All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
A mattress purchase is a big deal: It’s the foundation of your sleep for years—which is why familiarizing yourself with the best mattresses (and mattress brands) should be the first step when picking out a new mattress. We’ve started the legwork for you. Architectural Digest staffers have put several leading mattress brands to the test, and ahead, they’ll report on their experiences. There’s a different model out there for everyone, as these pro mattress-testing editors have noted. Find out what they loved about these mattresses, and what (if anything) they were still left wanting.
Here is the complete list of the mattress brands we covered. Click through if you’d like to jump straight to a specific mattress review:
- DreamCloud
- Nectar
- Helix
- Birch by Helix
- Floyd
- Casper
- WinkBed
- Allswell
- Saatva
- Happsy
- Serta
- Layla
- Tuft & Needle
- Leesa
- Big Fig
- Brooklyn Bedding
- Brentwood Home
Please note that all prices are for queen-size mattresses. Check retailers for additional price and size information.
Reviewer: Katie Henwood, senior SEO manager
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? Nectar was really easy to order from and communicate with—I ordered my mattress while in the midst of a move, and they worked with me to ensure the mattress went to the correct address at the right time. Also, when you buy directly from Nectar, they usually offer a free set of pillows, bed sheets, and a mattress protector.
Another one of the perks of going with Nectar is that the mattress brand offers a lifetime warranty (most brands offer a 10 to 20-year warranty) and a 365-day sleep trial (most brands offer 100 nights).
What mattress do you have? I have the queen-size Nectar Memory Foam Mattress.
What do you love about this mattress? This mattress is a dream come true for all kinds of sleepers. It offers extra support without sacrificing comfort, and getting into bed each night is like falling into a cloud. For any fellow light sleepers who share their bed with a loud partner: you won’t feel a thing when your bed mate is tossing and turning. It's the best memory foam mattress I've tried—it cancels out any movement so you can sleep peacefully through the night, regardless of what is going on around you.
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? Some nights the Nectar mattress can sleep a little warm, despite the heat-wicking, cooling technology on the top layer of the mattress. I think any memory foam bed will retain heat more than a regular mattress, and to me it’s worth a few warmer nights for the overall comfort this mattress offers. Using the Nectar sheet set that came (free!) with the mattress helps to keep things cool too.
How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? Before I upgraded to the Nectar Memory Foam mattress, I was sleeping on a cheap, first-mattress-post-college bed and it took a toll on my back. The old mattress literally aged me. After a few nights sleeping on the new Nectar mattress, my lower back pain magically disappeared. Throwing away that quilted hunk of springs was one of the best things I’ve ever done.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? Yes, it’s definitely one of the best mattress brands I’ve tried!
.png)
Reviewer: Nick Mafi, digital features editor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you?
Great delivery process in that the setup was very seamless and easy. I showed a friend how easy it was to set up, as he was in the market for a new mattress. Even before he lay on it to test the quality, he was pulling up the website to place an order. And that was purely from seeing the ease of delivery and the simple setup process.
What mattress do you have? The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid in a twin.
What do you love about this mattress? I grew up sleeping on a twin mattress, which is to say I didn’t have the best sleeping experience as a kid. But DreamCloud takes the twin-mattress comfort to another level. It’s not just how my body feels when I lie on it, it’s also how the actual mattress feels when I touch it. It has that feel of something that’s expensive, when in fact, you’re not paying a crazy price for it.
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? It wouldn’t be about the mattress itself, but in the shipment process. I don’t know if this is too big of an ask (it probably is, which is why they don’t do it), but if DreamCloud added an extra button to have someone pick up my old mattress, I would happily pay up for that.
How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? In terms of twin mattresses, this is the best one I’ve slept on. The only one that’s comparable is Nectar.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? Absolutely. First I just need to buy a space with more bedrooms...and that may take some time.
PS: The Dreamcloud Luxury Hybrid won Best Hybrid Mattress in our 2022 Sleep Awards.
Reviewer: Jacqueline Wladis, contributor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? Helix Sleep really takes customer feedback to heart and continues to improve on its already incredible mattresses. The latest version of the Helix Midnight Luxe is an absolute dream!
What mattress do you have? Helix Midnight Luxe in a queen size.
