Best Foam Mattress

From memory foam to gel foam, there are quite literally hundreds of combinations and types of foam mattresses on the market. Many of the popular foam mattress brands manufacture their mattresses in the United States with strict quality control standards. Foams, especially memory foam, have become widely popular because of their ability to sculpt to the shape of your body, alleviate pain, and promote healthy sleep. We are going to outline the benefits of a foam mattress, factors you should consider when you buy a foam mattress, and the best foam mattresses available today.

Best Foam Mattresses

Benefits of a Foam Mattress

It is hard to find a mattress that does not have some sort of foam material. Whether it is a hybrid mattress or an entirely foam mattress, you are bound to found endless options online. The most common foam is memory foam, and there is a scientific reason behind it. Memory foam was first used in the 1960s in NASA airplane seats. This type of foam molds to the shape of one’s body and evenly distributes body weight. While memory foam might not cure sleep apnea, it does help relieve pressure points, resulting in better sleep. Below are just a handful of the benefits of a foam mattress: 

Back Pain Relief
According to experts, up to 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their life. For some, this back pain might be short-lasting, for others, it could be chronic. Memory foam molds to the shape of your body and thus releases built-up pain in your pressure points. Keep in mind that a memory foam mattress will not always result in reduced back pain – it is all about finding the right firmness level. A foam mattress that is too soft could cause you to experience increased pain.

Hypoallergenic
Although you should always read the fine print, many foam mattresses are hypoallergenic. Mattresses can become a cesspool of allergens that circulate throughout your room – and without the right mattress, these allergens could cumulate in the very spot where you sleep. Hypoallergenic foam mattresses are resistant to the most common allergens and are more breathable than alternative materials. If you deal with allergies on a regular basis, a hypoallergenic mattress is a must-have.

Suitable for All Types of Sleepers

Foam mattresses are generally available in all firmness levels – soft, medium and firm (and sometimes, very firm). Your ideal firmness level will vary depending on your body weight, what position you sleep in, and if you have any medical conditions such as arthritis. On the other hand, innerspring mattresses are better for bigger bodies.

Why Foam Mattresses Are So Popular

By 2023, it is expected that the foam mattress market in the United States will hit 8 billion dollars. Foam mattresses are so popular because they are readability available online, affordable, and are easy to set up. Many companies sell foam mattresses in a box, meaning all you must do is unpackage the mattress and let it inflate. If you are searching for a foam mattress online, you will likely see advertisements everywhere you go – which leads us to the next reason why foam mattresses are so popular: they are heavily marketed. The fact that they are heavily marketed does not discount the fact that foam mattresses are often great choices, though.

What You Should Look for When Buying a Foam Mattress

Always remember the expression “you get what you pay for.” The cheapest foam mattress will not necessarily be the best deal if you must replace it in a year. You should look at details such as any certifications the mattress might hold, the firmness level, and the different types of foams used in the construction of the mattress.

Certifications

The most important certification you should look for when buying a foam mattress is CertiPUR-US. This certification is managed by a non-profit organization and is only given to mattresses that meet strict quality standards. The mattress should have no heavy metals like mercury or lead and no ozone depleters.

Trial Period

Many foam mattress brands only sell their mattresses online, meaning you will not get to try it out in-person before buying it. For this reason, it is imperative that you buy a mattress with a trial period. Ideally, you should try the mattress out for a couple of months and give your body at least one month to adjust to it.

No or Little Off-Gassing

Off-gassing is the initial chemical-like smell that lingers after you open and begin using a new foam mattress. The smell is caused by petrochemicals and can stick around for a month. While off-gassing is not dangerous, it is not pleasant. Mattresses with organic components or CertiPUR-US may have no or less off-gassing compared to other mattresses.

Saatva

Saatva has been recognized by various publications, including The Oprah Magazine, Business Intelligence Group, and boasts a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google Reviews. Ron Rudzin founded Saatva in 2010 with the plan to develop an innovative online business model and repair the mattress industry’s then “terrible reputation.” Not only did Saatva develop a line of luxury products, but the brand also developed a

customer-focused shopping experience, with 24/7 support and a free home trial. Furthermore, Saatva manufactures all its mattresses in the United States and uses only high-quality, premium materials.

