Our Favorite Memory Foam Mattresses for Every Type of Sleeper (2024)

If you’re looking for a better night of sleep, you really can’t go wrong with a memory foam mattress. That’s because, according to Karena Wu, PT, board certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy, “Memory foam mattresses offer cushioning and support that molds around your body.”

So, who is a memory foam mattress best for? Well, anyone really—they come in a variety of densities and firmnesses to create ideal support and comfort for side, stomach, and back sleeping alike. But hot sleepers should note: Memory foam mattresses can hold heat, so you’ll want cooling features like perforations or gel to ensure airflow.

Hot or cold sleepers, restless sleepers, and sleepers of every possible position, you'll find a memory foam mattress that suits your needs among our favorites found through months of testing.

Bear’s Original Mattress earned the top spot on our list because it offers exactly what we’re looking for from a memory foam mattress: excellent support and comfort. We loved that it didn’t take as long as other picks to break in, letting us experience the full range of benefits right out of the packaging.

With a layer of cooling gel memory foam, a dynamic foam layer, and a high-density support foam, we found this pick molded to our bodies, replicating the sensation of a hug, while offering tremendous, and instant, adaptability when we would switch from one position to another.

Plus, the whole mattress is surrounded by a quilted cover that we found to be as durable as it is breathable; seriously, even our canine friends couldn’t damage it during the testing period.

An added benefit of this mattress was the memory foam’s ability to mitigate any sort of motion transference, making it a suitable pick for couples that have at least one restless sleeper. In our experience, it suits back and side sleeping well, striking a balance between the firmness necessary to support our spines when supine, but still cushioning our joints when we lay on our sides.

This pick earns super high marks for its price, too. It’s more affordable than other memory foam mattresses on our list. However, be aware that if you’re looking for a thicker mattress, at 10 inches, this is one of the thinner options.

_{Material: Gel memory foam, Bear dynamic foam, high-density support foam | Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness Level: Medium firm | Mattress Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king}

Can’t decide which position is the most comfortable at night? For restless sleepers, combination sleepers, or those who tend to move around, we suggest Helix’s Midnight Luxe Mattress. We had an overwhelmingly pleasant experience in testing it, right from our initial impression of its welcoming plushness paired with a true medium-firmness.

We found this memory foam mattress straddled that line between firm and soft enough to accommodate every sleeping position. That’s partially why we felt it earns its higher price tag; it’s an excellent option for couples with different sleep styles.

When side sleeping, we found this mattress to provide us with the right amount of pressure relief, while still giving us all of the necessary support for back sleeping to ensure that we didn’t leave us waking up unrested.

One of the only drawbacks is that, while two pillows were included in the purchase, we found they smelled like plastic for about a week. However, it was worth the wait because we found them to be a wonderful and supportive compliment to the mattress.

We also did find the mattress’s plush nature left the edges feeling less supportive than we would have liked, which could be potentially limiting for someone who has mobility issues and needs support to get off the bed.

_{Material: Tencel, memory foam | Thickness: 13.5 inches | Firmness Level: Medium | Mattress Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, short queen, RV king}

SweetNight’s Breeze Mattress proves you don’t need to break the bank to get a top-tier night of sleep. When we put it to the test, we found it to not only be comfortable and supportive, but to also mold perfectly around our bodies without sacrificing support.

And, as a memory foam mattress should, this budget-friendly model resumed its shape immediately once we got up, even after sleeping in the same spot night after night.

We also appreciated this mattress’s ability to prevent motion transfer, a critical detail for anyone who sleeps with a partner, kids, or pets (and doesn’t want to be interrupted by tossing and turning!)

As a budget pick, there are some drawbacks to be aware of. In our experience we found this memory foam mattress does retain heat, despite the company’s claims of open cells in the memory foam working to promote airflow. While not exceptionally warm, it’s just worth being aware of if you’re looking for a cool or temperature-regulating pick.

Additionally, we were somewhat disappointed in the edge support; when sitting on the edge we actually slipped off. However, there is an added bonus. This mattress comes with a 10-year warranty, a nice touch for the lower price.

_{Material: Gel memory foam | Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness Level: Medium firm | Mattress Size: Twin, full, queen, king}

When it comes to back sleeping, alignment is the name of the game, so a medium-firm option like the Purple Mattress that can provide support and pressure relief is the best choice. And after testing this memory foam mattress, we can confidently say that it delivers on both fronts.

The grid design used in this mattress helped to offer us joint support, enabling us to effectively and comfortably sleep on our backs, but it also worked for us when we decided to roll onto our sides. Just be mindful that if you’re a stomach sleeper, the Purple Mattress won’t necessarily give you the support you need.

It’s worth noting that there was an adjustment period for us with this mattress. That’s not altogether out of the ordinary for mattresses (it can take about a month to adjust or “break in” a new mattress), and once we got past that adjustment period, it did help us with our back and hip pain.

