Best For
- Motion transfer levels are slightly below average
- Deep sinkage and contour (if that’s a feel that you’re looking for)
- Long trial and warranty
Considerations
- Long off-gassing duration. 26 days to stop smelling.
- Lacks edge support both when sitting and lying
- Struggles with cooling performance and heat retention
Our Verdict
The Nofavorm Serafina Pearl mattress is a 14″ memory foam mattress made of memory foam and support foam only. It is a Costco-exclusive and affordably priced.
This mattress has deep sinkage paired with high levels of bounce.
It is available in three firmness levels—soft (4 out of 10), medium (6 out of 10), and firm (8 out of 10). In this review, we tested the medium-firm version.
Our tests revealed below-average performance from the Serafina Pearl. It had an overall score of 7.58, ranking this mattress in the bottom 7% of all mattresses tested to date and the bottom 22% if we’re exclusively looking at memory foam mattresses.
Aside from its worse performance, the Serafina Pearl does have a low price, which may be advantageous to some sleepers. Priced at only $779 (for a queen), this mattress is priced 32% less than the average memory foam mattress.
Type: Memory Foam
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium-Firm (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 | Novaform Serafina Pearl | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.58 | 8.60 |
| Price (Queen) | $779 | $1,153 (Memory Foam only) |
| Cooling – Score | 6.0 | 8.7 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.45″ | 2.13″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 8.4 | 8.2 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 8.50 m/s² | 8.75 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 8.4 | 9.0 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.4 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.1 sec. | 0.9 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.62″ | 9.68″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 7.9 | 8.6 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.75″ | 4.03″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Good | Good |
| Sex – Score | 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 8.0 | 8.7 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 5.5″ | 4.1″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14″ | 12.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 2.8 | 8.3 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 26 days | 6 days |
| Company – Score | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| Trial | 365 nights | 173 nights |
| Warranty | 20 years | 24% have lifetime warranties, average of other 76% of mattresses is 13 years |
How is Novaform Serafina Different?
The Novaform Serafina Pearl has below-average overall performance, but also a price tag that is below average—32% less expensive than the average memory foam mattress (a savings of $374).
It is the epitome of a budget memory foam mattress which saves money, but also cuts corners in terms of performance.
Advantages
Advantages of the Serafina Pearl include slightly less motion transfer than average, a higher sex score, and a thicker comfort layer than average (5.5″ thick, with a 14″ total thickness).
It also has a longer trial period (thanks to the Costco return policy) and longer warranty than average, which can be advantageous for sleepers who are worried about the life of the mattress over time.
Neutral Factors
This mattress has deep sinkage and high levels of bounce with a polarizing feel. You will need to love deeper contour and a bouncier surface to enjoy the feel of the Serafina Pearl.
Disadvantages
Disadvantages of the Novaform Serafina are numerous. It struggles with low cooling performance, a slower material response time, and lacks edge support as well.
In addition, it takes 26 days for this mattress to off-gas, 4.3X longer than the average mattress.
Cooling Test
The Novaform Serafina Pearl has a mediocre level of cooling performance. During our tests, I felt a moderate to significant level of heat retention around my body.
Baseline Temp.
77.8° F
Max Temp.
91.5° F
Ending Temp.
79.1° F
According to Novaform, the mattress uses a “cool to the touch cover” and a gel memory foam that “cools you down”. Based on my experiences and our objective data, I don’t think the mattress is living up to those marketing claims.
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 my perspective, there just isn’t much going for this mattress with respect to cooling.
It’s a notably thicker-than-average all-foam mattress with memory foam on top. It has lots of hug and lots of body contouring, which is good for pressure relief, but does nothing for cooling performance.
It does use a convoluted layer of foam within the core of the mattress. This brings extra air into the mattress. However, this layer isn’t enough to overcome the material components and design aspects that increase heat retention.
In our objective temperature tests, we measured a max surface level temperature of 91.5°. This is 1.9° warmer than the average of 89.6°F.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
When we consider the complete picture of objective data, subjective experience, and material analysis, I’m confident in my view that cooling performance is mediocre at best.
