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The best mattress 2022: top beds for all budgets

best mattress 2022: Saatva classic on a low wooden frame, in a bedroom
(Image credit: Saatva)

The best mattress is one that delivers support and comfort, at the right price. It’s an important decision - getting a good night’s sleep is essential to your health and wellbeing - but as the cost of living crisis deepens, getting the most value for your money is more important than ever.

That’s where we can help. Our expert reviewers have spent hundreds of hours researching, testing and sleeping on the latest mattresses, and we’ve recently updated our guide to include more lower-budget options alongside the top-class premium and mid-range memory foam, hybrid and spring-based options already ranked in our listings.

How we test mattresses

Our mattress testing process is editorially independent. We rigorously research and test the latest mattresses to provide accurate and unbiased recommendations in our buying guides and reviews. Read more:
How we test mattresses
Read our full methodology (opens in new tab)                                                                      

Plus, with the Memorial Day mattress sales now in full swing, there are now lots of opportunities to save money on a new mattress, before prices likely rise again over the summer. You’ll see today’s best mattress deals next to each of our top picks below.

We’ve ranked all the mattresses here based on how they performed in our tests, their build quality and price, and we’ve taken user reviews into consideration too - mattresses are subjective after all, and each person’s experience is different. 

We’ve also made sure there’s an option for everyone. Whether you need extra pressure relief, advanced cooling capabilities, have back pain, or a preference for a certain material - memory foam, innersprings, natural latex and so on - you’ll find a mattress for you below, clearly marked as to why we rate it. 

The best mattress in 2022 - as rated by experts

The best mattress overall - hotel comfort for less than its rivals

Specifications

Best for: all sleepers; back pain; hot sleepers
Type: innerspring hybrid (coils and foam)
Firmness (1-10): soft (3), luxury firm (5-7), firm (8)
Trial length: 180 nights
Testing scores: pressure relief (4.5/5), motion transfer (4/5), temperature regulation (4.5/5)
Warranty: 15 years
MSRP: $887 - $2,296

Reasons to buy

+
Very comfortable and supportive
+
Customizable firmness and height
+
Superb build quality
+
Free white glove delivery

Reasons to avoid

-
$99 returns fee

The flagship Saatva Classic is an upper-mid-range, hotel-quality mattress from luxury online brand Saatva, and it's hands-down the best mattress we’ve tested so far. This superb hybrid innerspring is customizable, with three firmness options and two heights to choose between, and it comes with free white glove delivery to the room of your choice. 

We reviewed the most-popular 11.5-inch luxury firm option and found it to be outrageously comfortable to sleep on. It’s a great choice for anyone who prefers a more traditional feel - you lie on top of it, rather than sinking into it, and it has a little more bounce than an all-foam mattress. 

It's also a particularly good option for anyone who needs advanced pressure relief. In our tests, the soft, eco-friendly foams excelled in relieving tension around our reviewers' shoulders, hips and knees. We found the dual steel coil system provided exceptional support in the lower back area, too - the mattress has a Seal of Approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations, so it’s worth considering if you suffer from back pain. In addition, we consistently slept cool, and would happily recommend the Saatva Classic to most hot sleepers. 

If you're looking for the full 'hug' of memory foam, this isn’t the right mattress for you - try the Nectar Memory Foam at number two instead. The Saatva Classic isn’t cheap, either. But it is great value for a premium mattress, undercutting luxury hybrid rivals like the Helix Midnight Luxe by up to a few hundred dollars. If you can justify the price, this high-end hybrid innerspring is a sound investment that will help deliver a stunning night’s sleep. 

Saatva Classic mattress: save $350 when you spend $1,000 at Saatva (opens in new tab)
From $781
- We've teamed up with Saatva to offer a $350 discount on everything on the company's site when you spend $1,000. That cuts the price of a queen size Saatva Classic from $1,695 to $1,345 - that's cheaper than on Black Friday - while a twin starts from $781. Deal ends: May 31

The best value mattress - with $499 of free sleep gifts

Specifications

Best for: back and side sleepers; smaller budgets
Type: memory foam
Firmness (1-10): medium firm (6.5)
Trial length: 365 nights
Testing scores: pressure relief (4/5), motion transfer (4/5), temperature regulation (4/5)
Warranty: forever
MSRP: $499 - $1,238

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable and supportive
+
Exceptional value for money
+
One year risk-free trial
+
Free shipping and returns

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as bouncy as a spring mattress

The popular Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is an all-foam, medium-firm mattress that’s tough to beat when it comes to sheer value for money. At the lower-end of the mid-range market, this bed-in-a-box mattress is extremely competitively priced at $799-$899 for a queen size. That’s over $400 cheaper than Casper and Purple’s entry-level mattresses, and it also comes with up to $499-worth of free bedding. Only the Cocoon By Sealy Chill mattress, below, comes close for pure value.

