Online Mattress Reviews: Top 10 Best Rated Mattresses for the Money in 2018

You can use the Purple mattress on either a slat or platform bed or put it directly onto a box spring or right on the floor.

It turns out the Purple is really comfortable with two people sleeping on it, and movement by the other person is virtually undetectable. As far as other nighttime activities, it’s also rated best for sex because of its responsiveness, bounce, no noise, edge support, comfort and durability.

Some foam mattresses, particular the memory foam type, make a crater where you sleep. It’s hard to get up or turn over because it feels like the mattress has sucked you in. Because of the type of foam used in the Purple mattress, this doesn’t happen. Your body will make a slight impression, but it’s still easy to move around.

The Purple mattress is a very unique mattress. It gets its unique feel from the hyper elastic polymer that is the top layer of the mattress. This polymer layer creates a level of cooling, response, and bounce that foam is not able to replicate. As a result, this mattress has a really different feel. This alone makes the trial period a crucial feature. Many of the reviews suggest that it takes a few nights sleep to get used to the feel of this mattress.

The cover is a blend of polyester, lycra and viscose. It’s a breathable and soft material that is pretty thin to allow airflow into the mattress. Lycra is a stretchy material, often found in athletic clothing, and helps with temperature regulation by wicking moisture away from the body. While it sticks to a traditional all-white color scheme, the diamond design adds eye appeal and the fabric is a good pair for the hyper-elastic polymer.

The middle layer of the Purple is called the transition layer and is 3.25 inches of poly foam with a 1.8 pound density and acts to provide some compression support for the mattress. This layer is also meant to transition the sleeper from the comfort layer on top to the base of the mattress.

The base layer of the mattress is 4 inches of poly foam with a 2 pound density. This firm layer acts as the foundational support of the mattress and gives the structure its shape.

Since this mattress is only 9.5” deep, if you have deep-pocket sheets from your old bed, you’ll find they’re loose on this one. However, most regular-depth bed sheets will fit it just fine.

We were surprised to see user reviews from people who suffer from sciatica. Who thought a bed could make that pain go away? One man says he could barely get out of his old bed in the morning, but now his back feels 100% better. He thought he’d have to have surgery, but he’s had the Purple for six months and feels great when he wakes up in the morning.

Unlike other foam mattresses, the Purple seems to be really comfortable for people of all body types and weights. Reviewers from 110 – over 300 pounds report it’s really comfortable for them. It really adjusts to every type of sleeper.

Some people considering buying a Casper mattress have painful conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia and are wondering if it will help relieve some of the discomfort while sleeping. This seems to be the case in user reviews.

In fact, one review from a woman who is 59 and used to wake up with joint stiffness and pain every day says her issues disappeared after the first night sleeping on the Casper.

Another user had terrible shoulder pain and had been in physical therapy for months. He says for the first time his pain is gone and he’s sleeping soundly through the night.

You can actually use this mattress on many different types of platforms. You can use it on a solid base, a platform bed, an adjustable base frame or a box spring.

With traditional spring mattresses, it was always recommended to flip and rotate them on a regular basis so they would wear evenly. That’s not necessary with the Casper mattress. You can rotate it if the sleepers are very uneven in weight so it wears evenly, but you won’t want to flip it. The top layer is perforated latex foam and breathes really well, so you’ll want to keep it on top.

The Casper ships in a box that is very compact considering the size of the mattress itself. The measurements are 20” wide x 21” long x 41” high.

Starting with a synthetic latex foam top, its aim is to keep sleepers cool and add bounce. Second is a memory foam layer to relieve pressure and contour to your body. Following that layer is proprietary foam that adds support and absorbs weight. Finally, the last layer is dense support foam to increase durability and distribute weight.

Covering all four layers is a standard single piece of 100% polyester that is soft, thin, and fairly stretchy. The cover’s dark side panels are made of 51% polyester and 49% polypropylene.

With traditional memory foam mattresses, they can get stiff when the temperature is cold. That doesn’t happen with this one. Some users state they leave their home temperature set as low as 64F degrees, and there is no change in the firmness of the Casper.

Many people searching for that perfect mattress want to know how Snuggle Pedic compares to others like Tuft and Needle, Purple and Casper. One of the differences in one vs the other is that every Snuggle Pedic mattress is manufactured right in the USA at their Southern California manufacturing plant.

Snuggle Pedic also claims their patented air flow system sets them apart. This Airflow Transfer system has thousands of tiny holes that connect to channels underneath, so it reduces the buildup of body heat.

While the company doesn’t directly designate a specific weight capacity for this particular product, we did find several user reviews commenting on how comfortable this is for a wide range of weights and heights. One woman comments that she’s 5’9” and 170 pounds, her husband is 6’2” and 240 pounds, and they sleep very comfortably on this bed with their 50 pound Husky dog.

