Selecting the best mattress is essential for a restful night’s sleep. With so many options available, it can be daunting to sift through the choices to pick the best queen mattress for your needs. That’s why Fortune Recommends™ has conducted extensive testing and research to curate a list of the top ten queen mattresses available.
Our team includes certified sleep science coaches, industry experts, product reviewers, and consumers who offer well-informed and impartial recommendations. We thoroughly evaluate top-quality mattresses based on price, sleep style, and comfort levels to narrow our recommendations to meet various needs and preferences.
Best queen mattress overall
Our top pick for the best overall queen mattress is the Helix Midnight . This mid-range hybrid mattress provides comfort and support, making it an excellent choice for side sleepers and those with back pain. Read on for full details and testing notes to see why the Helix Midnight earned our highest recommendation.
Our picks for the best queen mattresses
- Best overall: Helix Midnight
- Best memory foam: Nectar Memory Foam
- Best cheap: Emma Mattress Hybrid Comfort
- Best for back pain: Wink Beds The WinkBed
- Best in a box: Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid
- Best firm: Nolah Evolution Firm
- Best for side sleepers: Saatva Classic
- Best hybrid: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
Our picks for the best queen mattresses
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| Helix Midnight | Nectar Memory Foam | Emma Mattress Hybrid Comfort | Wink Beds The WInkBed | Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid | Nolah Evolution Firm | Saatva Classic | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Price | $1,374 | $1,099 | $1,319 | $1,799 | $2,305 | $2,499 | $2,095 | $1,865 |
| Material | Hybrid (Memory foam, other foams, coils) | Memory foam | Hybrid (Memory foam, pocket springs) | Hybrid (Foam, pocketed coils, Phase Change Material) | Hybrid (Memory foam, pocketed coils) | Hybrid (Foam, coils) | Hybrid (Foam, coils, plant fiber) | Hybrid (Foam, coils, Phase Change Material) |
| Firmness | 6.5/10 (Medium) | 6.5/10 (Medium-firm) | 6/10 (Medium) | 6.5/10 (Medium-firm) | 6/10 (Medium) | 8/10 (Firm) | 5/10 (Plush soft) | 5/10 (Medium) |
| Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights |
Best overall queen mattress: Helix Midnight
Key product features
What you should know
Helix Midnight is a top choice for its balanced comfort and support. It provides cooling, pressure relief, and accommodates all sleeping positions at an affordable price. Side sleepers will especially benefit from just-right contouring for the hips, keeping the spine in alignment.
- We found Helix Midnight to be exceptionally comfortable for side sleepers.
- The mattress offers great value at $1,373.
- The Helix Midnight is ideal for those who need a balance of softness and support.
- It features a hybrid design with memory foam and coils.
- The mattress provides excellent pressure relief and spinal alignment.
Why we like Helix Midnight as best overall
Helix Midnight earns its spot as our pick for the best overall queen mattress because it balances comfort and support exceptionally well and is ideal for all types of sleepers, including those with back pain. Our testing and research show that this mattress is top-notch in several categories that help create an ideal sleep experience, including pressure relief, cooling, and medium-firm support. ( 1 )
The Helix Midnight features a hybrid design that combines the contouring comfort of memory foam with the responsive support of coils. The memory foam layers conform to the body to alleviate pressure points, while the coils offer hardy support for optimal spinal alignment. A cooling pillow top helps keep overheating and sweating at bay, which can disturb sleep and impact overall sleep quality. ( 2 )
Our tester was particularly impressed with the Helix Midnight’s ability to accommodate different sleeping positions. As soon as our tester, who suffers from chronic back pain, laid on this mattress for the first time, they noticed significant pressure relief in their back and hips. They felt it provides good support and keeps the spine aligned, preventing hip sinkage that can lead to low back pain. ( 1 )
Priced in the mid-range at $1,373, the Helix Midnight has excellent value for its quality. It has features typical of more expensive mattresses, such as zoned lumbar support and a breathable cover. Meanwhile, a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty provide peace of mind and ample time to decide if it’s the right fit for you.
While the Helix Midnight has many strengths, there are some drawbacks to consider as well. Depending on preference, some users may find the mattress too soft or too firm, so it is best suited for those who like an in-between level of support. Also, as with most memory foam products, there is a slight off-gassing period when the mattress is unpacked, which may bother some people.
