10 Best Mattresses of 2026

Cons

• Lackluster cooling
• Poor motion isolation

Features

• Firmness: Luxury firm
• Trial period: 365 nights
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime

Key takeaways from our testing

Ideal for side sleeping. Dana, a 67-year-old tester, liked how the Saatva Classic Luxury Firm mattress felt while sleeping on her side. "The right side of my lower back feels much more supported. I usually have trouble with that area of my body, and this mattress is offering great support," she said. She also liked how her hips sank into the Euro pillow top (a 3-inch cushioned top layer), which she said helped align her spine and relieved her hip pain.

Fortified edges. Dana said she felt secure by the edge while sleeping on her side. "My right side, the closest to the edge, feels just as supported as when I'm on my left side, toward the center of the bed," she said. As she rose to sit, she felt the edge helped her get out of bed: "I sink in slightly, but not enough to cause any issues with getting back out." That support comes from the mattress's thick foam reinforcement that circles the mattress's perimeter - it's as dense as a yoga block.

Poor temperature regulation. The Saatva Classic Luxury Firm isn't ideal for hot sleepers. After performing our cooling gun test, the mattress's surface was still 26 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the original temperature. That surface reading was among the highest of any model we tested. Hot side sleepers may prefer the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid, which excelled in our cooling test.

Best Firm: Helix Dawn

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent bounce for easier movement
• Perfect pressure relief scores for back sleepers and side sleepers
• Stellar edge support

Cons

• Only fair comfort scores for stomach sleeping
• So-so alignment with adjustable base

Features

• Firmness: Firm
• Trial period: 120 nights
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime

Key takeaways from our testing

Stellar pressure relief and support. The Helix Dawn is advertised as the firmest of the brand’s six original mattresses, and our tester Donna found that to be the case. But she also felt she was getting the pressure relief she needed, even on her side. “I'm actually surprised because I thought it would be too firm for me on my side,” she said, “but the pillow top is really helping. My alignment is even, and I feel no hip pain or shoulder pain.” She gave the mattress’s pressure relief in this position a perfect score and felt equally comfortable on her back. She did report feeling slightly less comfortable on her stomach, saying, “There's a little bit of pressure, but not a ton.” 

Exceptional edge support. Donna felt very supported while both sitting and lying near the Helix Dawn’s edge. “You can sit on it as if it’s a chair,” she said. “Getting up is very easy, and there’s a good amount of spring.” The bed also earned top marks for its bounce. These features could make the mattress a good option for someone with arthritis or who has a hard time moving around in bed.

Middling fitting for adjustable bases. In our tests, the Helix Dawn’s firmer construction didn’t quite align with an adjustable base when the base was angled. It wasn’t the worst compatibility we’ve seen, but we noticed some significant gaps. If you want a mattress that’s more compatible with an adjustable base, consider the WinkBed Luxury Firm.

Best Hybrid: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Only hybrid mattress with perfect motion isolation in our tests
• Most comfortable for back and stomach sleepers
• Secure, stable edges

Cons

• Needs more bounce
• Fabric bunches during adjustable base movement

Features

• Firmness: Medium firm
• Trial period: 365 nights
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime

Key takeaways from our testing

First-rate motion isolation. This mattress is the only hybrid in our lineup that earned a perfect motion-isolation score. That's because of its stellar construction - each coil is individually wrapped (or "pocketed") to minimize the transfer of motion across the bed. The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid passed our ripple test with flying colors, and testers barely felt each other move while lying side by side. "That was probably the best motion isolation I've tried so far," said Toni, a 50-year-old tester who worked with our lab team.

Strong support for all sleep positions. Donna tested every position to evaluate the bed's support and pressure relief. She rated its side-sleeping score a 4 out of 5, docking it a point because she prefers a softer cushion under her joints. She found it more comfortable for her back (4.5 out of 5) and stomach (5 out of 5). "The mattress is very conforming to my body, and my weight feels light overall," she said.

Lacks bounce. Having extra bounce in a mattress can make it easier to switch positions or get in and out of bed. But when our lab team tested how high a 10-pound ball bounces after dropping it from five feet, they were surprised the Premier Hybrid earned only a 3 out of 5. Hybrids tend to be springier, since they have a base layer of coils, but the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid bounced only 17 inches. Other mattresses, like the Saatva Classic, performed much better (the Classic bounced 28 inches).