The foam used has a 3 pound density. The channeled base layer is comprised of 1.8 pound density polyurethane.

The difference in foam density is directly related to comfort. A low-density memory foam of 3 pounds per cubic foot or less feels softer. You’ll sink into it more quickly when you lie down.

Medium density is considered 4-5 pounds per cubic foot. These mattresses are comfortable while providing more support.

High density foam is anything 6 pounds or higher, and these have very firm support and are quite durable.

This one is made of high grade polyurethane foam. The base layer might feel like springy latex, but there is no latex at all in it.

Like most foam models, this one isn’t meant to be flipped because the top two layers are specifically made for air flow against your body. No need to worry about flipping it anyway because if it sags more than 0.75” anytime within 20 years, it’s covered under the warranty.

Yes – this can be used with any good functioning electric blanket, and it won’t harm the foam or cover.

The Tuft & Needle mattresses are all made from high density polyurethane foam. The cover is a rayon/polyester blend. It’s essentially a dual-core memory foam mattress with a fabric cover.

Yes – As a matter of fact in review after review from those who sleep on their front, they say their back doesn’t hurt anymore after using this mattress. One buyer said it took her 2-3 weeks to get used to it, but after that she slept great.

If you have a platform or slat bed, you won’t need a box spring with this product – it can go right on the frame. If you have a traditional bed frame with only a couple of cross braces, you’re better off using a box spring.

Its firm, but it’s not rock hard. It feels soft when you sit down on it, but when you lie down you get a lot of support. Most users report that it’s firm enough for people with a bad back but doesn’t dig in to delicate pressure points like the ones at the hip and shoulder.

This is a great question, as foam mattresses are known for sleeping hot and holding in body heat. In review after review users who’ve had this mattress for a while say it sleeps a lot cooler than a traditional spring mattress.

The reason for this lies in the foam construction. First, the foam has open cells, leaving more room for air flow. Second, the cells are oversized. Third, a minimal amount of glue is used between the layers. Fourth, only two layers of foam are used. The more layers included, the more glue is needed. Fifth, there is a combination of graphite and gel mixed in with the foam, and they really help with heat transfer.

These beds are BPA free, and they don’t contain any boric acid. The cover is a cotton-bamboo blend quilted with rayon, which is inherently inflammable. The rayon is blended with a small amount of polyester and sand.

Unlike some of the newer thinner mattresses, this one can be used with regular-sized sheets just fine. If you get a queen, use queen sheets and so forth. They won’t be quite as tight as they are on a regular spring mattress, but they work just fine with no slipping off.

People with disorders such as fibromyalgia, arthritis or other pain issues oftentimes have a really hard time finding a comfortable place to sleep. Users who have these conditions say this mattress has helped them tremendously. One user in her review said she was really skeptical at first but after giving it a try, she found out it was the best thing she ever bought.

Unlike some foam mattresses, this one is firm enough to sit on the edge to put on your shoes or for any other reason. You’ll find you sink down a little but no more than on a traditional inner spring model.

If you’re large and your spouse is small or vice versa and you’ve been sleeping on a spring mattress, chances are one of you has been sleeping on an incline due to the weight distribution. This doesn’t seem to be a problem here. As long as it has a solid base like a good slat frame or box spring, there is very little flex. One reviewer who is 200 pounds with a 110 pound wife says his wife doesn’t feel very much movement at all when he gets up to go to work early in the morning.

Since the Best 2 Rest is made from natural rubber, it is naturally flame retardant. However, that’s only part of the mattress (the top). The rest of it is treated with chemicals to be flame retardant, so if you are very chemically sensitive, it would be better to choose a different product.

This mattress is made by Fortnight Bedding located in South Hackensack, New Jersey where they have a large manufacturing plant.

These may seem like gibberish terms, but they are actually two different processes of making latex foam. This one is made using the Dunlop process.

The Dunlop process is the more energy efficient vs the Talalay process. When the latex is in liquid form, it’s foamed and poured into the mold. Then, the mold is closed and put into a vulcanization oven. After the oven, it’s removed from the mold and then thoroughly washed to remove any excess materials. The washing lets the foam retain its elasticity and counters any problems you might get with aging. After it’s washed, it’s dried at a high temperature to ensure its thoroughly dried.

This one is definitely on the softer side. It’s not nearly as soft as one with a plush topper, but it’s much softer than an inner spring mattress.

You can have this model on a box spring or adjustable frame bed, but if you have it on a platform bed where the slats are more than 2” apart, it’s best to support it with a piece of plywood to create a more firm surface.

From user reviews from those who sleep on this mattress nightly and weigh over 300 pounds, it’s said to be very comfortable. They say the firmness really helped their aches and pains go away.

