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Leesa Studio Mattress Review

Derek Hales

Written by: Derek Hales

Updated On:

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Leesa Studio cover photo
9.31 Overall Score
Tested With Scoring System 1.1
9.0 Cooling
10 Motion Transfer
9.9 Response Time
8.1 Edge Support
9.0 Sex
9.5 Pressure Relief
9.7 Off-Gassing
9.8 Company

Best For

  • Excellent materials, performance, and quality for the money
  • Ultra low motion transfer (3rd lowest we’ve tested to date)
  • Good cooling performance, despite memory foam top layer

Considerations

  • Very low bounce rate, which is good for low motion, but not great for sex
  • Edge support while sitting leaves something to be desired

Our Verdict

The Leesa Studio mattress is a great pick for a budget-friendly, 10″ foam mattress with a balanced feel. It uses high-quality materials, but only has a 3.0″ thick comfort layer, unlike the 4.0″ comfort layer on the Original Leesa.

This may make the Studio a better option for lightweight to moderate-weight sleepers, as they typically don’t put as much pressure on the mattress. All things considered, the Leesa Studio still has great performance scores during our tests and it’s hard to beat the price tag.

Type: Combo Foam
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Best For: All Sleeping Positions, All Body Weights

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

The Leesa Studio offers a budget option for sleepers who like the Leesa Original, but want to save some cash and don’t mind giving up a few things.

See exactly how the Studio stacks up to comparable mattresses. Let’s dive in.

YouTube video

Performance Tests

At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.

We test 9 different factors that impact the comfort and feel of the mattress. Testing categories include:

Test Rating
CoolingVery Good
SinkageModerate
Motion TransferExtremely Low
Response TimeVery Fast
BounceLow
Edge SupportFair
SexVery Good
Pressure ReliefExcellent
Off-GassingExcellent
CompanyExcellent

How is Leesa Studio Different?

The Leesa Studio mattress has below-average overall performance, but also a below-average price—35% less than the average foam mattress for a savings of $419 on a queen-sized mattress.

Advantages

Besides price, the only other real advantage is low levels of motion transfer—74% better than the average mattress. This is not to say that the Leesa Studio is bad in other areas, but just that it doesn’t excel or score marks that are higher than the average.

Neutral Factors

The Leesa Studio has 8% less sinkage than average as well as 36% less bounce than average. Both of these factors are considered “neutral” and based more on a sleeper’s personal preference.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of the Leesa Studio include poorer cooling performance, slower material response time, significantly poorer edge support, and worse sex performance as well.

This mattress only has a 10″ thickness which is 2″ thinner than average and may create some disadvantages for heavier sleepers in terms of pressure relief and support.

FactorLeesa StudioAverage
Overall9.319.51
Price$749$1,168 (Foam only)
Cooling99.4
Max Sinkage2.00″2.17″
Total Motion Transfer2.22 m/s²8.52 m/s²
Response Time0.6 sec.0.4 sec.
Total Bounce6.22″9.65″
Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage6.75″4.11″
Mattress Thickness10.0″12.0″
Sex Overall99.6
Comfort Material3.0″4.2″
Off-Gassing – SmellStrongStrong
Off-Gassing – Days4 days5 days
Trial100 nights161 nights
Warranty10 years26% have lifetime warranties, average of other 74% of mattresses is 14 years
9.0

Cooling Test

Overall, the cooling performance on the Leesa Studio mattress is excellent. In our objective tests, the Studio hit a maximum temperature of 90.3° F on the surface.

This is 1.3° lower than the average max temperature across all the mattresses we’ve tested to date (which is 91.6° F).

Baseline Temp.

80.3° F

Max. Temp.

90.3° F

Ending Temp.

86.1° F

Max. Temp.

Leesa Studio cooling test (before)

Ending Temp.

Leesa Studio cooling test (after)
  • 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

Heat Dissipation Over Time

Heat Dissipation Chart Leesa Studio
Heat Dissipation Chart Leesa Studio

After we got off the mattress heat dissipation started off slow, only dropping 2.2° within the first minute. However, by the 2-minute mark, the mattress had reached 86.5 degrees (a 3.8° decline).

Subjectively speaking, I found the mattress breathed well and was comfortably cool during our tests.

Like most all-foam mattresses, the Leesa Studio isn’t a miracle worker, but it should be suitable and cool enough for most sleepers.

The relatively thin 1.5” memory foam layer on top will help to avoid excessive heat retention issues and the 1.5” poly foam layer below aids in airflow.

Both of these work together to improve the overall cooling profile.

Sinkage Test

In our pressure point sinkage test, we measured a sinkage depth of 2.0” on the Leesa Studio mattress.

