set the bed up since it is heavy unless you opt for in-home set up and delivery, which is available for an extra cost. 

The Leesa Sapira is also one of the best mattresses for couples because it has good edge support that keeps you comfortable right to the edge of the bed. The motion isolation keeps you from feeling jostled as your partner moves at night. 

Read our full Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress review. 

Pros: Free in-home setup and old mattress removal, zoned support, great heat dissipation,good bounce, outstanding edge support, long home trial and warranty,

Cons: Average motion isolation, $99 fee deducted from your refund if you return the bed 

At $1,595 for a Queen using our exclusive link, the Saatva Classic gives luxury without a high-end price. Your order includes in-home setup and old mattress removal, virtually unheard of at this price point. The bed features zoned support and a dual-coil design that help relieve your pressure points and keep your spine aligned.

The bed's 3" Euro pillow top is constructed of cool-feeling organic cotton. Below that is memory foam with a firmer middle third to offer back support. Next, the individually-wrapped pocket coils contour to your body. Then, an additional base coil layer adds airflow and durability. The Classic gets its unparalleled edge support from a high-density foam that borders the springs.

I tend to overheat in bed and appreciated how well the Saatva Classic dissipated heat. I tested the Luxury Firm as a side sleeper, and my hips and shoulders couldn't sink in enough to keep my spine in a neutral position. Consequently, I had to flip to my back to wake up sore. If given the chance, I'd choose the Plush Soft version, a better option for my side sleeping. Senior home editor Jaclyn Turner slept on the Saatva Classic for nearly two years as a predominant back sleeper and appreciated the gentle support combined with the plush pillow-top design, though she also experienced a break-in period. 

When lying on the bed, I didn't feel pets or people moving on the bed. Yet, the Classic failed the bowling ball test and had higher than usual vibrometer readings, suggesting so-so motion isolation. But, with the impressive edge support, I'd still recommend this mattress for couples.

Pros: Good motion dampening, great firmness for stomach and back sleepers, cold sleepers will appreciate the heat retention, impressive edge support, I had excellent sleep quality on this mattress

Cons: No showroom availability or white glove delivery, may run too hot for most hot sleepers and too firm for most side sleepers

For our guide to the best cheap mattresses, we tested 10 sub-$500 mattresses. Of those, the Allswell was the winner. It's a hybrid, a rarity in this price range, comprised of two layers: a base layer of individually wrapped coils supplying airflow, durability, and support and a top layer of cooling charcoal and copper-gel infused memory foam. The foam is CertiPUR-US-certified.

According to my Garmin Forerunner 945 watch readings and my subjective experience, I slept best on the $320 Allswell. While I prefer to sleep on my side, the firm feel forced me onto my back and stomach.

Couples will like the outstanding edge support and good motion isolation. However, hot sleepers may want to look elsewhere, as the mattress did not dissipate heat well. 

Read our full Allswell Mattress review.

Pros: Layers of comforting and supportive Tempur foam adjust to all sleeping styles, impressive motion isolation, excellent heat dissipation

Cons: Unimpressive edge support

While I mostly sleep on my side, I adjust to my back and stomach throughout the night. My personal favorite mattress for combination sleeping is the Sleep Number 360 i8 adjustable bed, but its luxury price is out of most people's budgets. Instead, the Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress is the best bet for most sleepers and budgets, and it's also one of the best memory foam mattresses you can buy.

The Tempur-Cloud stands out because it features three layers of Tempur-Pedic's proprietary foam: a soft, responsive comfort top layer; a firmer support layer; and a supportive base. Combined, they do an outstanding job of adjusting to the contours of your body no matter what position you are in. For instance, the foam contoured to my body and offered impressive pressure relief. I was comfortable on my stomach and side, and my wife, a back sleeper, enjoyed the feel. I suffer from lower back pain that flares up when I sleep on an unsupportive mattress and found the Cloud supported my back well. 

