Why You Can Trust CNET Best Memory Foam Mattresses for 2024
Memory foam mattresses are both comfortable and supportive. Here are the best memory foam mattresses, tested and reviewed by our sleep experts.
If you're looking for the best memory foam mattress for your bedroom or guest room, you’re in the right place. Memory foam has a lot of variety, which means you have many options. Some feel dense, firm and heavy, while others are plush, cloud-like and light.
When it comes to finding the best memory foam mattress, I test for quality, price, comfort, accommodation and performance using a series of mattress tests. I've likely tested over 50 memory foam mattresses so far. The ones listed below were chosen based on my experience and how well the beds stood out in a sea of options. I've included the top memory foam mattress for side sleepers, budget shoppers and the pick for best memory foam mattress overall.
What's the best memory foam mattress overall?
A look at the Nectar Premier in our test facility.
While all the memory foam beds on our list are good picks, the Nectar Premier mattress wins the best overall title. It's a comfortable memory foam mattress that feels similar to the popular Tempur-Pedic mattress, but it's a lot more affordable. It has a slow-rising feel that gives your curves and joints a little hug, and extra features that help it regulate temperature better than regular memory foam beds.
On this list, you'll find the memory foam mattresses that stood out to me as the most comfortable, most supportive, most accommodating or the most affordable. Here are my picks for the best memory foam mattress options that you can purchase online.
Video: Best memory foam mattress of 2024
Watch CNET video producer and certified sleep science coach Owen Poole review the best memory foam mattresses.
Best memory foam mattresses of 2024
Mattress price scale:
$ = Budget: $799 and below
$$ = Average: $800 to $1,699
$$$ = Premium: $1,700 and up
These reflect MSRP or list prices. Sales might make a mattress less expensive, but are always changing.
Why we chose the Nectar Premier: The Nectar Premier made my list of the best memory foam mattresses because it reminds me of a foam TempurPedic mattress; it has that signature memory foam feel, but you won't have to fork out nearly as much cash for it. It has a dense, slow, sink-in memory foam feel that takes a few seconds to activate. Once it does, the gel-infused memory foam starts to hug your body and offers a relieving feel around pressure points like your hips and shoulders.
The Nectar Premier is about 13 inches tall and features what the brand calls "ActiveCool HD" in the center of the bed's top layer where most of your body heat collects. It also has a textured cooling cover for extra heat prevention. I wouldn't say it sleeps cold because of these features, but it does make the Nectar Premier a temperature-neutral memory foam bed.
The Nectar Premier memory foam bed is available in sizes twin to split king, and retail prices range from $1,049 to $2,398. Read our full Nectar Premier mattress review for more.
Editor's note: In April 2022, the US Product Safety Commission issued a recall for Nectar Premier king- and queen-sized mattresses manufactured on Sept. 24 and 27, 2021 because they posed a fire hazard. To find out if your mattress has been recalled, look at the commission's recall notice and this page on the Nectar website.
Pros:
- Affordable, especially compared to competitors
- Doesn't sleep extra hot like old memory foam beds
- Thicker than many all-foam mattresses
- Available in a hybrid model
Cons:
- Not ideal for side sleepers who want a plush mattress
- The foam may not be supportive enough for people over 230 pounds
Nectar Premier
Why we chose the Layla mattress: It seems the mattress company paid a lot of attention to detail when it came to designing the flippable mattress. If you find you don't think one side fits your sleeping style, all you have to do is flip it around to get a softer or firmer mattress feel. The soft side feels plush and pressure-relieving, so it's great if you're a side sleeper. The flip side doesn't have a true firm profile, but it does keep my back and spine supported when I sleep on my stomach and back. I'd say it's a hair firmer than a medium.
Unlike the Nectar memory foam bed, the Layla mattress feels light and airy. It's a soft memory foam that doesn't provide resistance when you try to switch positions. It's slightly more bouncy than other memory foams, which slowly morph back to shape after a few seconds. It's one of those mattresses that might even appeal to avid memory foam haters because it doesn't give you that "stuck" feel that some people dislike.
The Layla memory foam mattress is available in sizes twin to Cal king, and retail prices range from $749 to $1,249 at full price. Read our full Layla mattress review for more.
