The Best Memory Foam Mattresses to Help You Sink Into a Deep, Deep Sleep

The best memory foam mattress owes at least a wink of its current-day cred to a barrage of late-night ‘90s infomercials. While the visage of someone jumping up and down on one side of the bed while their partner lay asleep on the other will stay locked in time, memory foam mattresses themselves have come a hell of a long way since the aughts. The doughy surfaces still feel like they’re cocooning your bod, but they don’t create a permanent trench that leaves you with back pain and bad spinal alignment.

The class of 2024 offers subtle sink and pressure relief without any of the longevity or support issues that plagued their predecessors. Memory foam has gotten so good, in fact, that it’s increasingly being deployed in smaller doses in “hybrid” mattresses. The combo gives hybrid mattresses superlative motion isolation and comfort without sacrificing support.

To help you find your next favorite memory foam mattress to top your bed frame, we share our raves, rants, test notes, and thoughts on what to look for in a memory foam bed.

Our Favorite Overall Memory Foam Mattress

We chose the WinkBeds GravityLux as the best memory foam mattress due to its stellar firmness, support, and cooling capabilities. Crafted with a super thick and supportive foam core, the GravityLux offers durability and support—a double whammy of relief for back and stomach sleepers. Its memory foam top layer has pockets of air for extra breathability to keep things chill.

Best Memory Foam Mattresses: At a Glance

Hop straight to the freshest of the foamy guys with some of our top picks, tried and tested by our editors:

• Best Memory Foam Mattress Overall: WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
• Most Comfortable Memory Foam Mattress: Nolah Signature 12” Mattress
• Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress: Helix Midnight Mattress
• Best Memory Foam Mattress for Pressure Relief: Leesa Original Mattress
• Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain: Emma Original Mattress
• Best Budget Memory Foam Mattress: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
• Best Luxury Memory Foam Mattress: Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
• Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nectar Premier Mattress
• Best Memory Foam Mattress for Athletes: Bear Original Mattress

Methodology: We're all about getting a good night's sleep, so we rely on a team of sleep experts that has tested and scored more than 500 mattresses in sleep labs. These guys thoroughly evaluate each bed’s firmness, support level, cooling, and pressure relief so that you can kick back and relax with the promise of no late-night infomercials necessary. And if you're still craving more intel, here’s a quick rundown on how we test and rate mattresses.

In This Best-of-List: Check out our top picks for the best memory foam mattresses for every sleeper—all of which have been thoroughly tested by mattress experts.

The WinkBeds GravityLux is the best memory foam mattress with its firmer-than-average feel and a high-quality foam that molds to your body—especially perfect for back and stomach sleepers. With cooling tech and top-tier motion isolation that limits the aftershocks of any tossing and turning, the GravityLux provides a crisp and comfortable sleep experience.

People who prefer a firm bed that contours to their body will appreciate the WinkBeds GravityLux mattress, which relies on high-density foams and a “sag-proof base.” Experts say these thick memory foam layers provide deep pressure relief without too much sinkage, making this an ideal option for back and stomach sleepers who need firm support to keep their shoulders and hips in alignment. One of our favorite features of this bed is its supreme motion isolation, so your partner’s late-night tossing and turning doesn’t wake you; however, if you need to move around on the bed or switch positions, you won’t have to fight hard against this mattress to do so.

The GravityLux’s robust edge support lets you sprawl out without feeling like you might tumble off the side (a measure that, incidentally, is also a promising sign of the bed’s overall durability and longevity). One tester we interviewed echoes this assessment, saying, “Older versions of memory foam tend to degrade more quickly than other materials. But I can’t see this mattress starting to sag anytime soon due to the foam’s density.” If it does, you’re covered by a lifetime warranty.

We also like that this mattress is relatively cool with air pockets, gel-infused foam, and a breathable Tencel cover to keep your body heat from building up as you sleep. But when things heat up in the bedroom, it has a surprising amount of bounce to add to your rendezvous. Side sleepers, skip this mattress because it won’t give your hips and shoulders enough sinkage, which isn’t a vibe at any hour.

The Nolah Signature 12" Mattress combines a five-star luxury vibe with major pressure relief, which is ideal for back and side sleepers dreaming of more cushioning and contouring for their achy joints. Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam technology is designed to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night, while the bed’s excellent motion isolation makes it a prime choice for couples who shift around a lot.

