Best mattress online 2024: The top memory foam and hybrid mattresses

Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector
(Image credit: Avocado Green)

If you’re searching for the best mattress online factors such as comfort, support and price are all key things to consider. Picking a mattress that's within your budget without sacrificing your ability to get a good night’s sleep can be tricky, but we've rounded up our favorite providers to help you find the right mattress for you. 

If sustainability is an important element when looking for the best mattress online, check out the non-toxic, natural, and organic mattresses we've included. These products are made from materials such as latex and wool, which are not only better for the planet, but are also better for your health as well. 

Prices can change quickly, even with the best deals, so before you make your purchase be sure that you've picked the best mattress for your budget, body and sleep style. As mattresses are big purchases, we also highly recommended that you buy one with a trial period - this normally means you can test your new mattress out for 365 nights - giving you time to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Our top pick of the best mattress online is the Purple Hybrid, made with foam and coil its able to support your body in a range of sleep styles. Because of its breathability it also features as our top pick in our guide to the best cooling mattresses.

If you’re obsessed with getting the best sleep every night we also have detailed guides to the best bed toppers and the best pillows for sleeping too. Meanwhile, here’s our selection of the best mattresses online for every budget, sleep style and body.


1. Purple Hybrid: Best mattress online overall

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Best mattress online: Purple Hybrid Mattress

(Image credit: Purple)

Purple Hybrid Mattress

A top-rated mattress delivering high levels of comfort and cooling

Specifications

Sizes: Twin to Cal King
Filling: Hyper-elastic polymer, polyfoam and coils
Comfort: Medium - Firm
Trial period: 100 days

Reasons to buy

+
Relieves pressure on back and hips
+
Ensures good spinal alignment
+
Breathable during sleep

Reasons to avoid

-
You have to trial it for at least 21 days

Now here's a mattress brand that has mastered the art of providing a great night’s sleep, and, as we explain in our roundup of the best Purple mattress deals, you don't have to pay through the nose to enjoy it either. 

What the users say

This popular mattress scores high ratings from various review sites. User reviews on Purple itself generate a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, with one customer describing how the mattress  “felt wonderful from the first night”. There are critical reviews too, with some complaining it's “way too firm”. Overall, the Purple Hybrid is well-rated, with many users claiming they’ve had their best night’s sleep because of it.

So what makes Purple the best mattress online? Purple Grid Technology. This patented sleep tech comprises a layer of hyper-elastic polymer molded into a grid shape that boosts airflow and comfort.

It contours around the body just like memory foam, but is more responsive. You also won’t overheat thanks to the temperature-neutral gel and 1,800+ air channels that let the air flow freely. 

All of this is enhanced by Purple’s Responsive Support Coils offering no pressure support that instantly adapts to your body and supports your curves, leaving you feeling as though you’re lying on a cloud. 

We also love that the Purple Hybrid has excellent motion isolation. So if you’re sleeping with a partner who likes to move around a lot, you shouldn't feel them tossing and turning quite so much.


2. Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress: Best organic mattress overall

Best mattress online: Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress

(Image credit: Awara)

Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress

The all-natural, non-toxic mattress that gives back to the planet

Specifications

Sizes: Twin through to Cal King
MSRP: $999 to $2,298
Filling: Natural latex foam
Comfort: 6.5 (medium-firm)
Trial period: 365 nights

Reasons to buy

+
Made with natural foam and wool
+
365-night trial
+
Forever Warranty

Reasons to avoid

-
You need a soft mattress

The medium-firm Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress is designed for back, side and stomach sleepers, and to relieve back stiffness during sleep. But Awara’s organic mattress has other health benefits beyond pressure relief and good spinal alignment… 

This plush online mattress is made using all-natural materials, so it’s free of nasty toxins such as formaldehyde, mercury and ozone depleters. Even the latex is different to that found in other organic and natural mattresses.