Sinkage Depth

2.0″

Sinkage Feel

Moderate

This is slightly below the average sinkage depth of 2.2” that we’ve measured across all mattresses we’ve tested to date.

Leesa Studio sinkage test

At 2.0” of sinkage, it is very much within the normal range for a medium-firm mattress. There’s enough sinkage to create pressure points, but not so much as to create an excessively enveloped or “stuck” feeling.

10

Motion Transfer Test

Motion transfer is excellent on the Leesa Studio. In our accelerometer tests, we measured an acceleration range of 2.22 m/s².

Max. Acceleration

1.0 m/s²

Min. Acceleration

-1.22 m/s²

Accel. Range

2.22 m/s²

This is significantly below the average across all motion transfer tests we’ve conducted to date, which is 8.51 m/s².

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

The top layer of memory foam does a nice job of quickly dissipating energy.

Within 0.3 seconds most of the energy has been dissipated. So not only is there not a significant acceleration range, but the duration of the motion is extremely swift.

Leesa Studio motion transfer

This will ensure that if you sleep with a partner who is easily distributed you won’t be as likely to wake them when getting in /out of bed or changing positions during the night.

9.9

Response Test

Response time was respectably fast. The mattress mostly recovers from pressure within 0.6 seconds, though total recovery takes 1.0 seconds.

While this isn’t quite as fast as the Leesa Original at 0.3 seconds and other super fast responding mattresses (namely hybrids, latex, and mattresses with pocketed coils), it’s still likely going to be good enough for many sleepers.

Mostly Recovered

0.6 sec.

Complete Recovery

1.0 sec.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

The Leesa Studio uses a top layer of memory foam, which helps to create more immediate pressure relief and contouring for sleepers. However, that top memory foam layer also means response time is going to be a little slower, as memory is just generally a slower responding material.

Bounce Test

As expected, the bounce was on the lower side. In our tests, we measured a bounce range of 6.22”.

This is a good bit lower than our average bounce height, which is 9.65” (across all mattresses we’ve tested to date).

Max. Depth

4.70″

Max. Rebound

1.52″

Total Bounce

6.22″

Max. Depth

Leesa Studio Max Depth

Max. Rebound

Max bounce height for Leesa Studio

You can see the bounce in real-time from the video below.

In the same way that the top layer of memory foam rapidly dissipates energy to keep motion transfer low, that same fact results in a fairly low bounce height.

This gives the Leesa Studio more of a classic memory foam feel and a less traditional bounce feel.

For sleeping, this fact isn’t of much consequence to most sleepers. However, for sex, it is more detrimental.

8.1

Edge Support Test

The edge support on the Leesa Studio was a bit of a mixed bag. While sitting, it’s not very supportive. We measured 6.75” of sinkage under the legs while sitting directly on the edge.

Max. Sinkage

6.75″

Lying Support

Excellent

This is the 4th deepest sinkage of any mattress we’ve tested to date.

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

Sitting, 140 lbs.

Leesa Studio edge support (body weight only)
Leesa Studio edge support (body weight only)

Sitting, 200 lbs.

Leesa Studio edge support (weighted vest)
Leesa Studio edge support (weighted vest)

With only a 3” comfort layer and a medium-firm feel, there’s just not as much material to support heavy weights directly on the edge.

While the edge support while sitting leaves much to be desired, the edge support while lying on the mattress is excellent.

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

Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.

Leesa Studio - lying on edge (body weight)
Leesa Studio – lying on edge (body weight)

Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.

Leesa Studio - memory foam mattress
Leesa Studio – lying on edge (weighted vest)

This mattress did a nice job at supporting my weight even while lying directly on top of the edge. While lying directly on the edge I felt well-supported, the edge did not collapse, and I had no sensation of being rolled out of bed.

9.0

Sex Test

The best mattresses for sex have high bounce, good edge support, quiet materials, and good pressure relief and cooling.

These 5 factors make up the NapLab sex performance score.

Sex FactorFactor WeightScoreRating
Bounce60%9.1Low
Edge Support20%8.1Fair
Noise10%10Minimal
Pressure Relief5%9.5Excellent
Cooling5%9Very Good

For the Leesa Studio, these individual factors generated a sex score of 9.0.

Let’s talk through some of the factors.

First off, bounce. The bounce on the Studio is good, but it’s not great. The memory foam deadens a lot of the bounce which is good for limited motion transfer, but not so great for active sex.

Leesa Studio side sleeping

The edge support is probably one of the biggest hits against the sex score. For sitting, the support just isn’t that great. It compresses over 6″ from the surface of the mattress.

Redeeming qualities for the Leesa include noise, pressure relief, and cooling. All three of these factors scored extremely well.

Being an all-foam mattress, the Studio is very quiet and makes virtually no sound.

