6 Best Mattresses of 2022
Built with back-supportive materials and three firmness options
$935-$2,225
Memory foam mattress cradles your body and keeps you cool
$359 – $1,338
Features a cashmere top quilted with foam, pressure-relieving gel memory foam, and innerspring coils
$499 - $1,798
Handcrafted with eco-friendly materials
$970 - $2,700
Incorporates a cooling cover that effectively absorbs and disperses heat for a cooler sleep environment
$399 - $899
Targeted back support and responsive pressure relief
$1,049 - $2,239
Goldilocks had it pretty easy – she found the right mattress on the third try. Today, we have hundreds of brands to choose from, both from online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores.
To shop for the best mattress, you can follow guidelines based on body type, sleeping styles and construction, but at the end of the day the best way to figure out if a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it for a few nights. Fortunately, generous sleep trials, free shipping and free returns have become the industry standard.
Our list of the best mattresses of 2022 can help narrow down your choices, so take a look.
Our Top Picks for Best Mattresses
- Avocado Green – Best Organic Latex Mattress
- Saatva Classic – Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Layla Memory Foam – Best Memory Foam Mattress
- Graco Premium – Best Crib Mattress
- Allswell Hybrid – Best Budget Mattress
Best Mattress Reviews
Why we chose it: The Avocado Green mattress is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a luxury mattress produced sustainably and with non-toxic materials. It’s also top-rated for its durability, comfort and support.
- Hybrid latex with pocketed coil innerspring
- Handcrafted with certified organic latex and textiles
- Full one-year trial
- Certified free from potentially hazardous chemicals
- Financing available
- Queen size cost exceeds $1,000
- May be too firm for some
- Limited showrooms nationwide
The Avocado Green mattress has a hybrid construction, with a natural latex foam top on an innerspring base constructed with individually wrapped coils made of three different gauges of recycled metal. Combining coils with varying thickness means the mattress contours to the body better without sacrificing support.
The company avoids potentially harmful solvents and adhesives by using a needle tufting technique to bind all layers inside the mattress. The organic materials used are certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the American Chiropractic Association and GreenGuard Gold.
Some online reviewers comment that it’s too firm, especially for lightweight sleepers. To address this concern, the company offers a separate pillow top to add softness and improve the feel of the bed.
The Avocado Green Mattress comes with a one-year sleep trial that begins the day you receive your mattress, but the company requires the customer to test a new mattress at least 30 days before requesting a return. There are no restocking or return pickup fees.
Where to buy: Avocadogreenmattress.com
Runner-up: Birch by Helix
The Birch by Helix features a comfort layer made of Talalay latex (natural latex from the rubber tree) and GOTS organic certified cotton and wool, and it’s supported by pocketed coils. On the downside for those concerned about the environment, the Birch uses synthetic rayon fibers as a fire retardant. Although plant-derived, rayon is derived from a manufacturing process known for its negative environmental impact.
Where to buy: Birchliving.com
Why we chose it: The Saatva Classic can work great for back sleepers and people with back pain because of its dual coil supportive layer and the extra lumbar support padding under the mattress pillow top. Sleepers won’t need to trade comfort for support, as the mattress firmness levels are customizable.
- Breathable cotton sleep surface – suitable for hot sleepers
- Hybrid innerspring structure
- Comfort layer with dense memory foam and back-supportive materials
- Financing options available
- Queen size mattress price exceeds $1,000
- $99 fee for processing and picking up returns
- No international shipping
- Requires a freight forwarder to Alaska or Hawaii
The Saatva Classic stands out for its supportive structure, made of two innerspring layers. The base layer has a traditional network of innerspring coils. On top of that, there’s a layer of individually wrapped coils.
Each individually wrapped coil responds to your body’s weight, relieving specific pressure points in the hips, shoulders and tailbone, without sagging too much. Customers can also choose their desired level of firmness — plush soft, luxury firm and firm.