What do you love about this mattress? I absolutely need a hybrid mattress. I toss and turn in my sleep, I need to stay cool, and I simply MUST have lumbar support for my back and neck! Memory foam mattresses are very trendy, but I’m picky—I don’t want anything too soft or too firm, too hot or too cold, it has to be just right. The Helix Midnight Luxe is, simply, just right.
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? This question does not apply to Helix. This mattress is perfect.
How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? The Helix Midnight Luxe is the pinnacle of luxury when it comes to mattresses. You can get a similar effect from the Allswell Supreme or the Leesa Hybrid, but the Helix Midnight Luxe is the crème de la crème. The pièce de résistance. The mattress to end all mattresses.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? Absolutely. Especially since I know how scientifically and seriously Helix takes its product building. Like a fine wine, these mattresses will only get better with time.
.png)
Reviewer: Zoë Sessums, digital design editor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? I was compelled by the eco-friendly aspects—Birch’s products are free of any polyurethane-based foams and harsh chemicals. I’m always interested in staying informed about mattress companies that have sustainably sourced materials and practices.
What mattress do you have? Birch Natural Mattress in full.
What do you love about this mattress? First off, this mattress looks really nice—the details in the color and materials made it stand out right out of the box. It’s firm but doesn’t feel stiff and soft without making you sink—it’s that Goldilocks perfection.
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? I have no complaints!
How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? I think the construction is very quality-focused—it feels like it has more durability than some other mattresses I’ve bought and slept on.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? I would. I trust the quality of its products.
.png)
Reviewer: Bailey Berg, contributor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? First and foremost, Saatva’s mattresses are eco-friendly. That’s what attracted me to this mattress brand in the first place. Their mattress lineup includes beds with different firmness levels and styles. While they all seemed like good mattress options, the Loom & Leaf’s promise to cool your body and provide pressure point relief stood out in particular.
What mattress do you have? The Loom & Leaf Memory Foam Mattress, which has two firmness options: relaxed firm and firm. I went with the firm.
How did the delivery go? Super simple. The brand called us when it was ready (it did take a couple weeks—each mattress is made to order) and arranged for a time to set it up the next day.
What do you love about this mattress? It’s the most breathable, comfortable mattress I’ve ever tried. There’s also no motion transfer, which makes sleeping through the night easier for the light sleepers out there.
If you could change anything about this mattress, what would it be? Literally nothing comes to mind.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? 100%, yes.
What was the setup like? I didn’t lift a finger other than to point out where I wanted it. Saatva has a complimentary white-glove delivery service, so they get everything ready for you. If we had wanted to get rid of an old mattress those same drivers would have taken it with them (though we didn’t need that service).
How firm is the mattress? We specifically ordered it because it was supposed to be firm. My partner and I joke about feeling like we’re floating on a sea of comfort. There’s little to no sag. I think any kind of sleeper—side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers alike—would like this supportive pick.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most comfy)? Can I say 11? I’ve actually been working from bed because it’s the comfiest spot in the house.
How well did you sleep? Very well. The memory foam is fabulous at isolating movement. I don’t notice when my boyfriend rolls over or if the dogs get on or off the bed during the night.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Absolutely.
Reviewer: David Kaufman, contributor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? Casper is well known and time-tested; I know people who’ve tried (and liked) Casper mattresses and have enjoyed them myself. Casper was one of the first mattress-in-a-box brands to appear on the e-commerce scene and its longevity gives it a sense of integrity and authority.
What mattress do you have? The Snow Mattress, which is part of Casper’s cooling collection.
What do you love about this mattress? Casper’s cooling line claims to help what the company identified as a key barrier to a good night’s sleep—overheating. So it devised a new series of layers and foams as part of what Casper calls its Airscape technology. The brand promises a mattress that feels up to six degrees cooler than conventional models. I liked this idea of cooling airflow. It felt fun and different and made me think about my overall bed and mattress comfort.
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? I think there could have been some better branding on the mattress to let folks know about the novel things associated with the cooling mattress technology—and if there are ways consumers can actively enhance the technology once it is in the home.
How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? The mattress was extremely comfortable—firm, body-conforming, and had a sense of evenness and stability that was very soothing and calming. Without doubt I felt cool on the mattress—or at least I did not feel overheated—though I do concede I was sleeping in a fairly cool bedroom at the time. I suspect the mattress would stand up to the test of time and I did, indeed, get the sense that body heat was being propelled away as I slept.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? I would. The support was solid, the shape a winner, and it definitely felt as if my body was cooler than usual and extremely comfortable.