What the users say

There aren’t many user reviews of the Awara outside of the brand’s site, but there it has generated a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating. One customer described how, “I find my Awara mattress gives enough support without being too firm while still feeling cushiony.” Another said it is, “supportive for my aching neck, shoulders, back and hips, decreasing morning stiffness due to arthritis.” There are negative reviews too, and those focus on a “horrible refund process”, and the mattress being “very firm.” 

How come? The Awara uses four inches of Rainforest Alliance Certified Natural Dunlop Latex. Not only does this contour to your curves (for better pressure relief), Dunlop Latex is less processed and longer-lasting. Amazing fact: for every Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress purchased, 10 trees are planted for a farming family in need.

The Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress is designed to work with all bed frames, such as divan bases, adjustable bases and box springs. As an organic hybrid mattress, it’s made using nine-inch individual coils and certified 100% New Zealand organic wool fiber. Those coils work to minimize motion transfer, so you shouldn’t be so easily disturbed by your bed buddy moving around.

Other touches we love about this online organic mattress include a smooth-touch Euro Top infused with naturally cooling New Zealand wool. Plus, it’s fitted with four reinforced handles for easier rotating and moving. If you’re looking for the best organic mattress that won’t break the bank, and one that comes with $499 of free bedding accessories, you just found it.


3. Saatva Classic: Best mattress online for back pain

Best mattress: the Saatva Mattress is a luxury mattress and therefore has a higher price

(Image credit: Saatva)

Saatva Classic Mattress

Also one of the most comfortable mattresses we reviewed

Specifications

Sizes: Twin to Cal King
Filling: Pocket springs with pillow top
Comfort: High
Trial period: 120 days

Reasons to buy

+
Multiple firmness options
+
Choice of two depths

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy
-
$99 return fee

In terms of sheer comfort, the Saatva Classic was one of the best mattresses we slept on during testing, but that luxury is reflected in the price. Unlike other online mattress companies, the Saatva mattress doesn’t come in a box. Instead, it offers white glove delivery, installing your new mattress in the room of your choice. 

What the users say

The eco-friendly Classic ticks a lot of boxes and user reviews back this up. At Saatva it scores 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 2,100 user reviews. Positive comments include, “no more sore back”, and that “you really can’t go wrong with this mattress”. However, some customers have flagged up issues with motion transfer, so it might not be the best choice if you share with a partner who tosses and turns a lot.

This mattress comes with a 180-night trial period but you do have to pay a $99 return fee if you change your mind. The Saatva Classic comes in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and Cal King. You also have a choice of depth: 11” or 14.5”.

The Saatva Classic is classed as the best pocket sprung mattress because it’s comprised of three layers. The first layer is a 1.25-inch layer of foam known as a euro-style pillow top, which aids pressure relief and gives the mattress a more luxurious feel. 

The next layer is split between memory foam and coils, and the final layer is made up of seven-inch steel hourglass-shaped support coils. The coils provide support, prevent sagging and help with the air circulation, making it feel comfortable too. 

If you’ve ever wondered what mattress you should buy to get that luxury hotel feel, this is the one. 


4. Nectar Mattress: Best cheap mattress online

Best mattress: the Nectar Mattress performs well for the smaller price tag

(Image credit: Nectar)

Nectar Mattress

Smaller budget? This is the best mattress online for sheer value

Specifications

Sizes: Twin to Cal King
Filling: Hyper-elastic polymer
Comfort: High
Trial period: 365 nights

Reasons to buy

+
365-night trial!
+
Comfortable and supportive

Reasons to avoid

-
Some may find it too firm
-
Can sleep hot

In our opinion, the Nectar is one of the best mattresses online for value. The sizes are Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and Cal King. Prices start at $798 and rise up to $1,598. It’s certainly cheaper than most of its rivals but that doesn’t mean it compromises comfort. 

What the users say

There’s lots of emphasis on cooling and comfort with this bed-in-a-box, with an average 4.8 out of 5 stars from nearly 35,000 reviews. Comments include: “I have not had a hot night in it yet”, and “back aches are gone”. The Nectar Mattress also scores highly for comfort and easy setup. Negative feedback focuses on how the mattress is too firm, while others mentioned delays with customer service.

