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Best Mattress Brands

  • Best overall
    Puffy
    4.6(282)
  • Long trial period
    Back Science
    4.8(81)
  • Long warranty
    Helix Mattress
    4.3(132)

Best Mattress Brands

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By: Sandy Baker
+2 more
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Edited by: Vincent Landino
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Reviewed by: Michael J. Breus, Ph.D.

Our 4 picks for top mattresses

  1. Best overall: Puffy
  2. Best for a long trial period: Back Science
  3. Best for a long warranty: Helix Mattress
  4. Best for low cost: Sleep Outfitters
Best overall

Puffy

Puffy
4.6
282 reviews
Trial period
101 nights, free return, full refund
Warranty
Lifetime
Shipping
Free, 1-2 days
Read Reviews

Puffy is our pick for best overall mattress brand due to its combination of comfort, warranty and trial period. There are four mattress models to choose from at various price points, starting at around $1,000 for a queen-sized Puffy Cloud (the most basic model). 

Puffy offers a generous 101-night in-home trial, which should be plenty of time to decide if the mattress is right for you. The mattresses are definitely on the pricey side, but the company offers a lifetime warranty to help boost confidence that your investment will last.

Pros
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Long in-home trial
  • Good temperature regulation and targeted body support
Cons
  • Pricey
“Best part is how my back feels now - Used to wake up stiff every morning but that's mostly gone. The cooling actually works too, not just marketing talk.”
Leif Long Beach, CA
“... I'm pleased with the difference it's made. The multi-layer foam offers a good balance of support and comfort for my back. I appreciate the cooling technology - it helps me sleep more comfortably through the night. The edge support is solid, which makes getting in and out of bed easier. The quality and the lifetime warranty are reassuring. I wish I had discovered it earlier.”
Axton Tallahassee, FL

Puffy mattresses aren’t cheap — particularly the higher-end models. You can easily hit the $3,000 mark with a Puffy mattress. That said, reviewers rave about the comfort, so it may be money well spent.

Best for a long trial period

Back Science

Back Science
4.8
81 reviews
Trial period
365 nights, free return, full refund
Warranty
30 years
Shipping
Free in continental U.S., 1-5 days
Read Reviews

Back Science offers a huge 365-night trial, making it a shoo-in as the best mattress brand for a long trial period. That’s a full year — no other brand comes close. The mattresses are also backed by an impressive 30-year warranty and are made in the USA.

Back Science mattresses are designed by a chiropractor, and many reviewers with back problems report pain relief after making the switch. Even reviewers with no history of back pain enjoy the comfort of these luxury mattresses. There are four models to choose from, ranging from basic to ultra-luxurious.

Pros
  • Extremely long trial period (365 nights)
  • 30-year warranty
  • Designed by a doctor
  • Made in the USA
Cons
  • Higher-end models are expensive
“Since getting the mattress, I've noticed significant improvements such as better sleep and less back pain. I had to request an adjustment on the mattress, and their customer service was quick and helpful in addressing my needs. Overall, I am very satisfied with my experience and would highly recommend Back Science.”
A Oak Park, CA
“We're very satisfied with the product. It's been great and customer service is incredible. I was experiencing lower back pain but since using it, we've been sleeping better.”
Noah Malibu, CA

Back Science mattresses are very expensive. For example, a queen-size Series 3 Hybrid costs $3,500. King-size mattresses can cost $4,000 or more. The more basic models are more affordable, but still on the higher end of the market.

Best for a long warranty

Helix Mattress

Helix Mattress
4.3
132 reviews
Trial period
100 nights, free turn, full refund
Warranty
Lifetime, with prorated charges starting year 11
Shipping
Free in continental U.S., 1-5 days
Shop Now Read Reviews

We selected Helix as the best mattress brand for a long warranty, thanks to its limited lifetime warranty. The warranty covers all manufacturing defects, so you can feel confident about investing in a Helix mattress. 

Helix offers a large variety of mattress models, and nearly all are available in a Core, Luxe or Elite version. Each model is tailored to a specific type of sleeper — for example, side sleepers or those who prefer a softer mattress. This makes it easy to find a mattress that suits your needs. Price-wise, Helix is perhaps a little less expensive than competitors like Puffy and Back Science, but it’s still on the higher end of the scale.

