Ashley Sleep Gruve Memory Foam Review

In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs

Our tests and review are based on the 14″ soft Gruve memory foam mattress.

At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.

We test 10 different factors that impact the performance, comfort, and value of the mattress. Testing categories include:

Test	Rating
Cooling	Excellent
Sinkage	Deep
Motion Transfer	Extremely Low
Response Time	Extremely Fast
Bounce	Very Low
Edge Support	Good
Sex	Very Good
Pressure Relief	Exceptional
Off-Gassing	Excellent
Company	Fair

Cooling performance on the Ashley Sleep Gruve memory foam mattress was surprisingly really good. I say surprisingly because typically all foam memory foam mattresses struggle when it comes to heat retention and overall temperature.

However, that wasn’t the case here. In our tests, I felt that the surface of the mattress was comfortably cool. I did not feel any significant level of heat retention or warming around my body during my tests.

• Baseline Temperature – the temperature of the mattress before anyone lies on it
• Maximum Temperature (0 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after lying on it for 15 minutes
• Ending Temperature (5 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes

The 2.0” layer of convoluted poly foam within the core seems to be having an outsized impact on cooling performance.

Convoluted foam is cut with air channels, which help increase airflow through the foams, preventing heat build-up. That said, a single convoluted layer alone generally wouldn’t carry the cooling performance of the mattress by itself.

Heat Dissipation Over Time

Time Elapsed	Temperature
1 minute	86.5°
2 minutes	85.9°
3 minutes	85.3°
4 minutes	85.0°
5 minutes	84.7°

The top 3.0” gel memory foam layer also seems to release and manage heat well. Looking at the combined objective data, subjective experience, and material construction, I am impressed with the cooling performance on the Ashley Sleep Gruve memory foam.

The Ashely Gruve mattress has a deep level of sinkage. In our tests, we measured 2.47” of pressure point sinkage. This is 0.24” deeper than the average sinkage based on all of our tests to date, which is 2.23”.

The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.

The Gruve is a fairly soft memory foam mattress. As a result, there is lots of hug and lots of contouring. The mattress creates a more enveloped feel around the body with an exacting material hug around your unique shape.

Many sleepers like this type of memory foam hug, however, it’s not for everyone. Heavier weight sleepers in particular tend to dislike this feeling, as they will experience it more significantly compared to lighter / moderate body weights. Furthermore, it can exacerbate heat retention issues.

There is an extremely low level of motion transfer on the Gruve memory foam mattress. In our tests, we measured 2.31 m/s² of acceleration range.

This is less than half the average (based on all of our tests to date), which is 5.78 m/s².

The level of motion transfer is documented in the video below.

Looking at the material choice it makes sense. Softer mattresses absorb more energy, as do memory foam and all-foam mattresses.

As a result, the Gruve mattress has a lot going for it in terms of materials and layer design that naturally absorb and dissipate motion.

If you sleep with a partner who is easily disturbed, the Gruve’s ultra-low motion transfer will be a welcome change. Looking at our motion transfer chart, we can see that motion peaks around 0.21 seconds and quickly drops off after that.

By 0.42 seconds motion has nearly fully dispersed and we return to near-zero levels of acceleration.

Response time on the Gruve mattress is extremely fast. In our tests, we measured a mostly recovered response time of 0.2 seconds and a full material recovery of 0.4 seconds.

This is nearly tied with the fastest we’ve tested to date, which is 0.2 seconds (mostly recovered) and 0.3 seconds (full recovery).

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

The Gruve’s response time is significantly faster than the average. On average, we see mattresses mostly recovered by 0.54 seconds and fully recovered by 0.95 seconds.

Honestly, I was shocked at the speed of the material response. All-foam mattresses are typically slow and memory foam tends to be even slower.

Despite the all-foam design and memory foam top layer, the response time is as fast as latex and other responsive poly foams. Overall, I’m impressed with the performance.

The Gruve memory foam mattress has a very low level of bounce. In our tests, we measured 5.64” of total bounce. This is significantly lower than the average.

On average, based on all of our mattress tests to date, we see bounce at 9.29”. As a result, the Gruve has 3.65” less bounce than what we’ve measured on average.

The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.

The soft feel, memory foam top layer, 5” comfort layer, and convoluted core foam all work together to minimize bounce.

This effort to absorb and disperse energy is great when it comes to motion transfer (as we saw above). However, when it comes to bounce and the dance without pants, it’s less than great. The level of bounce is what I would describe as a “dead” feel.

Edge support on the Ashley Sleep Gruve memory foam mattress leaves much to be desired. In our sitting edge support tests, we measured 5.75” of sinkage compression. This is 1.08” more sitting compression compared to the average (based on all of our tests to date), which is 4.67”.