The layers of materials provide excellent pressure relief and cooling to enhance the dance with no pants.

9.5

Pressure Relief Test

Overall, I found pressure relief to be excellent. Having a layer of high-quality memory foam directly on top of the mattress helps to bring contour and pressure relief directly to the sleeper’s body.

Comfort Layer

3.0″

Support Layer

7.0″

My only potential concern for pressure relief is for heavier sleepers. Heavier sleepers, but especially those 200 pounds or more, are more likely going to experience pressure issues.

Stomach sleeping on the Leesa Studio mattress

This is simply because the Leesa Studio mattress only uses 3.0” of comfort material. Heavier sleepers are more likely to sink through the top 3.0” more easily, bringing their body into contact with the less pressure relief support foams.

If you do weigh more you should consider opting for the Leesa Hybrid, Leesa Legend, Leesa Original, or any number of other mattress brands that utilize a 4.0” comfort layer or thicker.

9.7

Off-Gassing Test

To evaluate off-gassing we monitor the mattress following the initial unboxing, taking a subjective measurement of any strong lingering smells. Strong odors coming off the mattress can be discomforting while both sleeping and awake.

Initial Smell Strength

Strong

Off-Gassing Period

4 days

Off-gassing of the Leesa Studio is initially pretty strong, right out of the box. I would say that it took about 4 days for the mattress to fully off-gas.

Leesa Studio corner detail

Once decompressed and off-gassed, there was minimal smell on this mattress.

And as an added note, even though the smell was initially quite strong, this is not that uncommon for foam-based mattresses.

9.8

Company

The company score takes a look at factors that may influence your experience with the mattress.

Factors include length of the trial period, warranty, shipping / return costs, and country of origin.

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

For Leesa, these individual terms and conditions generated a company score of 9.8.

Leesa offers a trial period of 100 nights, which is a bit shorter than the 164-night average for a trial period. It also comes with a 10-year warranty.

Leesa Studio logo tag

Of the 180+ mattresses we’ve tested to date, 27% have lifetime warranties. The average of the other 73% of mattresses is 14 years. Compared to this date, the Leesa warranty is shorter than average on all accounts.

Shipping and returns are both free from Leesa.

How firm is Leesa?

The firmness of the Leesa Studio comes in around a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, where 10 is the firmest. This level is consistent with the firmness of the Leesa Original or Leesa Hybrid as well.

firmness - 6 out of 10 - medium

If you’re looking for a softer feel, check out the Leesa Legend, which comes in closer to a 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale.

For reference, here is a quick table of all of the current Leesa mattress firmnesses and materials. See below:

Mattress TypeFirmnessMaterials
Leesa Original 6 out of 10Three layers of foam
Leesa Hybrid6 out of 10Foam + 1 layer of pocket springs
Leesa Legend4 out of 10Foam + 2 layers of pocket springs
Leesa Studio6 out of 10Three layers of foam (budget pick)

Support & Sleeping Positions

Depending on your body weight and personal sleep position preferences, you may find that certain firmnesses are better suited for you than others.

We try to take the guesswork out by providing the table below. Use this chart as a guide to help decide which mattress type is best for you.

As a reminder:

  • The Leesa Original, Hybrid, and Studio are all around a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
  • The Leesa Legend is a bit softer and closer to a 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale.

Leesa Original, Hybrid, and Studio

Sleeper WeightStomach SleepersSide SleepersBack Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.YesYesYes
150-250 lbs.Yes YesYes
250-300 lbs.YesYesYes

Leesa Legend

Sleeper WeightStomach SleeperSide SleeperBack Sleeper
Under 150 lbs.YesYesYes
150-225 lbs.MaybeYesMaybe
225-300 lbs.NoMaybeNo

This mattress would be supportive for most sleepers. Sleepers over 300 pounds are probably better off with the Leesa Hybrid or Leesa Legend. Anyone under 300 pounds will feel well supported. It’s a good option for all sleeper positions.

Design

The design of the Leesa Studio is much like the design of the Leesa Original. It uses three layers of foam—a comfort foam, a transitional foam, and a base support foam.

Combining memory foam and poly foams results in a feel that is a nice balance between sinkage / contour and bounce / response.

Type

Foam

Thickness

10″

Firmness

6

Materials

As mentioned above, the Studio mattress uses three layers of foam to provide support and comfort. Unlike the original Leesa which tops their mattress with proprietary poly foam, the Leesa Studio starts off with a gel-infused memory foam.

The four main layers of the Leesa include:

  • Seamless, twill cover
  • 1.5″ memory foam
  • 1,5″ poly foam
  • 7.0″ support foam
Leesa Studio material layers

The Cover

The Leesa Studio coves is similar to the 4-bar cover seen on the original Leesa as well. Contrary to the original, the Studio cover is gray with lighter gray contrasting bars.

