1. Best overall
2. Best cooling
3. Best budget
4. Best luxury
5. Best for back pain
6. Best super-cheap
How we test
Our experienced testing panel reviews and researches all of the latest mattresses, using our findings to provide accurate and unbiased recommendations.
Today's best memory foam mattresses have plenty going for them. Classic memory foam responds to the sleeper's body weight and heat, molding around their shape to provide custom support, pressure relief, and a hugging feel that many find ultra-soothing.
Memory foam is also a good choice for anyone who shares a bed, because it's great at absorbing motion and preventing a partner's movements from making their way over to your side of the bed. All-foam beds also tend to be more affordable than anything with coils. All these benefits mean that a number of our general best mattress picks are memory foam models.
This guide is dedicated to mattresses that are made entirely from different foams, but if you prefer a bit of bounce, you'll find that many of today's best hybrid mattresses have an upper layer of memory foam, so you'll still get that contouring feel. And if you want to get the best price, check out the buying info we've included with each product entry – mattress sales happen throughout the year, but some deals are better than others.
In this guide, we've picked out the best memory foam mattresses available now, with everything from super-cheap options to high-end luxury models. Let's get started...
Quick List
Best overall
The Nectar is an excellent all-rounder, delivering high quality for its lower mid-range price tag. It performed well in all our tests, and the medium-firm feel will suit most people, but side-sleepers especially. The trial and warranty are ultra-generous too.
Read more below
Best cooling
The Chill is similar in design and price to the Nectar (#1), but with one key difference: a phase-change cover to dissipate heat. It offers excellent cooling for a mattress in this price bracket. Because it's a little firmer than the Nectar, it's a better choice for back or stomach sleepers.
Read more below
Best premium
Tempur-Pedic makes the most luxurious memory foam mattresses around. Its unique foams are ultra-soothing, with outstanding pressure relief... although they can sleep warm. We found this mattress most comfortable for back or stomach sleeping.
Read more below
Best budget
The Siena is the budget-friendly option from the same parent company as the Nectar (#1), and is absolutely the best quality memory foam mattress we've tested in this price bracket. It's much firmer than it's marketed as, though, so best for back or stomach sleepers, or anyone who loves a sturdy and supportive mattress.
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Best for back pain
Our reviewer's back pain noticeably improved when sleeping on the Loom & Leaf. This premium memory foam mattress offers outstanding pressure relief as well as a sturdily supportive feel and two firmness options. The build quality is superb and the customer package is the most comprehensive of any mattress here.
Read more below
Best under $350
If you're on a really tight budget, or just looking for a memory foam mattress for occasional or short-term use, the Zinus Green Tea comes well-reviewed, is very cheap, and can be purchased via retailers like Amazon. Don't expect incredible longevity or quality – if you can afford the Siena (#3) that's a much better mattress.
Read more below
The best memory foam mattress for 2023
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Best memory foam mattress overall
✅ You want an all-rounder: There are more specialist options here if you want to tackle a specific issue, but the Nectar is the best all-rounder, and will suit a wide range of people.
✅ You want great value for money: Although not as cheap as the Siena (#4) or Zinus (#6), the Nectar hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability, and the full year's trial and forever warranty are super-generous in this price bracket, too.
❌ You sleep hot: Although the Nectar does a decent job of regulating temperature, if you regularly sleep hot then you'd be better off with the Cocoon Chill (#2), which is extremely similar, save for a cooling, phase-change cover.
❌ You want a luxurious feel: For those with bigger budgets, the Tempur (#3) and Loom & Leaf (#5) are both more luxurious propositions.
❌ You're on an even tighter budget: If your budget won't stretch to the Nectar, check out the Siena (#3), a cheaper option from the same parent company.
The Nectar sits at the top of our best memory foam mattress ranking simply because it's an excellent all-rounder, performing well in all our tests and delivering great quality and comfort for a very affordable price. There are more specialist options in this guide, but the Nectar will suit a wide range of people and preferences.