Reviewer: Zoë Sessums, digital design editor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? I feel like Casper was the original mattress-in-a-box brand, so I trust its authority in the space. Casper regularly launches new products and models, so it seems like it is excited about evolving.
What mattress do you have? Casper Nova Hybrid
What do you love about this mattress? First off, this mattress looks really nice—the details in the color and materials make it stand out right out of the box. It’s firm without feeling stiff, it’s soft without making you sink—it’s that Goldilocks perfection.
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? I would firm up the mattress if I could make any changes.
How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? This mattress is a lot softer and squishier than other mattresses I’ve slept on in recent years. It definitely feels luxurious and is nice to lounge around on, but it’s often a tad bit soft for night after night of sleep.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? I would buy from Casper, but I would try out a different model.
.png)
Reviewer: Mark Burka, contributor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? When looking for the right mattress, my partner and I knew we wanted a firm, luxurious model with a firmer pillow top. After hunting down mattresses for a few months, we came across the WinkBed, which seemed like a perfect balance between firm and soft due to its hybrid components, plus it offered detailed insights on which mattress is best for each type of sleeper.
What mattress do you have? The Luxury Firm WinkBed in a California king.
What do you love about this mattress? The mattress’s hybrid components truly give you the best of both worlds at a more affordable price. The WinkBed mattress technology provides strong edge support and wicks away heat, ensuring sleepers have a calm, peaceful night. The mattress is a more affordable hybrid option compared to others on the market, plus, for those who are hesitant about purchasing an online mattress, WinkBed provides a 120-day warranty—that’s a six-month sleep trial period!—which is plenty of time to decide if the money was well spent (in my case, it was!).
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? I would pick the Plus mattress “for heavier people” with the firmest option, now available since I last purchased from WinkBed, knowing the pillowtop was going to be as comfy as it is. My partner and I are a same-sex, male-identifying couple and probably would not like to admit that we classify as “heavier people,” but in this case, we do.
How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? Because these are only available to purchase online, I really appreciate the customer journey WinkBed takes you through, comparing Soft to Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? I would definitely buy from WinkBed again—it has the firmest option for those who love a firm bed.
Reviewer: Jacqueline Wladis, contributor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? It provides incredible quality at a fraction of the price of other mattress brands.
What mattress do you have? The Allswell Supreme in full size.
What do you love about this mattress? The combination of coils and the memory foam layer in the Allswell Supreme mattress keeps my body cool and comfortably cradled while I sleep. I also love the additional built-in Euro-top. The entire design of the mattress makes me feel like I’m sleeping on a cloud while keeping me cool and supporting me so that I stay asleep.
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? It’s pretty heavy. I wish it were lighter or had handles on the sides to make it easier to move around. That’s what you get when you go for a hybrid model though.
How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? The Princess and the Pea may or may not have been 100% based on my life. I am SO picky when it comes to mattresses. I get really bad backaches so I need firm back support, but I also want to feel bundled up and cradled. Plus I absolutely MUST stay cool at all times or I really can’t sleep. I’ve tried about 30+ mattresses and the only others that have compared to the Allswell Supreme are the Helix Midnight Luxe and the Leesa Hybrid. If you need a supportive mattress that will also keep you cool you are very limited in your options. You really need to have a hybrid and combine it with the Slumbercloud Mattress Pad.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? Absolutely, and I already have.
Mattress tester: Lizzie Soufleris, associate visuals editor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? This was my first introduction to Brooklyn Bedding! I was intrigued by their range of offerings, as they seem to cover a wide variety of mattress types.
What mattress do you have: I have the EcoSleep from Brooklyn Bedding, in a full size.
How did the delivery go? I’m a big fan of the mattress-in-a-box model, especially as an apartment dweller. The actual delivery was a cinch, but I must admit I struggled to move it from my building’s entryway to my third floor walkup. The box itself was pretty heavy.
What was the setup like? The EcoSleep isn’t a particularly lightweight mattress, so I would suggest bringing in some backup! Setup includes getting the tightly wrapped mattress from the box onto your frame and freeing it from its plastic encasings. I took it on as a solo mission, and definitely knocked over a few of my belongings as I wrangled the rapidly expanding mattress.