Online reviews highlight the strength of the mattress’s edges, which barely sag under pressure. This can benefit couples who share a bed or people who sleep close to the edge of the mattress.
Saatva mattresses come with a 180-night free trial, free delivery and setup, and a lifetime warranty. The company also offers free removal of your old mattress and foundation.
Where to buy: Saatva.com
Runner-up: Helix Dusk
The Helix Dusk is a hybrid mattress with a medium-firm feel, designed for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. The mattress’s comfort layer has a latex-foam hybrid top and a memory foam base. This combination results in a firmer, more supportive mattress that provides pressure relief and spinal alignment for a restful sleep.
Where to buy: Helixsleep.com
Why we chose it: The Helix Midnight Luxe features extra height and cushioning of the top layer, plus zoned support to the hip and shoulder areas. This combination results in a softer feel around high-pressure points for side sleepers while maintaining ideal spinal alignment and support.
- Sleep quiz to help you pick the best mattress
- Enhanced support and cushioning for shoulders and hips
- Complimentary mattress topper during the trial period
- Financing options available
- Ships to all 50 states and Canada
- No international shipping
- No free shipping to Canada
- May be too soft for bigger, heavy people
The Helix Midnight Luxe is an upgrade of the Helix Midnight — the company’s best-selling bed-in-a-box model. The mattress’s hybrid structure starts with a firm foam base, followed by an innerspring section of individually wrapped coils. On top of that, there are three foam layers: two supportive layers of firm polyfoam and gel-infused foam, under a cushioning layer of dense memory foam.
The Helix Midnight Luxe adds a breathable cover made of Tencel — a soft, silky fiber made from the Eucalpytus tree pulp — that increases the cushioning and height of the top layer and enhances the innerspring center.
Coils are arranged in zones so that areas like the shoulders receive adequate pressure relief while the hips and lower back can maintain the correct alignment and support. There are also added coils on the perimeter, which reduce the worry of rolling off the bed if you sleep close to the edge.
Helix offers a 100-night free trial, a 10-year warranty, and free U.S. shipping. Returns within the trial period are completely free, and Helix arranges for mattress pickup.
Where to buy: Helixsleep.com
Runner-up: Purple Hybrid Premier 3
The Purple Hybrid Premier 3 is a top-rated hybrid mattress that uses a proprietary gel material for its comfort layer, which is three inches thick and increases the cushioning for side sleepers. At roughly $3,000 for a queen, Purple is expensive even among high-end mattresses, which is why we decided to include it only as a runner-up.
Where to buy: Purple.com
Why we chose it: The Layla edges out its competitors by offering a flippable memory foam mattress. There’s a soft side and a firm side, increasing the chances of satisfaction for all body types and sleeping positions.
- Free shipping in the contiguous U.S.
- Flippable surfaces — a firm side and a soft side
- Copper-infused memory foam for increased breathability
- Good motion isolation
- Lifetime warranty
- Financing options available
- Some reviewers mention subpar edge support
- Strong chemical smell when unboxing
- Shipping fees to Alaska and Hawaii
The Layla memory foam mattress stands out for its versatility. Side sleepers will enjoy the soft side, while stomach and back sleepers can flip it for a firmer surface. The memory foam layer is infused with copper to provide a more comfortable sleeping temperature, and the mattress is covered with a gel-infused cover fabric to offset heat retention.
Online reviewers highlight that the Layla has a more traditional memory foam feel compared to firmer models like Casper. This is ideal for pressure relief in areas like the shoulders and hips, as the material will contour to the body better.
Layla is available for online purchase only, either through the company’s website or Amazon. Free shipping is provided for the contiguous U.S., and users have 120 nights to test the mattress risk-free.
Where to buy: Laylasleep.com, Amazon
Runner-up: Casper Original
The Casper mattress is a well-reviewed and popular memory foam mattress. Though it is a memory foam mattress, this style is praised by reviewers for its firmness and support.
