1. Best overall
2. Best cooling
3. Best budget
4. Best premium
5. Best super-cheap
Shopping for the best memory foam mattress is a popular option when it comes to buying a new bed. Memory foam mattresses are generally great value, and you'll find many of them in our best mattress guide thanks to their ability to provide excellent pressure relief, with a contouring body-hug feel that many people find ultra-soothing. If you suffer from joint pain, memory foam's all-over sink-in support can really help. It's also a good choice for anyone who shares a bed, because memory foam tends to do a great job of absorbing motion.
Memory foam – and especially cheap memory foam – can have a habit of trapping body heat. That's something we test for, and most of the models in our guide have features designed to counter this. If you struggle with overheating at night, consider one of the best hybrid mattresses instead – the coils provide space for air to circulate, so these tend to sleep cooler than all-foam models.
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. All of our picks come with a mattress trial to enable you to test them out in your home before committing. Got all that? Then read on to discover the best memory foam mattresses available now.
Quick List
The Nectar delivers excellent quality for its lower mid-range price tag. The medium-firm sleep feel (6.5-7 out of 10) will suit most people but we found it most comfortable for side sleeping. It isolates movements very well, and the extras are outstanding – this mattress comes with a full year's trial period and forever warranty.
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The Chill is our top pick for hot sleepers. It's similar and design and price to the Nectar (#1), but with the addition of a cooling cover. We found this worked well to dissipate excess heat, and it's far cheaper than most specialist cooling mattresses. We found it comfiest for back or stomach sleeping.
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The Siena is the budget-friendly option from the same parent company as the Nectar (#1), and is the best quality memory foam mattress we've tested in this price bracket. The trial and extras aren't as generous, but it's extremely wallet-friendly. Reviews suggest it's pretty firm, so best for back or stomach sleepers.
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If you have more cash to splash, the premium priced Loom & Leaf offers outstanding pressure relief and excellent motion isolation. Free white glove delivery is included, along with a year's trial and forever warranty. The build quality is superb and we'd expect this mattress to last. However, we wouldn't recommend it to hot sleepers.
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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 and is very cheap. Don't expect incredible longevity or quality – if you can afford the Siena (#3) that's a much better mattress.
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The best memory foam mattress for 2023
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Best memory foam mattress overall
✅ You sleep on your side: The Nectar's medium-firm feel and contouring layers allow the hips and shoulders to sink in, providing a comfortable side-sleeping position.
✅ You want great value for money: Although not the cheapest memory foam mattress around, the Nectar hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability, and the full year's trial and forever warranty are super-generous too.
✅ You share a bed with a restless partner: The slow-response Nectar foam absorbs movement. Our testers found the motion isolation excellent.
❌ You need extra support: If you tend to sleep on your back or stomach, you might be better off opting for something a bit firmer, for more support. Heavier bodies can find the Nectar has too much sink.
❌ You sleep hot: Memory foam can trap body heat, and while the Nectar does a good job of regulating temperature, particularly hot sleepers might get on better with the Cocoon Chill (#2), which has a phase-change cover.
❌ 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 Memory Foam mattress is a great quality yet affordable option that provides that classic memory foam hug, which is why it's our top choice. It's comfortable for most sleep styles, particularly side sleepers, as the contouring foam provides support in all the right places and relieves pressure on aching joints. ★★★★
We think Nectar makes the best memory foam mattress for the money, and it suits a wide range of sleepers too. The comforting support is particularly good for side sleepers, while the motion isolation should appeal to those who share a bed. Plus, with frequent generous discounts and some premium extras, the Nectar Memory Foam mattress offers high quality at a mid-range price point.
Materials
The Nectar consists of five layers, starting with a shift-resistant lower cover. Seven inches of sturdy foam add support and stability, while the middle layer of dynamic foam brings that slow-response sink. Next is two inches of high-density gel-infused foam, providing a pressure-relieving cradle for achy joints. Nectar finishes the mattress with a quilted, cooling polyblend cover, designed to wick heat while offering a silky soft sleep surface.
Firmness and comfort
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress provides the full body hug most people expect from a memory foam, but you won't sink in so far you feel like you're stuck. Instead, those dense lower layers provide support for easier movement. This is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers, offering cushioned relief around the back, shoulders and hips.
During our testing, we judged the Nectar Memory Foam to have a medium-firm feel of 6.5-7 out of ten. It'll work for a wide range of people: it's comfortable in any position (and especially so for side sleeping) and suitable for most body types (although those who weigh over 230lb may wish to opt for something firmer to ensure they're properly supported – perhaps the Siena at #3).