This versatility for sleeping positions also makes it an excellent option for couples with different sleeping styles. Couples will also appreciate the outstanding motion isolation, so you aren't jostled as your partner shifts in the night or say when a rambunctious child or dog decide to greet you in the morning, you'll barely notice.

I also liked the excellent heat dissipation, a rarity for an all-foam mattress. I stayed cool all night despite my tendency to overheat on other mattresses. The polyester-blend stretch cover is moisture-wicking and breathes well. The mattress also passed our motion isolation tests, and when my rambunctious dog jumped onto the bed in the morning, I barely noticed.

The main negative is that the Cloud exhibited poor edge support, as I significantly sunk into mattress when I was close to the edges of the bed. Couples may want a King for more space without feeling uncomfortable on the edges. 

Read our full Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress review and guide to the best memory foam mattresses.

Pros: Plush comfort is ideal for side sleepers, good edge support, excellent heat dissipation

Cons: Held on to its new bed smell, not the best for stomach or back sleepers, failed motion transfer tests

The Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress is also our pick for the best soft mattress, an attribute that makes it ideal for side sleepers who usually find a bed with some give to be the most comfortable. (Read more in our best mattresses for side sleepers guide.) Side sleepers will appreciate the second-from-top foam layer with its three ergonomic zones that are firmer about the waist, hips, and lower back and softer under the shoulders. 

The top layer of the Nova Hybrid is made of Casper's proprietary "Airscape" foam, designed to support airflow. The bottom foam layer features contoured cuts designed to reinforce the second layer. Below the three foam layers, the mattress's springs ensure your body is adequately supported while adding a level of durability. A firm border of foam reinforces the bed's edge support. 

Read our full Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress review and guide to the best mattress for side sleepers.

Pros: Medium firmness that suits an array of sleeping styles, excellent motion transfer dampening, sleeps cool, white-glove delivery

Cons: Heavy, subpar edge support

Back sleepers typically benefit from medium-firm mattresses, along with zoned support with extra cushioning around the hips and shoulders. Based on our testing, the Tempur-Pedic PRObreeze Mattress is the best option for back sleepers. The proprietary Tempur-material foam adjusts to the contours of your body to provide optimal support and pressure-point relief where you need it, specifically in the hips and shoulders.

My wife and I exhibit just about every sleeping style and both find this slightly firm mattress works well for our bodies. I haven't found a material that does a better job of keeping my spine aligned while I sleep. I also don't feel when my wife or dog are moving around during the night — the motion-dampening abilities are outstanding. However, the edge support could use some work.  The mattress is heavy and hard to move around. Fortunately, Tempur-Pedic includes white-glove delivery.

Read our full Tempur-Pedic PRObreeze review.

Pros: Good heat dissipation, made of eco-friendly materials, all four sides have two handles

Cons: Not ideal for side sleepers, heavy, sinks significantly when sitting on the side

A firmer mattress supports stomach sleepers by keeping their spine aligned, protecting them from back pain. The Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress provides slightly firm, comfortable support. The firm feel is balanced by a plush Euro-top made of organic wool. Next is a layer of Rainforest Alliance-certified Dunlop latex, and the support core contains individually wrapped coils. As a combination side and stomach sleeper, I preferred stomach sleeping on the Awara. During the testing period, I didn't experience any soreness.

Both the edge support and motion isolation were middle of the road. The Awara also failed our motion transfer tests, but the mattress is quite bouncy, which some people may like. The mattress cover has two handles sewn into all four sides for easy moving, an important feature since it is one of the heaviest mattresses in our guide. Despite the heft, I set it up without help in about five minutes.

Pros: Year-long home trial, lightweight, impressive heat dissipation, outstanding motion isolation, the medium firmness is ideal for most sleep positions, forever warranty

Cons: Poor edge support

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is the top pick in our best mattress for back pain guide and the top overall pick in this guide. We want to provide another, more affordable option in this guide, so we're highlighting the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress in this section.

