Why You Can Trust CNET Best Memory Foam Mattresses for 2023
Memory foam is the best at isolating movement and cradling your body while you sleep. You won’t want to miss our picks for the best memory foam mattresses.
If you’re a memory foam lover, then you’re in the right place. There’s a lot of variety in memory foam, which means you have many options to choose from. Some feel dense, firm and heavy, while others are plush, cloud-like and light.
When it comes to finding the best memory foam mattress, I test for quality, price, comfort, accommodation and performance using a series of mattress tests. I've likely tested over 50 memory foam mattresses in my time. The ones listed below were chosen based on my experience and how well the beds stood out in a sea of options. I've included the top memory foam mattress for side sleepers, budget shoppers and the pick for best memory foam mattress overall.
What's the best memory foam mattress overall?
A look at the Nectar Premier in our test facility.
While all the memory foam beds on our list are good picks, the Nectar Premier mattress wins the best overall title. It's a comfortable memory foam mattress that feels similar to the popular Tempur-Pedic mattress, but it's a lot more affordable. It has a slow-rising feel that gives your curves and joints a little hug, and extra features that help it regulate temperature better than regular memory foam beds.
Video: Best memory foam mattress
Watch CNET video producer and certified sleep science coach Owen Poole review the best memory foam mattresses.
Best memory foam mattresses of 2023
On this list, you'll find the memory foam mattresses that stood out to me as the most comfortable, most supportive, most accommodating or the most affordable. Here are my picks for the best memory foam mattress options that you can purchase online.
Mattress price scale:
$ = Budget: $799 and below
$$ = Average: $800 to $1,699
$$$ = Premium: $1,700 and up
These reflect MSRP or list prices. Sales might make a mattress less expensive, but are always changing.
Like
- Affordable, especially compared to competitors
- Doesn't sleep hot like old memory foam beds
- Thicker than many all-foam mattresses
- Available in a hybrid model
Don't like
- Not ideal for side sleepers who want a plush mattress
- The foam may not be supportive enough for people over 230 pounds
The Nectar Premier made my list for the best memory foam mattress because it reminds me of a foam TempurPedic mattress; it has that signature memory foam feel, but you won't have to fork out nearly as much cash for it. It has a dense, slow, sink-in memory foam feel that takes a few seconds to activate. Once it does, the gel-infused memory foam starts to hug your body and offers a relieving feel around pressure points like your hips and shoulders.
The Nectar Premier is about 13 inches tall and features what the brand calls "ActiveCool HD" in the center of the bed's top layer where most of your body heat collects. It also has a textured cooling cover for extra heat prevention. I wouldn't say it sleeps cold because of these features, but it does make the Nectar Premier a temperature-neutral memory foam bed.
The Nectar Premier memory foam bed is available in sizes twin to split king, and retail prices range from $1,049 to $2,398. Read our full Nectar Premier mattress review for more.
Editor's note: In April 2022, the US Product Safety Commission issued a recall for Nectar Premier king- and queen-sized mattresses manufactured on Sept. 24 and 27, 2021 because they posed a fire hazard. To find out if your mattress has been recalled, look at the commission's recall notice and this page on the Nectar website.
Nectar Premier
Like
- Two firmness options in one mattress
- Accommodates all sleeping positions
Don't like
- Heavier sleepers may want to consider the Layla Hybrid for more support
It seems the mattress company paid a lot of attention to detail when it came to designing the flippable mattress. If you find you don't think one side fits your sleeping style, all you have to do is flip it around to get a softer or firmer mattress feel. The soft side feels plush and pressure-relieving, so it's great if you're a side sleeper. The flip side doesn't have a true firm profile, but it does keep my back and spine supported when I sleep on my stomach and back. I'd say it's a hair firmer than a medium.
Unlike the Nectar memory foam bed, both sides of the Layla mattress feel light and airy. It's a soft memory foam that doesn't provide resistance when you try to switch positions. It's slightly more bouncy than other memory foams, which slowly morph back to shape after a few seconds. It's one of those mattresses that might even appeal to avid memory foam haters because it doesn't give you that "stuck" feel that some people dislike.
The Layla memory foam mattress is available in sizes twin to Cal king, and retail prices range from $749 to $1,249 at full price. Read our full Layla mattress review for more.