So what’s it like to sleep on? We awarded the flagship Nectar mattress a review score of 4.5 out of 5, rating it highly for comfort, support and temperature control. It has the modern feel of memory foam: you slowly sink into it while you sleep, and the mattress contours to your body, providing tailored pressure relief around your shoulders, hips and back, while helping align your spine. If you like the ‘hug’ of memory foam, you’ll love this mattress.

Like all good-quality foam mattresses, the Nectar is very good at isolating motion - our reviewers weren’t disturbed by their partners climbing in or out of bed. However, foam can be warmer than other mattress materials, so although our reviewers didn't overheat at night, we'd recommend that very hot sleepers choose a hybrid mattress instead, such as the Saatva above - or a dedicated cooling mattress, such as the Cocoon Chill below. 

Still, for most people it's a great choice. If you’re looking for a comfortable and supportive mattress and want the most bang for your buck, the Nectar is easily the best mattress around. And the year-long trial and free returns make it easy to try for yourself.

Nectar Memory Foam mattress: $100 off + $499 of free gifts at Nectar (opens in new tab)
From $399
- Nectar has rolled its current offer into Memorial Day, with a $100 discount and up to $499-worth of free gifts with every Nectar Memory Foam mattress: two pillows, a sheet set and a mattress protector to prolong the life of your investment. This drops the price of a twin to $399, and a queen from $899 to $799. That's extremely competitive for a mid-range mattress - plus it comes with a year-long trial and forever warranty.

The best budget cooling mattress for hot sleepers

Specifications

Best for: hot sleepers on a budget
Type: memory foam mattress in a box
Firmness (1-10): medium firm (6.5)
Trial length: 100 nights
Testing scores: pressure relief (4/5), motion transfer (4/5), temperature regulation (4/5)
Warranty: 10 years
MSRP: $769 - $1,539

Reasons to buy

+
Fantastic value for money
+
Reliable cooling performance
+
Has the 'hug' of memory foam

Reasons to avoid

-
Edge support could be better
-
Firmer than you’d expect for foam

The Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam is a 10-inch tall, medium-firm mattress that punches well above its weight on the cooling front. This all-foam option is the closest rival to the Nectar mattress above: the Nectar is two inches taller and comes with a free mattress protector; but the Chill is packed with better cooling tech, making it a stronger option for hot sleepers. 

The star of the show is the stretch-knit cover infused with phase change material. This temperature-regulating fabric is usually found on more expensive mattresses, and our reviewers found it did a brilliant job of absorbing and dissipating heat. It's one of the most consistently cool mattresses we've slept on and even the hot sleeper on our review panel didn’t wake up feeling sweaty.

We also rated the Cocoon Chill particularly highly for pressure relief and spinal support during our three-week testing period. We found it to be best-suited to people of average and lighter weights, though - the heavier members of our panel didn’t feel properly supported, so if you weigh more than 230lb we’d recommend the Nolah Evolution 15 at number 8 instead. 

The Cocoon Chill is still an all-foam mattress, so if you’re a very hot sleeper, consider the next model up instead: the Cocoon Chill Hybrid, which starts from $740 (opens in new tab), or the premium Purple Plus at number 7. Otherwise, the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who love the feeling of foam, and the $199-worth of free pillows and sheets sweeten the deal.

Cocoon by Sealy Chill: save 35% + free pillows and sheets (opens in new tab)
From $499
- This is a regular deal from Cocoon by Sealy and it remains excellent value, saving you 35% on the Chill, plus you get $179-worth of free pillows and sheets. With it, the price of a queen size drops from $1,239 to $799, making it equal to the Nectar Mattress above - that's a bargain.

best mattress: The DreamCloud

(Image credit: DreamCloud)
A more affordable luxury hybrid than Saatva at no. 1

Specifications

Best for: all sleepers; back pain; hot sleepers
Type: mattress in a box
Firmness (1-10): 6.5
Material: hybrid (foam and coils)
Height: 14 inches
Availability: online
Trial length: 365 days
Warranty: lifetime
Best for: all sleepers; back pain
MSRP: $1,298 - $1,898

Reasons to buy

+
Breathable and cool
+
Great neck and back support
+
Responsive, innerspring feel

Reasons to avoid

-
Larger sizes need two people to move

If you liked the sound of the Saatva Classic at number one but can't justify $1,000+ for a mattress, we highly recommend the DreamCloud. This luxury hybrid has a similar, classic mattress feel, with a responsive bounce and conforming support. And while it isn’t quite as plush as the Saatva, it's a few hundred dollars cheaper and comes with $499 of free bedding.

