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Brooklyn Bedding Custom Review

Derek Hales

Written by: Derek Hales

Updated On:

Brooklyn Bedding Custom cover photo
9.24 Overall Score
Tested With Scoring System 1.1
9.5 Cooling
7.0 Motion Transfer
10 Response Time
9.6 Edge Support
9.7 Sex
9.0 Pressure Relief
9.3 Off-Gassing
9.5 Company

Best For

  • Near instant material response of 0.2 seconds
  • Excellent edge support for both lying and sitting
  • Customizable options allow for partners to get the precise feel and firmness they need

Considerations

  • Extremely high motion transfer with TitanFlex version
  • Titanflex version creates more of a floating “on top” of the mattress as opposed to lying “in it”.

Our Verdict

The Brooklyn Bedding custom mattress is a hybrid mattress with a range of configurations offered to suit your needs. You can select from three different firmnesses, three cover styles, and three different comfort layers, depending on personal preferences.

In this review, we tested the medium firmness with an organic cotton cover and TitanFlex poly foam comfort layer.

The great benefit of this mattress is the customization. This is particularly valuable for partners who have different needs. With the Brooklyn Bedding Custom you can get a different firmness and comfort layer on each side of the mattress.

Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium (6), or Firm (8)

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

YouTube video

Performance Tests

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
CoolingExcellent
SinkageModerate
Motion TransferExtremely High
Response TimeExtremely Fast
BounceHigh
Edge SupportExcellent
SexExcellent
Pressure ReliefVery Good
Off-GassingVery Good
CompanyExcellent

It’s important to note a few testing differences on the Brooklyn Bedding Custom. First of all, this is a customizable mattress.

Prior to ordering, the website will guide you through a series of questions about the preferred mattress size, firmness, cover, and comfort layer. Based on how you answer these questions, the prompts will generate a different mattress for purchase. We’ll explain more about that below.

For our mattress to test, we went with the following options.

  • Firmness: Medium
  • Cover: Organic Cotton
  • Comfort layer: TitanFlex

Here is a list of all the options that this mattress offers.

Firmness

  1. Soft
  2. Medium
  3. Firm

Cover

  1. Organic Cotton
  2. Cooling
  3. Recovery

Comfort Layer

  1. Titanflex
  2. Memory foam
  3. Latex foam

Certainly, the other types would create a different feel compared to what we experienced here. We aren’t going to conjecture on the feel of every type, but suffice to say, each different configuration will create different pros, cons, and overall performance.

9.5

Cooling Test

The Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress has excellent cooling. During our tests, I felt no significant level of heat retention around my body.

Baseline Temp.

80.2° F

Max Temp.

87.5° F

Ending Temp.

82.5° F

The hybrid design creates ample airflow that helps keep the surface cooler. Our version of the Custom mattress came with the organic cotton cover on top. This fabric is good, but most likely doesn’t sleep as cool as the luxury cooling or recovery covers that are available.

Max Temp.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom before cooling test
Brooklyn Bedding Custom before cooling test

Ending Temp

Brooklyn Bedding Custom after cooling test
Brooklyn Bedding Custom after cooling test
  • 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

Looking at our objective data, we measured a maximum surface level temperature of 87.5°. This is 2.0° cooler than the average max temp based on all of our tests to date.

Heat Dissipation Over Time

The heat dissipation curve wasn’t as impressive as many other mattresses we’ve tested, only dropping 3.1° from 0 to 1 minute.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom heat dissipation chart
Brooklyn Bedding Custom heat dissipation chart

However, given the fact that the max temperature was 2.0° cooler than average, that is to be expected.

Time ElapsedTemperature
1 minute84.4°
2 minutes83.6°
3 minutes83.1°
4 minutes82.9°
5 minutes82.5°

When we consider my subjective experience, objective data, and material layers, I am confident that most sleepers will find the Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress to sleep cool.

