Leesa Original Mattress Review

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

At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.

We test 10 different factors that impact the performance, comfort, and feel of the mattress. We then take the results of those tests and compare them to every mattress we’ve tested to date.

Check out the full performance table below to see how this mattress ranks:

Factor	Leesa Original	Average
Overall Score	8.65	8.53
Price (Queen)	$1,184	$1,113 (Foam only)
Cooling – Score	9.0	8.6
Sinkage – Depth	2.07″	2.26″
Sinkage – Feel	Moderate	Moderate
Motion Transfer – Score	7.5	8.2
Motion Transfer – Acceleration	10.48 m/s²	8.77 m/s²
Response Time – Score	10	8.8
Response Time – Mostly Recovered	0.2 sec.	0.4 sec.
Response Time – Fully Recovered	0.3 sec.	1.0 sec.
Bounce – Height	6.15″	8.62″
Bounce – Feel	Low	Moderate
Edge Support – Score	8.9	8.7
Edge Support – Sitting	4.00″	3.83″
Edge Support – Lying	Excellent	Good
Sex – Score	7.3	8.2
Pressure Relief – Score	9.0	8.6
Comfort Layer Thickness	4.00″	4.39″
Mattress Thickness	10.00″	12.37″
Off-Gassing – Score	7.2	7.9
Off-Gassing – Smell	Strong	Strong
Off-Gassing – Days	10 days	8 days
Company – Score	9.4	8.8
Trial	120 nights	195 nights
Warranty	Lifetime	41% have lifetime warranties, average of other 59% of mattresses is 13 years

How is Leesa Original Different?

The Leesa Original is a 10.00″ foam mattress with an overall performance level that is slightly higher than average, but also with a price that is higher than average as well.

Advantages

Advantages of the Leesa Original include better cooling performance, extremely fast material response time, great edge support, and exceptional pressure relief. For a 10″ mattress, the 4.0″ comfort layer is fantastic and great for sleepers of all positions.

The mattress is backed by a reputable company, offering a 120-night trial period and a lifetime warranty.

Neutral Factors

This mattress has moderate levels of sinkage and low levels of bounce. These are considered neutral factors since different sleepers can have different preferences in these areas, but overall, this mattress offers a balanced feel.

Disadvantages

The biggest disadvantages of the Leesa Original include higher levels of motion transfer, a lower sex score, and strong off-gassing. Compared to average, the Leesa mattress required two additional days for off-gassing (10 days on Leesa vs. 8 days on average).

The Leesa Original has excellent cooling. During our tests, I did not experience any significant level of heat retention around my body.

This mattress utilizes a thin, non-quilted cover that breathes well and allows for easy airflow. In addition, the comfort foams within the mattress appear to breathe well and avoid heat retention.

• 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

This mattress uses Leesa’s new plant-based green foam, which is highly breathable, improving airflow.

In our objective temperature tests, we measured a max surface level temperature of 90.9° F. This is 0.6° warmer than the average of 90.3° F, based on all of our tests to date.

After getting off the mattress, the temperature declined by 4.2 degrees from minutes 0 to 1, which is 0.6 degrees less cool than the average 0 to 1 minute decline of 4.8 degrees.

When we consider the combination of objective data, my subjective experiences, and an analysis of the materials, I’m confident in my view that cooling is excellent.

The Leesa Original has moderate sinkage. During our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.07″. This is 0.18″ less sinkage than the average sinkage depth of 2.25″, based on all of our tests to date.

The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.

The mattress creates a balanced body-contouring hug. This mattress is equipped with a 4.0” all-poly-foam comfort layer.

Those foams are highly responsive, easy to move around on, and have a balanced, non-polarizing feel. When combined with the moderate sinkage depth, we have a feel that all sleeping positions and most sleepers will find comfortable.

The Leesa Original has a moderate level of motion transfer. During our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 10.48 m/s². This is 19% more motion transfer than the average of 8.80 m/s².

The higher motion transfer is primarily resulting from the taut cover. While the cover looks aesthetically pleasing, its tight design means that it’s easy to feel the cover tugging back and forth when one partner moves on the other side of the mattress.