Sinkage Test
The Novaform Serafina Pearl has a deep level of sinkage. During our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.45”. This is 0.32” more sinkage than the average of 2.13”, based on all of our tests to date.
Sinkage Depth
2.45″
Sinkage Feel
Deep
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
The mattress creates a dramatic body contouring hug and has a classic memory foam feel. The foams wrap and conform to the unique shape of your body.
When you couple this with the deeper sinkage level it may cause some sleepers to feel overly enveloped by the mattress. Fortunately, the material responsiveness is fairly fast, so most sleepers shouldn’t feel overly stuck in the mattress.
Motion Transfer Test
The Novaform Serafina Pearl has a low level of motion transfer. During our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 8.50 m/s². This is 3% less motion transfer than the average of 8.75 m/s².
Max. Acceleration
4.20 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-4.30 m/s²
Accel. Range
8.50 m/s²
The mattress has several criteria that are helping to reduce motion including the all-foam design, memory foam inclusion, and thicker-than-average total profile. These material and design choices greatly help to reduce and eliminate motion transfer on the mattress.
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 from 0 to 0.15 seconds. Motion plummets immediately thereafter and by 0.45 seconds we have returned to near-zero levels of energy.
Both the motion peaks and motion duration are well restrained and keep motion to a minimum level of the mattress.
Response Test
The Novaform Serafina Pearl has a fast level of material responsiveness. In our mostly recovered test, it was able to rebound back to shape in 0.4 seconds, which is essentially on par with the average of 0.41 seconds.
Mostly Recovered
0.4 sec.
Complete Recovery
1.1 sec.
In our fully recovered test, it was able to rebound back to shape in 1.1 seconds, which is 0.20 seconds slower than the average of 0.90 seconds. While these speeds are far from instant, they aren’t slow by any stretch.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
Considering the all-foam design, memory foam, and inexpensive price point, I expected material responsiveness to be far slower.
As a result, I was pleasantly surprised that the recovery speeds were about average. The fairly fast responsiveness helps keep the mattress easier to move around on.
Bounce Test
The Novaform Serafina Pearl has a high level of bounce. During our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 10.62”. This is 0.94” more bounce than the average of 9.68”.
Max. Depth
4.94″
Max. Rebound
5.68″
Total Bounce
10.62″
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max Bounce Height
I was greatly surprised by the level of bounce. Typically all foam mattresses, in addition to memory foam mattresses, have a low to moderate level of bounce.
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
The Serafina Pearl had notably more bounce, both compared to the all mattress types average and even compared to the average for other all-foam memory foam mattresses, where the average is 6.64” of bounce.
The higher bounce helps increase ease of movement and also facilitates better amorous activities.
Edge Support Test
The Novaform Serafina Pearl has a fair level of edge support. In our sitting edge support tests, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 4.75”. This is 0.72” more sitting sinkage than the average of 4.03”.
Max Sinkage
4.75″
Lying Support
Good
While sitting directly on the edge of the mattress there is a borderline collapse of materials. For this to happen given my weight of only 140 pounds is especially alarming. Ultimately, the edge just doesn’t feel tremendously supportive for sitting.
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
Lying edge support is good, but also far from great. While lying directly on the edge of the mattress I felt reasonably well supported. However, it is abundantly clear that this edge support isn’t nearly at the level as other higher-performance mattresses.
The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
The Novaform doesn’t include any type of reinforced edge support. This fact, plus the all-foam design and memory foam top comfort layer, creates the right environment for a less-than-great level of edge support performance.
Sex Test
The Novaform Serafina Pearl has a good level of sex performance, but also one that is far from great. Given the all-foam design and inclusion of memory foam, the lackluster dance without pants performance is exactly what we expected.
On the bright side, the mattress has higher bounce than average, low noise, and good pressure relief. However, edge support and cooling were both disappointing. Given the price point, it’s hard to complain too much. Even so, many couples will find amorous activity just isn’t amazing.
| Sex Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 65% | 9.1 | Very High |
| Edge Support | 20% | 7.8 | Fair |
| Noise | 5% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 8.0 | Good |
| Cooling | 5% | 6.0 | Mediocre |
Pressure Relief Test
The Novaform Serafina Pearl has a good level of pressure relief performance. During our tests, I felt no significant level of pressure point build-up.