Overall, the Helix Midnight is a well-rounded, balanced choice. Its combination of memory foam and coils makes for a perfect balance between comfort and support. It’s a great value at a mid-range price point that doesn’t sacrifice material quality or durability. Its medium firmness is ideal for side sleepers looking for pressure relief or back sleepers needing spinal alignment.
Specs
| Price | $1,373 |
| Material | Memory foam, coils, knit cover |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
Best memory foam queen mattress: Nectar Memory Foam
Key product features
What you should know
Nectar Premier stands out for its luxurious memory foam feel. It helps regulate temperature for a comfortable sleeping experience and is made from safer, low-VOC-certified materials. Its lifetime warranty and year-long trial period are industry gold standards.
- The mattress’s versatile support works for back, side, and stomach sleepers.
- The mattress comes with a lifetime warranty and a 365-night trial period.
- The Nectar Memory Foam is perfect for side sleepers who need contouring support and couples looking for motion isolation.
- The mattress features cooling technology to help regulate temperature.
Why we like Nectar Memory Foam as best memory foam
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is versatile, comfortable, and supportive, with low motion transfer and ideal pain relief. Rated as a medium-firm (6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale), it strikes a sweet spot for all types of sleepers. The top layer of gel-infused memory foam provides a plush, contouring feel that cradles your body and reduces pressure points. This 2-inch layer also helps with cooling by breaking up the dense memory foam to allow airflow, so sleep isn’t interrupted by overheating, a common issue with traditional memory foam mattresses. ( 3 ) ( 4 )
If you share your bed with a partner or pet, and one of you tends to toss and turn, motion isolation is a key feature to look for in a mattress. Our testers found that the Nectar excels in this area thanks to its 3-inch layer of responsive polyfoam that effectively absorbs movement, making you less likely to wake up from your partner’s tossing and turning. ( 5 ) A clever 7-inch support layer of dense polyfoam at the base of the mattress resists sagging and helps with edge support, making it easier to get in and out of bed. This feature is ideal for people who like to sit on the edge of the bed or couples who need every inch of space.
The foam used in the Nectar Mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it is free from harmful chemicals and has low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Environmental Working Group recommends low-VOC mattresses to avoid health problems and improve indoor air quality. ( 6 ) Products with this certification have also been tested for performance and durability. ( 7 )
There are a couple of noteworthy downsides to The Nectar. Despite the gel infusion, the mattress may be hotter than some competitor mattresses. While it’s ideal for relieving pressure points on the hips and shoulders, spinal alignment for back sleepers may not be as good as other brands.
What customers are saying
Amazon Reviewers are consistently impressed with Nectar’s blend of comfort and support in this memory foam mattress. With over 7,000 reviewers, it earns 4.3 stars overall.
Verified Amazon customer Cori H. admitted they were skeptical at first. Still, they gave the mattress time and ended up loving it: “It’s super comfortable, and the movement doesn’t affect everyone sleeping in the bed. It reminds me of that wine commercial mattress. I haven’t done wine, but I’ve done a glass of water, and it held place while I got off the bed. It hugs your body without making you feel like you’re sinking into the mattress. It’s super comfortable, and the mattress shaped itself out a few days after my initial review. I don’t have any body pains, I sleep better, and even my husband doesn’t snore as much or as loud when he does snore. It’s definitely a difference from when he falls asleep on the couch watching TV. We’re grateful we gave it time and kept it! It’s a gem for a fraction of the cost of other mattresses.”
I first tried this brand when I slept in my friend’s guest bedroom,” says Amazon reviewer Edna C. “The sleep quality was phenomenal. It was the best sleep I’d had. When it came time to upgrade our bed, we did not hesitate to buy this Nectar because we’d tried it at my friend’s place. The performance is thick, and the foam is comfortable. It is temperature-regulating. I’m a cold sleeper, and my husband is a hot sleeper. We are both super comfortable at night and experience the best sleep.”
However, some reviewers perceived the mattress as being too firm. For example, verified Amazon customer “JS” describes, “This bed is very firm—it is not medium firmness in any way. The bed came out of the box and expanded to a normal-looking mattress; I was impressed. The overall quality is very high. Everything was going great until I lay on the mattress. It is hard and in no way medium or even remotely soft. Some people who love a firm—actually hard—mattress may find this perfect. For me, it is just too hard. I even put a foam topper on it, but it was still too hard.”