We found that it delivers firm, responsive support for your spine, as well as deep, soft cushioning all over your body. In our review, we rated the mattress particularly highly for its excellent support for back and stomach sleepers. It’s a great choice for anyone with back pain, and for anyone who overheats too - our hot-sleeping reviewers maintained a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

Bear in mind that it's a little heavier than the average mattress, so you'll want two people to move it. But if you're looking for luxury for less, and you like a little bounce, the DreamCloud is one of the best mattresses around. 

The DreamCloud: $200 off + $499 free gifts at DreamCloud (opens in new tab)
From $699
-  DreamCloud has rolled its usual excellent deal over into its Memorial Day sale: right now, there's $200 off the mattress and it comes with up to $499 worth of bedding added to your order. Its fantastic value for a luxury mattress, dropping the price of a queen down to $999.

Best mattress: The WinkBed mattress shown with a Euro-pillow top

(Image credit: WinkBeds)

5. The WinkBed mattress

The best mattress for back, hip and shoulder pain

Specifications

Best for: back pain; all sleepers; hot sleepers
Type: hybrid mattress in a box
Firmness (1-10): 4.5 - 8 (soft, luxury firm, firm, plus for heavier bodies)
Material: memory foam, coils
Height: 13.5 inches
Availability: online, plus eight showrooms
Trial length: 120 days
Warranty: lifetime
Best for: neck and back pain
MSRP: $1,149 - $2,049

Reasons to buy

+
Tailored lumbar support
+
Heat-wicking design
+
Choice of four firmness levels

Reasons to avoid

-
No handles for moving
-
Side sleepers may find too firm

The WinkBeds Original mattress is a favorite among luxury hotels, and has a number of cutting-edge features designed to help you sleep comfortably. We’ve just reviewed the luxury firm model - we’ll be posting our test results soon - and think this hybrid mattress is a great option for anyone with back, hip or shoulder pain. 

In our tests we found that it provided excellent spinal alignment and first-class pressure relief, with a moderate level of contouring and plenty of cushioning. In fact, the Winkbed Original performed well across the board, scoring highly for temperature regulation, edge support and motion isolation. Conveniently, this one comes in four different firmness options, including a plus model for heavier bodies, making it easier to find a version you like.

The WinkBed mattress: save $300 at WinkBeds (opens in new tab)
WinkBeds' Memorial Day mattress sale cuts $300 off every size of The WinkBed, reducing the price of a queen size to $1,499 (was $1,799). That puts it in line with the luxury innerspring Saatva Classic, which is another good choice for back pain. You have 120 nights to trial The WinkBed, plus it has a lifetime warranty and free shipping.

The best mattress for side sleepers

Specifications

Best for: side sleepers; restless partners; hot sleepers
Type: hybrid mattress in a box
Firmness (1-10): 6
Availability: online
Trial length: 100 days
Warranty: 10 years
MSRP: $699 - $1,449

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent pressure relief
+
Great edge support
+
Sleeps cool

Reasons to avoid

-
Too firm for some people

The Helix Midnight is a competitively priced hybrid mattress that delivers the comfort and support of a more expensive model. While all the top picks in our best mattress guide are well-suited to side sleepers, only this one has been specifically designed for side sleeping - and we awarded it full marks for this: our reviewers found both side and back sleeping to be extremely comfortable.

Soothing memory foam and dynamic polyfoam hug your body and relieve pressure, while hundreds of individual coils cradle your body, providing extra support, and limiting motion transfer. 

The silent coils also boost airflow through the mattress, keeping our hot sleeper cool throughout the night. And because the coils make no noise, and there's very little motion transfer, it's a good choice for anyone with a restless partner too. If you're a front sleeper, though, you’ll need slightly different support, so consider the Helix Dusk (opens in new tab); and if you’re heavier than average try the Helix Plus (opens in new tab) instead. 

Helix Midnight mattress: Save $150 + 2 free pillows (opens in new tab)
There’s now $150 off the Midnight mattress for Memorial Day and you get two free pillows thrown in. We've seen this mattress $50 cheaper in the past - a queen dropped to $999 last year; whereas now it's $1,049 - but that was before inflation skyrocketed. Still, it's currently cheaper than it's been all month, and a good price for a top-rated side sleeper mattress.

