A 2024 NapLab survey of 4,300 people found that 87% of us are side sleepers (at least some of the time), making it the most popular sleeping position by a large margin. That being said, side sleepers have their unique set of preferences and needs when it comes to achieving optimal support and comfort.
Our best mattress for side sleepers guide highlights the best-performing mattresses at a range of price points and firmnesses, all designed to meet the specific needs of side sleepers.
With that in mind, let’s get started.
Top Pick
Winkbed
Winkbed is our top pick for the best mattress for side sleepers. It is the #1 best mattress we’ve tested to date, considering over 310+ mattresses tested. It has exceptional performance and is still a great value, priced at $1499 for a queen mattress.
The 9 Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Winkbed – Best Overall
- Saatva Classic – Best for Couples
- Leesa Sapira – Best for Cooling
- Nolah Natural – Best for Natural Materials
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best for Pressure Relief
- Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid – Best for Soft Feel
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Value
- Helix Midnight Elite – Best for Plus-Sized Sleepers
- Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite – Best Budget
| Mattress Name | Overall Score | Type | Firmness | Price | Read Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winkbed | 9.82 | Hybrid | Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), Slightly Firm (7) | $1,499 | Review |
| Saatva Classic | 9.74 | Coil | Soft (3.5), Medium (5.5), Firm (8) | $1,795 | Review |
| Leesa Sapira | 9.50 | Hybrid | Medium-Firm (6) | $1,499 | Review |
| Nolah Natural | 9.42 | Latex Hybrid | Medium (5) | $1,449 | Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | 9.33 | Hybrid | Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), and Firm (8) | $1,699 | Review |
| Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid | 9.24 | Memory Foam Hybrid | Extra Soft (3.5) | $2,199 | Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 9.24 | Memory Foam Hybrid | Soft, Medium-Firm, Slightly Firm | $1,614 | Review |
| Helix Midnight Elite | 9.23 | Hybrid | Medium (5.5) | $2,999 | Review |
| Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite | 9.29 | Hybrid | Medium-Firm (6) | $929 | Review |
Our Testing & Selection Process
320+
Mattresses Tested
To Date
43
Data Points Tested
On Each Mattress
98
Mattress Brands Tested To Date
Each best list is put through a customized performance analysis with specialized consideration given to our objective & data-driven performance tests. In addition, we consider mattress type, design, materials, value, price, and more.
For our Best Mattress for Side Sleepers list, we based our selections on the best-scoring mattresses, according to our battery of testing and formulaic-driven scoring.
Our tests analyze performance across 8 critical factors, including cooling, motion transfer, response time, edge support, sex, pressure relief, off-gassing, and company. In addition, we also test sinkage and bounce (though these are not scoring factors).
Our tests include objective and quantifiable data whenever possible. In addition, we use subjective assessment supported by data to round out our testing process.
Our scores are based on mathematical formulas and equations that utilize inputs from our data-driven testing.
In choosing the best mattresses for side sleepers we looked at the totality of all of our tests, scores, data, and reviews to date. We analyzed this data alongside our established best mattress framework here.
In addition to achieving a high-performance score, all mattresses on this list had to have an extra soft (3 out of 10), soft (4 out of 10), medium (5 out of 10) or medium-firm (6 out of 10) feel. Most side sleepers are most comfortable at the 3-6 firmness range, where 10 is the most firm.
When selecting the best mattress for side sleepers, we’re looking at a combination of overall scoring performance, firmness, and US availability.
To be included within this best of list all mattresses:
- Had to have a firmness of 3-6 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm. This ranges from extra soft to medium-firm.
- Had to have a performance of 9.20 or higher
- Had to be available within the USA
- Latex and latex hybrid mattresses were limited to the top 10% picks by score (1 mattress). Latex has a polarizing feel that some love and some hate. It’s a far more polarizing feel than poly foam or memory foam. See our best latex mattresses list for more.
