7 Best Memory Foam Mattress in 2023: Reviews and More

• Best for a firm mattress: Saatva Loom & Leaf | Skip to review
• Best for side sleepers with back pain: Casper Original | Skip to review
• Best for couples: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress | Skip to review
• Best for adaptable foam: TEMPUR-Adapt | Skip to review
• Best for a hypoallergenic mattress: Purple | Skip to review
• Best for a cooler sleep: GhostBed Luxe | Skip to review
• Best for immediate support: Zoma Hybrid | Skip to review

This guide looks at the benefits of memory foam mattresses and discusses the pros and cons of some of the best memory foam mattresses available.

The following is a selection of memory foam mattresses from popular brands. Prices relate to queen-sized mattresses.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best for a firm mattress: Saatva Loom & Leaf

• List price: $2,395
• Firmness: relaxed firm or firm
• Height: 12 inches (in)
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, Cal king, and split Cal king
• Warranty: lifetime warranty

The Loom & Leaf mattress by Saatva contains layers of high-density memory foam and a cooling gel layer to regulate body temperature. The gel is thicker in the center third of the mattress to support a person’s spine.

Saatva’s memory foam also has CertiPUR-US certification, which means that it does not contain harmful substances such as heavy metals, flame retardants, or formaldehyde.

The cover consists of organic cotton, which has an antimicrobial treatment to protect against germs.

The Loom & Leaf mattress comes in relaxed firm and firm.

Saatva offers white-glove delivery, setting up the bed wherever a person desires. People can also try the company’s mattresses for 120 nights before committing.

Read our review of Saatva.

What it is made of

Saatva’s mattress uses these materials:

• an organic cotton cover
• CertiPUR-US foams
• plant-based thistle pulp flame barrier
• gel-infused memory foam

Best for side sleepers with back pain: Casper Original

• List price: $1,295
• Firmness: medium
• Height: 11 in
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and Cal king
• Warranty: 10-year warranty

Casper’s original all-foam mattress has three support zones, providing softer areas at the shoulders and legs and firmer support around the lower back. According to the company’s website, this helps align the spine during sleep, potentially reducing back pain.

The website features many positive reviews from customers. Side sleepers may find the softer areas helpful for cushioning the upper body, while the perforated top layer allows air to circulate to reduce the chance of overheating.

Casper’s mattresses arrive rolled up and condensed in the popular bed-in-a-box format, making it easier to take them inside and set them up on a bed frame.

Read our review of Casper.

What it is made of

The mattress comes with the following layers:

• an AirScape foam layer
• Zoned Support foam
• a durable base foam

Best for couples: Nectar Memory Foam

• List price: $699
• Firmness: medium-firm
• Height: 12 in
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, and split Cal king
• Warranty: forever warranty

The Nectar mattress makes supportive memory foam available to a wider audience, with a lower price point than Casper or Purple.

The mattress features five layers of foam for moderate-firm support. The foam allows air to flow through, potentially providing a cooler night’s sleep, and preventing motion transfer between sleepers.

Nectar has consistently topped lists of affordable mattress providers and has won awards for offering the best value. The company offers a 365-night trial period, meaning that someone can return the mattress for a full refund up to 1 year after purchasing it.

Read our review of Nectar.

What it is made of

Nectar’s mattress uses the following materials:

• a polyethylene fiber cooling cover
• gel-infused CertiPUR-US memory foam
• standard CertiPUR-US memory foam
• polyester lower cover

Best for adaptable foam: TEMPUR-Adapt

• List price: $2,199
• Firmness: medium
• Height: 11 in
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, Cal king, and split Cal king
• Warranty: 10-year warranty

As the brand that first popularized memory foam mattresses, TEMPUR-Pedic offers a wide range of highly rated memory foam mattresses.

According to the J.D. Power 2022 Mattress Satisfaction Report, TEMPUR-Pedic is number one in the United States for customer satisfaction, durability, and comfort.

The original TEMPUR-Adapt is a medium mattress with a cool touch cover to prevent overheating. It consists of TEMPUR material, which is different from standard memory foam in that it responds to a person’s body weight, shape, and temperature. It is a proprietary material exclusively from TEMPUR.

TEMPUR-Pedic offers a 90-night trial, plus a 10-year warranty.

Read our review of TEMPUR-Pedic.