Layla Memory Foam
Like
- Special Celliant-infused cover
- Great for most sleeping positions, except petite side sleepers
- A good value
Don't like
- Not ideal for people over 230 pounds
I was surprised to find out how affordable the Bear Original Mattress was when I first tested it out. It reminded me of the more popular bed-in-a-box mattresses like the Casper mattress or Puffy mattress but retail for several hundred dollars less. It works great when I'm on my back and stomach, and it's pretty comfy when I'm on my side. If you're a strict side sleeper under 150 pounds, it may be a little too firm.
It's about 10 inches thick and made with three different foam layers. It has a slow-responding feel that appeals to memory foam lovers far and wide, but it's topped with a cover that's pretty unusual. It's Celliant-infused, which is a special fabric that absorbs your body heat and returns it back to you as infrared energy. You can't see it or feel the material, but it's supposed to improve blood circulation, and in turn, promote muscle recovery and boost energy levels. For this kind of tech to be on the cover of an affordable bed-in-a-box foam mattress, Bear earned its spot as the best affordable memory foam mattress.
Bear mattresses are available in sizes twin to split king, and retail prices range from $748 to $1,690. Read more in our Bear Original mattress review.
Bear Original
Like
- Eco-friendly memory foam material
- Special Celliant-infused, washable cover
- Its hybrid construction makes it suitable for all body types
Don't like
- Not soft enough for side sleepers
- Cost is on the higher end of bed-in-a-box mattress pricing
The AS2 Hybrid memory foam mattress has three ideal characteristics most back and stomach sleepers look for things like firmness, support and comfort. As an added plus, the brand's plant-based Bio-Pur foam makes it more breathable and eco-friendly than other memory foam mattresses.
When I tested out the AS2 Hybrid, my back stayed flat and in a comfortable alignment. My body also stayed more on top of the mattress, as opposed to sinking into the layers as you do with soft memory foam beds. I'd say it has a dense feel similar to the Nectar, but firmer. Beds with firm mattress profiles tend to be a sleep haven for back and stomach sleepers because they keep the spine from sagging into the mattress.
Aside from its memory foam feel and 12-inch design, the icing on top is quite literally the top of the mattress. The cover is Celliant-infused, which is meant to help boost sleep quality and leave you feeling refreshed when you wake up.
The AS2 Hybrid is available in sizes twin to split king, and its retail prices range from $1,299 to $2,248. Read our full Amerisleep mattress review for more.
Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid
Like
- Sleeps cool, a plus for people who warm up during sleep
- Accommodates all sleeping positions because of its medium firmness
- Thicker than many foam mattresses on the market
Don't like
- Expensive compared to other memory foam beds
- Although it's thick, it's not as supportive as a hybrid mattress
The GhostBed Luxe is a thick memory foam mattress measuring 13 inches in height. This makes it an accommodating mattress for most body types, including individuals with large body frames. I also think it will suit every sleeper type, whether back, side, stomach or combination. It has a comfortable memory foam feel similar to the Nectar and the Amerisleep in that it takes a few moments to respond to pressure being applied. Once it gives to the pressure, it slowly hugs your body.
Arguably the best thing about this mattress is its cooling memory foam. I usually sleep warm and have to blast the AC during the night, unless it's winter. The GhostBed Luxe, on the other hand, has half an inch of cooling fabric within the cover and physically feels cool when I touch it. After looking into its construction, you can also find a thin layer of "Ghost Ice" on the top layer underneath the cover. It's the brand's own unique phase-change cooling technology, and actively works to clear away excess body heat.
The GhostBed Luxe is available in sizes twin to split king, and its retail prices range from $2,595 to $5,790.
GhostBed Luxe
Like
- Has a special cooling feature to regulate temperature
- Available in multiple firmness levels
- Accommodates all body types
Don't like
- Too firm for side sleepers
- Boasts luxury mattress prices
Some people just want a memory foam mattress that'll keep them feeling comfy throughout the night. Others want the same mattress they tried that one time on vacation at the Four Seasons. If you're the latter, the Saatva Loom & Leaf literally looks like a five-star hotel mattress. It doesn't just look the part; it's also really comfortable and won't cost you an arm and a leg.
