We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding The 14 Best Mattresses We Slept on Including comfortable options from Purple, Casper, Saatva, and more By Olivia Avitt Olivia Avitt Olivia is a writer and content creator that has written about a wide range of subjects, including health, beauty, relationships, culture, and music. When she's not working, you can find her perusing coffee shops, reading, or catching up on reality TV. People Editorial Guidelines Published on October 15, 2024 07:15AM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Add to Cart What to Know Behind the Scenes Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Ashley Craiger Sleep is crucial for many functions in the body to operate at their peak, from brain cognition and physical performance to mood. There are many outside factors in your life that can affect sleep quality, but one of the most important aspects of a top-tier sleep routine is your mattress. Since the success of a mattress is dependent on your individual needs and preferences, we set out to try the most popular options and give you the most accurate assessment of each. We tested top-rated mattresses from Purple, Casper, Saatva, and Tuft & Needle in our homes to curate a list of our favorites based on comfort, firmness, quality, and price. Keep reading for the best mattresses we’ve tested this year. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress at Saatva $2,395 Jump to Review Best Overall (Cheaper): Casper Sleep Nova Hybrid Mattress at Amazon $2,495 Jump to Review Best Under $500: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress at Amazon $300 Jump to Review Best for Back Pain: Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress at Saatva $3,295 Jump to Review Best for Back Pain (Cheaper): Allswell Hybrid Mattress in a Box at Walmart $284 Jump to Review Best for Side Sleepers: Purple Restore Hybrid Mattress at Amazon $2,249 Jump to Review Best Firm: SALE Nod by Tuft & Needle Mattress at Amazon $499 $400 Jump to Review Best Memory Foam: Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress at Saatva $1,795 Jump to Review Best Cooling: Casper Sleep Wave Hybrid Snow Mattress at Amazon $4,195 Jump to Review Best Adjustable: Saatva Solaire Adjustable Mattress at Saatva $4,495 Jump to Review Best Overall Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress PHOTO: Saatva $2,395 at Saatva Star Qualities Balances between soft and firm, which is ideal for couples with different sleep preferences Molds to the body and supports the lower back and hips Features antimicrobial treatment which may prevent bacteria and mold Red Flags On the pricier side Softness is not for everyone This mattress by Saatva won our vote for best overall because of its relaxed firm feel. It does a good job of balancing firm and soft, making it a great fit for couples with different sleep preferences. Equipped with three layers of CertiPUR-US memory foam, it has a plush feel that will still support you in all the right places. If you suffer from aches and pains, this mattress is also a great choice. We found that morning back and hip pain completely went away after sleeping on the Loom and Leaf consistently for the month-long testing period. We also appreciated the antimicrobial treatment on the cushioned surface, which is designed to prevent the accumulation of mold and mildew. Overall, it was softer than we expected it to be. While it did have some buoyancy to it, we felt a bit of a sinking feeling when lying down. The price also makes this a bit of a splurge, but if you’re going to be sleeping on it every night for years to come, we think it’s worth the price. Height: Not listed | Feel: Relaxed-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king | Warranty: 365-night home trial, lifetime warranty PHOTO: People / Stella Yu PHOTO: People / Stella Yu PHOTO: People / Stella Yu The 10 Best Comforters and Duvet Inserts We Tested for Any Type of Sleeper Best Overall (Cheaper) Casper Sleep Nova Hybrid Mattress PHOTO: Casper $2,495 at Amazon $1,995 at Wayfair View on Casper Star Qualities Molds to your body and provides support where you need it most Designed to keep you cool all night Blends all the best qualities of firm and soft mattresses Red Flags On the pricier side Slight chemical smell when unpacked Casper is known for its cutting-edge features, like Airscape Technology, which boosts airflow and prevents overheating. It’s also known for its ergonomic grooved foam for extra support in sensitive areas like your hips and lower back. While we were initially skeptical about these bells and whistles, they truly lived up to their word. The Nova Hybrid somehow expertly toes the line between firm and soft, which allows you to sink in for maximum comfort but also catches you with a level of firmness that supports your entire body. There’s truly no type of sleeper that this isn’t a great choice for. The biggest con we noticed, besides the slight chemical smell upon