What it is made of

The TEMPUR-Adapt mattress is made of:

• TEMPUR-ES Comfort layer
• TEMPUR Support Layer

Best for a hypoallergenic mattress: Purple

• List price: $1,399
• Firmness: medium-firm
• Height: 9.25 in
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, and Cal king
• Warranty: 10-year warranty

Many mattresses release strong chemical odors when they are brand new. This occurs due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which come from manufacturers using solvents and flame retardants in the production process.

VOCs may cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and nausea. In the long term, they may also damage organs or increase the risk of cancer.

Purple use food- and food-contact-grade foam to eliminate allergens and reduce VOC exposure. The company holds Clean Air GOLD certification for this product.

The original Purple mattress uses multiple layers of foam topped with a unique gel grid, which flexes under pressure points and allows for airflow.

What it is made of

Read our review of Purple.

Purple’s mattress uses the following materials:

• a SoftFlex cover containing viscose, polyester, and Lycra
• GelFlex Grid
• polyurethane foam base

Best for a cooler sleep: GhostBed Luxe

• List price: $3,195
• Firmness: medium-plush
• Height: 13 in
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, and Cal king
• Warranty: 25-year warranty

Body temperature drops before sleep, so staying a comfortable temperature is important for getting a good night’s sleep.

According to GhostBed, this mattress is “the coolest bed in the world.” The company promises gentle, cooling support that helps people rest longer. It features seven layers of supportive foam, with cooling gel in the core and on the surface. Its foams are CertiPUR-US certified.

This mattress offers medium-plush support, contouring to the body’s shape and relieving pressure on the joints. According to GhostBed, the mattress is suitable for back and side sleepers, as well as hot sleepers. However, it contains latex, excluding it from people with a latex allergy.

Read our review of GhostBed.

What it is made of

This mattress features the following material:

• Ghost Ice fabric
• Ghost Ice technology
• gel memory foam
• bounce foam
• high density foam

Best for immediate support: Zoma Hybrid

• List price: $1,149
• Firmness: medium
• Height: 10 in
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, and Cal king
• Warranty: 10-year warranty

Many memory foam mattresses incorporate layers of gel to keep people cool, as the material can cause overheating.

The Zoma Hybrid mattress takes this further by using gel-based memory foam throughout the mattress to prevent people from getting too hot.

A firmer base layer provides spine alignment, while the top layer bounces back quickly, allowing people to get immediate support when they change positions. Zoma’s foam is CertiPUR-US certified and low in VOCs.

Zoma writes that the mattress cover is breathable and wicks away moisture.

Read our review of Zoma.

What it is made of

Zoma’s mattress uses:

• AirCloth
• gel memory foam
• responsive Reactiv layer

The following table compares the memory foam mattresses in this article.

Memory foam mattresses may suit a wide range of people due to their pressure-relieving and supportive qualities.

There is limited scientific research into who memory foam suits best, but a 2022 study indicates that a memory foam mattress may help support the abdomen and pelvis in people who are pregnant and reduce pelvic girdle pain. The participants of the study also received coaching from a physiotherapist.

However, memory foam has a reputation for retaining heat, and may not be the best option for people who sleep hot or those who live in warmer climates.

Those with larger bodies may also not find memory foam supportive enough.

People may wish to consider the following when choosing a memory foam mattress:

• Certifications: People may wish to look for mattresses that have certifications from organizations such as CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold. These certifications mean that the mattresses are free from materials or compounds that are hazardous to human health.
• Cooling features: Memory foam is denser than other mattress materials and may sleep hotter. People may wish to choose a product that has cooling features such as cooling gel to avoid overheating during sleep.
• Firmness: Firmness is subjective, and people should always choose the firmness that feels most comfortable. That said, most people will find a medium-firm mattress suitable to sleep on.
• Height: Mattresses with more height tend to have extra layers, which may provide more comfort. However, people who may find it difficult to sit on a bed or to get out of bed may prefer to choose a thinner mattress.
• Size: People should always purchase a mattress that is the same size as their bedframe.
• Motion isolation: People can check if the mattress minimizes motion transfer. This may be suitable for couples, as they are less likely to wake up if the other partner changes position or gets out of bed.
• Sleep position: Check what sleeping positions the mattress is compatible with. People may read customer reviews to learn about others’ experiences.
• Pressure relief: Some mattresses come with pressure-relieving mattresses. This means that they distribute the individual’s weight and reduce the amount of pressure they apply on a specific area.
• Off-gassing: Some mattresses emit a strong odor when a person unpacks them. This occurs due to VOCs as manufacturers may use flame retardants during production.
• Edge support: Individuals may check if the mattress offers edge support. This may help prevent sagging and help the mattress retain its shape.
• Warranties and sleep trials: People may wish to purchase from companies that offer more generous sleep trials and warranty lengths.
• Price: Memory foam mattresses can be expensive. People should consider the features they need and their budget, using sleep trials to test mattresses.