The Sweetnight mattresses are all made in China. However, that doesn’t mean its of poor quality. In fact, it is the top business mattress in China, and it won the Best Support Brand in 2017.

This mattress has two sides with different levels of firmness. One side is much softer, about a 2-3 out of 10 firmness. The flip side is about a 7 out of 10.

The cover that comes with is a blend of premium cotton and knit. It zips off for cleaning. You can even put it in the washing machine.

Layer 1: 110 pounds; 50 density

Layer 2: 55 pounds; 25 density

Layer 3: 66 pounds; 30 density

This mattress does tend to sleep cool because of the memory foam infused with gel. The gel regulates the temperature and distributes body heat. This combined with the breathable fabric cover makes it nice and cool.

CertiPUR-US is a third party organization that does rigorous certification processes. It means the mattress foam is made without carcinogens, PBDEs, ozone depleters, heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates.

Yes, you can use this one on an adjustable bed frame. However, users in their reviews have stated that it works best on an adjustable frame when you have either the foot or head raised individually but not elevated at the same time.

You can put this on a box spring or a platform bed, and there will be plenty of support for both the sleepers and the mattress. Just make sure you have some sort of support underneath it, even if that means leaving it on the floor.

This one is much thicker than most of the others on our top ten list at 12” thick. Standard sheets will fit it perfectly.

The first component is the innerspring layer. This is comprised of tempered coils made of steel that help this mattress retain its shape. These coils are individually fabric wrapped which minimizes friction and gives a huge amount of support. They also make motion transfer less when you’re sleeping with someone else. The coils move independently of each other so they contour to each person individually.

The second layer is latex foam. Latex is made from the sap of a tree called hevea brasiliensis, also known as the rubber tree. It’s really soft and elastic. Latex is designed to be breathable, and the cell structure is open for maximum air movement. It’s naturally hygienic and resistant to dust mites. It’s also naturally anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. In other words, icky stuff like fungus, mildew, mold and fungus won’t grow in it.

Latex is also resistant to impressions, so you won’t be sleeping in a hole because it bounces back. It’s known to not sag or keep the impression of your body, so you don’t need to flip it. It’s supposed to reduce the pressure points that can cause you pain and eliminate any turning and tossing.

The third layer is memory foam infused with gel. This creates a plush and cool sleeping surface. Because of the gel being more porous than regular memory foam, it’s more breathable and comfortable. One of the gel foam’s main jobs is to dissipate body heat to regulate your temperature as you sleep.

Lastly comes open-cell memory foam. The cells in this foam are interconnected, adding to its breathability and comfort. This layer also dissipates body heat for a more comfortable night’s rest.

Because of the gel and open cell memory foam, this one actually sleeps comfortably. It’s not nearly as hot as regular memory foam mattresses.

If you’ve ever slept on a spring mattress, you know at times you can hear the springs squeaking against each other. In this one, each coil is individually wrapped. Since they never touch, there is no squeaking or noise.

Like with unpacking anything foam, there may be some odor for a time. This one seems to take about 72 hours for the smell to completely go away.

Yes – It actually contains hundreds of pocketed springs (It has 936 12-gauge coils in the Queen size, 1224 in the King, 768 in the Full size and 576 in the Twin) that minimize the transfer of motion from your bed mate, and they also help to align your spine.

The weight limit of the Zinus is up to 650 pounds.

If you have a platform bed, you don’t need a box spring. However, the mattress does need some type of support underneath it for maximum comfort and wear. You can also use it on an adjustable base, but it’s recommended to use one with a lip on the edge to avoid the mattress slipping. You can even put this one directly on the floor. In other words, any firm, stable base will work just fine.

None at all. Mostly, you’ll want to leave it up for a few hours so it can expand, but there is no smell.

Since this bed is on the firmer side, it’s great for sleepers of any weight or height. In user reviews, people from 140 – 350 pounds say it’s very comfortable with adequate support.

The edges on the Zinus are actually quite firm, so it’s comfortable sitting on the edge of the bed without sinking down into it.

The Queen size is shipped in a 42.1” x 19.1” x 20.1” box.

This mattress actually comes in different thicknesses, and here we’re reviewing the 12” version. We recommend this one over the 10” thick one because in user reviews, it seems like the 10” is just a little too firm. Generally speaking, the thinner a spring mattress is, the firmer it will be as the coils don’t have nearly as much room to expand.

If you want a firmer mattress, then the 10” thick one is still a good option and may work best for you.

Like most modern mattresses, the Zinus is intended for one side to be against your body, so it’s not recommended to flip it at all. That said, it is a good idea to rotate it occasionally for even wear over time.

If you tend to fall asleep on your stomach, this one may feel too firm for you. Since it’s pretty firm, it’s recommended higher for back and side sleepers. If you have a bad back and need a firm mattress for support, this one is a good choice.