Pros:
- Two firmness options in one mattress
- Accommodates all sleeping positions
Cons:
- Heavier sleepers may want to consider the Layla Hybrid for more support
Layla Memory Foam
Why we chose the Bear Original: I was surprised to find out how affordable the Bear Original Mattress was when I first tested it out. It reminded me of the more popular bed-in-a-box mattresses like the Puffy mattress, but it retails for several hundred dollars less. It works great when I'm on my back and stomach, and it's pretty comfy when I'm on my side. If you're a strict side sleeper under 150 pounds, it may be a little too firm.
It's about 10 inches thick and made with three different foam layers. It has a slow-responding feel that appeals to memory foam lovers far and wide. You also have the option to top it with a pretty unusual cover. It's Celliant-infused, which is a special fabric that absorbs your body heat and returns it as infrared energy. You can't see it or feel the material, but it's supposed to improve blood circulation, and in turn, promote muscle recovery and boost energy levels.
Bear mattresses are available in sizes twin to split king, and retail prices range from $748 to $1,690. Read more in our Bear Original mattress review.
Pros:
- Option to add a special Celliant-infused cover
- Great for most sleeping positions, except petite side sleepers
- A good value
Cons:
- Not ideal for people over 230 pounds
Bear Original
Why we chose the Amerisleep AS2 mattress: The AS2 memory foam mattress has ideal characteristics that most back and stomach sleepers should look for, such as firmness, support and comfort. The brand's plant-based Bio-Pur foam makes it more breathable and eco-friendly than other memory foam mattresses. As an added plus, the fibers in its Refresh Cover draw heat away from your skin to help keep your body temperature cooler throughout the night.
When I tested out the AS2, my back stayed flat and in a comfortable alignment. My body also stayed more on top of the mattress instead of sinking into the layers as you do with softer memory foam beds. I'd say it has a dense feel similar to the Nectar, but firmer and more responsive. Beds with firm mattress profiles tend to be a sleep haven for back and stomach sleepers because they keep the spine from sinking into the mattress. The AS2 also boasts a durable foam base that prevents the mattress from sagging, making it last longer.
The AS2 is available in sizes twin to split king, and its retail prices range from $1,299 to $2,248. Read our full Amerisleep mattress review for more.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly memory foam material
- Offers targeted support and pressure relief
- Its Refresh Cover keeps you cooler throughout the night
Cons:
- Not soft enough for side sleepers
- May not be supportive enough for heavier sleepers
Amerisleep AS2 Mattress
Why we chose the Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress: Some people just want a memory foam mattress that'll keep them feeling comfy throughout the night. Others want the same mattress they tried that one time on vacation at the Four Seasons. If you're the latter, the Saatva Loom & Leaf looks like a five-star hotel mattress. It doesn't just look the part; it's also really comfortable and won't cost you an arm and a leg.
It has a dense memory foam feel with an extra fluff component thanks to the bed's Euro mattress topper. I tried the "Relaxed Firm" model, which is still on the medium-firm end of the scale, so I imagine the "Firm" model is a true firm mattress. The memory foam and plush Euro top do make the mattress pressure-relieving, but not enough that it's a good mattress for side sleepers. It was just a little too firm when I slept on my side.
Another highlight of the Loom & Leaf memory foam bed is its special cooling tech. The top gel foam layer features a cooling gel mattress pad to help regulate temperature. It's supposedly made from the same material doctors use to treat burn victims in hospitals, so I think it's pretty legitimate.
The Loom & Leaf memory foam mattress is available in sizes twin to split Cal king, and its retail prices range from $1,295 to $3,190.
Pros:
- Has a special cooling feature to regulate your temperature
- Available in multiple firmness levels
- Accommodates all body types
Cons:
- Too firm for side sleepers
- Luxury mattress pricing
Saatva Loom & Leaf
Why we chose the Leesa Legend Chill: If you're a hot sleeper, you know the struggle of trying to stay cool or at least temperature-neutral at night. The Leesa Legend Chill is a truly cool-to-the-touch mattress that utilizes cooling fibers in the cover. Under the cover are five other layers, including a quilt foam gel layer, a layer of micro-springs, a comfort foam layer, a zoned support layer of up to 1,032 individually wrapped coils and a final layer of high-density foam.
With the Lessa Legend Chill, you get the comfort of foam and increased airflow due to its structure and materials. We find this mattress to be around a medium or a five on the firmness scale. This firmness is ideal for combination and side sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers who don't need extra support should also find this mattress comfortable. Heavier sleepers may want to look into the Plus Hybrid mattress.
