The best memory foam mattress excels at relieving pressure and contouring to your body while you sleep, in addition to curbing motion isolation. Side sleepers, folks with back pain and couples can all benefit from the doughy, cradling feel of memory foam beds. Another perk? They skew on the affordable side, too. For a crowd-pleasing favorite, we’re fans of the Nectar Premier, which offers a medium-firm feel and an under-$1000 price tag.
The best memory foam mattress offers contouring comfort for a blissful night's sleep. Egg Foam Mattress
But, there are several other mattresses on this list worthy of consideration. Our sleep experts tried out hundreds of beds—innerspring, hybrid and memory foam mattresses included—to find the 10 best all-foam options that strike the right balance of quality, comfort and affordability. If you’re a big fan of the feel of sink-in comfort, you may want to pick up a memory foam pillow while you’re at it. Read on for the best memory foam mattresses for sleepers of all kinds.
Firmness: Medium (6.5) | CertiPUR-US Certified: Yes |Trial: 365 nights (one year) | Warranty: Lifetime
The 5-layer Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress offers sleepers a cool and cozy experience. Its quilted cover wicks away moisture while 3 inches of gel-infused foam regulates temperature and cushions pressure points. A 3-inch middle layer of dynamic response foam gives the mattress some bounce yet keeps everything aligned. At the bottom is 7 inches of stability foam, and a shift-resistant cover keeps everything in place as you sleep.
Customers rave about the comfort of the mattress. What’s more, Nectar occasionally includes free premium bedding with purchase in addition to offering frequent markdowns, making the Premier even more appealing. It’s hard to beat the under-$1,000 price tag, but for a little more luxury, you can upgrade to the ultra-cooling, extra-thick Premier Copper for $300 more.
What our editors say: “I thought waking up a few times throughout the night was normal—until I switched to this Nectar mattress,” says our deals editor. “Now I regularly sleep through the night and my lower back and leg pain are completely gone. This bed strikes the perfect balance between soft and supportive, and I love that it prevents motion transfer so my partner's tossing and turning never wakes me up.”
Firmness: Medium (5 to 6) | CertiPUR-US Certified: Yes | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
The Helix Midnight is considered the best mattress for side sleepers since its medium firmness and hybrid design of springs and foam cater to the specific needs those who like to rest in that position. The Midnight’s upper layers consist of two pieces of memory foam that contour to your body while providing pressure relief along your shoulders and hips. A reinforced perimeter offers sufficient edge support, while individually-wrapped springs limit motion transfer (good for couples). If you need additional lumbar support, the upgraded Helix Midnight Luxe adds zoned support coils, a layer of copper gel-infused cooling memory foam and a quilted pillow top.
What our editors say: “As someone who typically prefers anything but memory foam, I was surprised by the Helix Midnight’s pressure-relieving, yet supportive feel,” says senior strategy editor Katie Simpson. “You definitely get a soft, contouring sensation when you first sink in, but the coils underneath keep you propped up. For those who want to dabble in memory foam, but are hesitant to commit to a completely all-foam construction, the Midnight is a great in-between.”
Firmness: Soft (4), medium (5) or firm (7) | CertiPUR-US Certified: Yes | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
If the sound of sinking into a cushioning, cradling bed at the end of a long day sounds appealing, then getting your hands on a handmade-to-order soft memory foam mattress like The GravityLux might be the right move. For those who are hot sleepers, this mattress stays cool with its AirCell Memory Foam and temperature management unique to each individual sleeper. And yes, you can still enjoy the soft feeling of memory foam while receiving support; this seven-layer model is designed to contour to the shoulders, legs and midsection for optimal comfort. You won’t have to worry about disturbing your partner on late night bathroom runs anymore, either, as the company touts the bed is great at motion isolation.
What the reviews say: “I am a super light, picky sleeper that has been through about five different bed in a boxes,” admits one reviewer. “There is no motion transfer [on the GravityLux] which I love, but foam generally results in me getting overheated. However in this bed I don’t get overheated and I still get a plush top to sink into.”
Firmness: Firm (6.5) | CertiPUR-US Certified: Yes | Trial: 180 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Siena may not be a household name but it’s a brand under the Resident umbrella — also home to Nectar. Its flagship mattress launched in March 2022 as a bonafide budget option, but don’t let the rock-bottom price deceive you. This 5-layer mattress is similar in quality and performance to its mid-range competitors. Its firm support will appeal to stomach sleepers, heavier individuals and those who prefer not to sink into their bed. You’ll also get 180 nights to try it out. In other words, that’s half a year to test this budget mattress in the comfort of your own home.
