Article
Best Memory Foam Mattresses in 2026 - Expert Tested & Reviewed
Discover the top memory foam mattresses of 2026. Our experts tested 100+ beds to find the best options for pressure relief, cooling, and comfort at every price point.
Memory foam mattresses revolutionized sleep comfort with their unique ability to contour to your body, relieve pressure points, and absorb motion. Originally developed by NASA, modern memory foam technology offers advanced cooling, responsive support, and exceptional comfort.
Our team tested over 100 memory foam mattresses in our sleep lab, evaluating pressure relief, cooling performance, support, motion isolation, and durability. Here are the 10 best memory foam mattresses for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Glacier Apex | Best Overall Memory Foam | $1,399 | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. Nectar Classic | Best Value Memory Foam | $649-$800 | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt | Best Premium Memory Foam | $2,199-$2,799 | ★4.9/5 |
| 4. Leesa Original | Best for Back Support | $899-$1,099 | ★4.7/5 |
| 5. WinkBeds GravityLux | Best Luxury Memory Foam | $1,299-$1,599 | ★4.8/5 |
| 6. Cocoon by Sealy Chill | Best Cooling Memory Foam | $769-$999 | ★4.6/5 |
| 7. Layla Memory Foam | Best Flippable Mattress | $749-$1,099 | ★4.7/5 |
| 8. Bear Original | Best for Athletes | $697-$997 | ★4.6/5 |
| 9. Casper Original | Best for Combination Sleepers | $799-$1,095 | ★4.6/5 |
| 10. Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam | Best Budget Cooling Foam | $399-$699 | ★4.5/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
Glacier Apex
The Glacier Apex achieved the highest score (9.27) of any memory foam mattress tested, placing it in the top 6% of all mattress types. A queen costs $1,399—14% less than the average memory foam hybrid price—while delivering exceptional cooling, support, and durability.
Pros
- ✓Highest score (9.27) of any memory foam tested
- ✓Advanced cooling technology prevents overheating
- ✓14% less expensive than average hybrid
- ✓Excellent pressure relief and support
- ✓Hybrid construction adds responsiveness
Cons
- ✗Premium price point for some budgets
- ✗Newer brand with less market presence
- ✗May be too firm for ultralight sleepers
Nectar Classic
The Nectar Classic is the flagship memory foam mattress offering cushioning, support, and unexpected cooling at $649-$800 for a queen. With an overall score of 4.4/5, it saves roughly $500 compared to other tested beds while including a 365-night trial and forever warranty.
Pros
- ✓Exceptional value at only $649 for queen
- ✓Saves $500 compared to average tested beds
- ✓Industry-best 365-night sleep trial
- ✓Forever warranty coverage
- ✓4.8/5 stars from thousands of reviews
Cons
- ✗May sleep warm without hybrid coils
- ✗Edge support weaker than hybrids
- ✗Initial off-gassing odor
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt
Tempur-Pedic pioneered memory foam technology with NASA-developed TEMPUR material. The TEMPUR-Adapt at $2,199-$2,799 for a queen offers proven pressure relief and durability. Available in medium all-foam and medium hybrid options, it delivers premium performance justified by decades of innovation.
Pros
- ✓Original NASA-developed TEMPUR material
- ✓Exceptional pressure relief and support
- ✓Available in medium and medium hybrid
- ✓Proven durability over decades
- ✓Excellent motion isolation for couples
Cons
- ✗Premium pricing $2,199-$2,799 for queen
- ✗Can sleep warm for hot sleepers
- ✗Heavy weight makes moving difficult
Leesa Original
The Leesa Original earned a 4.5/5 for pressure relief and 4.7/5 overall score, appealing to memory foam shoppers seeking firm but comfortable support at $899-$1,099 for a queen. It comes with free shipping, a 120-night sleep trial, and 10-year warranty.
Pros
- ✓Earned 4.5/5 for pressure relief
- ✓Firm but comfortable support ideal for backs
- ✓Affordable price with frequent sales
- ✓Free shipping to all 50 states
- ✓Socially responsible company mission
Cons
- ✗May be too firm for side sleepers
- ✗All-foam can retain some heat
- ✗Edge support could be better
WinkBeds GravityLux
The WinkBeds GravityLux stands out as a luxury all-foam option at $1,299-$1,599 for a queen. With quality construction and materials exceeding typical all-foam mattresses, it includes a 120-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty, and free shipping.
Pros
- ✓Premium materials and construction quality
- ✓Lifetime warranty included
- ✓Excellent cooling with gel infusion
- ✓120-night trial period
- ✓Made in USA with quality control
Cons
- ✗Higher price than budget options
- ✗Limited firmness choices
- ✗Heavier than standard foam beds
Cocoon by Sealy Chill
Cocoon by Sealy Chill is Sealy's answer to memory foam cooling at $769-$999 for a queen. The phase change cooling cover actively dissipates heat while premium memory foam provides pressure relief. Available in both soft and firm feels to match your preference.
