Best-Rated Memory Foam Mattresses for 2015, February 9, 2015

Compare the current top-rated memory foam mattresses and get tips for picking the right bed.

Over a year ago, we conducted an in-depth analysis of several memory foam brands to uncover which beds earned the best reviews from consumers. Since that time, many brands have revamped collections and rolled out new lines, so we thought we’d revisit this popular topic for 2015.

Keep reading to see which mattresses currently outperform the competition in owner satisfaction, why they are leading the way, and how to compare beds to find your perfect match.

2015’s Best-Rated Memory Foam Mattresses

Previously, we compared brands as a whole to see who had the best overall ratings for their lines. This time around, we looked at individual mattress models for a more specific comparison of the best-rated memory foam mattresses.

This year’s group of top-rated mattresses includes both smaller, niche brands and big name brands. Overall, brand name did not appear to be a major predictor of satisfaction – we found major, well-known brands that perform average or worse, and lesser-known brands that offered good values.

The factors that appeared to most influence people’s reviews include initial comfort, service experience, how the mattress met expectations, and perceptions of value. Other factors like durability, heat and odor played significant roles as well.

We looked at about 20 different brands of memory foam including the big brands, medium brands, up and coming brands, online brands, and discount brands to find the five memory foam mattresses most-loved by consumers, highlighted below.

Reviews were drawn from retailer and brand websites, third-party review websites like Reseller Ratings, consumer review sites like Sleep Like The Dead and Consumer Reports, and other sources like blogs and forums. Specification data and pricing was current as of article publication date.

Mattress	Signature Sleep Memoir 12”	Comfort Dreams Select A Firmness 14”	Amerisleep Revere Bed	BedInABox Serenity Gel	Tempurpedic TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe
Average Owner Satisfaction	92%	90%	94%	94%	94%
Price, Queen	$319	$539	$1299	$1899	$3699
Foam Density	4” 3.0 lb MF8” 1.5 lb Base	3” 3.5 lb MF3” 3.0 lb MF4” 1.4 lb Base4” 1.5 lb Base	3” 4.5 lb MF9” 2.0 lb Base	3” 3.0 lb MF8” 2.4 lb Base	2” 4.1 lb MF3” 7.0 lb MF8” ? lb Base
Heat Issues	7%	5%	3%	6%	10%
Odor Issues	10%	9%	3%	13%	10%
Durability Issues	15%	8%	2%	5%	6%
Warranty	1 year	None	20 years (10)	20 years (10)	10 years (10)
Trial Period	90 days	None	90 days	120 days	90 days

Here’s a more detailed description of each bed. They are listed in order of lowest price to highest (not ranked).

$319 – Signature Sleep Memoir 12” Mattress

The Signature Sleep Memoir 12” mattress features a thick four inch layer of memory foam in the low-density range. The base uses “high-density” poly foam. The mattress is in the firmer range according to descriptions and reviews.

Overall, this mattress rates very well for the low-price, under-$500 category receiving a 4.6 out of 5 star average on Walmart’s website. People often praise the good value and initial comfort of this mattress.

The amount of people reporting heat and odor issues proves about average for memory foam in general, though reports of sagging or impressions is somewhat higher. This mattress is also expected to have a shorter lifespan than average, but could be a good value for a guest bed or short-term use.

Warranty coverage extends only one year for this bed (further highlighting the temporary nature of the bed), though Wal-mart does offer a 90-day return policy for their mattresses which is better than average for this pricepoint.

$539 – Comfort Dreams Select A Firmness 14” Mattress

The Comfort Dreams Select A Firmness 14” mattress features two three-inch layers of memory foam, primarily in the low-density range. The firm model does have one layer of medium-density, 4.0 lb foam. The base layers of this mattress include regular poly foam (1.4 lb) and high-density poly foam (1.5 lb). This mattress comes in three firmnesses, though reviews seem to find all of the options in the medium to firm range.

Overall, this rates well for the mid-low price range ($500-$1000) with average reviews of 4.5 stars on Overstock’s website. Value and initial comfort are primary areas of praise for this bed.

This mattress receives lower than average complaints for heat retention, and close to average odor complaints. Issues of sagging and durability are also about average, and this mattress is expected to have an average lifespan.

The Select A Firmness mattress comes with no manufacturer warranty, but Overstock sells a service plan for an additional fee. Overstock does not accept returns or exchanges for beds, making it one of the few retailers to offer little guarantee of satisfaction.

$1299 – Amerisleep Revere Bed Mattress

The Amerisleep Revere mattress has a three-inch layer of 4.5 lb, medium density memory foam. The core is high-density 2.0 lb foam, and both types a plant-based “bio” foams. This mattress is in the medium-firm range according to descriptions and reviews.

Overall, this mattress rates well with a 4.7 out of 5 star average on the Amerisleep website’s verified reviews. Popular points of praise in reviews include support, comfort, durability and value.

Reports of both heat and odor issues are below average for memory foam in general and among the lowest of the mattresses we reviewed here. There are also very few reports of sagging or durability issues, and lifespan is expected to be average to above average for memory foam.

Warranty coverage extends for 20 years, with 10 years of full-replacement coverage. Amerisleep offers a 90-day return policy for their mattresses.

$1899 – BedInABox Serenity Gel Mattress

The BedInABox Serenity Gel mattress has a three-inch layer of 3 lb memory foam with gel (lower density range) paired with a 2.4 lb high density core. It’s firmness is in the softer range according to descriptions and reviews.