Sinkage Test

The Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress has a moderate level of pressure point sinkage.

In our tests, we measured 2.19” of sinkage, which is 0.05” less sinkage than the average (based on all of our tests to date).

The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom sinkage test
Brooklyn Bedding Custom sinkage test

The mattress has a very generalized hugging contour around the body. It’s quite similar to the feel of latex.

In addition, it has more of a feeling of lying “on top” of the mattress as opposed to “in it”, especially when lying on your stomach or back.

Heavier weight sleepers are more likely to experience a more typical contouring hug and sleeping deeper “in” the mattress.

However, lighter and moderate-weight bodies will lie more “on top” of the mattress with a restrained contouring hug.

7.0

Motion Transfer Test

The Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress has an extremely high level of motion transfer. In our tests, we measured 16.97 m/s² of acceleration range. This is more than double the average motion transfer of 6.82 m/s².

The Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress has the 3rd highest motion transfer of any mattress we’ve tested to date.

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

Max. Acceleration

8.18 m/s²

Min. Acceleration

-8.79 m/s²

Accel. Range

16.97 m/s²

Looking at our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we see the highest motion periods from 0.00 to 0.22 seconds.

Motion drops after 0.22 seconds, but is still relatively high through 0.64 seconds. By 1.07 seconds it returns to near zero levels.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom motion transfer chart
Brooklyn Bedding Custom motion transfer chart

Both the motion peaks and motion duration are exceedingly high. It’s likely that the memory foam version of the mattress would have a far lower level of motion transfer.

That said, if you are considering the TitanFlex or latex comfort layers you should carefully consider the motion transfer.

If you sleep alone it’s probably a non-issue. However, for those who sleep with a partner this level of motion will very likely lead to sleep disturbances during the night.

10

Response Test

The Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress has an extremely fast response time. In our tests, we measured a mostly recovered response time of 0.2 seconds and a fully recovered response time of 0.4 seconds.

Mostly Recovered

0.2 sec.

Complete Recovery

0.4 sec.

This is nearly tied with the very fastest responding mattresses we have tested to date. The fastest responding mattresses mostly recover in 0.2 seconds and fully recover in 0.3 seconds.

Comparing the Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress to the average it is significantly better. Based on all of our tests to date, we have measured an average mostly recovered response time of 0.50 seconds and an average fully recovered response time of 0.95 seconds.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

Suffice to say, response is basically instant on this mattress. The TitanFlex poly foam has a similar feel, resilience, and response to natural latex.

The materials rebound to shape without any hesitation, even when under a heightened level of pressure. This helps to prevent any type of “stuck” feel as the mattress quickly adapts to changes in your movements.

Bounce Test

The Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress has a high level of bounce. In our tests, we measured 10.86” of total bounce height. This is 1.33” more bounce than the average of 9.53” (based on all of our tests to date).

Max. Depth

5.46″

Max. Rebound

5.40″

Total Bounce

10.86″

As a general rule, I like to see 8-12” of bounce. The Custom mattress is right in the middle of my ideal bounce range.

Max. Sinkage Depth

Brooklyn Bedding Custom max bounce depth
Brooklyn Bedding Custom max bounce depth

Max Bounce Height

Brooklyn Bedding Custom max bounce height
Brooklyn Bedding Custom max bounce height

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

The level of bounce makes it easy to move around on and improves sex. However, this level of bounce and high response certainly has a negative impact on the motion transfer (in addition to the coil layer).

9.6

Edge Support Test

Edge support on the Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress is excellent. In our sitting edge support tests, we measured 3.75” of sitting sinkage compression. This is 0.83” less sinkage compression than the average of 4.58”.

Max Sinkage

3.75″

Lying Support

Good

Overall, I felt well supported when sitting directly on the edge of the mattress. Between the TitanFlex and pocketed coils there is a high degree of pushback and material resiliency, creating great support.

