The best mattress 2023: Reviewed by certified sleep experts

The best mattress for you should support your spine, reduce pressure points and keep you comfortably cool. When buying a mattress online, keep the following in mind: the position you sleep in, any issues disturbing your sleep (such as back pain), whether you bedshare, and your budget. Each of these points will guide you to the right type of mattress at the right price. 

To help you find the best mattress for you, our team of certified sleep coaches and mattress experts (who have over three decades of product testing experience) spend hundreds of hours a month reviewing different mattresses (including hybrid and memory foam), testing them in key areas including temperature control and pressure relief. After analyzing our test data and user review research, we award the mattress an overall score out of 5. Only the top-rated beds make it into this guide.

From our tests, the best mattress of 2023 is the Saatva Classic, a luxury hotel style innerspring hybrid rated as a 4.5/5 in our year-long test. It comes in three firmness levels and two heights, so it suits all sleepers. The Classic also comes with a year’s sleep trial, lifetime warranty and free old bed removal. With a queen priced $1,695 (was $1,995) in monthly mattress sales, its excellent value. For smaller budgets, pick the Nectar Mattress at $699 for a queen.

Best mattress: Quick list

In a hurry? Here's an at-a-glance look at our recommendations for this year's best mattresses, based on our own testing data and user review research.

The best mattresses 2023 – tested by experts

Best mattress overall for 2023

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The Saatva Classic is a luxury innerspring hybrid mattress designed in three firmness levels (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm) and two heights (11.5" or 14.5"), and it's hands-down the best mattress we've tested. We reviewed the 11.5-inch Luxury Firm Saatva Classic and it scored a nearly-perfect 4.5 out of 5 during our in-house testing. The Saatva Classic is made with premium, non-toxic materials for cleaner sleep, including naturally breathable organic cotton and recycled steel coils.  

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
We awarded the Saatva Classic a review score of 4.5 out of 5, praising it highly for pressure relief, back support, temperature control and overall excellent build quality. Edge support is strong too, but there is some motion transfer from one side of the mattress to the other.

Our testers found that the Saatva Classic has a slightly bouncy surface that's easy to move around on, rather than the sink-in feel of memory foam. The majority of the mattress is made up of layers of springs, with a thin layer of memory foam in the top central third, and foam rails around the perimeter, to provide edge support and reduce sagging. This means there's plenty of space for air to circulate and our testers found that it stayed nice and cool throughout the night.

The design of the Saatva Classic is geared towards keeping your back aligned, with a special section (a lumbar crown) in the central third to support your lumbar. During our year-long review, the Classic excelled at relieving tension around our reviewers' shoulders, hips and knees. All this mean it'll work well for anyone struggling with back pain or sore joints, although for the very best Saatva mattress for back pain, see the Saata RX mattress (number 5). 

Because you can pick your firmness level, our reviewers feel that the Saatva Classic is an excellent choice for lots of sleep styles and body types. Most people find great comfort and support from the Luxury Firm version, but for heavier people and those with back problems we recommend the Firm Classic. If you are a lightweight side sleeper seeking extra softness, choose the Plush Classic. 

Price, trial and warranty
It's rare to find the Classic being solid at MSRP thanks to some fantastic Saatva mattress sale offers most months, and national holidays are a good bet for the biggest discounts. MSRP has risen a few times over the past 12 months or so, but it's still great value for the build quality. Unusually amongst our best mattress picks, the Saatva Classic is delivered flat rather than being vacuum-packed and rolled into a box. You'll get 365-nigh trial and a lifetime warranty, plus free mattress installation and old bed removal. However Saatva does charge a $99 returns or exchange fee.

• Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review

Saatva Classic mattress: from $1,095 $695 at Saatva
We have secured an exclusive discount from Saatva to save you $400 on every size of the Saatva Classic, reducing the price of a queen size to $1,595. This is a better discount than the up to 15% saving in the general Saatva sale. $1,595 for a queen is the cheapest price we've seen since late summer, and we don't expect Saatva to lower its prices or increase its discounts on the Classic any further. So now is the best time to buy this luxury hybrid innerspring, which comes with a lifetime warranty and a 365-night trial. You'll also get free white glove delivery, including old mattress removal.

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Best budget memory foam mattress

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The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is tough to beat when it comes to sheer value for money. This medium-firm, all-foam mattress will suit a wide range of sleepers. It's the cheapest in this brand's current lineup, and offers excellent quality for the lower mid-range price, especially when it comes to extras – the 365-night trial period and forever warranty match what you'll get with the much more expensive Saatva (#1), and are incredibly generous. 

At the top of the Nectar you'll find a three-inch layer of memory foam, which gives this mattress that classic memory foam 'hug' feel. You sink slightly into it and the mattress contours gently to your body as you sleep, providing tailored pressure relief around your shoulders, hips and back, and helping align your spine.

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
We awarded the Nectar Memory Foam 4.3 out of 5, we our testers finding it most comfortable for back and stomach sleeping. We also found that it sleeps pretty cool for an all-foam mattress. As the Nectar has a medium-firm feel, you won't feel like you're being swallowed by it and it shouldn't be too much of an adjustment to those used to innerspring models. The Nectar will suit most side sleepers, but back and stomach sleepers – especially those of heavier body weight – might need something firmer. 

Memory foam mattresses often offer strong motion isolation, and that's true of the Nectar. During our review, we found this model absorbed movements very well, making it a good choice for anyone who shares a bed and doesn't want to be disturbed by their partner's wriggling. 

All-foam beds will almost always sleep warmer than anything with springs, and while the Nectar offers decent temperature regulation (thanks to a heat-dispersing cover and gel-infused foam), if you struggle with overheating, this might not be the best mattress for you. 

Price, trial and warranty
You can ignore MSRP, as this mattress is always sold with a major discount – the current long-running offer knocks 30% off ticket prices. Nectar doesn't usually increase its discounts around national holidays. The best time to buy is during one of this brand's random 40% off flash sales – these don't happen often and are hard to predict, but there are usually a few around Black Friday. You'll get a 365-night trial and a forever warranty with the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress, plus free shipping and returns.

