Best For
- Excellent cooling performance
- Strong edge support, both for sitting or lying on the mattress
- Low price, under $1,000 for a queen mattress
Considerations
- Higher levels of motion transfer
- Sex performance is good, but also far from amazing
- $99 return fee
Our Verdict
The Nolah Original is a 10.00″ foam mattress made of memory foam, poly foam, and support foam. There are no coils on the mattress and it is topped with a quilted cover. Overall, the Nolah Original is designed as a more basic mattress within the Nolah collection.
The Nolah Original is available in a single firmness level — medium-firm. This gives the mattress a firmness of 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, where 10 is the most firm. For most sleepers, this is the sweet spot of softness and support.
This mattress has moderate sinkage and low levels of bounce. The memory foam helps restrict the bounce levels, while the poly foams maintain a more balanced level of contour.
In our performance tests, this mattress earned an overall score of 8.46, ranking the mattress in the bottom 36% of all mattresses tested to date. If we look exclusively at foam mattresses, the rank rises a little, putting the Nolah among the bottom 45% of all foam mattresses. All that being said, the Nolah does have one big advantage over other foam mattresses—the price.
The Nolah Original is $942 for a queen-sized mattress, which is 16% less expensive than the average foam mattress. If you’re looking to stay under $1K and don’t mind the higher motion transfer, Nolah could be a great pick.
Lastly, this mattress is available with an optional cooling pillow top cover called Glaciotex. The version we tested used the standard cover.
Type: 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
Performance Tests
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 | Nolah Original | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.46 | 8.52 |
| Price (Queen) | $942 | $1,125 (Foam only) |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 | 8.6 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.29″ | 2.24″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 7.4 | 8.2 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 10.82 m/s² | 8.77 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.3 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.8 sec. | 1.0 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 7.50″ | 8.74″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Low | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.5 | 8.7 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 2.75″ | 3.92″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent | Good |
| Sex – Score | 8.0 | 8.2 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 8.0 | 8.6 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 6.00″ | 4.29″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 10.00″ | 12.21″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.4 | 8.0 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 2 days | 7 days |
| Company – Score | 8.2 | 8.7 |
| Trial | 120 nights | 176 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 41% have lifetime warranties, average of other 59% of mattresses is 13 years |
How is Nolah Original Different?
The Nolah Original is a 10.00″ foam mattress with an overall performance level that is slightly lower than average, but also a price tag that is lower than average as well. This results in an average savings of $183 when we compare the Nolah Original to the average foam mattress.
Advantages
In addition to price, other advantages of the Nolah Original include better cooling performance, a faster material response time, fantastic edge support, and fast off-gassing.
Neutral Factors
This mattress has a moderate level of sinkage and a low level of bounce. It has a balanced contour and doesn’t really offer an extreme feel in either of these categories.
Disadvantages
Disadvantages include higher levels of motion transfer and slightly lower sex score than the average. These two points may make this mattress an unsuitable choice for some couples.
In addition, pressure relief was slightly below average as well, earning a score of only 8.0, where the average is 8.6. While I would have liked to have seen a better pressure relief score, it’s not uncommon for a mattress at this price point to have this score.
Cooling Test
The Nolah Original has excellent cooling. During our tests, I did not feel any significant level of heat retention around my body.
Baseline Temp.
73.1° F
Max. Temp.
90.7° F
Ending Temp.
80.3° F
Despite the all-foam construction, the mattress breathed well and did not get notably warm. The individual foam layers all look and feel high quality, and seem to both avoid heat retention while also providing for airflow.
In addition, this mattress is mostly poly foam, having just 1.0” of memory foam and 9.0” of poly foam. Poly foam simply breathes better than memory foam (in most cases), and it certainly has a positive impact here.
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
Notably, this mattress is available with an optional cooling cover called Glaciotex. We tested with the standard cover, but we have tested other mattresses with the Glaciotex cover, which makes a significant positive impact on cooling.
If cooling is essential to you then I would absolutely recommend the Glaciotex cover.
In our objective temperature tests, we measured a max surface level temperature of 90.7° F. This is 0.7° warmer than the average of 90.0° F, based on all of our tests to date.
After getting off the mattress, the temperature declined by 4.4 degrees from minutes 0 to 1, which is 0.4 degrees warmer than the average 0 to 1 minute decline of 4.8 degrees.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
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.
Sinkage Test
The Nolah Original has moderate sinkage. During our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.29″. This is 0.05″ more sinkage than the average sinkage depth of 2.24″, based on all of our tests to date.