What do you love about this mattress? Eco-friendly materials are always a huge plus in my book! This is a hybrid wool, cotton, and latex mattress and the materials are all sustainably sourced so I know I’m not being exposed to harmful chemicals every night. While my previous mattress was comfortable and cost-effective, I'm sure the materials were not particularly eco-friendly, and I m always willing to shell out a little extra for sustainably sourced goods, like the EcoSleep.
Describe your sleep experience. How well did you sleep? I must say, I slept like a baby. This mattress excels in terms of movement isolation–my partner and I could both readjust without disturbing each other.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? In my perfect world, there would be a version of this mattress aimed toward a firmer feel. This one offers a medium side and a firm side, but I would love a firm/ultra firm option as well.
How firm is the mattress? This mattress is flippable, offering a medium-firm mattress on one side and firm on the other. I tend to stay away from squishier mattresses, so I opted for the firm side. It provided plenty of support, while still feeling plush, thanks to a layer of latex over the coils. This may not be the perfect fit for those who prefer an ultra-firm feel, but the two sides cover a solid range of medium to firm.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? 8! This mattress is definitely comfortable, but leans a little soft for my taste.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again and why? While this brand is a tad pricey for my budget, I found the product to be high quality. So, if I was splitting the cost with a partner, I would certainly consider purchasing another mattress from Brooklyn Bedding.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Why or why not? I would definitely recommend this to a friend! Sustainable materials + a range of firmness = a solid people pleaser.
.png)
Reviewer: Kristi Kellogg, contributor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? I love Happsy’s use of eco-friendly materials. Their mattresses are made using organic cotton fabric and filling, plus organic wool batting. Additionally, they are free of the glue and adhesives that are typically found in between a mattress’s comfort layers and coil systems. Happsy has been certified as 100% organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
What mattress do you have? A queen-size Happsy Organic Mattress.
How did the delivery go? It was seamless. The company provided tracking information and it arrived at my door with no issue.
What do you love about this mattress? That it’s comfortable (in any sleeping position, too!) I also appreciate the fact that this mattress is eco-friendly and responsibly made.
If you could change anything about this mattress, what would it be? Nothing comes to mind! It’s a top-of-the-line mattress, for sure.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? Definitely.
What was the setup like? So easy! This was my first bed-in-a-box, and I was shocked and delighted by how easy it was to remove the rolled up, compressed mattress and then watch as it unrolled and sprung to life as if by magic. I opened it with my husband, but I could have managed to unbox it alone (though it would have been more challenging since it’s heavy and bulky, by virtue of the fact it’s a mattress).
How firm is the mattress? It has a very firm feel.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most comfy)? 10. Even though it’s undeniably firm, it still has ample cushioning to keep it comfortable.
How well did you sleep? Fantastically. No complaints whatsoever.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Definitely.
Reviewer: Cheryl Dearborne, contributor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? I found the flippable/dual-sided soft/firm style of the Layla hybrid to be very interesting. I also appreciate the gray covering, the coloring gives me a sense of long-term cleanliness, at least in appearance. The mattress also comes with a 10-year warranty and 120-night sleep trial.
What mattress do you have? A full-size Layla Hybrid mattress.
How did the delivery go? The delivery was great, I received the mattress much faster than I expected.
What do you love about this mattress? The mattress is the most comfortable mattress I have ever owned. I can’t speak yet as to how longterm that will be true, but I was shocked at how quickly my body was comfortable on the mattress. My first night’s sleep was wonderful and it’s been consistently great every night so far.
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? I wouldn’t change anything about the mattress, although I don’t care for the pillows that come with it. I use them on my couch and they're fine for that, but I didn’t like them for sleeping.
How firm is the mattress? Firm enough to be supportive in the way I need it to be, but it still feels soft and cradling. This is perfect for me because I prefer a soft mattress, but in my 30s I began to realize firm mattresses are better for my back.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? 10
How well did you sleep? This has been the best sleep I have gotten in years. The quality of my sleep changed drastically and I wake up at a consistent time naturally because of this.
How did the delivery/setup go? The delivery and setup were very smooth. The mattress inflated immediately and it didn’t have a strong smell like I imagined it would, out of a plastic bag. I was able to sleep on it the same night.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again, or recommend this mattress to a friend? I have recommended this mattress to friends. If I ever need a second mattress I would probably purchase this exact same mattress.
Reviewer: Rachel Fletcher, senior commerce editor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? Serta is one of those classic mattresses brands that seems to have been around since the beginning of time. In truth, it was founded in 1931 but definitely has a lot more years on most of the DTC mattress brands of late.