Overall, this mattress rates well with a 9.6 out of 10 rating on Viewpoints (no direct reviews on website). Reviewers praise the comfort and support of this mattress.

Reports of both heat and durability issues are both below average for memory foam in general. However, reports of odor are slightly higher than average. Lifespan is expected to be average to above average for memory foam.

Warranty coverage extends for 20 years, with 10 years of full-replacement coverage. BedInABox offers a longer than average 120-day return policy for their mattresses, but owners must keep the beds for 60 days (opposed to 30 for most others).

$3699 – Tempur-pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe Mattress

The Tempur-Cloud Luxe bed from Tempurpedic includes two layers of memory foam. Though the brand does not disclose density information, it is estimated that the bed includes two-inches of 4.1 lb, medium density memory foam and three-inches of 7.0 lb, high-density memory foam. The core foam density is also undisclosed, with estimates ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 lbs.

Overall, this mattress rates well with 4.7 out of 5 star averages on the Tempurpedic website reviews, which is good for the high price range. Areas most commonly praised by reviews include comfort, support and durability. One key point though, is that this mattress was recently updated and redesigned, meaning older reviews may not necessarily be representative for this new model.

Reports of heat and odor complaints are right about average for memory foam in general. Issues with durability or sagging are lower than average, and this bed is expected to have slightly longer than average lifespan.

Warranty coverage extends for 10 years, with all 10 years being full-replacement coverage. Tempurpedic beds come with a 90-day return policy.

What’s Changed?

Compared to our previous survey, the only repeat appearances were Amerisleep and Bed In The Box who’s reviews remained fairly consistent. New entrants included Tempurpedic, Signature Sleep and Comfort Dreams, which replaced Dreamfoam, Sealy Optimum and Simmons Comforpedic.

Who Didn’t Make the Cut & Why

Three big brands of memory foam are not on the list, which may suprise some readers. These include Serta iComfort, Sealy Optimum and Simmons Comforpedic which all focus on gel memory foam. All three of these brands are averaging in satisfaction scores in the mid-to-upper 70% range. While better compared to traditional spring mattresses, this is below average for memory foam in general. Potential things that appear to be lowering owner satisfaction include durability, lack of transparency, and value perception of buyers.

In general, other reasons some brands and beds didn’t make the cut included a lack of available review data online, questionable review sources, and other issues preventing accurate analysis and comparison.

How to Compare Memory Foam Mattresses

We’ve done a few guides to memory foam mattress shopping previously, but if you’re just diving in or want a quick refresher, here are the most important details to keep in mind when buying a memory foam bed. These are the factors that will help you compare beds to each other to determine value and determine which is best for your needs.

Density

Polyurethane foams are classified by their density, which is a measure comprised of weight divided by volume. It is usually expressed as pounds per cubic foot. For example, a 4 lbs/ft3 density means that a piece of foam measuring 12” x 12” 12” weighs four pounds.

With memory foam, densities can be sorted into three groups, all receive similar overall owner satisfaction scores, but there are a few important differences that can help you decided which is ideal for your needs.

Characteristic	Low Density	Med Density	High Density
Range	under 3.5 lbs	3.5 lb to 5.0 lb	over 5.0 lb
Overall Satisfaction	80%	80%	80%
Durability	Least durable	Good Durability	Most Durable
Odor	Less likely	Moderate	Most likely
Sleeping Hot	Less likely	Moderate	Most likely
Contouring/Pressure Relief	Fair	Good	Great
Easy of Moving	Easy for most	Easy for most	Possibly difficult
Firmness Range	Limited	Good	Good
Price	$-$$	$$-$$$	$$$-$$$$

Low density foams are the least expensive and are less likely to have strong off-gassing odors or trap heat, however they also provide less pressure relief, support and longevity. High density foams excel at pressure relief, contouring and durability, but are more likely to have strong odors and trap heat, and the viscous feel of the foam can be difficult for some people to move on.

Regular polyurethane foam (used in core/support layers in padding layers in some mattresses) has different classifications. Higher density is generally considered better, as the core will be more resistant to impressions and softening over time. Most mattresses use High Density foam in the cores, ranging between 1.5 lb on the low end and 2.5 lb on the high end.

Some cheaper mattresses may use “regular” poly foams under 1.4 lb which is seen as non-durable for long term use and may lack support for most adults. High Resilience foams have densities over 2.5 lb and are the most durable, but not commonly used in mattresses due to higher costs (be aware that some manufacturers may mislabel their HD foams as HR).

Type of Memory Foam

There are about three different “types” of memory foam that you will see promoted across different brands.

Traditional memory foam is the regular, temperature-sensitive memory foam that molds to sleepers’ shapes via their body heat. This type provides good contouring and pressure relief in medium and high densities, but not everyone likes the slow recovery rate of the foam as it can make changing positions and moving on the bed difficult. Sleeping hot is also more common with this type, particularly in higher densities.

Gel memory foam is becoming very common recently, involving gel particles or liquid gel mixed into the foam with the idea of a cooler sensation. The idea is that the room-temperature gel will absorb body heat (similar to ice-packs). There is not a ton of scientific proof for the claims of gel foam mattresses (many of them use little gel or put it beneath other materials as well). Consumer Reports has said in their mattress tests that they find little difference in breathability between gel and non-gel beds. Sleep Like The Dead says there is a small difference (2%), but primarily only for beds with 2”+ of gel foam at the surface of the bed.