Design
The Nectar consists of three different foam layers: an upper comfort layer of gel-infused foam, a middle layer of 'dynamic ' foam, and a sturdy base foam. A shift-resistant lower cover keeps it in place on the bed, and there's a quilted, cooling polyblend upper cover (confusingly, this has a zip, but Nectar strongly warns against actually taking it off).
Comfort and performance
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is an all-rounder that will suit lots of different people. The foams provide a bit of that full body hug that you want from a memory foam, but you won't sink in so far you feel like you're stuck, and it's responsive enough that it's easy to change position on, too.
Our testers judged the Nectar to be a 6.5 or 7 out of 10 in terms of firmness, which is on the cusp between medium and medium-firm. They found it comfortable in all positions, but especially so for side sleeping – we rate this one of the best mattresses for side sleepers, because the plusher foams cradle and cushion the sleeper's hip and shoulder in this position, preventing pressure from building up. It's suitable for most body types, although those who weigh 230lb may wish to opt for something firmer to ensure they're properly supported – perhaps the Siena at #3.
The motion isolation is excellent (good news if you share a bed with a restless partner), the edge support is fine, and the temperature regulation is good, too. On that last point, hot sleepers should also check out the Cocoon (#2), which is very similar in design and price, but with a more specialized cooling cover (see how the two compare in our Nectar mattress vs Cocoon Chill face-off).
Value for money
This mattress is never sold at MSRP – there's an evergreen Nectar mattress sale that runs constantly. For most of 2024 so far, a queen size has been $659, so anything less than that is a good deal. Nectar tends to offer its lowest prices in flash sales. These don't tend to correlate with wider sales events (Black Friday, Memorial Day etc.) which makes them hard to predict. Whenever you buy, the Nectar is excellent value for money. It hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability, and the extras – a 365-night trial and a forever warranty – are super generous.
- Read more: Nectar mattress review
Best memory foam mattress for cooling
✅ You want something a bit firmer than the Nectar: The Chill is very similar to the Nectar in terms of design and price, but the Chill is a tad firmer (an 8 compared to 6.5-7). That might make it a better choice for those on the heavier side of average weight, as well as some back/stomach sleepers.
✅ You sleep warm: The Cocoon Chill phase-change cover helps wick away heat, which means it sleeps cooler than most all-foam mattresses. It's the main point of difference compared to the Nectar.
✅ You're looking for a good all-rounder: Like the Nectar at #1, the Cocoon Chill scored well across the board in all our tests, and has a feel that'll suit a wide range of sleepers. It also delivers good quality for an affordable price, although the extras are less generous than you'll find with Nectar.
❌ You don't sleep hot: The Cocoon Chill and Nectar (#1) are very similar but overall we think the Nectar is slightly better – if you don't need that phase-change cover, go for the Nectar instead.
❌ You're light in weight or sleep on your side: Scoring an 8 out of 10 on firmness, this is one of the firmer memory foam mattresses around. If you're lightweight or a side sleeper, you might prefer something slightly more plush.
Memory foam can sleep warm, but the Cocoon by Sealy Chill memory foam mattress helps you sleep cooler thanks to the addition of a phase-change cover. Otherwise, it's very similar to the Nectar at #1, in terms of design, price and performance, and it's a similarly strong all-rounder. (Our Cocoon Chill vs Nectar mattress comparison goes into more detail on the differences between the two.)
Design
The star of the Cocoon Chill is the stretch-knit cooling cover. Infused with phase-change material, the cover is designed to absorb and dissipate excess body heat while wicking away sweat. Beneath the cover sits three layers of foam – a top memory foam layer to provide contoured support, a 'Responsive Comfort Foam' layer to limit motion transfer, and a base support Layer, giving the mattress stability and some bounce.