Where to buy: Casper.com, Amazon
Why we chose it: The Graco Premium mattress meets all applicable crib safety standards and includes a washable, water-resistant fabric cover at an affordable price point (around $100).
- Water resistant and removable cover
- Greenguard Gold certified for low emissions
- Bestseller in online retailers
- Foam construction retains body heat
- Reviewers mention initial chemical smell upon unboxing
All crib mattresses must meet safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to avoid the risk of newborn suffocation and entrapment. The mattress must be firm, without any cushioning or soft materials, and it must fit correctly inside a standard crib size, with no gaps on the sides.
The Graco Premium is a foam bed that meets or exceeds these safety requirements. It’s constructed with a breathable foam material that’s the correct firmness for your baby. Finally, it includes a removable and washable mattress cover to protect the mattress from stains.
Where to buy: Gracobaby.com, Amazon
Runner-up: Newton Crib Mattress
The Newton Crib Mattress frequently ranks as the best crib mattress due to its unique breathable construction and washable cover. However, at $299 for the standard model, it may be too expensive for many parents. We decided to showcase a more affordable option that’s just as well-reviewed and safe for your newborn.
Where to buy: Newtonbaby.com, Amazon.com
Why we chose it: Allswell Hybrid costs a fraction of the price of most mattresses with pocketed coils and memory foam. While shoppers may assume the low price equates to low-quality memory foam and reduced durability, the mattress is remarkably popular and well-rated in terms of comfort and support.
- Affordable hybrid mattress
- Pocketed coils
- Graphite-infused memory foam topGraphite-infused memory foam top
- Available from multiple vendors
- Financing options available
- Charges $149 to dispose of old mattress
- Memory foam may be of lower quality
- Not as durable and cushioning as higher-end models
- The comfort foam layer is significantly thinner than most hybrid models
At $449 for a queen, the Allswell Hybrid is a surprisingly affordable mattress that features some of the construction elements of high-end hybrids. The supportive coils are individually wrapped, then topped with a layer of breathable memory foam.
Given the low price, shoppers should not be surprised that the cushioning layers leave a bit to be desired and may not suit heavy or tall sleepers, especially if they sleep on their side. There’s only one thin layer of graphite-infused memory foam and no polyfoam base under the innerspring middle.
That said, the Allswell Hybrid is a great choice for guest rooms, college students and budget-conscious shoppers who aren’t very picky about mattresses. It’s also very popular with online reviewers, who highlight the mattress’s comfort, medium-firm support, and price.
Allswell’s mattress comes with a 100-night risk-free trial, free shipping to the contiguous United States and a 10-year warranty.
Where to buy: Allswellhome.com, Walmart, Amazon
Runner-up: Tuft & Needle Memory Foam
Tuft & Needle offers budget-friendly alternatives for those who want a memory foam mattress but can’t afford the hefty price tag. The Original model has two layers of foam with breathable/cooling properties and a soft quilted cover. This mattress is best for lightweight sleepers who don’t require a lot of support, including petite adults, teenagers and kids.
Where to buy: Tuftandneedle.com, Amazon, Lowes
Mattress Guide
Whether you’re shopping online for mattresses or visiting showrooms, the reality is that you won’t know if a mattress is truly right for you until you sleep on it for a few nights. However, learning about the different types of mattresses and who they’re suited for can guide you in the right direction.
Types of mattresses
Mattress come in a variety of types, but the most popular fall into these four categories: innerspring, foam, latex and hybrid. From there, we can further evaluate mattresses by comfort and supportive layers.
The comfort layer is located on the top side of the mattress. It is primarily responsible for providing pressure relief to areas such as the shoulders and hips, while “filling in” the natural gaps in our bodies like the middle back. The supportive layer below functions to keep the spine properly aligned and supported according to your sleeping position.
For side sleepers, the right mattress should keep their spine mostly in a straight, horizontal line. A back sleeper’s mattress should position the spine straight while following the natural, subtle “S” shaped curve of the back.