Best for Cooling: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Best cooling performance of any mattress we tested
• Springy feel supports movement
• Pressure-relieving in every sleep position

Cons

• Weaker edges
• Below-average motion isolation

Features

• Firmness: Medium firm
• Trial period: 120 nights
• Warranty length: Lifetime

Key takeaways from our testing

High-performing temperature regulation. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid proved to be the best mattress for hot sleepers in our lab's cooling gun test. It cooled about 6 degrees Fahrenheit from the starting temperature - roughly 15 degrees better than average.

Easy to change positions. "This mattress is ideal for me as an average-weight sleeper who likes to switch up my positions," said Donna. The bed relieves pressure and is supportive in every sleeping position, and its bounce makes movement easy. If you tend to get warm during sleep or often switch positions because of heat, you'll appreciate the Leesa Sapira Chill's temperature-regulating materials.

Needs stronger edges. Our testers rated this mattress average (3 out of 5) for edge support, due to noticeable sagging when sitting and lying down. "It is sinking in a little bit, but it's not bothersome. It doesn't have a firm edge, but it's still supportive enough," said Donna. Although she felt secure despite some sinkage, we put it to the test: After placing a 150-pound sandbag on the edge, as if someone were sitting, our lab team measured a significant 5.5-inch dip in the 14-inch-tall mattress, a 40 percent loss in height. If you prefer a taller, firmer mattress for getting out of bed easier, consider the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, which has stronger edges and delivers better cooling performance.

Best for Pressure Relief: Saatva Rx

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Impressive pressure relief and support for all sleeping positions
• Stellar cooling
• First-rate materials and pillowy texture

Cons

• Mediocre edge support
• Pricey

Features

• Firmness: Supportive plush
• Trial period: 365 nights
• Warranty length: Lifetime

Key takeaways from our testing

Admirable comfort and support. Sherry McAllister, a chiropractor and president of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, says hybrid mattresses work well for people with pain and weakness. She also recommends a medium-firm mattress, especially for chronic low back pain. Our testers found the Saatva Rx checked all of those boxes, and they loved the mattress’s pressure relief. Although it's advertised as soft, Donna said the bed felt firmer than she expected but still provided enough cushion. "I feel like I'm floating almost, and my weight feels non-existent," she said.

High-quality materials. The Saavta Rx features materials designed to be breathable, while contouring to the body. It’s made with organic cotton, flexible micro-coils, and gel-infused high-density foam. Our testers noted the Saatva Rx’s stitching “feels really thick and also soft at the same time.” They remarked on the bed’s thickness and “thoughtful design.” Its construction also contributed to this model’s perfect cooling score, as it only rose 11.3 degrees in our tests. 

Lackluster edge support. The Saatva Rx is one of the most expensive mattresses on our list, so our lab testers expected it to perform well across every test. However, the bed's 15-inch edge lost half of its height when we dropped a 150-pound sandbag on it. This was the weakest edge support score in our tests, which could make getting out of bed more difficult, especially if you have mobility issues.

Best Edge Support: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Outperformed all mattresses in our edge support test
• Good bounce makes it easier to change positions
• Very good cooling

Cons

• Surface feels thinner and less comfortable than a pillow-top design
• Doesn't bend well with an adjustable base

Features

• Firmness: Medium
• Trial period: 120 nights
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime

Key takeaways from our testing

Edges hold shape and support movement. Of all the mattresses we tested, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling provided the strongest edge support. When we placed a 150-pound sandbag on the edge, it lost only 18.5 percent of its height. While Donna admired the edge's strength while lying down, she was most impressed when sitting. "This is the best support I have experienced with any mattress," she said. "I really like the edge support because I sit on my bed a lot to put on or take off my shoes."

Superb temperature regulation. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling ranked second in our temperature regulation test, just behind the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid. "The cover is extremely cooling and has a slick feel to it, making it great for hot sleepers," one of our lab testers noted. The brand's trademarked GlacioTex cooling cover contains silky polyethylene fibers that help draw heat away from the body and wick moisture.

