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Top mattress brands that deliver quality and comfort for every type of sleeper.
Not to add more pressure, but buying a new mattress is one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your home. It needs to be comfortable and supportive to give you the best possible sleep, and durable so you won’t have to replace it within a few years. And because mattresses can get pricey, you want to make sure you’re investing in one that’s actually worth the cost.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab reviews mattresses of all kinds, from traditional innerspring and hybrid mattresses to memory foam models and mattress-in-a-box styles that you buy online. We also evaluate mattresses for specific needs and interests, like cooling mattresses, mattresses for back pain, organic mattresses, affordable mattresses, mattresses for side sleepers and more, whittling down the options to the best-performing ones to make shopping easier for you.
In addition to extensively researching the top mattress brands, materials and features, we have our in-house product experts as well as a diverse group of consumer testers try out mattresses to evaluate how they perform for different types of sleepers. We also survey our tester panel to get in-depth reviews from a broad range of real users. Our latest survey had responses from over 10,000 mattress owners, which we've thoroughly reviewed before making these recommendations. The responses from our panel include both quantitative scores and qualitative feedback, looking at all aspects from ease of ordering and set up, to comfort and support, to how well the mattresses have held up over time.
We most recently reviewed this article in May 2022 to ensure pricing and links were up to date, and still stand behind our recommendations from our thorough evaluations. You can find more information about how we review mattresses and tips on how to choose the perfect bed for your budget and needs at the bottom of this article, but first, here is our expert guide to the best mattresses to buy in 2022:
Read on for more details about the best mattresses (with prices listed in queen sizes), plus feedback from consumer testers and the experts in our Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. And while you’re shopping for a new bed, check out our top-tested picks for sheets, pillows and comforters.
• Height: 11.5" or 14.5" • Firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King • Trial period: 360 days (with a $99 return pickup fee)
While many "online mattress" brands might have you picturing the foam styles that are compressed in a box, Saatva is different: It's like the traditional innerspring mattresses you find in stores, but with an online, direct-to-consumer platform to give it a competitive price. You also get other shopping perks, like free delivery and set up, old mattress removal, and a half-year trial period to make sure you love it. It comes in three firmness levels, with "Luxury Firm" being the most popular.
What it's made of: A quilted three-inch fiberfill pillowtop to create a plush surface, a layer of high density foam for support and pressure relief, individual steel coils that respond to your movements and offer breathability, a base steel coil system to prevent sagging and create more airflow and firm foam around the edges so the mattress doesn't sink when you climb in and out of bed.
Tester notes: It's consistently top-rated among dozens of reviewers on our panel, earning high scores for comfort, support and overall sleep quality. It also earned glowing feedback on its customer service, from ease of ordering to speed of in-home set up to quick fixes if any issues came up throughout the process. Other highlights from our reviewers include the firmness (especially compared to foam mattresses) and the good edge support. Some users even called it the "best mattress ever" and said it led to the "best sleep I've ever had." One described it as "firm, but not hard" while another said it's "comfortable and just the right amount of plush."
Pro Tip: Don't second guess your firmness preference. Several users told us they were tempted by Luxury Firm because it's so popular, but wished they had gone with Plush or Firm from the start.
• Height: 12" • Firmness level: Medium • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King • Trial period: 90 days
Buying an affordable mattress doesn't mean it has to be cheap. This one from Allswell is a fraction of the cost of others, but it still has excellent features and high ratings from our panel to make it stand out. It's a hybrid style with both memory foam and coils for a mix of comfort and support.
Your purchase includes free shipping, and the mattress arrives in a box for you to set up on your own. If you're looking to spend even less, the brand has a lower-priced mattress that isn't as tall and doesn't have as much edge support, but was still rated as comfortable in our review. There's also a more expensive version (still under $1,000!) that has even more features like an extra layer at the top, more edge support and a layer of temperature-regulating foam.
What it's made of: A quilted top panel with plush foam, two inches of memory foam that's infused with cooling copper to prevent overheating, one inch of high density foam for support and individual coils that help you move and provide more airflow.