• Read more: Nectar Mattress review

Nectar Memory Foam mattress: from $699 $359 at Nectar
Nectar Sleep is still running its 40% off sale, with the Nectar Memory Foam at the cheapest price of the year right now with a queen reduced to $659 – that's $40 cheaper than last month. We normally see a 33% off Nectar mattress deal so this bigger savings means now is the best time to buy a Nectar mattress. You'll get a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty, which is excellent value for a budget bed.

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Best mattress for couples

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If you want a luxurious mattress but are on a tighter budget, check out the DreamCloud. This 14-inch tall, medium-firm hybrid delivers the look and feel of a hotel mattress, for a mid-range price. There's no option to pick your firmness or height, but it's a few hundred dollars cheaper than the Saatva and feels much more high-end than the price-tag would suggest. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
We awarded the DreamCloud a score of 4.4 out of 5, rating its excellent pressure relief and how supportive it is for sleepers with back and hip pain. Our testers feel it's too firm for lightweight people though and the edge support is not as good as the Saatva Classic's. 

The top 4.5 inches of the DreamCloud hybrid is made entirely from different foams, which provide plenty of pressure relief and body contouring, as well as strong motion isolation. That's balanced by a base of 8-inch wrapped coils, which add a little bounce and make the surface easier to move about on compared to an all-foam model. These springs also create space for air to circulate within the mattress – overall our testers found the DreamCloud delivered excellent temperature regulation throughout our review period. A quilted foam and cashmere top layer adds a touch of luxury. 

Unlike the Saatva (#1) and WinkBed (#5), this hybrid is only available in one firmness option. DreamCloud rates this mattress as a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale, placing it in the 'medium firm' territory, but our testing panel found it much firmer – around an 8. That's perfect for anyone wanting a more supportive sleep feel. It's great for back or stomach sleepers and anyone struggling with back pain, as it'll ensure the hips don't drop too low and the spine remains properly aligned. 

The heavier-weight testers on our panel also found the DreamCloud supremely comfortable, although did note that the edge support was a little lacking (worth bearing in mind if you have mobility issues, for example). However, some lightweight side sleepers might prefer something softer, to allow their shoulders and hips to sink in further.

Price, trials, warranty
The DreamCloud is always sold with a generous discount – the current long-running deal knocks 40% off MSRP. These offers tend to be pretty stable so don't expect bigger discounts around national holidays (as can be the case with other brands). The year-long trial and lifetime warranty are ultra-generous too. It's not as cheap as the Nectar #2, but it's an outstanding choice if you want to splash out a little bit, but not too much. You'll get a 365-night trial, a forever warranty and free shipping.

• Read more: DreamCloud mattress review

The DreamCloud: from $839 $499 at DreamCloud
If you missed the recent 50% off Flash Sale at DreamCloud, this current offer is worth considering because we rarely see flash sales from this mattress brand. This 40% off DreamCloud mattress deal is much more common, and drops the price of a queen size DreamCloud to just $799 with free shipping, a year's free trial and lifetime warranty, just as you get with the Nectar above. The DreamCloud Memory Foam is $50 cheaper at $749 for a queen.

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Best mattress for side sleepers

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The Helix Midnight is an affordably priced hybrid mattress that delivers the comfort and support of a more expensive model. The Midnight has been specifically designed for side sleepers, and our testers all agree it's an excellent choice if you habitually sleep in this position. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
Helix rates the Midnight as a 5-6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, but in our tests we judged it to be more like a 6.5 or 7. The overall feel is gently supportive, with a memory foam upper layer that contours around your curves. It's especially comfortable in a side-sleeper position, allowing the hips and shoulders to sink in a little, preventing pressure from building up. Stomach sleepers should seek something firmer for proper spinal support, as should those who weigh more than average. Back sleepers should approach with caution too, as the Midnight might not provide adequate support beneath the hips. 

The upper comfort levels on the Helix Midnight have that classic memory foam feel, in that they're slow moving and hug your shape, taking a second to return to re-expand once pressure is removed. Many people find this ultra-soothing – and it has benefits like being exceptional at absorbing movements – but it can be an adjustment if you're used to an innerspring mattress. 

Memory foam can trap body heat, but we didn't have any issues with overheating during our review period. If you sleep particularly hot, there's the option to upgrade to a specialist GlacioTex cooling cover, either as a straight swap with the standard cover or as part of a more luxe-feeling pillow-top. Be aware the GlacioTex will make the sleep surface a bit slippery, though. 

If you like the look of this brand but would prefer something slightly different, check out the rest of the Helix range. This brand's USP is that it makes mattresses 'for every body', which translates as having an option for every firmness preference (soft, medium, firm) and sleep position combination. All the back/stomach sleeper options swap the slow-moving memory foam for a more responsive comfort foam layer. 

Price, trial, warranty
The Helix Midnight is almost never sold at full MSRP. The regular deal takes 20% off, but we've seen that increase to 25% off over national holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Memorial Day and the 4th of July, and we have our fingers crossed for a bigger discount on Black Friday. You'll get a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty with the Helix Midnight.

• Read more: Helix Midnight mattress review

Helix Midnight mattress: from $936 $702 + up to $418 of free bedding at Helix
Helix Sleep is running a 25% off sale for Cyber Week, saving you up $333 on the Helix Midnight mattress for side sleepers, plus you get free bedding worth up to $418. This is the best Helix mattress sale we've seen in months, so now is the best time to buy. A queen is now reduced to $999 (was $1,332) with a free bedding bundle worth $378. You'll also get a 100-night trial and 10-year warranty.

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Best mattress for back pain

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The Saatva RX is a recently released luxury mattress designed to support sleepers who have chronic back pain and joint conditions such as sciatica, arthritis and herniated discs. We reviewed the Saatva RX for three consecutive weeks, and our lead tester Alison noticed an immediate difference in her back pain from the very first night. 