Comfort and performance
Sealy categorizes the Cocoon Chill mattress as medium-firm, although our testers felt it was a bit firmer than that, at around an 8 out of 10. This slightly firmer feel might put it ahead of the Nectar for those on the heavier end of average, and anyone who sleeps on their front or back. The lack of sink promotes good spinal alignment in these positions, ensuring the sleeper's hips don't drop too low into the mattress. This level of firmness will also work for some side sleepers, especially as the sturdier feel is balanced by some some subtle contouring and cushioning, which should prevent pressure building up in the hips and shoulders.
Our testers found the phase-change cover worked well; this mattress sleeps much cooler than other all-foam models in this price bracket. However, if you really struggle with overheating, you might need to spend a bit more on a specialist option – head to our best cooling mattress guide for our top picks. The Chill was awarded solid scores for edge support and motion isolation, too.
Value for money
Specialist cooling mattresses are typically expensive, but an evergreen 35% off discount takes the Chill into the mid-range bracket. A queen size costs $699 (so generally a smidge more expensive than the Nectar) – it's very rare you'll see any other price. You'll usually get freebies (such as sheets and pillows) to further sweeten the deal. The 100-night free trial and 10-year warranty are average for a major bed brand (and less generous than you'll get at Nectar), but the Chill is still excellent value for money.
- Read more: Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress review
Best premium memory foam mattress
✅ You want a Tempur-Pedic mattress: The main reason to buy the Tempur-Adapt over the other beds in this roundup is simply because you love the Tempur-Pedic brand. It's mattresses have a unique feel that you won't find elsewhere.
✅ You love a slow-moving foam: The Tempur-Adapt has a slow-response, contouring feel that many people find ultra-soothing. Perhaps more so than any other mattress in this guide.
✅ You want a comprehensive delivery service: This is one of two mattresses in our ranking (with the Loom & Leaf #5) to have white glove delivery included as standard, so you won't have to lift a finger.
❌ You're on a budget: The Tempur-Adapt is the priciest mattress on this list, and you're paying a bit of a premium for the brand name (and the unique feel).
❌ You sleep hot: In our tests, we found this mattress was prone to trapping heat. It's not the best choice if you tend to run warm at night in the first place.
No list of the best memory foam mattresses would be complete without a Tempur-Pedic pick. This is widely considered to be one of the best luxury mattress brands, thanks in part to a unique memory foam, originally developed for NASA, and known as 'Tempur Material'. We're focusing on the Tempur-Adapt here, which is specialized for pressure relief.
Design
The design here is straightforward: an 11-inch tall mattress with three different kinds of foams, wrapped up in a non-removable knit cover. On paper, the design is really similar to the Nectar (#1) and Cocoon (#2), but what they don't have is those exclusive Tempur foams. It's also available as a hybrid (which adds a coil layer), and two more advanced options, the ProAdapt and the LuxeAdapt.
Comfort and performance
Tempur-Pedic mattresses have a distinctive slow-moving, contouring feel, and the TempurAdapt is no exception. There's only one firmness option here – medium-firm, around a 7.5 out of 10 on firmness – and our testers found it most comfortable for back or stomach sleeping. They were also impressed with how well the Tempur memory foam relieved pressure.
Elsewhere, this mattress exemplifies the best and worst features associated with memory foam. It excels when it comes to motion isolation, absorbing movements almost completely, but has a nasty habit of clinging on to body heat – we wouldn't recommend this mattress to hot sleepers.
Value for money
There's no doubt that you're paying a premium for the Tempur-Pedic brand name, but those foams have a unique feel that you can't really find elsewhere. That means if you want the Tempur feel, you'll have to stump up those higher prices. Tempur-Pedic mattress sales tend to appear around national holidays and are worth taking advantage of. These sales events usually knock $200 off the Adapt. It's a mixed bag when it comes to extras – white glove delivery is included as standard with this model, but the trial is short at 90 nights, and there's a not-insubstantial fee for returns, too.
- Read more: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review
Best budget memory foam mattress
✅ You're on a budget: The Siena mattress is an absolute steal, offering quality that far surpasses its budget price.