Performance
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress offered a strong performance across most of our review areas. It isn't a specialist cooling mattress, but we found it to be neutral and comfortable throughout the night thanks to the heat-wicking polyethylene fibers in the cover.
We found the edge support on the Nectar Memory Foam mattress a little lacking, which might be an issue if you want to be able to use the full sleep surface, or sit supported on the edge when getting up in the morning, for instance. However, it performed better on motion isolation – the full-foam design absorbs movements very effectively, which is good news if you share a bed with a restless partner, or if you and your partner have different sleep schedules.
Value for money
At full price, the Nectar Memory Foam mattress is a little on the pricey side. However, it's never sold at MSRP. Nectar runs a consistent 33% off sale, even over sales events when other brands are bumping up their discounts. Savvy shoppers who aren't pressed for time should look out for one of Nectar's occasional 40% off flash sales, which deliver the lowest prices. 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 a cooling effect on a lower budget: The Cocoon Chill phase-change cover helps remove heat, keeping you cool even on warmer nights. It's particularly impressive for its price point.
✅ You sleep on your front or back: The firmer surface of the Cocoon Chill (we rated it 8) provides good support for front or back sleepers.
✅ You share with a fidgety sleeper: Our testers found the Cocoon by Sealy Chill had excellent motion isolation, making it a top choice for couples.
❌ 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. (Our Cocoon Chill vs Nectar mattress comparison breaks down all the differences.)
❌ You want a cool-to-touch cover: Although Sealy promises a cool-to-touch cover that wasn't our experience. However, it did keep us comfortable overnight.
❌ You have a big problem with overheating: The Cocoon by Sealy Chill offers good cooling for a memory foam mattress, but it can't provide the advanced cooling of specialist designs. Try the Nectar Premier Copper for exceptional cooling.
🔎 The Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress offers a cooler night than most all-foam mattresses, thanks to a clever cover that dissipates heat. Although not as effective as premium cooling mattresses, the affordable price makes it a top budget-friendly option for warm sleepers. The medium-firm build, providing comfort for most sleep positions, is another advantage. ★★★★
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 both design and price. This popular mattress is excellent for those who like the contouring of memory foam without the excess warmth.
Materials
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.
Firmness and comfort
Sealy categorizes the Cocoon Chill mattress as medium-firm, although our testers felt it was firmer than expected (around an 8 out of 10). This slightly firmer feel makes it a great choice for front or back sleepers, as well as anyone struggling with back pain. 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. However, heavier bodies (over 250lb) might still find the mattress too soft.
Performance
All-foam mattresses can run hot, but the stretch-knit cooling cover of the Cocoon Chill really does help keep temperatures regulated. Infused with phase-change material, the cover dissipates rather than trapping warmth, preventing you from overheating at night. All-foam mattresses do tend to sleep warmer than anything with springs, though, so for maximum cooling really we'd recommend the hybrid version of this mattress – the springs will create more space for air to circulate. It isn't just about the cooling, however. The mattress performs well at motion isolation, stopping movement from traveling across the bed. It also has surprisingly sturdy edges for an all-foam design.
Value for money
Specialist cooling mattresses are typically expensive, but an evergreen sale knocks the Cocoon Chill into the mid-range bracket. You can expect a 35 per cent discount on the MSRP throughout the year, and 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, but we still think this is very good value for money.
- Read more: Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress review
Best budget memory foam mattress
✅ You're on a budget: The Siena mattress is very affordable at full price and frequent sales make it an absolute steal.
✅ You want to buy from a trusted brand: Siena is owned by Resident Home, the same parent brand as Nectar and DreamCloud – both of which feature in our best mattress guide. That gives you some reassurance when buying in the budget category.
✅ You like to take your time when deciding: Siena offers a 180-night free trial, which is pretty good for a mattress in the budget bracket.
❌ You sleep hot: Siena has added several features to prevent overheating, but the plush-surfaced mattress can still get warm overnight. If you know you sleep hot, consider the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress (#2) instead.
❌ You are heavier than average: Heavier builds might find the medium-firm Siena mattress fails to provide enough support across the body.
❌ You struggle to get out of bed: Customer reviews indicate that the lack of edge support is notable on the Siena. If you have a mobility issues, you might find getting off the Siena difficult.
🔎 Quality can be hard to find on a tight budget, but the Siena memory foam mattress outperforms its price point. Comfortable and supportive, especially for side sleepers, this is a fantastic pick for guest rooms and students.