Plant-based memory foams that use botanical ingredients to replace a portion of petro products are used by some brands. These types of foams have slightly different properties, primarily stemming from their temperature-neutral nature. Plant-based foams use pressure to contour rather than heat, and the material feels consistent in a normal room temperature. It also recovers shape very quickly. One manufacturer,Cargill, conducted a laboratory study demonstrating plant-based foams to sleep cooler than gel foams.

Mattress Construction

When shopping for a memory foam mattress, pay careful attention to how the bed is layered. Memory foam should ideally be in the uppermost layers (as opposed to poly foam or fiber batting) to provide good pressure relief. The retailer should be able to provide information on each layer and their respective densities so you can accurately judge comfort and compare value.

The thickness of memory foam is important as well. Petite people and back/stomach sleepers may feel comfortable with 2”-3” of memory foam (too much can feel overwhelming), while larger individuals and side sleepers may need 3”-6” of memory foam to adequately cushion pressure points.

The thickness of the core layer is more related to support and durability. A mattress hsould have at least a 6” core. Larger individuals and side sleepers may want something more in the 8” to 9” range.

Cover materials are also important since they can affect how the memory foam contours and how breathable the mattress is. Stretchy fabrics are better than rigid ones since they will allow the mattress to fully contour to you. Breathable fabrics like cotton, wool and rayon are also ideal since they will allow air to flow in and out.

Guarantees

Guarantees can tell you a little bit about how the manufacturer perceives their product. Mattresses with little or no warranty are probably not intended by the manufacturer for everyday or long-term use (better for temporary situations). But, long warranties don’t mean a bed is meant to last forever either.

Average and higher-end memory foam beds usually have about 10 years of full replacement coverage, and some may have additional years of pro-rated coverage as well. The different periods will differentiated in the warranty policy, usually as “full coverage” or “full replacement” terms (the period during which the manufacturer will replace or repair a defective bed at their cost), and “pro-rated” terms (the period during which the manufacturer will contribute a portion of the repair/replacement costs with the owner paying the rest).

Since impressions are what is most likely to go wrong with a memory foam mattress, the depth of coverage is important to check for. The warranty should state how deep impressions must be for the bed to be considered defective and eligible for warranty. Higher-end beds will typically cover sagging of 0.75” or more, while others may only cover impressions over 1” or 1.5”.

The ability to return a memory foam mattress can also be valuable. Even the top-rated mattress might not be ideal for everyone, which is why most retailers will allow customers to return or exchange within a certain time frame.

The average for memory foam beds is around 90 days. It may take up to a few weeks to fully adjust to a new bed, so having at least 30 days can be helpful. Check to see the store’s return policy and any restrictions or fees before buying.

Reviews

The other helpful tool you can use to compare are memory foam mattress reviews. For most brands and beds, you can find reviews online to see what other owners have to say. Retailer and brand websites are the most likely sources, though third party websites (like Reseller Ratings and Viewpoints) and blogs or forums are also sources. You could start by searching for reviews in general, or search the mattress make and model plus reviews (such as “tempurpedic cloud reviews”) to see more in-depth information about a particular bed.

The first thing to keep in mind about reviews is the source. Brands that use third-party verified reviewer/verified buyer systems typically provide a better source than brands that use cherry-picked “testimonial” type reviews. For third party websites and blogs, consider their reputation and policies.

When reading reviews, see what people say about expectations versus reality, durability, value, and other factors important to you. Individual comfort can vary quite a bit though — one person’s soft can be another’s firm — so it’s better to look at trends than one-off comments. For example, do a lot of people say the bed is firmer than expected, or do a large number report a particular issue? Not every bed will please every buyer, but comparing complaints to averages can help give you perspective.

Overall, what we learned searching for the best-rated memory foam mattresses is that medium density foams seem to be most appealing to majority of shoppers, and that getting a good value is also important for satisfaction.

Most of the top-rated memory foam beds were sold online only as well, meaning that dreaded trip to the mattress store may not be so essential after all. More important? Doing your research into the brand, being honest with your partner about what you want in a bed, checking reviews, and comparing around to ensure the price is fair.

Feel ready to start shopping? Dig deeper with our 10 steps to getting the best mattress. Or, keep your new bed in tip-top shape longer with these eight tips to maximize mattress lifespan.

If you have an additional questions about comparing beds or finding the best memory foam mattress, leave us a comment.

Tagged best mattress, buying guide, comparison, guides, memory foam, memory foam mattress, smart shopping

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Latex Mattresses: Advantages vs Disadvantages

Are Latex Mattresses Right For You?

If you are trying to determine if latex mattresses might be a good buy, the pros and cons are good place to start. These types of beds have one of the highest overall owner satisfaction ratings for mattresses, but they still may not be for everyone. Just as with any other product, there are both attractive and potentially off-putting traits to consider.

The following lists compile information that can help you determine whether this may be the best choice for your needs. The differences between natural latex, synthetic latex and hybrids are notable and should also be taken into account when comparing advantages and disadvantages of an individual mattress.

Latex Mattresses Are Not Created Equal

First, here is a quick primer so you understand what we refer to when discussing pros and cons. Latex mattresses can be made using natural material or man-made synthetic latex. All-natural latex is derived from the rubber tree, which yields a milky white fluid that, with a few additions, becomes rubber.

Synthetic latex, like everything else, is made of chemicals; however it can also be labeled as latex or all-latex. Blends that incorporate both natural and synthetic latex are most common, though products are also available that place latex over poly foam cores or spring supports. When shopping for a new mattress, make certain you understand exactly what type of bed you are looking at. Even “natural latex” can mean a blend with up to 30% synthetic material.