✅ You want to buy from a trusted brand: Siena is owned by Resident Home, the same parent brand as Nectar and DreamCloud – some of our top-rated bed brands. It's an excellent option if you want a budget-friendly mattress but the reassurance of a known brand.
❌ You're a lightweight side sleeper: This mattress is super-firm, and many side sleepers will prefer something softer – especially if they're of a lighter build.
❌ You want a hugging feel: Although it's made from foam, this isn't a mattress that offers much by way of contouring. If you want more of a 'hug' feel, consider upgrading to the Nectar (#1) instead.
❌ You can stretch to a slightly higher price: This is a great mattress for the price, but the Nectar and Cocoon (#1 and #2) are that bit better all round, if you can stretch to the slightly higher price.
The Siena is the best memory foam mattress for anyone on a budget, and actually the best cheap mattress in we've tested, period. Although far firmer than it's marketed as, it offers quality well above what you'd expect at this price. That's less surprising when you learn that it comes from the same parent brand as Nectar and DreamCloud, which means it has access to some of the best technology and expertise around. You have the reassurance of a respected company, too, which isn't always the case with cheap mattresses.
Design
The straightforward design uses three different types of foam; a memory foam top layer, followed by two different types of polyfoam for stability and support. The whole thing is wrapped up in a soft polyester cover, with a no-slip base to stop it sliding about. All the foams are CertiPUR-US certified.
Comfort and performance
This is advertised as a medium-firm mattress, but our testers found it significantly sturdier than that – around a 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale. It was a hit with those who sleep on their back or stomach and prefer a firmer feel, and is the top budget pick in our best firm mattress guide, too. However, the unyielding surface won't suit everyone – side sleepers in particular might prefer something they can sink into a bit more.
The Siena performed well across the board in our other tests – again notable given the budget-friendly price. Lower-priced memory foam can trap heat, our tester had no issues with overheating on this mattress. It's not as cool as a specialist cooling model, or even the Chill at #2, but will work for the majority of people. It also has sturdy edges and very effective motion isolation.
Value for money
The Siena never sold at full price, with permanent sales that put it into the budget price bracket. A queen size is pretty much always $399, and we haven't seen a bigger discount than that. The extras are generous – there's a 180-night free trial, giving you a enough time to decide if this mattress works for you, a 10-year warranty, and free shipping and returns. It's pricier than the Zinus (#6), but often only marginally, and far better quality.
Best memory foam mattress for back pain
✅ You struggle with back pain: Our lead tester found that sleeping on the Loom & Leaf resulted in a marked improvement in her back problems.
✅ You want a luxurious mattress: Saatva is premium bed brand, offering impeccable build quality and high-end materials. It's also the only model in this list to be available in two firmness levels. If you want a mattress that feels luxurious and will last, it's is a great investment.
✅ You want the best customer service: Like the Tempur-Pedic (#3) Saatva offers white glove delivery as standard. Here, that's paired with a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty, to round out the most comprehensive all-round package of any mattress here.
❌ You often overheat at night: Although the top layers are infused with cooling gel, the plush Loom & Leaf can hold heat. If you want a cooler all-foam mattress, check out the Cocoon by Sealy Chill at #2. Alternatively, try the Satvaa Classic, which is mainly springs, and super-breathable.
❌ You have a very cramped stairwell or hallway: The Loom & Leaf is the only mattress in this ranking to be delivered flat, so you'll need a certain amount of maneuvering room to get it into place.
❌ You're on a tight budget: The Loom & Leaf is a high-quality mattress, but it comes with a price tag to match. If you want an excellent all-foam mattress on a lower budget, try the Nectar (#1).
The Saatva Loom & Leaf is a premium memory foam mattress, and worth the investment if you deal with a bad back – it led to a marked improvement in our reviewer's back pain. It's available in two firmness profiles, and boasts the premium build quality we expect from this brand.
