Best For
- Outstandingly good cooling, max temperature was a full 1.2° less than the average
- Outstandingly good pressure relief, a combination of soft 2.0” euro-style cover + 4.0” of comfort foam is ideal for most body types
- Fantastic edge support for both sitting and lying, just 3.25” of sinkage compression while sitting on edge
Considerations
- Motion transfer was higher than expected. It was about double the average.
- 15” is a tall mattress by any definition, and creates a fairly sizable presence in the bedroom
Our Verdict
The Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress is a high-profile hybrid mattress that uses a blend of poly foam and pocketed coils for comfort and support. This combination of materials gives the mattress excellent performance across most of our tests.
It has deep sinkage and a moderate bounce giving it a sinking yet responsive feel.
It comes in three different firmness levels—plush, luxury firm, and firm making it a good choice for most body types and sleeping positions.
The Nolah Evolution 15 is one of the best hybrid mattresses we’ve tested to date. It received an overall score of 9.28, ranking in the top 10% of all mattresses tested to date.
It is priced 20% higher than the average hybrid ($1347) for an added cost of $277 for a queen mattress.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium (5.5), or Firm (8)
Best For: All Sleeping Positions, All Body Weights
In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs
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. We then take the results of that test and compare to every mattress we’ve tested to date.
Check out the full performance table below to see how this mattress ranks:
| Factor | Nolah Evolution 15 | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.28 | 8.58 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,624 | $1,347 (Hybrid only) |
| Cooling – Score | 10 | 8.7 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.48″ | 2.14″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 7.3 | 8.1 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 11.10 m/s² | 8.79 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.6 | 9.0 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.7 sec. | 0.9 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 8.72″ | 9.60″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.9 | 8.6 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.25″ | 4.02″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding | Good |
| Sex – Score | 8.6 | 8.5 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 | 8.7 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 6.0″ | 4.1″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 15″ | 12.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.2 | 8.1 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days | 7 days |
| Company – Score | 9.1 | 8.7 |
| Trial | 120 nights | 176 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 24% have lifetime warranties, average of other 76% of mattresses is 13 years |
How is Nolah Evolution 15 Different?
The Nolah Evolution 15 has an overall performance score that is above the average mattress. However, the price tag is more expensive than the average mattress. Both of these also hold true when comparing the Nolah to the average hybrid mattress.
Advantages
The Nolah Evolution 15 is better than the average mattress in multiple categories. Cooling, response, edge support, sex, pressure relief, off-gassing, and company are all higher-scoring categories than average.
Neutral Factors
The mattress also offers deeper sinkage than average and slightly less bounce, though it is fairly close.
Disadvantages
The only place the Nolah Evolution struggled with when compared to the average mattress we test is motion transfer. In our tests, we found it had a higher acceleration range than average.
Cooling Test
Cooling performance on the Nolah Evolution 15 was outstanding. During my tests, I felt no noticeable level of heat retention. The surface of the mattress remained cooler.
Baseline Temp.
81.0° F
Max Temp.
88.6° F
Ending Temp.
84.3° F
Looking at our objective data, we measured a max surface level temperature of 88.6° F. This is 1.2° cooler than the average max temperature (based on all of our tests to date) of 89.8° F.
In my view, this reduction in max temperature compared to the average is the most significant factor that helps keep the Nolah Evolution 15 cooler. The heat dissipation curve was good, but nothing awe-inspiring.
Max Temp.
Ending Temp
- 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
From minutes 0 to 1 the temperature dropped from 88.6 to 85.0°F, a reduction of 3.6°. That 0 to 1-minute reduction is about average. However, when you start a full 1.2° cooler it is far more noticeable.
The material design of the Evolution 15 is a pretty standard high-performance hybrid design. There’s 6.0” of comfort material on 9.0” of support material. However, the quality of the comfort material seems to be paying big dividends.
We don’t see those 6.0” of foam absorbing excessive heat. Instead, the mattress surface remains cool, the support coils provide airflow, and the foams appear to do a nice job of managing and mitigating heat on their own.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
Based on our objective data, subjective experience, and material construction, in my view, the Nolah Evolution 15 has an outstandingly good cooling performance.