What mattress do you have? A queen-size Serta Artic medium hybrid mattress.
How did the delivery go? Super smooth! The team providing the white glove service was prompt, masked, and in and out in no time. They also removed the existing mattress in the room.
What do you love about this mattress? This is by far one of the most comfortable mattresses I’ve ever slept on. It’s soft but super supportive and feels incredibly well made. And it has the best cooling features. The EverCool Fuze Gel Memory Foam is no joke. To the point where, when it got colder outside, I put a mattress topper over the Arctic because it was a little too chilly, but it definitely did the trick sans topper during warmer nights.
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? Comfort and functionality wise, I wouldn’t change anything. I will note that the mattress is also one of the taller options I’ve encountered–prospective buyers might want to check to make sure that it works with any existing bed frames and sheet sets.
How firm is the mattress? 7
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? 9
How well did you sleep? 9
Would you buy from this mattress brand again, or recommend this mattress to a friend? I would definitely buy a Serta mattress again and would 100% recommend the Arctic to any hot sleepers in my life.
.png)
Reviewer: Elise Portale, contributor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? It’s your classic “bed in a box” mattress, which is always a real treat, if you ask me. When I bought it, I remember wanting an upgrade from my previous spring mattress, but the direct-to-consumer mattresses from all of my favorite podcast ads were still pretty much out of my budget. Tuft & Needle really hit that sweet spot of being a high-quality foam mattress at a more affordable price.
What mattress do you have? The Tuft & Needle Original.
What do you love about this mattress? I’m the kind of person who really loves a firmer mattress, but when you deal with an old-school innerspring mattress, the bed simply won’t offer any contouring. My T&N mattress is the perfect blend of a firm foam core that gives me that strong support I prefer and a softer foam outside that does that memory foam thing that is just so delightful.
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? I’m one of those hot sleepers, and the unfortunate thing about most all-foam mattresses I’ve tried is that they love to trap heat under you. Sadly, my Tuft & Needle mattress wasn’t really an exception. But these days, the T&N Original Mattress actually does come with cooling gel and graphite inside its layers, so problem solved! The brand has also since come out with a different type of mattress (the Mint —it's slightly less firm an has three layers of foam, as opposed to the original mattress’s two), as well as a hybrid mattress with foam and springs.
How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? My Tuft & Needle Original is my first foam mattress I’ve slept on consistently, but I can say with certainty that I love it far more than any spring mattress I’ve slept on. After a certain amount of time, those spring mattresses start to get uneven as the springs wear down from sleeping in the same spot, but after nearly four years, my Tuft & Needle feels as springy and supportive as it did the first night. Also, having a mattress that doesn’t squeak or jiggle when my cat comes back from his midnight snack is a real plus for a solid, uninterrupted REM cycle.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? Absolutely. Not that I will have to buy a new mattress for a very long time, given how well it has held up so far. But every night, I flop into bed with a sigh of relief. Everyone has those days that produce various aches and strains, and when I sleep in this bed, I wake up feeling renewed the next day, like magic. So my plan is to keep that going for as long as I possibly can!
Name and job title: Edie Astley, contributor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? I love that Brentwood Home makes hybrid mattresses that contain both memory foam and springs. The foam has great cooling technology that keeps me comfortable in the summer and the 2,697 individually pocketed coils provide more support than other hybrid mattresses on the market.
Brentwood Home has been around since 1987 and I love that they handcraft their mattresses in their own GOLS certified factory just outside of Los Angeles. By making their products in the US, Brentwood Home can ensure that their environmental, labor, and social responsibility standards are being met.
What mattress do you have? Oceano Luxury Hybrid Mattress
How did the delivery go? The delivery process was fairly straightforward. I live on the second floor of a walk-up apartment and was worried about how I would get the heavy (135 pound) box up the winding stairs. I enlisted back-up, but this happily wasn’t necessary as the FedEx delivery man was super nice and pulled the box up the stairs with a small dolly. The mattress comes compressed in a 19"L X 19"W X 48"H box, so it can be maneuvered up fairly tight stairwells, which is ideal for NYC apartments.
What was the setup like? The set up was really easy! I just opened up the box and plastic wrapping and the mattress immediately started to expand. The mattress is heavy, so I needed help hoisting it into position on the bed frame.