Design
The Loom & Leaf consists of six layers of different foams. The top three layers are focused on supporting the lower back and keeping the bed cool. The bottom three layers add stability and support for the entire body. We found the reinforced middle third provided excellent pressure relief along the lumbar, making it one of the best mattresses for back pain. Plus, it's extremely durable and very well-made, with some super-dense 5lb foam (that's a very high quality foam). It's finished with a quilted organic cotton cover that provides a plush sleeping surface.
Comfort and performance
The Saatva Loom & Leaf memory foam is the only mattress in this roundup that comes in two different firmness options, which means you can tailor the mattress to your needs. The Relaxed Firm option (rated as a 5-7 on the firmness scale) will suit most people, and provide good comfort in any sleep position. The Firm version (rated as an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale) is better suited to stomach sleepers and those who enjoy a sturdier feel or need one for medical reasons. The quilted top layer is keeps things comfortable and cushioned, even if you go for the firmest feel.
The Saatva Loom & Leaf is a high-quality memory foam mattress, but it does suffer some of the drawbacks you expect from all-foam. Gel-infused top layers help regulate heat, but it can get a little warm over night. Interestingly, the same goes for the other premium option in our ranking – the Tempur-Pedic at #3.
Value for money
There's pretty much always a Saatva mattress sale on. Exact discounts vary, with the best offers cropping up around national holidays. Based on current prices, anything under $2,095 for a queen is a good deal. That's still in the premium price bracket, but we think the Loom & Leaf is worth the investment. The materials are high quality, and Saatva offers the most comprehensive package of extras of any mattress company: you'll get a full year's trial and forever guarantee (same as the Nectar at #1) as well as free white glove delivery.
- Read more: Loom & Leaf mattress review
Best memory foam mattress under $350
✅ You're on a really tight budget: If you're on a very tight budget and need something more dramatic than just adding a new mattress topper to your existing mattress, the Zinus is the cheapest mattress in this guide.
✅ You just need a stopgap or spare room mattress: As a comfortable mattress for occasional use, the Zinus is a decent recommendation.
❌ You want a mattress that will last: This is a budget mattress, so you can't expect the longevity of any of the other models here – even the mid-range Nectar (#1) comes with a forever warranty.
❌ You sleep warm: Zinus has made some effort to limit overheating with pockets cut into the foam, but reviews indicate it can get uncomfortable on a hot night. If you can stretch to the Chill (#2), that's a better choice for hot sleepers.
❌ You want the best value for money: The Siena (#3) is only marginally pricier, but it's a big step up in quality. If you can afford the slightly higher price, it's a better use of your cash.
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress doesn't boast the premium materials and features you'll find with other model in this guide, but it's the cheapest mattress here, and reviews suggest it's a decent option for that very low price. This is considered one of the best mattresses on Amazon, and might hit the spot if you want maximum convenience, and are just in need of an occasional or short-term mattress.
Design
The Zinus Green Tea mattress comes in a range of heights, from 6 to 12 inches, and the deeper the mattress the more plush it will feel beneath you (we'd recommend a minimum of 10 inches for most adults to feel comfy and supported). Each height consists of three layers: a supportive base layer, a middle layer of comfort foam, and a top layer of green tea memory foam. The top layer is infused with green tea and ActivCharcoal, designed to absorb moisture so your mattress feels and smells fresh, even after a long night.
Comfort and performance
You expect a comforting hug from a memory foam mattress and Zinus delivers that cradle effect. The mattress is designed to promote good spinal alignment, contouring across the shoulders and hips, although it's likely to develop dips more quickly than a pricier option.
Reviews suggest the Zinus has decent edge support and minimal motion transfer, meaning you're less likely to be disturbed by a restless partner when sharing a bed. We'd expect it to cling on to body heat a little, as this is a common issue with cheap memory foam mattresses.
Value for money
With a 6-inch twin costing only $169 at full price, the Zinus sits right at the lowest end of the price range. Adding extra inches bumps up the price, and by the time you get to the 10 inch depth we tend to recommend for most adults, the price difference might be minimal compared to the Siena (#4), which is a significant step up in quality. Zinus does offer a 100-night free trial and a 10-year warranty – but specifics vary depending where you buy it from, so check the small print.