With its medium firmness, the Nectar mattress is the best bet for side sleepers with back pain, but it may also work well for stomach and back sleepers. During my testing, my back remained pain-free as I slept on my side.

A Tencel-poly blend cover helps keep the Nectar mattress cool. Three CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers make up the mattress: a gel memory foam top layer; a pressure point-relieving, adaptive response transition layer; and a supportive foam base layer. I tend to overheat, yet even in a hot room, the bed remained cool. The heat quickly dissipated when I got up.

The motion isolation is excellent, making it great for couples. Yet, the edge support could use some improvement. Whether I was lying down or sitting on the edge, it sank significantly. While it sinks, I didn't feel like I was "stuck" in the mattress when lying on it, which can be an issue with memory foam. Instead, mobility wasn't an issue, a plus when back pain makes any extra effort painful. 

At about $800, and often marked down to under $700, the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is the best mattress for back pain — or any need — at this price point.

Read our full Nectar Mattress review.

Pros: Materials are certified by many independent standards organizations, excellent edge support, medium feel will appeal to most sleepers, dissipated heat well and stayed cool in our tests

Cons: Subpar motion isolation, tough to move

The Nest Bedding Finch Latex Mattress is the top pick in our guide to the best cooling mattresses. It had some of the lowest temperature readings in my tests. In fact, one night, I felt a little too cool and had to add an extra blanket. The mattress is available in medium and firm feels. I tested the medium, which felt accurate and should appeal to a wide range of sleeping styles.  

The Finch's top layer has good bounce and airflow thanks to a combination of organic wool, cotton, and CertiPUR-US-certified foam. Next are two Oeko-Tex-certified latex layers. The firmness comes from the top latex layer, and the bottom layer gives the bed added durability, structure, and support. While the edge support will appeal to couples, the motion isolation leaves much to be desired. 

Read our guide to the best cooling mattresses.

Pros: Built-in sleep tracker, adjustable firmness to cater to your specific sleeping style, automatically adjusts as you shift in the night, free white glove delivery, good edge support

Cons: Poor motion isolation and heat dissipation

If money were no object, the Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed is what I'd recommend you to buy. It is worth every penny because it customizes to your comfort preferences. This adjustable air bed has 20 firmness options, so you're sure to find a feel that's right for you. Both sides adjust individually, so you and your partner can have your own custom firmness.

If you switch between multiple sleep positions, you just activate the automatic air adjustment feature in the Sleep Number app (available for iOS and Android), and the bed will quietly adjust the firmness when it senses your movements in the night.

Another luxury feature is the sleep tracker, which assigns a sleep score based on how well you slept each night gives you recommendations for better sleep. During the testing period, Sleep Number made several improvements to its measuring software that brought it in line with the data from my Garmin Forerunner 945 smartwatch.

Setup was a breeze since the Sleep Number i8 comes with white glove delivery. The delivery people had it installed and paired with my phone in 45 minutes. 

The main negatives with the bed are the motion isolation and heat dissipation. My wife found the motion transfer was so extreme that it felt like she was on a water bed. While the mattress didn't get very hot, it didn't cool down very quickly when I got up.

Read our full Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed review.

Pros: Above-average firmness, soft topper available for an extra cost, excellent motion isolation, made of natural materials, Greenguard Gold certified

Cons: Pillow top is slightly smaller than the mattress and doesn't attach to it, not ideal for side sleepers without the pillow top

The Birch Mattress by Helix is made of eco-friendly materials and Greenguard Gold-certified to be free of harsh chemicals. Its materials typically provide a cooler and more responsive alternative to traditional memory foam mattresses. The top layer is made of wool fibers with rayon, followed by a wool layer for temperature regulation and comfort. The middle layers are made of latex and individually wrapped coils for support and limited motion transfer. The base consists of wool batting for durability and stability, and the cover is made of cotton. 