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

Sitting, 140 lbs.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom edge support
Brooklyn Bedding Custom edge support

Sitting, 200 lbs.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom edge support - with vest
Brooklyn Bedding Custom edge support – with vest

While that pushback doesn’t do it any favors for pressure relief (which we discuss below), it is a great benefit for sitting edge support.

Lying edge support leaves something to be desired. I felt a good level of edge support while lying, but certainly not great.

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

Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom edge support - side sleeping with vest
Brooklyn Bedding Custom edge support – side sleeping with vest

Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom edge support - side sleeping with vest
Brooklyn Bedding Custom edge support – side sleeping with vest

I just don’t feel tremendously well supported when lying directly on the edge. Near the edge the mattress has a significant downward angle away from the center of the mattress, creating the feeling that the mattress wants to roll you out of bed.

I expect most sleepers would need to sleep at least a few inches away from the absolute edge of the mattress to feel well supported.

9.7

Sex Test

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:

Sex Bounce

10

Edge Support

9.6

Noise

9.0

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 FactorFactor WeightScore
Bounce60%10
Edge Support20%9.6
Noise10%9.0
Pressure Relief5%9.0
Cooling5%9.5

For the Brooklyn Bedding custom mattress, these individual factors generated a sex score of 9.7.

This mattress has higher bounce than average, which is certainly advantageous for good sex. In addition, it also has reasonably good edge support and is comfortable.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom edge support - sitting
Brooklyn Bedding Custom edge support – sitting

It isn’t exactly a silent mattress, so noise could be a factor for some sleepers. Lastly, pressure relief is good, but not great.

All things considered, it’s a very good mattress for sex, but not the best we’ve seen in this category.

9.0

Pressure Relief Test

The Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress has a good level of pressure relief, but not amazing. Even on the medium version of the mattress, I feel a high degree of pushback.

Comfort Layer

4.0″

Support Layer

9.0″

It’s still a medium-firm feel, but you don’t experience much sinkage, hug, or contour around the body. This causes the body to sleep more on “top of” the mattress, as opposed to “in it”.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom
Brooklyn Bedding Custom

The TitanFlex poly foam feel has excellent support and resiliency, but loses something in terms of pressure relief as a consequence.

I would expect the memory foam version of the Custom mattress to offer better pressure relief.

Even so, on the version we tested with TitanFlex, I wasn’t blown away with the pressure relief.

9.3

Off-Gassing Test

Right out of the box, the Brooklyn Bedding custom mattress had a strong smell. It took 9 days for the smell to fully dissipate, though over the course of that time, the smell undoubtedly got less strong with each passing day.

Initial Smell Strength

Strong

Off-Gassing Period

9 days

If you’re sensitive to strong smells, consider off-gassing the mattress with lots of ventilation (open the window if you can, add an air purifier, or a fan on high). Also, remember to leave off any bedding, which also helps aid this process.

9.5

Company

Brooklyn Bedding has been creating mattresses since 2009.

They offer a 120-night trial period with a 10-year limited warranty. Shipping is free and returns are paired with a $99 return fee if you need the mattress picked up.

Company FactorFactor WeightScoreData
Trial Period25%9100 nights
Warranty25%1010 years
Shipping25%10$0
Returns25%9$99
Country of Origin0%USA

The mattress comes with a 30-night break-in period. In that time period, you cannot initiate a return for the mattress. But any time between 30-120 nights, you can request a refund.

How firm is the Brooklyn Bedding Custom?

Firmness on the Brooklyn Bedding ranges, depending on how you answer the firmness question in the quiz.

They offer soft, medium, or firm.

For this review, we tested the medium firmness, a 6 out of 10, which would be an appropriate firmness for the widest range of sleepers.

Generally, lighter sleepers often prefer a softer feel and heavier sleepers prefer a firmer, more supportive feel.