Outliers that met the criteria above, but were still excluded for other various reasons are listed below.
| Mattress | Score | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Helix Plus Elite | 9.60 | Only for heaviest-weighted sleepers |
| Saatva Latex Hybrid | 9.48 | Brand duplicate; performance does not beat that of the Saatva Classic |
| Winkbed Plus | 9.37 | Only for heaviest-weighted sleepers |
| Diamond Flurry Luxe | 9.32 | Brand is not well known by consumers |
| Helix Plus | 9.29 | Only for heaviest-weighted sleepers |
| Nolah Evolution 15 | 9.28 | Brand duplicate; performance does not beat that of the Nolah Natural |
| Saatva HD | 9.28 | Only for heaviest-weighted sleepers |
| Avocado Eco | 9.26 | Latex hybrid option, more polarizing feel is not usually ideal for side sleepers |
| Amerisleep AS3 | 9.25 | Brand duplicate; this is the medium version of the AS5. |
| Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid | 9.24 | Brand duplicate; performance does not beat that of the Saatva Classic |
| Helix Plus Luxe | 9.24 | Only for heaviest-weighted sleepers |
Our Testing Team
Derek
Lead Tester
Kayla
Writer
Kyle
Tester
Nathan
Tester
Samantha
Data Analyst
Side Sleeper Firmness Guide
Most side sleepers need a mattress in the 5-6 out of 10 firmness range, which is between a medium and medium-firm feel. However, many side sleepers will enjoy extra soft (3-3.5) and soft (4-4.5) firmnesses, especially lighter-weight sleepers.
Heavier-weighted side sleepers sometimes prefer a slightly firmer feel (7-7.5), as the extra firmness increases the support, which can help to maintain neutral spinal alignment in heavier-weighted bodies.
Side sleepers should avoid firm (8-8.5) and extra firm (9-9.5) feels, as this level of firmness will push the spine out of a neutral alignment, creating pressure point and support issues.
If you are not sure what firmness is best for you check out our deep-dive mattress firmness guide here.
Winkbed Mattress
Best For
- High-quality materials
- Deep-contouring pillowtop, while maintaining support
- Sleepers of all body types and sleeper weights (up to 300 lbs.)
Considerations
- Returns are free, but exchanges cost $49
- 14″ profile may not be great for a low-profile aesthetic
- Deep sinkage of 2.38″
Our Verdict
The WinkBed is a 13.5″ hybrid mattress that has a plush, Euro cover, poly foam comfort material, and a pocketed coil base.
The Winkbed is available in three different firmnesses—softer (4), luxury firm (6), and firmer (7), where 10 is the most firm. There is also the Winkbed Plus, which has a slightly firm (7) feel, ideal for heavier-weighted sleepers over 250 lbs.
In our tests, the Winkbed Luxury Firm had a balanced feel with deep sinkage and moderate bounce. We also tested the Winkbed Soft which had extremely deep sinkage and slightly less bounce (9.68″ on the Soft and 9.91″ on the Luxury Firm). On both firmnesses, the Winkbed has a balanced feel and maintains limited heat retention with a very fast response time.
For side sleepers, this deeper sinkage provides great contour to help maintain spinal alignment. It has a 5.0″ comfort layer which is also hugely beneficial to side sleepers of different sizes. The coil layer uses a zoned system to allow for more or less support where your body needs it when lying on your side.
Winkbed has an exceptional performance score of 9.82 overall, which ranks it as the #1 hybrid, as well as within the top 1% among all mattress types we’ve tested to date.
The Winkbed in queen size is $1,499, 15% higher than the average hybrid mattress. Still, given its performance advantages, the value is fantastic on the Winkbed.
Click here to read the full Winkbed review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Slightly Firm (7)
Winkbed Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Winkbed |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.82 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,499 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.38″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.6 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 5.85 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 9.91″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 10 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 2.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 9.1 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 5.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 10 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Company – Score | 9.7 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Saatva Classic
Best For
- Plush euro-top cover & great cooling performance
- Moderate bounce with fast response time
- Ships uncompressed, includes in-home delivery, setup, & old mattress removal
Considerations
- Slower material response time
- $99 fee for returns if things don’t work out
- Costs 82% more than the average coil mattress
Our Verdict
The Saatva Classic has a thickness of 11.5″ or 14.5″, depending on personal preference (price is the same for both thicknesses), and a coil-on-coil construction. The cover is a plush Euro-top cover followed by a small amount of comfort foam and two layers of coils.
The Saatva is available in three firmness levels—Plush Soft (4), Luxury Firm (6), or Firm (8), where 10 is the most firm.
The Saatva (luxury firm version) has a more traditional coil feel and less foam than a more typical hybrid mattress. This combination of materials gives the mattress deep sinkage and extremely high bounce while retaining low levels of motion transfer, something other coil mattresses tend to struggle with.
For side sleepers, this deeper sinkage provides great contour to help maintain spinal alignment. It has a 5.0″ comfort layer which is also hugely beneficial to side sleepers of different sizes. The coil layer uses a zoned system to allow for more or less support where your body needs it when lying on your side.