It's a firm mattress, but for an extra cost, you can add a plush organic mattress topper. Thanks to its outstanding edge support and motion isolation, the Birch Mattress is an excellent solution for couples. After testing, I gave it to my 6-foot-5 teenager who deals with joint pain. He said the bed helped soothe his aches. We both sleep hot, and the Birch did an adequate job of dissipating heat. However, on hotter nights, he said the mattress was uncomfortably hot for him.

Pros: Above-average firmness, 1,100-pound weight capacity, good motion isolation, good heat dissipation, exceptional edge support

Cons: Hard to move around, may not be comfortable for side sleepers or petite individuals

The Big Fig Mattress is designed to support two sleepers with a combined weight of 1,100 pounds. Factor in the firmer-than-average support, and you have the ideal mattress for heavier individuals. The cover is made of a cooling material to prevent overheating, followed by three CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers that promote airflow, edge support, and durability. The individually wrapped coils located at the base of the mattress add more support and durability. 

I usually sleep on my side, but with the firm feel of the Big Fig, I slept better on my stomach and back. Heavier side sleepers will likely be comfortable since they will sink into the mattress more, keeping their spine aligned.

The edge support of the Big Fig is among the best I've experienced. I felt just as comfortable on the edge as I did in the middle. I rarely find good motion isolation and bounce in the same mattress. The Big Fig came close. It failed our bowling ball test, but in my subjective experience, the mattress's motion dampening was pretty good. The impressive bounce could facilitate intimate activities.

The Big Fig weighs more than most mattresses, so setup took a little more effort. An initial odor took a day to dissipate, so air the bed out before you sleep on it.

Pros: Soft insert to transform the bed from incredibly firm to just firm, great heat dissipation, outstanding edge support, decent motion isolation, machine-washable cover

Cons: Some assembly required, hard to move around, not recommended for side sleepers

The Airweave Mattress is ideal for sleepers who prefer a firm or ultra-firm bed thanks to its breathable polyethylene core. It includes a soft layer insert that you can easily remove if you'd prefer extra firmness. In my experience, mattresses less than 10 inches thick are not supportive enough, but at 8 inches thick, the Airweave surprisingly offered plenty of support. 

The edge support is terrific on all sides, and the bed performed well in motion transfer tests. It is incredibly bouncy, which couples tend to enjoy during sex. I also appreciated how cool the bed slept. The mattress's modular design requires more assembly than most mattresses. The core is broken into three blocks, which can be difficult to move around.

There are many factors to consider when shopping for a mattress, but the key attributes to zero-in on are mattress type, your preferred sleep position, any medical conditions you and your bed partner may have, and of course your individual preferences. We outline specifics about each below:

Mattress type

The most popular types of mattresses are memory foam (contours to your body), latex foam (eco-friendly), hybrid (durable), innerspring (supportive), pillow-top (soft), and adjustable air beds (versatile). Here are more pros and cons of each type.

• Memory foam: When most people think of a bed-in-a-box, they think of memory foam mattresses. These are mattresses with multiple layers of foam that support and contour your body. Due to this construction, all-foam mattresses tend to trap heat.
• Latex foam: People looking for an eco-friendly, cooler, and more responsive alternative to traditional memory foam tend to prefer latex foam.
• Hybrid: These beds combine one of the above foams with individually wrapped coils. The coils help with motion transfer and edge support, making them an excellent option for couples. The pocket springs also help with airflow for cooler sleep.
• Innerspring: These are your more traditional beds, also called innerspring or coil mattresses. Due to the responsive coils, they offer good overall support, edge support, cooling, and durability. However, they are generally more expensive and primarily found in showrooms and not online.
• Pillow-top: Pillow-tops are found on any mattress type but are usually associated with innerspring mattresses. Pillow-tops are an excellent choice for those who like a soft, cushy feel.
• Adjustable or air beds: These beds use an air pump to adjust the firmness of your mattress to suit your needs. They are among the most expensive options but may be an ideal long-term solution since your firmness needs change with time. Couples with drastically different firmness needs would also benefit from an adjustable air bed.

