The Best Memory Foam Mattresses for Side Sleepers, Back Pain and More (2024 Update)
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It’s no secret that memory foam mattresses are among the most popular bed types available, especially in the world of online mattresses. But not all memory foam mattresses are created equally: They come in a range of materials, leverage different cooling technologies and some even have specialized features like lumbar support.
With so many options available in 2024, how do you decide which is the best memory foam mattress on the market? Our expert reviewers have broken down some of our favorites based on performance factors most important to different sleep needs, like sleep position, temperature and budget. Plus, we include a comprehensive guide to navigating the mattress buying process—from how to choose the best mattress to shipping, delivery and more.
Our Picks For The Best Memory Foam Mattresses in 2024:
- Best Gel Memory Foam Mattress: Nectar
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers: Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers: DreamCloud Premier
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Leesa Original Hybrid
- Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress: Helix Midnight
- Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress: WinkBeds GravityLux
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain: Nolah Original
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for Athletes: Bear Mattress Original
Best Gel Memory Foam Mattress: Nectar Mattress
Nectar
Specs
- Mattress Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Warranty: Lifetime for original owner
- Trial Period: 365 nights
- Price (Queen): $1,498
Who it's best for:
- Side sleepers
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Couples
Highlights:
- All-foam construction balances contouring and support
- Memory foam surface provides excellent motion isolation
- Gel-infused foam draws heat away from the sleeper
While finding a balance between price and function can be a challenge, Nectar offers one of the best priced memory foam beds without compromising comfort or quality. Those two factors alone help it to earn a spot on this list. The Nectar mattress offers a medium-firm feel to help sleepers avoid sinking too deep and arching their spine out of alignment. We especially like the Nectar for its ability to deliver pressure relief thanks to its cushioning for the shoulders and hips, where pressure typically builds up for side sleepers. The gel memory foam top layer actually molds to the body in most positions, which can help reduce aches and pains in the morning.
Two other factors our testers noted: Motion isolation and cooling. Motion isolation determines how well a mattress isolates movement on one side of the bed from the other. If you don't want to interrupt your partner’s sleep at night, the Nectar’s foam surface is ready to absorb your movement. Meanwhile, though memory foam mattresses tend to sleep hot, the gel memory foam the Nectar is constructed from does a fairly good job of keeping hot sleepers cool.
The Nectar comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty for the original owner. The mattress brand also offers free shipping and returns throughout the U.S.
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers: Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
Saatva
Specs
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Warranty: Lifetime for original owner
- Trial Period: 365 nights
- Price (Queen): $1.595
Who it's best for:
- Side sleepers
- Couples
- Back sleepers
Highlights:
- Combination of cooling memory foam and innersprings balances pressure point relief with breathability and ease of movement
- Memory foam surface distributes body heat while contouring to your curves
- Extra lumbar support layer keeps spine aligned and supported
Side sleeping has a slew of benefits, but it can get uncomfortable quickly if you’re not sleeping on the right mattress. Spinal alignment, or the ability of a mattress to keep your spine in proper position while you sleep, is a critical performance factor for side sleepers.
Thanks to its medium-firm support and lumbar-targeting design, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid kept testers cushioned without sinking too deep into the mattress. The Saatva suits side sleepers, as well as back and combination sleepers and people with back pain, due to its ability to relieve pressure. The gel-infused memory foam contours to your body to dissipate pressure, and the lumbar support may even improve circulation.
Other benefits include cooling properties and minimal motion transfer, so co-sleepers can move around without waking each other up. Hot sleepers will appreciate that the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is made with naturally breathable and hypoallergenic organic cotton for a cooler sleep, even on memory foam.
The Saatva comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. The company offers free shipping and returns throughout the U.S.
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers: DreamCloud Premier
DreamCloud
Specs
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Warranty: Lifetime for original owner
- Trial Period: 365 nights
- Price (Queen): $2,198
Who it's best for:
- Back sleepers
- Couples
- Hot sleepers
- Stomach sleepers
Highlights:
- Memory foam and innerspring coils create a supportive medium-firm surface
- A Mongolian cashmere Euro top adds a layer of luxurious comfort
- Features a 2.5-inch comfort layer for pressure relief
Those who prefer the luxuriously firm-yet-still-plush beds found in hotels will appreciate the support the DreamCloud Premier mattress offers—all wrapped up under a lush cashmere blend cover.