The Siena mattress is one of our best budget mattress picks, offering quality above its affordable price point. Siena is owned by the same brand as the our #1 pick, the Nectar memory foam mattress. That means Siena has access to some of the best technology, testing, and customer care of any budget buy. Based on reviews, it holds up in terms of quality, too.
Materials
The straightforward design uses three different types of foam; a memory foam top layer that will shape to your body to provide that hugging feeling, 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, meaning they're free from harmful chemicals and heavy metals.
Firmness and comfort
The medium firm feel (around a 6.5/10) should suit side sleepers as there's plenty of pressure relief around the shoulders and hips. Customer reviews are good, although some have found the mattress is firmer than expected. Of course, firmness is subjective, and you can use the 180-night free trial to ensure the mattress is right for you. In general, we wouldn't recommend the mattress for heavier people, as it's likely to have too much sink, while front sleepers might find this mattress lacks support around the hips.
Performance
Cheaper memory foam can trap heat, but Siena has gone out of its way to prevent that from happening here. The top layer is infused with gel, while the middle features horizontal ventilation cuts to improve breathability. This seems to work fairly well, although there are still some reports that it can warm up a bit overnight. If you sleep hot, consider a cooling mattress instead. (The Cocoon by Sealy Chill at #2 is a budget-friendly choice.) The top layer of memory foam helps prevent motion transfer – good news, if you share with a restless bedmate. However, the edges are weak. If you struggle to get out of bed, the Siena won't provide much help.
Value for money
The Siena never sold at full price, with permanent sales that put it into the budget price category. We think the quality here is much better than you'd expect for a mattress of this price, and the extras are good too – 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.
Best premium memory foam mattress
✅ 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, this is a great investment.
✅ You struggle with back pain: Our lead tester found that sleeping on the Loom & Leaf resulted in a marked improvement in her back problems, earning this supportive memory foam bed a spot in our best mattress for back pain guide.
✅ You want a comprehensive delivery service: Saatva has the best delivery offering we've come across, with free white glove delivery included as standard, and free old mattress removal too. There's also a 365-night trial period and a lifetime warranty.
❌ 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 has a much higher proportion of springs.
❌ You have a very cramped stairwell or hallway: The Loom & Leaf is the only mattress in this guide to be delivered flat, which means you'll need a certain amount of maneuvering room to get it into place. You won't have to do it yourself though, as white glove delivery is included as standard.
❌ 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 mattress is a high-quality memory foam that offers pressure relief and support in key areas to help alleviate back pain. With a choice between two sleep surfaces and a luxurious feel, this is a mattress that will suit most sleep styles, and is if you can afford the higher price tag, it's worth the investment. ★★★★
The Saatva Loom & Leaf is a premium memory foam mattress, and while it's the most expensive option in this guide, it might be worth it if you deal with back pain. During our testing, we found the reinforced middle third provided excellent pressure relief and support along the lumbar. The Saatva Classic is our best-rated mattress and the Loom & Leaf is an impressive memory foam alternative.
Materials
The Saatva Loom & Leaf consists of six layers. 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 5lb foams (you can learn more about memory foams here). It's finished with a quilted organic cotton cover that provides a plush sleeping surface.
Firmness and comfort
The Saatva Loom & Leaf memory foam is designed to suit most body types and sleeping positions, with two different firmness options ensuring 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 (our best firm mattress guide has more options here).
This mattress is particularly good for back pain, as the middle reinforcement provides relief for the lower back. The only people we don't recommend it for are those who weight over 300lbs.
Performance
The Saatva Loom & Leaf scores highly across our tests. Motion isolation here is top-notch so no worries if you'll happen to share this bed with a restless partner. The plush top layer is soft and gentle, with a quilted finish providing a cushioned 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. This shouldn't be a problem for most, but if you struggle with overheating, head to our best cooling mattress guide for some recommended alternatives. We expect weaker edge support in an all-foam design, but our testers were pleased with the level of support around the edge of the mattress.
Value for money
Even factoring in consistent Saatva mattress deals, the Loom & Leaf is firmly in the premium price bracket. However, the build quality is excellent, and Saatva offers the most comprehensive package of extras of any mattress company, too. You'll get a full year's trial and forever guarantee (same as the Nectar at #1). Better yet, it comes with free white-glove delivery, which entails in-home set-up plus removal of your old mattress (if you need it). Just know ahead of time that if you decide to return it before the trial period is up, it'll cost you $99.
- Read more: Loom & Leaf mattress review
Best memory foam mattress under $350