Tester notes: The feedback from our survey respondents and testers was that it was absolutely worth the price, and some even said it got rid of neck and back pain. The most common complaint we got was that there was less edge support when getting in and out of bed. Still, one described it to us by saying, "It feels like sleeping on a real, plush hotel mattress, but at a fraction of the price."
Pro tip: This one's your best bet on a budget, especially for people in their 20s that are moving into their own homes for the first time.
• Height: 15" • Firmness level: Plus, Luxury Firm, Firm • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King • Trial period: 120 nights
The best type of mattress to help alleviate back pain is one with a medium firmness for the ideal balance of soft and firm, and made with at least some layers of foam for pressure relief and cradling comfort. This hybrid option from Nolah has many layers with varying materials.
Because of these unique layers, this mattress is taller and heavier than others. It ships in a box so you may need help setting it up if you're concerned about the size and weight. If you prefer, you can have it set up for you for an extra $125. You can also opt to forego the trial period to save $150.
What it's made of: A cover with a cool-to-the-touch feel on top, handles on the side and a non-skid bottom so the mattress doesn't shift, two inches of foam with cooling properties inside a quilted topper, a two-inch "heat escape gusset" (a border that helps draw excess heat away from the mattress) another two-inch layer of foam for pressure relief and comfort infused with graphite to prevent overheating, two inches of resilience foam for support, one inch of high density foam for durability and to act as a transition layer, a supportive coil system with added edge support and a bottom layer of cotton and wool to increase stability.
Tester notes: Our consumer testers and survey respondents with back pain all swore it eased their discomfort. The mattress is newer and we don't have the same volume of responses as we do with other brands, but the praise is unanimous. One back pain-sufferer told us, "I used to wake up with sciatic pain every morning, and it went away within the first week of using this mattress." Another user with pregnancy-related hip pain said the bed "saved" her and noted, "I was miserable and it helped me sleep really well."
Pro tip: It comes in three firmness levels, but we recommend Luxury Firm as the "medium" option for most people suffering from back pain.
• Height: 12" • Firmness level: Medium Firm • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King • Trial period: 100 days
It's one of the most popular mattresses among our panel and in the bedding industry, and the name Casper is practically synonymous with "mattress-in-a-box." The purchase includes free shipping and you set it up on your own, which people often prefer because it's more convenient. Even though this model is entirely foam inside, it has some unique layers that make it stand out from others on the market.
Casper started off with this original model that they called the "one perfect mattress." Since then the company has introduced several variations at different price points, including all foam and hybrid models. The Original has gone through some updates itself since it first launched, and it's still the most popular pick and the one we think offers the most bang for your buck.
What it's made of: A stretchy knit cover that's made from recycled water bottles, a layer of Casper's signature AirScape (foam with thousands of small perforations throughout for increased breathability), memory foam with Zoned Support (meaning it's softer under your shoulders and firmer under your lower back and hips for proper spine alignment) and a supportive base foam to prevent sinking and sagging.
Tester notes: The brand as a whole earned the highest scores across the board from over 100 Casper mattress owners on our panel, especially standing out for users sleeping well on the beds over time (not just when it's new!) and waking up without feeling sore. Most people told us they love this specific model and especially highlighted the price, ease of ordering and overall comfort. One user on our panel liked how well "it conforms to your body," while a second one pointed out, "it helps with motion transfer much more than the old innerspring mattress I had." Another reviewer told us, "it is extremely comfy — so comfy that we bought two more for other beds."
Pro tip: We found this mattress was more well-liked by the under-40-year-old crowd of testers.
• Height: 10" • Firmness level: Medium firm • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King • Trial period: 100 days
If you like the speed and accessibility of shopping on Amazon, it makes sense to consider getting your mattress there, too. This popular model is affordable for under $1,000 and arrives in a box at your home within days, which is a big feat since the mattress industry is notorious for shipping delays. It has a simple, no-frills design with just two foam layers.