When it comes to edge support, being average isn’t great. Typically, I’m looking for edge support sinkage of 4.0” or less. As a result, we are well beyond that range. Edge support while lying on the mattress is equally as concerning.

The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.

While lying on my back I have a sensation of being rolled off the mattress. The softer feel and deeper sinkage are trying to contour even at the edge, but that creates less than great support at the edges.

It’s better when lying on my side, but still not what I would characterize as “good”. Given the design and materials, this is the type of mattress you’d want to sleep at least a few inches away from the absolute edge.

The level of edge support while lying on my side is documented in the images below.

To score sex performance we look at a number of different factors that all play a role in quality sex. Three of the most important factors include:

In addition to the factors above, there are a few other things to consider as well, like pressure relief and cooling.

Here’s a look at our complete sex formula:

Sex Score Formula = (Bounce * 0.6) + (Edge Support * 0.2) + (Noise * 0.1) + (Pressure Relief * 0.05) + (Cooling * 0.05)

We use the following scores, plugged into the formula, to derive a sex score for each mattress.

Sex Factor	Factor Weight	Score
Bounce	60%	8.9
Edge Support	20%	8.6
Noise	10%	10
Pressure Relief	5%	10
Cooling	5%	9.5

For Ashley Sleep Gruve memory foam mattress, these individual factors generated a sex score of 9.0.

This is an okay score, but not outstanding in any way. Two of the most important factors for a mattress to have good sex performance include high bounce and good edge support.

Unfortunately, the Gruve memory foam doesn’t really excel in either of these areas.

Despite low bounce and less-than-ideal edge support, the mattress is still very comfortable, but comfort isn’t the only important factor for good sex.

Pressure relief on the Ashley Sleep Gruve memory foam mattress is exceptionally good. The mattress has a thick 5.0” comfort layer, a softer feel, and 3.0” of gel memory foam directly on top.

This material design creates a deeper level of hug with dramatic contouring around the body. The result is fantastic pressure alleviation across the entire body. During our battery of tests, I did not feel any significant level of pressure build-up anywhere on my body.

While the thicker and softer all-foam comfort layer can be detrimental in other areas (ex. bounce, sex, edge support), when it comes to pressure relief I have absolutely zero complaints.

The off-gassing performance on the Gruve memory foam mattress was very good. Right out of the box the smell was strong, but it only lasted 3 days before it was fully dissipated.

The average amount of time it takes a mattress to off gas is 2.96 days (average among all mattresses we’ve tested to date). The Ashley Sleep Gruve Hybrid mattress is essentially right at the average.

As a company, Ashley has some positive attributes, but also some definite red flags.

Company Factor
Trial Period	0 nights
Warranty	10 years
Shipping	Free
Returns	Very Limited
Country of Origin	USA

Ashley Sleep has been producing mattresses for over 10 years and comes from a parent company that extends back into the 1940’s. Their mattresses come with a 10-year warranty, but there are drawbacks as well.

Most notably, Ashley Furniture has a very limited return policy. Returns are only accepted on mattresses identified as defective within 72 hours of their arrival and/or mattresses in new or unused condition.

Ashley’s refund policy is unusual from other policies we see on the market today. Most direct-to-consumer mattress brands off free returns.

However, it’s important to note that some physical Ashley Furniture retail stores may have different policies than the Ashley online store.

The Ashley Sleep Gruve memory foam mattress is available in 3 firmnesses:

• Luxury Firm – 10″ version (6 out of 10 firmness)
• Plush – 12″ version (5 out of 10 firmness)
• Ultra Plush – 14″ version (4 out of 10 firmness)

Luxury Firm Version

The 10″ version of the Gruve has a luxury firm / medium-firm feel. This has a 6 out of 10 firmness, where 10 is the most firm.

Plush Version

The 12″ version of the Ashley Sleep Gruve has a plush feel. This mattress has a 5 out of 10 firmness, where 10 is the most firm.

Ashley describes this as a plush feel. In my view, I would call this mattress a medium feel.

Ultra Plush Version

The 14″ version of the Ashley Sleep Gruve memory foam mattress has an ultra plush feel. This is the model we tested. In my view, this mattress has a 4 out of 10 firmness, where 10 is the most firm.

While Ashley describes this mattress as ultra plush, in my view, it is a standard soft feel.

Support on the Ashley Sleep Gruve mattress is good, provided that you get the best version of the Gruve for your body and sleeping position.

The Ashley Sleep Gruve memory foam mattress comes in 3 variants, 10″, 12″, and 14″. Each height version also has a different different firmness.

• 10″ version = medium firm feel
• 12″ version = medium feel
• 14″ version – soft feel feel

10″ Gruve – Medium-Firm

The 10″ version of the Gruve memory foam mattress has a medium-firm feel. A medium-firm feel is appropriate for most body types and sleeping positions.

