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The 9 Best Memory Foam Mattresses in 2023, Tested by Experts

Sleep like a king on one of these next-level mattresses.

By Mike Richard
best memory foam mattresses
Courtesy of Retailer

LET'S BE honest, you could probably use a good night’s sleep, or at least a better night’s sleep than you’re getting right now. We all could. Between nighttime Netflix binging, catching up on WaPo breaking news, and scrolling our Instagram feeds until well after the witching hour every night, all this blue light consumption isn’t doing our sleep schedules any favors. There’s probably a lot more you could be doing to improve your personal sleep health. But one of the easiest is to invest in the best mattress you can afford.

  • The Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress

    Best Memory Foam Mattress Overall

    Nectar The Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress

    $1,099 at nectarsleep.com
    Read more
  • Bear Original Mattress

    Best Memory Foam Mattress for Athletes

    Bear Bear Original Mattress

    Read more
  • T&N Original Mattress

    Best Value Memory Foam Mattress

    Tuft & Needle T&N Original Mattress

    Read more
  • Original Mattress

    Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

    Leesa Original Mattress

    Read more
  • NewDay Mattress

    Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress

    Purple NewDay Mattress

    Read more

While a new mattress won’t solve all your sleep woes, it can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep you’re getting each night. Memory foam mattresses, in particular, are a damn-near-perfect choice that we’d recommend for just about any type of sleeper. Whether you like to snooze on your side, stomach, or back, there’s a memory foam mattress for you. If you suffer from chronic back or hip pain, are a little heavier set, or have a partner who never stops tossing and turning, there’s a perfect memory foam mattress for you, too.

Ready to upgrade your bedroom setup? We know shopping for mattresses can be hard. There’s a dizzying array of fabrics and foam construction types and cooling technologies and contouring ratings and prices and more to wade through. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you by researching and comparing dozens of top-selling models, so you don’t have to. Check out the list below for our picks of the best memory foam mattresses worth shopping in 2023.

Best Mattresses for Back Pain | Best Twin Mattresses on Amazon | Best Mattress Toppers | Best Memory Foam Pillows | Sleep Awards

Best Memory Foam Mattress Overall

Nectar The Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress

The Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress
Best Memory Foam Mattress Overall

Nectar The Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress

$1,099 at nectarsleep.com
Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Excellent pressure and pain relief
  • Great for all sleep positions
  • High motion isolation
  • Generous 365-night in-home trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Free shipping and free return shipping
Cons
  • Nothing really

Nectar has been a long-time favorite of our sleep-savvy staff here at Men’s Health, and with good reason. The Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress is a perfect example of why. With 13 inches of CertiPUR-US Certified memory foam, including a 7-inch active support base layer, it’s slightly firmer than most in our roundup. But with the addition of three inches of therapeutic gel memory foam, it’s also arguably the best for pressure relief. Hot sleepers will appreciate Nectar’s proprietary ActiveCool Tech that regulates temperature and whisks away body heat far better than ordinary memory foam mattresses.

There’s a lot to love about Nectar and its Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress, in particular. In addition to all of the above, it’s well-reviewed, with more than 50,000 overwhelmingly positive buyer ratings. The brand also backs its mattresses with an industry-leading, 365-night in-home trial, plus a lifetime warranty and free shipping and free return shipping. That makes for a completely no-risk trial. Right now, they’re also adding $500 worth of free accessories, including a sheet set, a mattress protector, and a pair of cooling pillows. All of which is why it’s our hands-down pick for the best memory foam mattress overall in 2023.

What do buyers say? “We received our Nectar about 3 1/2 months ago. So far, it is amazing! It cradles and supports perfectly,” said one NectarSleep.com reviewer.

