These 14 Top-Rated Mattresses Will Help You Sleep Better

Originally published on marthastewart.com

Everyone has nights when sleep evades them. Perhaps it's your thoughts keeping you awake, but it could also be your mattress. Even among healthy individuals, research has shown that a bad mattress can reduce your sleep quality and cause back pain and discomfort upon waking. However, comfort is subjective, and every person sleeps a little differently. Perhaps you're someone who falls asleep on your back and wakes up on your side. Back, side, stomach, and combination sleepers each require specific qualities in their mattress to create the right conditions for sleep. So, where do you begin?

A great starting point is GoodBed's mattress match quiz, which thoroughly assesses your requirements (including important factors you may not have otherwise considered), and then uses a proprietary matching algorithm to search across brands and stores—both online and offline—to give you a short list of options in your price range that are the best fit for you.

You can also learn about the different mattress types to see which would be the best fit. For example, mattress materials can affect firmness levels and temperature regulation, which can impact how you sleep. The main mattress materials are memory foam, innerspring coils, latex, and airbeds. Hybrid beds, which combine coils with latex or memory foam, are also popular. Each mattress type can vary in softness and firmness, so trying out a mattress in person is often your best bet to make sure the comfort factor is there. Many companies offer mattresses delivered in a box and worry-free sleep trials to make it easy to try out different options in the comfort of your own bedroom. That way, if you don't like the mattress, you can return it. Of course, it always helps to know how other people feel about a mattress before you buy it, and ratings help with that decision. Here are the top-rated mattresses of 2021. 

Related: The Best Mattress Toppers for a Better Night's Sleep

Top-Rated Extra-Firm Mattresses

• Best Overall: Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt in Firm

• Runner Up: Brooklyn Bedding Plank Ultra Firm

Top-Rated Firm Mattresses

• Best Overall: Avocado Green

• Runner Up: Brooklyn Bedding Titan Firm Hybrid

Top-Rated Medium-Firm Mattresses

• Best Overall: Brentwood Home Oceano

• Runner Up: Helix Plus

Top-Rated Medium Mattresses

• Best Overall: WinkBeds The WinkBed in Luxury Firm

• Runner Up: Purple Hybrid Premier 4

Top-Rated Medium-Soft Mattresses

• Best Overall: Nest Owl Natural Latex Hybrid

• Runner Up: Tuft & Needle Hybrid

Top-Rated Soft Mattresses

• Best Overall: Birch Natural with Pillow Top

• Runner Up: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora in Soft

Top-Rated Extra-Soft Mattresses

• Best Overall: Beautyrest Black with C-Class Plush Pillow Top

• Runner Up: Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Hybrid Pollock in Ultra Plush

What Mattresses Are Best?

Researchers have slightly disagreed about what earns a mattress the title of "best." Since 2000, numerous studies have tried to answer this question, looking at factors such as spinal pain, spinal alignment, and quality of sleep. A study published in "Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation" examined 25 studies to find the most accurate answer, finding that "medium-firm" mattresses that can be "custom inflated (self-adjusted)" are best for promoting a good night's sleep.

According to the American Sleep Association (ASA), there are two main parts of a mattress: the core and the comfort layer. The core is the supportive foundation of the bed and is usually made from coils, springs, foam, or latex. This is typically the densest area of the mattress. The comfort layer acts as insulation, wrapping around the core and providing a quilted outer layer—often made of memory foam, wool, latex, or cotton—to make for a pleasant sleep. Per the experts at ASA, if you're a side sleeper, a mattress with a medium firmness (between a 4 and 6 on the firmness scale) can help keep your spine aligned throughout the night and cushion pressure points. Back sleepers may prefer a medium-firm mattress that molds to the body for support, while stomach sleepers generally prefer a firmer mattress with a thinner comfort layer to keep the spine aligned. For combination sleepers (those who tend to switcheroo and toss and turn throughout the night), a medium-firm mattress with movement isolation and edge support will be your best bet. 