The RX comes in one comfort level, which we evaluated as being on the firmer side of medium-firm; so we found it firmer than Saatva’s own rating. The Saatva RX is a hybrid innerspring, just like our best Saatva mattress pick overall, but from there it has some unique features designed with back pain relief in mind. 

These include a Therapeutic Support Core which flexes and adjusts to your in-bed movements, keeping pressure points at bay so pain doesn’t creep back in. Gel-infused memory foam also ensures your spine stays healthy aligned and isn’t pushed out of place, causing more pain. As with the Classic, there’s Lumbar Zone Quilting here to deliver targeted lower back support.

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
Our lead tester for the Saatva RX, Alison, has back pain and mild scoliosis, so she was the best person to test this new Saatva mattress beyond our Sleep Editor Claire Davies, who has ongoing lower back pain following pregnancy. Stomach and back sleepers will be the most comfortable on the RX, while the side sleepers on our wider testing panel struggled to get comfy. 

Our testing lab notes show that the pressure relief is very good, and overall the RX sleeps cool – as we’d expect from a hybrid. Edge support is strong, so you shouldn’t have any issues sleeping right up to the edge or when sitting on the bed to get dressed. The downsides for us were how firm it felt during our side lying test, and that the motion isolation was weak – restless sleepers with back pain would be better off looking at The WinkBed. Otherwise, the Saatva RX is an excellent mattress for back pain capable of bringing a lot of relief at night.

Price, trial, warranty
You can only buy the Saatva RX mattress online directly from the brand, however Saatva does have 12 Viewing Rooms located across America. So if you’d prefer to lay hands on the RX before ordering it, you could visit a Saatva Viewing Room first – they are located in New York, Washington and Los Angeles, among others. 

Saatva offers evergreen discounts on its handcrafted luxury mattresses, and that now includes the Saatva RX. The maximum saving we’ve seen on the bed so far is $400 for Black Friday, and again that saving is only available when you buy online. Saatva runs a 365-night trial on the RX and has a lifetime warranty scheme, plus free old mattress and foundation removal – you need to arrange that in advance.

• Read more: Saatva RX mattress review

Saatva RX mattress: from $1,995 $1,695 at Saatva
You can save $400 on every size of the Saatva RX with our exclusive discount code – the general public sale is $300 off the smaller sizes, with $400 off the king size and up. Our discount reduces the price of a queen RX to $2,945 (was $3,295) which is still expensive but our testers feel it’s a good investment if chronic back pain is ruining your sleep. This saving will last during the Cyber Week sales, so now is a great time to buy the Saatva RX mattress for $400 less. 

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Best mattress for motion isolation

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The Leesa Sapira is a well-made hybrid mattress that scored highly in our in-house tests for key areas such as comfort, support, pressure relief and motion isolation. Its shining performance dipped slightly on temperature regulation (our testers felt it slept a little warm) and edge support (our testers felt it was a little weak), but otherwise this is a well-rounded memory foam and coil mattress that doesn’t get as much praise as it should. The side sleepers on our review panel enjoyed sleeping on it the most, and while it’s 

perfectly suitable for light to average weight back sleepers, we’d question if there is enough support here for heavier (250lbs+) stomach sleepers. The Leesa Sapira mattress comprises six layers, including toxin-free dense foam for the comfort and recovery layers, plus a coil support layer packed with 1,000 pocket springs to minimize motion transfer and enhance airflow. At 11” tall it’s one inch higher than the mattress standard (10”), so you won’t need to invest in extra-deep fitted sheets for this one.

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
Our lead mattress tester for the Leesa Sapira, Michele, reviewed the mattress over a three week period. During that time Michele tested the Sapira in all key areas including comfort, support, pressure relief, edge support, breathability and motion isolation. Only two areas let the mattress down: temperature control and edge support, and even then our testers said this was only to a small degree. 

So those certainly aren’t deal breakers for us, as evidenced by the Leesa Sapira’s very high 4.5 out of 5 review score. All of the side sleepers on our wider testing panel rated the Sapira highly for pressure relief along the shoulders, hips and knees, so you can look forward to a very comfortable night’s sleep on your side here. The cover is designed to wick moisture, so even though we felt the mattress slept a little warm, we didn’t sweat on it. There’s a minimal off-gassing smell with the Leesa Sapira, but even so we’d recommend opening a window while unboxing it.

Price, trial, warranty
At the time of reviewing this mattress, the Leesa Sapira is only available from the Leesa website. There are perks to buying direct, including a 100-night trial and a 10-year limited warranty. You’ll get free shipping to your door, and returns are free too as long as the Sapira is returned within that trial period. 

Like Satava and Helix mattresses, every Leesa Sapira boxed mattress is made to order and they usually ship within two to seven business days. That’s faster than you’d find with most custom mattresses, but big holiday shopping events such as Black Friday could impact shipping timeframes. 

• Read more: Leesa Sapira mattress review

Leesa Sapira Hybrid: from $1,349 $1,199 at Leesa
Right now there’s a maximum saving of $400 on the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, reducing the cost of a queen size to $1,699 (was $1,999) in the Cyber Week sales. That discount makes it competitively priced with other top-rated hybrids such as the Saatva Classic and The WinkBed, although both of those have multiple firmness options whereas the Sapira has just one. You’ll get a 100-night trial with the Leesa, plus free shipping and a 10-year warranty.

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Best affordable cooling mattress

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The Cocoon Chill the best mattress for hot sleepers on a smaller budget. It comes from major bed brand Sealy and is available as an all-foam model or a hybrid with springs (we're focusing on the former here). Whichever version you choose, you'll benefit from the temperature-regulating phase-change cover. What's especially notable is that this mattress sits in the lower-mid price bracket, whereas most specialist cooling mattresses are far more expensive. It has a similar design and price to the Nectar (#2) and is a better option if you sleep hot. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
During our review period, we were very impressed with how well the Chill regulated temperature – the phase-change cover ensured our testers didn't overheat once, even the ones that usually tend to run hot. While it won't chill you out as effectively as the very best cooling mattresses on the market, those typically sit comfortably in the premium price bracket, whereas the Chill is mid-range or upper-mid. It's absolutely the coolest mattress we've found in this price bracket. 