We can see this effect clearly in the motion transfer chart, which has a significant motion spike, but then quickly drops back down.

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

In our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion peaks from 0 to 0.2 seconds. Motion drops off notably thereafter, with a small (but notable) energy spike from 0.4 to 0.5 seconds.

By 0.55 seconds, we’ve returned to near-zero levels of energy, which is 0.37 seconds shorter than the average motion duration of 0.92 seconds.

While motion intensity is notably higher than average, I was pleased to see motion duration lower than average. This type of rapid dissipation of energy reflects the motion coming from the taut cover and less so from the material design itself.

The Leesa Original has an extremely fast material response.

In our mostly recovered test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.2 seconds, which is 0.22 seconds faster than the average of 0.42 seconds, based on all of our tests to date.

In our fully recovered responsiveness test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.3 seconds, which is 0.73 seconds faster than the average of 1.03 seconds.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

These are effectively an instant material recovery speed. The rapid responsiveness ensures the mattress is easy to move around on and you’ll never feel stuck or trapped by the mattress foam layers. The fast response also helps improve sex performance.

The Leesa Original has a low level of bounce. During our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 6.15″. This is 2.51″ less bounce than the average of 8.66″, based on all of our tests to date.

The lower bounce is a product of the all-foam design. Foam simply isn’t as resilient and, as a result, delivers less bounce to the mattress. The lower level of bounce is most significantly a negative for sex performance.

Lower bounce can also impact ease of movement, however, the moderate sinkage depth and rapid material recovery speed help to mitigate the negatives there.

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

While lower bounce isn’t great for amorous activities, it is beneficial for motion transfer. In my view, the all-foam design is the primary reason that we see motion duration so considerably better than average.

The Leesa Original has good sitting edge support and excellent lying edge support.

In our sitting edge support test, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 4.00″. This is 0.16″ more sitting sinkage than the average of 3.84″, based on all of our tests to date.

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

While lying directly on the edge of the mattress, I felt that the support was excellent in all sleeping positions. This mattress has only a moderate sinkage depth, which is certainly helping to improve edge support.

The Leesa Original is not equipped with any type of reinforced foam or other materials along the perimeter. That being said, that is typical for an all-foam mattress, especially for one at this price point.

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

Despite the lack of reinforcing edge materials, the mattress still performed well for edge support.

Certainly there is room for improvement, and yet, at this price point it’s hard to complain too much. I expect most sleepers will find this level of edge support to be satisfactory.

The Leesa Original has fair sex performance. On the positive side, noise was minimal and both pressure relief and cooling were excellent. If nothing else, this is a quiet and comfortable mattress.

When we look at edge support, we see Leesa Original earning a good score, with 4.00” of sitting sinkage compression. Certainly, this isn’t the absolute best we’ve tested, but it’s enough edge support to make the edge a functional, usable part of the mattress.

Sex Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Rating
Bounce	65%	6.3	Low
Edge Support	20%	8.8	Good
Noise	5%	10	Minimal
Pressure Relief	5%	9.0	Excellent
Cooling	5%	9.0	Excellent

Lastly, we have the one big negative, which is bounce. We measured bounce at 6.15”. This is significantly less bounce than average. The lower level of bounce makes this mattress more strenuous and tiring to have sex on.

When we look at all the factors, we see the Leesa Original earns a significantly below-average score. To be fair, this is less a problem with Leesa Original specifically and rather a problem with most all-foam mattresses.

Most foam mattresses just don’t have the resiliency to deliver a high level of bounce. As a result, if you plan to buy an all-foam mattress, especially in this pricing tier, you should be prepared for worse bounce.

The Leesa Original has an excellent level of pressure relief. During our tests, I felt no significant pressure points on my body. The mattress is equipped with 4.0″ of comfort material, which is 0.37″ less comfort material than the average comfort layer thickness of 4.37″, based on all of our tests to date.

Leesa Original uses a thin, non-quilted cover. Said cover allows the body to make more direct and pronounced contact with the comfort foams below. In 2026, Leesa redesigned this mattress, replacing the original top poly foam layer with a new plant-based poly foam.