Pros and Cons of Latex Mattresses

Because no product is perfect for everyone, the buying process often involves a series of comparisons to see which options offer the greatest benefits and fewest drawbacks. Preferences certainly can differ, but the lists here represent what a majority of people tend to perceive as either good or bad. First, we will consider latex beds in general, then afterwards we will go over differences among all-natural, synthetic, and hybrid models.

Disadvantages of Latex Beds

The following list of complaints explain what people are most likely to dislike about these types of beds.

Firmness  – Excessive firmness is most commonly reported by owners when they initially purchase their bed, although only 10% of owners have complained that their bed is too firm. Checking Impression Load Deflection (ILD) information before buying can give you added insight, as higher ILDs mean firmer foam while lower ILDs mean softer foam. Many mattresses are more firm in the first few weeks of use. You may need to break the mattress in a little to reach your desired firmness.

Compression – Compression, when the mattress forms imprints where the person generally sleeps, has been reported by approximately 10% of the owners of all-latex beds. This issue is less frequently found in beds made with 100% natural latex foam.

• This occurs with other types of mattresses; about 25% of innerspring and 15% of memory foam owners complain about impressions.
• Compression is more likely to occur on a mattress shared by two people as both are more likely to sleep in the same spot every night.
• These impressions do not affect comfort or support much on latex, but can limit natural movement of the sleeper.

Heat – Sleeping hot has also been reported by about 10% of latex mattress owners. This issue tends to be greatest with closed-cell foams. Latex beds overall tend to rate better than a majority of memory foams, and have the lowest heat complaints when the mattresses are all-latex versus foam hybrids.

• PRO TIP: Make sure the mattress has a breathable cover, like natural cotton or wool, to allow maximum air flow.

Price – Perhaps the biggest barrier to consumers choosing this type of mattress is the cost. Natural latex mattresses can cost several thousands of dollars, especially in local showrooms. This is often one of the more expensive materials for manufacturers to purchase, thus markups may be at a premium.

• PRO TIP: Shop online. You might be surprised to know that a majority of latex comes from only a handful of manufacturers in the US, especially the 100% natural stuff. This means you can get nearly identical mattresses online for a fraction of what you would pay a local dealer. As long as the material is certified natural (Oeko Tex, Eco-Institut, Green Guard), the company allows returns and has legitimate organic certifications for the fabric, you will be getting a good bed. The primary things you want to check are exactly what the bed is made of (type of latex and contents), whether any adhesives are used, the cover material, and retailer reviews. Keep an eye out for online promotions and coupons which can save you even more money.

Heaviness – Heavy weight can be an issue for some latex bed owners who have difficulty moving the mattress, particularly alone. All high-quality latex beds will be heavy, but then again many other types of mattresses are, too. The good news? Latex does not need to be flipped or rotated on a frequent basis like spring beds. This is a relatively minor complaint, but something to consider for those who live alone or may not be able to lift heavy objects.

Advantages of Latex Beds

Now to the good stuff. Here are the top benefits and advantages people tend to report or equate with latex mattresses and a little science to back up some of those claims.

Comfort – Pain reduction and pain prevention have been reported by over 1/3 of the people who own all-latex beds. They have stated that their latex mattresses relieve pressure points and also prevent or reduce other pain they have experienced, including lower back pain. Because latex is a resilient material, it is able to support sleepers with placing excess pressure on hips and shoulders, and contours just enough to support proper alignment.

Longevity – Latex material proves highly durable. All-latex mattresses tend to outlast other types by anywhere from 2 to 7 years, on average providing comfort for 10-12 years. Though very durable, latex is also biodegradable.

No Smells – Limited to no off-gassing is a key benefit for people sensitive to smells. This is a main difference between the different types of latex, primarily linked with all-natural latex mattresses.

• Virtually no one complains of chemical odors  in all-natural latex, because there are fewer volatile chemicals to break down and release odors. If a smell is detected, it is usually a faint, slightly sweet scent that most find unoffensive.
• Synthetic latex and beds made using a combination of synthetic and natural latex have been reported by a little over 10-15% to off-gas or release unpleasant chemical smells.

No Disturbances – Motion isolation is a quality associated with all-latex mattresses that 10% of owners praise. Motion isolation means that when one partner rolls over or tosses and turns, movement on the other side of the bed is barely noticeable. This makes for a much more pleasant sleeping experience with fewer disturbances. This is a big advantage compared to spring mattresses and water beds which tend to transfer motion from side to side.

Customizability – Another reason people might choose latex over other types is the ease of customization offered by some retailers. You can often customize your bed from top to bottom to achieve a specific feel, or even create a bed with two different firmness levels on each sides for differing partners. Models with unglued layers also offer consumers the ability to replace upper layers when worn to further extend mattress life.

• PRO TIP: Look for the ILD rating when determining firmness. Latex International, a leading manufacturer, offers the following chart showcasing the scale of ILD and firmness levels. Most people find comfort between the 23-35 range.

Healthy – One of the biggest “selling points” of natural latex is that it is a healthy and safe material to sleep on. Nearly all other mattress types utilize adhesives and petroleum based foams that continue to release toxic chemicals into the air as they age, contributing pollution indoors and out. Beds that are Oeko-Tex 100 standard-certified, Green Guard certified or Eco-Institut certified are tested to ensure that harmful toxins are not found in the end product.