Best forAll sleep positions (side, stomach, and back)
In-home trial365 nights
WarrantyLifetime
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Athletes

Bear Bear Original Mattress

Bear Original Mattress
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Athletes

Bear Bear Original Mattress

Now 25% Off
Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Top-tier pressure relief
  • Graphite- and gel-infused for max cooling
  • 120-night trial and lifetime warranty
  • Free shipping and free return shipping
  • Good price
  • Made in the USA
Cons
  • Might be too firm for some

True to its name, Bear’s Original Mattress is the OG memory foam mattress in its lineup. It’s arguably the firmest in our roundup, with a roughly 7 out of 10 firmness level, making this a great option for back and some stomach sleepers. It’s also ideal for anyone who suffers from chronic pain, as it’s extremely supportive and pressure-relieving. What further sets this mattress apart is the multiple cooling features, including graphite- and gel-infused materials designed to draw away moisture and trapped body heat. For all these reasons, it’s an excellent mattress option for athletes and active buyers.

This feature-rich model can easily go head-to-head with the most premium memory foam mattresses we’ve seen. So, it’s all the more surprising that it’s priced so much less—$999 (just $699 on sale) for a Queen-sized model. Plus, Bear offers a solid 120-night in-home trial and a lifetime warranty, too. Add to that free shipping and free return shipping, and this is a fantastic memory foam mattress for budget-savvy buyers who likes a firm sleep surface.

What do buyers say? “Going on a full month now and this bed is amazing! It’s firm but not too firm and my back doesn’t hurt in the mornings like it was with my old mattress,” said one BearMattress.com reviewer.

Best forBack sleepers and some side sleepers
In-home trial120 nights
WarrantyLifetime
Best Value Memory Foam Mattress

Tuft & Needle T&N Original Mattress

Best Tested
T&N Original Mattress
Best Value Memory Foam Mattress

Tuft & Needle T&N Original Mattress

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Excellent pressure relief
  • Open-cell cooling tech with cooling gel
  • Versatile enough for all sleep positions
  • Solid 100-night trial
  • Easy “bed in a box” setup
  • Thousands of five-star reviews
  • 10-year hassle-free warranty
Cons
  • Mediocre edge support
  • Initial smell from typical memory foam off-gassing

Tuft & Needle is among the original—and still best—”bed in a box” brands. Its Original Mattress is a near-perfect memory foam mattress that strikes a good balance of just about everything, making this a solid option for all types of sleepers and sleep positions. With a moderately firm construction and the same height as our top-pick Nectar above, it’s firm enough for back and stomach sleepers while offering enough contouring (“give”) for side sleepers to rest comfortably, too. It all makes for great press relief (especially in this price range) and solid motion isolation to boot. Plus, it’s made with open-cell cooling tech bolstered with heat-conducting graphics and cooling gel.

Thanks to its compact in-box delivery, setup is a snap: Just drop the box next to your bed, cut it open, and wrangle the mattress into place. After about 24 hours, it’ll expand to its full size and air out any funky “memory foam” smells, too. The 100-night risk-free trial means you can really get a feel for it in your own home while you decide to keep it, and a 10-year warranty makes sure it’ll go the distance afterward. The best part? It’s well-priced at $995 (Queen) delivered, making this an easy pick for the best value memory foam mattress.

What do buyers say? “My second of these and I love it. My guests always say how comfy the bed is,” said one TuftAndNeedle.com reviewer.

Best forAll sleep positions (side, stomach, and back)
In-home trial100 nights
Warranty10 years
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Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

Leesa Original Mattress

Original Mattress
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

Leesa Original Mattress

Now 15% Off
Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Good balance of contouring and support
  • Sleeps cooler than most memory foam mattresses
  • Pressure-relieving design
  • Solid 100-night trial
  • Easy setup
  • 10-year warranty
  • Certified B Corp
Cons
  • Strong initial off-gassing
  • Weak edge support

Another great bed-in-a-box brand, Leesa is similar to Tuft & Needle right down to its simply named Original Mattress. It’s slightly on the firm side of medium (rating about a 6 out of 10 firmness level), making it a solid choice for stomach sleepers and some combo sleepers who tend to switch positions in the night. This memory foam mattress strikes a good balance between support and contouring (more on this term below), with excellent pressure relief for back sleepers. The cool-to-the-touch fabric also stays cooler and draws away more heat than most of the more budget-friendly memory foam mattresses we’ve seen.