For diehard fans of that classic contouring memory foam feel, the Nolah Signature 12" Mattress will win you over. Our testers say this bed offers killer pressure relief, making it perfect for back and side sleepers who need extra give where their shoulders, hips, and lower back press into the mattress. It nails the balance between softness and support and cradles your body in all the right places. This combo makes it ideal for those of us who turned 30 and immediately woke up with mysterious back pain—and the rest of us looking to prevent any semblance of pain after spontaneous pick-up games.

Our extensive testing found that Nolah’s benefits aren’t limited to back and side sleepers. "This mattress is super comfortable in all positions I've tried, which is rare for me as a stomach sleeper,” says our tester. “It contours itself to my curves very well while also giving my back and shoulders a ton of support. It’s rare that I feel that level of support when lying on my stomach.”

Testers also love how the Nolah Signature keeps you cool all night, thanks to the proprietary AirFoam technology, which is designed to increase airflow and reduce heat buildup so you can stop waking up sweaty. We also noticed that the bed excels in motion isolation, which makes it a good pick for couples who wake at different hours and don’t want to disturb each other.

Our only qualm with the Nolah Signature 12" mattress is that it might not be the best fit for people over 230 pounds who need more support from firmer and denser foam. If that’s you, scrap this model and beeline for the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ hybrid mattress, which is built with innerspring coils for additional support.

The medium-firm Helix Midnight Mattress is an upgrade for your sleep, striking the right balance between comfort and support. Thanks to a hybrid construction of memory foam and innersprings, the mattress works well for side and back sleepers who need that soft/firm mashup for perfect spinal alignment and pressure relief. The Midnight also reduces motion transfer, so you and your partner can enjoy uninterrupted sleep even if one of you is an active sleeper.

The Helix Midnight mattress is a winner for hot sleepers tired of waking up drenched in a pool of sweat. With a hybrid construction that allows for more airflow through the mattress’s innerspring layer, plus the option to add a cooling pillow top layer, this memory foam mattress keeps you from overheating on warm nights, which we tested by using our fancy thermal imaging tool that showed that the mattress returned to its original neutral temperature almost immediately after our tester got out of the bed.

Beyond these cooling superpowers, the Helix Midnight is just plain comfortable. It has a medium-firm feel that blends the plush comfort of memory foam with the sturdy support of pocketed coils. This balance promotes a neutral spinal alignment that can help to prevent morning aches and pains—and potentially longer-term back problems.

However, we did notice some drawbacks to the Helix Midnight. Our testers, who were over 230 pounds, noticed that the foam layers compressed a lot under their weight and suspected the bed would be a better option for lighter sleepers.

The Leesa Original Mattress lands in that sweet spot of comfort and support, perfect for back and side sleepers who like a softer, plusher feel to their mattress. Comfortable, affordable, and durable, it also delivers a surprising amount of bounce for an all-foam mattress.

Slightly softer than most of our other picks, the Leesa Original is the easy choice for back and side sleepers who need a bit more sinkage at the joints and lower back. One tester noted that the mattress provides just the right amount of give without letting you sink too deep, thanks to its multi-layer foam construction that stacks the more responsive stuff over a firmer support base.

Overall, this mattress posts a lot of hits and very few skips or misses. It’s both affordable and durable, which can be a rare combination. Despite its high-quality materials and construction, it won't break the bank compared to similar memory foam mattresses, making it a smart investment for anyone looking to upgrade their sleep setup. Our long-term testers also emphasize its reliable performance over time—those who have slept on it for years have seen no signs of wear.

It also ranks high on both cooling and bounce, which allows you to move around effortlessly without feeling stuck (a crucial element for those who enjoy a bit of action in bed). This combination of breathability and responsiveness generally leads to a comfortable night of sleep—or just a memorable night…

Just note that our testers did notice a bit of sagging when sitting or lying near the edge of the mattress—so if you like to sprawl out, that might be a bummer. Also, while the Leesa Original is great for back and side sleepers, stomach sleepers likely need something firmer to keep their hips from dipping too much into the mattress.

A firmer memory foam mattress, the Emma has “zoned” support that feels more cushioned in some spots and solid in others (like your lumbar region), making it a top pick for those with back pain. Back sleepers should get plenty of support and alignment through the spine, while stomach sleepers will get enough firmness to keep their hips elevated.

We’ve highlighted a lot of memory foam beds that work best for side sleepers, so back sleepers and stomach sleepers, this one goes out to you. The Emma Original is a firmer bed that provides the type of solid, consistent support you need. It also has “zoned” firmness, which means it’s softer and more forgiving where you need more cushion, and firmer where you need support.