Pros
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Lots of options for each model
  • Lower prices than many competitors
Cons
  • 30-night break-in period required before returns are possible
“Months in, I only recently realized that I have not woken up sore on this mattress a single time. It was a near nightly problem with the prior mattress. I would easily and gladly repeat this purchase.”
Tyler Stockton, CA
“I sleep much better on my Helix Sunset Elite - Queen-sized mattress than I did on my previous mattress. I can recommend this mattress for anyone with lower back issues. Helix Customer Service is excellent. The folks in the service department are friendly and easy to deal with.”
Doug Leesburg, VA

Helix offers a lot of options — possibly too many. Narrowing down the specific mattress you want can be tough, although the company does offer a handy questionnaire to help you out.

Best for low cost

Sleep Outfitters

Sleep Outfitters
4.0
55 reviews
Trial period
120 nights, exchange only, $99 fee
Warranty
10 years
Shipping
Free for purchase of $4,999.99 and over; $94.99 delivery and setup fee otherwise
Read Reviews

Sleep Outfitters is our pick for best low-cost mattress brand thanks to its lower-cost Encore brand. Queen-size Encore mattresses start at under $500, which is significantly less than many high-end mattress brands.

Aside from the variety of price points available, Sleep Outfitters also offers a wide selection, since it carries four different brands. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable, so you can get matched up with just the right mattress for you.

Pros
  • Large selection
  • Several price points to choose from
  • Knowledgeable staff to help you choose the right mattress
Cons
  • Does not manufacture its own mattresses
“Very helpful manager. Helped me find the best mattress set at a reasonable price. Set up delivery for my new mattress set within a reasonable time frame. I really like the fact that they will remove my old set for a small fee and that it won’t end up in a landfill. I would definitely recommend this business to anyone.”
Cindy Ashtabula, OH
“... took the time to listen to us and actually help us find the mattress we wanted and at the price we wanted, which the prices are amazing compared to other tempurpedic retailers.”
Kristen Rainelle, WV

Sleep Outfitters is not a mattress brand itself — rather, it’s a retailer that carries four brands: Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Stearns & Foster and Encore. There’s a good selection of mattresses from each brand, but if you’re looking for something other than one of these four, you’ll have to go elsewhere.

Mattresses Buyers Guide

Jump into our guides and start learning

In this guide

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Mattress buyers guide

Buying a mattress can be surprisingly complicated. Not only are they expensive, but there are a ton of options and it’s not always clear what the actual differences are from one brand to the next. This guide will help you narrow down the options so you can make an informed choice about this important purchase.

Key insights

There are several different types of mattresses available. Innerspring mattresses tend to be more affordable but perhaps less comfortable, while memory foam and hybrid mattresses tend to be more comfortable and luxurious, but much pricier.

Jump to insight

Queen-size mattresses can range from under $500 to over $5,000, with an average cost of about $1,000.

Jump to insight

When buying a mattress, pay attention to the trial period and return policy, even if you’re trying the mattress in a store first. What feels good when you’re out shopping can feel much different after a week or even month of 8-hour nights.

Jump to insight

Types of mattresses

Mattresses come in a variety of different sizes, styles and materials, and each has its own pros and cons.

Innerspring mattresses
Innerspring mattresses, also known as spring mattresses, are likely what you think of when you imagine a traditional mattress. For years, the innerspring design was the main mattress style on the market, and it remains one of the most popular options available today.

Construction: Innerspring mattresses use metal coils to provide support. Different coil styles offer varying levels of support and carry different price tags.

Pros: Innerspring mattresses are widely available, and there are many affordable options.

Cons: Metal coils can irritate pressure points and weaken over time, which means you may need to replace an innerspring mattress sooner than a mattress of another type.

Good for: Innerspring mattresses support a variety of sleep positions.

Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam mattresses provide consistent support and pressure relief. They conform to your body and provide cushioning where you exert the most pressure while maintaining proper support for the rest of your spine.

Construction: Memory foam mattresses are commonly made out of polyurethane, but open-cell and gel-infused memory foam variations are also popular.