The Premier features a dense, six-layer hybrid design that includes body contouring gel memory foam. Those with sleeping partners will be happy to learn that the Premier also comes with built-in low motion-transfer transition foam and a stay-put base foam. This way, the movement of active sleepers who toss and turn throughout the night is isolated, reducing sleep disruptions for others in the bed.
The Premier comes in six sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King, and works on any bed frame type, including box springs, platform beds and adjustable frames. DreamCloud offers a 365-night home trial that's fully refundable (minus shipping fees, White Glove service, state-based recycling fees and/or promotional value).
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Leesa Original Hybrid
Leesa
Specs
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Warranty: 10 years
- Trial Period: 100 nights
- Price (Queen): $1,499
Who it's best for:
- Stomach sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Back sleepers
Highlights:
- 789+ coil springs keep you lifted on the mattress surface, while also allowing give under areas of high pressure
- Pressure-relieving memory foam comfort layer directly beneath the cover
- Breathable construction that enables airflow through the mattress layers
The Leesa Original Hybrid mattress pairs the same comfort foams that made their original all-foam bed a hit with the responsiveness and breathability of individually wrapped coils. This mattress has a medium-firmness that should adequately support the hips and fronts of stomach sleepers, especially those weighing less than 300 pounds.
The high-density foam and coils that together create the support layer of the mattress keep sleepers lifted, minimizing sagging under the hips. The two foam top layers cushion the chest and knees, while all of the layers (including the cover) promote airflow through the mattress. That means hot sleepers are less likely to feel smothered by body heat trapped against their skin.
The Original Hybrid mattress has a mid-range price range, plus free delivery, a 100-night trial period and a 10-year warranty. While the trial period and warranty are shorter than those of many competitors, they should be more than sufficient for the average person.
Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress: Helix Midnight
Helix
Specs
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium
- Warranty: 10 years
- Trial Period: 100 nights
- Price (Queen): $1,199
Who it's best for:
- Side sleepers
- Couples
- Hot sleepers
Highlights:
- Designed with pressure point relief in mind
- Provides solid support for side sleepers and those who frequently move around while sleeping
- Breathable Soft Touch knit cover offers great airflow
Helix's Midnight mattress was created for sleepers who need medium to firm support that relieves pressure in hot pressure zones like the hips. The hybrid polyfoam and memory foam layers coupled with the individually wrapped eight-inch steel coils work together to mold to the shape of your body as you move around throughout the night but aren't so pliable that they let you sink deep into the mattress. The springs also limit motion transfer and reinforced sides give extra edge support on both long sides of the mattress. Many reviewers consider the Midnight to be one of the best memory foam king mattresses for couples, since it has a medium-firm feel and good motion isolation.
Helix offers two hypoallergenic cover choices: the Soft Touch version or the GlacioTex Cooling Cover which draws heat away from the body to keep you comfortable all night.
The Midnight mattress comes in six sizes ranging from Twin to California King, and Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial with free U.S. shipping and no-contact delivery.
Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress: WinkBeds GravityLux
Sleepopolis
Specs
- Mattress Type: Foam
- Firmness: Soft, Medium or Firm
- Warranty: Lifetime for original owner
- Trial Period: 120 nights
- Price (Queen): $1,799
Who it's best for:
- Stomach sleepers
- Back sleepers
- Those with back pain
Highlights:
- Comes in three different firmness options
- Temperature-regulating features to keep you cool all night
- Designed to cradle your body to alleviate pressure points
WinkBeds created the GravityLux mattress for those seeking pressure relief while they're snoozing. This mattress is made with three layers of foam: AirCell Memory Foam (which has billions of shock-absorbing air capsules throughout), Zoned Progression Foam, and ATLAS Core Foam. The multi-layered foam helps alleviate hot spots on the body while sleeping (on the softer versions of GravityLux) while an additional seven layers of support offer a plush feeling to counter the firmness of the harder version of the GravityLux.