Of course, only you can be the judge of which mattress will help you on your journey to sleep. For the best assessment of your needs, try the GoodBed mattress finder quiz to find top-rated beds that can serve you some shut eye. GoodBed uses a rigorous system to test mattresses across 50 different characteristics. This data is then used to rate the beds in categories such as feel, features, and fit, allowing GoodBed to provide you with personalized mattress recommendations. To put it frankly, there is a whole world of mattresses out there, and choosing one can be overwhelming. That's why trusting expert recommendations, from doctors and sleep experts, like those at GoodBed who have more than 30 years of mattress experience, can help you make an informed decision. Your perfect mattress is out there and so is a full night's sleep.

Related: How to Clean Your Mattress

Top-Rated Extra-Firm Mattresses

Best Overall: Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt in Firm

If you fall within the category "if it's not a rock, I'm not sleeping on it," then the Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt mattress in firm should be at the top of your list when looking for a new mattress. GoodBed determined that this is a solid mattress with ample back and neck support, based on a softness rating of 2/10. Data also shows little to no bounce, heightened motion isolation (meaning you'll be less likely to disturb your partner when getting out of bed), and significant pressure relief. So for those with back and joint pain, this mattress is a dream. Customers praise how sturdy this mattress is, citing the pain relief they've found while sleeping on it. Not convinced? Try it for 90 nights with Tempur-Pedic's sleep trial, and then enjoy it for the next decade with its 10 year warranty.

Shop now: Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt mattress in Firm, from $2,699, tempurpedic.com.

Runner Up: Brooklyn Bedding Plank

A close second, the Brooklyn Bedding Plank is also ideal for those who need serious support when sleeping. This extra-firm mattress ranks similarly in firmness and scored a 7/10 in motion isolation from GoodBed, but it has less memory feel and pressure relief than the Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt mattress. However, due to the Plank's dual-sided design, you can choose to sleep on the mattress' firm side or flip it over for an extra-firm side. This ultra-flat sleep surface helps keep sleepers' spines in a neutral position, which can reduce pressure on your circulatory system and improve breathing when sleeping. With the addition of the cooling cover, this mattress is rated 8/10 for temperature control by the experts at GoodBed. Try it risk free for 120 nights, and if it brings you plenty of z's, you can sleep well knowing there's a 10-year warranty. Customers confirm the Plank mattress in ultra firm is a great choice for those who prefer firmness, with one reviewer writing, "As a sufferer of chronic back pain, I had no idea changing my mattress from a medium hardness to an extra-firm would have such an impact on my quality of life."

Shop Now: Brooklyn Bedding Plank mattress, from $699, plankmattress.com.

Top-Rated Firm Mattresses

Best Overall: Avocado Green

Knowing your mattress is sustainably produced can contribute to getting a good night's sleep, and the Avocado Green mattress is 100 percent certified organic, with a 9/10 green rating from GoodBed. Data shows that this mattress is highly rated for temperature control, edge support (no rolling off in the middle of the night), back support, and overall value. With more than 16,000 reviews, the Avocado Green mattress is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers love the natural materials and support the bed provides. Backed with a 25-year warranty, this mattress also comes with a one-year sleep trial. With 1,414 tempered steel coils, the Avocado Green keeps motion transfer to a minimum, even when repositioning in your sleep, all while maintaining back alignment so you don't wake up with a sore neck. Advertised as ideal for back and stomach sleepers, this mattress will save you many sleepless nights—and up to $100 when you use the code AUTUMN during checkout.

Shop Now: Avocado Green Mattress, from $1,099, avocadogreenmattress.com.

Runner Up: Brooklyn Bedding Titan Firm Hybrid

With heavy-duty coils and two layers of foam providing extra support and durability, the Titan Firm Hybrid mattress from Brooklyn Bedding was designed for plus-size sleepers. The Titan mattress received 9/10 ratings from GoodBed in repositioning (meaning the ability to move without waking up) and motion isolation (controlling how much the mattress moves when you move), as well as an 8/10 in back support and temperature control. With a firm feel and a gel memory foam top, this mattress includes 961 individual coils to relieve pressure points and a 2-inch foam base to increase durability. The bed has more than 1,740 customer reviews, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Plus, you can buy the Titan with confidence: Brooklyn Bedding offers a 120-night sleep trial with free shipping and returns. The Titan arrives in a box for added convenience and comes with a 10-year warranty.

Shop Now: Brooklyn Bedding Titan Firm Hybrid mattress, from $699, titanmattress.com.