What do you love about this mattress? This mattress feels so luxurious after a long day running around NYC. With nine layers of premium materials– cooling gel made with BioFoam®, GOTS certified organic wool and cotton, and nearly 2,700 coils, this mattress has that perfectly deluxe feel and best-in-class support. I love sleeping on this mattress, but it’s also perfect for reading and editing manuscripts (my main activity!), working on a laptop, and lounging around watching TV with friends.
Describe your sleep experience. How well did you sleep? I sleep SO well! Friends who come by to hang out are always amazed by the squishy, sink-right-in feeling of my bed.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? This mattress wouldn’t be a good fit for someone who needs a huge amount of back support. It is on the softer side, so I sink in a little (which I personally find super luxurious!).
How firm is the mattress? The mattress is listed as “medium soft” on the Brentwood Home website; it is a 4.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. At first, I was a bit wary of this rating as I’ve never considered myself someone who loves a soft bed, but boy was I wrong! I love this mattress. It’s squishy, but still supportive. The only issue is that I sometimes don’t want to get out of bed in the mornings!
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? 9! This mattress feels so luxurious and cloudlike.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again and why? I would absolutely buy from this brand again. The setup was quick and easy and I’m so excited to get in my bed every night. I previously considered myself Team Firm Mattress, but the Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury Hybrid Mattress may have converted me to squishier mattresses for life!
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Why or why not? Absolutely! I would preface my suggestion with the fact that it’s a softer mattress, but I would wholeheartedly recommend it! This mattress is soft enough for sleeping, but supportive enough for doing things sitting up in bed– reading, working on a laptop, etc. I also love that Brentwood Home has a 1-year sleep guarantee and 25-year warranty.
.png)
Reviewer: Zoë Sessums, digital design editor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? This was one of the heaviest mattresses I’ve owned in recent years, but it turns out that is a good thing. This mattress is so supportive and comfortable, which makes it one of the best options I’ve owned.
What mattress do you have? The Mattress by Floyd in a queen.
What do you love about this mattress? Apparently, the supportive surface I love is made from 1,000 pocketed coils to give me “zoned support.” I like the super-soft Tencel top cover that is made from all-natural, eco-friendly wood pulp and the thorough temperature regulation. While the bottom of the mattress has a non-skid knit to keep it from sliding around the base, there are helpful handles on the side for when you do need to move things around.
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? It is harder to move with the weight, but I wouldn’t want to change the integrity of the mattress.
How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? It feels as though this mattress will hold up for many years, which is not always the case with other sent-in-a-box mattresses.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? Definitely. This mattress is very solid. It’s comfy and plush, firm and supportive, cool and soft—I am a believer in the brand.
Reviewer: Audrey Lee, commerce editor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? Leesa is one of the original pioneers of the bed-in-box movement, and you can tell being in the mattress space for so long has allowed the brand to really hone its craft and create a genuinely great product. My Leesa mattress still feels as nice as the day I got it (I’ve been sleeping on it for a little over a year), and it’s definitely a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality. I also appreciate that the company contributes to charity and recognizes the importance of giving back, outlined in its One-Ten initiative which provides one mattress to a family in need for every 10 sold.
What mattress do you have? Leesa Studio Mattress.
What do you love about this mattress? The Studio is Leesa’s quote-unquote budget-friendly option, though you would never know because it certainly doesn’t feel like it comes at a low price point. The mattress has three layers of foam that hug your body in a way that’s ultra-supportive while providing excellent pressure relief to boot. I tend to move around in my sleep, ultimately landing on my side, so in addition to solid motion isolation, the Studio’s all-foam construction supplies a nice amount of give without being too soft for my taste.
If you could change anything about it, what would it be? One thing the Leesa does lack is edge support—you can’t exactly sit on any of the corners or edges without sinking down. But that being said, I’ve been able to roll comfortably from one end to the other without feeling like I was about to fall off.
How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? Before the Studio I slept on mainly box spring mattresses, but it’s safe to say I’m a foam convert now—it's one of the best mattresses I've ever had the pleasure of sleeping on.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again? Absolutely. The setup was easy and I slept incredibly well the first night on my Leesa and pretty much every night since. If you’re looking for a safe bet, go with a Leesa mattress.