Our tester noted how Emma’s high-density foams provide much-needed spinal alignment, ensuring you won't wake up feeling like you threw your back out. "The Emma mattress is made of multiple foam types to help with deep pressure relief and good body contouring," the tester says. "It also has better-than-expected edge support, so I feel comfortable spreading out to the edge of the bed."

Remember that this mattress might be too firm for side sleepers—most will need a mattress with more softness and pressure relief around their shoulders and hips.

The Nectar memory foam mattress is the ultimate win for your wallet, giving you top-tier comfort without a top-tier price tag. Its medium-firm feel offers great pressure relief and support, particularly for back and side sleepers. Plus, with free shipping, a 365-night trial, and a lifetime warranty, you’ve got a few options if you don't like it.

While a poorly made memory foam mattress may feel like you're drowning in Jell-O night after night, the budget-friendly Nectar stands out for moving with you. The classic, contouring memory foam feels good and works well for back and side sleepers needing pressure relief. Our testers were impressed with its ability to cradle the body and reduce joint tension. One tester notes, ”It has just the right amount of give for my hips and shoulders to settle in and feel supported without feeling like I'm sinking.” The test squad also calls out its cooling cover, which delivers on its promises of being cool-to-the-touch and breathable.

But despite the Nectar’s versatility, this mattress isn’t for everyone. You might find the Nectar lacking support if you’re a stomach sleeper or weigh over 230 pounds. And with its all-foam construction, it’s not the bounciest bed out there, which might be a red flag if you like a bit of spring in your mattress.

Despite these drawbacks, our tester agrees that the Nectar is "a very comfortable memory foam mattress that’s also an amazing value.” It’s a great option for those looking to toss out their old college futon or level up to the mattress big leagues.

Our testers found the Loom & Leaf mattress by Saatva to be the ultimate luxury memory foam experience, perfect for those who crave serious pressure relief and comfort. It has two firmness options, and it’s a safe bet for buying online because you get a 365-night trial. You also don’t have to do DIY installation—Saatva offers free white glove delivery, including setting up the mattress and hauling off your old one.

If you're searching for a mattress that seamlessly blends hotel-like plushness with durable comfort, the Loom & Leaf mattress by Saatva will delight. Crafted with organic cotton and thick layers of memory foam, it feels like something you might find at the White Lotus or a comparable den of opulence and debauchery. All the expert testers noted its high-quality feel. "The Loom & Leaf mattress is made of durable materials and should be a long-term investment that will hold up for at least 10 years,” one tester says.

One feature that sets the Loom & Leaf mattress apart is its first-class motion isolation. As noted by our tester, the memory foam layers absorb almost all movement, so you and your partner can enjoy uninterrupted sleep while the dog chases squirrels in his dreams. Additionally, the Loom & Leaf mattress offers great edge support, which makes it easier to get in and out of the bed.

However, it's worth noting that the Loom & Leaf mattress may run a tad warm for some. Despite the inclusion of cooling gel-infused memory foam, our tester told us that the memory foam still felt like it was storing some body heat. With its blend of plushness and durability, the Loom & Leaf mattress tops the podium in terms of high-end comfort.

Engineered with a ton of comfort and targeted support, the Nectar Premier Mattress is a dream come true for those who favor snoozing on their sides. The mattress is all about pressure relief, with thick slabs of plush memory foam that contour and support your joints.

If you're a side sleeper, the Nectar Premier mattress might just be your ticket to that coveted eight-hour stretch of slumber. Expert testers mentioned its plush feel, which makes it a great choice for those who love sinking into a pool of supportive foam when they hit the hay. With a generous three inches of gel memory foam infused with phase change material fabric (designed to draw heat away from your body), this mattress not only cradles your body’s angles but also keeps you cooler throughout the night.

But what sets the Nectar Premier apart? Pressure relief. Side sleepers often experience discomfort in their hips and shoulders due to the increased weight concentration in these areas. However, this mattress's ample memory foam layers provide good contouring and support, alleviating some extra pressure. So, whether you prefer the fetal position or a sprawling starfish stance, the Nectar Premier should help support your back, hips, and shoulders.

The Nectar Premier might not be your go-to if you're after a trampoline-like bounce for, ahem, extracurricular activities that require the ease of shifting around. But it's a win for side sleepers craving unparalleled comfort and pressure relief.

