Best Mattress of 2021
If you’re shopping for a mattress online, you may be struggling to decide which is the best one for you. There are a ton of options to choose from, and it’s not always easy to know which mattresses are truly the cream of the crop.
We’ve done the research and testing on thousands of mattresses, whittling them down to our favorites to simplify the process for you. Our team of mattress experts has years of experience directly testing these mattresses, as well as researching different types of mattresses, materials, and innovations in the mattress world. We draw on the experiences of a diverse group of sleepers on our testing team, as well as a battery of tests and technologies, to evaluate how different mattresses feel and perform for all different types of people.
Zinus Green Tea Mattress
Linenspa 6-Inch Spring Mattress
Vibe 12” Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Ashley Chime Elite 12 Inch Memory Foam Firm Mattress
Classic Brands Cool Gel Chill Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress
The mattresses that we’ve selected here as the best in specific categories are the top picks based on their performance, construction, and value. Our guide kicks off with detailed information about our picks for the best mattresses of 2021 and then, for those who want to get into the ins-and-outs of the mattress buying process, covers the key topics that a savvy mattress shopper should be aware of.
Finding the Best Mattress For You
Defining the ideal mattress is extremely subjective. Every sleeper has their own idea of the perfect firmness level. Optimal support and bounce can depend on a person’s sleeping position and body weight. The right mattress can also vary based on whether someone shares a bed, whether they sleep hot, and of course, their budget.
Given all these factors, it’s impossible to say that there’s one single best mattress. For that reason, we’ve broken our top picks into individual categories so that you can find the best bets among specific mattress types and aspects of mattress performance.
For an in-depth look at how to choose a mattress, visit our guide here. We also have every piece of information you’d need when learning a mattresses in our mattress information section.
Also remember to contact us if you’d like a personalized mattress review from our product review staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mattress types are most comfortable?
Whether or not you find a mattress comfortable is deeply personal and due to factors like your body shape and preferred sleeping position. For example, a back sleeper who weighs over 230 pounds will usually prefer a significantly firmer mattress than someone who weighs less than 130 pounds and sleeps on their side.
Mattresses can also feel comfortable in the short term but uncomfortable after several hours or even days, making it difficult to choose the right mattress without sleeping on it. Instead of relying on their own sense of what is “comfortable”, customers should carefully consider what their body requires before buying a new mattress. It’s helpful to choose a mattress with a sleep trial, as these allow you to double-check that your new bed is comfortable before committing to the purchase.
What are the best mattresses for side sleepers?
Most people who sleep on their side prefer foam, memory foam, or hybrid mattresses. Side sleepers are prone to developing pressure points at their hip and shoulder, making it difficult to sleep or trigger next-day aches and pains.
Mattresses with above-average pressure relief contour gently against these potential pressure points regardless of the mattress’s overall firmness level, providing side sleepers with both comfort and support. While not all foam or foam hybrid mattresses are pressure relieving enough for side sleepers, they tend to perform significantly better in this category than innerspring or even latex beds.
What are the best mattresses for back pain?
The best mattress for back pain is one that encourages correct spinal alignment and provides excellent support for both your body type and preferred sleeping position. While some specific mattresses are popular among people with back pain, an ideal model for one person may leave another feeling worse the next day.
However, there are features that people with back pain tend to universally appreciate — these include lumbar padding, ergonomically zoned support systems, and sturdy edge support. Side sleepers with shoulder or upper back pain should also consider the pressure relieving qualities of a mattress before buying since poor pressure relief can lead to tension in these areas.
What are the best mattresses for hot sleepers?
People who sleep very warm should consider purchasing an innerspring or latex mattress. Innerspring mattresses without foam comfort layers provide the best temperature neutrality thanks to their superior airflow, while latex is naturally temperature neutral and stays much cooler throughout the night than synthetic foams.
Latex hybrids can be even cooler, as pocketed coils provide airflow in the same fashion as an innerspring. If you prefer the feel of synthetic foams — such as memory foam — look for a foam hybrid with temperature regulation features. These are warmer than an innerspring or latex mattress but still offer better temperature regulation than a standard all-foam bed.
What are the best mattresses in a box?
There is no easy answer to this question since the “best” mattress is exceptionally subjective — a bed that is perfect for one person may leave another person sleepless and sore. Customers should always start by determining their sleep needs, which include personal preferences but should be based on their sleep position and body type. These details, combined with their budget, will help them choose a mattress type, firmness option, and preferred features. After narrowing the field, customers can then rely on independent mattress reviews to determine what mattress in a box is best for them.