Comfort Layer
5.5″
Support Layer
8.5″
The mattress is equipped with a 5.5” comfort layer consisting of two memory foam layers. This is considerably thicker than the average 4.1” comfort layer, based on all of our tests to date.
That said, the foam quality for both of these memory foam layers just doesn’t overly impress. It’s perfectly fine, but also leaves something to be desired with respect to comfort.
While lying on the mattress my body receives a more dramatic body contouring hug. At the same time, the mattress feels a bit stiff.
Having tested both super cheap and super high-end memory foam, the Serafina Pearl feels somewhere in the middle. Given the price point, the level of pressure relief performance is what I would expect.
When we look at our pressure maps we can visually see the impact. Bonier areas, as well as heavier areas of the body, namely hips, shoulders, head, and feet (while on the stomach) all create higher levels of pressure.
Pressure Map – Side Sleepers
| Pressure Relief (PSI) | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | 0.23 | 1.84 |
Pressure Map – Back Sleepers
| Pressure Relief (PSI) | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Back Sleepers | 0.13 | 1.80 |
Pressure Map – Stomach Sleepers
| Pressure Relief (PSI) | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Sleepers | 0.14 | 1.70 |
Off-Gassing Test
Off-gassing on the Novaform Serafina Pearl is strong right out of the box and the odor lasts for 26 days. This is 4.6X longer than the average off-gassing duration period.
Initial Smell Strength
Strong
Off-Gassing Period
26 days
If you’re especially sensitive to strong odors, the Serafina Pearl may be a little disruptive for the first month that you sleep on the mattress.
While off-gassing isn’t usually something that has noticeable long-term effects, it can be an issue for sensitive sleepers when they initially unbox the mattress.
Company
Being sold exclusively by Costco, the Novaform Serafina Pearl terms and conditions are backed by Costco. The mattress has a 365-night trial period due to Costco’s incredibly generous return policy. In addition, the mattress has a 20-year warranty.
| Company Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 15% | 10 | 365 nights |
| Warranty | 10% | 8.0 | 20 years |
| Shipping | 5% | 10 | $0 |
| Returns | 20% | 10 | $0 |
| Trust | 50% | 8.0 | Good |
| Country of Origin | 0% | USA |
Shipping and returns are historically very easy at Costco, as long as there are no rips or stains on the mattress.
How firm is Novaform Serafina Pearl?
The Novaform Serafina Pearl is available in three firmness levels—soft, medium, and firm.
We tested the medium version which had a medium-firm feel, 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
While we didn’t personally test the other two firmnesses, based on our experience with the medium version, I would estimate the firmness of the soft version to be around a 4 out of 10 and the firmness of the firm version to be around an 8 out of 10.
Support & Sleeping Positions
The Novaform Serafina Pearl has good support. During our tests, I felt well-supported in all sleeping positions.
The mattress is built with an 8.5” support foam layer. This is 0.6” thicker than the average support layer thickness of 7.9”, based on all of our tests to date. My only concern is for heavier-weighted bodies.
For mattresses to feel supportive they need to be both comfortable, relieve pressure, and also keep the spine in alignment. I’m not overly worried about spinal alignment, but I am worried about pressure relief.
At 140 pounds I felt that the pressure relief was good, but not exactly amazing.
Moderate and heavier weighted bodies are going to put even more pressure on the mattress, which is more likely to create additional pressure relief issues, which will compound into support issues.
On the positive side, I am pleased with the overall profile height of 14” and the 8.5” support layer.
In addition, being available in 3 different firmnesses helps ensure sleepers with different body types, sleeping position preferences, and comfort preferences can get the support dynamic that’s best for them.
Given the price point, the Serafina Pearl has far more going for it with respect to support than it has marks against it. Most should find support to be sufficient.