taking it out of its packaging, was its price. It isn’t the most expensive mattress on this list, but it’s still on the higher end of mattresses we tested. If you were interested in the Saatva Loom and Leaf but were hesitant about the price, this one would be a more cost-effective option. Height: 12 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Warranty: 100-night free trial, 10-year limited warranty PHOTO: People / Sarah Felbin PHOTO: People / Sarah Felbin The More You Know According to The Sleep Foundation, sleeping in a room that’s too warm can impact your body’s thermoregulation, making it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Making sure your bedroom is cool is key to improving sleep quality, and picking a mattress that has temperature-regulating features is a great way to do that. Best Under $500 Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress PHOTO: Amazon $300 $279 at Amazon $211 at Target Star Qualities Extremely affordable, considering the excellent quality of the memory foam Easy to unbox and free of any odors Noticeably reduced back and hip pain Red Flags None! This mattress from Zinus is not only affordable but also incredibly high quality. Our favorite thing about it is just how luxurious its memory foam surface feels. At first we felt that it was a bit too firm to the touch, but as soon as you lay on it you get that plush, cradled feeling that keeps you comfortable and supported. Our tester, who has a history of back and hip issues, noted that after sleeping on it over time, their pain decreased greatly, and they slept better at night with minimal tossing and turning. We also liked that it came compressed, inflated quickly, and had no chemical odors after being removed from the box. If you’re working on a tight budget or looking to furnish a guest room on a budget, this is a great deal. Height: 12 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king | Warranty: 10-year warranty PHOTO: People / Kristen Morrison PHOTO: People / Kristen Morrison PHOTO: People / Kristen Morrison PHOTO: People / Kristen Morrison PHOTO: People / Kristen Morrison The 5 Best Mattresses Under $500, Tested in Our Homes Best for Back Pain Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress PHOTO: Saatva $3,295 at Saatva Star Qualities One side is slightly more plush and one side is firmer Tester said it was the most comfortable mattress they've ever slept on Limited amount of tossing and turning through the night Red Flags Sits pretty low You know the difference a quality mattress can make if you suffer from chronic back pain. We loved that the Saatva Zenhaven offers two different support levels. Both are medium-firm, but one side of the mattress is slightly softer, and the other side is slightly firmer, so you can choose exactly what works best for you. During testing, we slept on each side for two weeks and our tester said it was the most comfortable mattress they'd ever slept on. They didn't toss and turn throughout the night and felt immediate relief when the testing period began. The one con we noticed was that it’s only 10 inches tall, so it does sit a little bit low to the ground unless you purchase the foundation base with the mattress. Also, as with most online mattress purchases, there was a bit of a lingering smell when we were setting it up. However, for the comfort and quality, we think this mattress is worth the price. Height: 10 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Warranty: 365-night home trial, lifetime warranty PHOTO: People / Bronwyn Barnes PHOTO: People / Bronwyn Barnes Best for Back Pain (Cheaper) Allswell Hybrid Mattress in a Box PHOTO: Walmart $284 at Walmart Star Qualities Distributes body pressure evenly Good balance of firmness and cushion Expands quickly when unboxed Red Flags Doesn’t deliver on the “cooling technology” that’s promised Memory foam feels a bit low quality and doesn’t hold shape This mattress from Allswell is our pick for anyone who deals with back pain and is looking for a cheaper alternative to the Saatva Zenhaven. It’s plush yet supportive so you don’t sink into it. Our tester, who has a history of back pain, noted that there wasn’t any specific area where there was too much pressure, which made them feel cradled and comfortable in all the right places. They did notice some discomfort in their lower back first thing in the morning, but it mostly dissipated after a few minutes of stretching. The biggest con we noticed here was that the touted “cooling technology” didn’t work well. It was cool to the touch upon taking it out of the packaging, but once sheets were placed on top of it, you really couldn’t tell the difference. Aside from that, the memory foam material doesn’t hold shape in the way you’d expect it to. After putting pressure on the surface, it immediately springs back into place. However, it’s a great budget option and still has several features we love. Height: 10 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Warranty: