It's one of the most important purchases you'll ever make. After all, you'll spend roughly one third of your life on your mattress of choice — more if it's your favorite spot to watch Netflix. Luckily, the best mattresses you can buy are so much more than a wad of bedding. They're designed for optimal comfort, breathability, and versatility. So, whether you're a hot sleeper, a side sleeper, or a not-so-great sleeper, you'll be able to find a mini oasis regardless of your position.
When it comes to getting the best sleep possible, it's important to know your go-to sleeping position so you can determine your ideal level of firmness. Personally, I'm a back and stomach sleeper (I tend to flip like a pancake throughout the night), so I do best with a medium-firm foam mattress that'll support the contours of my spine either way. If you tend to sleep on your side, you'll need something with a little more give. Softer mattresses will cradle your hips and shoulders while they jut into the bed; otherwise, your rib area won't even make contact with the mattress, which will force your spine into misalignment.
After you know what level of firmness you need, it's really all about preference. Much like your pillows, sheets, and comforter set, the ideal mattress will keep you feeling rested because it'll suit your body temperature and preferred textures. Basically, it's something you'll look forward to jumping into every night.
Ready for the best news? Thanks to the new mattress in a box trend, crowded stores, aggressive sales pitches, and long lines are all things of the past. The best mattresses for 2020 are available online, and they show up to your door condensed and easy to transport. Simply unwrap your mattress and within a few hours, it'll expand to its full size and you'll be ready for the best sleep of your life.
The Best Overall Choice: Tuft & Needle Adaptive Foam Mattress
There are so many reasons why the Tuft & Needle mattress is a great all-around pick, but I'll start with the material. Rather than latex or memory foam (which can feel hot and a little too spongy), this mattress is made of a special kind of adaptive foam that bounces back fast and effectively distributes body heat. It'll conform to your body no matter which sleeping position you prefer, and it'll keep both hot and cold sleepers happy. Reviewers who sleep with a partner say, "[This mattress] does it for both of us" — even when partners have different preferences.
Another massive benefit? This mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king, and the largest available size comes in at just $750. That's significantly less than you'd pay for most other high-end mattresses, but according to the thousands of five-star reviews, you're not compromising when it comes to quality. "I tried three mattresses from Saatva Mattress, three Beautyrest mattresses from Mattress Firm, and a brand-new variation of the Purple mattress that's exclusive to Mattress Firm. I started the year on my old Sleep Number," writes one reviewer. "Tuft & Needle was the best value for the money and the most comfortable to sleep on."
Finally, this pick offers a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty, so you can be absolutely sure you love it and that it's living up to the hype.
Tuft & Needle Adaptive Foam Queen Mattress, $595, Amazon.
When It Comes To Value: The Allswell Hybrid Mattress
Allswell's objective is to provide "high-level features" for an "entry-level price," and according to this pick's 4.9-star rating, it has succeeded. "Forget the trips to the spa! Every morning on this mattress I've woken up feeling rested, refreshed, and ready to face the day," one buyer raves, and there are tons more where that came from.
Even though a standard queen mattress costs only $345, this brand did not skimp on design. You're getting ten inches of high-performance memory foam and supportive spring coils, and the combination creates a medium-firm feel that lessens aches and conforms to your curves. Hybrid mattresses like this are ideal for people who want a bit of bounce alongside body-hugging support. Thanks to the top layer of foam, they also allow for disturbance-free sleep should your partner toss and turn during the night.
This brand's mattresses are designed to suit any bed frame, whether you use a box spring, an adjustable frame, or a flat or slated base. It's available in four sizes — twin, full, queen, king — and the biggest costs just $420. You can also opt for smaller payments over a span of three, six, or 12 months.
Allswell Hybrid Queen Mattress, $345, Allswell.
The Best Budget-Friendly Pick: Linenspa Hybrid Mattress
So you're looking to upgrade your bed on a budget — but you don't want to waste the money in the first place unless you're sure you're getting a comfortable mattress. No problem. The Linenspa hybrid is one of the most popular options on Amazon (in fact, it's a number one best-seller), all because the quality to price ratio is astounding. All sizes cost less than $180, except for the king, which still won't run you more than $250.