An exceptional cooling mattress for very hot sleepers

Specifications

Best for: all sleepers; hot sleepers; back pain
Type: foam, mattress in a box
Firmness (1-10): 6 (medium firm), 7.5 (firm)
Availability: online and some retailers
Trial length: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 years
MSRP: $1,099 - $2,598

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent cooling performance
+
A magic blend of soft and firm
+
Great lumbar support

Reasons to avoid

-
Needs two people to move 
-
White glove delivery cost more than others  

The relatively new Purple Plus mattress is a luxe upgrade on the Purple Original, with two extra inches of foam, better airflow and enhanced cooling power. Based on the superb performance of its cooling features alone, we think it’s one of the best mattresses in the US for hot sleepers. But these premium features come at a cost, making the Purple Plus hard to recommend over the brilliant budget Cocoon Chill mattress for all but the hottest of sleepers.

Still, if you have a higher budget, the Purple Plus is outstanding. One of our reviewers hailed it as the most cooling mattress they’ve ever slept on, and we also found pressure relief to be exceptional. The mattress felt soft under our shoulders, hips and knees, with firmer support in the lower back area. Edge support could be better at this price, but overall this is an excellent mattress that should suit most people. 

Purple Plus Mattress: save 10% at Purple (opens in new tab)
From $1,079
- There's now $150 off the Purple Plus, which is $100 less than last month’s maximum $250 discount. This drops the price of a queen to $1,749 (last month it was $1,709). $40 isn’t a deal-breaker, but Purple changes its prices regularly so you could wait to see if it gets better. If you do want to buy now, this is a reasonable price for a high-end mattress packed with cooling tech.

The best organic mattress - and most durable

Specifications

Best for: all sleepers; heavier bodies; hot sleepers
Type: hybrid, mattress in a box
Firmness (1-10): 8
Availability: online
Trial length: 365 days
Warranty: lifetime
MSRP: $1,398 - $2,198

Reasons to buy

+
Good edge support
+
Excellent build quality
+
Sustainable choice

Reasons to avoid

-
Weak motion isolation
-
Too firm for lighter bodies

Editor’s note: Close rival Avocado recently released the Eco Organic mattress - a new budget organic mattress that undercuts the Awara by $100. We’re reviewing it soon, but specs-wise it’s very similar to the Awara and worth considering (opens in new tab) if you’re on a budget.

The Awara Natural Hybrid mattress is a great option for eco-conscious people who want to make a more sustainable choice, without paying the premium price usually associated with organic mattresses. At just over $1,000 for a queen size it still isn’t cheap, but it costs a good $500 less than the flagship mattress from rival brand Avocado.

Despite the smaller price tag, the Awara has a definite luxury feel and look. Made from natural latex, organic wool and cotton, the two biggest advantages to choosing it over others in our list is that the latex is very good at regulating temperature, and it’s more durable than memory foam or springs, so it should last longer, too. 

The Awara is one of the firmest options in our best mattress guide, making it a good option for heavier bodies. Our average-weight reviewers slept comfortably in all positions, too, and woke up feeling refreshed and well-rested each morning. Motion isolation wasn’t great though, so if you have a particularly restless partner, this mattress may not be right.

Awara Natural Hybrid: from $1,398 $899 at Awara (opens in new tab)
Save up to $699
- The Awara is regularly on sale, and this month the maximum saving is up to $699, with a queen size cut to $1,199 (was $1,898). That saving is made up of $200 off the mattress and $499 of free bedding - last month it was $300 off plus $499 of free bedding, but overall this is a great value natural mattress compared to premium models.

Best mattress: a woman sits on the edge of the Siena Mattress

(Image credit: Siena Sleep)

9. Siena Memory Foam Mattress

The best mattress under $500

Specifications

Best for: Smaller budgets; kids; guest rooms
Type: mattress in a box
Firmness (1-10): 6.5
Material: memory foam
Height: 10 inches
Availability: online
Trial length: 180 days
Warranty: 10 years
Best for: small budgets
MSRP: $499 - $799

Reasons to buy

+
Good value for money
+
Queen costs under $500
+
Good for guest rooms

Reasons to avoid

-
Basic design

The Siena is a budget bed-in-a-box from Sienna Sleep, a new, lower-price sister brand to Nectar Sleep and DreamCloud - and a new entry into our best mattress guide in response to the cost of living crisis. It aims to deliver better sleep comfort for a lower price, and with a queen under $500, it’s one of the cheapest in our best mattress guide. (The very cheapest is the Zinus Green Tea at number 10). 