Top-Rated Medium-Firm Mattresses

Best Overall: Brentwood Home Oceano

Rated medium for softness and cushioning, the Brentwood Home Oceano mattress scored well in categories like edge support and bounce during testing by GoodBed. It was also rated highly in motion isolation, edge support, temperature, and overall value, scoring 8's and 9's across the board. With nine layers and almost 2,700 individual coils, this mattress supports different areas of the body with its plant-based Biofoam. This gel-infused foam also distributes your body heat more evenly to cool you down at night. One customer said this mattress is "the right amount of squishiness and support." The Oceano mattress is also Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has been tested rigorously for emission standards. For every mattress sold, Brentwood Home donates to the National Forest Foundation to combat climate change and plant more trees. Brentwood Home offers a one-year sleep guarantee for all mattresses as well as a 25-year limited warranty. Save $300 now when you use the code SNOOZE at checkout.

Shop Now: Brentwood Home Oceano Mattress, from $999, brentwoodhome.com.

Runner Up: Helix Plus

The Helix Plus is rated highly for medium-firm support by GoodBedtesters. Designed for plus-size sleepers, this mattress has nine layers that work together to contour to the body, reinforce edge support (10/10 rating), and relieve pressure points to provide a great night's sleep. With five layers of foam and coils, plus a cooling cover, the Helix Plus mattress is ultra breathable, allowing you to stay cool once asleep. The mattress comes with a 100-night trial period (just return it if it's not for you), and a 15-year warranty to ensure durability. Customers say the Helix Plus has helped them fall asleep and stay asleep longer than other beds they've tried. This mattress comes in a box, and shipping within the U.S. is free. 

Shop Now: Helix Plus mattress, from $849, helixsleep.com.

Top-Rated Medium Mattresses

Best Overall: WinkBeds The WinkBed in Luxury Firm

At a 6.5 on the firmness scale, The WinkBed mattress in luxury firm is a medium-firm mattress, advertised as providing support for back, hip, and shoulder pain. This mattress blends coils and foam for a dense but comfortable foundation and is topped with a soft, gel-infused Euro pillowtop. GoodBed rated this mattress a 10/10 in motion isolation and a 9/10 in repositioning. Try it out for 120 nights risk free, with free shipping and returns. You'll have peace of mind with the full replacement lifetime warranty that comes with this mattress. Customers say the WinkBed mattress has helped with pain relief and brings together soft and firm elements to create support in the right places.

Shop Now: WinkBeds The WinkBed in Luxury Firm, from $1,149, winkbeds.com.

Runner Up: Purple Hybrid Premier 4

The Purple Hybrid Premier 4 mattress uses a unique material Purple developed—called a GelFlex grid—that targets pressure points while providing support to the rest of your body. Using a system of stainless steel coils, plush covering, and the thick GelFlex grid, this Purple mattress is perfect for side sleepers because it cushions your curves while keeping your spine aligned, earning it a 9/10 in repositioning by GoodBed. The grid material also boosts air circulation for better temperature control, which customers say keeps them cool at night. Try the Purple Hybrid Premier 4 mattress for 100 nights, with free shipping and returns. If it's a keeper, you'll benefit from a 10-year warranty. 

Shop Now: Purple Hybrid Premier 4 mattress, from $2,999, purple.com.

Top-Rated Medium-Soft Mattresses

Best Overall: Nest Owl Natural Latex Hybrid

The Owl Natural Latex Hybrid mattress from Nest Bedding combines organic cotton, wool, latex, foam, and coils for a soft feel that still provides back support and pressure relief. GoodBed rated this mattress highly in motion isolation, edge support, temperature control, and environmental responsibility. Specifically, it received a 6/10 in softness, placing this mattress in the category of medium-soft. Customers say this mattress holds its shape, is comfortable, and reduces motion transfer. In order to reduce waste, the Natural Hybrid Latex mattress has a zipper so you can flip the comfort layer and even exchange it for a new one, extending the lifespan of your mattress. This mattress comes with a lifetime warranty, comfort guarantee, and a 100-night trial to see if it fits your needs. 

Shop Now: Nest Owl Natural Latex Hybrid, from $1,049, nestbedding.com.