Latex is naturally fire resistant. Other types of mattresses have many different chemicals added to them during manufacturing to increase their resistance to fire. Many of these chemicals are associated with adverse health effects including cancer, immunotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. The natural resistance to fire latex exhibits allows manufacturers to use far fewer, or no toxic flame retardants.

People are also happy with all-latex mattresses for their hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant qualities. This composition is also antibacterial, anti-fungal, and resistant to mold and mildew. Many fungi and yeasts are domestic allergens. Mattresses can be hospitable environments for these unwelcome intruders, and latex helps keep them at bay naturally.

Latex mattresses perform better in regards to pain prevention and relief, also. They consistently receive better reviews from consumers for pain relief than any other type of mattress. This is likely due to the firmness, conformability and support the mattresses provide.

If you are seeking a new mattress because of major health concerns, ask your doctor for advice. He or she will be able to tell you if a certain mattress may help your particular condition.

Environmentally Friendly – Another advantage for all-natural models is being truly eco-friendly, a significant reason for latex’s popularity. The raw materials are harvested from plantations using a method that allows the trees to live and grow while tapped. This means the trees do not have to be cut down for harvesting. Rubber trees can be tapped for as long as 30 years, while converting CO2 to breathable oxygen, purifying the air and water the whole time.

Certified-organic latex is produced in a much more sustainable way. Instead of using synthetic and artificially-produced fertilizers, organic material is used to feed the plants. Artificial and synthetic fertilizers along with the processes used to create them have devastating environmental impacts. They have been linked to biodiversity loss and contribute greatly to global greenhouse emissions. Organic methods mimic the way nature has been growing plants for hundreds of millions of years. As a result, there are no harmful environmental effects with organic methods.

Natural latex mattresses require only a handful of chemicals to create, none of which are significant sources of pollution or concern. Derived from natural substances, latex is also a biodegradable and highly durable material, two factors that reduce consumption and waste.

Summary

As you can see, the latex mattress category includes a range of different types, and not all share the same pros and cons. In our comparisons of latex mattresses, those that contain only natural latex rubber rate the highest (15-20% better than synthetics/blends) and have the fewest drawbacks of just about any mattress currently on the market.

Awhile back, we compared several leading latex retailers to offer an overview of the type of latex used and overall reviews. Of the six brands that had review averages over 4 stars, 5/6 used only latex, and about half used natural latex. The brand with highest average review score, Astrabeds, was also the only one to sell exclusively 100% natural, organic latex mattresses.

As with any larger purchase, you’ll want to do some research. There are many companies and individuals who review mattresses regularly. The internet is a great resource for finding the information you need quickly. Be sure to check a few sources so you get a well-rounded perspective.

Ultimately, as you weigh the pros and cons, you will want to consider what aspects are most important to you. Budget, health issues, chemical concerns, and lifestyle will all play a role, and every individual will have unique considerations. If you are looking for a great bed however, natural latex mattresses make a compelling case as one the highest rated options available with minimal drawbacks and several excellent advantages.

Tagged buying guide, comparison, latex mattress, mattresses, reviews, tips

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Best and Worst Mattresses of 2015: End of Year Report

If you plan on buying a new bed soon, you might be curious to know who has the best mattresses, and which ones to avoid. In this guide, we’ll be comparing the year’s top rated mattresses and contrasting them with the ones that don’t fare so well so you can see how the different brands stack up.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand why reviews can be a very powerful tool when it comes to making big buying decisions. Although comfort is unique, people rate mattresses to share the experiences with companies and retailers, their likes and dislikes, and potential problems you might want to be aware of before committing to a purchase. This insight can tell you things salespeople or a trip the local store can’t, and can help you determine if things like the firmness level or durability is on par with people’s expectations.

Armed with information from reviews and the essentials of the industry, you’ll be equipped to make a smart decision that’ll have you resting easy for years to come.

The Best Type of Mattress: Survey Says…

While there is no single best mattress or type for every single person, a look at trends in consumer satisfaction and performance can offer some helpful insight into which type of bed might offer you the best sleep.

For many decades, the term “mattress” has been synonymous with the innerspring coil bed, topped with various layers of fiber batting and foam. Today, with the boom in specialty brands and online retailers however, shoppers have quite a few choices to make when buying a bed.

The most common types on the market currently are innersprings, memory foam, and latex foam. Air and water are also available through limited retailers, but they represent a fairly small share of the market. In this guide, we’ll be focusing on spring and foam beds.

Below are how these types of mattresses compare, on average, based on data from Sleep Like The Dead. This represents each category as a whole, but individual brands can vary quite a bit from the “norm”, which is important to keep in mind as well.

	Innersprings	Memory Foam	Latex

Average Owner Satisfaction	63%	81%	80%
Average Price	$1,580	$1,610	$1,476
Support	Fair-Good	Good	Good-Excellent
Odor	Good	Poor-Fair	Good
Heat	Fair-Good	Fair	Fair-Good
Motion Transfer	Poor-Fair	Excellent	Good
Durability	Fair-Good	Good	Good-Excellent
Expected Lifespan, w/ Regular Use	5-8 years	6-8 years	6-10 years
Warranty Coverage	Fair	Good	Good-Excellent
Availability	Excellent	Good	Fair

Ratings Key = Excellent > Good > Fair > Poor

While innerspring beds remain the most popular mattress type in terms of sales, consumers overall report higher satisfaction with memory foam and latex types. Both foam categories continue to grow rapidly as well, with increasing availability and awareness.