The GravityLux is a solid choice for hot sleepers who prefer a cooler environment and sleeping temperatures. WinkBeds also considered those who share a bed by using memory foam that minimizes and isolates motion and responsiveness.
If you want an absorptive mattress that will relieve pressure and keep you cool through the night, consider the GravityLux. The AirCell Memory Foam layer, coupled with a Tencel cover featuring gel-infused foam, work to get rid of hot spots that leave you achey when you wake up.
You can take advantage of WinkBeds' 120-night risk-free trial to test the GravityLux for yourself. If you find that this mattress isn't a good fit, WinkBeds will pick it up and give you a full refund.
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain: Nolah Original
Nolah
- Mattress Type: Foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Warranty: Lifetime for original owner
- Trial Period: 120 nights
- Price (Queen): $1,149
Who it's best for:
- Those with back pain
- Side sleepers
- Hot sleepers
Highlights:
- The Nolah Original has won tons of awards for its quality and durability
- Offers cooling and pressure relief
- Resists sagging over time thanks to high-resilience AirFoam
If you're in search of a supportive, comfortable and affordable mattress, look no further than Nolah's Original all-foam model. The Original is the brand's best-selling mattress and offers long-lasting durability, excellent pressure relief, support all around the body via contouring, and even cooling.
The Original comes with a Tencel cover and cooling AirFoam that provides four times more pressure and 300 percent higher durability than memory foam. This mattress has also won numerous awards including "Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain," "Best Mattress for Side Sleepers" and "Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers." The Original also offers sag resistance thanks to Nolah's AirFoam that features billions of microscopic air bubbles which help evenly distribute bodyweight, cushion bones and joints and maintain spine alignment.
Nolah offers free shipping and the Original comes with a lifetime warranty a 120-night home trial.
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Athletes: Bear Original
Sleepopolis
Specs
- Mattress Type: Foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Warranty: Lifetime for original owner
- Trial Period: 120 nights
- Price (Queen): $998
Who it's best for:
- Athletes or those with physical lifestyles
- Back sleepers
- Hot sleepers
Highlights:
- Bear's Original 10-inch mattress packs a lot into an affordable package
- The Celliant cover designed to aid in recovery makes this a great choice for those with active lifestyles
- Cooling graphite-gel memory foam helps remove body heat ensuring a cool night's sleep
Another budget-friendly option, Bear's Original mattress is also a great pick for athletes thanks to the fact that it adapts to your shape as well as your sleep positions.
The Original features a layer of responsive transition foam that helps alleviate pressure while providing support so you can settle in and doze off. Under the transition foam you'll find high-density support foam that aids with durability, support and cushioning. Because the Original contours to your shape regardless of the position you're in, you'll feel supported the entire time you're asleep.
The Original comes in seven sizes ranging from twin to split king and when you purchase, regardless of mattress size, you'll also get two free cloud pillows. Bear offers a 120-night trial period along with free shipping and returns.
What is memory foam?
Memory foam is a polyurethane material that is designed to contour to the shape of the user’s body. It temporarily holds—or “remembers”—the shape of the body through a combination of viscosity and elasticity.
Before becoming popular as a mattress and sofa material, memory foam was first used by NASA in 1966 to make space travel safer. The viscoelastic foam was used in seat belts and harnesses to help astronauts better tolerate the turbulence that resulted from traveling at high speeds.
Eventually, Tempur-Pedic became the first company to use memory foam for mattresses in 1992. Since then, memory foam has skyrocketed to popularity because of its comfort and contouring properties, which offer a very different sleep experience when compared to innerspring beds.
What are the different types of memory foam?
Memory foam comes in different forms with varied feels, purposes and degrees of softness. Some people prefer a softer foam in their mattress, while others can handle a firmer option. The best memory foam mattress for your needs may also depend on your body weight and natural sleep position. The developments in memory foam design have led to three distinct categories.