This one offers the best of both worlds, with tempered steel coils on the bottom for support and medium-firm foam on top for cushioning. It's then topped off with quilted memory foam and covered in rayon fiber for breathability. When everything's said and done, the mattress measures 8 inches thick, which cuts costs when possible, but still allows plenty of comfort and support for all different sleeping positions. All of the aforementioned ships to your house in a compact box that's easy to carry up the stairs — and it's delivered in under two days for Amazon Prime members.
Currently, this one has a 4.4-star rating and a shocking 16,000 reviews. "This mattress exceeded all expectations!" raved one buyer. "I went in apprehensive when purchasing this mattress, but I needed something quickly and at an affordable price. It arrived promptly and I set it up immediately. Within a few hours it was fully inflated and upon laying on it, it felt extremely comfortable. I had the best nights of sleep I’d had in a while my first week, and it is still going strong after a little over six months."
Linenspa Queen Hybrid Mattress, $178, Amazon
If You're Looking For Innovation: Casper Sleep Mattress
From old-school springs to adjustable air mattresses, you might've tried virtually everything that's out there — but according to hundreds of reviewers, the Casper sleep mattress is definitely something new. In fact, thanks to how downright innovative it is, we have written about this brand several times before. (Check out this article about the startup, or this rave review from one of our writers.)
Unlike most foam mattresses (which feature one consistency all throughout), Casper utilizes four distinct layers in various zones. The material under your shoulders is softer to relieve pressure on your upper back, while the layer under your hips is firmer for better spine alignment. Thanks to its open-cell construction, this mattress is designed for better airflow and heat distribution, so you don't have to choose between full-body support and staying cool. Since it's carefully zoned and very soft, it's an option that suits side, stomach, and back sleepers alike.
"We joke about how this bed ruined our sex life because it is so comfortable and inviting that when you lay down on it, you instantly want to fall asleep," says one reviewer.
Another raves, "I never knew there was a difference between sleeping and actually getting a good nights rest until I bought a Casper."
Casper Queen Sleep Mattress, $995, Amazon.
The Best Recycled Hypoallergenic Mattress: Leesa Legend Mattress
This one's the best option for people with sensitive skin, stubborn allergies, or those who prefer thoughtful, sustainable companies. The Legend mattress from Leesa is another hybrid design, but unlike other leading options, this one vows to use only the best materials.
The six-layer construction features micro-pocket springs, pressure-relieving memory foam, hole-punched foam, a gauge-pocket spring system, a core foam base, and a knitted cover. That said, the foam is made from recycled water bottles, the fabrics utilize organic cotton and merino wool for breathability, and everything is fully hypoallergenic. All of the aforementioned are also CertiPUR-US certified, meaning they skip the ozone depleters, flame retardants, mercury, lead, formaldehyde, and phthalates — and they meet strict standards for indoor air quality.
If you're not thrilled with this one, you get a 10-year limited warrantee, but according to buyers, you won't need it: "Fantastic mattress. Best purchase I have ever made. Takes sleeping to a whole new level."
Leesa Legend Queen Mattress, $2,499, Leesa
For The Back Sleeper: Lull Memory Foam Mattress
According to experts, there are certain sleeping positions and firmness levels that minimize upper and lower back pain. Your best bet is to sleep on your back on a firm, supportive mattress; this helps to keep your spine straight so you wake up with fewer aches. For back sleepers with back pain, the Lull memory foam mattress is just what the doctor ordered.
This mattress features three distinct layers of foam, and the top is a gel-infused viscoelastic material that's much firmer than most other options. As a result, it's durable, supportive, and contours to your back without making you feel like you're being eaten by your mattress. Thanks to its gel, it also cools and wicks moisture rather than trapping your body heat.
"We were hesitant because my husband [has] severe back problems and pain," one reviewer says. "Since getting the mattress, I haven’t heard him complain about his back at all. We will be purchasing another soon for our son." Since it's available in six sizes and you're allowed a 100-day trial period, you can be sure this bed fits your bedroom and your body before you commit.
Lull Memory Foam Queen Mattress, $800, Amazon.