If you can spend a bit more, consider upgrading to the hybrid version (the springs boost breathability but creating space for air to circulate), or a specialist model like the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow (#10). The latter is much more of an investment, though. 

Although the Chill includes a top layer of memory foam, you sleep fairly close to the top of this mattress rather than sinking in too deeply. There's still plenty of pressure relief, and this mattress is very good at absorbing movements, which is good news for anyone who shares a bed. The medium-firm sleep feel will suit most sleeping positions and is especially comfortable for side sleeping. We'd recommend it to lighter or average-weight sleepers – those over 230lb should seek something firmer. 

Price, trial, warranty
There's a permanent deal that knocks 35% off ticket prices and takes the Chill mattress into the lower mid-range bracket, and you'll typically get a free bedding bundle too. The hybrid version costs between $80 and $200 more, depending on size. Cocoon doesn't typically increase its discounts over sales events, so you don't need to be strategic about when you buy. You'll get a 100-night trial, 10-year warranty and free old mattress and foundation removal.

• Read more: Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress review

Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam Mattress: from $617 $399 at Cocoon by Sealy
Ignore those 'Ends Today' claims, this 35% off discount is available every single day in the Cocoon by Sealy sale and we haven't seen it change in over a year now. However, if you pop in the code EXTRA25, you can save an extra $25 on your Cocoon Chill Mattress. Last month this cooling foam bed was $25 cheaper in a queen size, but here you'll still get it for just $699, plus you'll get free cooling bed sheets worth up to $199 thrown in. A cooler alternative to the Nectar.

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Best mattress for heavy people

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The WinkBed mattress is a luxury hybrid with a design that includes individually wrapped, zoned coils and gel-infused foam. The four different firmness options means you can pick the version that'll provide the right amount of support for your body type and sleep style. That, combined with the excellent pressure relief offered by the upper levels of cushioning mean this is a top choice for those suffering from back, hip or shoulder pain. We'd consider it a more affordable alternative to the Saatva Classic (#1), or an upgrade on the cheaper DreamCloud (#3). 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
We tested out the luxury firm (6.5 out of 10) version, and think it'd be a great choice for most people, but the Plus version is the best option for heavy bodies. The coil layer is zoned to provide sturdiness or softness just where it's needed – notably, there's extra support under the lumbar to promote good spinal alignment, which is vital if you suffer back pain (or want to avoid it). Meanwhile, the upper foam layers deliver first-class pressure relief, with a moderate level of contouring and plenty of cushioning.

Lightweight side sleepers should consider the soft version (4.5 out of 10), while the firm option (7.5) might be a better pick for stomach and back sleepers between 230 and 250lb, who need to sleep on top of the mattress, and avoid sinking in too much. The Plus (8) is our top pick for heavier people as it's designed for bigger bodies over 250lbs, and has a very different design. 

During our review period, we found the WinkBed offered excellent motion isolation, making it a strong choice for restless sleepers as well as anyone who shares a bed. We were also impressed with this mattress' sturdy edges, which are comfortable to sit on and can be used to press on to get up. Our only slight complaint was with the temperature regulation, which was good but not amazing. 

Price, trial, warranty
WinkBeds has a permanent discount that knocks $300 off all sizes, putting it at the top of the upper mid-range bracket (and a fair bit more affordable than the Saatva at #1). This deal has remained constant since we started tracking prices, and doesn't increase over national holidays or any of the other usual sales events. WinkBeds charges a $49 fee if you need to swap to a different firmness level after purchase. You'll get a 120-night trial and a lifetime warranty with the WinkBed Plus.

• Read more: WinkBed mattress review

The WinkBed Plus mattress: from $1,349 $1,049 at WinkBeds
There's $300 off any size of the WinkBed Plus today, with a queen mattress down to $1,699 (was $1,999). This is the same saving we see every month at WinkBeds, so there's no need to rush to buy it if you're still undecided. The non-Plus versions of the mattress are also $300 off in every size and are around $200 cheaper on average. The Plus version comes with a 180-night trial, a lifetime warranty and free shipping. For free old bed removal, pick the Saatva.

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Best mattress for pressure relief

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The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt is the brand’s best-selling mattress for alleviating pressure points on your body when you’re lying down. The Tempur-Adapt comes in three different heights and three different levels of pressure relief: the 11” Adapt with Legendary Pressure Relief (from $1,699), the 12” ProAdapt with Advanced Pressure Relief (from $2,899), and the 13” LuxeAdapt with Ultimate Pressure Relief (from $3,699). Pressure relief is important because it reduces aches and pains that might be waking you from sleep or preventing you from falling asleep easily. 

Tempur material is a NASA-developed foam that provides deep cushioning and contouring coupled with all-over support. In our Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review we ranked it highly for its incredible motion isolation and unbeatable pressure relief. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
We feel the medium-firm and firm options make it an excellent mattress for back sleepers, while the soft version of the Tempur-Adapt LuxeAdapt offers the perfect balance of comfort and cushioning for side sleeping. We didn’t like how hot it sleeps; regardless of what Tempur-Pedic says, our test model retained heat and made us feel overly warm most mornings. So if you experience night sweats or overheating, look at the Cocoon by Sealy Chill or the Casper Snow mattress instead. 

We rated the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress as a 4.3 out of 5. We reviewed it for a period of three weeks and tested it on various types of sleeper. It performed well for our back and stomach sleepers, and all of our testing panel felt comfortable and with reduced pressure points when sleeping on it. Just keep in mind what we said about it sleeping hot.

Price, trial, warranty: At certain points in each month you can find a good Tempur-Pedic mattress sale to reduce the cost of the Tempur-Adapt by around 30%. That takes a big chunk off the price tag, and sometimes Tempur-Pedic will offer free bedding with it too. The trial period is just 90 nights (Nectar, Saatva and DreamCloud offer 365 nights in comparison) and we’d like to see a longer warranty than 10 years on such an expensive bed, but there is free mattress installation and old bed removal to sweeten the deal.