Innerspring
Traditional innerspring mattresses have a network of steel coils that create a supportive frame, while the comfort layer is relatively thin. The innerspring is covered in fabric and cushioning material for additional support and comfort.
As the most traditional and durable mattress construction, there are options in every price range and for every type of sleeper.
The gauge (thickness), shape and quantity of the coils, and how they’re all held together, influence how the mattress will respond to your body and how the support layers work relative to the comfort layers:
Gauge – Gauge measures the thickness of the mattress’s metal coils and usually ranges from 12 to 15. A firm mattress will have a lower gauge number, meaning that the coils are very thick and stiff. A high gauge number is associated with a softer and more forgiving mattress, as the coils are more flexible and springy.
Some manufacturers combine different gauges and distribute them according to the level of support or “body conforming” needed.
Quantity – The number of coils is not the sole indicator of proper support, but there is a minimum to look for per mattress size. A king-size mattress should have at least 480 coils, versus around 400 for a queen and no less than 300 for a full.
Type – Coils vary in how the wire is shaped and held together within the innerspring structure.
The most common coil types are as follows:
| Pocket coils | Bonnell coils | Continuous coils |
| Individual springs wrapped in fabric | Hourglass-shaped coils joined with a thinner wire | Coils are formed by a single wire |
| Greater capacity to contour your body | Less capacity to contour the body | Very little capacity to contour the body |
| Less motion transfer | More motion transfer | More motion transfer |
| Expensive | Affordable | Affordable |
- Many options at various price points
- Most breathable mattress option, since the coil network allows for more airflow
- Most supportive construction, especially for people who are heavy sleepers
- More durable than foam mattresses
- Springs may wear down or get noisy as the mattress ages, especially if it's a low-budget model
- Lacks the motion isolation properties of memory foam
Memory foam
A memory foam mattress is an all-foam mattress constructed with various layers of different densities, properties and firmness levels:
Comfort layer – This layer creates a “sinking” feeling as it conforms to the body, providing the best relief to pressure points. The downside? The comfort layer increases heat retention, so sleepers may feel too warm. To offset this, manufacturers often use gel memory foam, copper or graphite, all of which increase the breathability of the mattress.
Supportive layer – This layer is often made with high-density polyurethane foam, which provides structure and firm support. While memory foam softens under heat and pressure, polyurethane foam compresses for a firmer base.
The quality of foam mattresses depends on:
- The density of the memory foam: Dense memory foam equals better durability and support. Many recommend that the memory foam layer be no less than 3.5 pounds per cubic foot.
- The successful combination of cushioning memory foam with supportive layers underneath: Proper cushioning will provide the best pressure relief without sacrificing support and spinal alignment.
- The integration of cooling materials: Open-cell foam, gel, copper or graphite are often used to improve breathability.
- Best material for pressure relief
- Great at isolating movement
- Body conforming
- Quality memory foam mattresses are expensive
- Low-quality foam will sink and get permanent indentations over time
- Traps body heat – hot sleepers should look into other mattresses
- Unique "sinking feeling" may be uncomfortable for some
- Strong chemical smell – off-gassing, the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is par for the course when unboxing most mattresses
- No organic options
Latex
Latex mattresses are made from the sap extract of rubber trees or synthetic latex. The latex is processed to create a foam texture similar to memory foam but with a distinctive feel that reviewers often describe as “bouncy” and “responsive.”
Natural latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees and can be processed in two ways:
- Talalay process – It produces a softer, airier latex foam that’s usually used in the comfort layers of the mattress
- Dunlop process – It produces a denser, firmer latex foam that’s typically reserved for the supportive layers of the mattress.