Owner Satisfaction of Innerspring, Memory Foam & Latex

InnerspringMemory FoamLatex606570758085

Potential reasons for this large gap in satisfaction could include durability and long-term comfort, as higher-quality foam mattresses tend to show less sagging and provide comfort longer than their average spring counterparts.

Many spring beds use fairly low quality foams and fiber layers, which can compress quickly and leave indentations, reducing the bed’s ability to cushion against pressure points. Over time, this can contribute to pain and reduced comfort. Good-quality memory foam and latex both excel at contouring to the sleeper as well which supports natural posture, whereas certain types of spring beds can impede alignment. For example, reviews indicate that people experience less back pain on memory foam and latex compared to spring beds.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Far from a novelty, memory foam mattresses are becoming quite popular with people around the world. While not as widely available as the standard spring bed, many showrooms and online retailers offer brands of memory foam, which can range from inexpensive to luxury in pricing.

Memory foam is the top-rated mattress type, but not all memory foam is created equal. There are a couple things to be aware of when comparing this type of bed, including the type of foam, foam density, and the makeup of the layers.

The type of memory foam refers to the methods used to make it and its characteristics. The key types you’ll find when shopping include:

• Traditional – The standard, temperature sensitive memory foam made of polyurethane and other synthetic materials. The easiest to find generally most affordable, but also most likely to have stronger odors and and heat retention. This type of memory foam will react slowly after being compressed.

• Gel – Traditional memory foam, with gel beads or gel liquid mixed in. Gel foams typically have slightly lower odor and heat complaints, but may cost more. Slow to moderate reaction time to movements. Consumer Reports suggests that gel foams offer no noticeable difference.

• Plant-Based – Plant-based memory foam mattresses use a portion of naturally-derived ingredients in place of synthetics, and may have a greener overall focus. Plant-based foams generally have lower complaints of heat and odor, and people who dislike the stuck or slow response sensation of traditional memory foam may find the faster, temperature-neutral nature of plant foams preferable.

Density is a measure of the weight of one cubic foot of foam. Denser foams have less air. Density is not closely tied with firmness, the very dense foams can feel stiffer initially, especially temperature sensitive types. Medium density foams generally have the highest average satisfaction, but individual preferences can vary.

• Low Density – Memory foams under 3.5 lbs. Low density foams are more affordable and have lower complaints of off-gassing and heat. But, they may not provide adequate support or pressure point relief especially for heavier individuals, and may wear faster.

• Medium Density – Memory foam between 3.5 and 5.0 lbs. Average odor and heat complaints, good support and pressure point relief for most sleepers, average to good durability.

• High Density – Memory foams over 5.0 lbs. High density foams have the highest heat and odor complaints (due to a higher concentration of polymers and ingredients) and they are most expensive. However, high density foams are also associated with better pressure point relief. Since very high densities can feel stiff and create a “stuck sensation”, they are ideally used as a supplement to other layers and not the main comfort layer.

All memory foam beds are composed of at least two layers — the memory foam layer and the base or core foam layer. Some brands may add multiple layers of foams and other materials as well. When comparing, you want to know the type of material and quality of each layer. For example, low density base foam (under 1.5 lbs) may not provide adequate support and can break down much quicker than high density polyurethane foam.

Brand	Owner Satisfaction	Price Range (Queen)	Notes	Warranty

Amerisleep	93%	$899 - $2299	8”-14” profile 2”-3” memory foam Plant-based Medium density	20 year
Bed In A Box	86%	$699 - $2099	9”-14” profile 3"-6”memory foam Gel and traditional Low density	20 year
IKEA	75%	$399 - $499	9.5” profile 3” memory foam Traditional Low density	25 year
Leesa	84%	$890	10” profile 2” memory foam Low density	10 year
Sealy Optimum	77%	$1074 - $2274	10”-13” profile 3”-6” gel memory foam Gel and traditional Medium density	10 year
Serta iComfort	76%	$1074 - $2774	8.5”-13.5” profile 1.5”-5” memory foam Gel and traditional Low to medium density	10 year
Signature Sleep	78%	$150 - $325	6”-12” profile 1.5”-4” memory foam Traditional Low density	1 year
Simmons Comforpedic	77%	$1100 - $2300 (est)	9.5”-13” profile 3-5” memory foam Gel and traditional Medium density	10 year
Sleep Innovations / Novaform	80%	$215 - $1699	8”-16” profile 1.5”-4” memory foam Gel and traditional Low to medium density	5-20 year
Tempurpedic	81%	$1699 - $7499	8”-15” profile 3”-7” memory foam Traditional Medium to high density	10 year

Best Memory Foam Mattress Brands

The majority of the best-rated options in 2015 aren’t pricey high-end mattress brands. Rather, they are comprised of more affordable online retailers. These brands typically don’t have the extensive overhead and markup since they are sold direct to buyers rather than through dealers. All priced in the mid-range of the market, and earn reviews that outpace the traditional big names.

• Amerisleep
• Bed In A Box
• Leesa

Amerisleep’s medium density, plant-based memory foam line tops this year’s ratings, with satisfaction scores over 90% from reviews. They offer six models, ranging from firm to plush in different thicknesses. Bed In A Box also rates well, with a range of gel foam beds using lower density memory foam but high density core foam. Their line ranges from medium to plush. The newer Leesa bed is also doing pretty well in initial reviews (it hasn’t been around as long as the other top two though). They offer only one model with low-density memory foam, in medium firmness.