For Side And Stomach Sleepers: Tulo Soft Foam Mattress
Both stomach and side sleepers benefit from a softer mattress with more contouring materials. That's because the sides of your body aren't flat (nor is the front) so a little bit of give ensures that those extruding body parts sink down into the mattress and your spine stays relatively level. The Tulo soft mattress is designed to do precisely that.
This pick is made with multiple memory foam panels that work together to relieve pressure on your hips, shoulders, and back. It also has a comfortable knitted cover that feels soft to the touch, as well as breathable ventilation holes throughout. Setup is super easy, and it works with nearly all bed frames.
So what do reviewers have to say about it? "I prefer a softer mattress as I mostly sleep on my side," and this one has a "perfect softness and your body sinks into the mattress just the right amount... No aches or pains the next morning either. I will say this bed has made me want to NEVER get out of it, so be warned [that] it could interfere with productive adulting."
Tulo Soft Foam Queen Mattress, $630, Amazon.
For The Tosser And Turner: Helix Dawn Mattress
So instead of fitting into one of the aforementioned categories, you fit into all of them. You start off on your back only to wake up on your stomach, and your sore hips prove you spent some time on your side, too. Luckily, there is a mattress for you. It's called the Helix Dawn, and it's a great option for someone who can't seem to decide on one particular sleeping position.
It uses a special type of material deemed "Helix Dynamic Foam," which is a latex-based alternative that reacts to your movement and cushions your body simultaneously. Under that, there's a polyfoam transition layer that conforms for an ergonomic fit, and under that, you get wrapped coils that absorb shock without causing the entire mattress to shake. Then there's the base, which keeps everything steady and durable long-term.
"Before I bought my Helix, I spent a lot of hours tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable. I even had my [sleep tracker] showing that I rarely got more than 4 hours of good sleep in a night," one reviewer writes. However, after adding this brand to their digital cart, they're "tracking at least a good 6-7 hours every night now," which is a pretty sizable difference. "It's hard to believe that a mattress can change so much, but with the customizable options of Helix, I sleep better and feel better," they share.
Helix Dawn Queen Mattress, $995, Helix Sleep.
A Pillowtop Mattress With Support: Jubilee Dormington Hybrid Mattress
In the past, mattresses were made entirely out of springs, all except for the fabric layer on top; this was made with a pillow-like cushioning and had a tufted design. Now, almost every single mattress (even the hybrid ones) have some kind of flat memory foam as their top layer, but some people aren't too fond of the spongy texture. If that's you, the Jubilee Dormington innerspring hybrid mattress might be the ideal fit for your bedroom.
Don't be fooled — this mattress is by no means outdated. Even though it has a quilted, pillow-top knit cover for a firm-cushioned feel, it still uses an advanced wrapped-coil innerspring system paired with gel-infused memory foam. The combination, according to one reviewer, "takes comfort to a new level." Another wrote, "This bed isn't only comfortable. It's beautiful as well! I have never seen or felt a bed like this and we have bought many over the years."
Jubilee Dormington King Hybrid Innerspring Mattress, $504, Target
For The Hot Sleeper: Layla Copper-Infused Mattress
Memory foam is an incredible invention as far as mattresses go — but if you often overheat during the night, that stuff gets uncomfortable real quick. That's because foam materials tend to be insulators, meaning they trap heat within cells. They're also not great when it comes to wicking moisture, so you may feel as if you're sleeping in a pool of your own sweat. Not ideal.
The Layla mattress is made using memory foam, but it also has a few brilliant, built-in tricks to offset the heat-trapping material. This particular mattress is infused with real copper, which ensures a rapid transfer of body heat as well as antimicrobial protection. It even has a special cover that utilizes thermogel for a cool-to-the-touch feel. Whether you're a back sleeper or you prefer your side or stomach, this one suits all positions. That's because its reversible design is soft on one side and firm on the other — just flip it over, and it's like an entirely different mattress. No wonder it has a 4.4-star rating so far.
Layla Copper-Infused Queen Mattress, $824, Amazon.