Mattress tester: Elise Portale, contributor
What stands out about this mattress brand to you? I’m a midsize fat person, and as a midsize fat person, I can tell you that few things, especially furniture, are made for bodies like mine, let alone many of the thousands of fat folks larger than me. So when I heard about the Big Fig (short for “Bigger Figure”) mattress, which is designed especially for bigger bodies, my interest was piqued immediately. Unlike other labels that are often co-opted by organizations to upcharge for specific identities (see: corporate America’s use of Women’s History Month), brands generally haven’t bothered to cater to fat bodies in their marketing. So, if this wasn’t a cash grab…could it be that Big Fig was actually designed to serve a need for fat people? I just had to know.
What mattress do you have? The Big Fig, in a full size.
How did the delivery go? Delivery was great. The Big Fig came compressed in a fairly manageable box to my door. Although I did the usual quick and dirty self setup, Big Fig actually offers not just white-glove delivery but also removal services for your old mattress, which is especially great if you live in a studio apartment like me and don’t have space for multiple mattresses to just hang out. (I mean, who does?)
What was the setup like? Setup was remarkably easy. The compressed mattress came in several layers of shrink wrap, one to compress, one to roll up. The instructions provided gave an easy step-by-step guide for unravelling and placement, so it was truly a simple process. The people at Big Fig will tell you that setting up the mattress is a two-person job, and while I think that is certainly the best (and safest) way to set up your mattress, if you’re a single independent woman armed with audacity and a shocking lack of self-preservation, you can do it yourself. The mattress is heavy, though, and if I’m being honest, you really should try to have help if you can, especially if you order anything larger than a full size.
What do you love about this mattress? Other than that it’s literally designed for and marketed to fat people? Everything! The top is plush and soft, the body is firm and bouncy, and even the little tufts are wrapped in soft fibers to avoid you touching any hard-edged buttons. For someone like me, who has struggled with edges that would dump me off, materials that would make me sweaty, and firmness that had me sinking too deep, it’s like sleeping on a good-quality mattress for the first time.
Describe your sleep experience. How well did you sleep? Like. A. Dream. I’ve been dealing with some sleep-health issues recently (where are my CPAP queens at?) so I was really sensitive to the fact that I didn’t want anything disruptive. The first few nights were only slightly restless, mainly because I hadn’t experienced such a delightfully bouncy mattress before. It’s so easy to roll over and get comfy on this thing, back, side, tummy. So after a couple of nights, I was out like a light without an achy neck, back, or shoulder in sight.
If you could change something about this mattress, what would it be? The thing about this mattress is that it is FIRM. Which, as a heavier person, I quite like. But as I threw myself on it for the first time and felt my body bounce on it so nicely, I imagined that a thin person might just bounce right off. Okay, I’m exaggerating, of course, but if you are a fat person with a thin S.O. used to something like foam or a pillow top, I’m just saying you might have a difference in comfort.
How firm is the mattress? As I said, this baby is super firm, though the top layer (plus the soft layer of the Big Fig mattress cover I got) give it just enough pillowy-ness for me. Now, I like a firmer mattress, though if I’m honest, until the Big Fig, I hadn’t ever attributed that preference to my size. Now I get it. I probably sink into the Big Fig the same way a smaller person sinks into their softer mattress. It’s all relative.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? I would have to give this mattress a solid 8. There are certainly fancier, more luxurious mattresses out there for beaucoup bucks, but are they designed for a fat body type? Are they designed for middle-class people living in a Brooklyn studio? Fat folks deserve the same everyday comfort and sleep as anyone else without having to spend ten grand on a mattress, so if that’s what you need, Big Fig is it.
Would you buy from this mattress brand again and why? Absolutely. Look, they totally won me over with their marketing, their mission, their customer service, and ultimately, their quality product. I’m honestly excited to see how they are able to grow their offerings over time, from new mattress styles to accessories. (Though they do offer basic bed frames and foundation already, they’re fairly standard and I’d love to see some additional stylish products from them eventually.) This is one of those companies where my enthusiasm has grown to go beyond the product, and it feels great.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Why or why not? For my fat friends, small or large, this is a great investment. If you’re in the market for a mattress, give Big Fig a try. I promise, the feeling of sitting on the edge of the bed to put on socks without feeling like it’s just going to dump you on the floor is remarkable. I’m not saying that a thinner person couldn’t enjoy this mattress, but if you are used to foam mattresses or need something you can sink into, the reality is, it’s just not made for you, hon. And that’s okay. Because us “bigger figured” folks deserve something made for us, for once.