Sleep position

Though every person's preferences are different, there are some patterns that certain sleeping styles seem to prefer, according to Dr. Luis Javier Peña-Hernández, a lung and sleep health specialist at the Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Disorders Institute of South Florida.

Side sleepers: "Vast research exists to support side sleepers benefit from medium-firm mattresses to support pressure point relief," said Peña-Hernández. An unsupportive bed will give side sleepers shoulder and lower back pain.

Back sleepers: Peña-Hernández recommends medium firmness for back sleepers. "Back sleepers should strive to maintain the natural S-curvature of the spine," he said. "A medium-firm mattress will help achieve this."

Stomach sleepers: Firmer mattresses tend to benefit stomach sleepers.

Body size and preferences

"Overweight individuals should consider a thicker mattress of at least 12 inches thick or more," said Peña-Hernández. "Thinner mattresses won't provide the support you need. Coil mattresses (including hybrids) provide a more durable construction." Heavier people also tend to prefer firmer beds.

Softer mattresses are better for petite individuals (under 130 pounds) since they don't sink into beds as much. Michael Breus, PhD, a board-certified psychologist in clinical sleep disorders who is known as "The Sleep Doctor," noted that as people get older, they benefit from a softer mattress. "As we age, our skin gets thinner, which means less cushion."

"Hot sleepers should consider sheets and materials made of natural fibers for their breathability," said Peña-Hernández. "Bamboo, cotton, linen, and hemp are good options as well as cooling sheets, especially sheets designed to wick moisture."

Medical conditions

Peña-Hernández suggests consulting with your doctor and considering your medical history, like respiratory diseases, allergies, scoliosis, or sleep apnea, when purchasing a mattress. "For example, patients with COPD may benefit from adjustable beds because elevating the head of the bed can sometimes facilitate easier breathing," Peña-Hernández said.

I've been testing mattresses for more than four years to determine the best and personally tested all of the beds in our guide. Unless noted otherwise, each mattress I tried was a queen because it's the most popular size.

In addition to sleeping on each mattress for at least two weeks, there are many objective tests I put each model through. The most important factors I consider are comfort, edge support, and motion isolation.

Here are some of the test results for the main attributes we tested:

Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:

Comfort: This is a reasonably subjective characteristic based on the firmness of a mattress, how hot it sleeps, and how supportive it feels. My firmness measurement is based on testing dozens of beds and developing a feel for soft, average, and firm mattresses. I also consider heat dissipation, which I gauge using a laser thermometer to measure the temperature before I lay in the bed for at least one hour, immediately after I get up, and two minutes after I get up. 

Motion isolation: If you've ever spent the night with someone who moves around a lot in their sleep, you know how vital motion isolation is. Without it, your sleeping partner's movements will jostle you awake throughout the night. To test motion isolation, I place a 12-ounce can in the middle of the mattress. Then I drop a 15-pound bowling ball from four feet above the bed, so it lands 12 inches from the can. If the can falls over time and time again, the motion isolation is not very good. If the can stays upright, the bed does an excellent job of dampening motion transfer. I also placed a vibrometer across the bed from where the bowling ball lands and compared the intensity of the vibrations. 

Edge support: To test edge support, I lay on the very edge of the bed and slowly roll off — literally. If I can roll a fair amount before actually falling, then the bed has good edge support. If I fall easily, then the edge support is not very good. I also sit on the side to put on my socks and shoes to assess how much the edge sinks. 

Portability: It's unlikely you'll need to move your mattress often, so this category doesn't weigh heavily in our assessment. Still, it's nice if you can easily rotate your mattress, a task that's important for your bed's longevity. And depending on how your bed is positioned, you may need to move the mattress to put on fitted sheets. I move each mattress several times to see how heavy it feels and if it flops around, making it harder to move.

