5/24/25 - Thank you for an amazing AMA and thank you to everyone who asked a question. I hope this thread was able to help! I will continue to answer any questions that come in until the thread archives. If you need a personalized mattress recommendation be sure to use my mattress quiz here - https://naplab.com/mattress-quiz/ (I manually respond to all of these requests, it's not an automated form). For all other questions please feel free to DM, chat, or email me here - https://naplab.com/contact/ - And for all else, check out my site at https://naplab.com/ - there you can find all of my reviews, comparisons, best of lists, shopping / research guides, and a whole lot more.

Hi Reddit!

My name is Derek Hales. I am a professional mattress tester and I’ve been testing mattresses since 2014. Over the years, I’ve tested 453 mattresses (and counting) from 99 different brands. 

4 years ago I launched NapLab.com and developed a new way to test mattresses. Instead of merely sleeping on a mattress and then writing a subjective assessment, I use a battery of 10 objective and data-driven tests (with 43 individual data points) to help quantify the performance criteria that are important for most sleepers.

My testing process includes:

• Thermal photographs to assess cooling performance / heat retention

• Accelerometer data to measure the intensity and duration of motion transfer across the mattress

• Sex performance testing using a weighted equation including 5 factors (bounce, edge support, noise, pressure relief, and cooling)

• High FPS video / high resolution photo analysis to take precise & objective measurements for sinkage, material responsiveness, edge support, and bounce

• In addition to other data-driven tests. You can see the full testing process here - https://naplab.com/how-we-test-mattresses/

I’ve spent the majority of my adult life working to create videos, photographs, data, comparisons, guides, and reviews that can help people find a mattress that is perfectly suited to their needs.

Happy to answer any questions about mattresses, sleep, NapLab, the sleep / mattress industry, or anything else on your mind 🙂

Proof - https://imgur.com/a/lxfJMSR

PS - if you need help choosing a mattress check out my mattress quiz - https://naplab.com/mattress-quiz/ - I provide personalized mattress recommendations based on your needs, preferences, and budget. FYI, the quiz isn’t automated, I manually review all submissions so it does take me a little time to answer, but I can usually respond within 24 hours.

Mattress shopping is kicking my butt. Between trying to find the right firmness, staying cool at night, and getting enough support, it feels impossible to pick one. Analysis paralysis is real!

Did you find a mattress that was a total game-changer for your sleep? I’d love recommendations for one that’s supportive, sleeps cool, and holds up over time also something budget-friendly.

I’ve seen a lot about Tempur-Pedic, Purple, Casper, and Saatva. Any strong feelings (good or bad) about these?

Alright Reddit, I need your help because I'm absolutely losing my mind trying to pick a new mattress. I've been sleeping on the same hand-me-down mattress from my college days for the past 8 years (yes, I know, I know) and I finally have the budget to invest in something decent. The problem is, the more research I do, the more overwhelmed I get. Every website claims their mattress is revolutionary, "best mattress ever" every review site seems sponsored, and don't even get me started on the endless YouTube videos of people jumping on beds with wine glasses.

Here's my situation: I'm a side sleeper mostly, sometimes stomach, about 180 lbs, and I tend to run hot at night. My partner is around 140 lbs and sleeps exclusively on her back. We both wake up with some lower back pain on our current disaster of a mattress, and she says I toss and turn constantly (though I blame the 20-year-old springs that sound like a haunted house every time I move).

I've been down the rabbit hole looking at Purple, Casper, Tuft & Needle, Tempur-Pedic, Saatva, Helix, and honestly my brain is melting from information overload. The Purple looks interesting with that weird gel grid thing, but some people say it feels bizarre. Tempur-Pedic seems like the gold standard but holy hell those prices - are they actually worth it? And what about those bed-in-a-box brands versus traditional mattresses? Is there really a difference or is it all marketing? My budget is around $1500-2000 for a queen, though I could stretch to $2500 if it's truly life-changing.

Also, what's the deal with mattress firmness? Every website has different definitions of medium-firm, and what feels soft to one person apparently feels like concrete to another. How am I supposed to know what I need without trying them all? And yes, I know about the trial periods, but the thought of returning a massive mattress sounds like an absolute nightmare.

If you've bought a mattress in the last couple years, what did you get and do you actually love it? Or did you get buyer's remorse after the honeymoon period ended? Any brands I should absolutely avoid?

my wife and I are mattress shopping currently. it seems like when we finally find a mattress we like, the internet, and reddit in particular, give us a thousand reasons to get the hell away from it. so, are there any brands anyone can actually recommend?

edit:Thanks for all the responses. much to consider now

UPDATE 2/16/22 8:25 pm Eastern Time - I think I've pretty much answered every question. If I somehow missed your question please chat, DM, or email here https://naplab.com/contact/ I'm always happy to help answer any questions and provide personalized recommendations at any point during the year. Thanks for a great AMA Reddit!

Hi Reddit!

My name is Derek! I have been testing mattresses since 2014 and over the last 6 years I've tested 187 mattresses from virtually every major brand and every major material type (memory foam, latex, coil, hybrid, etc.)