The Nectar Mattress also comes on a whopping 365-night trial period, with free shipping and returns. The mattress itself offers a medium-firm comfort and is constructed of five-layers, starting with a bed bug-resistant cooling cover to promote better air circulation. 

The next layer is a quilted gel memory foam that contours to your body. Next you have a gel memory foam layer to help distribute weight evenly and to provide pressure relief. This is followed by two layers of high-density memory foam to support your body and provide a stable foundation to snooze on.

The other thing we really loved about the Nectar mattress is that it can hold up to a combined weight of 800lbs. So if you and your partner are heavier, it won’t sag too much and should still provide adequate pressure relief throughout the night.


5. PlushBeds Natural Bliss: Best organic mattress for vegans

Best mattress online: PlushBeds Natural Bliss

(Image credit: PlushBeds)

PlushBeds Natural Bliss Mattress

A natural vegan mattress that’s mold and dust mite-resistant

Specifications

Sizes: Twin through to Split Cal King
MSRP: From $2,699 to $3,198 (but it’s often on sale from $999)
Filling: Natural latex
Comfort: 6-7 (choose from medium or medium firm)
Trial period: 100 nights

Reasons to buy

+
Choice of mattress depths (6-10”)
+
25-year warranty
+
Free from animal products

Reasons to avoid

-
Not suitable for very heavy bodies

This vegan mattress has one of the highest user ratings of any model in our best mattress online guide, and that’s testament to the sheer care and quality that goes into every PlushBeds Natural Bliss Mattress. There are no animal products or toxins here, so you can rest easy knowing your mattress is as healthy and cruelty-free as it can be. 

The Natural Bliss comes in a raft of sizes – more unique sizes than the average online mattress – and a choice of three different heights (depths). Pick from six, eight and ten inches. You can also choose either a medium firmness or a medium-firm rating. If you have a heavier body, go for the medium-firm. Same if you need more pressure relief for back and neck pain. 

What the users say

PlushBeds claims to offer exceptional comfort and quality across all its organic mattresses including Natural Bliss. The high user review ratings, generating a collective score of 4.9 out of 5 stars, seem to confirm this. There are plenty of remarks about the comfort of the mattress, as well as the lack of odor upon initial use. Customers highlight the great pressure relief and temperature control.

Side sleepers would be better off with the medium, though it still might be too firm. While the Awara organic mattress is made from Dunlop Latex, the Natural Bliss is made using Natural Talalay Latex, which is found in Saatva mattresses. While not quite as long lasting, Talalay will still outlast most synthetic foams. It’s also naturally cooling and brings a high level of pressure relief around your hips, back and neck. 

Inside the PlushBeds Natural Bliss Mattress lies the brand’s own Arpico Organic Latex Support Core. This is the feature responsible for ensuring your spine is properly aligned during sleep and relaxation. 

The entire mattress is also wrapped in a breathable and soft organic cotton (grown without the use of pesticides). PlushBeds has even drawn upon the power of plants to make the mattress safe - a patented Eco Fire Barrier, derived from plant fibers, is on guard here. Finally, the Natural Bliss is antimicrobial, mold and mildew proof, and dust mite-resistant.


6. Helix Mattress: Best mattress online for all sleep positions

Best mattress online: Helix Mattress

(Image credit: Helix)

Helix Mattress

You can customize this online mattress to suit your body and sleep needs

Specifications

Sizes: Twin to Cal King
Filling: Memory foam and pocket springs
Comfort: Medium
Trial period: 100 days

Reasons to buy

+
You can customize each side
+
Supportive where you need it most
+
Good range of prices

Reasons to avoid

-
Firmer than anticipated

The Helix Mattress is our choice for the best mattress online if you want something customized to your body and sleep style. That’s because you can customize the mattress more than others in this guide.

What the users say

The Helix has racked up many best mattress awards. Customers says its “soft and comfy, but supportive too”, although there was less favorable feedback concerning the firmness being too soft. It currently scores a collective 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 17,000 user reviews at Helix. While most are positive, some customers complained that they sank into the mattress too much.