What our writers say: “Stomach sleepers, here is your mattress,” says our contributor with mattress testing experience. “Despite Siena’s self-assessment as a medium-firm bed, I found it decidedly firm when sleeping on it. Edge support here is also excellent and couples should get on well with it, too, thanks to its low motion transfer.”
Firmness: Medium (5 to 6) | CertiPUR-US Certified: Yes | Trial: 90 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Tempur-Pedic is a well-established brand in the sleep industry, having honed its comfort layer technology through years of experience. This expertise is evident in the quality construction, glowing reviews, and premium pricing of its mattresses. The Tempur-Adapt lineup consists of three mattresses, but the most affordable is the Legendary Relief model, which features a knit cover that’s cool to the touch plus two panels of NASA-developed Tempur Material. The first comfort layer of this 11-inch mattress is designed to provide a soft feel, while the second piece (which sits beneath) provides support and adapts to your pressure points for “personalized comfort.” A Hybrid version with springs is also available if you’d like more bounce.
What the reviews say: “There is no part of my body that is not in contact with the mattress when I sleep, leaving no gaps,” says one 5-star shopper. “It is luxurious, and I feel like I am in some special club because I get to go home and sleep on this piece of heaven every night.”
Firmness: Medium-firm (6) |CertiPUR-US Certified: Yes | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
The Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam Mattress consists of four foam layers that come together to help you get the sleep of your dreams. There’s a cooling cover infused with the brand’s Phase Change Material that absorbs heat and wicks moisture away for a dry, cool sleeping surface. Not only is this mattress ideal for hot sleepers, but it also provides support throughout the night by catering to your individual body shape and position. Just keep in mind that this mattress has a thinner profile at 10 inches tall, so some may find it doesn’t provide quite enough support. However, it’s frequently on sale and the most affordable premium cooling mattress you can buy – you’ll also get free pillows and sheets with purchase.
What the reviews say: “I have had the best sleep on this mattress,” one reviewer shares. “It cools my body heat down for a comfortable night's sleep. I love the pillows and sheets too. It's a great mattress for a great price!”
Firmness: Medium, medium-firm or plush | CertiPUR-US Certified: Yes | Trial: 30 day return period | Warranty: 10 years
Zinus designed this affordable memory foam mattress that prioritizes temperature regulation—the brand calls it the “most cooling formula yet.” It comes in four thicknesses, 6, 8, 10 and 12 inches, with medium, plush, medium-plush and medium-firm firmness levels. The 12-inch version has 2 inches of cooling gel-infused memory foam on top of 3 inches of high-density foam and 7 inches of high-density base support foam. It’s also infused with green tea, which (according to the brand) works to eliminate odor-causing agents. nlike other mattresses on this list that come with an extended trial period, this mattress is sold by Amazon and is only covered by the company’s 30-day return policy.
What the reviews say: “This mattress has served me well for the past 8 months and definitely will beyond that,” raves one reviewer. “I highly recommend this one if shopping on a budget! Very comfy.”
Firmness: Medium (5 to 6) | Trial: 100 nights | CertiPUR-US Certified: Yes | Warranty: 10 years
Casper was one of the first companies to offer a bed-in-a-box, and today, its Original Memory Foam Mattress is still a popular choice among those with back or joint pain. The Casper Original has three ergonomic zones to keep your spine in proper alignment all night, so it’s softer under your shoulder, but firmer around the hips, waist and lower back. Don’t believe it will make a difference? Just read some of the 20,000-plus reviews from users, many of whom have experienced a notable reduction in back pain.
What our editors say: “This was the first bed in a box I ever tried and it did not disappoint,” explains the Forbes Vetted digital editor. “The memory foam gave me the support I needed but still provided a cushy softness.”
Firmness: Medium-firm (6 to 6.5) | CertiPUR-US Certified: Yes | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
The Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is a standout with more than 34,000 5-star reviews. Although inflation has led to a gradual rise in price — a problem not unique to T&N, by the way — it’s still among the most affordable memory foam mattresses on the market. It’s crafted from two layers of open-cell foam with cooling gel for temperature regulation, and the company’s proprietary T&N Adaptive Foam is designed to provide the perfect balance of support and flexibility. For this reason, reviewers say the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is a good compromise for couples with different sleep styles, as it’s comfortable in any position. This mattress is on the thinner side, at 10 inches tall, so be cognizant of that if you need it for more support.