Take our quiz to find the best mattress.

Although memory foam is not a new mattress material, not many studies have investigated its impact on sleep quality or back pain.

One 2018 study compared memory foam mattresses with other types of mattresses and found that participants using the memory foam mattress reported better sleep and less body pressure.

However, an older 2014 analysis of previous research found no statistically significant differences between a memory foam mattress, a firm foam mattress without springs, and a waterbed for people with chronic back pain.

A person’s health needs change over time, and what works for one person may not work for another. When choosing a mattress, it is a good idea to consider factors such as body weight, any injuries or joint conditions, age, and climate to find the best option.

Common types of memory foam include:

• Traditional memory foam: This contours to a person’s body shape and position and offers pressure-relieving effects. It comes from petroleum-based products and has an open-cell structure. Mattresses using traditional memory foam may trap heat, so they may not suit hot sleepers.
• Gel-infused memory foam: These mattresses contain gel beads, a swirling liquid gel, or a gel that covers the comfort layer. This helps keep the body cool during sleep and provides pressure-relieving benefits.
• Plant-based memory foam: This type of memory foam may appeal to people looking for a more environmentally conscious memory foam option. It contains plant-based ingredients such as soy.
• Copper-infused memory foam: Some manufacturers infuse their memory foam with copper. As a heat conductor, it can draw heat away from the body to keep people cool while they sleep. Copper may also have some antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

There are many other types of mattresses on the market. Some other popular mattress types include:

• innerspring mattresses, which contain steel coils surrounded by layers of cotton or stuffing
• pillow-top mattresses, which have a soft, pillowy layer on top
• hybrid mattresses, which blend newer technologies such as memory foam and gel with a traditional spring core
• airbeds, which feature pockets filled with air
• waterbeds, which are filled with water and create the sensation of floating

Each type has its pros and cons, so it is worth looking into what each can offer.

Organic and natural mattresses can also be better for the environment, which is another consideration for many consumers.

Learn more about how to compare mattresses.

Here we answer some common questions about memory foam mattresses.

When should I replace my memory foam mattress?

People should replace their mattress when they notice it does not give them enough support. This may mean people wake up with aches and pains or notice sagging or soft spots on the mattress.

Can memory foam mattresses go on slats?

Yes, people can place memory foam mattresses on slats.

However, the slats should be close together. Slats that are not close together may lead to the memory foam mattress sagging into the spaces.

Are memory foam mattresses too hot?

Memory foam mattresses can be denser than other types of mattresses as they do not contain springs that allow extra airflow through the mattress. Therefore, memory foam mattresses may sleep hotter.

However, people can choose mattresses that contain cooling technology such as cooling gel, which may prevent overheating.

Which memory foam mattress brand is best?

Popular brands selling memory foam mattresses include Nectar, Casper, and Saatva, among many others.

While Nectar provides very affordable memory foam mattresses, some brands, such as Saatva, may use more natural materials.

Each memory foam mattress will have individual advantages and drawbacks, and the best memory foam mattress brand will depend on what a person is looking for. People should prioritize brands that use CertiPUR-US certified foam, provide lengthy warranty and sleep trials, and offer affordable products.

Is a memory foam mattress better than a spring one?

Memory foam mattresses may provide more even support than spring mattresses because of their more uniform construction. They can also conform more accurately to a person’s body shape and position than a spring mattress.

However, people should test memory foam mattresses before they commit to buying them, as they can vary in quality, comfort, and support.

What are the disadvantages of memory foam?

One of the most well-documented disadvantages of memory foam is that it retains heat. It can also be heavy.

Due to memory foam’s ability to quickly conform to a person’s body, some people feel “stuck” in memory foam mattresses. They can also lose form and develop dips over time.

There is also a risk of off-gassing with memory foam mattresses. To limit the risk of off-gassing, many companies use CertiPUR-US certified foam.

What makes a mattress the best memory foam mattress depends on a person’s sleep preferences, how much support they like to have, whether or not they tend to overheat, and other considerations.

To find the right fit, a person can take note of their personal needs and make use of risk-free trials that many mattress companies offer. This can help them test out the mattress to see if it helps them sleep well.