We’ll be putting the Siena to the test soon and will report back on its performance, but our early assessments are positive. This 10-inch deep mattress has five layers, including contouring memory foam and supportive polyfoam. There’s also a soft-touch breathable cover to encourage better airflow, although some user reviews suggest that temperature regulation could be better - so it’s probably not the best option for hot sleepers. 

Still, the mattress averages 4.5 out of 5 from over 200 user reviews on the Sienna site, and given its materials, price, positive initial reviews and the heritage of its sister brands, it gets an early vote from our experts as a budget pick worth considering. This is the mattress we’d trial at home (you get 180 nights risk free) if we had a budget of $500 or less.

Siena Mattress: save $200 at Siena Sleep (opens in new tab)
Save $200 - There's $200 off every size Siena Mattress, with a queen size reduced to just $499 - that's very competitive even for the budget market, and means you can upgrade your guest bed for much less. You'll have 180 nights to trial the Siena at home, and it comes with a 10-year warranty.

best mattress: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam

(Image credit: Zinus)
The best mattress under $400 - cheap and cheerful

Specifications

Best for: smaller budgets; kids; guest rooms
Type: foam, mattress in a box
Firmness (1-10): 7
Trial length: n/a
Testing scores: Pressure relief (3/5), motion transfer (4/5), temperature regulation (3/5)
Warranty: 10 years
MSRP: $199-$480

Reasons to buy

+
Amazon best seller
+
Different thickness options

Reasons to avoid

-
Thicker options cost more
-
Hot sleepers may find too warm

The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress is a solid option for anyone on a tight budget or looking to furnish a guest room. This all-foam mattress doesn't have the advanced materials or luxury comfort of the premiuim and mid-range models in our best mattress guide, but it is an Amazon best seller, with an average score of 4.4/5 from over 128,000 user reviews (May 2022), and we found it to perform well for the price when we tested it.

We slept on 10-inch version of the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress for three months. Our reviewers thought it was comfortable and supportive, with good edge support and minimal motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a restless partner. (In case you’re wondering, no, it didn’t smell of tea…)

We do have a few questions about long-term durability. It’s not the best choice if you overheat at night, either - some of our reviewers became uncomfortably warm. But overall, it's a decent budget mattress. The thinner six and eight-inch versions would make good options for children's rooms, too. 

A crop of the Linenspa mattress on a wooden frame in a bedroom scene

(Image credit: Linenspa)

Bonus: Linenspa 10-inch hybrid mattress

The highest-rated budget hybrid mattress on Amazon

Specifications

Best for: smaller budgets; kids; guest rooms
Type: hybrid mattress in a box
Firmness (1-10): medium
Trial length: n/a
Warranty: 10 years
MSRP: $280-$470

Reasons to buy

+
Under $300 for a queen
+
Over 100,000 positive user reviews
+
Different depths available

Reasons to avoid

-
We haven’t reviewed it yet
-
Questionable durability

Linenspa is a respected brand in the sleep world, and this budget mattress is one of the highest-rated on Amazon, with an impressive average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 122,000 user reviews (May 2022). We haven’t reviewed it yet so we can’t vouch for performance, but given its wild popularity on Amazon it’s worth flagging as a cheaper budget alternative to the Zinus above.

It’s medium-firm, with a thin 1.5-inch layer of memory foam and innersprings. Don’t expect the level of contouring you’d get from the mid-range and premium options in our best mattress guide, and you’ll probably have to replace this mattress a few years sooner than you would the Sienna or Nectar. 

But the majority of user reviews report that it’s comfortable (some say better than expected), and as a hybrid it’s likely better suited to hot sleepers than the all-foam budget Zinus above. Just make sure you choose the 10-inch version or higher for adults; the 6 and 8-inch versions are better suited to kids. 

How we test mattresses

The Tom’s Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. Our expert mattress testers sleep on each featured mattress for at least three weeks - that's roughly the time it takes, on average, for your body to get used to a new mattress. 

Mattress firmness is subjective, so each lead reviewer also forms a trusted and experienced testing panel made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. We have side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers on our testing team, with lighter, average and heavier bodies.

Together, this enables us to produce accurate, well-balanced and data-backed mattress reviews to help you easily decide whether the mattress you’re interested in really is the best choice for you.

Our testing team includes:

  • Expert reviewers with substantial hands-on experience of testing a wide range of mattresses.
  • A diverse panel of mattress testers, with different body types, heights and sleep-position preferences.