Synthetic latex is made with two petroleum-based compounds, which are essentially plastic. The material is less durable and less responsive than natural latex. Like foam, it has a strong smell due to the chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
- Motion isolation
- Pressure relief comparable to memory foam
- Breathable
- Durable
- Eco-friendly
- Recommended for people with skin sensitivities
- Expensive
- Distinctive firm and springy feeling that some people may not enjoy
- Limited options
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine a traditional innerspring structure with thick comfort layers of memory foam or latex materials. There isn’t a fixed definition for hybrid mattresses, but we found that most are structured as follows:
- Base layer of firm foam
- Innerspring supportive layer
- Thick comfort layer with a combination of cushioning and support foam, just like regular memory foam or latex mattresses
- Comfort layer with pressure-relieving properties of foam or latex
- Breathable and durable innerspring base
- Good for hot sleepers that still want the benefits of memory foam
- Caters to all sleeping styles
- Favored mattress construction of top-rated, high-end models
- Expensive
- Heavier and taller than other mattress types
- Less motion isolation
Organic
Organic mattresses are made with certified natural materials such as cotton, wool and natural latex. The most popular models combine natural latex and organic fibers instead of petroleum-derived materials such as foam, synthetic latex and polyester.
However, even the most sustainable organic mattresses can still include inorganic materials like metal coils and synthetic components or hardware. Organic labels tend to refer to a single component in the mattress, not the entire product. For example, you can have an organic mattress built with certified organic cotton, but its comfort layer may be a mixture of natural and synthetic latex.
The top organic certifications are from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and the U.S Department of Agriculture.
Additional certifications to look out for include:
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – A test for the presence of unregulated materials that may be harmful.
- CertiPUR US – It certifies the absence of formaldehyde, heavy metals, certain fire retardants, ozone-depleting substances and other banned materials.
- MADE SAFE – A certification that evaluates the presence of harmful manufacturing chemicals that can damage indoor air quality.
- UL Greenguard – A certification for household products with low chemical emissions.
- Organic latex is exceptionally durable
- Environmentally-friendly
- No chemical smells
- Expensive
- Limited options
- Marketing claims and greenwashing may mislead consumers
How to choose a mattress
The best mattress for you will have the right support and comfort for your sleeping style and body type. Since this means something different for each person, consider the following before purchasing a new mattress:
- Support – Does it keep your spine properly aligned while you sleep?
- Firmness levels – Too firm or too soft? Does it provide pressure relief in the areas that need it most, such as the shoulders, hips and lower back?
Furthermore, take a moment to think about your sleeping style and body type. Are you a side sleeper, or do you mostly lay on your back throughout the night? Knowing this will help narrow down your choices.
Below, we’ll go over common sleeping positions and their particular needs. We’ll also touch on other factors that should influence purchase decisions, like the warranty and return policy.
Sleeping style
People may stick to one sleeping position or go through several throughout the night. You may have particular ailments to consider too.
Side sleepers
Side sleepers tend to feel the most pressure in the shoulders and hips, so you’ll need cushioning in those areas. The mattress should keep your spine supported in a straight, horizontal line while you’re lying on your side. Look for innerspring mattresses with thick comfort layers or well-supported memory foam and latex models.
Recommended firmness levels: soft to medium
Back sleepers
Back sleepers benefit from extra support but still need cushioning in the hips, lower back, shoulders and ankles. The mattress should relieve those areas while keeping your spine aligned. You shouldn’t sink in too deeply, either, as this can cause additional back problems.
Recommended firmness level: medium to firm
Combination sleepers
If you often switch positions throughout the night, you’ll need a mattress that’s supportive for all sleeping styles. You may be uncomfortable with body-hugging materials, such as memory foam, because it can be difficult to move as the body sinks into the mattress. Combo sleepers may prefer “bouncier” innerspring or latex mattresses that are easier for movement.
Recommended firmness levels: medium-soft to medium-firm
In addition to sleeping positions, think about your body weight and sleeping temperature:
- Small, lightweight sleepers – A medium-firm mattress may feel too stiff, robbing you of any pressure relief. Look for a softer mattress with cushioning materials like latex and memory foam on the top layers.