• Read more: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review

Tempur-Adapt Mattress: from $1,699 $1,499 + $300 of free bedding at Tempur-Pedic
You can normally find two types of deal on the Tempur-Adapt: either a cash discount or up to $300 worth of free gifts with your mattress purchase. So this new sale combines the best of both, with up to $400 off the Tempur-Adapt Mattress and $300 of free pillows, sheets and a mattress protector. This is an excellent Cyber Week deal but it's ending Tuesday so move fast if you want it. 

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Best mattress for stomach sleepers

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Helix Sleep is known for making excellent mattresses dedicated to specific sleeping positions. Stomach sleeping is one of the hardest positions to cater for as so much spinal alignment and support is needed, but the Helix Dusk Luxe knocks it out of the park. Our mattress tester slept on the mattress for three weeks and praised it highly for back and stomach sleeping. That’s because it uses responsive foam layers that support and cushion your body without allowing you to dip down into the mattress. So you stay on top, exactly where you should be for healthy stomach sleeping.

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
Our lead reviewer felt that the Helix Dusk Luxe was breathable, which isn’t surprising given the use of coils that promote better airflow. Other top scores were awarded for the zoned support, and the thick pillow top for an instant hit of comfort. It definitely feels close to a medium firm mattress, so Helix is right on the money there. This was an almost perfect balance of comfort and support for us, with the responsive contouring of the mattress cradling all pressure points. 

While the Helix Dusk Luxe offers good pressure relief, it isn’t as good as the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt in that area, so definitely look at that mattress if aches and pains interrupt your sleep. The motion isolation was also decent and should suit most people, though very restless sleepers would do better on a full memory foam mattress (not a hybrid).

The temperature regulation was a bit of a let down for us; the Helix Dusk Luxe held onto more heat than we anticipated and the quilted Tencel cover doesn’t stay cool to the touch. If you’re forever tossing and turning, trying to find a cool spot, we’d recommend looking at the Cocoon by Sealy Chill too. 

There’s strong edge support down both sides of the mattress to make getting in and out of bed easier, though the foot of the bed isn’t as robust. Those points aside, the Helix Dusk Luxe is a well-made hybrid mattress best-suited to stomach sleepers who want to feel comfy and supported on top of the mattress. You’ll have 100 nights to trial it at home too.

Price, trial, warranty
Helix Sleep offers a 100-night trial on the Dusk Luxe, so you’ll get triple the expert-recommended 30 nights to trial a new mattress. You can also find it on sale most months, with savings of up to 20% available. That reduces the cost of a queen size to $1,899, which is still one of the more expensive options in our guide. You get two free Dream pillows worth up to $150 with our purchase, plus free shipping and a 15-year warranty compared to the 10 year guarantee on standard Helix beds. 

• Read more: Helix Dusk Luxe mattress review

Helix Dusk Luxe: from $1,373 $1,030 + up to $418 of free bedding at Helix Sleep
The Helix Cyber Week sale continues and it's the best deal we've seen in months on the Dusk Luxe mattress for stomach sleepers. You'll save 25% on any size, with a queen reduced to $1,780 ( was $2,373), and you'll get up to $418 of free bedding. That includes pillows, sheets and a mattress protector, so similar to the free Tempur-Pedic bundle. We'd advise buying now if you want the Helix Dusk Luxe for the cheapest price and bundled with free Helix bedding.

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Best mattress under $500

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The Siena is a budget bed-in-a-box from the same parent company as Nectar and DreamCloud, and aims to deliver better sleep comfort for a lower price. With a queen typically coming in under $500, it's one of the budget-friendly options in our list, and the best quality mattress we've tested in this price bracket, bar none. The 10-inch deep design combines layers of contouring memory foam and supportive polyfoam, with a soft-touch breathable cover to top things off.

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
The Siena contours subtly to your body and distributes your weight evenly, making for a firmly supportive sleep surface. Officially, it's a 6.5 on the firmness scale, but we think it's more like a 9. Side sleepers will probably need a bit of time to break it in (and ultimately might find it doesn't offer enough pressure relief around their shoulders and hips). However, for back or stomach sleepers, the extra support is very welcome, ensuring the lumbar doesn't drop too low and the spine remains in neutral alignment. 

One common issue with memory foam is that it can trap body heat, and amongst the other customer reviews there are some comments about this Siena sleeping hot. During our tests we were actually pretty impressed with the Siena's temperature regulation properties, especially for the low price. However, really hot sleepers should still consider a dedicated cooling mattress – the Cocoon Chill at #6 is our favorite budget-friendly offering.

In our tests, this mattress scored highly on edge support. If you need to be able to sit comfortably on the edge of your bed, or use the mattress to push up off to get up, the Siena will do the job perfectly. Rather surprisingly, given the firmness level, we we also found it absorbed movements especially well, making it suitable for those who are a bed.

Price, trial, warranty
The Siena has been discounted since it launched in March, and for several months there has been $300 off all sizes. Siena doesn't bump up its discounts for national holidays or sales events, which is fair enough given the pricing is so low anyway. The extras (180 night trial, 10-year warranty) are good for a budget mattress, but not as generous as you'll get with sister brand Nectar (#2).

• Read more: Siena Memory Foam mattress review

Siena Memory Foam Mattress: from $499 $199 at Siena Sleep
This mattress is a stable mate of the Nectar Memory Foam and the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid and it's usually discounted by up to $300 on each size. Most months we see the price of a queen size Siena Memory Foam Mattress reduced to just $399 (was $699) with free shipping. That's incredibly good value for money for a memory foam bed that offers decent support and breathability at such a low price. We have only seen one flash sale on the Siena Mattress so far, taking the cost of a queen to just $369.