Worst-Rated Memory Foam Mattresses of 2015

The brands with lowest ratings this year are surprisingly some of the most expensive brands on the market. While they still earn higher ratings than the average innerspring bed, consumers report issues with durability, warranties, heat retention and other things. Another thing people take issue with is value, as many of these lines use similar quality materials to thei more affordable counterparts.

• IKEA
• Serta iComfort
• Simmons Comforpedic
• Sealy Optimum

Latex Foam Mattresses

Latex mattresses are becoming popular, particularly with people seeking healthier or greener alternatives. Those who prefer a bouncier or more resilient surface than memory foam may also prefer latex foam. In terms of reviews, latex is usually very similar to memory foam, also outperforming innersprings.

Although not as widely available in stores as other mattress types, plenty of online retailers sell latex and even organic latex mattresses nationwide. These beds tend be slightly more expensive than memory foam, particularly for all-natural latex as the materials are more expensive to produce and the certifications many manufacturers obtain to show quality are also costly.

When shopping for a latex mattress, the key things to consider are the type of latex, the layer construction, and the certifications.

Latex foam can be composed of natural latex derived from rubber trees or from synthetic styrene butadiene rubber derived from chemical components. More commonly, you’ll see latex made of a blend of natural and synthetic materials.

• All natural latex tends to rate better for comfort, durability and odor. It also offers a greener, eco-friendly option, important to many buyers.

• Synthetic and blended latex is cheaper, but owners report more odors and off gassing, and reduced durability.

• Latex foam is made using either the dunlop or talalay process. Dunlop is the more established process, while talalay adds a few steps for more uniformity. Talalay tends to cost more, but owners tend to rate both types similarly.

A latex mattress should be composed of only latex foam – both the core and the comfort layers (unlike memory foam, which requires a support core of poly foam). Latex beds with poly foam cores tend to rate significantly lower. Shoppers concerned with chemicals or buying green should also look at the fire barrier and cover materials to ensure they are natural (wool fire barriers and cotton covers are most popular with these types of beds).

Another thing you will come across when shopping for this type of mattress is certifications, which are important for natural and organic lines. Any latex bed described as organic should have certificates of standards available from GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard – the only standard for latex foam), GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), USDA, or Organic Content Standard  certifying agencies. Oeko-Tex, Eco Institut and Greenguard are standards that test for off gassing and chemicals (but not organic content).

Brand	Owner Satisfaction	Price Range (Queen)	Notes	Warranty

Astrabeds	91%	$1799 - $2999	7”-13” profile Organic dunlop Organic wool and cotton Customizable	25 year
Flobeds	83%	$1779 - $2899	9”-12” Natural or blended talalay Optional organic cotton Customizable	10 year
Foam Sweet Foam (Urban Green)	82%	$1999 - $3299	10”-16” profile Natural talalay and/or organic dunlop Part organic cover Customizable	30 year
Habitat Furnishings	81%	$1399 - $2299	6”-9” profile Organic cotton Natural talalay & dunlop	20 year
Lifekind	85%	$3800 - $6500	7”-10” profile Organic dunlop Organic wool and cotton	20 year
Savvy Rest	80%	$2499 - $5499	7”-13” profile Organic cotton Natural talalay or organic dunlop Customizable	20 year
Sealy Optimum	78%	$1400 - $2700	10-13” profile Blended dunlop latex over poly foam Hybrid bed	10 year
Sleep EZ	81%	$1195 - $2300	7”-13” profile Natural talalay or dunlop or talalay blend Optional organic cotton Customizable	20 year

Best Latex Mattress Brands

The best latex mattresses in 2015 all earn ratings significantly above average, and the majority use all natural and organic materials with good return policies and warranties.

• Astrabeds
• Lifekind
• Flobeds

Astrabeds earns strong reviews with certified organic latex, customizable layers (including split firmness for couples), and multiple models. Compared to other certified organic lines, Astrabeds also offers one of the best values, noted by reviewers. Lifekind also garners positive reviews for comfort and green principles, but models are not customizable, and pricing can be comparatively high when not on sale. Flobeds is another top candidate, with natural and organic options as well as custom layers.

Worst-Rated Latex Mattresses of 2015

Two beds near the lower end of satisfaction scores for latex are Sealy Optimum’s hybrid latex over poly foam line, and the Savvy Rest collection. While both lines generally do well on comfort, Optimum reviewers mention potentially poor value and some durability issues. Reviews of Savvy Rest show some contention with pricing, which is significantly higher than other organic options for similar materials and guarantees.

• Sealy Optimum
• Savvy Rest

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring beds remain the most commonly sold category, available at nearly any mattress showroom or department store. This category ranges from very cheap to high end mattresses, primarily dominated by long-standing household names like Simmons, Serta and Sealy. Recently, newer online entrants are making waves however.

When it comes to buying a spring bed, the key points of comparison include the coil type and comfort layers.

Four types of coil systems comprise the majority of spring beds on the market:

• Pocketed coils are becoming the most popular spring type, comprised of individual springs, wrapped in fabric. This type is seen as best for overall support and on limiting motion transfer. Most mid to high priced models currently use pocket coils.

• Bonnell coils are composed of hourglass coils, connected by wires. These are less expensive to manufacturer, and are most common on low to mid priced beds. Support can be good with bonnell systems, but durability is often an issue.

• Continuous coils are made with connected coils that work off of each other. Because the coils share weight, these systems can have good durability, however conformability and support can be an issue, as can motion transfer.