Free 90-day returns PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac Best for Side Sleepers Purple Restore Hybrid Mattress PHOTO: Purple $2,249 at Amazon $2,399 at Wayfair View on Purple Star Qualities Targeted support on hips and shoulders Good for those who struggle with back and neck pain Diffuses heat so you stay cool throughout the night Red Flags On the firmer side, so not the right fit for those who prefer a softer feel Adjustable base sits a bit low to the ground We were impressed by how supportive this mattress was upon lying down for the first time. The gentle foam top layer molds to the body and helps relieve pressure just where you need it. This one won our vote for side sleepers, as they may notice more sensitivity in places like their shoulders and hips. It’s also a great fit for those who struggle with back and neck pain, as the firm surface would give you the support you need. We were impressed at how well it did when it came to temperature regulation. Whether you have a partner who sleeps hot or you struggle with overheating at night, you’ll love how this keeps you cool all night. Because this mattress is so firm, it may take you by surprise when you fall into it, especially if you’re used to sleeping on a softer mattress. Also, the adjustable base sits low to the ground, which may make it harder to get in and out for some. But if you're a side sleeper or struggle with back and neck pain, this one is an excellent option. Height: 11.5 inches | Feel: Firm or soft | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Warranty: 100-night trial, 10-year warranty PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best Firm Nod by Tuft & Needle Mattress PHOTO: Amazon $499 $400 at Amazon Star Qualities Noticeable reduction in pain and discomfort throughout the day Keeps you cool all night long Easy to unbox and assemble Red Flags Low profile, which could present a problem for those with headboards Firm mattresses are a great option for those who need extra support or struggle with back and shoulder pain. This one is not only the firmest mattress we tested but also excellent quality. We were impressed by the quick unboxing process and how cool it felt to the touch. Throughout the weeks-long testing period, our tester noted how cool the bed stayed all night. If you’ve only ever had soft mattresses, you will have an adjustment period with this one. Our tester reported that they experienced neck pain in the initial days of the testing period, but after a few nights, they noticed a positive difference in their energy levels throughout the day and significant comfort at night. The main drawback with this one is the lower profile which, if you have a headboard or bed frame, could cause a visible gap between it and the mattress. Overall, we find this one to be worth the price and highly recommend it if you’re looking for a firm mattress. Height: 8 inches | Feel: Medium | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, queen, king, California king | Warranty: 100-night trial, 10-year warranty PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear Best Memory Foam Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress PHOTO: Saatva $1,795 at Saatva Star Qualities Memory foam contorts to your body and cradles you just where you need it Plush feel supports your shoulders and hips, which is ideal for side sleepers Designed to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold Red Flags Platform sits a bit high from the ground On the softer side, so you may feel the movement of another person in the bed During testing, we felt aches and pains melt away after sleeping on the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress. This one is an ideal pick if you struggle with tension, as it contorts to your body and offers the perfect amount of support. It also moves with you and bounces right back into place with every toss and turn. This mattress would be great for a side sleeper; the hybrid nature harnesses all the best features of soft and firm mattresses, so you can feel plush comfort and support on your shoulders and hips. Because it is slightly on the softer side, you may feel the movement of another person in the bed, especially if you’re a light sleeper. Additionally, the platform that it comes with is on the taller side, which may make it harder for those with mobility issues to get in and out of bed. However, considering how high quality the memory foam is, we found the price completely worth it. Height: Not listed | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Warranty: 365-night home trial, lifetime warranty PHOTO: People / Katrina Cossey PHOTO: People / Katrina Cossey The 9 Best Memory Foam Pillows We Tested for Every Type of Sleeper Best Cooling Casper Sleep Wave Hybrid Snow Mattress PHOTO: Amazon $4,195 at Amazon $1,495 at Wayfair Star Qualities Designed with cooling technology to prevent overheating On the firmer side, so it provides excellent support