Our testing process includes:

  • Testing each mattress across all key points, including support, comfort, pressure relief, motion isolation and temperature regulation, rating each mattress out of 10.
  • Analyzing user reviews to get an understanding of what real customers think of each mattress too. We do this to see if there are any recurring themes of problems or praise — then we explore these further during our testing process.
  • Fact-checking every claim made by each mattress brand.

How to choose the best mattress

When to change your mattress: couple sleeping in a bed facing different directions

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The only way to truly know whether a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it. That's why all the options in our best mattress guide come with a long risk-free trial - if you don't like one, you can send it back and try another. However, there are some key things to know that will help you choose the right mattress. 

Here, we'll answer some common questions people ask when buying a new mattress, and explain some key considerations to make. We'll also share our pro tips and tricks for choosing the best mattress for your budget, and recap the best-rated mattresses at the moment. 

Which is the best type of mattress?

The short answer is that there isn't a single best type of mattress. Why? Because everyone is different, so the right type for you depends on your body, your health and your sleep style. Secondly, it's because the differences between each type of mattress are increasingly negligible. Materials have advanced so much over the last five years alone that it can be difficult to notice any perceptible difference when you're sleeping on them. 

That's good news for you: it means you should be able to pick any of the options in our best mattress guide and be extremely happy with your choice - regardless of whether it's made from copper-infused memory foam, coils, cooling latex, or a cutting edge combination of all-natural materials.

However, it can be helpful to know what each mattress type is before you make your final choice. With that in mind, here we walk you though the main options, highlighting the key differences between each...

Memory foam mattresses

best mattress 2021: Nectar Memory Foam

The Nectar Memory Foam mattress (Image credit: Nectar)

Memory foam is a great option for anyone who likes to feel 'hugged' by their mattress. This material contours to your body, providing better pressure relief than spring-based options, and is excellent at absorbing motion. That last benefit alone makes it a top choice for anyone who shares a bed with a restless partner (but not the best option if you prefer some bounce in your mattress - you'll want an innerspring or hybrid instead).

One key feature of memory foam is that you sink into it - that is what provides the above-average cushioning. As with any all-foam mattress, such dense material can feel warmer at night than other options. That said, the best memory foam mattresses (opens in new tab) now come packed with special cooling materials designed to regulate your temperature while you sleep. 

If you seriously overheat at night, you may still prefer to avoid an all-foam mattress. But if you love the cushioning feel of memory foam, there are plenty of 'cooling' memory foam mattresses that are worth trying. These range in price from the budget-friendly Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress (from $499) to the ultra-premium Tempur-Breeze (starts at over $3,000 (opens in new tab)).

Innerspring mattresses

best mattress: The Saatva Classic mattress photographed outside against a deep blue sea

Saatva's flagship innerspring mattress: the Saatva Classic (Image credit: Saatva)

Innerspring mattress use a coil-based support system to provide comfort and structure. The quantity, height and design of the coils vary, and while traditionally innerspring mattresses were made with interconnected coils, the term is increasingly used to describe pocket spring mattresses. 

These feature individually wrapped coils that sit inside their own fabric pocket and can move independently - providing better pressure relief, greater comfort and more effective motion isolation. Generally speaking, the more pocket springs in a mattress the better the support. You can also use one of the best mattress toppers (opens in new tab) to instantly add an extra layer of support and comfort.

One key difference between innerspring mattresses and all-foam options is that they're buoyant: you sleep on top of them, rather than sinking into them. That's good news for hot sleepers, as it means your body heat is less likely to be trapped by the mattress, plus the springs allow more air to circulate than dense foam. Innerspring mattresses also have more bounce than all-foam options, and can be cheaper.

Hybrid mattresses

Helix Midnight mattress review

The Helix Midnight mattress  (Image credit: Helix)

Hybrids bring you the best of both worlds: you benefit from the tailored support of memory foam, gel or latex, while also getting the subtle bounce and increased airflow of springs. The coils in hybrid mattresses are usually smaller though, and you'll often (but not always) have a thinner memory foam layer. 

Many of the best mattresses are hybrid models. They're a flexible option that make a good compromise for couples with different sleep preferences, and they're also a good choice for hot sleepers who love the cushioned feel of foam.

Latex mattresses

Avocado mattress with a clothed couple lying on it, reading books

The Avocado Green Mattress (Image credit: Avocado)

Latex mattresses use a durable latex foam made from natural materials, rather than synthetic materials (which memory foam mattresses are made from). If you're looking for an organic mattress, latex is the best mattress material for you. 