Specs
| Price | $1,099 |
| Material | Replace |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best cheap queen mattress: Emma Mattress Hybrid Comfort
Key product features
What you should know
The Emma Hybrid Comfort offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. Its air-filled foam helps dissipate body heat to keep you cool and sweat-free. Solid construction and enhanced edge support prevent sagging and add to the durability of the mattress for even more value.
- Our testers appreciated the Hybrid Comfort’s strong core support.
- The mattress is highly affordable at $1,319 without sacrificing comfort.
- It’s suitable for all sleeping positions.
- The Emma Mattress Hybrid Comfort provides good pressure relief with pocket springs and memory foam.
- The mattress features cooling technology using air-filled foam to keep you sweat-free.
Why we like Emma Hybrid Comfort as best cheap
The Emma Comfort Hybrid Mattress is a durable option at an affordable price without compromising quality. It combines memory foam and pocket springs that balance comfort and support, rivaling more expensive options.
Memory foam molds to your body and pocket springs offer support to prevent you from sinking too far into the mattress. This helps keep your spine properly aligned throughout the night, which is great for people with back pain.
The Emma Comfort Hybrid mattress is built to last, resist sagging, and retain its shape over time. It also has reinforced edge support to use the entire mattress surface without feeling like you might roll off. Thanks to individually wrapped pocket springs, it absorbs and prevents movement from transferring across the bed, so you won’t be disturbed by your bedmate stirring during the night.
Another standout feature is the inclusion of a breathable Airgocell® foam layer that’s half air to boost airflow and help dissipate heat. Our testing found that the mattress stayed cool throughout the night, even in warmer conditions. This feature is beneficial for hot sleepers who often wake up feeling overheated.
Overall, our tester found the Emma Comfort Hybrid a well-rounded mattress that works well for most sleeping positions. It felt comfortable and supportive, with excellent motion isolation and temperature regulation. However, they did notice that it took a few nights to fully adjust to the firmness level. Some users, especially lighter-weight people, might find the mattress too firm, especially if they prefer a softer sleeping surface.
The Emma Comfort Hybrid is an excellent value for money at a significantly lower price point than many other hybrid mattresses on the market. It’s a cheap mattress that doesn’t skimp on quality, so more people can enjoy a quality sleep experience, even on a budget.
Specs
| Price | $1,319 |
| Material | Memory foam, other foams, pocket springs |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best queen mattress for back pain: Wink Beds The WinkBed
Key product features
What you should know
The WinkBed is designed to alleviate back pain with its specialized support. It has gel-infused foam that cushions joints and padded lumbar support to ease back pain. You can choose from four firmness options to ensure you get ideal support and comfort for your needs.
- Our testers found the Winkbed excellent for lumbar support.
- The mattress offers durable quality for a reasonable price at $1,799.
- It’s ideal for those suffering from back pain.
- The mattress is available in multiple firmness options.
- It features cooling technology for temperature regulation.
Why we like The WinkBed as the best for back pain
Research shows that mattress quality is significantly linked to low back pain. The firmness of the mattress and how long it has been used are the main factors affecting spinal alignment, pressure distribution, and sleep quality. Older mattresses may worsen lower back pain symptoms, so choosing a quality, durable mattress is a good defense against back pain. ( 8 )
The WinkBed Mattress combines the benefits of both innerspring and foam. It has a Euro-pillow top with gel-infused foam for a plush surface and a lumbar pad that immediately relieves pressure, which is particularly beneficial for people with back pain. Multiple firmness options are available, including the Plus option with an additional latex support layer, ideal for heavier people and optimal for relieving pressure in the spine. ( 9 )
Beneath this, the mattress has a layer of individually wrapped coils for targeted support and proper spinal alignment.
While testing the luxury firm, we found The WinkBed to be a well-rounded mattress that works for most sleeping positions. It’s comfortable and supportive, with excellent motion isolation and temperature regulation. However, our tester noticed it took a few nights to fully adjust to the firmness level.
Our tester noted that the mattress is plush and soft for back sleepers with excellent lumbar support that maintains spinal alignment, which is crucial for preventing and alleviating back pain. ( 10 ) They enjoyed the firmness for back sleeping, stating, “My body felt lifted except for slight sinkage around my hips, spine stayed in neutral alignment, didn’t eliminate my back pain but still felt comfortable to sleep on.”
The WinkBed has a breathable Tencel cover and gel-infused foam designed to promote airflow and dissipate heat. In our testing experience, the mattress stayed cool throughout the night, even during warmer months. Our tester confirmed that “the cover is breathable, and coils help provide airflow throughout the mattress but don’t necessarily feel cool to the touch.”