Sinkage Depth
2.29″
Sinkage Feel
Moderate
Body Contour
Balanced
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
The mattress creates a balanced body contouring hug. The Nolah Original uses a 10” all-foam construction with 9 out of those 10 inches being poly foam. Poly foam creates a more even, balanced, and non-polarizing type of feel.
While we do also have 1.0” of memory foam, that single layer just isn’t thick enough to create the type of dramatic hugging feel that thicker memory foam layers could create.
All that to say, if you want a super dramatic hug with lots of memory foam feel, then this isn’t the right mattress for you. But if you want a more balanced and even feel, then the Nolah Original can be a good pick.
Motion Transfer Test
The Nolah Original has a moderate level of motion transfer. During our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 10.82 m/s².
Accel. Range
10.82 m/s²
Motion Duration
0.95 seconds
This is 23% more motion transfer than the average of 8.77 m/s². This mattress is relatively thin at just 10” thick, only has a moderate sinkage depth, and is mostly using highly resilient poly foams (as opposed to memory foam).
This combination creates a more abrupt push back and resiliency, which delivers more motion transfer than average.
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 declines notably thereafter.
By 0.95 seconds, we’ve returned to near-zero levels of energy, which is 0.07 seconds longer than the average motion duration of 0.88 seconds.
Motion Transfer Over Time
Both motion duration and motion intensity are worse than average, creating a total motion transfer experience that leaves something to be desired.
Response Test
The Nolah Original has a very fast mostly recovered response time and a fast fully recovered response time.
Mostly Recovered
0.3 sec.
Fully Recovered
0.8 sec.
In our mostly recovered test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.3 seconds, which is 0.11 seconds faster than the average of 0.41 seconds, based on all of our tests to date.
In our fully recovered responsiveness test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.8 seconds, which is 0.21 seconds faster than the average of 1.01 seconds.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
The material construction of this mattress is 9.0” of poly foams and 1.0” of memory foam. All of the poly foam layers rebound back to their original shape effectively instantly.
The 1.0” memory foam layer is slightly slower to recover to shape, which slows the total mattress responsiveness slightly.
Even so, these responsiveness speeds are faster than average and more than fast enough to facilitate good ease of movement and prevent any type of stuck feeling on the mattress.
Bounce Test
The Nolah Original has a low level of bounce. During our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 7.50″. This is 1.24″ less bounce than the average of 8.74″, based on all of our tests to date.
Max. Depth
4.85″
Max. Rebound
2.65″
Total Bounce
7.50″
The lower-than-average bounce on the Nolah is the product of the all-foam design. All foam mattresses will typically have less bounce, especially compared to mattresses equipped with coils.
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max. Bounce Height
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
Even in a case like the Nolah Original, which is primarily built from more highly responsive poly foam, those foams still aren’t bouncy or springy enough to create higher bounce levels. The more restrained level of bounce has a notable negative impact on sex performance.
Edge Support Test
The Nolah Original has outstanding sitting edge support and excellent lying edge support.
Max. Sinkage
2.75″
Lying Support
Excellent
Reinforced Edge
No
In our sitting edge support test, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 2.75″. This is 1.17″ less sitting sinkage than the average of 3.92″, based on all of our tests to date.
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
While lying directly on the edge of the mattress, I felt that the support was excellent 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.
Overall, I was a bit surprised at just how good edge support on the Nolah Original is. Typically, less expensive mattresses, especially those with an all-foam design, can struggle more with edge support. Nevertheless, Nolah’s performance was fantastic.
Certainly, the medium-firm feel and moderate sinkage are both helping. In addition, 9.0” of poly foam and limited 1.0” memory foam layer are also helping to improve edge support.
The foams used here, while more budget-friendly, are all highly supportive and high-quality. This combination of material and design choices are able to deliver one of the best edge support experiences we’ve tested in a mattress at this price point.
Sex Test
The Nolah Original has good sex performance. First, let’s talk through the pros. Noise is minimal and edge support is outstanding.
With just 2.75” of sitting edge sinkage, the edge is incredibly robust and supportive, creating more usable surface area for amorous activities.
In addition, cooling is excellent and pressure relief is good, so the mattress is comfortable and feels good to be on.
Lastly, we have bounce, which we measured at 7.50”. This is well below the average level of bounce. When it comes to sex, more bounce is almost always better than less bounce.
| Sex Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 65% | 7.2 | Moderate |
| Edge Support | 20% | 10 | Outstanding |
| Noise | 5% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 8.0 | Good |
| Cooling | 5% | 9.0 | Excellent |
The below-average level of bounce is a significant suppressive force on overall sex performance, as less bounce makes the mattress more tiring and strenuous to have sex on. Even so, sex performance still earned a good score overall.