- Tall, heavy sleeper – A soft mattress may not be supportive enough, and it may not be as durable. Innersprings or hybrids with a medium to firm feel will be most supportive and last the longest.
- Body temperature – If you tend to sleep hot, it’s best to avoid memory foam, since this material increases heat retention. Go for a mattress with natural latex or other breathable materials that help regulate temperature.
Once you’ve settled on the perfect mattress, you’ll probably be in the market for new pillows, as these break down relatively fast and should be changed every few years. With so many options available, picking one that fits your sleeping style is easier said than done, but our best pillow article is a good place to start.
Budget
Budget-conscious consumers should probably focus on innerspring mattresses. Nowadays, you should be able to find a comfortable and supportive innerspring mattress for less than $600.
When it comes to memory foam mattresses, be aware that price really does impact quality. Low-cost foam tends to have a lower density, which means it’ll break down and sag faster. If you need more cushioning, a better alternative would be to purchase an affordable innerspring model and separate memory foam or latex mattress topper.
If you’re set on purchasing a high-end mattress but can’t pay the upfront cost, retailers offer financing options to those with eligible credit. These come in the form of “buy now, pay later” services or in-store financing. Both allow you to purchase the item and pay it off in installments. You may qualify for 0% financing, but this will depend on the retailer, the price of the item and your creditworthiness.
Mattress size
In terms of space, consider the size of your bedroom and how many people will sleep on the mattress. Twin, twin xl and full sizes are best for individuals, while queen, king and California king mattresses are better for those who share a bed, be it with a pet or another person.
Your height and the thickness of the mattress matter as well. Hybrid models, in particular, are thicker than most, and they can be difficult to climb into, especially in the case of elderly or very petite sleepers.
Sleep trials and returns
Online retailers usually outperform brick-and-mortar stores in terms of the generosity of their sleep trials and return policies. Since you can’t test out an online mattress in-person, these direct-to-consumer brands offer lengthy sleep trials, free shipping and often, free returns.
Look for lengthy, risk-free trials. Some retailers allow returns only if reported within 72 hours of delivery, while others let you test out the mattress for up to 90 days. Delivery and disposal fees can also apply.
The terms of the refund vary, as well. The retailer may refund the full amount, allow you only a single exchange or refund you in the form of store credit.
Finally, pay attention to the fine print. During the trial period, mattress companies often require that you use a protective cover and leave the tag on. Failure to do so can void your right to return the mattress.
Shipping
We recommend you go with an online seller that guarantees free shipping and, ideally, free returns. This will reduce the stress associated with purchasing something online without the chance to first test it out in-store.
If you’re purchasing in-person, a delivery fee may apply, but don’t be afraid to bargain. Negotiating everything from price to white glove delivery is common at mattress stores.
Warranty
Most mattress warranties cover premature sagging and construction defects but exclude normal wear and tear or misuse. A sagging may be eligible for a replacement once it meets a specific depth measurement, but any indentation that’s less deep may not be covered. Most terms range from 10 to 25 years, but some retailers offer lifetime warranties with their products.
How We Chose The Best Mattresses of 2022
To choose the best mattresses of 2022, we gathered the following information:
- Customer satisfaction ratings and third-party online reviews
- Indicators of increased or decreased durability in the supportive and comfort layers of the mattress
- Indicators of comfort, such as thick cushioning layers, dense memory foam and breathable materials
- Markers of high-quality construction, such as pocketed steel coils, high-density memory foam and natural latex
- Textile organic certifications and tests that guarantee the absence of potentially harmful chemicals in the manufacturing process
Lastly, we prioritized mattress companies that come with long, risk-free trials, free shipping and a minimum 10-year warranty (except in the case of crib mattresses).
Summary of Money’s Best Mattresses of 2022
- Avocado Green – Best Organic Latex Mattress
- Saatva Classic – Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Layla Memory Foam – Best Memory Foam Mattress
- Graco Premium – Best Crib Mattress
- Allswell Hybrid – Best Budget Mattress