Runner Up: Tuft & Needle Hybrid

The Tuft & Needle Hybrid mattress has five alternating layers of springs and foam, along with a quilted pillow-top cover, to regulate heat, provide bodily support, and create comfort. GoodBed rated this mattress an 8/10 for edge support thanks to perimeter coils that maximize support, allowing you to sleep all the way to the side without worrying about sinking or rolling off the bed. The mattress also has a cooling ceramic gel to help with heat regulation and airflow. Customers say this mattress cradles and supports the body, reducing aches and pains. They also praised the customer service team at Tuft & Needle. This mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial, free shipping and returns, and a 10-year limited warranty.

Shop Now: Tuft & Needle Hybrid, from $995, tuftandneedle.com.

Top-Rated Soft Mattresses

Best Overall: Birch Natural with Plush Organic Mattress Topper

If you prefer a softer mattress, the Birch Natural mattress with a plush organic mattress topper has six layers, all designed to provide maximum comfort. Starting with a base layer of wool topped with hundreds of individual steel coils, this mattress also includes a latex layer for support, a comfort layer of wool, an organic wool fire retardant, and an organic cotton cover. Then, for extra softness, you can add the optional 3-inch-thick plush organic mattress topper. Free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and pesticides, the Birch Natural mattress is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning this eco-friendly mattress won't release bad emissions. GoodBed rated this mattress 7/10 in softness, with high marks for cushioning, back support, green features, and more. Customers praisethe plush organic mattress topper for the added cushioning, and with the 100-night trial and 25-year warranty, you can enjoy this soft mattress for years to come. 

Shop Now: Birch Natural mattress with Plush Organic Mattress Topper, from $1,249, birchliving.com.

Runner Up: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid in Soft

The Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid mattress in soft will serve you a good night's sleep and more. GoodBed rated this mattress highly for breathability with an 8/10 in temperature control because, in addition to contouring your body with its top layer of foam, this mattress has advanced cooling technology to keep your body temperature in check all night long. It's responsive and moves with your body rather than remaining firm, which also decreases motion transfer. This mattress arrives in a box for convenience and comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Some customers have said that they love the Aurora so muchthat they have replaced every mattress in their house with it. 

Shop Now: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid mattress in Soft, from $999, brooklynbedding.com.

Top-Rated Extra-Soft Mattresses

Best Overall: Beautyrest Black with C-Class Plush Pillow Top

The Beautyrest Black with C-Class Plush Pillow Top mattress is cool to the touch, has an advanced spring system to support all of your pressure points, and, despite its softness, still has enough edge support to keep you from rolling off the bed while you sleep. That's why GoodBed rated this mattress with 8's and 9's out of 10 in categories like softness, motion isolation, back support, and pressure relief. For an additional $700, you can get the "Cooling + Comfort" upgrade, which brings even more breathability (air ventilation), pressure relief, and plush to your good night's sleep. The Beautyrest also lives up to its name; customers say they wake up feeling completely refreshed. Try it yourself with the 100-night in-home trial. Due to manufacturing shortages, you should order this mattress sooner than later to avoid shipping delays. This mattress comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

Shop Now: Beautyrest Black Mattress with C-Class Plush Pillow Top, from $2,949, beautyrest.com.

Runner Up: Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Hybrid Pollock in Ultra Plush

If you enjoy sinking into your bed, with the covers wrapping you up in warmth and coziness, then an ultra-soft mattress may be right for you. The Lux Estate Hybrid Pollock mattress in ultra plush from Stearns & Foster offers this type of indulgence. This hybrid mattress combines supportive coils with the cushioning of memory foam to create a hybrid experience that is both sturdy and incredibly soft. GoodBed rated this mattress 8/10 for softness and cushioning, with 9/10 for pressure relief and motion isolation. Offered with a 10-year warranty, this mattress is praised by customers for its softness, durability, and the quality of sleep that comes with it. Stearns & Foster mattresses are only available at certain retailers such as Raymour & Flanigan, Mattress Firm, US-Mattress, and Denver Mattress. Sleep trials are available, but the duration depends on the specific retailer.

Shop Now: Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Hybrid Pollock Mattress in Ultra Plush, from $3,399, us-mattress.com.

For even more mattress options, take the expert-curated mattress finder quiz at GoodBed.