What our writers say: “I sleep alone, but I found the Tuft & Needle Original responsive whenever I switched positions,” says our mattress-testing contributor, who previously tested this bed. “Plus, there’s minimal sinkage. Both of these qualities should bode well if you sleep with a fidgety partner. It’s also priced right if your guest room needs a refresh.”
Firmness: Medium-soft (4), medium (5), medium-firm (6 to 7) and firm (8) | CertiPUR-US Certified: Yes | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years
The Brooklyn Bedding-manufactured Dreamfoam Chill Memory Foam Mattress is a budget-friendly bed with options that’ll accommodate comfortable sleep anywhere, including short, extra long and RV. (Road trip anyone?) Constructed with multiple layers of foam including a gel memory foam for responsive sleep, it provides enhanced contouring, pressure relief, and cooling. It's built on a high-density base foam for stability and support and comes in depths of 6 to 14 inches to fit your needs, although keep in mind that prices and support vary with depth.
What the reviews say: “We purchased this mattress to fit an odd sized bunk in our new RV,” one reviewer explains. “I have to say, it is very comfortable and fits the bunk perfectly. Delivery was very speedy and the mattress was well packed and protected for its journey.”
At Forbes Vetted, we take sleep seriously and have published a library of expertly researched sleep and mattress articles. In addition to investigating buzzy brands, forging relationships with top mattress companies and analyzing the details of each mattress model, we know which features cater to sleepers of all kinds. Furthermore, we've snoozed on many of the best mattresses on the market and can speak firsthand to the performance of several on this list, as highlighted by quotes from our Forbes Vetted staff and contributors.
The Forbes Vetted team consists of several people with professional mattress testing experience, including executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers and sleep and mattress editor Lindsey Vickers. Contributor Alison Barretta, who co-authored this story, has also been testing and reviewing mattresses for over two years. In keeping up-to-date on the the latest in sleep technology and products, we regularly revisit this article. It was last updated in October 2023 to expand our buyer’s guide and answer frequently asked questions about memory foam beds.
To assemble this list, we tapped into our extensive sleep knowledge and researched the best-rated memory foam mattresses from reputable brands. We then evaluated which beds excel at pressure relief, motion isolation and support—key features the best memory foam mattress should have. We also looked into attributes like firmness, cooling technology and CertiPUR-US certification to cater to a variety of sleep needs. Comparing these features with price, we gauged each pick for its overall value, making sure it also includes a risk-free trial period and warranty.
Additionally, we looked at customer reviews—good and bad—and checked that each mattress has an average customer rating of at least 4 stars out of 5. Perhaps most importantly, several of our picks come personally recommended by Forbes Vetted staffers and contributors including the Nectar Premier, Helix Midnight, Casper Original, Tuft & Needle Original and Siena.
When shopping for a memory foam mattress, perhaps the most important factor to keep in mind is your preferred sleeping position. Each position requires a unique combination of cushioning and support to keep you comfortable at night.
Memory foam mattresses are built to mold to your body and evenly distribute weight. This results in pressure relief for areas like the shoulders, lower back and hips. However, different sleeping positions and body weights need different amounts of cushioning and support. For example, side sleepers are better off with a memory mattress that promotes deeper cradling, while back, stomach and heavyweight sleepers should consider a bed with a firmer feel so as not to sink too deeply into the mattress.
Memory foam mattresses are good at absorbing movement and limiting motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other. Because of this, memory foam is a great option for couples and those who share a bed with a partner.
Whether you choose memory foam or a different kind of mattress, the general rules are the same: Soft or medium-soft mattress are best for side sleepers while firm or medium-firm mattresses are a better match for stomach sleepers or those with back pain. Also, keep in mind that a mattress’s feel depends on body weight too. For example, a medium-firm mattress will feel softer than advertised for someone weighing over 250 pounds. That said, most memory foam feels softer than an innerspring, so if you’re looking for ample support—especially if you’re switching from a traditional innerspring—a firmer option may be best.
Memory foam is notorious for off-gassing, If you’re worried about chemicals that are released during the off-gassing period after some memory foam mattresses are opened, look for a product that offers safety certifications from third party agencies. The CertiPUR-US certification program labels low-emission mattresses that are free of mercury, lead, heavy metals and formaldehyde. Another common certification is UL Greenguard, which denotes products that meet rigorous chemical emissions standards.