Check out the table below to see the sleeper weights and sleeping positions that would be best suited for this mattress.
Plush Version
| Sleeper Weight | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 150 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 150-250 lbs. | Maybe | Yes | Maybe |
| 250-300 lbs. | No | Maybe | No |
Medium Version
| 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 |
Firm Version
| Sleeper Weight | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 150 lbs. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 150-250 lbs. | Yes | Maybe | Yes |
| 250-300 lbs. | Yes | Maybe | Yes |
Design
The Novaform Serafina Pearl is a 14″ memory foam mattress that is available in three firmness levels—soft (4), medium-firm (6), and firm (8).
Type
Memory Foam
Thickness
14″
Firmness
4, 6, 8
It is designed as a budget-friendly memory foam mattress that hits a lower price point than average to capture sleepers who would otherwise not have a high-profile memory foam mattress in their desired price range.
Materials
There are three primary layers that make up the body of this mattress. From top to bottom, layers include:
- 3.0” gel memory foam
- 2.5” memory foam (convoluted)
- 8.5” support foam
The Law Tag outlines the full breakdown of materials included in this mattress.
On the Novaform Serafina Pearl, the law tag is blank (a tag was attached, but it was literally all white). I am assuming this is just a misprint / mistake from the manufacturer, as law tags are required by law (as the name suggests).
The Cover
Novaform provides a thin cover on the Serafina Pearl that is cool-to-the-touch, according to Novaform. Although it didn’t have great cooling performance in our tests, the thin design does help limit additional cooling issues.
The Comfort Layer
The comfort layer includes a top layer of 3.0″ gel memory foam. This layer is designed for comfort and cooling (but as we mentioned above, I would have liked to have seen better cooling from this layer).
Below the top foam is a transitional convoluted memory foam. This layer is designed to provide support as sleepers engage deeper into the mattress. It is also the last layer before engaging with the support layer.
Engaging abruptly with the support layer can cause pressure relief issues, including increased pressure points.
The Support Layer
The support layer is an 8.5″ layer of support foam. This layer has the firmest feel of all three foam layers used.
Its main purpose is for deep support and stability to the mattress.
Product Evolution
The Novaform Serafina Pearl was introduced to the Costco lineup in 2021. It was introduced as a budget-friendly 3-layer memory foam mattress. Since its initial release, there have been no notable design or material changes made to the mattress.
Other Mattresses to Consider
Not sure if the Novaform Serafina Pearl is the right pick for you? Check out these three other top-rated memory foam mattresses for high-performing alternatives you may want to consider.
For Performance
Amerisleep AS3
8.99 Overall Score
The Novosbed is a 12″ memory foam mattress. While the price is higher than the Serafina Pearl, the performance is also much higher. This mattress outperforms the Serafina in 5 out of the 8 categories we test for. It has a medium feel (5 out of 10) with moderate sinkage and low levels of bounce.
For Value
Novosbed
8.87 Overall Score
The Novosbed is an 11″ memory foam mattress. Like the Serafina Pearl, it is available in three firmness levels. The price is a little higher ($999/queen), but provides higher performance as well, making Novosbed our pick for a great value.
For Less Bounce
Nectar Premier
8.64 Overall Score
The Nectar Premier is a 13″ memory foam mattress with a medium feel (5 out of 10). It has moderate levels of sinkage and low levels of bounce. It has a 6″ comfort layer which offers significantly better pressure relief over the Serafina Pearl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Novaform Serafina Pearl mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.
Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: N/A
Twin XL: N/A
Full: N/A
Queen: $749
King: $899
Cal. King: $899
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
The Serafina Pearl has a 365-night trial period (due to Costco’s return policy). If you decide that the mattress is not right for you, you can return the mattress to any Costco warehouse for a full refund.
The Novaform Serafina Pearl is 14″ thick—3.0” gel memory foam, 2.5” transitional memory foam, and a 8.5” support foam base.
The smallest size available of the Novaform Serafina Pearl is queen. It is not available in twin, twin XL, or full. This is likely an effort to help keep costs down by only offering limited inventory.