Standard memory foam
The traditional memory foam, also known as standard memory foam, molds to the contours of the sleeper’s body, giving a hugging sensation. This traditional memory foam option can evenly disperse bodyweight while relieving pressure points. While standard memory foam is known for retaining body heat, many mattress companies have taken the steps to resolve the temperature issue with cooling technology.
Open cell memory foam
Sleepers looking for a mattress that helps them avoid overheating will prefer those with open cell memory foam. This material features pockets that allow for airflow and ventilation. As a result, the mattress combats heat retention to maintain cooler temperatures.
Gel memory foam
Gel memory foam also has built-in cooling properties. In this design, gel microbeads are infused directly into the memory foam, which opens space for air circulation. There are two types of gel that can help achieve cooler bed temperatures: Heat absorbing gel creates a cool surface to avoid overheating, while dual phase-changing material releases and absorbs heat to keep the body’s temperature constant.
What are the benefits of memory foam?
Memory foam mattresses have gained attention for tackling a variety of issues that can get in the way of a good night’s sleep. We’ve included a list of the benefits of sleeping on one of these mattresses.
Pressure point relief
Foam technology can offer pressure point relief by contouring to curves and taking pressure off of the shoulders, hips and other sensitive points. In addition to having an easier time falling asleep, you’ll wake up feeling better rested. This is a great mattress option for athletes.
Back support and spinal alignment
The contouring effects of memory foam can help the spine stay in a natural position, similar to your posture while standing. Proper spinal alignment comes from a balance between softness and firmness which keeps the spine in good health.
Motion isolation
If you're worried about motion transfer waking up your partner as you toss and turn, a memory foam mattress with strong motion isolation can ease your concerns. By absorbing pressure and movement, both of you can avoid disturbing each other’s sleep.
Suited to adjustable bed frames
Memory foam mattresses can fit on just about any surface without compressing the bed. This allows the mattress to work on an adjustable bed, which comes in handy for those who need to switch up their sleeping positions.
What are the cons of memory foam?
To get the most from your memory foam mattress, you’ll need to know what to avoid. Here is a list of cons that you may run into with these mattresses.
Heat
If you want to avoid hot nights in the summer, memory foam can pose a challenge due to its heat retention. However, adjusting the air conditioner or thermostat in your home can help balance out the temperature. Some memory foam mattresses have also been updated with cooling gel technology to keep sleepers cool and dry.
Odor
Among customer complaints about memory foam mattresses, some point out that the material can smell when first unboxed. This new-mattress smell, referred to as “off-gassing,” is easily resolved by airing it out in a well-ventilated room.
Weight
Often, memory foam beds are designed with average weight sleepers in mind. Both lightweight (under 130 pound) and heavyweight sleepers (more than 230 pounds) should be mindful that their bodies may be supported differently than the bed is designed for. As a result, they may need to compensate with a softer or firmer model than expected.
How long do memory foam mattresses last?
High density foam doesn’t just keep your spine healthy—it also makes the bed more durable. With the ability to reform to its original shape when not in use, a dense memory foam mattress has a longer lifespan and avoids sagging.
What sleeper types is memory foam good for?
By contouring and supporting the body, memory foam mattresses can create the right sleep conditions for a variety of sleepers.
Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
Memory foam delivers support to the hips and shoulders, which reduces pressure in these parts. This makes it easier for individuals to sleep on their sides on this mattress.
Is memory foam good for back sleepers?
Some memory foam beds target the back with lumbar support, making it easy to relieve pressure off the user’s back. As a result, memory foam is a reliable option for back sleepers.
Is memory foam good for stomach sleepers?
The support of the right memory foam mattress can help sleepers keep their lower backs from slipping out of alignment. Users can then sleep on their stomachs without causing discomfort.
Is memory foam good for combination sleepers?
Some people sleep in more than one position during the night; if you’ve ever gone to sleep on your back and woken up curled on your side, you might be a combination sleeper. For combination sleepers, it's important that they not have to fight with a sinking mattress to change position. Memory foam can make combination sleepers feel stuck, so they’ll want to seek a bed with strong responsiveness.