Sinkage Test
The Nolah Evolution 15 has a deep level of pressure point sinkage. In our tests, I measured 2.48” of sinkage depth. This is 0.25” more sinkage than the average (based on all of our tests to date), which is 2.23”.
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
The euro-style quilted cover on the Nolah Evolution 15 is relatively soft compared to many others we’ve tested. This softness means that any relatively lightweight object or person (including our 12-pound medicine ball) is heavy enough to easily sink through the top 2.0” layer.
Despite this, the mattress still has fantastically good support (which we’ll discuss below).
It’s the top cover and 2.0” quilted layer that’s creating a bulk of the sinkage and a majority of pressure relief as well. While the sinkage depth is moderately more than the average, it’s not so deep that I am overly concerned. The Nolah 15 still has a well-balanced feel.
Motion Transfer Test
The Nolah Evolution 15 has a moderate level of motion transfer. During our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 11.10 m/s². This is 26% more motion transfer than the average of 8.79 m/s².
The level of motion transfer is documented in the video below.
In terms of design, the Evolution 15 would seem to have all the necessary material layers to manage and mitigate motion transfer. However, our objective motion transfer measurements showed otherwise.
Max. Acceleration
5.20 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-5.90 m/s²
Accel. Range
11.10 m/s²
In our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion peaks from 0 to 0.13 seconds. By 0.70 seconds we’ve returned to near zero levels of energy.
At least with respect to motion duration, the Evolution 15 is worse than the average, but not by much. Based on our standard scoring scale, I would describe the Nolah Evolution 15’s motion transfer rate as “moderate”.
It is considerably higher than the average. As a result, it may not be ideal for couples where one or more sleepers are easily disturbed by movements during the night.
Response Test
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a mixed bag for material responsiveness, with an extremely fast mostly recovered response time and a fast fully recovered response time.
Mostly Recovered
0.2 sec.
Complete Recovery
0.7 sec.
In our mostly recovered test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.2 seconds, which is 0.20 seconds faster than the average of 0.40 seconds, based on all of our tests to date.
In our fully recovered responsiveness test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.7 seconds, which is 0.20 seconds faster than the average of 0.90 seconds.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
The Evolution 15 is significantly faster than the averages. The fast response times in both of these categories indicate that the mattress will be easy to move around on and sleepers will not feel overly enveloped or “stuck” in the foam layers.
Bounce Test
The Nolah Evolution 15 mattress has a moderate level of bounce. In our tests we measured 8.72” of bounce range. This is 0.81” less bounce than the average (based on all of our tests to date), which is 9.53” of bounce.
Max. Depth
5.15″
Max. Rebound
3.57″
Total Bounce
8.72″
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max Bounce Height
Typically, I like to see bounce in the 8-12” range. It’s enough to make it easier to move on the mattress, create a more traditional feel, and improve sex, without being too much or too little as to open up new problems.
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
The Evolution 15 is on the lower side, but still very much within the “moderate” bounce range. Given the relative softness of the cover and thick 6.0” comfort layer I expected bounce to be quite a bit lower.
However, the foam layers with the core of the mattress, in addition to support coils, do seem to create a solid bounce foundation.
Edge Support Test
The Nolah Evolution 15 has excellent edge support for sitting and outstanding edge support for lying.
Max Sinkage
3.25″
Lying Support
Outstanding
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
In our sitting edge support test, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 3.25″. This is 0.79″ less sitting sinkage than the average of 4.04″, based on all of our tests to date.
Typically, I like to see sitting edge support of 4.0” or less. The Nolah Evolution 15 easily hits and exceeds that mark.
While lying directly on the edge of the mattress I felt that the support was outstanding in all sleeping positions.
The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
The mattress does a fantastic job of creating robust edge support, while still ensuring plenty of pressure relief (which is a hard task for many mattresses). I have nothing but praise when it comes to Nolah Evolution 15’s edge support.
Sex Test
The Nolah Evolution 15 has good sex performance. On the positive side, edge support is excellent at 3.25″ of sitting edge sinkage, which is 0.79 less than the average of 4.04″. Noise is minimal and pressure relief and cooling are outstanding.