  • Open-cell foam is a more breathable type of foam that lets air escape and circulate. As a result, you sleep cooler while still getting the same pressure relief you would from traditional memory foam.
  • Gel-infused memory foam is another cooling option. Foam mattresses that are gel-infused or contain a layer of gel help you regulate your temperature through the night.

Pros: Limited motion transfer makes memory foam mattresses ideal for those who sleep with a partner, and the extra support can help sleepers who suffer from back and joint pain.

Cons: You sink into the mattress, which some people find uncomfortable. Traditional memory foam mattresses are also known for retaining heat.

Good for: Memory foam mattresses are a great choice for side sleepers because they let your shoulder and hips sink into the mattress, which then cradles and supports them in a way spring mattresses can’t.

Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses are manufactured with natural latex made from rubber tree sap instead of synthetic materials. Latex mattresses are generally on the firmer side.

Construction: A latex mattress must have at least one layer of latex, but many contain multiple other materials in different layers.

Support: An extra foam layer is generally added to complete the core support of a latex mattress, but some companies manufacture latex-coil hybrid mattresses.

Pros: Latex mattresses are durable, and the firmness is good for relieving pressure points.

Cons: Latex mattresses tend to be more expensive than innerspring and memory foam mattresses.

Good for: Latex mattresses are a smart option for anyone concerned with allergens or looking for a durable, eco-friendly mattress.

Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of two or more mattress types. The most common variation is a spring-foam hybrid, which uses traditional coils but surrounds them with layers of memory foam.

Pros: Hybrid mattresses combine the qualities of multiple other types of mattresses. They often are also a little cheaper than memory foam mattresses.

Cons: Hybrid mattresses are heavy, which can make them difficult to move.

Good for: Hybrid mattresses are a useful option for a variety of people (depending on their composition), especially couples needing different features out of their mattresses.

If you’re looking into a hybrid mattress, you may also want to consider a pillow-top mattress, which is an innerspring mattress with a top layer of padding made of foam, latex, cotton, wool or other fibers.

» MORE: Mattress statistics

Mattress firmness comparison

Mattresses are frequently described in terms of their firmness (often on a scale of one to 10), so understanding what this means and how it impacts your sleep helps you narrow down which mattress is right for you.

  • Soft mattresses: A soft mattress ranks between one and two on the 10-point mattress firmness scale, which means sleepers often feel as though they’re sinking into the bed. Soft mattresses are often recommended for side sleepers because they allow people’s hips and shoulders to align with the rest of their bodies. However, soft mattresses can trigger back pain in some individuals, including stomach sleepers and heavier people. A medium-soft mattress (three to four on the firmness scale) may be a better option for these kinds of sleepers.
  • Medium mattresses: Sometimes referred to as universal comfort mattresses, medium mattresses (including medium-soft and medium-firm models) rank between three and seven on the firmness scale. These are a popular choice for all types of sleepers because they combine plush comfort with decent support. A medium-firm mattress is a great choice for couples.
  • Firm mattresses: Ranging from six to ten on the firmness scale, firm mattresses allow sleepers to rest on top of their mattresses with little to no sinking in. Firm mattresses are recommended for stomach sleepers and heavier individuals.

To find your ideal mattress firmness, consider your preferred sleeping position, body weight, physical condition and whether you share the bed with a partner.

For instance, while a firmer mattress is often recommended for people who suffer from back pain, those who suffer from arthritis, inflammation or other joint issues may find that firm mattresses create too much pressure and actually make their pain worse. However, a mattress that is too soft can cause improper spinal alignment.

Ideally, people suffering from joint issues should find a mattress somewhere in the middle that strikes a balance between comfort and support.

How much is a mattress?

The average cost of a mattress is around $1,000 (for a queen-size model). Keep in mind that prices vary significantly depending on the mattress’s brand, size and type, so a queen mattress can cost anywhere from less than $500 to more than $5,000. No matter what size mattress you’re buying, there are ways to make the mattress-buying process more affordable, though.

Average prices by mattress size

Based on innerspring designs

Average price by mattress type

Based on queen mattresses

How to buy a mattress

Once you have an idea of what type of mattress you want, it’s time to go shopping. Here are some tips to make sure your purchase ends up being the right one.