This mattress has a fantastic performance score of 9.74 overall, which ranks it as the #1 coil mattress, as well as within the top 1% among all mattress types we’ve tested to date.
For a Saatva Classic, in queen size, it costs $1,696. This is 10% less than average coil mattress—a savings of $182, compared to other coil mattresses we’ve tested to date.
I would recommend the Saatva Classic for sleepers who enjoy a more traditional coil-based mattress feel.
Click here to read the full Saatva Classic review.
Type: Coil-on-Coil
Firmness: Soft (3.5), Medium (5.5), Firm (8)
Saatva Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Saatva Classic |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.74 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,756 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.40″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.6 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 5.86 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 8.7 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.8 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 14.67″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Extremely High |
| Edge Support – Score | 10 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.00″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 9.9 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.5″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11.5″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 10 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Company – Score | 9.4 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Leesa Sapira
Best For
- Exceptionally good cooling
- Higher levels of bounce
- Fantastic pressure relief, despite only having an 11″ thickness
Considerations
- Sitting edge support is lacking, 6.25″ of sinkage
- Very high levels of bounce may not be ideal for all sleepers
- Priced 20% more than the average hybrid
Our Verdict
The Leesa Sapira is an 11″ hybrid that uses poly foam, memory foam, support foam, and a pocketed coil base. This dynamic use of different materials gives the Sapira a balanced feel.
The Sapira Hybrid comes in a single firmness, medium-firm, ranking 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale. For more firmness options you may also want to check out the Sapira Chill, an evolution of the Sapira designed for cooling. The Sapira Chill comes in three firmness levels— soft (4), medium-firm (6), or firm (8).
This mattress has moderate levels of sinkage and very high levels of bounce. If you really enjoy an active feel, while still maintaining extremely low levels of motion transfer, the Sapira may be a good pick for you.
For side sleepers, the Sapira Hybrid is a great pick specifically, thanks to its high-quality 4.0″ comfort layer and a 10/10 pressure relief score. For extra support, side sleepers may also want to check out the Leesa Saira Chill which has zoned support (extra coil support along the lumbar area) and is available in three firmness levels.
The Sapira Hybrid has a performance score of 9.48 overall, which ranks it among the top 2% of all mattresses tested to date.
The Sapira Hybrid costs 25% more than the average hybrid mattress, $1,699 for a queen. But you’re getting a higher-performing mattress than average as well.
Click here to read the full Leesa Sapira Hybrid review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Leesa Sapira Hybrid Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Leesa Sapira |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.50 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,699 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.05″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 4.66 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.5 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.4 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 12.67″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Very High |
| Edge Support – Score | 7.5 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 6.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 9.1 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.3 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 6 days |
| Company – Score | 9.5 |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Nolah Natural
Best For
- Exceptionally good cooling
- Near instantaneous material response
- High bounce and good edges create great sex performance
Considerations
- Edge support when sitting is fair, but not great
- Deep sinkage may not be ideal for all sleepers, especially some back or stomach sleepers
- Medium firmness with 3.0″ comfort layer may not be sufficient for some heavier sleepers
Our Verdict
The Nolah Natural has an overall thickness of 11″ and an organic hybrid design—including an organic cotton cover, natural latex comfort layers, and a pocketed coil base.
This mattress is available in a single firmness—5 out of 10 with a medium feel.
The Nolah has a deep amount of sinkage and high levels of bounce. Being a latex hybrid, the Nolah also has a more generalized contour, compared to the exacting contour of traditional memory foam. So even though the sinkage is deep, this mattress does not generate that “stuck” feeling.
For side sleepers, latex is a less common choice, but can still work for side sleepers wanting natural materials. The Nolah Natural does have a medium feel (5 out of 10) which helps allow for that deep level of sinkage, many side sleepers are looking for. But it’s not going to be the same exacting contour that you’ll get with a memory foam mattress.
The Nolah Natural has a performance score of 9.42, which ranks it in the top 4% of all mattresses tested to date.
In addition to higher performance, it also has a price tag that is below average, 5% less than the average latex hybrid (a savings of $78 for a queen size). Overall, the Nolah Natural is an outstanding value for a latex hybrid.
Click here to read the full Nolah Natural review.