It isn't as dense as memory foam, which makes latex mattresses less prone to overheating. Latex also provides good contouring and bounce. On top of that, the durability makes latex a fantastic investment if you want your mattress to really last, but it doesn't come cheap. Read our organic mattress guide for latex options.

Mattress buying advice

How long does a mattress last?

On average, a good mattress should last seven to eight years, but this depends on various factors including what type of mattress you own, what it’s made of, how often it’s used, and how many of you sleep on it. (We explain more in our feature answering how long does a mattress last?).

So a guest room mattress used only occasionally may last a little longer than the general guidelines, while the main mattress on your bed - unless it’s a good quality mattress - will wear out in less than seven years. 

The manufacturer’s warranty is a good indication of how long the mattress should last, but you will need to care for it properly too. Cleaning your mattress regularly will help it last longer - see our guide on how to clean a mattress.

How do I know the right mattress size?

One golden rule for choosing the right size of mattress is to make sure it's 10cm longer than the tallest person sleeping on it. Width-wise, if you're sharing a bed, you and your partner should be able to put your hands under your head without your elbows touching. 

If you sleep alone, you'll have the right size mattress if you can put your hands under your head without touching the edges. So measure that distance and as long as you choose a mattress wider than that, you're good. 

Most options listed in our best mattress guide are available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and Cal king sizes. Some come in split options too, which enable you to choose a different mattress firmness to your partner. You can also find mattresses with a different level of firmness on each side.

How do I know the right mattress firmness?

Medium firm is the most popular mattress choice - that's why most flagship mattresses fall within a range of 5-7 on the firmness scale (10 is the firmest). 

However, mattresses are subjective. Firmness and comfort depend on a wide range of factors including your weight, height, sleeping style and whether you experience any pain, such as in your back or hips. So one person's experience of a mattress is likely to be different to that of another person.

A woman with dark curly hair sleeps on a plush mattress and pillows

(Image credit: Getty)

That's why we use a range of different people to test our mattresses - and it's also why we look through thousands of user reviews. Keep this in mind when noting our 'firmness gauge', which ranges from 1 to 10, as you may find a mattress to be slightly softer or firmer than we found it.

Nevertheless, there is some broad advice for deciding which level of mattress firmness you might be best-suited to...

1. Consider your sleeping position
Back sleepers often benefit from a medium-firm mattress. This provides neutral spine alignment while supporting the hips and shoulders. If a mattress is too soft, back sleepers may find their spine forming an uncomfortable 'U' shape, creating strain. Too firm and the natural 'S' curve of your spine won't be supported. 

Side sleepers need good pressure relief on their shoulders, knees and hips. A medium to medium-soft mattress is usually a good choice. If it's too soft, the spine won't align properly with the shoulders and hips. Memory foam is often the best mattress choice for side sleepers due to its above-average contouring. For more advice, read our guide to the best mattress for side sleepers.

Front sleepers fare better with a firmer mattress. This lifts the hips up so that they're in alignment with the spine, and prevents the spine from forming a 'U' shape. If it's too firm it'll be uncomfortable - particularly for women - and won't allow the spine to curve naturally. Too soft and it can feel almost suffocating. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses can be a better choice than foam for front sleepers.

Combination sleepers should choose according to their dominant sleep position (the position you normally fall asleep in). If you don't have one, a medium firm mattress will dish out the best support and comfort across most positions.

2. Consider your body weight
Sleepers weighing 130lbs and below don't sink as far into a mattress and are often well-suited to softer options: between 2 and 4 on the firmness scale. However, a medium-firm mattress would also be a good choice.

Sleepers weighing 130-230lbs are often better-suited to medium and medium-firm mattresses, between 5-7 on the firmness scale. 

Sleepers who weigh 230lbs or more can be well-suited to firmer mattresses, between an 8-10 rating, which prevent them sinking through the comfort layers.

A woman with dark hair sleeps on a white pillow

(Image credit: Getty)

How long does it take to break in a new mattress?

This depends on the type of mattress, but it can take anywhere from 30 days to three months to get used to new levels of support and comfort. If you’re choosing a very different type of mattress to your old one, you will notice the difference for a while longer.

To help you break in your new mattress, give it the time it needs to decompress. This can take anywhere from a few hours to 72 hours, so be patient. Also, relax on different parts of your new mattress and keep sleeping on it to help it ‘bed in’ faster. Try to resist sleeping in another bed or on the sofa, as the faster you break in your new mattress the sooner you'll be sleeping better.