Pros:
- Unique micro-coil construction for extra support
- Comfortable cover that’s cool to the touch
- Great motion isolation
Cons:
- Only available in one firmness level
- On the more expensive side
Leesa Legend Chill Mattress
Why we chose the Puffy Lux: The majority of individuals who sleep on their side are coziest on a soft, plush mattress. One of my favorite soft memory foam mattresses is the 12-inch Puffy Lux, which gives off a light and fluffy vibe just by looking at it. Not only is it big and white like a cloud, but there are quite literally little clouds printed along the machine-washable cover -- a great added touch.
A majority of the beds on this best memory foam mattress list feel dense, but the Puffy Lux is much more airy and light thanks to Puffy's special "Cooling Cloud Foam" in its top layer. I think it has the qualities of polyurethane foam, which is a bit more aerated and light than memory foam. I felt like it was easier to switch positions on this mattress than on other memory foam beds. It's also on the soft side of the firmness spectrum. I think it feels like a medium-soft or around 3-4 on a scale of 10. If you're a side sleeper, I think this bed was meant for you.
Puffy Lux mattresses are available in sizes twin to split king, and retail prices range from $2,249 to $4,789. Like a lot of other mattresses on this list, Puffy runs a lot of promotions to bring the price down by hundreds of dollars. Read more in our Puffy Lux mattress review.
Pros:
- Its hybrid construction makes it suitable for all body types
- Soft and fluffy feel is great for side sleepers
Cons:
- Costs more than other memory foam mattresses on our list
- Not firm enough for back or stomach sleepers
Puffy Lux
Why we chose the DreamCloud Hybrid: DreamCloud is known for its high-end beds you don't have to pay an arm and a leg for. The DreamCloud Hybrid mattress is its entry-level model, but the bed doesn't skip out on luxurious features. This mattress is a thick hybrid bed made with pocketed coils over eight inches tall and reinforced sides for stronger edge support. Stacked on top are layers of comfortable foam, including gel memory foam for temperature regulation.
It's made with gel memory foam, but it doesn't have an overwhelming memory foam feel. This is something I appreciate because it's easier to switch positions on the mattress than it is with dense, slow-responding memory foam beds. The cover is also a bit unique, as it is made with a blend of cashmere that's ultrasoft and luxurious. I don't even own a cashmere sweater, let alone have it in my bed.
I know a few people who sleep on a DreamCloud and they only have positive things to say about the bed and their sleep quality. It's a generally nice mattress at a surprisingly great price. A queen size retails for around $1300, but the brand often has deals and will sometimes throw in a few free accessories.
Pros:
- Suitable for all body types
- Made with luxurious materials, like cashmere
- Good value
Cons:
- Not soft enough for side sleepers
DreamCloud Hybrid
Other memory foam mattresses we've tested
There are hundreds of mattresses to choose from, but luckily our CNET Sleep editors have been around the bedding block. They have collectively tested over 100 beds, from the most popular to lesser-known models, and have the knowledge to help you pick the best fit for you. The mattresses above are great options, but there are a few more beds we've tested that could have easily made this list.
Lucid 10-inch Memory Foam mattress: Budget shoppers can look into the Lucid Gel Memory foam mattress, a bed sold through Amazon with thousands of positive ratings from users. It's one of the most affordable bed-in-a-box beds I've ever tested, and it's still comfy enough to give you a good night's sleep. You have three firmness options to choose from and six heights.
TempurPedic mattress: You've likely heard about this brand before, as TempurPedic made its name in the mattress industry long before beds ever came to the internet. They offer several mattresses from entry-level to luxury. They also have many cooling memory foam options. They're expensive beds, but you're paying for the trusted brand name and traditional memory foam feel that the brand is known for.
How we test memory foam mattresses
CNET editors choose the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
During testing, we sleep on the beds and try out all three different sleeping positions: side, back, stomach and combination. We also test for motion isolation, edge support, temperature, comfort and more. We have even cut open a few mattresses to see what the construction is like on the inside.
The best memory foam mattresses are comfortable to switch positions in, offer a pressure-relieving feel, isolate motion and are very accommodating for different sleeping positions. We also take durability into account, considering whether or not it will be long-lasting enough for every body type.
Find out more on how we test mattresses.
How to choose a memory foam mattress
- Firmness: This should be a main consideration, regardless of the kind of mattress you're buying. Different firmness levels accommodate different sleeping positions. If you're a side sleeper, the best memory foam mattress will feel soft and plush. For stomach and back sleepers, the best memory foam bed is more on the firm side.