The plant-based poly foam is still highly responsive, while also being highly breathabe. In my view, this mattress has a balanced, even, and non-polarizing feel. It’s easy to move around on and has a moderate sinkage depth. These feel criteria make it a good choice for all sleeping positions and can be enjoyed by most sleepers.

The thinner 10” design does limit pressure relief performance for heavier-weighted sleepers. But for those 250 pounds and under, I expect comfort and pressure relief will be sufficient.

In our objective pressure mapping tests, we saw a max PSI of 0.83, which is within the 1.0 PSI threshold I want to see. The only notable point of pressure was a slight increase along the hips, which I believe is a product of the thinner design.

If you do experience more pain and pressure in the hips, you’ll likely be better served by a thicker mattress (12-14”). Alternatively, Leesa Original is also available with an optional quilted cover, which should improve pressure relief and comfort slightly.

Pressure Relief (PSI)	Average	Maximum
Side Sleepers	0.09	0.83

Pressure Relief (PSI)	Average	Maximum
Back Sleepers	0.07	0.44

Pressure Relief (PSI)	Average	Maximum
Stomach Sleepers	0.06	0.41

When I consider our objective pressure mapping tests, material thickness, material quality, and my subjective experience on the mattress, I’m confident most sleepers will find the pressure relief to be excellent.

The Leesa Original had a strong smell upon the initial unboxing. The mattress smelled for 10 days. This is 2.5 days longer than the average smell duration of 7.5 days.

Leesa mattresses come with a 120-night trial period and a lifetime warranty. Shipping and returns are both free.

Company Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Data
Returns	40%	10	$0
Trial Period	30%	8.0	120 nights
Warranty	20%	10	Lifetime
Shipping	10%	10	$0
Country of Origin	0%		USA

Comparing 121+ brands tested to date, the average trial period is 195 nights, 65 nights more than Leesa offers.

The Leesa Original is only available in a single firmness option, which they describe as a “medium feel.” Based on my tests, I agree that it has a medium-firm feel, which is a firmness rating of 6 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm.

Support on the Leesa Original is excellent. During our tests, I felt well supported in the mattress. The mattress is equipped with a 6.0″ support layer. This is 1.97″ thinner than the average support layer thickness of 7.97″, based on all of our tests to date.

Support Factor	Data
Comfort Layer	4.00″
Support Layer	6.00″
Firmness	Medium-Firm
Body Contour	Balanced
Zoned Support	No
Reinforced Edge	No

This mattress is available in a single firmness—medium-firm. That’s a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, where 10 is the most firm. A medium-firm feel works well for all sleeping positions and most sleepers.

Mattresses that create the best support do so by meeting two major requirements. First, they create a neutral spinal alignment for the body.

Second, they create ample comfort and pressure relief. In our tests, we found the Leesa Original met both of these requirements. My only notable support concern is for heavier-weighted sleepers.

This is a 10” mattress, which limits the amount of weight the mattress can support well. In my view, this mattress can support up to 300 pounds; however, I don’t recommend it for those over 250. Heavier-weighted sleepers will simply sink through the foam layers and make greater contact with the less-comforting support foam. Heavier bodies are better off with a thicker mattress (typically 12-14” thick).

To be fair, this isn’t a problem with Leesa Original specifically, but rather most 10″ mattresses. In general, heavier sleepers are better served by thicker mattresses, 12″ or thicker, ideally.

Check out the table below to see the sleeper weights and sleeping positions that would be best suited for this mattress.

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

Lastly, in all mattress tests, we make it a point to cut the mattress open to examine the material specs. In doing so, I’m pleased with what we see. We measured top the poly foam at 2.80 PCF and core poly foam at 2.37 PCF.

I’m pleased to see the poly foam near 3.0 PCF (which is what the manufacturer spec data says it is). This is plenty of density for a poly foam. The core poly foam is a bit lower at a 2.37 PCF, but that’s still well within the good tier for poly for that we look for.

Denser foams typically perform better, last longer, and sag less. All that said, I think these foam density levels are perfectly fair given the price point.

Based on all of my tests to date, an analysis of the materials, and my subjective experiences, I’m confident most sleepers will find support on the Leesa Original is excellent.