Our tester also reported that the edge support was sturdy and supportive when sitting on the edge of the bed, and it wasn’t slippery; however, there was quite a bit of sinkage when sitting on the corner of the bed. Plus, some users might find the luxury firm mattress a bit too firm, especially if they prefer a softer sleeping surface. However, several firmness options start at “soft” (actually medium firm), which is 4.5/10 for firmness.
The Winkbed comes with the Duratech Lifetime Durability System, which includes third-party durability testing certifications. According to the company, it has been proven that the mattress sags less than 2% over 20 years of use. While The WinkBed is priced higher than other options on the market, its quality and features justify the cost, especially for people with chronic back pain.
Specs
| Price | $1,799 |
| Material | Hybrid (combination of innerspring and foam) |
| Firmness | Soft, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best queen mattress in a box: Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid
Key product features
What you should know
Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid combines convenience with high-quality materials. It has luxury materials including copper and gel-infused foams for cooling and antimicrobial benefits. It is also versatile, with balanced support and comfort for all body types and sleeping styles.
- We appreciate the Elite Hybrid’s firm support and pressure relief.
- The mattress is durable and easy to set up.
- It’s great for all sleepers with supportive pocket springs and a plush top.
- The Bear Mattress features advanced airflow technology for cooling.
- It offers a balanced feel of comfort and support.
Why we like Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid as best in a box
The Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress comes conveniently in a box and combines the benefits of memory foam and pocket springs for a supportive yet plush sleeping surface. It’s also durable and available in three firmness levels. We tested the medium, which has a balanced amount of firmness.
During our testing, we found that the mattress offered a good balance of softness and support. The pocket springs add a level of support that prevents you from sinking too deeply, which helps maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night. Our tester felt supported the entire time they used the mattress and noted most body types and sleeping positions should feel comfortable on the Bear Elite Hybrid.
The mattress has a breathable Celliant cover and cooling gel-infused foam layers for better airflow and less heat. The foam is also copper-infused, which can help with cooling and has antimicrobial properties. ( 10 ) We found that it stayed cool throughout the night and was airy and plush to the touch.
Durability is another strong point for the Bear Elite Hybrid. The mattress resists sagging and maintains its shape over time. However, we noticed that while the mattress felt sturdy overall, the edges did not provide as much support as the center when sitting at the side of the bed. It still offers excellent support when lying partly off the bed, and our tester felt the mattress was ideal for people with mobility issues.
Heavy sleepers might not find the medium firm as supportive as they need, particularly when sleeping on their side. Our testing confirmed that the mattress tends to err on the softer side, which might not be ideal for everyone. For most people, it’s an excellent choice for any sleeping position, including combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night. However, if this mattress isn’t the right fit for you, you can browse our roundup of the best mattresses-in-a-box to find more excellent options.
Specs
| Price | $2,305 |
| Material | Memory foams, other foams, encased springs |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best firm queen mattress: Nolah Evolution Firm
Key product features
What you should know
Nolah Evolution Firm provides a firm yet comfortable sleeping surface. It’s made from deep coils that are thicker at the edges for durability and additional edge support. The mattress also has excellent pressure relief, cooling, and lumbar support thanks to a quilted topper and open-cell memory foam, along with specialized support zoning.
- The Nolah Evolution Firm is long-lasting but comes at a high price point.
- The mattress is ideal for back and stomach sleepers.
- The mattress features advanced airflow technology for cooling.
- The Nolah Evolution firm offers great pressure relief.
Why we like Nolah Evolution Firm as best firm
The Nolah Evolution Firm mattress is unique from other firm mattresses because it has coils grouped into three zones to provide specific support where it’s most needed, especially in the lumbar area. This design helps align the spine and relieve pressure points, and the firm design is especially supportive for back and stomach sleepers.
The mattress has individually wrapped coils that allow for independent movement and work with the foam to reduce disruptions when one partner moves at night. Thicker edge coils provide stronger support and make getting in and out of bed easier. At eight inches, the coils offer deep support and are designed to maintain the mattress’s shape and comfort over time. Underneath it all, the coils rest on a layer of recycled plant fibers, boosting the mattress’s stability and durability.