Type: Latex Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5)
Nolah Natural Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Nolah Natural |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.42 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,679 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.55″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.5 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 6.04 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 11.76″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.4 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.75″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 9.4 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 3.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 10 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Company – Score | 9.1 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Best For
- 13.5″ thick and exceptional pressure relief
- Fantastic cooling, perfect score of 10 out of 10
- Fast material response time
Considerations
- Price is 27% higher than the average hybrid mattress
- 3% more motion transfer than average (9.06 m/s²)
- 120-night trial is shorter than average (177-night)
Our Verdict
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress that is 13.25″ thick and contains poly foam, pocketed coils, and a thin support foam base, all wrapped in a quilted cover.
It is available in three firmness levels—Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), and Firm (8).
In our tests of the Medium version, the Aurora Luxe mattress has moderate sinkage and moderate bounce for a balanced feel, all-around.
For side sleepers, the Aurora Luxe is a top pick thanks to the plush quilted cover, high-quality comfort foams, and zoned coils, all of which contribute to the 10/10 pressure relief score. The varying firmness levels are also advantageous for sleepers of different body weights.
In our performance tests, the Aurora Luxe Hybrid has an overall score of 9.33, which ranks it in the top 5% of all mattresses tested to date. Looking specifically at hybrids, the Aurora Luxe is within the top 5.
Concerning price, this mattress is a little more than the average hybrid but not by much—a difference of 22% or $325 for a queen mattress. It has a better performance, so many sleepers may find that the added price is worth it for the added performance.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), and Firm (8)
Best For: All Sleeping Positions, All Body Weights
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.33 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,699 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.04″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 8.2 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 9.06 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.6 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.7 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 8.96″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.2 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.50″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 8.6 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.3″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 13.25″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.9 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 4 days |
| Company – Score | 9.1 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
Best For
- Side sleepers who want an extra soft feel
- Fantastic cooling performance
- Excellent pressure relief with 5.0″ of comfort material
Considerations
- Soft feel may not be ideal for heavier sleepers or those who sleep on their back or stomach
- Low bounce can also be less than ideal for couples looking for good intimacy
- 100-night trial period is shorter than the average (178 nights)
Our Verdict
The Amerisleep AS5 is a 14″ hybrid, with a cooling cover, a memory foam comfort layer, transitional poly foam, and a pocketed coil support base.
The AS5 hybrid mattress is available in a single firmness of 3.5 out of 10 with an extra soft feel.
It has moderate sinkage and slightly more bounce than average. Given its fast response time and higher degree of contour, the AS5 Hybrid is the modern memory foam at work.
For lightweight side sleepers, the Amerisleep AS5 is advantageous because of its very soft feel. There is a 5.0″ comfort layer with an 8.0″ zoned pocketed coil base. Zoned support is great for side sleepers and helps maintain a neutral spinal alignment.
The AS5 Hybrid has a fantastic performance score of 9.24, earning it a spot in the top 11% of all mattresses tested to date. During our performance tests, this mattress had great scores in all categories except for higher levels of motion transfer.
For a queen-size mattress, the AS5 costs $2,199—48% more than the average memory foam hybrid. That being said, the AS5 Hybrid is among the best extra soft mattresses I’ve tested to date and a fantastic pick for sleepers looking for that soft feel.
Click here to read the full Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Extra Soft (3.5)
Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.24 |
| Price (Queen) | $2,199 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.21″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 7.9 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 9.65 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 9.71″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.7 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 8.8 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 5.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.1 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 7 days |
| Company – Score | 9.0 |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 20 years |
Bear Elite Hybrid
Best For
- Fantastic cooling performance with phase change cover
- Low levels of motion transfer
- Excellent pressure relief—5″ of comfort material
Considerations
- Deep sinkage may not be ideal for all back or stomach sleepers
- Priced 22% more than the average hybrid
- Higher levels of motion transfer (11.10 m/s²)
Our Verdict
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a hybrid mattress with a 14″ thickness that uses a quilted cover, copper-infused memory foam, and a pocketed coil base.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in three firmness levels—soft (4.5), medium-firm (6), or slightly firm (7.5). This range makes it a solid pick for a wider range of sleepers.
We tested the Medium version in-house and found the mattress to have moderate levels of sinkage and high levels of bounce. The quilted cover of this mattress gives it a good degree of contour without too much sinkage.
For side sleepers, the Elite Hybrid is a great pick thanks to its 2.0″ quilted cover and memory foam comfort layer which produces a more dramatic contour. This level of contour provides great pressure relief and helps maintain spinal alignment. The Elite has a 5.0″ comfort layer and an 8.0″ zoned coil support system, all of which contribute to a fantastic mattress for side sleepers.
