10 Best Mattresses of 2026

Best for Side Sleepers: Saatva Classic                                              

Score: 9.7 out of 10

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Excellent spinal alignment and pressure relief for side sleepers
• Bouncy and easy to switch positions
• Strong edge support helps side sleepers feel secure near the perimeter

Cons

• Lackluster cooling
• Poor motion isolation

Features

• Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm or firm
• Trial period: 365 nights
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime
• Read more in our in-depth Saatva mattress review

Key takeaways from our testing

Ideal for side sleeping. We tested the luxury firm model of the Saatva Classic. Dana, a 67-year-old tester, liked how this model felt while positioned 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 lying 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 may not be ideal for hot sleepers. In our cooling gun test, the mattress's surface was still 26 degrees 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

Score: 9.9 out of 10

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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

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

Features

• Firmness: Firm
• Trial period: 120 nights
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime
• Read more in our in-depth Helix mattress review

Key takeaways from our testing

Stellar pressure relief and support. The Helix Dawn is advertised as the firmest of the company’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 bed'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 difficulty moving around in bed.

Middling fit 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 between the mattress and the base.. If you want a mattress that’s more compatible with an adjustable base, consider The WinkBed.

Best Hybrid: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid

Score: 9.8 out of 10

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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

• Not much bounce
• Fabric bunches during adjustable base movement

Features

• Firmness: Medium firm
• Trial period: 365 nights
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime
• Read more in our in-depth DreamCloud mattress review

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 gave side-sleeping  a favorable score, docking it slightly because she prefers a softer cushion under her joints. She found it more comfortable for her back rating it near-perfect in that position, and awarded stomach sleeping top-notch marks. "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. When our lab team tested how high a 15-pound ball rebounds after dropping it from five feet, they were surprised that the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid earned an average score. Hybrids tend to be springier, since they have a base layer of coils, but the ball bounced only 17 inches on this bed. Other mattresses, like the Saatva Classic, performed much better (the ball bounced 28 inches on the Classic).

Best for Cooling: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

Score: 9.6 out of 10

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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: Plush, medium firm or firm
• Trial period: 120 nights
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime
• Read more in our in-depth Leesa mattress review.

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. We tested the medium firm model. It only retained 6 degrees of heat  from its starting temperature. If you tend to get warm during sleep or often switch positions because of heat, you may appreciate the Leesa Sapira Chill's temperature-regulating materials.

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 springiness makes movement easy. 

Needs stronger edges. Our testers rated this mattress average 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 — about a 40 percent loss in height.

Best for Pressure Relief: Saatva Rx

Score: 9.4 out of 10

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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
• Read our more in-depth Saatva mattress review

Key takeaways from our testing

Admirable comfort and support. Although the Saatva Rx is advertised as soft, Donna said it 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. Testers also said they ”loved” the mattress’s pressure relief.

High-quality materials. This bed 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 likely contributed to this model’s perfect cooling score, as it only rose 11.3 degrees in our cooling gun test. 

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 placed 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

Score: 9.5 out of 10

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Best-in-class performance in our edge support test
• 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: Soft, medium or firm
• Trial period: 120 nights
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime
• Read our more in-depth Brooklyn Bedding mattress review

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. We tested a bed with medium firmness, and 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. This mattress earned stellar scores in our temperature regulation test. "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 company's trademarked GlacioTex cooling cover contains silky polyethylene fibers that help draw heat away from the body and wick moisture.

Surface feels 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  

Score: 9.0 out of 10

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Pros and cons

Pros

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

Cons

• Lacks bounce for a hybrid
• Subpar cooling

Features

• Firmness: Softer, luxury firm, firmer or plus
• Trial period: 120 nights
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime
• Read more in our in-depth WinkBeds mattress review

Key takeaways from our testing

Most compatible with adjustable bases. At 13.5-inches tall, The WinkBed was one of the only taller mattresses we tested that conformed to adjustable-base movements without gapping, tilting or bunching. We tested the luxury firm model. "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 better than average. "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 despite its thick coil layer. Our lab team said the thick cover and foam layers likely counteracted the springy coils, absorbing motion like 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, you may want to consider the Saatva Rx instead.

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 cared 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. Preferences for firmness often vary by sleep position. Beds that work well for side sleepers are typically 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 to 6.5 out of 10)
• Back sleepers: Medium to medium firm (5 to 6.5 out of 10)
• Stomach sleepers: Medium firm to firm (6.5 to 9 out of 10)

That said, while these firmness ranges are often recommended by the mattress industry, individual preferences may vary. You can decide which firmness level aligns best with your needs.

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 (if you have one).

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 usually 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 among companies 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. These types of beds have similar properties to memory foam, but the latex material bounces back quickly and is more breathable. However, these 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 companies cover manufacturer defects or failed construction materials for a specific period of time. The companies on our list offer lifetime or limited lifetime coverage.
• White-glove delivery. Many companies 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 company on our list that offers this service for free.
• Trial period. Many companies 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 $1,478 to $3,499 for a queen. The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid and the Helix Dawn are the two most affordable mattrresses. The Saatva Rx is the most expensive, at $3,499. 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 companies on our list offer financing through third-party partners, with some offering interest-free payments (depending on credit score).
• Discounts. Many companies offer discounts to certain groups. For example, DreamCloud offers 5 percent off to military members, health care professionals and first responders.
• Tax-advantaged accounts. Consider using a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), if you have one. Some companies, such as Saatva and Nectar, partner with third-party organizations like Truemed 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

You can see a breakdown of retail prices for the beds on our list in the chart below. All models tested were queen size.

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 mattresses or could find options 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 companies 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 Luxe hybrid mattress earned 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, and material quality. Plus, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a generous 365-night trial.

What is the best type of mattress?

The best type of mattress for you can be the one that fits your comfort needs at a price you can afford. Some older adults prefer 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 can be good for individuals 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 natural latex mattresses tend to bounce back quicker than memory foam.

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. 

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