There are three types of widely-used memory foams you’ll likely encounter: synthetic memory foam (most common type), gel-infused foam and copper-infused foam.
Synthetic memory foam–also known as viscoelastic foam–is most common, and it provides the sinking, cloud-like feel most people associate with memory foam. You may experience off-gassing with this type of foam upon unboxing, but know that the smell is completely harmless and typically dissipates within 48 hours.
Gel-infused and copper-infused foams are designed to promote cooling, especially since memory foam tends to trap heat more than hybrid or innerspring beds. Typically, you’ll see either (or sometimes both) of these foams in the topmost or second layer of a memory foam mattress.
Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are among the most popular options available today, but they each offer something a little different. Memory foam beds are great at relieving pressure and isolating motion, although they often retain heat, which isn’t great for hot sleepers. Hybrid mattresses combine memory foam comfort layers with an innerspring coil base to produce a bed that’s comfortable, yet typically more supportive than one constructed out of memory foam alone. Hybrid mattresses are also more durable and breathable than memory foam, but they tend to be more noisy and not as good at limiting motion transfer.
Just like any type of mattress, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all option when it comes to memory foam. Every sleeper has unique needs and preferences that all play a factor when selecting their ‘best’ memory foam mattress. However, the best memory foam mattresses have the same qualities in common: exceptional pressure relief, great support and a durable construction that won’t sag over time. Our best overall pick—the Nectar Premier—offers all of these qualities in addition to cooling gel layers.
A medium-firm memory foam mattress is usually best for those with back pain; it provides a just-right level of support with enough cushioning for key pressure points. You’ll want to make sure the mattress is made from dense foam, but nothing too firm which could actually cause more pain and stiffness. If you suffer with chronic aches, our best mattresses for back pain story has more options worth browsing.
A high-quality memory foam mattress should be at least 10 to 12 inches thick. This is enough for most sleepers to feel comfortable and supported. (All of our recommendations fall within this range.) Some all-foam beds–like the Zinus Cooling and Dreamfoam Chill on our list–are available in thinner options, but we advise choosing at least the 10-inch bed.
Some people don’t like the body-molding texture of foam and feel like they’re being “swallowed” by the bed. While firmer foam mattresses don’t sink in as much as softer ones, hybrid and innerspring mattresses offer a more buoyant feel. Further, memory foam has a reputation for trapping heat, and while many big brands have developed cooling materials, some people still prefer coil-based mattresses that promote airflow. Finally, a memory foam bed may not provide adequate support for heavier people. If you and/or your partner weigh over 250 pounds, our list of the best mattresses for heavy people has a handful of excellent options.
I'm Matt Schifrin executive editor of Money & Markets, which includes investing, personal finance, Wall Street and crypto. I have worked for Forbes for more than 25 years and learned business journalism under Forbes’ late great editor Jim Michaels. For the first 15 years of my career, I wrote mostly investigative features but now I am responsible for investing and finance content in Forbes Magazine and on Forbes.com. I'm also editor in charge of Forbes Investment Newsletters and Forbes Digital Assets. I used to run Forbes Best Of The Web. I won a SABEW award in 2012 and a MIN Best of The Web award in 2009. My book, The Warren Buffetts Next Door, The World's Greatest Investor You've Never Heard Of was published in 2011. I am a graduate of Cornell University.
Follow me on on twitter: @schifrin
I'm Matt Schifrin executive editor of Money & Markets, which includes investing, personal finance, Wall Street and crypto. I have worked for Forbes for more than 25 years and learned business journalism under Forbes’ late great editor Jim Michaels. For the first 15 years of my career, I wrote mostly investigative features but now I am responsible for investing and finance content in Forbes Magazine and on Forbes.com. I'm also editor in charge of Forbes Investment Newsletters and Forbes Digital Assets. I used to run Forbes Best Of The Web. I won a SABEW award in 2012 and a MIN Best of The Web award in 2009. My book, The Warren Buffetts Next Door, The World's Greatest Investor You've Never Heard Of was published in 2011. I am a graduate of Cornell University.
Follow me on on twitter: @schifrin
Foam Mattress Dog Bed I am a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, relationships, home, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Women’s Health, Prevention, Health, Yahoo Life, and more. I have a master’s degree from American University, live by the beach, and hope to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.