The Bear Original Mattress is a standout choice for athletes and those needing serious support. It’s crafted with strength recovery in mind, and it has multiple layers of firm but adaptable foam to cushion your major muscle groups (plus extra cooling features).

If your leg day lifts always end in you "adding to cart" the latest and greatest recovery tech that money can buy, we're here to let you in on a little secret: Sleep is one of the best recovery tools for your aching muscles, and the Bear is our go-to mattress for maximizing those eight hours. Engineered with everyday athletes and active folks in mind, the Bear incorporates technology designed to support faster recovery after workouts. We went into our trials with some skepticism, but our testers found that it really does help to keep you cooler and is comfy enough to get you a solid night’s sleep.

One of the mattress's secret recovery weapons is its Celliant fabric cover. The optional cover is woven with Celliant fibers, which some studies show increases skin oxygen levels, which could help cool you down, explained one of our most experienced testers. Bear says Celliant also reflects infrared light to improve circulation, which is a “big if true” benefit for gym types looking to bounce back quicker. Just keep in mind that the add-on cover will set you back an extra $200.

But first, a word of comfort caution: Some testers say the Bear’s edge support could be better. For those who like to live life on the edge (of the mattress, that is), that could be a bit of a buzzkill. Also, while this mattress works wonders for back and stomach sleepers, it might leave side sleepers with soreness through the glutes, delts, quads, and all those other single-syllable muscle groups. So, if you like to curl up in bed, you might want a bed with more contoured support like the Nectar Premier above.

Here are the latest pre-discount prices for the best memory foam mattresses (all prices listed are for queen mattresses, FYI).

We tap experts who’ve tried all of the best mattresses and evaluate everything from firmness and support to cooling tech, pressure relief, motion isolation, and edge support. We rolled every which way on these beds, teetered close to the edge, and, yes, conducted the super-scientific water-glass bounce test to crown the kings of memory foam comfort.

Once each mattress faced its due scrutiny, we scored it to reflect both sleepers' and shoppers' perspectives. Recognizing that mattress shopping is a challenging task, we delved into the finer points: shipping logistics, assembly woes, any off-putting smell after unboxing, and brand reputation and practices. After averaging these scores, we determined which memory foam mattresses rose to the top to earn the GQ seal of approval.

You already know the go-to sleep positions—back, side, and stomach—and we make a science out of cycling through all three while testing memory foam mattresses. Our testers (who represent a variety of sleep preferences and body types) then offer their perspective on how each position felt in the moment and after several minutes of lying down.

After the stop, drop, and roll portion of mattress testing is over, we use a high-tech pressure mapping tool to judge where pressure is most intense on your joints in each sleep position. With that data in hand, we can determine where you’re likely to feel the most pressure in each sleep position and then add an objective score to help you quickly understand whether that’s good, bad, or just fine. Most memory foam mattresses typically have excellent pressure relief no matter how you fall asleep.

Learn more about our rigorous testing standards.

Before you pick out a memory foam mattress, consider a few things related to your sleep position and body weight.

You may think a memory foam mattress is inherently softer than a regular mattress, but my friend, you’d be sorely mistaken. Memory foam mattresses can be soft and sinkable, or they can be dense and firm—it all depends on the materials used and how many layers the memory foam mattress has. The best memory foam mattresses we tested range from medium (6/10 on our firmness scale) to solidly firm (7/10).

The best memory foam mattresses excel at limiting motion transfer (that is, you’re unlikely to feel any movement on the opposite side of the bed). That’s because the dense, slow-moving foam isn’t quite as responsive as traditional innerspring or hybrid mattresses.

If you opt for a memory foam mattress-in-a-box, you may be concerned about off-gassing (the odor that wafts through your bedroom when you unbox your new mattress). No sweat—this typically dissipates in a day or so, even faster if you open windows to circulate air. Off-gassing isn’t usually a factor when buying a memory foam mattress IRL.

For the side sleeper, the best memory foam mattress should balance spinal alignment and a malleable cushion that contours the hips and shoulders. Back sleepers benefit most from spinal alignment, aided by a firmer mattress. Stomach sleepers need a balance of comfort and support, while versatile combination sleepers should prioritize a mattress that effortlessly adapts to their every whim.

In general, here's a glance at the firmness levels we'd recommend for each sleeping position.