On the downside, edge support is fairly weak. This may or may not matter to you—it’s really a matter of personal preference. The off-gassing on this mattress after it’s removed from the box is stronger than most, although it clears up in the first few days. Leesa does offer a solid 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty, too, and we like a brand that stands behind its products. Bonus: Leesa donates one mattress to charity for every 10 mattresses it sells.

What do buyers say? “I love this mattress! I've had the best sleep ever! Wish I would have bought it years ago!” said one Leesa.com mattress.

Best forStomach sleepers and some combination sleepers
In-home trial100 nights
Warranty10 years
Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress

Purple NewDay Mattress

NewDay Mattress
Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress

Purple NewDay Mattress

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Extremely supportive
  • Removable stretch knit cover
  • Wicks away heat and moisture
  • 100-night free trial
  • Free shipping and free return shipping
Cons
  • Might be too firm for some

Of course, not everyone likes that “sleeping in a cloud” feel found in most plush memory foam mattresses. Purple’s latest NewDay Mattress is among its firmest offerings. It starts with the brand’s popular GelFlex Grid construction, then adds a single layer of Foam Core for extra cushion and comfort. It’s all wrapped in a removable, machine-washable stretch knit cover. The result is an ultra-supportive sleep surface that’s perfect for back and some stomach sleepers. Built-in cooling technology also actively draws away heat to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable.

The NewDay Mattress takes everything we like about Purple’s lineup of mattresses and makes it even firmer. It’s a near-perfect option for anyone who values support over the contouring “hug-like” feel of average memory foam mattresses. Like every mattress in the company’s catalog, this model includes free shipping and free return shipping, plus a 100-night in-home trial, so it’s truly risk-free. Plus, a 10-year warranty backs it all up after you buy.

Best forBack and some stomach sleepers
In-home trial100 nights
Warranty10 years
Best Premium Memory Foam Mattress

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Memory Foam Mattress

TEMPUR-Adapt Memory Foam Mattress
Best Premium Memory Foam Mattress

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Memory Foam Mattress

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Incredible temperature regulation
  • Intense pressure relief
  • Great motion isolation
  • Durable and supportive for heavier sleepers
  • Premium, long-lasting construction
  • 10-year warranty
Cons
  • Expensive

Tempur-Pedic has long been the Lexus of memory foam mattresses. And, while they’re equally pricey, we think they’re well worth the premium. The Tempur-Adapt Mattress features industry-leading pressure relief and sturdy support for even the heaviest (weight) sleepers. If you’re a chronic pain sufferer, and don’t mind splurging a little, this is easily the best memory foam mattress for you. That same construction also makes for excellent motion isolation. The open-cell structure of the company’s proprietary Tempur material also delivers excellent, best-in-class temperature regulation for a cooler, more comfortable night’s sleep.

The biggest downside of all of Tempur-Pedic’s mattresses is the price. A Queen-sized Tempur-Adapt mattress runs north of $2,000. For that price, you can score a couple of midrange Original models from Leesa or Tuft & Needle on sale with money to spare. To be fair, though, no memory foam mattress can touch the premium build quality, pressure relieving support, next-gen cooling tech, and long list of other features. So, as they say, “If only the best will do …”

What do buyers say? “Most comfortable bed I’ve owned. I love my new bed! I sleep much better now,” said one TempurPedic.com reviewer.

Best forHot sleepers; anyone with chronic pain
In-home trial90 nights
Warranty10 years
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Best Memory Foam Alternative Mattress

Avocado Avocado Latex Mattress

Avocado Latex Mattress
Best Memory Foam Alternative Mattress

Avocado Avocado Latex Mattress

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Excellent support for all sleepers
  • Safe, non-toxic construction
  • Sustainable manufacturing
  • Generous 1-year trial
  • 25-year warranty
Cons
  • Very pricey
  • Not great for side sleepers

Memory foam is one of the greatest bedding inventions of the last generation, but it’s not perfect. It’s notoriously hot to sleep on, off-gassing can be an issue, and some memory foam mattresses are made with unsafe (even downright toxic) materials. Not so with Avocado—arguably the most eco-friendly bedding company on the planet. The company’s Avocado Latex Mattress boasts the same great features as the best memory foam mattresses—pain-relieving support, versatility for a wide variety of sleep positions, and better durability than innerspring mattresses—but with an all-natural construction backed by sustainable manufacturing, too. The 100% organic design uses only non-toxic, even biodegradable materials, like organic latex, organic cotton, and organic wool.