Surface felt thin and not plush. "I'm not impressed with the construction of this mattress," said Donna. "Its flat topper design feels thin and a little uncomfortable." However, she did note that the cover felt cool to the touch, a nice feature for hot sleepers.

Best Adjustable Bed: The WinkBed Luxury Firm 

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Conformed perfectly to adjustable base
• Excellent support for back sleepers
• Secure and safe edges

Cons

• Lacks bounce for a hybrid
• Subpar cooling
• Uncomfortable for stomach sleepers

Features

• Firmness: Luxury firm
• Trial period: 120 nights
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime

Key takeaways from our testing

Most compatible with adjustable bases. The 13.5-inch WinkBed Luxury Firm was one of the only taller mattresses we tested that conformed to adjustable-base movements without gapping, tilting or bunching. "This mattress performed perfectly with the base, even with the head and feet up at the same time," noted one of our lab testers. Its smooth adjustments make it easier to find a comfortable position.

Pleasant balance for back sleepers. Dana felt well supported on the mattress while on her back, rating it a 4 out of 5. "I usually like a more plush topper, but with this mattress, the firmness is good for the support," she said. If you like to sleep on your back with your head elevated, this bed could be a good fit.

Surprisingly little bounce for a hybrid. This mattress delivered disappointing results in our bounce test, even though it has a thick coil layer. Our lab team said the thick cover and foam layers likely counteracted the springy coils, absorbing motion like we'd expect from an all-foam mattress. "I had to use my hands to help assist me in and out of bed," said Dana. If you rely on bounce to help with mobility on an adjustable base, consider the Saatva Rx instead.

Read more in our in-depth WinkBeds Mattress review. 

How to choose the best mattress for you

Selecting the right mattress depends on what factors matter most to you for a good night's sleep. Our experts and survey participants said sleeping position, comfort preferences, price and purchase terms (like warranties, delivery fees and trial periods) are their top considerations when shopping for a mattress.

Sleeping position and firmness

Around two-thirds of our survey participants said they care about choosing the right firmness when shopping for a mattress.

Firmness is measured on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest. These firmness levels are industry standards and set by the manufacturers. We don't test for firmness in our lab testing. Preferences often vary by sleep position. Beds for side sleepers are softer to relieve pressure at the shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers may need firmer support to maintain spinal alignment. Combination sleepers who switch positions throughout the night may want to choose a firmness level based on their preferred position for falling asleep.

• Side sleepers: Soft to medium firm ( 4-6.5 out of 10)
• Back sleepers: Medium to medium-firm (5-6.5 out of 10)
• Stomach sleepers: Medium-firm to firm (6.5-9 out of 10)

There are exceptions. For example, one of our testers felt too much pressure buildup around her chest while stomach-sleeping on the medium-firm Silk and Snow Hybrid; she preferred a softer bed.

Comfort and materials

About 80 percent of our survey participants said comfort is their top priority when shopping for a mattress. But we know that comfort is different for everyone, which is why we test mattresses made from a variety of materials that can promote spinal alignment, relieve pressure, keep the body cool and reduce motion from a partner.

We've developed a list of advantages and disadvantages of the most popular materials based on expert input and testing experience.

• Memory foam. An all-foam bed conforms to the body and offers ample pressure relief. It also prevents motion from transferring between sleeping partners. However, memory foam responds slowly to movement, which can make repositioning harder on softer models. It can also trap heat.
• Innerspring. Beds with coil-only construction are easy to move on, breathable and supportive. But innerspring mattresses may not relieve pressure well, and they tend to deliver below-average motion isolation, meaning couples are more likely to feel each other move at night.
• Hybrid. Some beds combine memory foam and innerspring to give sleepers the benefits of both. These hybrids offer a well-balanced feel, but construction varies between brands and models. It's hard to predict how pressure-relieving, cool or supportive a hybrid will feel until you try it. If you sleep with a partner, look for a bed with pocketed coils to help reduce motion.
• Latex. Mattresses made with latex (natural rubber) have similar properties to memory foam, but the material bounces back quickly and is more breathable. However, latex beds can be heavy and difficult to set up, even with a partner. They're also typically more expensive than memory foam and innerspring mattresses.

