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Nolah Evolution 15 Review

Derek Hales

Written by: Derek Hales

Updated On:

Nolah Evolution 15 cover photo
9.77 Overall Score
Tested With Scoring System 1.1
10 Cooling
8.5 Motion Transfer
10 Response Time
9.9 Edge Support
9.8 Sex
10 Pressure Relief
9.8 Off-Gassing
9.5 Company

Best For

  • Exceptionally good cooling, max temperature was a full 1.2° less than the average
  • Exceptionally 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. It comes in three different firmness levels—plush, luxury firm, and firm.

In our performance tests, the Evolution had exceptional cooling, deep sinkage, moderate motion transfer, extremely fast response time, moderate bounce, excellent edge support, excellent sex performance, exceptional pressure relief, and excellent off-gassing performance.

The Nolah Evolution 15 is one of the best hybrid mattresses we’ve tested to date. Motion transfer leaves something to be desired. However, all other performance categories were nearly perfect.

Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium (5.5), 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
CoolingExceptional
SinkageDeep
Motion TransferModerate
Response TimeExtremely Fast
BounceModerate
Edge SupportExcellent
SexExcellent
Pressure ReliefExceptional
Off-GassingExcellent
CompanyExcellent
10

Cooling Test

Cooling performance on the Nolah Evolution 15 was exceptionally good. 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.

Nolah Evolution 15 before cooling test
Nolah Evolution 15 before cooling test

Ending Temp

Nolah Evolution 15 after cooling test
Nolah Evolution 15 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

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

Heat Dissipation Chart Nolah Evolution 15
Heat Dissipation Chart Nolah Evolution 15

Based on our objective data, subjective experience, and material construction, in my view, the Nolah Evolution 15 has an exceptionally 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.

Nolah Evolution 15 sinkage test

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.

8.5

Motion Transfer Test

Motion transfer is by far the weakest performance area for the Nolah Evolution 15. In our tests, we measured 11.1 m/s² of acceleration range. This is nearly double the average motion transfer (based on all of our tests to date), which is 5.80 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

If you look at the motion transfer chart (which visualizes the accelerometer data), we can see there is a high level of motion until 0.21 seconds. Moderate motion continues beyond that up until 0.70 seconds, before acceleration and motion levels return to near zero.

Nolah Evolution 15 motion transfer chart
Nolah Evolution 15 motion transfer chart

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. 

10

Response Test

Response time on the Nolah Evolution mattress is extremely fast. In our tests, we measured a mostly recovered response time of 0.2 seconds and a full material recovery response time of 0.7 seconds.

Mostly Recovered

0.2 sec.

Complete Recovery

0.7 sec.

Both of these are notably faster than the average. On average (based on all of our tests to date), we have measured mostly recovered response times of 0.54 seconds and average full material recovery times of 0.96 seconds.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

The Evolution 15 is significantly faster than the averages. While the full material recovery trails a bit, it’s reassuring to see such a rapid response time for most of the materials to recover.

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 0.51” less bounce than the average (based on all of our tests to date), which is 9.23” of bounce.

Max. Depth

5.15″

Max. Rebound

3.57″

Total Bounce

8.72″

Max. Sinkage Depth

Nolah Evolution 15 max bounce depth

Max Bounce Height

Nolah Evolution 15 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.

9.9

Edge Support Test

Edge support on the Nolah Evolution 15 was excellent for sitting and exceptionally good for lying.

Max Sinkage

3.25″

Lying Support

Exceptional

In our sitting edge support tests, we measured 3.25” of sinkage while sitting directly on the edge.

This is 1.4” less sinkage than the average based on all of our edge support tests to date. On average, we’ve measured 4.65” of sinkage compression (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.

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

Sitting, 140 lbs.

Nolah Evolution 15 edge support
Nolah Evolution 15 edge support

Sitting, 200 lbs.

Nolah Evolution 15 edge support - with vest
Nolah Evolution 15 edge support – with vest

Even when sitting directly on the edge of the mattress I felt well supported. Edge support while lying was even more impressive. While lying directly on the edge of the mattress (in all sleeping positions) I felt fully supported by the Evolution 15.

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

Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.

Nolah Evolution 15 edge support - side sleeping
Nolah Evolution 15 edge support – side sleeping

Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.

Nolah Evolution 15 edge support - side sleeping with vest
Nolah Evolution 15 edge support – back sleeping with vest

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.