Trial and warranty: I look at the details of the warranty and home trial period, whether the mattress is available in showrooms, and whether there's white-glove delivery. The only way to know if a bed is right for you is to sleep on it for several nights, so I looked for loopholes in the fine print of the return policy and let you know about them. 

Setup: I time how long it takes me to unbox and set up each mattress and note any peculiarities to the process. My nose tracks any new bed odor initially and when I go to bed, usually 10+ hours later. Lastly, I look at whether white-glove service is offered and how much it costs.

What size bed should you buy?

Twin, twin XL, and full beds are generally better for smaller, taller, and larger individuals, respectively. Queen, king, and California king are better for smaller, larger, and taller couples, respectively. Here are the dimensions of each.

• Twin: 38 inches wide by 75 inches long
• Twin XL: 38 inches wide by 80 inches long
• Full: 54 inches wide by 75 inches long
• Queen: 60 inches wide by 80 inches long
• King: 76 inches wide by 80 inches long
• California king: 72 inches wide by 84 inches long

For context, my wife and I are slightly taller and heavier than average, and we share a bed with a dog and a full-body pillow. Queen mattresses are too small and uncomfortable for us, though queen is the size we test as it's the most popular. We've found king is ideal for our needs.

Check out our mattress size chart for more detailed recommendations.

What's the best way to clean a mattress?

Clean your mattress with baking soda and a vacuum every 3 to 6 months. You should treat stains immediately with a disinfectant wipe. Tackle harder stains with a mixture of dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide.

Some mattresses have removable covers. Check with the manufacturer before removing the cover and attempting to clean it. Some brands may state that their covers are machine washable. If that is the case with your mattress, we recommend that option only as a last resort since it's incredibly difficult to take the cover off and put it back on.

For more tips, check out our article on how to clean a mattress.

Do I need a mattress protector?

When purchasing a new mattress, you should protect your investment by also buying a mattress protector. See our guide to the best mattress protectors for our top recommendations.

When is the best time to buy a mattress?

Mattress makers have sales throughout the year, but you can usually find the best deals during holiday weekends, like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday.  

Manufacturers tend to start marking down their mattress prices in the spring as they prepare to launch a new line in June. In March, you'll usually find the most comprehensive selection with the smallest discounts. As you get into May, the discounts increase while the inventory becomes sparse. We keep a running list of the best mattress sales updated monthly and feature Insider-exclusive discounts.

What's the best mattress for back pain?

The orthopedic surgeons we talked to said that medium-firm mattresses are best for people with back pain.

Amit Jain, MD, chief of minimally invasive spinal surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital and an associate professor of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said a medium-firm mattress is best for those with or without back pain, based on a 2015 study.

Tamara Huff, MD, a Georgia-based board-certified orthopedic surgeon and health disparities advocate, pointed out that it's hard to pinpoint what "medium-firm" is. She recommends avoiding the firmest mattress if you suffer from back pain. Instead, choose one that feels medium-firm to you.

I recommend looking for a mattress with zoned support. These offer more pressure relief around the hips, lower back, and shoulders and can better keep your spine aligned.

Take advantage of the home trial. After all, the only way to know if a mattress is right for your back is to sleep on it.

We rate the Leesa Sapira Hybrid as the best mattress for back pain, but read our comprehensive guide to the best mattresses for back pain for more options.

How much should you spend on a mattress?

We outlined picks at various price points, but time and again, experts tell us to think of a mattress as an investment in your well-being. You spend about a third of your life on your bed and should expect to spend over $1,000 on a quality mattress.

While the upfront cost may seem high, a good mattress should last about 10 years. The chart below breaks down the average cost for different types of mattresses. See our "How much does a mattress cost?" article for more in-depth information. 

How long should a mattress last?

A good way to gauge how long a mattress will last is to look at its warranty. All mattresses in our guide have warranties of at least 10 years. However, several factors can affect your mattress's lifespan. See our "How long does a mattress last?" article for more details.