The brand boasts its proprietary T&N Adaptive Foam technology that's supportive and resilient yet contours your body without feeling stiff. Plus, graphite and ceramic gel are added to the foams to help pull away body heat, which is a key feature as memory foam alone can cause overheating. This model is Tuft & Needle's most popular mattress, but it has an even more affordable 8" option that's exclusive to Amazon, along with two more expensive options that have more layers and more features.
What it's made of: A knit outer cover that feels soft and smooth, softer cushioning foam on top for cradling comfort and firmer foam on the bottom for support.
Tester notes: Even though it's lower priced, our panel gave it high marks across the board – from the ordering process and set up to the comfort and support. Several commented on liking its firmness and one user that's had it for five years told us, "My Tuft & Needle mattress is so much more comfortable than any mattress I've ever had in the past. My husband and I both experience much less back pain." Our reviewers also raved about the brand's customer service, commenting that the representatives were friendly and helpful. They also highlighted the motion isolation and said they can't feel movement from sleeping partners. The only real complaint was that there wasn't much edge support, so it may sag when you sit on the sides.
Pro tip: If this mattress sounds appealing but you're worried it may feel too firm, you can always add a mattress topper for a plush sleeping surface.
• Height: 13" • Firmness levels: Soft, Firm • Sizes: Twin Long, Double, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King • Trial period: 90 days
Ideal for hot sleepers, this mattress helps keep you cooler when you fall asleep and it stays cool throughout the night. Most cooling mattresses have materials that feel cool to the touch or marginal temperature-regulating properties, but this one uses unique phase change technology that's been tested to keep you feeling up to eight degrees cooler while you sleep. Tempur-Pedic is also famous for its high quality foam that prevents motion transfer, and this particular mattress is made up of several innovative layers.
It's expensive, but included in the price is a white glove delivery service that sets up the mattress in your home and will haul away your old mattress if you no longer need it. There's also a less expensive ProBreeze version that gets up to three degrees cooler (instead of eight) and comes in a medium firmness level. And if you're just looking for a basic model without the cooling features and in-home set up, the brand's Tempur-Cloud mattress uses its signature foam and ships to you in a box for DIY set up.
What it's made of: A zip-off outer cover that's machine washable, a layer of phase-change material that absorbs heat to help you feel cooler all night, comfort foam with added phase-change material and pressure-relieving foam with ventilation for breathability, which is exclusive to this model.
Tester notes: Our consumer testers told us the temperature-regulating factor is obvious and it has held up well over time. As one tester put it, "I’ve had it for years and it still feels brand new." They also say the motion control is a game-changer. It's very pricey so it's not for everyone, but testers have noticed a definite improvement in sleep quality: "We have slept so well since getting it," raved one.
Pro tip: When shopping for cooling mattresses, look for transparent claims that reference real data instead of unrealistic promises.
• Height: 9.25" • Firmness level: Medium firm • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King • Trial period: 100 days
There are a lot of similarities between most mattress materials, but Purple is unique because of its GelFlex Grid — i.e. its elastic top layer that feels squishy yet surprisingly firm. It provides both support and pressure relief, along with superior motion isolation and breathability. This base model is coil-free and ships free in a box and is delivered for you to set up on your own. The brand also has hybrid variations with one layer of foam and a layer of coils for innerspring support and more airflow. These are more expensive and heavier than the original, but with all of Purple's mattresses you get the pressure-relieving grid on top.
What it's made of: A soft knit cover with no fillers so you can feel the elastic layer, two inches of the GelFlex Grid for pressure relief and spine alignment and two layers of foam for the base.
Tester notes: Users on our panel swear this feels like the perfect combination of soft and firm. As one put it, "it's 'springy' and conforms to my body while still being supportive." Others describe it as feeling like "sleeping on air" and "like floating in every sleeping position." They also told us they can't feel their partners moving throughout the night thanks to its motion isolation, and that its cooling features are noticeable. The main callout with this one is that several told us the delivery took longer than expected.
Pro tip: Avoid using a mattress pad or topper with this one. While you can still use a thinner mattress protector to extend its life, you don't want any excess material getting in the way of the elastic's performance features.