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Best latex mattress

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The Awara Natural Hybrid mattress is a great option for eco-conscious shoppers who want to make a more sustainable choice. It swaps synthetic foams for natural latex, which provides similar contouring but a bouncier, more responsive feel. It's typically more durable than synthetic foam too, and better at regulating temperature. Here it's paired with breathable cotton and wool, and a layer of wrapped 8 inch coils. You'll always pay a bit of a premium for an organic mattress, but this model is cheaper than most of its competitors, yet still has a luxurious vibe, and our panel all agreed it felt especially well-made. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
When our testers first laid on the Awara Natural Hybrid mattress, they were concerned it might be too firm. Those concerns turned out to be short-lived – the foams quickly contoured to our sleepers' bodies, ultimately providing a gentle amount of give and good pressure relief. Rather than the sink-in feel of memory foam, this mattress delivers a comfortable floating sensation. 

As one of the firmest options in our best mattress guide, it would be a good option for heavier bodies or anyone who knows their preference is for sturdy support. Our testers found it was comfortable in any sleep position, but those under 130lb and anyone who prefers a more plush feel might find it a bit too solid. 

Although the coil layer is designed to absorb movements, we found motion isolation wasn't great in this mattress – light sleepers who share a bed might find themselves disturbed by their partner's movements, so might be better off with a memory foam model instead.

Price, trial, warranty
You should never have to pay full price for the Awara. Expect $400 off all sizes (in the past, we've seen a higher mattress price and a bundle of free bedding, but that offer seems to have been retired). These deals tend to remain stable, so it doesn't really matter when you buy. Because this mattress is from the same parent brand as Nectar, you'll get the same outstanding extras – a 365-night trial and a forever warranty. Overall, it's incredible value for money.

• Read more: Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress review

Awara Natural Hybrid: from $1,099 $699 at Awara
Last month you could save $400 on a queen size Awara Natural Hybrid, but the Awara Cyber Week sale has started now and there's an extra $50 off this latex mattress.  That drops the price of a queen further to $949, which is very competitive for a latex bed. You'll get a 365-night trial, a lifetime warranty and free shipping and returns. If you fancy the Awara we'd recommend buying now, as it will probably return to a more evergreen $400 saving after this week.

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Best luxury cooling mattress

If you have a bit of cash to splash, the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow is one of the very best mattresses around. The most advanced bed in Casper's range, it delivers exceptional support and motion isolation, but the real star of the show is this mattress' cooling powers. The 'Snow' of the name refers to two bits of extra sleep tech that combine to keep you 6 degrees cooler. Inside the mattress are bands that are meant to pull excess heat from the body throughout the night. These work alongside a cool-to-the-touch cover with an extra layer of cooling gel. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
Plenty of brands talk a big game when it comes to temperature regulation, but this Casper mattress really delivers on those claims. Our reviewers ended the month-long review period extremely impressed with this bed's chilling powers, having been kept comfortably cool throughout. We rate this one of the very best cooling mattresses around.

The Casper Wave Hybrid Snow doesn't disappoint on the comfort front, either. There's plenty of intriguing tech – we've never seen gel pods under the waist and back for spinal alignment, for instance – but all seems to do the job. We found this mattress provided plenty of firm yet comfortable support, making it a great choice for back sleepers or anyone struggling with neck or back pain. It also isolated motion very well, making it a good choice if you share a bed with a restless partner. 

Any potential issues? The edge support is fine but not exceptional, which is something to bear in mind if you need something sturdy to press off to get up in the mornings. And lighter weight side sleepers might find a softer bed more comfortable. 

Price, trial, warranty
It pays to be tactical about when you buy from this brand – discounts tend to appear around national holidays, and generally knock 20% or occasionally a little more off the Wave Hybrid Snow. You can also often snag a discount if you sign up to the Casper mailing list (wait for a popup to appear on the brand website). The extras are disappointing for the price – you'll get a 100 night trial and a 10-year warranty.

• Read more: Casper Wave Hybrid Snow mattress review

Casper Wave Hybrid Snow cooling mattress: from $3,095 $2,476 at Casper
The Casper Wave Hybrid Snow mattress is one of the most expensive cooling beds you'll come across, behind the Tempur-Pedic Breeze range and Sleep Number beds. Even when on sale at 20% off the price is eye-watering, with a queen reduced to $2,876 (was $3,595) in the current Casper mattress sale. But if night sweats, hot flashes and intense overheating are ruining your sleep at night, then the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow is worth the investment.

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How we test mattresses

We research and test the latest mattresses in all key areas to create unbiased product recommendations. We test each mattress for pressure relief, temperature regulation, support and comfort, edge support and durability. After analyzing our test data and conducting extensive user review research, we rate each mattress out of 5. We then compare that data and user review research with how other mattresses we've reviewed performed in the very same tests. That comparison allows us to clearly see the best mattress for different types of sleeper, informing our overall rankings.

The Tom's Guide mattress review process is fully editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. Our expert mattress testers sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks – roughly how long it takes for your body to get used to a new mattress – before writing up their thoughts. We also run a series of tests using weights to gain an objective view of how the mattress performs compared to other models. 

Mattress firmness is subjective, so each lead reviewer also forms part of a trusted and experienced testing panel made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. We have side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers, with lighter, average and heavier bodies, who rate each mattress using a specific set of performance criteria.

Together, these processes enable us to produce accurate, well-balanced and data-backed mattress reviews, to help you easily decide whether the mattress you’re interested in really is the best choice for you.