Another standout feature is the mattress’s ability to keep you cool overnight. The top four inches of the mattress are surrounded by a border gusset, which allows air to escape and prevents overheating. It also has a cooling cover and breathable open-cell foam that doesn’t react to body heat like traditional memory foam, which is ideal if you tend to sleep hot. ( 12 )
If you’re a lightweight side sleeper, you might find the mattress too firm, as it doesn’t offer the same level of contouring as softer mattresses. If you’re a strict stomach sleeper, you might also find it too firm. If you love the hugging feel of memory foam, this mattress might not be a good fit, so consider one of the other firmness options if you’re interested in a Nolah Evolution mattress.
At $2,499, the Nolah Evolution Firm is priced in the higher range, but it comes with a 120-night sleep trial you can take advantage of to ensure it’s the perfect match for your needs. Plus, it has a lifetime warranty if any problems arise.
What customers are saying
The Nolah Evolution is a hot topic on Reddit threads, with many reviewers boasting about how comfortable the mattress is.
Reddit user “Masterpiece-Weekly” shares, “I have had the Evolution 15 mattress since 2022, and I have zero regrets. The edge support is great, and the reinforced zones make a difference for me.”
Another Reddit user described how the firm version of the mattress has helped tremendously with their back issues: “The firmest version of the Evolution 15 is the greatest of all time. I’ve had mine for a while, and it almost completely solved my back pain. It’s just completely gone—from one mattress.”
Reddit user “rainyday421” wasn’t overly impressed with the motion isolation, stating, “I have this mattress and can weigh in on motion transfer. It’s 10 times better than latex, but I can still feel my partner shift around. I’d rate it average—worse than memory foam but not bad.”
Specs
| Price | $2,499 |
| Material | Hybrid (Coils, Foam, Quilted Topper) |
| Firmness | Plush, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best queen mattress for side sleepers: Saatva Classic
Key product features
What you should know
Saatva Classic is tailored for side sleepers with its plush, zoned support system. It’s made from eco-friendly materials including a hypoallergenic organic cover and is delivered with a white glove service free of charge.
- We loved Saatva Classic’s plush and zoned support.
- The Saatva Classic is made from high-quality materials which justify the price.
- This mattress is perfect for all sleeping positions, especially side sleepers.
- The mattress features a breathable cover for cooling.
- The Saatva Classic offers excellent pressure relief and spinal alignment.
Why we like Saatva Classic as best for side sleepers
Sleeping on your side is likely the most effective sleep position, as research points to fewer awakenings and better sleep quality in this position compared to others. ( 13 ) The Saatva Classic mattress has earned its reputation as a top choice for side sleepers, and our firsthand testing confirms why. This luxury mattress offers comfort and support that caters specifically to the needs of side sleepers.
It’s innerspring design offers exceptional pressure relief. During our testing, we noticed that the mattress did an excellent job aligning the spine and contouring around the shoulders and hips, critical pressure points for side sleepers. ( 14 ) The plush Euro pillow top and the zoned support system work together to alleviate pressure, making it easier to stay comfortably sleeping all night.
The Saatva Classic has a zoned support system ideal for side sleepers. It creates firmer and softer support in the lumbar region around the shoulders and hips. Our tester noted the mattress felt incredibly sturdy and plush and was responsive, making it easy to switch positions during the night.
Edge support is often overlooked, but it’s essential for side sleepers who tend to move around a lot. The Saatva Classic excels in this area, offering some of the best edge support we’ve tested. When our tester was lying half off the bed, they still felt comfortable and not at risk of rolling off. This feature is handy for couples who need a maximal sleeping area.
Regarding cooling, the Saatva Classic has a breathable cover and a coil-based support system that promotes airflow. During our testing, we found that the mattress felt airy and soft, which makes for a cooler sleeping experience.
Lightweight side sleepers might find the mattress a tad too firm, especially if they prefer a more enveloping feel. In such cases, we recommend considering the plush model of the Saatva Classic, which offers the same high-quality construction with a softer feel.
The Saatva Classic costs $2,095 for a queen-size at full price, which puts it in the higher range. However, it comes with a 365-night trial to test the fit and a lifetime warranty for peace of mind on your investment.
Specs
| Price | $2,095 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam, coils) |
| Firmness | Plush soft, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best hybrid queen mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
Key product features
What you should know
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling offers a luxurious hybrid experience with plenty of bells and whistles such as advanced cooling tech that keeps you within an ideal body temperature range all year long. It’s also extremely durable due to pocketed steel coils, premium foams, and advanced edge support.
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling is a high-end mattress with premium features.