• Height: 11" (or 13" with pillowtop) • Firmness level: Gentle Firm • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King • Trial period: One year
If you prefer to skip memory foam and synthetic fabrics, this mattress is made of natural and organic materials. It's also certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) so you know the entire manufacturing process follows strict guidelines on the materials and ingredients used. The mattress is on the firmer side (the brand calls it a 7 out of 10), but you can opt for a pillow-top for an extra cost that'll make it feel more plush.And if you prefer an option without wool, the brand also sells a vegan version. Avocado also stands out for its generous year-long return policy, whereas most brands offer around 100 days. This mattress ships for free for you to set up on your own, or you can pay a $249 fee to have it delivered and set up for you.
What it's made of: An organic cotton outer cover that's button-tufted on top, a layer of organic wool, which is naturally temperature-regulating, organic latex for comfort and resilience (latex is a natural foam that's sourced from the rubber tree), pocketed coils for support that are ergonomically laid out for proper alignment with added edge support so it won't sink at the sides and a bottom layer of supportive organic latex.
Tester notes: This mattress proves you don't need to sacrifice performance for an organic mattress. Users told us they love sleeping on it and said it keeps their body weight evenly distributed. As one of our reviewers put it, "I like that it's made of organic and natural materials, that it's extremely comfortable, and that it's held up even after years." Users also said the brand's customer service is top notch and they had no issues to report.
Pro tip: Some mattress brands that claim to be natural and organic are misleading. In reality, no memory foam mattress (or one with other synthetic materials) can be natural or organic. Make sure the entire mattress is certified organic from a trusted source, like this model.
• Height: Ranges from 13.5"-16" • Firmness levels: Plush, Firm, Ultra Firm, Ultra Plush Pillowtop, Plush Pillowtop, Firm Pillowtop • Sizes: Twin Long, Full, Queen, King, split King, California King, split California King • Trial period: n/a
If you sleep on your stomach or back and want a firm surface, this mattress from Stearns & Foster is made with a complex coil system that's unique to the brand and uses dense memory foam from its sister company, Tempur-Pedic, for even more support. This model has six different firmness levels, including variations with pillowtops for those who prefer a plush surface. Just note that unlike some of the newer online mattress companies, this traditional brand doesn't offer a free trial period for you to get a refund if you don't love it. On the other hand, it's available in many mattress stores to try it out in person.
What it's made of: A knit Tencel top layer that has moisture-wicking capabilities, several layers of Tempur-Pedic memory foam for pressure relief, aone-inch layer of micro coils, which gives the conforming feel of foam yet has the durability and breathability of an innerspring and the brand's proprietary Intellicoil system, meaning there are two coils in one for increased support.
Tester notes: The brand has a luxury price point, but over 100 users on our tester panel agreed that they sleep well on their Stearns & Foster mattresses. Most raved it was worth the cost and love the overall quality and support. When comparing the mattress to previous ones they own, users specifically highlighted the firmness and support as the main upgrades. One noted that the mattress feels "thicker and firmer, and seems to have more support," while another told us, "I like how firm this mattress is as well as the quality of the outer material."
Pro tip: If you're indecisive with all of the varieties, skip the pillowtop. You can always layer on a mattress topper later on.
• Height: 14" • Firmness level: Soft • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King • Trial period: 100 days
Ideal for side sleepers and lightweight body types, a soft mattress feels like sleeping on a cloud and can offer excellent pressure relief. This model from Amerisleep has an incredibly plush feel with a softness rating of 2 out of 10 (with 1 being the softest), yet it still offers support with its responsive foam layers that help keep your spine aligned and easily bounce back to shape. It's on the taller side, and like others, it ships in a box for DIY set up. The AS5 model is also available in a hybrid version that has more bounce and edge support. Amerisleep offers a range of other mattresses as well, but this one stands out for its plush yet durable construction.
What it's made of: A soft, breathable outer cover, Bio-Pur foam which relieves pressure points without sinking in too much, a layer of soft foam for cradling comfort, the brand's "HIVE" transition layer that promotes alignment through targeted areas, like more cushioning at your shoulders and hips with more support around your head, back and legs and a durable foam base layer to prevent sagging and soft spots.