- Feel: As I mentioned earlier in this roundup, not every memory foam mattress is built alike. Some memory foam beds feel light and airy, while others feel dense and slow to respond. If you're a combination sleeper, I recommend you go with a light memory foam so it's easy to switch positions. If you like to get really nestled and cozy while you sleep, you may like a dense memory foam mattress better.
- Temperature regulation: One complaint against memory foam is that it retains heat, making sleepers feel hot and uncomfortable while they sleep. Part of it is because of memory foam's dense cell structure and warm air getting trapped inside, as well as the fact that you sleep within the memory foam rather than on top. Look for memory foam with different temperature regulating techniques, such as infused gel, gel beads, infused copper, infused graphite, phase change materials and proprietary technology.
- Price: Memory foam ranges in price, from very cheap (there are $200 memory foam beds out there) to premium and top-tier (Tempur-Pedic mattresses can cost more than $2,000). That means almost anyone can find a memory foam mattress within their budget.
Types of memory foam
Not all memory foam materials are alike. Some are more airy while others are very dense. Some are infused with gel or copper for temperature regulation while others are more traditional.
Traditional: Traditional memory foam is found in older beds like the OG TempurPedic mattresses from the 90s or very cheap memory foam. While it's great and provides pressure relief, it also gets hot because the dense foam traps your body heat inside. If you're a hot sleeper, this is something to consider.
Gel-infused: Don't worry, it's not literal gel you're sleeping on. Gel-infused memory foam often has little blue or green dots infiltrated throughout the foam to help regulate temperature. The gel works to draw heat away from you and more evenly disperse it throughout the bed for a cooling memory foam feel.
Copper-infused: Beds like the Layla mattress are infused with copper gel to work the same way regular gel-infused mattresses do. Copper is a conductor that can absorb heat from your body and distribute it away from your body.
Plant-based: There aren't many plant-based memory foam mattresses on the market. People like Amerisleep use plant-based materials as a substitute for petroleum and manufacture it using a zero-emissions process. This way, the memory foam is more environmentally friendly than most other memory or poly foams.
Proprietary: You will find a ton of different brands using a specific name for their memory foam, such as Puffy's Cloud-Air foam for example. This means the brand put a specific twist on the memory foam to make it more comfortable or more accommodating. The most common types of proprietary memory foams are open-celled for more airflow or gel-infused for cooling abilities.
Who should buy a memory foam mattress?
The best qualities of memory foam are that it's pressure-relieving, stops movement across a mattress and offers a comforting hugging feel. People who will like memory foam beds the most include those who suffer from joint pain, back, side and combination sleepers, couples who share a bed and people who generally like a nestling mattress feel. Side sleepers may also love soft memory foam because of how well it cradles the shoulder and hip joints.
Who shouldn't buy a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam mattresses can sometimes turn people off for several reasons. You shouldn't get a memory foam mattress if you change positions often as the foam can provide some resistance as it's slow to bounce back to shape. It's also not ideal for hot sleepers. Memory foam is a dense material that traps heat more than other foams. Gel memory foam and other tech help it sleep cooler, but people who sleep warm may want to consider a latex mattress because they're so breathable.
Memory foam mattress FAQs
What is the best memory foam mattress?
There are many different memory foam mattresses on the market, but some of the best include Layla, Puffy, Loom & Leaf, Bear, Amerisleep, GhostBed and Nectar.
How long do memory foam mattresses last?
If your memory foam mattress is only made out of foam, it will probably last you around seven years. If it's made with inner springs or coils in the bottom layer, it will last you around 10 years or more. Just make sure you're taking proper care of your mattress, such as rotating it every six months and keeping your bedding clean.
What is the best thickness for a memory foam mattress?
Nine to 10 inches is an ideal thickness for a memory foam mattress that offers ample support, but you can also go even thicker if you're looking for maximum durability and support. Thin memory foam mattresses are OK for the short-term, but may not last as long as you would hope. They tend to be more susceptible to wear and tear, sags and imprints.
Are memory foam mattresses good?
Memory foam mattresses are great at providing pressure relief to your joints because the material gently hugs your curves, but some memory foam beds can give you a sinking feeling that causes resistance when you try to switch positions. If you're a combination sleeper in the market for a memory foam bed, try to find one that's more light and airy so it responds to pressure more quickly.
What are the disadvantages of memory foam mattresses?
Memory foam mattresses trap heat, making hot sleepers even hotter. They also sometimes provide resistance to combination sleepers when they switch positions.