Pressure Relief Test
The Nolah Original has a good level of pressure relief. During our tests, I felt no significant pressure points on my body.
Comfort Layer
6.00″
Support Layer
4.00″
That said, it was also clear that pressure relief didn’t rise to the same performance level that we’ve seen on the more expensive Nolah mattresses (ex. Nolah Evolution).
The mattress is equipped with 6.0″ of comfort material, which is 1.71″ more comfort material than the average comfort layer thickness of 4.29″, based on all of our tests to date.
For all mattress tests at NapLab, we make it a point to cut the mattress open and assess the material quality. Overall, I found the mattress layers on the Nolah Original to look and feel high quality, both on the body and in-hand.
Nolah also provided foam density measures for each layer. While these densities aren’t incredibly dense, they are perfectly acceptable given this price point.
Moving on, our version of the Nolah Original included the standard quilted cover, which created a nice level of comfort. That said, this mattress is also available with an optional cooling pillow top called Glaciotex.
We’ve tested the Glaciotex cover on other mattresses and always found it makes a significant positive impact on both cooling and pressure relief.
If it’s within your budget to add it, I would strongly recommend doing so.
Pressure Map – Side Sleepers
| Pressure Relief (PSI) | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | 0.09 | 0.35 |
Pressure Map – Back Sleepers
| Pressure Relief (PSI) | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Back Sleepers | 0.06 | 0.31 |
Pressure Map – Stomach Sleepers
| Pressure Relief (PSI) | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Sleepers | 0.07 | 0.35 |
In objective pressure mapping tests, we measured a max PSI of 0.35. This is well within the 1.0 PSI threshold that we ideally want to see.
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 good.
Off-Gassing Test
The Nolah Original had a strong smell upon the initial unboxing. The mattress smelled for 2 days.
Initial Smell Strength
Strong
Off-Gassing Period
2 days
This is 5.3 days shorter than the average smell duration of 7.3 days.
Company
Nolah mattresses come with a 120-night trial period and a lifetime warranty. Shipping is free. Returns are $99, which is not ideal if you’re concerned about whether or not it’s a good option for you.
| Company Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | 40% | 7.0 | $99 |
| Trial Period | 30% | 8.0 | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 20% | 10 | Lifetime |
| Shipping | 10% | 10 | $0 |
| Country of Origin | 0% | USA |
Comparing 107+ brands tested to date, the average trial period is 170 nights, 50 nights more than Nolah offers.
Nolah also has a lifetime warranty, which can be a nice perk. Considering all mattresses tested to date, only 41% of mattresses offer lifetime warranties. The average of the other mattresses is 13 years.
How firm is Nolah Original?
The Nolah Original is available in a single firmness, 6 out of 10, which gives the mattress a medium-firm feel.
If you want something notably firmer or softer, you may need to step up to the Nolah Evolution (which comes in three firmness levels), but it is also quite a bit more expensive.
Support & Sleeping Positions
Support on the Nolah Original is excellent. During our tests, I felt well supported in all sleeping positions. The mattress is equipped with a 4.0″ support layer.
This is 3.92″ thinner than the average support layer thickness of 7.92″, based on all of our tests to date.
| Support Factor | Data |
|---|---|
| Comfort Layer | 6.00″ |
| Support Layer | 4.00″ |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm |
| Body Contour | Balanced |
| Zoned Support | Yes |
| Reinforced Edge | No |
For a mattress to create ideal support, it must both support the body, creating a neutral spinal alignment, while also creating sufficient pressure relief and comfort. The Nolah Original meets both of those requirements.
This mattress is available in a single firmness, which has a medium-firm feel, 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale. This firmness creates a balance of support and comfort and meets the needs of most sleeping positions and body types.
In my assessment of the foam quality, I was pleased with what I saw and felt. Foams look and feel good, and I’m pleased that Nolah was also willing to transparently share their foam densities.
Denser foams typically last longer and while these aren’t the most dense foams we’ve tested, they provide a fair level of material density given this price point.
Given the density measures, design, and quality, I don’t expect there to be any notable longevity issues with this mattress.
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, this mattress provides zoned support, which simply means it creates more support where sleepers have more weight in the middle of their body. This helps resist body impressions, reduces sagging, and improves support.
Based on all of my tests to date, an analysis of the materials, and my subjective experiences, I’m confident that most sleepers will find support on the Nolah Original to be excellent.