The Leesa Original is a 10.00″ foam mattress that comes in a single firmness option—Medium-Firm. Within the Leesa collection, the Leesa Original was the first mattress in the lineup.

Design Factor	Data
Type	Foam
Thickness	10.00″
Cover Type	Thin
Weight	71 lbs.
Has Handles	No
Fiberglass-Free	Yes
Ships in a Box	Yes

It’s designed as a value-packed, all-foam mattress that strikes a balance between performance and price. Later, a series of higher-performing hybrids were added to the collection (ie: Leesa Sapira, Leesa Legend, Leesa Original Hybrid) as well as a more budget-friendly all-foam mattress (ie: Leesa Studio).

The Leesa Original is 10.00″ thick and contains three layers of foam. From top to bottom, here is a full list of the materials used in this mattress:

Layer Type	Thickness	Manufacturer’s Specs	Tested Specs
Poly Foam	2.00″	3.00 PCF	2.80 PCF
Poly Foam	2.00″	3.00 PCF	2.37 PCF
Support Foam	6.00″	Not Available	1.65 PCF

The Leesa Original has a thin cover. It uses a twill design with seamless fabric that has a good amount of stretch and a diagonal pattern on the top cover.

Aesthetically, the Leesa cover is solid gray and has a white, 4-stripe design around the foot of the mattress.

The comfort layer is 4.00″ thick and made of two layers of poly foam. Beneath the cover is a 2.0″ poly foam that Leesa called “GreenFlex Foam”. This material was introduced in 2026 as a plant-based foam, positioned as a more eco-friendly and sustainable material.

Beneath the GreenFlex foam is another 2.0″ poly foam (off-white foam). Together, these two foams provide a 4.0″ comfort layer .

The support layer is 6.00″ thick and made of one 6.0″ layer of support foam (pink foam). This foam sits at the base of the mattress and has the highest density, providing a supportive base for the mattress to rest on. 

Product Evolution

Leesa has been rolling and boxing mattresses since 2014 with a handful of design iterations since the early days. Upon initial launch, Leesa started with only one mattress, the Leesa Original (this mattress).

Early Leesa mattresses were made from a blend of memory foam and a top layer of a patented Avena foam, which had a feel that was both partly similar to memory foam and partly similar to latex foam.

Around 2021, Leesa replaced the Avena foam with a similarly performing poly foam.

In 2026, the top layer was replaced with a plant-based foam called GreenFlex Foam. This foam performs more like a traditional poly foam would. In fact, it’s still listed as a poly foam on the law tag. 26% of the material used in GreenFlex foam is considered “bio-based”.

I tested the Leesa Original in 2021 and again in 2026. In the table below, you can see exactly how the mattress performance has changed over the years:

Factor	Leesa Original (2021)	Leesa Original (2026)
Overall Score	9.00	8.65
Price (Queen)	$929	$1,184
Cooling – Score	9.0	9.0
Sinkage – Depth	2.09″	2.07″
Sinkage – Feel	Moderate	Moderate
Motion Transfer – Score	10	7.5
Motion Transfer – Acceleration	2.06 m/s²	10.48 m/s²
Response Time – Score	9.4	10
Response Time – Mostly Recovered	0.3 sec.	0.2 sec.
Response Time – Fully Recovered	0.5 sec.	0.3 sec.
Bounce – Height	7.94″	6.15″
Bounce – Feel	Low	Low
Edge Support – Score	8.0	8.9
Edge Support – Sitting	5.50″	4.00″
Edge Support – Lying	Excellent	Excellent
Sex – Score	7.6	7.3
Pressure Relief – Score	9.0	9.0
Comfort Layer Thickness	4.00″	4.00″
Mattress Thickness	10.00″	10.00″
Off-Gassing – Score	9.2	7.2
Off-Gassing – Smell	Strong	Strong
Off-Gassing – Days	3 days	10 days
Company – Score	9.4	9.4
Trial	100 nights	120 nights
Warranty	Lifetime	Lifetime

Other Mattresses to Consider

Not sure if the Leesa Original is the right pick for you? Check out these three other top-rated foam mattresses for alternatives you may want to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

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