Memory foam moves with you in your sleep and molds to the body Red Flags Weak edge support may mean sagging in the long term Expensive If you or your partner tend to overheat at night, you’ll love this mattress by Casper. Its multiple layers are designed to drive heat away so that you can stay cool through the night. Our tester found that they stayed asleep longer during testing since they didn’t have to worry about tossing and turning to avoid hot spots. This is also a great fit for those who sleep on their backs — the firmer surface offers support without swallowing you up with too much softness. The main con we found with this one is the weak edge support. Edge support, or the amount of resistance a mattress provides around its edges, is an important feature to evaluate in a mattress, especially if you have a partner and more than one person is putting prolonged pressure on it. Aside from that, it’s on the pricier side of mattresses we’ve tested. But thanks to its smooth, firm surface and temperature-regulating properties, we highly recommend it. Height: 13 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Warranty: 100-night free trial, 10-year limited warranty PHOTO: People / Donna Freydkin PHOTO: People / John Somerall The 10 Best Bamboo Sheets We Tested Are Soft, Breathable, and Cooling Best Adjustable Saatva Solaire Adjustable Mattress PHOTO: Saatva $4,495 at Saatva Star Qualities Adjustable firmness settings and zero motion transfer make this a winner for couples who have differing preferences Pressure-relieving support ideal for back and stomach sleepers On the pricier side of mattresses we tested Red Flags On the firmer side and will probably take time to adjust Do you like reading or watching TV in bed, or do you sleep with a partner whose preferences differ from yours? You may be looking for an adjustable mattress, and the Saatva Solaire Adjustable is an absolute dream. It features 50 firmness settings on both sides, meaning you and your partner can custom-tailor it to your unique preferences. We also found that the memory foam top eliminates motion transfer, so you won’t wake up your partner with tossing and turning — and vice versa. Saatva defines this as “luxury firm,” meaning it is soft yet supportive. But we found that it was on the firmer side and stayed that way. It did start to break in over time and finally had some give, but if you’re expecting something softer, this isn’t it. This mattress is also on the higher end price-wise. Height: Not listed | Feel: Plush but firm | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king, queen upper-flex, king upper-flex | Warranty: 365-night home trial, lifetime warranty PHOTO: People / Sara Michael PHOTO: People / Sara Michael Best for Stomach Sleepers Tuft & Needle T&N Mint Hybrid Mattress PHOTO: Tuft and Needle $1,995 $1,596 at Amazon $2,595 at Tuft & Needle Star Qualities Firm enough to support you in any sleeping position Comfortable to lay on and distributes weight evenly Diffuses heat nicely Red Flags Might be too firm for side sleepers The Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress won our vote for stomach sleepers because of how firm and supportive it is — if you sleep on your stomach, you may find that a firmer mattress does the best job of keeping you comfortable. Our tester is an active sleeper who often ends up on their stomach, and their sleep has improved overall since using this mattress thanks to the pressure relief on their back when lying down. Another feature we appreciate about this mattress is how it diffuses heat and keeps you cool all night — our tester noticed that they spent less time tossing and turning at night trying to move away from hot spots on the mattress’s surface. The one potential drawback we found was that it is firmer, so if you’re a side sleeper, you may find this one uncomfortable. Height: 12 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Warranty: 100-night trial, 10-year warranty PHOTO: People / Abigail Mercer PHOTO: People / Abigail Mercer PHOTO: People / Abigail Mercer Best Organic Naturepedic EOS Organic Pillow Top Mattress PHOTO: Amazon $3,599 at Amazon View on Naturepedic.com Star Qualities Made with organic materials and free of any artificial glues or adhesives Customizable right and left side options let you pick between five firmness levels Comes with 25-year warranty Red Flags On the pricier side Heavy once assembled Whether you're looking for an organic mattress or just want a customizable mattress that will last you for decades, this Naturepedic one is a luxurious option. It's expensive, yes, but it comes with a 25-year warranty, and you can swap out the mid-layers if you decide down the road that you'd prefer a different level of firmness than you originally ordered. Our tester opted for one plush side and one ultra-plush side. They note that the ultra-plush side is excellent for sinking into for a nap or cuddling with their dog, while the plush side is the one they