Questions asked include your firmness preference, weight, height and ideal sleeping position. In total there are six variants of the Helix Mattress, with each offering different levels of firmness. 

You can also buy the mattress in either a Standard or Luxe version, with the Luxe version benefitting from zoned lumbar support, a premium quilted pillow top and an ultra-cool cover. There's also the Helix PLUS for big and tall people. 

The Helix Mattress comes in Twin through to Cal King sizes, with a standard 10-inch depth. It also benefits from a 100-night trial with full money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied. 

If you’re new to the feel of memory foam, give yourself a little time to get used to the feel, but do persevere because the Helix is one of the most comfortable mattresses you'll sleep on. 


7. Avocado Green Mattress: Best organic mattress for hot sleepers

Best mattress online: Avocado Green Mattress

(Image credit: Avocado Green)

Avocado Green Mattress

A super-plush natural mattress for non-toxic sleep

Specifications

Sizes: Twin to Cal King
Filling: Foam/Coils
Comfort: High
Trial period: 365 days

Reasons to buy

+
Fully organic
+
Non-allergenic

Reasons to avoid

-
Could be too firm for some
-
Not vegan

If you’re after an eco-friendly mattress that’s super-cozy, the Avocado Green Mattress has huge organic appeal. This medium-firm mattress is available in a Twin size all the way up to Cal King and promises nothing short of luxurious comfort. It’s non-allergenic too.

What the users say

Avocado gets lots of love for the comfort and eco-friendliness of its mattress, with more than 15,500 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Comments highlight how the mattress is “beautifully made and supremely comfy from the start”. Feedback on the firmness varies, with some mentioning it's too firm, but the overall view is that it delivers excellent comfort and support. 

Avocado Green's hybrid mattress includes 1,414 independently floating coils arranged across five zones. These are backed by an ergonomic design that adds targeted posture support and spine alignment no matter your sleep style. 

This layer sits beneath natural latex for cooling comfort, as well as a top layer of soft cotton and wool for freshness and breathability. As well as these great features, the Avocado Green Mattress comes on a 365-day trial.

This is the highest among the best mattress online brands (and the same as Awara and Nectar mattresses). You'll also get free shipping in mainland America.


8. Layla Memory Foam Mattress: Best mattress online for the undecided

Best mattress online: Layla Memory Foam Mattress

(Image credit: Layla)

Layla Memory Foam Mattress

An anti-odor mattress with two levels of flippable firmness

Specifications

Sizes: Twin through to Cal King
MSRP: $1,099 TO $1,249
Filling: Memory foam
Comfort: Soft (4) and Firm (7)
Trial period: 120 nights

Reasons to buy

+
Antimicrobial odor control 
+
Dual-sided firmness
+
Cooling performance

Reasons to avoid

-
You need a harder mattress

Like the Saatva Zenhaven, the Layla Memory Foam Mattress aims to please with a different firmness level on each side. One side you’ll find the plush and soft mattress, which Layla rates as a 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale, and on the other is the firm mattress, rated a 7 out of 10. 

Medium-firm mattresses are usually a 6, so this side is a tad firmer. However, if you need maximum back and neck support, you might be better off trying a firm hybrid mattress. 

What the users say

Customers love how the Layla Memory Foam Mattress delivers “the classic memory foam feel” for weightless sleep. Some hot sleepers complain it’s simply too warm, but they give it plenty of praise for pressure relief. On Layla’s site there are plenty of positive user reviews, with comments such as “I’m sleeping better and longer”, as well as “just buy this one”. The user review score is 4.5 out of 5 stars, gathered from over 6,000 reviews.

Another big draw with the Layla Memory Foam Mattress is that it’s infused with copper, which helps it to take on a cooler feel. It should therefore dissipate excess heat so it doesn’t build up in the mattress. 

Very hot sleepers may still find it too warm though, so, again, look at a hybrid mattress (much more breathable than foam). The Layla mattress is also designed with Variable Support foam that reacts to body pressure, so it should continue to hug your body as you change positions. 