  1. Test it out: The only way to know if you like a mattress is to lie on it. Don’t just lie down and jump back up, either. Be sure to test the mattress in the position you typically sleep in, particularly if you are a side sleeper, and stay in the position for a few minutes. If you have a partner, be sure to bring them along to get an idea of how the mattress handles motion transfer.
  2. Look for a generous trial period: It can take several weeks to fully adjust to a mattress. That’s why many companies offer extended trial periods. Some brands, particularly those who sell their mattresses exclusively online, offer 90- to 100-night sleep trials. A longer trial period takes some of the fear out of buying a mattress because you can change your mind and try something else if needed. Just make sure you know the trial rules for each brand.
  3. Try more than one: Compare and contrast different styles and levels of firmness if you have the chance. However, trying too many mattresses can be confusing and ultimately muddle your experience. Try two to three models in the type you’re leaning toward, and add in one more you might not have considered just for context.
  4. Negotiate the price: Salespeople know you have nearly endless options when buying a mattress. Like when buying a car, this means they may be willing to offer a discount or rebate, and they may even upgrade you to a nicer mattress for the same price as a less expensive model. Don’t push too hard, though; not all brands are willing to negotiate.
  5. Ask about the warranty: Like any major purchase, mattresses often come with a warranty. Some warranties even extend well beyond the typical lifespan of a mattress. It’s worth finding out what might void the warranty, though.
  6. Check the thickness and layers: Most mattresses range between 8 to 12 inches thick and usually include two to five layers. The top layers deliver the comfort and cooling properties, while the bottom layers provide the foundation and compression support. In good mattresses, the foundation should be at least half of the mattress’s thickness. Each layer should be at least 2 inches thick. Increased padding often indicates a higher-quality bed; plus, the thicker the mattress, the longer it typically lasts.
A longer trial period takes some of the fear out of buying a mattress because you can change your mind and try something else if needed.”

Tips for buying a mattress online

There are pros and cons to buying a mattress in-store versus buying online. You may be able to get a better deal online, but you can only test a mattress before you buy it by visiting a store or showroom in person. However, most online mattress brands offer a decent in-home trial period to help give customers confidence in their purchase.

Buying a mattress online is a fairly simple process. You just need to know the style of mattress you want in advance. Here’s how to go about it:

  1. Determine the type of mattress you want
  2. Set a budget
  3. Read customer reviews
  4. Look for brands that offer generous in-home trial periods
  5. Select a mattress that offers a minimum 10-year warranty

Mattress FAQ

How long does a mattress last?

The Better Sleep Council recommends disposing of your mattress and replacing it every seven years. However, the effective life span of your mattress really depends on how you use it, your body type and the environment you live in. Higher-quality mattresses may last longer due to their superior materials and construction, but even expensive mattresses have an expiration date.

How do you know it’s time to replace your mattress?

Signs that it’s time to replace your mattress include:

  • Waking up with neck or back pain, stiff limbs or a tired feeling even after a full night’s sleep
  • Frequently tossing and turning or waking up throughout the night
  • Low spots or visible sagging in your mattress
  • Your mattress suddenly starting to creak
  • Your allergies growing worse, especially when it isn’t your typical allergy season
  • Finding a mattress you like more
How do I choose a mattress?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a new mattress, such as your:

  • Budget
  • Sleeping position
  • Weight
  • Personal preferences

Your sleeping position and weight are crucial factors to consider when purchasing a new mattress because they determine the level of firmness you need.

Which is the most comfortable mattress?

No mattress is the most comfortable for all people. How well you like a given mattress depends on the details of your sleeping position, weight and other preferences. Still, it’s hard to find the right mattress if you’re researching exclusively online. The surest way to determine if a mattress is comfortable for you is to try it out and see for yourself.

What is the best time to buy a mattress?

New mattress models typically are rolled out in June each year, making May the best time to find clearance offers. However, it's not always ideal to put off buying a mattress to wait for a sale, especially if your current mattress is causing pain or sleepless nights. Many mattress sellers offer affordable financing programs that can get you into a better mattress soon.

Disclaimer

Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.

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