Soft Firmness

firmness - 4 out of 10 - soft
Sleeper WeightStomach SleeperSide SleeperBack Sleeper
Under 150 lbs.YesYesYes
150-225 lbs.MaybeYesMaybe
225-300 lbs.NoMaybeNo

Medium Firmness

firmness - 6 out of 10 - medium
Sleeper WeightStomach SleepersSide SleepersBack Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.YesYesYes
150-250 lbs.YesYesYes
250-300 lbs.YesYesYes

Firm Firmness

firmness - 6 out of 10 - medium
Sleeper WeightStomach SleepersSide SleepersBack Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.MaybeNoMaybe
150-250 lbs.MaybeNoMaybe
250-300 lbs.YesMaybeYes

Support & Sleeping Positions

The Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress has excellent support. Throughout our tests and in all sleeping positions I felt well supported by the mattress.

As discussed above, the TitanFlex foam has a heightened level of support and pushback.

While this does create more of a floating “on top” of the mattress feel, at least with respect to support, it is beneficial. The mattress has ample support for most body types.

When we consider the overall design of the mattress, I am confident it will be supportive for most sleepers regardless of the custom configuration. Overall, I found support to be excellent.

Design

The exact design of the Brooklyn Bedding custom mattress varies depending on the exact preferences you select when building the mattress. At its core, it’s a hybrid mattress with a foam comfort layer and pocketed coil support base.

Type

Hybrid

Thickness

13″

Firmness

Custom

The design of this mattress also allows for split designs on each side of the mattress, if you opt for the King or California King mattress.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom sitting
Brooklyn Bedding Custom sitting

For example, you could get latex on one side and memory foam on the other side. You can also choose different firmnesses for each comfort layer.

Materials

Being a custom mattress, the exact layers of each Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress vary depending on which options are selected.

In this review, we tested the organic cotton cover and TitanFlex comfort layer, so all data below will be reflective of this choice.

From top to bottom, here are the layers on the custom mattress we tested:

  • 1.0″ quilted organic cotton cover
  • 3.0″ poly foam (TitanFlex)
  • 8.0″ pocketed coils
  • 1.0″ support foam
Brooklyn Bedding Custom material layers
Brooklyn Bedding Custom material layers

The Cover

There are three options for the cover on this mattress. You can select from the following:

  1. Organic cotton cover
  2. Luxury cooling cover (+$100)
  3. Active recovery cover (+$100)
Brooklyn Bedding custom mattress - cover options

For our tests, we went with the organic cotton cover. This cover comes standard on the mattress and offers a soft, breathable finish.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom cover close-up
Brooklyn Bedding Custom cover close-up

For a $100 upcharge, you could select one of their more advanced covers—the cooling cover or the recovery cover.

  • Luxury cooling cover: The cooling cover is made of a phase change material, designed to moderate skin temperature and prevent heat build-up. Cooling gel beads liquefy at higher temperatures to deliver cooling relief; those same beads solidify at lower temperatures to ensure an ideal sleep environment.
  • Active recovery cover: The recovery cover is made with far infrared rays (FIR) technology and these fibers are woven into the cover fabric. Activated by your body’s heat, this fabric produces waves of energy design to provide better blood flow, which also speeds up muscle recovery.

The Comfort Layer

There are also three options for the comfort layer. You can choose from the following three materials:

  1. TitanFlex
  2. Natural latex
  3. Luxe memory foam
Brooklyn Bedding custom mattress - comfort layer

For our tests, we selected the TitanFlex foam, which is a type of poly foam. This foam has a fast response time and is a good option if you want a balanced feel.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom open cover
Brooklyn Bedding Custom open cover

With natural latex, you can expect a fast response, high bounce, and good cooling as well. This layer may also have less off-gassing compared to the others since it is derived from natural materials.

With memory foam, you’ll likely get a deeper hug, more contour, and a slower response time. While memory foam has a tendency to struggle with cooling, this particular luxe foam is embedded with cooling gel, so I’d expect cooling to be better than traditional memory foam.