The Elite Hybrid has an excellent performance score of 9.24 overall, which ranks it in the top 11% among all mattresses we’ve tested to date.
The Elite Hybrid is 18% more expensive than the average hybrid, with a cost of $1584 for a queen-size mattress. Despite the extra cost, remember you’re getting a thicker mattress (14″), better materials, and a higher performance score than average, so for many sleepers, the price is worth it.
Click here to read the full Bear Elite review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4.5), Medium-Firm (6), Firm (7.5)
Bear Elite Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Bear Elite Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.24 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,373 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.14″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 3.74 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 7.9 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.7 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.32″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.4 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.75″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 8.8 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 5.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.2 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days |
| Company – Score | 9.7 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Helix Midnight Elite
Best For
- High-profile support and exceptional pressure relief
- A medium feel (5.5 out of 10) with plush, quilted cover
- Outstanding cooling performance, while retaining deeper sinkage
Considerations
- Higher levels of motion transfer—16% more than average levels
- 16″ thickness may be too tall for some low-profile aesthetics
- Shorter 100-night trial period
Our Verdict
The Helix Midnight Elite mattress is a 16″ hybrid mattress with a removable top comfort layer that uses poly foams and pocketed microcoils.
This mattress is available in a single firmness, 5.5 out of 10, which gives the mattress a medium feel.
It has a balanced feel with deep sinkage and moderate bounce. Like many of the other mattresses that we see on this list, this is the type of feel that many side sleepers are looking for.
For side sleepers, the Midnight Elite has a huge 7.0″ comfort layer. For reference, the average is 4.1″. The comfort layer blends poly foam and microcoils for unmatched 10/10 pressure relief. The 1.5″ quilted cover is the icing on the cake that helps this mattress excel for side sleepers.
The Elite is the top-level Helix collection—4″ thicker than the standard Helix mattress and 2″ thicker than the Helix Luxe. The Elite is best for sleepers looking for exceptional pressure relief and/or exceptional cooling.
The mattress is absolutely packed to the brim with high-end materials. With 16″ of total mattress profile, 6″ of comfort layers, a zoned coil unit, reinforced edge support coils, quilted cover with phase change cooling materials, and dual microcoil layers for enhanced air gap cooling. The Helix Elite is truly next level.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5.5)
Helix Midnight Elite Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Helix Midnight Elite |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.23 |
| Price (Queen) | $2,749 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.64″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Very Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 7.7 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 10.21 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.0 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.0 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 8.08″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.5 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.00″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 8.4 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 6.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 16″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.3 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 6 days |
| Company – Score | 9.5 |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
Best For
- Low levels of motion transfer
- Very high levels of bounce, good for sex performance
- Fast material response time
Considerations
- Slightly longer off-gassing duration than average (8 days total)
- Minimal sinkage may not be right for all sleepers
Our Verdict
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is a 14″ hybrid mattress made of poly foam, memory foam, pocketed coils, and a 3.5″ support foam base. It’s high profile gives the Emma a luxury look and feel, without the high price tag.
The Cooling Elite comes in a single firmness, 6 out of 10, with a medium-firm feel.
This mattress offers minimal sinkage and very high levels of bounce. If you want an active feeling mattress without too much contour and hug, this could be a good option.
For side sleepers, the Emma Hybrid has a 14″ profile and zoned support, that helps the mattress to provide spinal alignment. The comfort layer is only 2.5″ but the blend of poly foam and memory foam still provides great pressure relief (9 out of 10 score).
In performance tests, the Emma scored a 9.20 overall, ranking it in the top 10% of all mattresses tested to date.
And priced at only $719 for a queen, the Emma Cooling Elite is significantly less than the average hybrid. It’s a fantastic value, with good performance, and a minimal level of sinkage—checks a lot of boxes for many sleepers.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.20 |
| Price (Queen) | $929 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.88″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Minimal |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.9 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 5.32 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.6 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.7 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 12.28″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Very High |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.1 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.75″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 9.7 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 2.5″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 7.8 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 8 days |
| Company – Score | 8.8 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Best Mattress By Category
Have a specific mattress type, sleeping position, feature, or firmness in mind? At NapLab we’ve ranked the mattresses we’ve tested in 21 different specialized best lists. These lists can help you identify the mattresses best suited to specific performance criteria.
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