It has a dense memory foam feel with an extra fluff component thanks to the bed's Euro mattress topper. I tried the "Relaxed Firm" model, which is still on the medium-firm end of the scale, so I imagine the "Firm" model is a true firm mattress. The memory foam and plush Euro top do make the mattress pressure-relieving, but not enough that it's a good mattress for side sleepers. It was just a little too firm when I slept on my side.
Another highlight of the Loom & Leaf memory foam bed is its special cooling tech. The top gel foam layer features a cooling gel mattress pad to help regulate temperature. It's supposedly made from the same material doctors use to treat burn victims in hospitals, so I think it's pretty legitimate.
The Loom & Leaf memory foam mattress is available in sizes twin to split Cal king, and its retail prices range from $1,295 to $3,190.
Saatva Loom & Leaf
Like
- Its hybrid construction makes it suit all body types
- Soft and fluffy feel is great for side sleepers
- Machine-washable cover
Don't like
- Will cost you more than other memory foam mattresses on our list
- Not firm enough for back or stomach sleepers
The majority of individuals who sleep on their side are coziest on a soft, plush mattress. One of my favorite soft memory foam mattresses is the 12-inch Puffy Lux, which gives off a light and fluffy vibe just by looking at it. Not only is it big and white like a cloud, but there are quite literally little clouds printed along the machine-washable cover -- a great added touch.
A majority of the beds on this best memory foam mattress list feel dense, but the Puffy Lux is much more airy and light thanks to Puffy's special "Cooling Cloud Foam" in its top layer. I think it has the qualities of polyurethane foam, which is a bit more aerated and light than memory foam. I felt like it was easier to switch positions on this mattress than on other memory foam beds. It's also on the soft side of the firmness spectrum. I think it feels like a medium-soft or around 3-4 on a scale of 10. If you're a side sleeper, I think this bed was meant for you.
Puffy Lux mattresses are available in sizes twin to split king, and retail prices range from $2,249 to $4,789. Like a lot of other mattresses on this list, Puffy runs a lot of promotions to bring the price down by hundreds of dollars. Read more in our Puffy Lux mattress review.
Puffy Lux
Like
- Its medium firmness level accommodates all sleeping positions
- Suitable for all body types
- Made with ultra luxurious materials, like cashmere
- Good value
Don't like
- Its subtle memory foam feel may not be what memory foam lovers are looking for
DreamCloud is known for its high-end beds you don't have to pay an arm and a leg for. The DreamCloud Hybrid mattress is its entry-level model, but the bed doesn't skip out on luxurious features. This mattress is a thick hybrid bed made with pocketed coils over eight inches tall and reinforced sides for stronger edge support. Stacked on top are layers of comfortable foam, including gel memory foam for temperature regulation.
It's made with gel memory foam, but it doesn't have an overwhelming memory foam feel. This is something I appreciate because it's easier to switch positions on the mattress than it is with dense, slow-responding memory foam beds. The cover is also a bit unique, as it is made with a blend of cashmere that's ultrasoft and luxurious. I don't even own a cashmere sweater, let alone have it in my bed.
I know a few people who sleep on a DreamCloud and they only have positive things to say about the bed and their sleep quality. It's a generally nice mattress at a surprisingly great price. A queen size retails for around $899, and sometimes the brand will throw in a few free accessories.
DreamCloud Hybrid
Other memory foam mattresses we've tested
There are hundreds of mattresses to choose from, but luckily our CNET Sleep editors have been around the bedding block. They have collectively tested over 100 beds, from the most popular to lesser-known models, and have the knowledge to help you pick the best fit for you. The mattresses above are great options, but there are a few more beds we've tested that could have easily made this list.
Lucid 10-inch Memory Foam mattress: Budget shoppers can look into the Lucid Gel Memory foam mattress, a bed sold through Amazon with thousands of positive ratings from users. It's one of the most affordable bed-in-a-box beds I've ever tested, and it's still comfy enough to give you a good night's sleep. You have three firmness options to choose from and six heights.