Bounce is moderate at 8.72″, which is 0.81″ less than the average bounce height of 9.53″. This may be seen as a “negative” if you’re specifically looking for a mattress with higher levels of bounce.
| Sex Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 65% | 7.9 | Moderate |
| Edge Support | 20% | 9.7 | Excellent |
| Noise | 5% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 10 | Outstanding |
| Cooling | 5% | 10 | Outstanding |
Pressure Relief Test
Pressure relief on the Nolah Evolution 15 was outstanding. Throughout our battery of performance tests, I felt incredibly comfortable in all sleeping positions.
Comfort Layer
6.0″
Support Layer
9.0″
The Evolution 15 has a 2.0” euro-style quilted cover, which creates immediate softness. The mattress has an additional 4.0” of comfort foam before you hit the support coils.
When you couple the foam comfort layers with a high-performance zonal support coil system you have all the design elements you need for outstanding pressure relief.
The Evolution 15 is just a touch softer than a medium-firm (a 5.5 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm), giving it a little extra pressure relief. It’s the type of mattress that both lightweight and heavy-weight sleepers will experience plenty of pressure relief on.
Off-Gassing Test
The Nolah Evolution has strong off-gassing and it took 3 days for the odor to fully dissipate from the mattress.
Initial Smell Strength
Strong
Off-Gassing Period
3 days
The average off-gassing period is 7 days (comparing all mattresses tested to date), so the Evolution 15 off-gasses 4 days faster than average.
Company
Nolah offers a 120-night trial period, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping. The only negative is that returns will cost you $99 if the mattress ends up not working out.
| Company Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 15% | 8.0 | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 10% | 10 | Lifetime |
| Shipping | 5% | 10 | $0 |
| Returns | 20% | 7.0 | $99 |
| Trust | 50% | 10 | Outstanding |
| Country of Origin | 0% | USA |
In addition to the Nolah Evolution, the company also offers the Nolah Original 10″, Nolah Signature 12″, Nolah Natural 11″, or Nolah Nurture 10″. If you find that the Evolution isn’t right for you, inner-brand exchanges are easy.
How firm is the Nolah Evolution?
The Nolah Evolution comes in three firmness levels—plush, luxury firm, and firm.
Luxury Firm Firmness
We tested the luxury firm which had a medium firmness of 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
This firmness is a good fit for a wide range of sleepers as it is firm enough to support heavier sleepers, but not so firm that lightweight sleepers will find it to be uncomfortable.
If you’re a lighter-weight side sleeper, you may like the plush firmness better. Alternatively, if you’re a heavier-weighted back or stomach sleeper, you may like the firm better.
Soft Firmness
Based on all of our mattress tests to date, as well as tests on Nolah’s other mattresses, we estimate that the Nolah Evolution 15″ plush version would be a 4 out of 10 firmness.
Firm Firmness
Likewise, we estimate that the Nolah Evolution 15″ firm would be an 8 out of 10 firmness.
Support & Sleeping Positions
The Nolah Evolution 15 has fantastic support for all sleeping positions and all body types. With 15” of total thickness including a 6.0” comfort layer it has got all the material and design qualities I look for in a high-performance mattress.
| Sleeper Weight | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 150 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 150-250 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 250-300 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The 2.0” quilted cover is fairly soft, but further backed by 4.0” of additional comfort foam. This combination allows it to create plenty of pressure relief and transitional support for light, moderate, and heavier-weight bodies.
The 8.0” support coil system is zoned, helping to bring the spine into a more neutral alignment.
According to the manufacturer’s warranty, the Nolah Evolution is able to support up to 350 pounds per side.
As a result, it’s able to support the vast majority of body types. I have no major complaints when it comes to support.
Design
The design of the Nolah Evolution is a true hybrid made of both foam and coils. It has a high-profile look with a 15″ thickness.
Type
Hybrid
Thickness
15″
Firmness
5.5
There is a 6.0″ comfort layer, 8.0″ of support coils, and a 1.0″ support foam base.
Materials
Including the cover, there are five main layers on the Nolah Evolution.