The Zinus comes with a 10 year limited warranty. It covers any manufacturing defects and also includes any indentations that happen over 1.5”, decompression issues or sagging, waves or bumps that form over time.

While we can’t guarantee any of the models on our top ten best rated list will relieve, reduce or eliminate back pain, this one rates high in user reviews. One user says she had chronic pain in his lower back before using the Zinus. She’s 5’4” and 140 pounds. She said after sleeping on it one night, her pain was 50% improved and was completely gone after the second night.

Another user in his review says he has a lot less of a tendency to wake up with pain in his back than he did with his last mattress. It’s not going to cure a serious disc problem, but overall users who have experienced back pain sleeping on other mattresses like this one better and give it high marks.

Many people don’t like memory foam because it tends to run hot. The Zinus does not use memory foam in their design. Instead, they use a layer of comfort foam on the top followed by a high-density foam layer.

Yes! This Zinus is plenty firm for back sleepers. If you’re a side sleeper and like a firmer mattress, you’ll likely be happy with this one as well. Some side sleepers prefer the 10” model as it’s a little bit softer. Stomach sleepers do best with the 8” thick version as it is the softest of them all.

All three of these models contour to your body as you’re sleeping, but none of them are dense enough to trap you so it’s hard to get out of bed.

According to user reviews, this one does well with heavier people due to its firmness. In fact, the company stress tested the product at 750 pounds, and it passed. They do recommend you put it on a new foundation or box spring for maximum support. This is because if there is a bow or bend in your box spring or foundation, the same thing will happen to the Live & Sleep.

Since it’s not a traditional inner spring mattress, it doesn’t need to be flipped. In fact, you shouldn’t flip it because the top layer of foam is meant to rest right under your body, and there is none on the bottom.

Regular sheets should fit just fine, but just make sure you don’t get the ones with extra deep pockets. Those will be too deep and will bag around the edges.

This model is sent in a vacuum sealed box about the size of a small refrigerator, so it’s about 40” x 18” x 18”. When you open it, it folds and expands. For this reason it’s best to open it right in the bedroom so it’ll be easier to get to where you’d like it to stay.

Some users say this one is too firm to completely relieve back pain unless they put at least a 2” topper on it. Other users say that their back pain is better because of the firmness. Most say in their reviews that after an adjustment period of about a week or so, their back pain disappeared.

Yes! In fact, not only is it hypoallergenic. It’s also antimicrobial and mite resistant. If you do have really bad allergy problems, it’s a good idea to still use an allergy bed protector just as an added measure of comfort.

After you unpackage the mattress, you can sleep on it within a few hours. However, know that it may take up to 24-72 hours, so a few days, for it to regain its original thickness and fully expand.

Actually, it’s much firmer than most newer hotel mattresses, which tend toward very soft. Some users in their reviews say they now experience back pain when sleeping on a hotel mattress after getting used the firmness of this one.

While this mattress comes folded, it’s meant to be set up and left rather than transported around like a futon. If you’re looking for a portable bed for guests, etc., it’s better to get an air mattress that’s easier to move around.

Really, it’s both. It has a layer of individually coiled springs for support with thick memory foam on top, so it has the support you need but a plush top as well. One user who says in his review that he’s been sleeping on it for about 10 months claims it’s so much softer than his previous mattress and doesn’t transfer motion but still provides all the support he needs for a comfortable night’s sleep.

The box it ships in is about 4’ x 2.5’ and weighs about 98 pounds. The mattress itself comes shrink wrapped in plastic, and it takes a day or two to completely retain its shape.

Yes – it comes with a machine-washable cover that zips on and off. While you can toss it in the washing machine, it’s best to air dry it just in case it might shrink in the dryer.

You can use the Modway with a box spring, but you don’t need one. Platform beds work just fine as long as the slats are no more than 3” apart. The bottom is non-slip so it should stay put on a base.

The Signature Sleep is certified by CertiPUR-US, so it doesn’t have any Tris (TCEP or TDCPP) flame retardants, no PBDEs, mercury, heavy metals, lead or ozone depleters.

First, an ILD number is the impression load deflection. It essentially tells you how firm or soft the mattress is and how much support it has. The Signature Sleep has an ILD rating of 9. This means it’s firm but not rigid.

This one is comprised of a layer of knit 3.5”, 2.375 pound, 9 ILD memory foam, a 8.5”, 1.5 pound, 20 ILD regular foam and a layer of non-skid fabric.

No, it doesn’t come with a cover. If you’d like to protect your mattress from moisture, stains and dust, it’s best to purchase one that’s washable.

Users report no noticeable smell with this mattress.

It’s very firm but not like sleeping on concrete. If it’s too firm for you, it’s recommended to get a nice thick mattress pad to go along with it. However, if you’re going to that added expense, you may consider just investing in a softer one like some of the other best mattresses on our list.