Our testing process, which you can read about in our mattress methodology, includes the following processes:

• Testing each mattress across all key data points, including support, comfort, pressure relief, motion isolation and temperature regulation
• Analyzing user reviews to get an understanding of what real customers think of each mattress, and get a feel for any recurring themes, whether positive or negative, which we explore these further during our testing process
• Fact-checking every comfort / support claim made by a mattress brand

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Other mattresses we tested that aren't in this guide

We test multiple mattresses each month but not all of them are the right fit to feature in our official best mattress guide, so you'll find some in our other guides to hybrid, memory foam, organic and cooling mattresses. Some of the other mattresses that we've reviewed include:

• Casper Snow Mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4/5
• The Layla Essential Mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 3.5/5
• The Allswell Mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4/5
• Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4/5
• Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 3.5/5
• Dreamfoam Essential mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4/5
• Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4.5/5
• Zoma Boost mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4.5/5
• Amerisleep AS3 mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4/5
• Puffy Hybrid Lux mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 3/5
• Layla Hybrid mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4.5/5
• Avocado Green Mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4/5
• Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 3/5
• Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4.5/5
• Bear Original mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4/5
• GhostBed Luxe mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4/5
• Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4/5
• SleepOvation mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 3.5/5
• Tuft and Needle Original mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 3.5/5
• Purple Original mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4/5
• Purple Plus mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4.5/5
• Nolah Evolution 15 mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4/5
• Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 3.5/5
• Leesa Original mattress review – achieved a TG test score of 4/5

Best mattresses 2023: Expert buying advice

How to choose the best mattress for you

The only way to truly know whether a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it. That's why all the options in our best mattress guide come with a risk-free trial. During this time, if you decide your purchase isn't quite right for you, you can send it back and try another. 100 nights used to be the standard, but now 200 nights is pretty common, and some brands even let you trial a mattress for a full year before committing to keeping it. 

That said, it's easier if you choose right the first time around. On that note, there are some key things to know that will help you choose the right mattress first time around. Here, we'll answer some common questions people ask when buying a new mattress, and explain some key considerations to make. We'll also share our pro tips for choosing the best mattress for your budget, and recap the best-rated mattresses at the moment. 

Which is the best type of mattress?

There isn't a single best type of mattress. Everyone is different, so the right type for you depends on your body, health and your sleep style. Personal preference comes into it, but there are some rules of thumb that can help you narrow down your options. 

Let's take a look at the main types of mattress, and the typical pros and cons of each...

Memory foam mattresses

Memory foam is a great option for anyone who likes to feel 'hugged' by their mattress. This material contours to your body, providing better pressure relief than spring-based options. It's also typically excellent at absorbing motion, which makes it a top choice for anyone who shares a bed with a restless partner.

Because foam has a relatively dense structure, all-foam mattresses typically sleep warmer at night than models with springs (which provide space for air to circulate). Older and cheaper memory foams can be particularly bad for trapping body heat, but technologies have progressed so that today's best memory foam mattresses are much better at regulating temperature. 

If you overheat at night, you may prefer to avoid an all-foam mattress. But if you love the cushioning feel of memory foam, there are plenty of 'cooling' foam mattresses. These range in price from the budget-friendly Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress to the Tempur-Breeze, which is much more of an investment purchase.

• Read more: What is a memory foam mattress?

Innerspring mattresses

Innerspring beds use metal coils to provide comfort and structure. Originally, innerspring mattresses were made with interconnected coils, but nowadays it's much more common that the coils are individually wrapped inside their own fabric pocket (in the UK, they're called 'pocket sprung' mattresses). Because these springs can move independently, they provide better pressure relief, greater comfort and more effective motion isolation than an interconnected coil system would. 

The quantity, height and design of the coils vary from model to model. Generally speaking, the more pocket springs in a mattress, the better the support. Most innerspring mattresses will have some kind of comfort layer at the top, to provide padding between the sleeper and the springs – this might be a pillow top or wool layer. 

One key difference between innerspring mattresses and all-foam options is that they're buoyant: you sleep on top of them, rather than sinking in. The more responsive sleep surface means they're easier to move around on than many all-foam models, too. 

Innerspring mattresses don't tend to trap heat in the same way that all-foam models can, because there's plenty of space within the mattress for air to circulate. Because you're sleeping closer to the surface of the mattress, they can feel cooler than a body-hugging memory foam model, too. 

• Read more: What is an innerspring mattress?

Hybrid mattresses

A hybrid is any mattress that includes more than one main type of material. In practice, that usually means memory foam plus springs, but occasionally the combination might also include something like latex. It's difficult to make generalizations about hybrid mattresses because the sleep feel will depend heavily on the relative amounts of the different materials and their position in the design. However, anything with a spring layer will typically be more breathable than an all-foam mattress. Many of our best mattress picks are hybrids, simply because they can offer the best of both worlds – the pressure relief of foam, but with a little more responsiveness, for example.

• Read more: What is a hybrid mattress?

Latex mattresses

If you're wondering what is an organic mattress, most of them us a durable latex foam made from natural materials, rather than synthetic materials (which memory foam mattresses are made from). If you're looking for an organic mattress, latex is the best mattress material for you. 

It isn't as dense as memory foam, which makes latex mattresses less prone to overheating. Latex also provides good contouring and bounce. On top of that, the durability makes latex a fantastic investment if you want your mattress to really last, but it doesn't come cheap. Read our best organic mattress guide for latex options. , and learn more about this specific type of mattress in our feature answering 

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How long does a mattress last?

On average, a good mattress should last seven to eight years, but this depends on various factors including what type of mattress you own, what it's made of, how often it's used, and how many of you sleep on it. (We explain more in our feature answering how long does a mattress last?).

So a guest room mattress used only occasionally may last a little longer than the general guidelines, while the main mattress on your bed – unless it's a good quality mattress – will wear out in less than seven years. 

The manufacturer's warranty is a good indication of how long the mattress should last, but you will need to care for it properly too. Cleaning your mattress regularly will help it last longer (see our guide on how to clean a mattress). If your mattress has signs of mold, you shouldn't sleep on it. Give it a deep clean first and if the mold still persists, you should replace it with a new mattress. Our guide to how to spot mattress mold will walk you through the telltale signs to look out for.

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How to choose the right mattress size

One golden rule for choosing the right size of mattress is to make sure it's 10cm longer than the tallest person sleeping on it. Width-wise, if you're sharing a bed, you and your partner should be able to put your hands under your head without your elbows touching. 

If you sleep alone, you'll have the right size mattress if you can put your hands under your head without touching the edges. So measure that distance and as long as you choose a mattress wider than that, you're good. 