Speaking of which, the Layla is designed to be supremely comfy, but we think the soft side would best suit side sleepers, while the firm side would suit back and stomach sleepers, plus people who have back and neck pain. 


9. Saatva Zenhaven: Best online mattress for hotel comfort

Best mattress online: Saatva Zenhaven Mattress

(Image credit: Saatva)

Saatva Zenhaven

This clever mattress offers a different firmness level on each side

Specifications

Sizes: Twin to Cal King
Filling: Latex
Comfort: Luxury Plush or Gentle Firm
Trial period: 120 nights

Reasons to buy

+
Superb back support
+
Chiropractor approved
+
Allergy friendly

Reasons to avoid

-
You need a firmer mattress

Can’t decide if you want a firm or plush mattress? With the sumptuous Zenhaven you no longer have to pick a side because it comes with both. This non-toxic mattress, often on sale thanks to the best Saatva mattress discounts, is made from 100% (natural) Talalay latex and is flippable: one side offers a firm feel, the other a luxury plush feel. 

What the users say

The Zenhaven has won awards for being the Best Latex Mattress and the Best Mattress for Allergies. User reviews give it a collective score of 4.9 out of 5 stars at Saatva. One customer described how, “the mattress is comfortable and super high quality”, while another said, “knowing I'm sleeping on such a healthy mattress is comforting”. The overall score is brought down by the high motion transfer of this mattress when compared to similar models.

That alone makes it the best mattress online for the super-picky. Talalay latex is also another huge plus for the Zenhaven, as this natural foam, made from the sap of rubber trees, is more eco-friendly. 

The Zenhaven comes with a host of other benefits including being naturally antimicrobial. This makes it resistant to mold and bacteria, as well as dust mites. It also offers ‘five-zone’ layers for next-level comfort and support. It’s very responsive, and the latex foam material also makes for a naturally cooler snooze.

Best of all, the Zenhaven comes with a 20-year warranty, so you know this mattress is built to last. Saatva also makes some of the best comforters and bedding, so do check those out for other ways to make your sleep healthier.


10. Casper Nova Hybrid: Best mattress online for active people

Best mattress online: Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress

(Image credit: Casper)

Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress

A versatile hybrid mattress for different sleep positions

Specifications

Sizes: Twin - Cal King
Filling: Polyurethane foam and springs
Comfort: Medium/Soft
Trial period: 100 nights

Reasons to buy

+
Good for multiple sleep styles
+
Contours to your body
+
Eases pressure on your back

Reasons to avoid

-
Won't be firm enough for some

If you want a plush, comfortable mattress yet need extra support on your pressure points, give serious consideration to the Casper Nova Hybrid. This soft-touch mattress uses Zoned Support Pro layers to fully support your back and hips, with added pressure relief around your shoulders. 

What the users say

The Nova Hybrid has plenty of glowing reviews on Casper, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 950-plus reviewers. Comments include, “it's like sleeping on a cloud” and that it has “good support that’s still comfortable”. Less favorable reviews are critical of the lack of proper edge support, and how the warranty could be longer. 

The Nova Hybrid is also a great mattress for side, back and combination sleepers, making it a very versatile choice, and it does a great job of balancing your need for soothing comfort with a brilliant level of support. 

Do you sleep hot? Then you should love the layer of Airscape foam laced throughout this mattress.It has small perforations that boost cool airflow and actively disperse heat so that you sleep cooler and comfier for longer.

The Casper Nova Hybrid is soft, so we wouldn't recommend it for heavier bodies (over 230lbs) as you'll sink into it more than is ideal. Casper often runs sales on its mattresses, so be sure to check out our round-up of the best Casper mattress deals and sales to see how much you could save.


11. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud: Best mattress for pressure relief

Best mattress online: Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress in a box

(Image credit: Tempur-Pedic)

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress

This bed-in-a-box utilizes NASA-developed pressure relieving materials

Specifications

Sizes: Twin, Twin Long, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Filling: Tempur, plus a stretch fabric cover
Comfort: Medium
Height: 10”
Weight: 39.3lbs - 84.9 lbs

Reasons to buy

+
NASA-developed materials
+
Superb motion isolation
+
The cheapest Tempur-Pedic mattress

Reasons to avoid

-
You may find it ‘hugs’ you too much
-
Return shipping fee

Tempur-Pedic is one of the world’s most popular mattress brands, and it also makes the best bed toppers money can buy, but until recently you were only able to buy Tempur mattresses in store. However, the TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress changed all that, marking the company’s first step into mattresses in a box. 