• Offset coils are flattened hourglass springs hinged together with wires. These systems tend to do well at support, fair at motion isolation, but average in terms in durability.

In addition to coil type, there’s also coil count and gauge. The coil count refers to the number of coils in the mattress. While very low coil counts (under 500) can mean poor support and longevity, super high coil counts don’t automatically make a bed better — so don’t feel the need to pay hundreds extra for a few more coils if the mattress seems like a good fit for you. Coil gauge refers to the thickness of the metal wire in the coil. Lower numbers (like 13) mean a thicker coil, which typically feels firmer and may also be more durable. High numbers (like 15) feel springier/softer, but could wear faster.

The materials on top of the springs also prove important, as they need to provide lasting protection against painful pressure points and aid proper back support. Poly foam and polyester fiber are by far the most common. Thick layers of fiber can compress quickly, as can low quality foams. Memory foam and latex can last longer, but typically cost more. One solution is to purchase a bed with a quality coil system and minimal comfort layer, and then use a separate removable topper than can be replaced as it wears (rather than replacing the entire bed).

Brand	Owner Satisfaction	Price Range (Queen Set)	Notes	Warranty

Aireloom / Kluft	75%	$1600 - $20,000 (est)	11”-16” profile Pocket or offset coils Wool, cotton, latex	10-20 year
Denver Mattress	63%	$319 - $1899	7.5”-14“ profile Pocket or offset coils Foam, fiber, memory foam, latex	5-15 year
Duxiana	74%	$4800 - $9180+	9”-12” profile Continuous coils Latex, cotton Replaceable parts	20 year
IKEA	64%	$159 - $899 (*not sets)	7”-13.5” profile Pocket or bonnell coils Fiber, latex memory foam, foam	25 year
King Koil	64%	$599 - $2799	9”-16” profile Pocket or continuous coils Fiber, foam, memory foam, latex	10-25 year
Kingsdown	63%	Mid-High (varies)	9”-17” profile Bonnell or pocket coils Fiber, memory foam, latex, cotton, wool	10-20 year
Sealy	65%	$399 - $2199	8.5”-15” profile Offset or pocket coils Fiber, foam, memory foam, gel	10 year
Serta	63%	$399 - $2999	9”-17” profile Pocket or continuous coils Fiber, foam, memory foam, gel foam	10 year
Signature Sleep	75%	$230 - $330	6”-13” profile Bonnell or pocket coils Fiber, foam, memory foam	1 year
Simmons	63%	$375 - $4300 (est)	10”-17” profile Pocket or bonnell coils Fiber, foam, memory foam, gel, latex	10 year
Stearns & Foster	59%	$1499 - $3299	12”-17” profile Pocket coils Fiber, gel foams, memory foam, latex	10 year

Best Innerspring Mattress Brands

Reviewers appear to rate the highest priced beds and the inexpensive, moderate quality mattresses the best, although they are designed for different purposes and lifespans. Two of the top-rated innerspring companies are also two of the most expensive options around, regardless of bed type, though some budget brands also hold up well to people’s expectations.

• Aireloom/Kluft
• Signature Sleep
• Duxiana

Kluft and Duxiana are luxury mattress brands that utilize higher quality materials like natural cotton and natural latex foam. Reviews prove very strong compared to peers and these lines have good warranties, however average prices are several thousand dollars, which is not practical for the majority of shoppers. Signature Sleep offers inexpensive mattresses with budget quality and very little warranty, however they appear to exceed reviewers’ expectations for the price paid and can be good for short term or infrequent use.

Worst-Rated Innerspring Mattresses of 2015

Again, some of the biggest names are rating no better than average amongst consumers, despite lofty claims, reputations and not-cheap prices. Most brands have multiple collections spanning the entry level to luxury ranges, and for the most part, the lower-priced collections tend to rate significantly lower.

Stearns and Foster is Sealy’s luxury counterpart, and they surprisingly earn some of the lowest customer satisfaction scores, as people do not find the beds meeting their expectations of comfort, durability, or warranty service. Simmons Beauty Sleep and Recharge lines also rate below average, however their higher-end Hybrid and Black lines perform fairly well. Likewise, Serta’s iSeries collection tends to garner positive ratings, while their entry-level Perfect Sleeper line scores below average.

• Stearns and Foster
• Simmons
• Serta Perfect Sleeper

2015’s Top 10 Mattress Companies

So what is the best mattress on the market? Based on our comparisons of third party reviews and specification information, we’ve highlighted a few top entry level and luxury mattress brands that are currently exceeding consumer expectations. Personal preferences as to the best brand of mattress will vary, but these options offer a good starting point for research and comparisons.

Entry Level Brands

• Signature Sleep, innerspring and memory foam beds from $150
• Leesa, one-size-fits all memory foam bed at $890

Mid-Range Brands

• Amerisleep, plant-based memory foam mattresses from $899
• Simmons Beautyrest Recharge Hybrid collection, innerspring and memory foam beds from $999

Luxury Mattress Brands

• Flobeds, natural latex mattresses from $1779
• Astrabeds, organic latex mattresses from $1799
• Duxiana, high end and natural spring beds from $4800

Whichever type of bed you plan on buying, it pays to do your research, check reviews, and compare a wide variety of options. As you can see, the best-known or priciest options often aren’t the best overall values. Online retailers also seem to be doing well, with fair pricing and return policies.

Let us know what you think of this years best mattresses, or how your shopping went in the comments below!

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