That adjustment period, by the way, is due in part to the fact that Purple uses a gel-flex grid. The grid offers a distinct feel that really isn’t like other mattresses. Fortunately, Purple affords you a chance to make sure it’s right for you with a 100-night trial.

_{Material: Gel Flex grid | Thickness: 9.5 inches | Firmness Level: Medium firm | Mattress Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king}

As Dr. Wu tells us, when it comes to side sleepers, “The hips and shoulder joints need more cushioning and a memory foam mattress will allow for this cushioning plus weight distribution and support. It can relieve the pressures on these joints and your spine.” Casper’s The One Premium Foam Mattress strikes the ideal balance of give and support to offer side sleepers exactly what they need.

We tested Casper’s Original mattress, which we found to provide joint support while giving just the right amount of give to maintain our spinal alignment for side sleeping. The One is the latest iteration of the Casper Original, with three layers of different foams and feels to balance support with body-conforming comfort. With the same thickness, materials, and benefits, it’s an upgraded version with a bit more breathability built in.

The One has just enough give that it enhances comfort, but without sacrificing alignment, a true key to a proper night of sleep for side sleepers. That plush comfort does come at a bit of a cost, though, because this mattresses is a bit limited in edge support.

However, the memory foam works well to isolate movement, so restless couples or sleepers with fidgety pets or kids are in luck.

Saatva’s Loom & Leaf Mattress is just the memory foam model for you if a restless partner (or your own restless sleep) keeps disrupting your rest. Built with a variety of distinct layers all designed to promote motion isolation, we found it’s a highly effective option.

During our testing, we couldn’t believe how few disruptions we experienced compared with our previous mattress. Just be aware that this motion isolation will come at the cost of bounce, if you’re someone who prefers a mattress with a bit more give.

This memory foam mattress doesn’t skimp on other features, either. It offers a layer of gel-infused memory foam designed for pressure point relief and spinal alignment, another 2-inch foam layer for additional contouring pressure relief, and 2.5-inches of high-density memory foam to strike a balance of comfort and support.

We also were impressed by the mattress’s ability to provide excellent back and joint support. All of that lends this pick to being well suited to back and side sleeping, with exceptional support that still retains the pleasant plush comfort many people are seeking.

And of course, we’d be remiss to not mention the lengthy lifetime warranty that comes standard with every Saatva mattress.

_{Material Type: Foam, cotton | Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Relaxed firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king}

DreamCloud’s Premier Memory Foam Mattress just screams cooling (and luxury) with its design and materials. With a cashmere blend cover that promotes moisture-wicking, it sets the stage for a night of sleep as geared toward luxury as it is cooling.

In addition to that cashmere cover, this memory foam mattress features 2.7 inches of gel memory foam and standard foam, which are designed to work in tandem to assist with motion transfer isolation (making this also a solid pick for couples.)

Plus, the Premier features two distinct quilted gel memory foam layers, for contouring and pressure relief, while a third layer of gel foam works to evenly distribute the weight and promote spinal alignment. In terms of feel, this one is a medium-firm option.

Added bonuses include a lifetime warranty and a full year trial to make sure it’s right for you. However, it’s worth mentioning that there is a lengthier off-gassing period according to some consumers, with one noting the smell lingered for 30 days. Additionally, the edge support is less than stellar, but it shouldn’t impact your sleep at night.

_{Material: Memory foam, cashmere | Thickness: 13 inches | Firmness Level: Medium firm | Mattress Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king}

Leesa earned the top spot for pressure relief by focusing on a deeper memory foam recovery layer specifically designed for additional pressure relief with its Original mattress. This medium-feel mattress is also designed to contour to your body and to relieve hip and shoulder pressure while a high-density foam base enhances support and durability overall.

Body-contouring is key in Leesa’s Original Mattress, as your pressure points can dig into firmer mattresses with less moldable memory foam. Plus, it’s soft to the touch, including at its outermost layer—a breathable knit cover made from polyester and viscose.

Our only real gripe is the shorter warranty, which covers you for 10 years. In comparison to other models with lifetime warranties, that can seem a bit limited. However, since the average mattress lasts about 10 years, it’s not a make or break detail.

_{Material: Polyester, viscose, memory foam | Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness Level: Medium | Mattress Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

Stomach sleepers can benefit from a firmer mattress because they help keep the spine aligned, and the Plank Firm because it’s specifically designed to offer extra support.

This super firm memory foam model features a 6-inch high-density support foam that provides compression support and a 2-inch comfort foam for a firm feel with just the right amount of contouring. If you’re a hot sleeper, we also like that you can opt to add on a Glaciotex cooling cover that'll stay cool to the touch all night long.