- The mattress is suitable for all types of sleepers.
- The Aurora Luxe features advanced temperature control.
- Premium foams and pocketed coils in the mattress provide superior comfort.
Why we like Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling as best hybrid
With the support of innerspring coils and the comfort of foam layers, The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a versatile choice for a wide range of sleepers. The foam and coils combination gives a comfortable and supportive feel without being too soft or firm.
The hybrid construction includes durable pocketed steel coils in the base layer, which help with longevity and support over the years and also improve the mattress’s edge support. The multiple foam layers work together to offer excellent pressure relief. The top layers contour to your body, alleviating pressure points, especially around the shoulders and hips.
The Aurora Luxe comes in three firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm. You can choose the level of support that best suits your sleeping position and personal preference. Side sleepers might prefer the soft or medium options for their pressure-relieving qualities, while back and stomach sleepers might find the firm option more supportive.
Many studies have shown that falling and staying asleep are linked to body temperature. Body temperature follows a 24-hour cycle, decreasing during sleep and increasing when awake. This is important for healthy sleep, not just in hot or cold weather but even overnight. ( 15 )
One of the most impressive features is the mattress’s cooling technology. The top layer is infused with a phase-change material that helps to regulate your body temperature throughout the night. ( 16 ) When the material heats up, it changes from a solid to a liquid to absorb excess heat, helping to cool the body. When the body cools down, the material releases the stored heat as it changes back to a solid state, providing warmth.
While the Aurora Luxe offers many benefits, it’s important to note that it’s priced on the higher end, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget. However, considering its high-quality construction and advanced features, many might find it worth the investment. Brooklyn Bedding often offers discounts, which can make the mattress more affordable.
Specs
| Price | $1,865 |
| Material | Hybrid (Foam, Coils, Phase Change Material) |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Trial | 120 Nights |
How we test mattresses
Strong clinical and scientific research is a solid starting place, but we go beyond desk work. Our thorough approach to mattress reviews involves a professional team of certified sleep science coaches, industry experts, and consumers who physically test mattresses. We meticulously evaluate every product and provide custom images to support our findings, ensuring the accuracy of our results. For more details, you can check out our complete mattress testing methodology .
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
A high-quality mattress should feel like it’s designed to provide you with the best sleep of your life. They should also deliver on the promise of a great sleep experience. Our sleep science coaches assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the mattress as well as the user’s sleep experience. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Temperature regulation
- Motion isolation
- Edge support
- Technology
Comfort and support—30%
Alongside the sleep experience, comfort and support are just as important for a healthy and restful sleep. A high-quality mattress should assist in providing relief with certain aches and pains a user may experience when sleeping. It should also help users wake up feeling energized and rested. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Firmness
- Pressure relief
- Spinal alignment support
- Customization
Value—20%
Assessing value involves a meticulous examination of several key factors that contribute to a mattress’s worth. A mattress priced just within reach of its target audience yet surpasses competitors in terms of materials, performance, and support presents a compelling value proposition. However, value is not solely determined by the lowest price point. We also determine it by balancing cost and a mattress’s tangible benefits.
Customer experience—10%
Sometimes, the mattress can be great, but if the overall shopping experience wasn’t, that could easily put a sour taste in a user’s mouth about the mattress they just purchased. We put in the hours to determine how well the entire process of buying a mattress matches users’ expectations and what options are available when something goes wrong.
- Shipping
- Warranty
- Customer service
- Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%
It’s important to understand that a mattress is more than just a sleeping surface—it’s an environment where you spend a significant portion of your life. We meticulously assess critical aspects of mattresses that may directly impact your well-being and peace of mind.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure
- Safety certifications
What to consider when shopping for the best queen mattress
Choosing the right queen mattress will mean a better chance of getting all-important quality sleep, which is essential for overall health. Here are some key factors to keep in mind as you sift through all the options:
Sleep position
Your preferred sleep position should be top of mind when selecting a mattress since different positions do best with varying levels of support and comfort:
- Stomach sleepers : Typically need a firm to extra firm mattress to prevent their hips from sinking and misaligning the spine. A supportive surface helps maintain proper alignment and reduces the risk of back pain.
- Side sleepers : Should look for a balanced mattress with ample support and a plush layer to cradle pressure points around the hips and shoulders. This helps alleviate discomfort and promotes better sleep quality.