Design
The Nolah Original is a 10.00″ foam mattress that comes in a single firmness option—Medium-Firm. It is designed as a budget-friendly value mattress within the Nolah collection.
| Design Factor | Data |
|---|---|
| Type | Foam |
| Thickness | 10.00″ |
| Cover Type | Quilted |
| Weight | 70 lbs. |
| Has Handles | No |
| Fiberglass-Free | Yes |
| Ships in a Box | Yes |
Materials
The Nolah Original is 10.00″ thick and contains a combination of different foam types. From top to bottom, here is a full list of the materials used in this mattress:
| Layer Type | Thickness | Layer Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Quilted Cover | 0.50″ | 1.5 PCF |
| Memory Foam | 1.00″ | 2.5 PCF |
| Poly Foam | 2.00″ | 1.8 PCF |
| Poly Foam | 1.75″ | 1.5 PCF |
| Poly Foam | 0.75″ | 1.5 PCF |
| Support Foam | 4.00″ | 1.5 PCF |
The Law Tag outlines the full breakdown of materials included in this mattress.
- Materials
- 94% polyurethane foam
- 6% fiber blend batting
- Made for: Nolah Sleep 5301 W Bethany Home Rd Glendale, AZ 85301
- Date of delivery: 12/22/2025
- Finished size: 80 in x 60 in
- Net Weight of Filling Mat: 47 lbs 5oz
- Manufactured by: 3Z Brands 5301 W Bethany Home Rd Glendale, AZ 85301
- Date of manufacture: 12/22/2025
- Model: NOLOG10-1050
- Made In: USA
The Cover
The Nolah Original has a 0.75″ quilted cover that is soft and stretchy. This is the standard cover and the one that was on the Nolah Original we tested.
For an additional cost ($195 for a queen mattress), you have the option to upgrade to the GlacioTex cooling pillow top cover.
While I did not test the Glaciotex cover on the Nolah Original, I have tested GlacioTex on Brooklyn Bedding and Helix mattresses and have found that it consistently delivers a cooling score of 10/10 in our tests.
The Comfort Layer
The comfort layer is 6.00″ thick and made of memory foam and poly foam. Directly below the quilted cover is a 1.0″ memory foam layer followed by a 2.0″ poly foam (gray foam).
Below the gray foam, there are two additional poly foam layers (green foam). One is a 1.5″ poly foam followed by a 0.75″ poly foam.
These green poly foams act more as transitional layers between comfort and support than as true comfort layers.
The Support Layer
The support layer is 4.00″ thick and made of a single layer of support foam (pale yellow foam).
As mentioned above, the green poly foam layers contribute to the transitional support of this mattress, but for consistency, the thickness of these layers is only documented within the comfort layer.
Product Evolution
The Nolah Original mattress was launched in 2016 and has undergone a handful of design changes since then.
We have tested the 2022 model and also the 2026 model.
While the Nolah Original has always been a 10″ foam mattress, the exact makeup and source of the foams have varied.
Nolah Original 2022
Nolah Original 2026
Specifically compared to the 2022 version, the new 2026 Nolah has insourced foamed poured on-site at their Phoenix factory.
They also added a copper-infused memory foam (directly below the quilted cover) and a 3-zone support layer. Additionally, the Nolah Original now has an optional GlacioTex cooling cover.
Despite these upgrades, the Original still remains Nolah’s most budget-tier model.
Other Mattresses to Consider
Not sure if the Nolah Original is the right pick for you? Check out these three other top-rated budget foam mattresses for alternatives you may want to consider.
For Performance
Leesa Original
Top 12% Among All Foam Mattresses
The Leesa Original is a 10″ foam mattress available in 1 firmness level—medium-firm. This foam mattress comes in at a similar price to the Nolah, but has much better performance, ranking among the top 12% of all foam mattresses tested to date. It has a 4.0″ comfort layer and a thin, Tencel cover, outscoring or tying the Nolah in 7 out of 8 of our performance tests.
For Value
Boring Mattress
10″ Poly Foam Mattress
The Boring Mattress is a 10″ foam mattress available in 1 firmness level—medium-firm. This mattress has a lower price tag, yet still earns a higher overall score than the Nolah Original. It has more motion transfer than the Nolah, but if you’re not a sensitive sleeper and want to save some cash, it could be a good pick.
For Savings
Siena Signature 12″
Under $400 for a Queen
The Siena Signature 12″ is a foam mattress available in 1 firmness level—medium-firm. It has minimal sinkage and very low bounce, marked by higher levels of motion transfer. But it also has a fantastic price—only $399 for a queen. If you’re in the market for a foam mattress and want to spend under $500, it’s hard to beat the Siena.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Nolah Original mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.
How much does a Nolah Original mattress cost?
Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: $649
Twin XL: $779
Full: $877
Queen: $942
King: $1,137
Cal. King: $1,137
Split King: $1,559
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