There is only one “foam only” mattress offered by Saatva – the Loom & Leaf ultra-premium memory foam mattress. This mattress is available in two different comfort levels – relaxed firm and firm. It also boasts a breathable gel-infused foam that cools your body and offers back support. With hypoallergenic and microbial organic covers, you will not have to worry about your allergies acting up during the night. And, to top it off, this foam mattress has CertiPUR-US certification, meaning it is free of toxic chemicals.

Puffy

If you are looking for both a mattress in a box and a foam mattress, Puffy is a good option. Reviewers state that quite literally the Puffy mattress “feels like you are sleeping on a cloud.” Puffy makes every mattress in the United States and ships them quickly. When you receive your Puffy mattress, just pull it out of the box, remove the plastic packaging, and watch it inflate. And, because the Puffy comes in a box, shipping is completely free to any location in the contiguous United States!

Puffy offers three different mattresses – the Puffy mattress, the Puffy Lux mattress, and the Puffy Royal mattress. For the purpose of this review, we will focus on the Puffy Lux mattress – the middle-of-the-road and most popular option. Puffy sells this mattress in both a “Lux” and “Lux Hybrid” option. The Lux Hybrid model has both memory foam and coils. This mattress does not cater to one type of sleeper over another – according to Puffy, it is perfect for all types of sleepers. Moreover, it features a Cooling Cloud™ that helps you maintain an optimal temperature throughout the night.

Bear

When it comes to foam mattresses, Bear has it down. Bear is a family-owned business that has been operating for over 25 years. The company’s mission is to offer a first-class customer experience and provide high-quality products at the same time. To ensure they build the highest quality mattresses, Bear engages with two specialists – Nike Master Trainer Emily Hutchins and Dr. Ryan Meyers, a sports and rehab chiropractor. These two specialists help shape Bear into a brand that is designed for active athletic individuals who want to get the best night of sleep so that they can recharge for the next day.

Bear offers three different mattress models – the Bear Hybrid, Bear Pro, and Bear mattress. The Bear mattress is the original model and the foundation of Bear’s success. This mattress has four premium layers – a breathable Celliant cover, cooling graphite-gel memory foam, responsive transition foam, and high-density support foam. Yes, that is right – this mattress has three different types of foam to keep your body cool and supported throughout the night. The most notable feature, the Celliant cover, is an FDA-determined infrared technology that enhances tissue oxygen levels and improves athletic performance. On a final note, the mattress also comes with a 10-year limited warranty and free shipping via FedEx.

Plushbeds

The last mattress brand on our list is Plushbeds – another family-owned company that was founded in 2008. Even though Plushbeds’ popularity has grown, it continues its “small company” traditions: no revenue goals or cutting corners to increase profits. The brand’s transparency is reflected in its mattresses. Plushbeds rigorously inspects manufacturing sites to maintain high standards, safe workspaces, and to ensure that workers are paid a living wage. The materials used in Plushbeds’ mattresses are certified organic, so you can be certain that you are receiving an environmentally friendly product from a socially responsible company.

Those looking for a foam mattress should check out Plushbeds’ luxury memory foam mattress: The Cool Bliss or the gel memory foam mattress: The Ocean Mist. The Cool Bliss has five layers: a cooling cover, 3” of Cool Bliss gel memory foam, natural latex, a 2” airflow layer, 5” support core, and the option for a foundation. Likewise, The Ocean Mist also has a layer of gel foam, but it also has an 8” orthopedic foundation. Regardless of which mattress you chose, you will get a 25-year warranty and a free 100-night trial period. In addition, all Plushbeds mattresses come with free shipping and returns.

Final Thoughts

While there are hundreds of brands selling foam mattresses on the internet, the brands above really stand out because of their commitment to quality, positive reputation, and competitive prices. The most expensive brand, Saatva, will only set you back around $1,600. And while you may not get the opportunity to test the mattress out in-person, all five brands give you a free trial period so you can make sure that the mattress is a good fit. If you are in the market for a new foam mattress, consider these five brands to get the best bang for your buck.