The Support Layer

All versions of the Brooklyn Bedding custom mattress have the same pocketed coil base. This is an 8.0″ layer of coils that are individually encased in a thin fabric.

Brooklyn Bedding Custom pocketed coils
Brooklyn Bedding Custom pocketed coils

Pocketed coils are great for pressure relief and limiting motion transfer (compared to traditional innerspring or continuous coil systems).

Beneath the coils is a thin 1.0″ layer of high-density support foam, which supports the layers above and helps the mattress keep its shape.

Product Evolution

The Brooklyn Bedding Custom was launched in 2020. Being that it’s a custom mattress with quite a bit of flexibility, there have been no major changes to this mattress since it was first released.

How is Brooklyn Bedding Different?

The Brooklyn Bedding custom mattress has a few key advantages over other mattresses in the market.

#1. Custom

The “build your own” approach to mattress shopping can be an attractive approach, especially for sleepers who are looking for something very specific. The online quiz makes it easy to select different options in order to prioritize the features and feel that is most important to you.

#2. Split Preferences

In the King or California King mattress you can opt for two different firmness levels on each side of the mattress. You can even select entirely different comfort layers.

For example, firm memory foam on one side and soft latex foam on the other. This custom approach can be beneficial for partners who don’t have matching preferences when it comes to mattresses.

#3. Free Returns

While most mattress companies offer free returns, it feels especially important to note that this custom mattress is no different. Since custom usually means “final sale” when it comes to other things, it feels worth mentioning here.

Other Mattresses to Consider

Not sure that the Brooklyn Bedding custom mattress is right for you? Check out these three other top-rated hybrid mattresses below for good alternative picks.

For Value

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid medium material layers

BB Signature Hybrid

9.63 Overall Score

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has a TitanFlex poly foam comfort layer, 3 available firmness levels, and you can even add a cooling cover. This option can offer big savings, compared to the custom, and has a higher overall performance score as well.

For Pressure Relief

Bear Elite Hybrid material layers

Bear Elite Hybrid

5.0″ Comfort Layer

The Bear Elite is a hybrid mattress with a 5″ comfort layer and fantastic pressure relief. It has a plush quilted cover, pocketed coil support, and a nice blend of foams for a balanced feel. 9.72 overall score.

For Motion Transfer

Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid material layers

Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid

Medium Firmness (5 out of 10)

The Amerisleep AS3 hybrid mattress has a 3.0″ memory foam comfort layer and fantastic performance overall. Motion transfer is only 4.46 m/s², which is approx. 75% less than the motion transfer on the Brooklyn Bedding (16.97 m/s²).

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Brooklyn Bedding custom mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.

How much does a Brooklyn Bedding Custom mattress cost?

The mattress starts at $1,386 for a Queen. The exact price of the custom mattress varies depending on what options you select. Adding things like a cooling cover or recover cover increases the price by $100.

Can you return the custom mattress if you don’t like it?

Yes. The Brooklyn Bedding custom mattress offers the same 120-night trial mattress that comes with any of the Brooklyn Bedding mattresses.

Can you get two different firmness levels?

Yes. The Custom mattress offers a split design for King or Cal King mattresses. With a split, you can get a different firmness on each side of the mattress (as well as a different comfort layer).

What’s the difference between the Custom vs. Signature Hybrid?

Both of these mattresses are hybrids that are also available in three different firmness levels. The Signature Hybrid also has the option to add a cooling cover, similar to the custom mattress.

If you’re specifically looking for split firmness, memory foam, perforated latex, or a recovery cover (good for athletes and muscle recovery) then the custom is likely the better pick.

If you’re looking for a medium firm hybrid with a poly foam top and cotton cover, go with the Signature Hybrid and pocket the savings.

About Derek Hales

Derek Hales

Derek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast CompanyReader's DigestBusiness InsiderRealtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. Derek has personally tested over 320+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

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