9.8

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%9.7Extremely Low
Edge Support20%9.9Exceptional
Noise10%10Minimal
Pressure Relief5%10Exceptional
Cooling5%10Exceptional

For the Nolah Evolution 15 mattress, these individual factors generated a sex score of 9.8.

For any mattress, this is a fantastic score. Being a hybrid (with foam and coils), that definitely helps sex performance on the Evolution 15. This mattress has high levels of bounce, fantastic edge support, and minimal noise.

Pressure relief and cooling are also fantastic, although those two categories make up a smaller percentage of the overall score.

10

Pressure Relief Test

Pressure relief on the Nolah Evolution 15 was exceptionally good. 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.

Nolah Evolution 15 edge support - sitting
Nolah Evolution 15 edge support – sitting

When you couple the foam comfort layers with a high-performance zonal support coil system you have all the design elements you need for exceptional 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.

9.8

Off-Gassing Test

Right out of the box, the Nolah Evolution had a strong smell, but nothing out of the ordinary for this type of mattress.

Initial Smell Strength

Strong

Off-Gassing Period

3 days

The smell lasted for about 3 days before it fully dissipated. To speed up off-gassing, place the mattress in a well-ventilated space without any tight bedding on it.

9.5

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%9120 nights
Warranty25%10Lifetime
Shipping25%10$0
Returns25%9$99
Country of OriginUSA

As a company, Nolah scored well. It offers a 120-night trial period, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping. The only negative is that returns will cost you $99.

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.

firmness - 5.5 out of 10

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.

firmness - 4 out of 10 - soft

Firm Firmness

Likewise, we estimate that the Nolah Evolution 15″ firm would be an 8 out of 10 firmness.

firmness - 8 out of 10

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

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.

Nolah Evolution 15 back sleeping
Nolah Evolution 15 back sleeping

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.

Nolah Evolution 15 sitting

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
Nolah Evolution 15 material layers
Nolah Evolution 15 materials

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.

Nolah Evolution 15 cover detail
Nolah Evolution 15 cover detail

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.

Nolah Evolution 15 materials
Nolah Evolution 15 materials

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.

Nolah Evolution 15 logo
Nolah Evolution 15 logo

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.

How is the Nolah Evolution Different?

The Nolah Evolution 15 has a higher performance score than average, but also a higher price tag as well—41% more than the average hybrid mattress.

FactorNolah Evolution 15Average
Overall9.779.52
Price$1,999$1,410 (Hybrid only)
Cooling109.4
Max Sinkage2.48″2.21″
Total Motion Transfer11.10 m/s²7.97 m/s²
Response Time0.2 sec.0.4 sec.
Total Bounce8.72″9.61″
Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage3.25″4.29″
Mattress Thickness15.0″11.9″
Sex Overall9.89.6
Comfort Material6.0″4.1″
Off-Gassing – SmellStrongStrong
Off-Gassing – Days3 days4 days
Trial120 nights158 nights
WarrantyLifetime28% have lifetime warranties, average of other 72% of mattresses is 14 years

This mattress has better cooling than the average, despite having deeper sinkage and less bounce.

Nolah Evolution 15 mattress

Overall mattress thickness is over 3″ greater, which helps pave the way for better edge support and also allows for a thicker 6″ comfort layer (nearly 2″ thicker than the 4.1″ average).

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 15 material layers

Nolah Evolution

Type: Foam + pocketed coils
Thickness: 15″
Firmness: 5.5 out of 10
Price: $1599 (queen)
Overall Score: 9.79
Nolah Original material layers

Nolah Original

Type: Foam
Thickness: 10″
Firmness: 6.5 out of 10
Price: $1099 (queen)
Overall Score: 9.51

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 mattress - material layers - luxury firm

Winkbed

9.95 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 Memory Foam

Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid material layers

Amerisleep AS3

Lower 12″ Profile

If you’re looking for a hybrid with a similar firmness to the Nolah Evolution, but with a little more of a memory foam feel, consider the AS3 hybrid by Amerisleep.

For Savings

Bear Hybrid material layers

Bear Hybrid

Copper-infused memory foam

The Bear Hybrid mattress has a slight cost advantage over the Nolah Evolution, but offers a similar firmness and high-profile look.

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.

How much does a Nolah Evolution mattress cost?

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.

Is the Nolah mattress flippable?

No, the Nolah Evolution is not a flippable mattress. The Nolah Nurture is a two-sided flippable 10″ kids mattress.

How heavy is the Nolah Evolution 15?

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.

How are Nolah mattresses shipped?

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.

Are Nolah mattresses organic?

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.

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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