The medium-firm TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress consists of three layers, two of which are stuffed with high-density TEMPUR material. It offers a similar performance to memory foam and is made with the same pressure-relieving material developed by NASA to make astronauts feel comfier during take-off. 

What the users say

At the time of writing there are over 570 user reviews of the Cloud Mattress, with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Over 400 of those are 5-star ratings. Praise is heaped on the mattress for comfort and pressure relief, with one customer writing: “Over the last two months, my quality of sleep has improved. I wake up refreshed and relaxed instead of sleepy and sore.” Critical reviews complain that the Cloud is “hard as a rock” and, on the flipside, “too soft and uncomfortable”. 

The top two layers form the comfort system, with the second layer of foam being firmer to prevent sagging. The third layer is the support core, made of dense polyfoam to act as a sturdy base. 

A major attraction with the Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress is something called ‘deep contouring’. This means the Cloud will mould itself to your weight and height, holding you in all the right places so that you feel almost weightless.

The TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress is well-suited to side sleepers and people who want maximum pressure relief on their neck, back, hips and waist. As Tempur-Pedic has designed this mattress in a box with good edge support, plus high levels of motion isolation, it’s suited to couples as you shouldn't feel your partner moving so much.

Today's cheapest prices on the best mattresses online

Best mattress online FAQ

What makes a good mattress?

A good mattress should be designed with multiple comfort and support layers to ensure you feel cradled (but not swallowed alive). They should do the following:

  • Be the right type of mattress for your dominant sleep position (eg, back sleeper, side sleeper, or stomach sleeper)
  • Come in the size you need - most online mattresses are available in Twin to Cal King
  • Promote good spinal alignment to protect your posture
  • Dissipate excess body heat, drawing it away from the mattress so it doesn’t build up
  • Offer multiple comfort and support layers
  • Offer good motion isolation - a must for people disturbed by wriggly partners
  • Have a reinforced edge to make getting up easier, and to ensure you don’t roll off
  • Does not sag in the middle after a couple of years’ use
  • Comes on a decent trial period so you can be doubly sure it’s the best mattress for you
  • Is suitable for spot-cleaning and steaming (for a deeper mattress clean)
  • Be compatible with an adjustable bed base if you want to experience zero gravity sleep

How to choose the best mattress online for your health

Factors such as whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach, plus your height and weight should be considered before you go mattress shopping. Firmness is another consideration: a firmer mattress usually suits heavier sleepers or those who sleep on their front or back. 

Medium firmness is suited to those who need extra support for their back and neck. Side sleepers benefit from a softer mattress that molds to the body’s natural curvature. Here's what else to look for when choosing the best mattress for you:

Motion transfer control
If you share a bed with someone who is heavier or lighter than you, look for a mattress that features motion-transfer control, so that you can both sleep undisturbed without waking the other up. All-foam mattresses tend to offer excellent motion-transfer control, as do hybrids.

Breathable layers
If you tend to sleep hot, try a cooling mattress featuring layers with materials specifically designed to regulate temperature and prevent you from overheating and waking throughout the night. 

Cooling features are particularly welcome if you suffer from night sweats, due to peri-menopause or illness for instance. Look out mattresses that feature layers of cooling gel or are made with naturally breathable organic fabrics such as cotton.

A woman with dark hair raises her hands in the air after a great night's sleep

(Image credit: Getty)

Posture support
If you need extra postural support or tend to wake with neck or back pain, there are plenty of mattresses with extra lumbar support to help keep you aligned. These are excellent for supporting your spine and keeping you comfortable during pregnancy. This support will often come from the core or base of the mattress in the form of a firmer layer, so check that the mattress includes this in its design.