Who Should Buy a Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses might be up your alley if you value:

• Personalized support and comfort: Memory foam mattresses mold to the body's shape, providing customized support for each sleeper.
• Helping to alleviate pain: Memory foam is ideal for folks experiencing back, neck, or joint pain, as it can help alleviate pressure points and promote better spinal alignment.
• Motion isolation: Couples can benefit from reduced disturbances during sleep, as memory foam absorbs movement and minimizes motion transfer.
• Hypoallergenic properties: Memory foam mattresses tend to resist allergens such as dust mites, making them suitable for those sensitive to allergens.
• Temperature regulation: Many memory foam mattresses have cooling properties or gel-infused foam to prevent overheating and ensure a comfortable sleeping temperature. Things have come a long way in this department.
• Long-lasting durability: High-quality memory foam mattresses maintain their shape and support over time, offering durable comfort for many years.

Who Shouldn’t Buy a Memory Foam Mattress

Wondering if a memory foam mattress suits your vibe? Here are some key considerations:

• Not a fan of body contouring? Unless it’s a hella firm model, memory foam mattresses may not be your thing.
• Feel the heat at night? Remember that memory foam mattresses tend to retain more warmth than innerspring mattresses.
• Need to move freely in bed? The sink-in feel of memory foam might cramp your style, especially if you value mobility or need help getting up out of bed.
• Sensitive to smells? The initial scent of some memory foam mattresses could be a deal-breaker, but it almost always dissipates over the course of a day or so.
• Allergic to latex? Proceed with caution, as some memory foam mattresses contain latex materials.

Types of Memory Foam

Each type of memory foam has its strengths and limitations. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know before buying:

• Pros: Exceptional pressure relief and contouring for maximum comfort.
• Cons: Tends to retain heat, potentially causing discomfort for hot sleepers.

• Pros: Infused with cooling gel particles to dissipate heat, ideal for hot sleepers.
• Cons: May not offer as much contouring as traditional memory foam.

• Pros: Made from naturally derived materials, providing a more sustainable or hypoallergenic option.
• Cons: May have a slightly different feel compared to traditional memory foam.

• Pros: Contains copper particles for added cooling and antimicrobial properties.
• Cons: Can be more expensive than other types of memory foam.

• Pros: Enhanced thermal conductivity for improved heat dissipation (or in layman's terms, it keeps you chill)
• Cons: May not offer as much pressure relief as other types of memory foam.

How Do You Clean a Memory Foam Mattress?

If you don't clean your mattress regularly, you're asking for a stinky block of foam that could turn into a breeding ground for dust mites, bacteria, and other little nasties. A hypoallergenic mattress can reduce moisture and allergen buildup, but it’s not magic. If you really want to be safe, one of the easiest things to do is vacuum the mattress whenever you wash your sheets.

While your sheets are in the wash, run a vacuum all over your mattress to remove surface-level lint, dust, and dirt and debris that are naked to the eye. Then, grab an antibacterial fabric spray—like one from Tide or Clorox–and give that mattress a good spritzing. Spot cleaning is the ideal situation if there are any spills or messes. For that, just mix a little laundry detergent with water and dab the stain with the mixture using a rag.

The best memory foam mattress is usually medium or medium-firm and infused with cooling materials (like graphite or copper). It should offer pressure relief that matches your preferred sleeping position.

The WinkBed Gravity Lux, Helix Midnight, and Saatva Loom & Leaf are the cool kids on the block. These are the best memory foam mattresses, thanks to a winning trifecta of comfort, support, and durability. Nolah, Leesa, Emma, and Bear also offer great options.

While memory foam mattresses can offer a slice of heaven in terms of comfort, they come with some quirks, such as heat retention, a bounce deficit, and those initial off-gassing odors. While these might not send everyone running for the hills, they're certainly factors worth mulling over before hitting add to cart.

When it comes to memory foam mattress toppers, it's all about finding that ideal level of comfort and support. Look for options infused with cooling gel or extra support layers for the ultimate snooze-worthy experience. The best topper is the one that caters to your unique sleep needs and preferences.

Deciding between a hybrid mattress and a memory foam one is like choosing your training routine for peak performance. Hybrids, the all-around athletes, blend memory foam and coils for a balanced feel like a versatile player on the field. Meanwhile, memory foam mattresses are specialized trainers, molding around your body's contours with precision. Ultimately, it's about finding the best for you: the adaptable team player or the tailored, personalized approach.

Memory foam mattresses do not need a box spring as long as the foundation of your bed frame is solid and flat.

For most people, a memory foam thickness of 9 to 12 inches provides the right amount of support.

Resources

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