This memory foam mattress is very firm, ranking as a 10 out of 10 on the firmness scale. But the good news is it’s flippable, and if you find it to be too firm for your own needs, you can flip it to the other side, which has a medium-firm feel.

We like that this design element also enhances the life length of this mattress; if one side starts softening or developing wear, flipping it can buy you a few more years. However, this mattress may not work well for couples with different sleep styles, as that extra firmness may not accommodate a side sleeper very well.

_{Material: Memory foam | Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness Level: Extra firm | Mattress Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king, short full, short queen, olympic queen, short king, RV king}

This mattress from Silk & Snow really impressed us with the steps it takes during manufacturing. For starters, the company sources its foam locally, using a provider focused on using technology that creates less waste and less energy.

Plus, the fabric used is also created by a local textile company that uses recycled materials. If you’re looking for a sustainable or eco-friendly memory foam mattress, it’s the S&S.

In terms of the mattress itself, this model excels in performance. It features three layers of memory foam designed to accommodate each and every style of sleeping. The first of those three layers is a gel memory foam, which helps to cradle pressure points. Next, a transitional performance foam offers support and creates motion isolation. Finally, a support layer adds durability to handle everything above it.

We also love that this mattress comes with a 15-year warranty and a full 365-night trial. Just note that it may not be breathable enough for all sleepers, particularly those who run hot year-round.

_{Material: Memory foam | Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness Level: Medium | Mattress Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

How We Picked the Memory Foam Mattresses

In choosing the best memory foam mattresses, we leaned first into the dozens of mattresses we’ve tested ourselves. We considered those that checked all the boxes for us when it came to comfort and support, and that proved themselves worth their investment over months of daily use, and we narrowed it down to our six favorite memory foam models.

We also picked four additional products based on extensive research and our knowledge of mattress design and performance. We focused on including a variety of mattresses to cover a wide range of needs.

As we researched new memory foam mattresses and models we have yet to test firsthand, we used our years of experience sleeping on all types of mattresses across the firmness spectrum to choose those built with durable, comfortable, and support-enhancing materials or components.

In the end, we made our final picks and product recommendations based on quality, comfort, airflow, price, and overall value.

What to Look for in a Memory Foam Mattress

Cooling Properties for Temperature Regulation

Memory foam mattresses on their own tend to retain heat, so it’s important for manufacturers to consider this and implement different tools to combat it. Some of the most common tools to achieve this include perforating the foam to promote airflow, or using gel memory foam, like the DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam Mattress (best cooling).

Firmness Suitable for Your Sleep Position

According to Dr. Wu, “Firmness in a mattress is important as it will offer cushioning, support, pressure relief and reduce pain.” She adds that “Back and stomach sleepers typically like a firmer mattress to maintain the body's natural arches in the low back.”

On our list, this includes picks like the Plank Firm (best for stomach sleepers) or the Purple Mattress (best for back sleepers).

Dr. Wu adds that “Side sleepers should use a softer mattress to support the shoulder and hip joints.” We like the Casper Sleep Original Foam Mattress (best for side sleepers) for this.

Certifications and ILD Ratings

When it comes to purchasing a memory foam mattress, one common thing you’ll see are certifications. Some of the common ones include CertiPUR-US foam, found on picks like the Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress (best motion isolation).

Memory foam mattresses also tend to have a mild odor when new that will dissipate as they off-gas. Fortunately, this usually dissipates within a day to a week. If the idea worries you about them emitting chemicals, be sure to look into models that are CertiPUR-US certified, so you can trust that your air quality isn’t being compromised.

Another thing to be aware of are indentation load deflection (ILD) ratings, which refers to the firmness of a mattress.

Durability and Warranty Offers

Because they can be costly investments, it’s important to ensure that the mattress you buy is not only built to last with quality materials and designs, but that you are also protected with a warranty.

There’s really no excuse for brands to not provide a warranty, given the fact that high quality products like the Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress (best motion isolation) and the DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam Mattress (best cooling) each come with a lifetime warranty.

Trial Periods for Testing the Mattress

It’s important to realize that even a great mattress can take some time to break in and reach its ideal comfort level. That’s why it’s so vital to purchase a mattress that affords consumers the option of testing it for a substantial amount of time with the option of returning it.

On our list, some memory foam models with lengthy trials include the DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam Mattress (best cooling) and the Silk & Snow The S&S Mattress (best eco friendly), each of which offers a full year trial.

Why Trust The Spruce

Jack Byram has been covering all things sleep related for The Spruce since 2022. As a writer, Jack has written dozens of articles covering everything from pillows to mattresses to blackout shades. He has also spoken with experts in the field ranging from professors of neuroscience to physical therapists to best understand what people should be seeking to have the best night of sleep.

Our experts:

• Dr. Karena Wu, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS, CKTP, CPI, FAAOMPT, who's a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and the owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York City and India.