With a 7.5 out of 10 firmness (according to Avocado), this is a medium-firm sleep surface that’s ideal for couples, back or stomach sleepers, and more active sleepers. Side sleepers are likely to find this mattress too firm. But the real elephant in the room is the price tag. With a Queen-sized model priced at $2,999, this is easily the most expensive memory foam-esque mattress we’ve seen this year. But, if natural, non-toxic products are important to you—and why wouldn’t they be, especially in your bedroom of all places?—this is the best memory foam alternative mattress of 2023.

What do buyers say? “No more [pain] since I have been sleeping on the Avocado. It is simply perfect. Perfect bounce, perfect support, no smell whatsoever!” said one AvocadoGreenMattress.com reviewer.

Best forBack and stomach sleepers; couples; active sleepers
In-home trial1 year
Warranty25 years
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain Sufferers

Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress

Loom & Leaf Mattress
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain Sufferers

Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress

Now 14% Off
Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Luxurious build quality
  • Best-in-class pain-relieving support
  • Excellent edge support and motion isolation
  • Price includes free delivery and in-home setup
  • Generous 365-night home trial
  • Lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Expensive
  • $99 fee on exchanges and refunds
  • Not as cooling as others

Chronic back pain can be a life-altering problem. Thankfully, finding the right mattress can make all the difference. The Loom & Leaf Mattress is one of Saatva’s best, most premium memory foam mattresses. The two available firmnesses—relaxed firm or firm—provide excellent support that’s perfect for back sleepers and back pain sufferers. That same stiff, ultra-premium, five-pound memory foam construction also ensures excellent motion isolation, which is important for active couples or anyone sensitive to their partner’s movements in the night.

Like Tempur-Pedic and Avocado, this is a premium mattress with a price tag to match. A Queen will set you back more than $2,000 (on sale) or nearly $2,400 (retail). But that price includes all of the above features, plus free delivery, free setup, and even free mattress removal. It’s all backed by a 365-night home trial and a lifetime warranty, too. Curiously, Saatva is one of only a few bedding companies we’ve seen that charges a $99 fee to refund or exchange a mattress should you decide not to keep it.

What do buyers say? “This is my third purchase of this mattress, and I am just as happy as the first purchase,” said one Saatva.com reviewer.

Best forAll sleep positions (side, stomach, and back)
In-home trial365 nights
WarrantyLifetime
Best Budget Memory Foam Mattress

Zinus 6-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

Best Seller
6-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
Best Budget Memory Foam Mattress

Zinus 6-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

Now 11% Off
Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Amazing price
  • Medium-firm design with excellent support
  • Multiple thicknesses available (6”-12”)
  • Charcoal infused design fends off odors
  • 100-night trial with a 10-year warranty
Cons
  • At this price? Nada.

If you’re like many of us—and you don’t have $2K to burn on an uber-luxe mattress—Zinus’ 6-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is a decent and far more modest option. This super-affordable mattress is perfect for any sleep style, including back, stomach, and side sleepers. We like that it’s available in four thicknesses (6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch), so you can choose your preferred level of comfort. In any thickness, it offers medium-firm support that’s firm enough for back and stomach sleepers, but offers just enough contouring to satisfy side sleepers, too. One unique feature is the infusion of charcoal particles into the design to help fend off odors.