Tester notes: This is a newer model to our list, but so far testers are enjoying the unique combination of softness and responsiveness. "The super soft foam molds to me, but it doesn't sink down completely – meaning it isn't difficult for me to get up in the morning," said one. Long-term users of other Amerisleep mattresses in our consumer panel comment on the foam's unique and soft feel.
Pro tip: The full size mattress is 54 inches wide, while other full-size mattresses are often 53 inches. Make sure to measure your bed frame to ensure it'll fit before you buy; one of our testers found it too wide for her Ikea frame.
• Height: 11" • Firmness levels: Adjustable • Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, California King • Trial period: 100 days
Perfect for couples (especially ones that don't agree on firmness), Sleep Number mattresses are filled with adjustable air chambers so each side of the bed can be customized to whatever firmness level you choose. Plus, biometric sensors in the mattress can tell if you've switched positions and it'll automatically adjust so you stay at your preferred firmness all night. The mattress also has sleep tracking capabilities to give you feedback through its app.
While the air chambers and high-tech features are available in all Sleep Number mattresses, this model also includes a five-inch layer of foam for pressure relief and support. You can purchase the mattress with or without a coordinating base, which allows you to change the bed's position. Full service delivery costs an extra $199, but includes assembly and mattress removal, along with technicians reviewing how the bed works and answering any of your questions. Timing is also flexible so you can choose a delivery slot that works best with your schedule.
Tester notes: It's expensive, but Sleep Number got high scores for comfort, support and sleep quality from both our testers and over 200 additional users on our survey panel. Even those that had the bed for close to 10 years gave it rave reviews, showing that it's a worthy investment in the long run. One Sleep Number owner told us, “I was initially hesitant because of the cost, but as soon as I laid on it, it changed my mind,” while another said “I really feel like it gives me a custom sleep experience."
Pro tip: Sleep Number mattresses are backed by the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal so you know it's been heavily vetted by our Lab experts.
• Height: 10" • Firmness levels: Soft and Firm • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King • Trial period: 120 days
If you're unsure whether you need a soft or firm sleep surface, this all-foam mattress-in-a-box gives you both: You can change the support level just by flipping it over. The brand describes the soft layer as a 4 out of 10, while the firm layer is a 7 out of 10, so neither side is too extreme. It's perfect for anyone that's indecisive when picking a firmness, or for those who have needs that change over time.
What it's made of: An outer cover that's infused with copper to draw body heat away, three inches of soft foam for a plush feel and infused with copper and gel for an added cooling benefit, two inches of supportive foam with built-in channels for airflow, a thick layer of supportive foam that provides durability while reducing bounce and motion transfer and one inch of firm foam for the firm side with copper and gel to prevent overheating.
Tester notes: Most reviewers told us they love the mattress and gave it good scores for comfort and support. Several commented on how it conformed nicely to their bodies and a few said it helped ease discomfort and back pain. One even told us "I wish we had tried this one sooner." They also gave it a perfect score for ease of ordering and said it was easy to set up and took proper shape quickly. Just note that despite the built-in cooling features, users didn't notice any standout cooling benefits.
Pro tip: If you shop from the Layla site, you can use code GH100 for $100 off a full-priced mattress, or GH10 to take an extra $10 off if there's already a sale.
• Height: Ranges from 13"-17" • Firmness level: Plush, Medium, Extra Firm • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King • Trial period: 120 days
This mattress is one of the most sought-after models online, and it's also one of the most commonly purchased beds on our panel of consumer testers. It almost feels customizable because there are six options to choose from based on one, two or three layers of foam and whether or not you want a pillow top, plus there are varying firmness levels for each.
The next-level version includes an extra "cloud-like" layer of memory foam, and the top-level model has an additional layer of foam with bubble-shaped indents for maximum cushioning. The mattress gets delivered to your home through a delivery service — i.e. not in a box like many others that you buy online. You can find Serta mattresses at retailers all over the country so you can try it before you buy.
What it's made of: A cool-to-the-touch outer cover, gel memory foam with geometric cutouts to provide pressure relief and a supportive coil system with a foam frame for added edge support.