If Spinal Alignment Is Your Top Priority: Casper The Wave Mattress
Sleep experts and spine specialists both agree that proper spine alignment during the night is imperative for a deep, pain-free sleep. In short, that means that your spine remains relatively level from your neck to your tailbone, all throughout the night. While most mattresses aim to achieve exactly that, the majority fall short — namely because their construction isn't supportive enough to handle any sleeper in any sleeping position.
Cue the Casper Wave, which is one of the most recent models to hit the market and has been called the "latest innovation in sleep." It combines five layers of premium foam with advanced gel pods that align your body at 27 key points; this provides targeted spinal support in any position. Underneath that, you'll find gentle springs and enhanced gel support for stability and longevity. (If you tend to overheat while sleeping, this mattress also utilizes perforated foam and individual coils for improved airflow.)
"Upper back problems solved," one reviewer wrote. "I went through physical therapy, tried different desk chairs, standing desk, you name it to fix the issue. After a couple weeks of sleeping on the new Casper Wave that has all disappeared. I couldn't believe something as simple as my bed could change my day to day life and help alleviate the pain. We are hoping to convince our parents to give the Wave a try."
Casper The Wave Queen Mattress, $2,595, Amazon
If You Prefer A More Traditional Feel: The Solay Hybrid Mattress
Now that foam is in, springs are considered outdated — but some people still prefer the versatility and familiar feel of an innerspring mattress. That being said, because springs tend to sag, deteriorate, and make noise, they're getting harder and harder to find. Cue the Solay mattress. This pick does, in fact, feature hundreds of springs for a bouncier, more supportive feel, but it combines them with cooling memory foam in order to counteract the most common complaints surrounding innerspring mattresses.
With this mattress, you get six distinct layers: a temperature regulating cover, a gel layer, some shock absorbing foam, a layer of support, six inches of spring coils, and a foundation. The result? The alignment of memory foam and the responsiveness of a traditional mattress. It also dampens motion between partners, comes condensed in a box despite its coils, and offers a risk-free trial that lasts 101 nights. With every purchase, Solay even donates a portion of the proceeds to a partner charity.
If you're wondering how the hybrid design fared for other buyers, they say it "turned out to be a game changing experience. This mattress technology delivered (both literally and figuratively - since it was delivered to our front porch in a box)." They say they "couldn't be happier with this decision."
Solay Hybrid Queen Mattress, $1,295, Solay.
The Best New Air Mattress: SleepLux Air Mattress
Mattresses don't all have to be made out of springs, foam, and cushioning. For avid travelers and those who are always entertaining, the SleepLux air mattress turns any room into a guest room. Still, despite the very affordable price, reviewers say it's "better than schlepping a conventional mattress around, and just about as comfortable," too.
In fact, this one is a number-one new release for 2020, and there are several reasons why: First, it comes with a built-in AC air pump that inflates (and deflates) with zero effort on your part. Second, it raises up to 22 inches high so sleepers can get in and out of their temporary bed with ease. Third, it's made with dual PVC layers for durability and features a dense polyester mesh core that provides superior back support.
And, last but not least, it has a head incline and a built-in USB port on the mattress so you can charge your devices. It even comes with a free storage and travel bag.
SleepLux Queen Air Mattress, $60, Amazon
The Best Crib Mattress: Nook Organic Pure Crib Mattress
There's one demographic of sleepers we haven't covered, but even though they're tiny, they still deserve the best. If you're looking for a mattress to suit a crib or a toddler bed, the organic pure mattress from Nook is one of the best on the market.
In 2008, this brand set out to create something they were previously unable to find: A sleeping surface for babies that didn't contain dangerous springs, toxic poly-fiber, and plastic wrapping. Consequently, the Nook crib mattress skips all of the aforementioned and instead utilizes truly organic materials. The cover is made from a cotton-eucalyptus blend, while the interior has coconut coir, natural rubber, and organic wool. The result? A breathable, non-toxic, comfortable bed for your baby.
The cover comes in over 15 adorable colors and patterns, and it's fully removable and machine-washable so you don't have to worry about sheets. Needless to say, buyers are thrilled: "My little one sleeps amazingly on this mattress! I love that there was no smell right out of the bag!"
Nook Organic Pure Crib Mattress, $419, Amazon
We hope you find the perfect mattress to suit your body and budget! So you know, Lonny may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.