Best memory foam mattress: expert buying advice
Memory foam mattresses have lots of benefits. The foam responds to your body's warmth, molding around your shape to provide custom support and pressure relief. If you suffer with sore joints and aches and pains, the deep ‘hug’ of a memory foam mattress can feel blissful. If you share your bed with a restless sleeper, memory foam is often a great choice. Nothing absorbs motion better, meaning you’re unlikely to be disturbed even if your partner tosses and turns all night.
Memory foam mattresses don’t suit everyone. If you're used to a traditional mattress with coils, the sink-in, bounce-free feel of foam can take a bit of getting used to. If you have a very slow-moving memory foam, it can be difficult to change position on, and some less mobile sleepers might struggle to get up off it. (Note that the exact properties will vary from mattress to mattress – we're just making general points here.)
If you run hot at night, memory foam might not be the best choice. Memory foam mattresses can sleep hot, as they absorb body heat and tend to cling on to it. Modern memory foam mattresses contain plenty of tricks to try and prevent this – from cuts or perforations to promote airflow to infusions of gel, copper or graphite – but as a rule, an all-foam mattress will run warmer than coil-based models. You might also experience off-gassing – a pungent new bed smell – when unpacking your mattress.
If you're not sure whether memory foam will suit you, a good way to try it out is to go for a memory foam mattress topper, which will give a memory foam feel to any bed. Whichever option you do end up going for, make sure you look after your mattress and keep it clean and fresh with the best mattress protector.
How long do memory foam mattresses last?
On average, a good quality memory foam mattress should last around eight years, but premium foam mattresses can last up to 10 years. Most are covered by a 10-year warranty, the specifics of which vary according to the manufacturer.
Some memory foam mattress brands even claim that all-foam beds last longer than hybrids because they don't contain coils and springs that are prone to wearing out faster.
The truth is, there are multiple factors that affect how long a mattress lasts. These include how often you sleep on it, how many of you are sleeping on it, your body weight/s, and how well you care for it. The latter includes flipping or rotating your mattress according to the manufacturer's advice, and learning how to clean a mattress to help it last longer.
What's the best type of memory foam?
Foam quality is indicated by how dense it is, measured in pounds. Generally speaking, denser foams are better quality, more expensive and more durable.
You'll find more information in our guide to the best type of memory foam, but essentially for the main comfort layer (upper layer) of your mattress, a density of around 2.5lbs is ideal, and 1.8lbs is acceptable. Some super high-end mattresses use 3 or 4lb foams, which will be overkill for most people (but nice to have if you can afford it). 1.5lbs is about the minimum you should look for.
What does a CertiPUR-US certification mean?
CertiPUR-US is a certification given to the flexible polyurethane foams used in the majority of foam mattresses. It shows that these foams have been independently tested and meet certain minimum health and safety requirements. Please note that CertiPUR-US certification only refers to the foams, it does not cover the entire mattress.
A CertiPUR-US certified foam has been declared free from harmful materials such as heavy metals, formaldehyde, and certain phthalates. CertiPUR-US certificaiton doesn't mean a mattress is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, or chemical-free. We expect mattresses containing foam sold in the US to have CertiPUR-US certification, or an international equivalent.
Some mattresses manufactured internationally don't have CertiPUR-US certification (or an equivalent) and should be treated with caution. You can learn more about CertiPUR-US certification, and what it means for your mattress, with our guide what does CertiPUR-US certified mean?
When is the best time to buy a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam mattresses are typically very affordable, but there are certain times of the year when you're likely to be able to pick one up even cheaper. These usually center around the big holiday shopping seasons. The best time to buy a memory foam mattress is in the Black Friday mattress sales, as this is when we have traditionally seen the cheapest prices of the year. These deals normally roll over into Cyber Monday mattress deals.
Beyond those two big holiday sale periods, the best time to buy a new memory foam mattress is during the Presidents' Day mattress sales in February, followed by the Memorial Day mattress sales in late May.