Pros
- ✓Advanced phase change cooling cover
- ✓Sealy brand reputation and quality
- ✓Available in soft and firm options
- ✓Affordable pricing under $1,000
- ✓Excellent value for cooling features
Cons
- ✗May still sleep warm for extreme hot sleepers
- ✗Limited edge support
- ✗Softer option may lack support for heavier users
Layla Memory Foam
Layla's innovative flippable design at $749-$1,099 for a queen features copper-infused memory foam with soft on one side and firm on the other. Since 2015, Layla has focused on cool, copper-infused technology. The lifetime warranty and 120-night trial let you test both feels risk-free.
Pros
- ✓Flippable design with soft and firm sides
- ✓Copper-infused foam for cooling
- ✓Lifetime warranty coverage
- ✓Try both firmness levels risk-free
- ✓Good value for two mattresses in one
Cons
- ✗Heavier to flip regularly
- ✗May need to experiment to find preferred side
- ✗Edge support adequate but not exceptional
Bear Original
The Bear Original at $697-$997 for a queen (often on sale closer to $700) features Celliant technology in the cover designed for athletic recovery. Though made entirely of foam, it has enough bounce for easy repositioning and excellent cooling properties for active sleepers.
Pros
- ✓Celliant cover promotes muscle recovery
- ✓Excellent cooling despite all-foam design
- ✓Enough bounce for easy repositioning
- ✓Affordable price under $1,000
- ✓Frequent sales bring price closer to $700
Cons
- ✗May be too firm for side sleepers
- ✗Limited firmness options
- ✗Newer brand with shorter track record
Casper Original
Casper Original pioneered the bed-in-a-box movement with its Zoned Support system at $799-$1,095 for a queen. The three-layer all-foam design includes softer foam under shoulders and firmer support under hips—ideal for combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night.
Pros
- ✓Zoned support adapts to all positions
- ✓Strong brand reputation since 2014
- ✓Excellent motion isolation for couples
- ✓Responsive foam for easy movement
- ✓Widely available for in-person testing
Cons
- ✗All-foam may sleep warm
- ✗Edge support weaker than hybrids
- ✗30-night minimum trial requirement
Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam
Brooklyn Bedding's Dreamfoam Essential (formerly Dreamfoam Chill) at $399-$699 for a queen comes in five different heights and firmness levels. This factory-direct pricing makes cooling memory foam accessible to tight budgets while still providing a pressure-relieving, cooling sleep experience.
Pros
- ✓Exceptional value $399-$699 for queen
- ✓Five different firmness and height options
- ✓Factory-direct pricing
- ✓Cooling gel infusion
- ✓120-night trial period
Cons
- ✗May not last as long as premium options
- ✗Limited brand recognition
- ✗Edge support adequate but basic
How We Evaluate Memory Foam Mattresses
Our expert team uses a comprehensive methodology to test and compare memory foam mattresses. Here’s what we evaluate:
Pressure Relief and Contouring
Memory foam’s signature benefit is its ability to cradle your body:
- Pressure point relief: Cushioning for shoulders, hips, and lower back
- Body contouring: How well the foam adapts to your shape
- Sinkage depth: Appropriate depth without feeling “stuck”
- Response time: How quickly foam adjusts to movement
Cooling and Temperature Regulation
Traditional memory foam can trap heat, so we test cooling technologies:
- Gel infusions and phase-change materials
- Open-cell foam structures for airflow
- Cooling covers and surface treatments
- Real-world temperature testing with sleepers
Support and Alignment
Memory foam must provide comfort without sacrificing support:
- Spinal alignment across all sleep positions
- Support layer density and quality
- Edge support and reinforcement
- Long-term support maintenance
Durability and Foam Quality
We analyze materials to predict lifespan:
- Foam density ratings (higher is better)
- Compression and durability testing
- Warranty coverage and terms
- User reviews on long-term performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do memory foam mattresses sleep hot?
Modern memory foam mattresses include cooling technologies like gel infusions, open-cell structures, and breathable covers that significantly reduce heat retention. Hybrid memory foam mattresses with coil layers offer the best cooling performance.
How long do memory foam mattresses last?
Quality memory foam mattresses last 6-10 years depending on foam density and usage. Premium mattresses with higher-density foams (4+ lbs/ft³) can last upwards of 10 years, while lower-quality models may last closer to 5-6 years.
Are memory foam mattresses good for back pain?
Yes, memory foam excels at pressure relief and spinal alignment, making it excellent for back pain. The contouring properties distribute weight evenly and support the natural curve of your spine. Choose medium-firm options for best back support.
What’s the difference between memory foam and gel memory foam?
Gel memory foam includes gel beads or gel infusions that help dissipate heat and provide a slightly more responsive feel. Traditional memory foam offers deeper contouring but may retain more heat. Gel foam is better for hot sleepers.
Do I need a box spring for a memory foam mattress?
No, memory foam mattresses work best on solid platforms, slatted bases (with slats no more than 3” apart), or adjustable bases. Box springs aren’t recommended as they don’t provide the firm, flat support memory foam needs.
How long does it take for memory foam to expand?
Most memory foam mattresses expand to 90% within 4-6 hours and reach full expansion within 24-48 hours. Allow 24-72 hours for any off-gassing odors to dissipate before sleeping on your new mattress.