Tester notes: Serta is the most popular brand from our panel of consumer testers and we received responses from well over 1,000 users in our latest call for feedback. The Perfect Sleeper model in particular received high ratings for support, though some long-term owners did complain that it hasn't held up as well as they hoped. Still, most were happy and users shared feedback like "I love the comfort. It supports my body and pressure points, giving a peaceful rest so that I feel recharged in the morning."
Be aware: Serta recently recalled select models from this line that were produced from July 2021 to September 2021 for failing to meet federal flammability standards. You can find out more details from the CPSC recall announcement.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab analysts start by reviewing the bed's materials, specifications, added features and any noteworthy claims. We also vet the brands to check for common complaints and make sure they're trustworthy. Sometimes mattress brands do a great job marketing to get on your radar, but we've eliminated ones that have red flags for quality or customer service.
Next, product experts and consumer testers try out the mattresses for setting up and sleep testing. We ask for feedback after several weeks, then again after extended periods to see how the mattresses hold up over time. We also survey Good Housekeeping readers for additional feedback on the mattresses they own. Between expert evaluations, consumer testing and survey responses, here's how we evaluate the mattresses:
Memory foam and innerspring mattresses are the two most common types of mattresses on the market, but it's really a matter of personal preference. You can find mattresses at every firmness level and price for either material.
Choosing your best mattress is a personal decision – i.e. there isn't one model that's best for everyone. Here's what to consider as you shop:
✔️ Sleep position: The goal is to keep your spine in neutral alignment, so factoring how you sleep can help narrow down your search.
✔️ Body type: Heavy people need a firmer bed for support, while lightweight frames are better suited with a softer mattress. Take into account both your weight and sleep position when deciding on the right firmness level.
✔️ Back pain: If you suffer from lower or upper back pain, look for a pressure-relieving mattress with all foam or a hybrid of foam and coils. Medical experts also advise to look for medium firmness for a balance of cushioning and support.
✔️ Temperature: Hot sleepers or anyone dealing with night sweats would benefit from a mattress with cooling properties. Memory foam tends to sleep hot, so look for a mattress with coils for airflow or cooling technology like copper particles, gel or phase change technology that's added to the foam.
✔️ Trial period: It's difficult to know whether a mattress is a good fit without actually sleeping on it. Fortunately, most mattress companies offer an any-reason return period for at least 100 nights. Before you buy, check whether there are any hidden return fees and how you go about making the return to avoid any headaches later on.
✔️ Certifications: It's important to know the difference between the various emblems you see when you shop since they often get mistaken for meaning the mattress is natural or organic. Here's a breakdown of the most common certifications:
Our evaluations show that a good mattress typically costs around $1,000-$1,500 for Queen-size (which is the most popular mattress size on the market). That being said, you can still find a good mattress for under $500, and there are plenty of picks over $2,000 that are certainly worth the splurge.
You'll save the most money on your mattress purchase if you wait for a holiday weekend, including President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day or Thanksgiving (i.e. Black Friday and Cyber Monday). While individual mattress sites offer discount codes and coupons throughout the year, these specific holidays are when you'll see the most competitive offers across brands.
While there's no set expiration date on your bed, you should expect a good mattress to last at least 8-10 years. But instead of following a timeline, focus on warning signs that it's time to replace your mattress — like lumps or indents — and whether your mattress is causing difficulty sleeping or pain upon waking.
If you need a quick fix or want to change the feel of your bed, a mattress topper is the easiest way to add a layer of comfort and support. It's also more affordable than buying an entirely new mattress.
Also keep in mind: The better you take care of your mattress, the longer it'll last. Make sure to use a mattress protector to protect it from things like allergens, dust, spills and wear and tear. And it's a good idea to clean your mattress every few months to keep it fresh.
Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fiber Science from Cornell University and more than 15 years experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development for home products. Lexie joined Good Housekeeping in 2013 and has extensively tested all types of bedding —including boxed mattresses, sheets, pillows, comforters and more — using specialized lab equipment and with hundreds of consumer testers.