Price

Nearly 2 in 3 of our survey participants said cost was one of the most important considerations when shopping. About half of respondents budgeted $500 to $1,500 for their new bed, but many said that finding the right option within their budget proved challenging. "I didn't know what to get that would actually be affordable and last a long time," one survey respondent said.

Purchase terms

About 2 in 5 of our survey participants said purchase terms were major factors in their decision-making process. These include warranties (22 percent), white-glove delivery (11 percent) and trial periods (6 percent).

• Warranty. Most brands cover manufacturer defects or failed construction materials for a specific period of time. Most of the brands on our list offer lifetime or limited lifetime coverage, except for Silk and Snow, which offers a 15-year warranty.
• White-glove delivery. Many brands offer white-glove delivery for an additional fee. When you receive this service, the company will deliver and set up your mattress (and adjustable bed, if applicable) for you. White-glove delivery is useful for people who need help with lifting a heavy mattress, especially if the bedroom isn't on the ground floor. Saatva is the only brand on our list that offers this service for free.
• Trial period. Many brands offer a risk-free trial period, during which you can try out the mattress at home before fully committing to the purchase. Trial periods typically range from 100 to 365 nights. If you have back or joint pain, a longer trial period can help you make sure the bed provides the level of pressure relief and support your body needs.

How much do the best mattresses cost?

The best mattresses on our list cost $1,548 to $3,399 for a queen, depending on the brand and model. The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid and the Nectar Classic Memory Foam are our two most affordable options, at $1,719 and $1,548, respectively. The Saatva Rx is the most expensive, at $3,399 - it's made with higher-quality and, therefore, more-expensive materials for people who want extra support and pressure relief.

Many mattress companies offer customers opportunities to save money or lower the upfront cost.

• Financing. All brands on our list offer financing through third-party partners, with some offering interest-free payments (depending on credit score).
• Discounts. Many brands offer discounts to certain groups. For example, DreamCloud offers 5 percent off to military members, health care professionals and first responders.
• Savings accounts. Consider using a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), if you have one. Some brands, such as Saatva and Nectar, partner with third-party organizations like Trumed to determine eligibility for a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). If you're eligible and receive a letter, you can submit it to your benefits administrator for reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed, so it's best to check with your benefits administrator to see if a mattress is an approved purchase.

Comparing the cost of the best mattresses

When to buy a new mattress

Half of our survey participants said they knew it was time to buy a new mattress when their old one stopped feeling comfortable. Many participants wished they had more affordable options or could find mattresses at a fair price when they were ready to buy.

For bargain hunters, there are several opportunities throughout the year to score mattress deals. We recommend shopping around holidays, including Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Black Friday and Labor Day. Some brands lower prices by up to 50 percent during these sales or offer discounted bundles with bedding or an adjustable base, depending on the promotion.

FAQs:

What is the top-rated mattress?

The Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress claimed the number one spot on our list of best mattresses, based on our rigorous lab tests. It earned near-perfect scores for motion isolation, spinal alignment, pressure relief, material quality and edge support. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty and a generous 365-night trial.

What is the best type of mattress?

The best type of mattress is the one that fits your comfort needs, at a price you can afford. Some people need extra pressure relief, while others prefer a bouncier mattress that makes movement easier. Some sleepers say hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds. Innersprings are good for people who need an extra bouncy surface to help them move or change positions. Memory Foam mattresses tend to excel at pressure relief and limiting motion. And latex mattresses are like memory foam but made from natural materials and tend to bounce back quickly.

How much do the best mattresses cost?

The best mattresses on our list cost between $1,548 and $3,399 for a queen. You can often find big discounts during holiday sales events.

Is it best to purchase a mattress online or in-store?

There are benefits and drawbacks to both. Mattresses are often less expensive online, and many online mattress companies offer free delivery right to your home. The main upside of buying a mattress in-store is that you can try it out before purchasing it. 

How long do mattresses last?

It depends on the construction. A lower-quality memory foam mattress usually lasts 3 to 5 years, while higher-quality models often last 8 to 10 years. Innerspring mattresses usually last 5 to 10 years, hybrid mattresses typically last 7 to 10 years, and latex mattresses tend to be the most durable, often lasting 10 to 15 years. 

Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.