prefer to sleep on at night. The only real con we found was that once it’s assembled, it’s pretty heavy, so make sure to assemble it in its final resting place. It’s also pricier than others we tested, but if you’re looking to make a major investment, we're confident you'll sleep soundly for years. Height: 15 inches | Feel: Customizable | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Warranty: 100-night trial, 25-year limited warranty The 9 Best Linen Sheets, Tested by PEOPLE Best Luxury Purple RejuvenatePlus Mattress PHOTO: Purple View on Purple Star Qualities Pillowy-soft top provides comfort and support, great for those who struggle with back pain Optimal for side and back sleepers Red Flags Stomach sleepers may find that the cushioned top causes some discomfort Very thick, so it might not fit your mattress’s pockets or your bed frame The Purple Rejuvenate Plus is truly life-changing when it comes to comfort and support. What we love most about this mattress is the thick and pillow-soft padding. Its plushness makes you feel cradled, comfortable, and supported. Whether you sleep on your back or side, we loved how this mattress made a noticeable difference in pain levels, even after the first night of testing. The softness of this mattress is due to its thickness, but this could become a problem — coming in at just under 17 inches thick, you definitely can’t expect it to fit the pockets of all standard bed sheets. You may also find that it overtakes your bed frame, so you should measure your sheets and furniture ahead of time to make sure everything fits. This mattress is best for side and back sleepers due to its softness, so stomach sleepers or those who prefer a firmer feel may find it uncomfortable. Coming in at just under $6,000, this is the most expensive mattress on our list. Considering the difference this mattress made on our tester, we find the price point worth it. Height: 16.5 inches | Feel: Soft | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Warranty: 100-night trial, 10-year warranty PHOTO: People / Ashley Craiger PHOTO: People / Ashley Craiger PHOTO: People / Ashley Craiger The Best Silk and Satin Sheets We Tested Are Luxuriously Soft and Comfortable Best for Back Sleepers Tuft & Needle T&N Mint Mattress PHOTO: Nordstrom $1,495 at Amazon $1,595 at Wayfair View on Raymourflanigan.com Star Qualities Memory foam is both incredibly comfortable and supportive Very little motion transfer Red Flags On the pricier side If you frequently fall asleep on your back, consider the Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress. What sets this memory foam mattress apart is its comfort and support. Our tester said the mattress does a great job contouring the body, so there isn’t a lot of movement transfer, which is a bonus for those who toss and turn throughout the night. Not only did this mattress provide ample back support — reducing back pain, keeping the spine in alignment, and providing much-needed pressure relief — it improved our tester’s sleep quality overall. It’s not the most expensive mattress we tested, but it’s definitely not cheap. However, you’re paying for the high quality and likely won’t have to invest in another mattress for a while. Height: 11.5 inches | Feel: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Warranty: 100-night trial, 10-year warranty PHOTO: People / Katrina Cossey PHOTO: People / Katrina Cossey PHOTO: People / Katrina Cossey The 6 Best Down Pillows for a Comfy and Luxurious Night's Sleep Add to Cart If you’re shopping for a mattress, you may also need new accessories for your bed, especially if you’re changing sizes. Start with these PEOPLE-Tested mattress toppers and mattress pads. Casper Comfy Mattress Topper $299 $250 at Amazon $299 at Nordstrom $250 at Target Better Homes & Gardens Waterproof Cotton Mattress Pad $48 at Walmart What to Know About Mattresses Sleep Quality and Comfort Sleep is your body’s time to recover, and mental and physical health starts with good-quality rest. While the amount of hours you sleep is important, the quality is just as important. Your mattress is a major player, and understanding your sleeping habits is key to picking the right one. If you are a light sleeper, a firmer mattress, like the Purple Restore, may be right for you, as it will limit the movement you feel when a partner is tossing and turning. Do you prefer sleeping on your back, side, or stomach? Stomach sleepers should avoid very soft mattresses, as this could put unwanted pressure on the lower back. If you overheat at night, you’ll want to focus on a mattress that has cooling properties — the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow does a great job of diffusing heat. Focusing on features that target your needs is the best way to get maximum comfort and not get overwhelmed by all the options available. Support Do you struggle with aches and pains, especially in the morning? If so, you’ll need a more supportive mattress. Soft mattresses