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
150-250 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
250-300 lbs.	Maybe	Maybe	Maybe

My only major concern would be for sleepers over 250 pounds. Heavier weight sleepers need a greater level of support.

Typically, a medium-firmness 10″ mattress just won’t have sufficient support for heavier weight bodies. If you’re a larger weight sleeper (especially 300+ pounds) I would suggest considering a different mattress (like the Gruve Hybrid).

12″ Gruve – Medium

The 12″ version of the Gruve memory foam mattress has a medium feel.

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
150-250 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
250-300 lbs.	Maybe	Maybe	Maybe

A medium feel is another firmness that is appropriate for most body types and sleeping positions.

However, like the the 10″ mattress, I am moderately concerned for heavier weight sleepers. The 12″ Gruve has more material with which to provide support. But, it’s medium feel means those foams are going to compress more, thereby creating less support.

With that said, I won’t go as far as to say all heavier weight sleepers shouldn’t buy it, but it’s something heavier sleepers should consider carefully. In my view, most heavier weight sleepers would be better served by the Gruve Hybrid mattress.

14″ Gruve – Soft

The 14″ version of the Gruve memory foam mattress has a soft feel.

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleeper	Side Sleeper	Back Sleeper
Under 150 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
150-225 lbs.	Maybe	Yes	Maybe
225-300 lbs.	No	Maybe	No

The softer feel means it’s better for lighter weight sleepers and side sleepers especially. Heavier weight back and stomach sleepers in particular should avoid this mattress.

What firmness is right for you?

In order to create appropriate support that keeps the spine in alignment certain body types and sleeping positions require a certain level of firmness. The Gruve’s softer feel simply won’t be appropriate for all body types.

In our support and sleeping position chart, we indicate the ideal body types and sleeping positions that will be well supported. If you are outside of these you may want to consider going with a more firm mattress that better supports your needs.

Design

The Ashley Sleep Gruve mattress is a 10-14″ memory foam mattress.

Materials

There are three layers on the Gruve memory foam mattress.

• 3.0” gel memory foam
• 2.0” poly foam
• 8.0” support foam

The Cover

The cover of the Gruve memory foam mattress is white with light blue accents. It is thin and stretchy with a seamless finish.

The fabric on the top of the mattress wraps around to the sides of the mattress before transitioning to a solid gray towards the lower half of the mattress.

There is also a light blue cording accent with delineates the transition between the white cover and the thicker gray fabric used at the base.

The Fire Sock

Directly under the cover is the fire sock. The primary purpose of the fire sock is to offer an additional layer of protection and slow the combustion of a mattress.

In the case of the Ashley Sleep Gruve memory foam, it is a fiberglass rayon blended sock.

Fiberglass socks are not ideal, due to the inherent health risks associated with fiberglass inhalation and exposure.

The Comfort Layer

The comfort layer is made up of two layers of foam on top. The top layer is a 3.0″ gel-infused memory foam followed by a 2.0″ convoluted poly foam.

These two foams are fused together and work as a complete comfort system to provide comfort, cooling, and a fast response time when lying on the mattress.

The Support Layer

The support layer of the Gruve is a solid 8″ slab of support foam that is fused together with the convoluted transitional foam above.

As a sleeper rests on the mattress, the weight is distributed through the 5.0″ layer of comfort foam. The support foam below is what ultimately provides the necessary support while maintaining a level of pressure relief.

How is the Ashley Sleep Gruve different?

The Gruve memory foam mattress joins the ranks among a sea of other high-quality memory foam mattresses. So what is different about Gruve?

#1. History

Ashley, as a company, has been around since 1945 and boasts one of the longest-standing business records we’ve seen.

In 2020, they were bringing in over $6 billion in revenue, significantly more than any other bed-in-a-box company.

They started producing mattresses in 2009, as Ashley Sleep, and today they provide over 100 different mattresses to pick from.

#2. In-Store Options

There are over 1,000 Ashley Furniture HomeStore retail furniture stores operating worldwide in more than 123 countries.

If you prefer to try out mattresses in-store as opposed to online, Ashley has the benefit of offering brick-and-mortar stores as well as an online presence.

#3. Fast Response Time

Memory foam oftentimes gets a bad wrap for slow response time and a “sunk” feeling. But that’s not the case with the Gruve. On this mattress, we noted a response time that matched that of the fastest performing mattresses we’ve tested to date.

Other Mattresses to Consider

Looking for a high-quality memory foam, but not sure that the Ashley Sleep Gruve is the right pick for you? Check out the three top-rated memory foam mattresses below for other options you may want to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Ashley Sleep Gruve memory foam mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.