- 2.0″ foam quilted cover
- 2.0″ poly foam
- 2.0″ poly foam
- 8.0″ pocketed coils
- 1.0″ support foam
The Cover
The cover of the Nolah Evolution includes two main parts—a soft phase change material cover that remains cool to the touch and a quilted Euro foam topper.
This top layer assembly has a breathable gusset, which helps to limit heat retention and improve cooling performance as well.
The sides of the mattress use a reinforced fabric with horizontal stitching for improved durability. There are two carrying handles on both sides of the mattress for easier transport.
The Comfort Layer
The comfort layer technically includes the 2.0″ Euro foam that is quilted into the cover, but below that there are two additional foam layers as well.
Immediately below the cover, there are two layers of 2.0″ poly foam (4.0″ total).
The first is a layer of graphite-infused poly foam and the second is a poly foam with higher resiliency. Below that is a thinner transitional support foam that eases the transition into the coil support layer.
The Support Layer
The support layer includes an 8.0″ layer of pocketed coils. These coils are individually encased in a thin, breathable fabric.
Encasing coils allows each spring to work independently from one another resulting in better pressure relief and limited motion transfer.
The coil layer includes three different zones that provide targeted pressure relief for different areas as you sleep. Coils located along the perimeter are reinforced for improved edge support.
Below the coils is a thin 1.0″ layer of high-density support foam which provides pushback for the coils and helps the mattress to retain shape and structure.
Product Evolution
The Nolah Evolution was launched back in 2020. In July 2022 Nolah launched the new version of the Evolution 15 mattress, which had the following changes:
The cover was changed. New cover uses organic cotton cover with blended cooling fiber. It’s designed to be more breathable, soft, and better wick moisture.
There was previously a 1.0″ foam layer that separated the coils from 6.0″ of comfort foam. This layer was removed in the newest version of the Evolution. It was most likely removed as the new coil system probably doesn’t require that separation.
There was previously an edge support foam. That foam has been removed. Edge support is now handled by an improved coil system.
The coil system was changed. The new coil system has reinforced perimeter edge coils that are 13.75 gauge steel. This improved edge support, while also simplifying the material construction of the mattress.
Nolah Evolution vs. Original
The comparison below shows a quick inner-brand side-by-side of the Nolah Evolution compared to the Nolah Original.
Nolah Evolution
| Type: Foam + pocketed coils |
| Thickness: 15″ |
| Firmness: 5.5 out of 10 |
| Price: $1599 (queen) |
| Overall Score: 9.28 |
Nolah Original
| Type: Foam |
| Thickness: 10″ |
| Firmness: 6.5 out of 10 |
| Price: $1099 (queen) |
| Overall Score: 8.70 |
Other Mattresses to Consider
Still not sure if the Nolah Evolution is the right hybrid for you? Check out these three other top-rated hybrids for more options.
For Heavier Sleepers
Winkbed
9.82 overall score
The Winkbed mattress has a 5.0″ comfort layer and exceptional performance. This mattress has an overall score of 9.95, making it one of the top-rated hybrids we’ve tested to date.
For Savings
Bear Star Hybrid
Copper-infused memory foam
The Bear Star Hybrid mattress has a slight cost advantage over the Nolah Evolution. A queen mattress is under $1200, where a queen Nolah costs $1599. Bear offers a similar firmness and high-profile look (13″ thick, compared to the 15″ thickness of Nolah).
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Nolah Evolution 15 mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.
Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: $999
Twin XL: $1199
Full: $1399
Queen: $1599
King: $1799
Cal. King: $1799
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
No, the Nolah Evolution is not a flippable mattress. The Nolah Nurture is a two-sided flippable 10″ kids mattress.
The Queen size of the Nolah Evolution is 110 lbs. The Twin is the lightest version of this mattress at 70 lbs. and a Split King would be the heaviest at 146 lbs.
The Nolah Evolution is shipped compressed and vacuum-rolled. Simply unbox, open the packaging, and the mattress will unroll and puff back up to its original size and density.
Nolah’s natural mattress is organic. The other mattresses within Nolah’s line are not organic. However, the Nolah Evolution uses foams that are CertiPUR-US certified. Materials that meet this certification are made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP flame retardants. They are also made without mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, without phthalates, and have low VOC emissions.