do have their benefits, but they also tend to let you sink into them and allow pressure to accumulate on your joints. A firm mattress will diffuse that pressure by taking on the brunt of it, which will, in turn, help reduce any pain or discomfort you may feel throughout the day. If you're looking to relieve a particular type of pain, such as back pain, Dr. Angelie Mascarinas, a physiatrist trained in interventional spine and musculoskeletal care, recommends a medium-firm mattress, like the one we picked for best back pain relief, the Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress. Quality Besides a car or home, your mattress is perhaps the biggest investment you’ll make. While you may balk at the price, it is always worth the investment. You can’t pour from an empty cup — being well-rested is key for getting the most out of your life, and a quality mattress is the starting point. There are several ways you can tell that a mattress is high quality, one of the biggest being the edge support or the sturdiness around the perimeter of your mattress. Strong edge support prevents the sagging of a mattress over time, which inevitably extends its lifespan. Hybrid mattresses are a great option if you’re looking for strong edge support. While they boast the softness of a memory foam mattress on top, they feature an innerspring core, which is a key ingredient for strong edge support. Price Range and Value The median price of mattresses we tested was $920, which is a good starting point for determining an average. However, the more bells and whistles you want, the higher the price will be. For example, the Saatva Solaire Adjustable Mattress starts at $3,295, but it has adjustable firmness settings on both sides and the ability to adjust the position and angle of both the top and bottom half. It’s safe to say that the more you spend, the more features and qualities you can expect. And while an expensive mattress is always worth an investment, there are still lots of affordable options out there, like this one by Zinus, which is our favorite under-$500 pick. Here’s a good way to look at your mattress purchase: The Purple RejuvenatePlus comes in at just under $5,500. If you do the math to see how much that costs per day over 10 years (the average lifespan of a mattress), it averages out to just under two dollars a day. Does that sound worth it to you for a good sleep? We think yes. People / Bridget Annear Behind the Scenes We tested dozens of mattresses across leading brands like Casper, Saatva, Purple, and Tuft & Needle to bring you a comprehensive list of the best ones on the market. Each mattress was tested over four weeks — and many, for several months — and reviewed for things like how it impacts energy levels, if it reduces or increases aches and pains, and how easy it is to change positions while in bed. Comfort: Our team took notes in real-time to see how comfortable each mattress was. We evaluated how often our testers tossed and turned or were awoken in the night. We also considered the level of firmness or plushness of each selection.Support: We considered how much movement each mattress allowed. Is it a mattress that will bounce if your partner tosses and turns, or will it restrict movement to the area where either person is moving? We also looked at how each tester reported their sleep quality and whether any mattress supported the body well enough to reduce pain and provide relief.Functionality: Mattresses were also tested by a variety of sleepers — from hot to cold sleepers, to side, back, and stomach sleepers, our testers reflect the variety and nuance that you’ll bring when picking out a new mattress.Unboxing: We evaluated how long each mattress took to unbox and expand, whether it came with a chemical smell, and how long it took for the chemical smell to go away. We're also testing mattresses on a rolling basis and will continue to add to this list as we find new ones we love. People / Mary Honeyman-Speichingner Why Trust PEOPLE? Olivia Avitt is a shopping writer for PEOPLE who has written about a wide range of subjects, from the best home products to wellness and art. She has covered a wealth of bedding content for PEOPLE, including the best mattress toppers, duvet covers, mattresses for back pain, mattresses under $500, and cooling pillows, to name a few. For this piece, she thoroughly researched and reviewed new product additions, and updated existing picks with new insights and stats. Testing was done by a wide range of sleepers who used the mattress over four weeks, which allowed them to gather authentic impressions that give you the most accurate picture of how each mattress truly performs. Mattresses were rated through the lens of their respective quality, comfort, support, and value. Our Expert Panel Dr. Angelie Mascarinas is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor trained in interventional spine and musculoskeletal care. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.