Leesa Studio mattress cover
Leesa mattress cover

It is soft to the touch, stretchy, and breathable. The thin cover allows sleepers to more quickly engage with the foam layers without excessive contour in the cover itself.

The Comfort Layer

The top comfort layer of the Leesa Studio starts is a 1.5″ gel-infused memory foam followed by a 1.5″ transitional poly foam.

Starting with memory foam provides lower motion transfer for this mattress than most other mattresses we’ve tested to date.

Leesa Studio foam layers
Leesa Studio foam layers

The gel in the foam also helps to improve cooling and offset heat retention which would be common for traditional memory foam.

The Support Layer

The bottom layer of the Studio mattress is a 7.0″ support foam, which provides density and shape to the top comfort layers.

Leesa Studio base support
Leesa Studio base support

Because of the density of this support foam, the Leesa does not require a traditional boxspring and you can use this mattress on a platform bed, with a bunkie board, or a simple slatted bed frame.

Product Evolution

Leesa, as a company, has been making mattresses since 2014. It started with a single mattress (the Original) which has since undergone some foam changes, but the feel remains largely the same.

Leesa Studio mattress cover
Profile view of the 4-bar cover design

The Leesa Studio was not launched until 2020 and hit the scene has a more budget-friendly pick compared to the original. There have been no major changes to the design of the Leesa Studio mattress since it launched in 2020.

Leesa Original vs. Hybrid vs. Legend vs. Studio

If you like the sound of the Leesa Studio, but want to explore the entire Leesa lineup, check out the comparison below.

The four current Leesa mattresses include:

  1. Leesa Studio (reviewed above)
  2. Leesa Original
  3. Leesa Hybrid
  4. Leesa Legend

You can read more about the similarities and differences of these four mattresses below:

Leesa original - detail cover shot

Leesa Original

Type: Combo foam
Thickness: 10″
Feel: Balanced
Price: $1,099 (queen)
Overall Score: 9.56
Leesa hybrid - detail cover shot

Leesa Hybrid

Type: Foam + pocketed coils
Thickness: 11″
Feel: Responsive
Price: $1,799 (queen)
Overall Score: 9.69
Leesa legend - detail cover shot

Leesa Legend

Type: Foam + pocketed coils
Thickness: 12″
Feel: Luxury, pressure relief
Price: $2,299 (queen)
Overall Score: 9.56
Leesa studio - detail cover shot

Leesa Studio

Type: Combo foam
Thickness: 10″
Feel: Responsive
Price: $699 (queen)
Overall Score: 9.41

Other Mattresses to Consider

More Comfort Foam

Leesa Original foam layers

Leesa Original

4″ Comfort Foam

The Leesa Original is a 10″ foam combo mattress, much like the Leesa Studio. But the Original has 4″ of comfort foam while the Studio only has 3″. For heavier sleepers, this is likely a better option.

Read Review

Budget Pick

Siena Material Layers2

Siena

9.55 Overall Score

The Siena mattress is a 10″ thick mattress that contains memory foam and poly foam, much like the Leesa Studio. It has better overall performance (9.55) and a price tag that is actually below the Studio—only $399 for a queen mattress, a savings of over 50%.

Read Review

For Edge Support

Material layers on the GhostBed Classic

GhostBed Classic

Perforated Latex + Foam

The GhostBed Classic is also a 10″ combo foam mattress, but with a few differences. It uses perforated latex and gel memory foam for the comfort layers (3.5″ thickness.) These materials have great performance, including improved edge support over the Leesa Studio.

Read Review

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Leesa Studio mattress cost?

The cost of a Leesa mattress varies depending on what size you’re looking for. Here are the current prices:

Twin: $499
Twin XL: $549
Full: $599
Queen: $699
King: $899
Cal. King: $899

What is the return policy?

The purchase of any Leesa mattress comes with a 100-night trial period, a 10-year warranty, and free shipping to your door. If you decide that the mattress isn’t right for you, they offer free returns. But instead of just returning and dumping it into a landfill, they donate mattresses in good condition to a child or family in need.

Can you try the Leesa before you buy?

Yes. Leesa partners with retailers nationwide to allow sleepers to try out their mattresses, including West Elm, Macy’s Pottery Barn, and Sit ‘N Sleep. Here is a list of retailer locations.

How to clean a Leesa mattress?

Cleaning a Leesa mattress is similar to how you would clean any other foam-based mattress. You can spot clean with cold water and mild detergent or vacuum the mattress. To avoid stains and spills altogether, consider adding a waterproof mattress pad or a 6-sided mattress encasement.

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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