Most options listed in our best mattress guide are available in: twin size, twin XL, full size, queen size, king size and California king. Some come in split options too, which enables you to choose a different mattress firmness to your partner. 

How to choose the right mattress firmness

Medium firm is the most popular mattress choice – that's why most flagship mattresses fall within a range of 5-7 on the firmness scale (10 is the firmest). 

However, sleep feel is subjective. Firmness and comfort depend on a wide range of factors including your weight, height, sleeping style and whether you experience any pain, such as in your back or hips. One person's experience of a mattress can be very different to someone else's.

That's why we use a range of different people to test our mattresses – and it's also why we look through other user reviews to get an overview of as many people's experiences as possible. Keep this in mind when noting our 1-10 firmness rating, as you may find a mattress to be slightly softer or firmer than we found it.

Nevertheless, there is some broad advice for deciding which level of mattress firmness you might be best-suited to...

1. Consider your sleeping position

Back sleepers often benefit from a medium-firm mattress. This provides neutral spine alignment while supporting the hips and shoulders. If a mattress is too soft, back sleepers may find their spine forming an uncomfortable 'U' shape, creating strain. Too firm and the natural 'S' curve of your spine won't be supported. 

Side sleepers need good pressure relief on their shoulders, knees and hips. A medium to medium-soft mattress is usually a good choice. If it's too soft, the spine won't align properly with the shoulders and hips. Memory foam is often the best mattress choice for side sleepers due to its above-average contouring. For more advice, read our guide to the best mattress for side sleepers.

Front sleepers fare better with a firmer mattress. This lifts the hips up so that they're in alignment with the spine, and prevents the spine from forming a 'U' shape. If it's too firm it'll be uncomfortable - particularly for women - and won't allow the spine to curve naturally. Too soft and it can feel almost suffocating. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses can be a better choice than foam for front sleepers.

Combination sleepers should choose according to their dominant sleep position (the position you normally fall asleep in). If you don't have one, a medium firm mattress will dish out the best support and comfort across most positions.

2. Consider your body weight

Sleepers weighing 130lbs and below don't sink as far into a mattress and are often well-suited to softer options: between 2 and 4 on the firmness scale. However, a medium-firm mattress would also be a good choice.

Sleepers weighing 130-230lbs are often better-suited to medium and medium-firm mattresses, between 5-7 on the firmness scale. 

Sleepers who weigh 230lbs or more can be well-suited to firmer mattresses, between an 8-10 rating, which prevent them sinking through the comfort layers.

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What is the best mattress in 2023?

If you can afford it, the Saatva Classic is the best mattress around. Or if that's out of your budget, our best value pick is the Nectar Memory Foam mattress.

The Saatva is a luxury innerspring model with a classic mattress feel, and it aced our tests, scoring highly for pressure relief, temperature regulation and edge support. Its 'Lumbar Zone Technology' feature has been given the stamp of approval by the American Chiropractic Association too, making it a great choice for those suffering from back pain. It's well worth the investment, but if you keep an eye out you can usually snag a discount.

Alternatively, the Nectar is the perfect choice if you have a lower budget or prefer the 'hug' of memory foam. It's comfortable and supportive, and extremely competitively priced with regular, generous discounts.

When is the best time to buy a new mattress?

There are mattress sales all year round. Some brands pretty much always have the same deal on, others mix things up with different offers on different models at different times, so you need to be more strategic about when you buy. 

The lowest prices of the year tend to appear in November in the form of Black Friday mattress deals and Cyber Monday mattress deals, and in February, during the Presidents' Day mattress sales. The latter is when people slowly start spending again following the January lull, and retailers look to stoke interest with strong offers and prices that are often as low as Black Friday.

The Memorial Day mattress sales are another key time to buy a new mattress, as retailers look to make way for newer models launching over the summer by discounting older stock. For the sheer volume and variety of discounted mattresses, it's as good as Black Friday, but we've noticed prices don't always dip quite as low. You might see the same discount advertised – $200 off, say – but the price may have gone up, so while the mattress is cheaper than its previous full price, you'd have saved more if you bought it in the November or February.

The same can be said of the July 4th mattress sales and Labor Day mattress sales: discounts typically match those offered during other major holidays, but many of the prices aren't quite the lowest. They're generally still good deals though, and worth grabbing if you need a new mattress. 

Here's when you shouldn't buy a new mattress if you can help it: over the summer. This is the most expensive time of the year, with prices generally at their maximum. You might see similar discounts advertised, once again, but prices can be as much as $200 more than at other times of the year.

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What is the most comfortable mattress for the money?

This depends on what type of mattress you enjoy sleeping on, as firmness and comfort are very subjective. For side sleepers, we think the most comfortable mattress is the Helix Midnight. The dreamy upper layers of memory foam relieve pressure all along your shoulders, hips and knees. Back sleepers might prefer the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid – our testers found it super-comfortable in this position.

Overall, the most comfortable mattress is the Saatva Classic. It comes in three different firmness levels and two heights to offer you the comfort, support and mattress depth you need for a great night's sleep.

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Meet our best mattress experts

Claire Davies

Claire is the mattress expert at Tom's Guide, responsible for all sleep product testing on the site. Claire is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach and can help you create the ultimate bedroom environment for better sleep. She is fully qualified to advise on your mattress and pillow choice, your bedtime routine, sleep environment and sleep hygiene. Claire has over 16 years' product testing experience under her belt and uses this, coupled with her sleep coach training, to help readers find the very best mattress for their specific needs.

Alison Barretta

Alison is one of the main expert mattress testers at Tom's Guide and an experienced sleep product reviewer in general. Alison has conducted in-depth testing of every type of mattress you can buy online, including memory foam, hybrid, organic and cooling mattresses, and has reviewed boxed and traditional mattresses from leading brands including Saatva, Purple, Nectar, Casper, Awara and Tempur-Pedic. Alison loves using her review knowledge to help readers choose a great mattress.