Is memory foam good for couples?
Sharing a mattress with a partner can be difficult, because you’ll need to agree on mattress firmness and bed type and you may have different sleep positions. One way to improve co-sleeping is to choose a memory foam mattress with strong motion isolation, so one sleeper’s movement doesn’t interrupt the other’s sleep.
What types of sleepers is memory foam bad for?
The comforting properties of memory foam allow these beds to fit a range of sleeping positions. However, there are still conditions that can keep certain people from experiencing the benefits of this mattress type.
Memory foam’s natural heat retention can be a problem for those who sleep warm. We recommend that hot sleepers seek out models that feature the cooling technology or turn to other mattress types with better air circulation, like innerspring beds.
What else to know about shopping for memory foam mattresses
When buying a new mattress most shoppers put comfort at the top of their list of must-haves. We have a few more considerations that can help you narrow down your search for the best memory foam mattress.
Price
Mattress shopping on a budget can be challenging. Beds range in price based on size, materials and extra features. You can save money on mattresses by considering the special discounts and coupons that different brands may offer, especially around holiday sales. We also recommend comparing brands with similar models to get the most out of your purchase.
Allergies
One factor that is often overlooked is the potential for irritants. Beds are known for collecting dust mites, mildew, mold, pet dander and other common sources of allergies. You should check the materials used to construct your mattress to make sure they are non-allergenic. Memory foam beds with organic certifications can show that they were made with a cleaner process.
Longevity
The denser the mattress, the longer its lifespan. However, you can better protect your investment with a strong warranty. Many companies offer manufacturer warranties of a few years and a few on our list even offer lifetime warranties.
Manufacturing quality
Some shoppers may prefer mattresses made of natural or organic material instead of synthetic alternatives. Certain materials may fit your mattress budget better than others and organic wool, latex, pocket coils and cotton are often found in more expensive models.
Sleep trials
Most bed-in-a-box mattress brands offer sleep trial periods ranging from 30 days to a year, giving shoppers time to put their bed to the test. With most new mattresses, it can take time to break in the bed or for a user to adjust from their usual sleep surface. We recommend considering brands that will handle the return shipping charges if you decide to send the mattress back.
Memory foam mattress FAQs
How much do the best memory foam mattresses cost?
Memory foam mattresses can range in cost from $420 to $3,500. This may depend on the size of your desired mattress, as well as extra features like cooling panels and pillow tops. If you are prioritizing your budget when looking for a mattress, we recommend comparing the features of competitors so that you can get a cheaper mattress without sacrificing quality.
When is the best time of the year to get a mattress?
Consider when popular brands are offering big sale days, usually around Labor Day, Memorial Day and Black Friday, to get the best bang for your buck. Discounts and promo codes are typically available throughout the year, though some brands offer them more often than others.
Do memory foam mattresses come in different firmnesses?
Yes. When it comes to our list, the Puffy and Saatva’s Loom & Leaf are the firmest mattresses, both reaching eight of 10 on the firmness spectrum. This ensures that sleepers can avoid sinking too deep in their mattresses while still enjoying a soft foam surface.
What thickness is best for a memory foam mattress?
Most all-foam mattresses made with memory foam have a height around 10-inches, though hybrid memory foam mattresses (those with coil support layers) can be much taller—up to 16 inches. The best thickness for a memory foam mattress depends on your body type. Those weighing 160 pounds or less should be fine with a 10-inch tall mattress, but those with heavier body types will want a deeper mattress to prevent "bottoming out"—at least 12 inches tall.
How long do memory foam mattresses last?
Memory foam isn't the most durable mattress material. It's prone to deteriorate after 10 years, and can also develop permanent body impressions with consistent use. A good rule of thumb is to replace your memory foam bed every six to eight years or if it develops body impressions that cause pain or interfere with your sleep quality. All mattresses should be replaced after 10 years.
Can you flip a memory foam mattress?
You should only flip memory foam mattresses that are flippable, like the Layla flippable memory foam mattress. One-sided memory foam beds can be rotated 180 degrees once every few months to reduce the likelihood of body impressions forming.
Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.
