Best Memory Foam Mattress

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses: How We Chose

There’s a lot to love about memory foam mattresses. They mold to your body, cradling your contours in a way that’s simultaneously cushy and supportive. They provide excellent pressure point relief and promote spinal alignment. They absorb movement, minimizing motion transfer from sleeping partners and pets. And they tend to be extremely quiet, highly durable and very low maintenance.

But not all memory foam mattresses are the same. And with so many options on the market today, finding the right fit can be a daunting task, to say the least. Don’t lose sleep over choosing the best memory foam mattress—our experts have already done the work for you. Our team spent hours identifying the most important features to look for (or look out for!), then assessed how all the top models stack up. Keep reading for a comprehensive look at the factors we considered when compiling our list of the best memory foam mattresses available today.

Premium Materials

The best memory foam mattresses include high quality fabrics and foams that together, make for a soft, safe and durable sleep surface. They are Certipur-US certified, which ensures that the memory foam inside of them is made without toxic chemicals like mercury, lead, heavy metals and formaldehyde, plus plasticizers and flame retardants that can be harmful to the mattress and possibly, to your health. These certified mattresses also have a lower concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are often responsible for the chemical smell that comes from off-gassing. Many top memory foam mattresses also use sustainable materials, which means they’re as good for the environment as they are for you.

Balance of Support and Comfort

Memory foam mattresses are highly praised for their unique blend of soft, cradling comfort, and pain-alleviating support. They conform to your body and respond to your movements as you sleep. The best models are designed to be both cushy and somewhat firm. While the optimal firmness of the mattresses boils down to personal preference, most sleep experts agree that the ideal range for a memory foam mattress is medium to medium-firm (typically a five to a seven on the universal mattress firmness scale). This range ensures a superior “comfort to support” ratio for most sleepers.

Temperature Control

Some sleepers complain that memory foam mattresses can trap heat and become too warm as they sleep. This is often due to the density of the materials and the foam’s tendency to respond to body heat. The best memory foam mattresses combat this issue by incorporating breathable materials and design elements that promote airflow. They include cooling gels and/or copper, graphite or phase change materials in their foams and covers, which help draw heat away from your body. They also optimize airflow with open-cell structure foams and/or breathable top covers that have a cooling effect.

Reasonable Pricing

The price range for memory foam mattresses is a wide one. And as with all mattresses, the more bells and whistles you add, the higher the cost. The best options check all the boxes without any unnecessary “enhancements” that can drive up the cost. Their price is a direct reflection of their quality, value and durability.

Excellent Customer Service

Whether you’re considering purchasing a new memory foam mattress or you’ve already bought one and have some questions about it, you are entitled to answers. The top companies have dedicated teams standing by to help. Their customer service representatives are accessible, friendly, knowledgeable and patient. They understand that a mattress is a major investment, and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure you are satisfied with yours.

Generous Sleep Trial & Warranty

The best mattress companies offer lengthy sleep trials, which enable you to test out your new mattress for several nights before deciding if it’s a fit. If you decide it’s not the right mattress for you, you can return it without any fees or penalties as long as you’re still within your trial window. Many of the top companies offer trials of 100 nights or more, which is more than enough time to determine if your new mattress is a match. The best companies also provide comprehensive warranties that protect you from manufacturing and product defects.

Positive Reviews

A new mattress isn’t just a purchase, it’s an investment. And as with any major investment, you want to feel completely confident in your decision. The top memory foam mattresses have amassed a host of positive reviews from real customers who can speak to their comfort, support, durability and more. They also have received positive ratings and rankings from credible third party sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), offering you peace of mind as you make this major investment in better quality sleep—and better quality of life.

FAQs

Are memory foam mattresses good for back pain?

Yes, many people find relief from back and joint pain with memory foam. These mattresses provide pressure point relief and promote proper alignment of the spine, especially for side and back sleepers.

How long does a memory foam mattress last?

Most memory foam mattresses last eight to 10 years, depending on their quality and your usage. High-density foam tends to be more durable.

Do memory foam mattresses sleep hot?

Some sleepers find that traditional memory foam can trap heat, but many modern mattresses use gel-infused foam, open-cell structures, and/or cooling covers to reduce heat retention and provide cooling.