- Back sleepers : Like stomach sleepers, they need a firm mattress to keep their spine aligned and prevent sinking hips. A medium-firm mattress with gentle body contouring can help alleviate joint pain and pressure.
Materials
The type of materials used in a mattress will impact how comfortable, supportive, and durable it is:
- Innerspring : Provide good support with minimal sinkage and tend to sleep cooler, making them a good option for those who overheat at night.
- Memory foam : Contour to the body, offering excellent pressure relief for the hips and shoulders. However, they can retain heat, which might be uncomfortable for hot sleepers.
- Hybrid : Combine the benefits of innerspring and foam, offering support and comfort. They often include cooling technologies to mitigate heat retention.
Special features
- Motion transfer : If you share your bed, motion transfer is worth considering. Memory foam mattresses are typically the best at isolating motion, but high-quality hybrid mattresses with dense foam can also have good motion isolation.
- Edge support : Good edge support increases the usable surface area of your bed and makes it easier to get in and out. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses generally provide superior edge support compared to all-foam models.
- Cooling tech : If you tend to sleep hot, cooling technology is an essential feature to consider. Many modern mattresses incorporate advanced cooling materials and designs to help regulate temperature. Look for features like gel-infused memory foam, breathable covers, and phase-change materials that absorb and dissipate heat.
Trial period and return policy
Shopping for a mattress online can be challenging, so many companies offer sleep trial periods and free returns to help the process seem less daunting. Familiarize yourself with the return policies and any associated fees before making a purchase to ensure you have the flexibility to find the perfect fit.
Customer reviews
While brand websites provide product details, you’ll get more of a human touch by reading customer reviews that offer real insights into a mattress’s performance, feel, and durability. Reading reviews can help you make a more informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls.
How much does a queen mattress cost?
The cost of a queen mattress can vary widely depending on the materials, brand, and features. You can expect to pay between $500 and $2,500 on average. Budget options typically start around $500 with basic comfort and support, while mid-range mattresses, priced between $1,000 and $1,500, typically include special features like cooling technology and superior support systems. Premium models, which can cost upwards of $2,000, usually have luxury materials and certifications, are extra durable, and have extensive (often lifetime) warranties. Consider what you need and your preferences, and compare options against your budget to be sure you get the best value for your investment.
Who should sleep on a queen-size mattress?
Queen-sized mattresses are big enough for couples, especially medium—or smaller individuals, single people with pets, or large bedrooms. They are also ideal for single people who toss and turn a lot or have space to spread out. Larger couples, those with kids who often join them at night, or couples who both tend to spread out during sleep might do better with a larger size.
FAQs
What is the best queen mattress to buy?
The best queen mattress to buy depends on your budget, specific needs, and preferences. For overall quality and comfort, we recommend the Helix Midnight due to its balanced support and pressure relief. If you prefer a hybrid mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is an excellent choice for its cooling technology and versatile firmness options. For a luxury option with organic and natural materials in mind, the Saatva Classic is a luxury innerspring hybrid option with supremely comfortable and excellent reviews.
How thick should a queen mattress be?
A queen mattress can range from eight to 14 inches thick, including slim, standard, and thick sizes. A standard thickness of 10 to 12 inches works for most adults to balance comfort, support, and durability. Thicker mattresses often have more layers that improve support and pressure relief, making them versatile for multiple sleep positions and body sizes.
How often should you replace a queen mattress?
On average, a queen mattress should be replaced at least every seven to 10 years, but the timeframe can vary depending on the quality of the mattress and how well it is maintained. Some research suggests on average, people use a mattress for about seven years, with a range of about three and a half to nearly 10 years, and the older a mattress gets, the more likely it will contribute to low back pain. Signs that it’s time to replace your mattress include sagging, losing support, waking with low back pain, and feeling uncomfortable during sleep. ( 8 )
What are the dimensions of a queen-size mattress?
A standard queen-size mattress usually measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, with a height ranging from eight inches to over 14 inches. This sizing typically gives enough space for two average-sized adults to sleep comfortably. However, actual sizes can vary slightly depending on the brand and model, so it’s important to check the specific product details when buying a new mattress.
Our experts
Dr. Kristen Casey
Dr. Casey is a licensed clinical psychologist, and an EMT prior to that. She obtained a doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) from Midwestern University, and completed an APA-Accredited internship and optional post-doctoral fellowship at the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is licensed in several states via PSYPACT.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Rachel MacPherson, CPT, CSCS, CENS
Fortune Recommends Writer