Pressure relief
If you tend to wake during the night because of soreness at your pressure points (such as the hips, shoulders and knees), there's plenty to choose from when it comes to cozy mattresses with layers to keep you cushioned where you need it most. Look out for mattresses that feature softer top layers specifically designed for the job.


Mattress firmness ratings: What do they mean?

It’s important to choose a mattress firmness rating according to your body weight and sleep position. Why? Because the wrong firmness can often lead to back pain, restlessness and sore pressure points. Here's how to pick the right firmness for you:

  • Soft (firmness rating 1-2): Ideal for lighter weight sleepers and if you tend to sleep on your side. This is the least commonly available firmness, but offers excellent contouring to hug your body as you sleep.
  • Medium-soft (firmness rating 3-4): Ideal for lighter weight sleepers and if you tend to sleep on your side or shift positions. This firmness provides ample cosy cushioning for pressure points, while also offering a level of support to keep the spine aligned. 
  • Medium-firm (firmness rating 5-7): Ideal for heavier weight sleepers and couples. These are suitable if you tend to sleep on your back or shift positions. They also provide good postural support including for back pain. This is the most commonly found mattress firmness, offering qualities to suit most types of sleeper
  • Firm (firmness rating 8-10): Ideal for heavier weight sleepers and couples. These mattresses are suitable if you tend to sleep on your back or stomach. They also provide good postural support including for back pain.

Best mattress online: A little girl jumps happily on a mattress that her mother is sitting on

(Image credit: Getty)

What are mattresses made from?

This guide focuses primarily on mattresses that are either memory foam or hybrid mattresses, meaning they are a combination of foam and coils. Memory foam mattresses are good for providing pressure point relief and are ideal for lighter and side sleepers. 

They hug your body and bounce back once you get up. They do run hot, although a lot of the mattress brands we recommend offer cooling tech so that you don’t overheat. 

Spring and coil mattresses provide more bounce. When combined with memory foam, as you'd find in a hybrid mattress, they promote good air circulation. They also help with distributing body weight evenly, as well as providing good motion transfer isolation.

Best organic mattresses FAQ

Who makes the best organic mattress in the world?

When it comes to eco-friendly mattresses, there's now more choice than ever, including affordable as well as luxury mattresses made using non-toxic and sustainable materials. Organic mattress brands to look for include:

Avocado Green – This company makes stunning organic and vegan mattresses. They're made in California using non-toxic, 100% certified organic materials grown at Avocado Green's own farms. The prices are higher, but when you think about the benefits to your health and how an Avocado Green organic mattress has less environmental impact, we think the cost is worth it.

Saatva – For pure hand-crafted luxury, look no further than this US brand that uses quality materials including hypoallergenic and naturally breathable GOTS-certified organic cotton. Top picks from this organic online mattress brand include its flagship hybrid innerspring mattress, the Saatva Classic, available in three firmness ratings.

Beautyrest – The Harmony Lux mattresses use sustainable Seaqual yarn for their cover fabric. Seaqual yarn is made by upcycling marine plastic to produce high-quality fabrics with a luxurious and durable feel. The Harmony Lux sustainable mattresses are available in three different versions: the Carbon, Diamond, and the Hybrid for the ultimate in cooling, support and comfort.

A woman wakes up happy after having a good night's sleep on a great mattress

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What is an organic, non-toxic or natural mattress?

When shopping for a natural mattress, you'll often certain terms in the description that allude to environmentally friendly credentials, but what do they actually mean? Here’s a quick guide to common organic mattress terms to help you shop smarter:

Organic mattresses – These mattresses are made with natural materials, such as latex, cotton and wool, which have been grown without any prohibited substances, such as synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA): “Organic producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible.”

There is a difference between a product that is 100% organic and one that has some organic materials in it. For example, a mattress might have a cover made from organic cotton, but another component might not be organic.

The advantages of a 100% organic mattress includes the absence of harmful chemicals that can trigger reactions and affect breathing. This is ideal if you suffer from asthma or allergies. Other advantages are that organic mattresses are naturally fire-retardant, more breathable and less likely to attract dust mites. They're also more biodegradable, making them kinder to the planet.

