The Leesa Original Mattress lands in that sweet spot of comfort and support, perfect for back and side sleepers who like a softer, plusher feel to their mattress. Comfortable, affordable, and durable, it also delivers a surprising amount of bounce for an all-foam mattress.
The Expert Tester’s Take
Slightly softer than most of our other picks, the Leesa Original is the easy choice for back and side sleepers who need a bit more sinkage at the joints and lower back. One tester noted that the mattress provides just the right amount of give without letting you sink too deep, thanks to its multi-layer foam construction that stacks the more responsive stuff over a firmer support base.
Overall, this mattress posts a lot of hits and very few skips or misses. It’s both affordable and durable, which can be a rare combination. Despite its high-quality materials and construction, it won’t break the bank compared to similar memory foam mattresses, making it a smart investment for anyone looking to upgrade their sleep setup. Our long-term testers also emphasize its reliable performance over time—those who have slept on it for years have seen no signs of wear.
It also ranks high on both cooling and bounce, which allows you to move around effortlessly without feeling stuck (a crucial element for those who enjoy a bit of action in bed). This combination of breathability and responsiveness generally leads to a comfortable night of sleep—or just a memorable night…
Just note that our testers did notice a bit of sagging when sitting or lying near the edge of the mattress—so if you like to sprawl out, that might be a bummer. Also, while the Leesa Original is great for back and side sleepers, stomach sleepers likely need something firmer to keep their hips from dipping too much into the mattress.
A firmer memory foam mattress, the Emma has “zoned” support that feels more cushioned in some spots and solid in others (like your lumbar region), making it a top pick for those with back pain. Back sleepers should get plenty of support and alignment through the spine, while stomach sleepers will get enough firmness to keep their hips elevated.
The Expert Tester’s Take
We’ve highlighted a lot of memory foam beds that work best for side sleepers, so back sleepers and stomach sleepers, this one goes out to you. The Emma Original is a firmer bed that provides the type of solid, consistent support you need. It also has “zoned” firmness, which means it’s softer and more forgiving where you need more cushion, and firmer where you need support.
Our tester noted how Emma’s high-density foams provide much-needed spinal alignment, ensuring you won’t wake up feeling like you threw your back out. “The Emma mattress is made of multiple foam types to help with deep pressure relief and good body contouring,” the tester says. “It also has better-than-expected edge support, so I feel comfortable spreading out to the edge of the bed.”
Remember that this mattress might be too firm for side sleepers—most will need a mattress with more softness and pressure relief around their shoulders and hips.
The Nectar memory foam mattress is the ultimate win for your wallet, giving you top-tier comfort without a top-tier price tag. Its medium-firm feel offers great pressure relief and support, particularly for back and side sleepers. Plus, with free shipping, a 365-night trial, and a lifetime warranty, you’ve got a few options if you don’t like it.
The Expert Tester’s Take
While a poorly made memory foam mattress may feel like you’re drowning in Jell-O night after night, the budget-friendly Nectar stands out for moving with you. The classic, contouring memory foam feels good and works well for back and side sleepers needing pressure relief. Our testers were impressed with its ability to cradle the body and reduce joint tension. One tester notes, ”It has just the right amount of give for my hips and shoulders to settle in and feel supported without feeling like I’m sinking.” The test squad also calls out its cooling cover, which delivers on its promises of being cool-to-the-touch and breathable.
But despite the Nectar’s versatility, this mattress isn’t for everyone. You might find the Nectar lacking support if you’re a stomach sleeper or weigh over 230 pounds. And with its all-foam construction, it’s not the bounciest bed out there, which might be a red flag if you like a bit of spring in your mattress.
Despite these drawbacks, our tester agrees that the Nectar is “a very comfortable memory foam mattress that’s also an amazing value.” It’s a great option for those looking to toss out their old college futon or level up to the mattress big leagues.
Our testers found the Loom & Leaf mattress by Saatva to be the ultimate luxury memory foam experience, perfect for those who crave serious pressure relief and comfort. It has two firmness options, and it’s a safe bet for buying online because you get a 365-night trial. You also don’t have to do DIY installation—Saatva offers free white glove delivery, including setting up the mattress and hauling off your old one.
The Expert Tester’s Take
If you’re searching for a mattress that seamlessly blends hotel-like plushness with durable comfort, the Loom & Leaf mattress by Saatva will delight. Crafted with organic cotton and thick layers of memory foam, it feels like something you might find at the White Lotus or a comparable den of opulence and debauchery. All the expert testers noted its high-quality feel. “The Loom & Leaf mattress is made of durable materials and should be a long-term investment that will hold up for at least 10 years,” one tester says.
One feature that sets the Loom & Leaf mattress apart is its first-class motion isolation. As noted by our tester, the memory foam layers absorb almost all movement, so you and your partner can enjoy uninterrupted sleep while the dog chases squirrels in his dreams. Additionally, the Loom & Leaf mattress offers great edge support, which makes it easier to get in and out of the bed.