This is by far the most affordable memory foam mattress we’d recommend in 2023. It’s not just “cheap,” but an incredible value, with many of the features of far pricier models built in. Surprisingly, Zinus also offers a 100-night trial and a solid 10-year warranty to back it all up. Buying through Amazon gets you free Prime shipping and free return shipping, too, in case you decide not to keep it. It’s no surprise that this is an Amazon #1 Best Seller with more than 100,000 five-star reviews.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 140,000 Amazon reviews, 85% recommend the Zinus 6-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress with at least a 4-star rating.

Best forAll sleep positions (side, stomach, and back).
In-home trial100 nights
Warranty10 years
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Who Should Buy a Memory Foam Mattress?

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The short answer is: Almost anyone can benefit from sleeping on a memory foam mattress. If you experience chronic pain while in bed (or not), a memory foam mattress might help alleviate that pain. Likewise, if you like the feeling of sleeping “in”—rather than “on”—your mattress or need extra motion isolation (a helpful feature for couples and partners), a memory foam mattress might be for you. They’re also comfortable for side sleepers as they offer better support for high-impact areas (namely the shoulders and hips), plus stomach and back sleepers under 240 pounds.

If, however, you sleep hot or prefer to be able to move around easily on the surface of your mattress, a memory foam model may not be the right choice for you.

What to Look for in the Best Memory Foam Mattress for You

commerce breaker

There is no one best memory foam mattress, but rather a best one for you. If you’re looking to upgrade your existing mattress to a memory foam model, here are the most important things to consider:

Sleep Style

How you sleep is arguably the most important factor when shopping for any mattress, including a memory foam option. In our experience, side sleepers, in particular, benefit most by sleeping on memory foam. Lighter sleepers (under 240 pounds) who tend to sleep on their back or stomach may find them comfortable and supportive as well. Heavier sleepers may find they sink too much into a memory foam mattress, especially softer models.

Firmness

The right firmness level is critical to getting a good night’s sleep. It’s entirely up to you, so there is no best firmness level. In general, side sleepers and lighter (weight) sleepers will want to look for softer or plusher mattresses.

Contouring

Contouring refers to how much a mattress foam mattress “hugs” your body. Like firmness, this is a difficult feature to quantify, and there’s no “best” amount. It depends largely on your own weight and preferred sleep position. The only real way to know if a given mattress has the right amount of contouring for you is to sleep on it yourself—another reason why an in-home trial is essential.

Motion Isolation

One of the best features of memory foam mattresses is that they offer significantly better motion isolation than traditional alternatives. This is essential for couples and partners who tend to toss and turn or light sleepers who are especially sensitive to mattress movement. This often goes hand-in-hand with contouring, so beds with better contouring typically isolate motion better, too.

Cooling / Temperature Regulation

Memory foam is notorious for “running hot,” and the problem is worse on more contouring models. This both restricts airflow and traps body heat. Look for a model with built-in cooling features, like a ventilated construction or active cooling fabrics and materials that help whisk away heat and moisture.

Noise

Memory foam is naturally the quietest mattress material. If you’re sensitive to the squeaks and creaks of innerspring mattresses, you’ll the silence of a memory foam option.

Construction

Like all mattresses, memory foam mattresses sag and wear out over time. Cheap, lower-quality models will be significantly less durable, of course, while premium models can last a decade or more. That’s why we recommend buying the best memory foam mattress that you can afford.

Price

There’s no getting around the fact that most midrange to premium memory foam mattresses are pricier than their traditional, innerspring counterparts. That’s why price may be the most important factor for more budget-conscious buyers. But prices vary widely. Decent, middle-of-the-road models can be found for under $1,000, while the best memory foam mattresses can easily top $2,000 or more.

How We Picked the Best Memory Foam Mattresses of 2023

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Our writers are a little sleep-obsessed here at Men’s Health. We’ve researched and personally tested countless top-selling memory foam mattresses from many of the best sleep brands, including Purple, Casper, Tempur-Pedic, and more. We consider every feature and spec, including weight, firmness, edge support, breathability, durability, warranty, and, of course, price. This year’s roundup of our picks for the best memory foam mattresses also includes several picks with at least 200 positive reviews on the online bedding stores we trust most.

Lettermark
Mike Richard

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person. 

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