TempurPedic mattress: You've likely heard about this brand before, as TempurPedic made its name in the mattress industry long before beds ever came to the internet. They offer several mattresses from entry-level to luxury. They also have many cooling memory foam options. They're expensive beds, but you're paying for the trusted brand name and traditional memory foam feel that the brand is known for.
How we test memory foam mattresses
CNET editors choose the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
During testing, we sleep on the beds and try out all three different sleeping positions: side, back, stomach, and combination. We also test for motion isolation, edge support, temperature, comfort and more. We have even cut open a few mattresses to see what the construction is like on the inside.
The best memory foam mattresses are comfortable to switch positions in, offer a pressure-relieving feel, isolate motion and are very accommodating for different sleeping positions. We also take durability into account, considering whether or not it will be long-lasting enough for every body type.
Find out more on how we test mattresses.
How to choose a memory foam mattress
- Firmness: This should be a main consideration, regardless of the kind of mattress you're buying. Different firmness levels accommodate different sleeping positions. If you're a side sleeper, the best memory foam mattress will feel soft and plush. For stomach and back sleepers, the best memory foam bed is more on the firm side.
- Feel: As I mentioned earlier in this roundup, not every memory foam mattress is built alike. Some memory foam beds feel light and airy, while others feel dense and slow to respond. If you're a combination sleeper, I recommend you go with a light memory foam so it's easy to switch positions. If you like to get really nestled and cozy while you sleep, you may like a dense memory foam mattress better.
- Temperature regulation: One complaint against memory foam is that it retains heat, making sleepers feel hot and uncomfortable while they sleep. Part of it is because of memory foam's dense cell structure and warm air getting trapped inside, as well as the fact that you sleep within the memory foam rather than on top. Look for memory foam with different temperature regulating techniques, such as infused gel, gel beads, infused copper, infused graphite, phase change materials and proprietary technology.
- Price: Memory foam ranges in price, from very cheap (there are $200 memory foam beds out there) to premium and top-tier (Tempur-Pedic mattresses can cost more than $2,000). That means almost anyone can find a memory foam mattress within their budget.
Types of memory foam
Not all memory foam materials are alike. Some are more airy while others are very dense. Some are infused with gel or copper for temperature regulation while others are more traditional.
Traditional: Traditional memory foam is found in older beds like the OG TempurPedic mattresses from the 90s or very cheap memory foam. While it's great and provides pressure relief, it also gets hot because the dense foam traps your body heat inside. If you're a hot sleeper, this is something to consider.
Gel-infused: Don't worry, it's not literal gel you're sleeping on. Gel-infused memory foam often has little blue or green dots infiltrated throughout the foam to help regulate temperature. The gel works to draw heat away from you and more evenly disperse it throughout the bed for a cooling memory foam feel.
Copper-infused: Beds like the Layla mattress are infused with copper gel to work the same way regular gel-infused mattresses do. Copper is a conductor that can absorb heat from your body and distribute it away from your body.
Plant-based: There aren't many plant-based memory foam mattresses on the market. People like Amerisleep use plant-based materials as a substitute for petroleum and manufacture it using a zero-emissions process. This way, the memory foam is more environmentally friendly than most other memory or poly foams.
Proprietary: You will find a ton of different brands using a specific name for their memory foam, such as Puffy's Cloud-Air foam for example. This means the brand put a specific twist on the memory foam to make it more comfortable or more accommodating. The most common types of proprietary memory foams are open-celled for more airflow or gel-infused for cooling abilities.
Who should buy a memory foam mattress?
The best qualities of memory foam are that it's pressure-relieving, stops movement across a mattress and offers a comforting hugging feel. People who will like memory foam beds the most include those who suffer from joint pain, back, side, and combination sleepers, couples who share a bed and people who generally like a nestling mattress feel. Side sleepers may also love soft memory foam because of how well it cradles the shoulder and hip joints.
Who shouldn't buy a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam mattresses can sometimes turn people off for several reasons. You shouldn't get a memory foam mattress if you change positions often as the foam can provide some resistance as it's slow to bounce back to shape. It's also not ideal for hot sleepers. Memory foam is a dense material that traps heat more than other foams. Gel memory foam and other tech help it sleep cooler, but people who sleep warm may want to consider a latex mattress because they're so breathable.
Memory foam mattress FAQ
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