What is the best mattress in 2022?

We think the luxury innerspring Saatva Classic offers the best balance between performance and price. It has a classic mattress feel, with a litte bounce, and it aced our tests, scoring particularly highly for pressure relief, temperature regulation and edge support. It's been approved by the American Chiropractic Association too, making it a good choice if you have back pain. It costs around $1,500 for a queen, but there's usually a $200 discount (opens in new tab) to be found. 

Alternatively, if you have a lower budget or prefer the 'hug' of memory foam, the Nectar Memory Foam is a top choice - we think it's the best-value mattress you can buy. It’s comfortable and supportive, and extremely competitively priced. A twin starts at $499, while a queen size costs $899 - and all sizes come with $399-worth of free sleep accessories (opens in new tab) added to your order. 

A young family of four lie on a king size mattress together

(Image credit: Getty)

When is the best time to buy a new mattress?

There are cheap mattress deals all year round - leading mattress maker Nectar, for example, has been running its biggest ever offer (opens in new tab) for over a year now. However, certain months to tend to have bigger discounts than others.

The lowest prices of the year appear in November in the form of Black Friday mattress deals (opens in new tab) and Cyber Monday mattress deals (opens in new tab), and in February, during the Presidents Day mattress sales (opens in new tab). The latter is when people slowly start spending again following the January lull, and retailers look to stoke interest with strong offers and prices that are often as low as Black Friday.

The Memorial Day mattress sales (opens in new tab) are another key time to buy a new mattress, as retailers look to make way for newer models launching over the summer by discounting older stock. For the sheer volume and variety of discounted mattresses, it's as good as Black Friday - but we've noticed prices don't always dip quite as low. You might see the same discount advertised - $200 off, say - but the price may have gone up, so while the mattress is cheaper than its previous full price, you'd have saved more if you bought it in the November or February.

The same can be said of the July 4th mattress sales (opens in new tab) and Labor Day mattress sales (opens in new tab): discounts typically match those offered during other major holidays, but many of the prices aren't quite the lowest. They're generally still good deals though, and worth grabbing if you need a new mattress. 

Here's when you shouldn't buy a new mattress if you can help it: over the summer. This is the most expensive time of the year, with prices generally at their maximum. You might see similar discounts advertised, once again, but prices can be as much as $200 more than at other times of the year.  

You can also read how to make your guest room feel like a hotel with simple tips.

Recent updates to our Best Mattress guide 2022

13 April - After evaluating all testing data and key factors, we moved the Saatva Classic to the No 1 spot as we feel its the best mattress for support, comfort and exceptional build quality for the reasonable price compared to rival luxury models.

13 March - We added the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress. After a thorough testing process by Alison Barretta, we felt the Awara was a worthy addition to our mattress buying guide for people who want a well-made and durable organic mattress. 

21 Feb - Updated the deals section for each mattress to reflect the latest offers; checked all mattresses to ensure information is accurate.

25 Jan - Expanded the expert buying advice at the bottom of our guide to answer more of your mattress questions; updated the latest mattress offers.

Meet our mattress reviewers

Claire Davies, Sleep Editor
Claire Davies

Claire is a Sleep Editor at Future and writes about all things mattresses and sleep. Claire is passionate about how good quality sleep can boost our wellbeing and believes that a great mattress is a vital part of that. Claire tests a range of mattresses for Tom's Guide, and commissions our other mattress reviewers too.

Alison Barretta
Alison Barretta

Freelance writer and editor Alison is an expert mattress tester for Tom's Guide, and hails from Philadelphia, USA. Alison has reviewed a wide range of mattresses for us, putting the latest hybrid, memory foam and cooling mattresses from Casper, Nectar, Awara and other leading brands through their paces.

Jennifer Nelson
Jennifer Nelson

Jennifer is a freelance mattress tester for Tom's Guide and has reviewed a number of top-rated natural, memory foam and hybrid mattresses, including the Saatva Classic innerspring hybrid, the Helix Midnight Mattress, and the Purple Plus, all of which appear in this guide. 

Julia Sagar
Julia Sagar

Julia is content director, ecommerce at Future, where she works across a wide range of leading consumer tech and lifestyle brands, including TechRadar, Tom's Guide, T3, Marie Claire, Woman & Home and more. A former editor of global design website Creative Bloq, she has over 15 years’ experience in online and print journalism, and was part of the team that launched TechRadar (way back in the day). When she isn't reviewing mattresses, she can usually be found writing about anything from green energy to graphic design.

With contributions from