A man enjoys sleeping on his stomach on a great mattress

(Image credit: Getty)

Natural mattresses - Natural mattresses take their materials from natural sources such as animal and plant fibres – so wool, cotton and latex, for example. The benefits of these are mainly comfort and breathability, but it’s worth noting that just because a material is natural, it  doesn’t mean it’s necessarily organic. 

For example, pesticides and other chemicals may still be used in the growing process, so it’s always worth checking for certification before you buy. 

If you suffer from conditions such as asthma or allergies, look for certified organic products to guarantee no (or minimal) chemicals have been used.

Non-toxic mattresses – as with organic mattresses, the manufacture of non-toxic mattresses involves no or minimal nasty chemicals. However, while not all the materials used will be natural, they will avoid materials such as foam that contains flame retardants and is itself created as a result of a chemical reaction.

Non-toxic mattresses also avoid ‘off-gassing’, which is when a new foam mattress releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for a period of time. As with the best organic mattresses, there are certifications you can look out for that guarantee no toxins will have crept into your mattress. These include GOTS and GOLS.


Organic mattresses vs normal mattresses: Which should you buy?

The first thing to note about organic mattresses is that they tend to be more expensive because more care has been taken over the materials used and the production process in general.

If you are only going to be using the bed occasionally or need it for a guest bedroom, then a standard mattress might suffice, but for regular use an organic mattress is best. Not only do they minimize the chance of allergic and asthmatic reactions, they're generally cooler to sleep on, odor free and last longer too. Plus they’re far more eco-friendly.

However, the natural materials used in organic mattresses may not be for everybody and this includes people who are allergic to latex or wool. If you aren't allergic to latex, it’s worth noting that this durable material is longer lasting than a regular spring mattress, saving you money in the long-run.

Organic and natural materials are also kind to your body, with layers of wool and cotton offering more breathable qualities than synthetic materials.  These are all things to look out for when choosing the best mattress online for you.

The Purple Mattress covered in tough purple plastic and placed outside someone's door

(Image credit: Purple)

How to choose a mattress that’s kinder to the planet

If you want to buy a more eco-friendly mattress, there are several things to look out for. As mentioned, if a mattress or some of the materials it is made with are organic, this must be verified. Certifications to look for include:

  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – requires at least 95% of the materials in a mattress to be certified organic, and completely prohibits the use of certain substances, such as chemical flame retardants and polyurethane. 
  • GOLS (Global Organic Latex  Standard) – requires the mattress to be made with latex that is at least 95% organic, with restrictions on the other 5% of the components. 
  • OCS100 Organic Content Standard – this certification is independently verified and tracks organic material from its source all the way up to the finished product.
  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100 – this is a voluntary certification that companies can apply for each year, and confirms low or zero limits of harmful chemicals, as well as the VOCs associated with off-gassing.
  • Greenguard/Greenguard Gold – this standard-setting certification requires testing of mattresses for formaldehyde and other volatile organic compound emissions.
  • Greenguard Gold is even tougher on VOC limits.

While none of the above guarantee zero chemicals for materials or the mattress itself, they are a reliable sign that the product is far safer than a traditional poly-foam mattress, which are known to contain toxins that can cause health problems.

Our recommended best mattresses online offer plenty of information about their materials and manufacturing processes, so it’s worth checking out the details before you buy. Some brands, such as Avocado Green, go the extra mile when it comes to helping the planet and are Certified B Corporation, Climate Neutral and Fair Trade certified. 

Claire Davies

Claire is Health and Wellness Editor at Top Ten Reviews and covers all aspects of health, wellbeing and personal care. With over 17 years' experience as a qualified journalist, writer and editor, Claire has worked across some of Future's most prestigious, market-leading brands. Due to past struggles with insomnia, she is particularly passionate about the role quality sleep plays in our physical and mental health, and loves helping readers to sleep better. Claire is always keen to hear from brands regarding products and services that can help readers feel healthy, happy and empowered.