I am the Founder & original owner of Sleepopolis.com, where I operated it from 2014 to 2017.

In the summer of 2021 I launched a new platform to test mattresses at NapLab.com. At NapLab I developed a battery of tests to more objectively test mattresses. We use a thermal camera for cooling tests, an accelerometer for motion transfer, video / photo analysis to take precise measurements for sinkage, compression, and response, in addition to other data-driven tests.

Our aim is to create the most objective data-driven reviews possible so our readers can make the most informed decision about the mattress that's best for them.

In addition to mattresses, I've tested hundreds of pillows, sheets, foundations, bedding, sleep tech, sleep accessories, and other sleep related products.

Happy to answer questions about anything!

Proof - https://i.imgur.com/5Ma4Vvy.jpg (took these photos on Friday intending to do the AMA then, but it ended up being too late in the day to start)

UPDATE 7:00 pm Eastern Time - Thank you so much for all of the great questions. I'm calling it a day, but please feel free to continue asking questions. I'll answer as many as I can late tonight and into tomorrow. Please feel free to email me directly here https://naplab.com/contact/ or DM works too. Happy sleeping :)

UPDATE 12:45 am Eastern Time - I've been answering questions for the last 90 minutes or so and I'll be going for another 15 minutes. I'll be back tomorrow morning for any other questions that come in.

UPDATE 2/15/22 11:09 am Eastern Time - I'm back online for day 2 of questions. Fire away!

UPDATE 2/15/22 6:57 PM Eastern Time - Looks like things are winding down here. I am heading out for the evening, but I'll continue to pop back in and answer any questions tomorrow. Or feel free to DM / chat me. Thanks again for all of the great questions!

I’ve spent the last 6 years on what was, quote-on-quote, a “quality mattress” (paid $2200+ for it), I'm officially done with the BS marketing and ready to find a better mattress this year that will actually LAST.

My current mattress started developing a body-shaped impression after just 3 years, but of course when I tried to use the ""amazing 10-year warranty"" they said the sag wasn't deep enough to qualify. This is ridiculous and I learned the hard waythat mattress warranties are a joke.

I'm tired of the mattress industry's planned obsolescence game. I want something that's built to last 10+ years without sagging. I don't need ""AI-adaptive comfort"" or whatever they're using to jack up prices these days. I just need a good quality mattress that’s comfortable and durable.

I've been researching the best mattress options and I'm torn between all-foam vs hybrid construction. I sleep hot and I'm a combo sleeper (side/back), and my partner is a strict side sleeper who tosses a lot.

My requirements:

• Actually durable (I'm willing to pay more upfront for something that lasts)

• Good edge support (we have a queen and need every inch)

• Motion isolation (partner moves A LOT)

• Temperature neutral (like I said, I sleep hot)

• Medium-firm feel (around 6-7/10 on firmness scale?)

• Queen size, under $2200 if possible

I'm also wondering about warranties - has anyone here actually successfully used one? Are there any companies that stand behind their products without making you jump through ridiculous hoops?

What's the best mattress for 2025 recommendation that will actually be BIFL-worthy? Appreciate any real experiences from the community!

EDIT: Went with the Boring Hybrid (https://www.boring.co/products/hybrid-mattress) No fancy features. Someone confirmed what you all said about it on r/boringmattress. Thanks everyone!

I’ve been looking at so many mattress brands in the last week and am overwhelmed with the amount of information out there. There exists so many conflicting opinions and reviews that I almost don’t know what to believe anymore. Does anyone else feel this way?

I’ve laid on some, I’ve read a ton about foams, coils, toppers, etc… I used to sell mattresses in a department store 6 years ago, and I knew way less back then than I do now.

What even is a good mattress nowadays? Of the brands I’ve seen, I’ve mostly been interested in hearing more about:

Helix

Saatva

Sterns and Foster

However, all of those mattresses one can find negative reviews for, as well as high praise either online or in stores with sales people.

For details, I’m 5’7 190 lbs, back sleeper. Love the medium firmness and less so the sinking-in feeling.

Is there a “THIS is the brand” to go with in 2024? If there is, please let me know!

I’m looking for a new mattress and I figure this is as good a way to start as any. There are a lot of comments on what brands to avoid, but what have you found is your favorite mattress brand, and why?

edit: I actually ended up going with the Boring Hybrid https://www.boring.co/products/hybrid-mattress. I haven't had the time to make a proper review yet or dont know if I will ever do it. All I can say is that the mattress is simple but really comfortable for me.

Hello

After 7 years of sleeping on what I lovingly call ""the pit of despair"" (a hand-me-down that's basically a hammock at this point), I've finally saved up enough for a new mattress.

I've got about $1000 to spend for a queen, which seemed like plenty until I walked into a mattress store. The salesman kept pushing me toward mattresses that were WAY above my budget, claiming anything under $1500 would ""compromise my sleep health"" (eye roll).

When I insisted on staying under $1000, he showed me a few options that honestly felt like I was lying on a bag of potatoes. Then tried to upsell me on some cooling technology that supposedly uses ""cooling gel"" or something equally ridiculous. Like, what does that even MEAN??

I'm looking for the best mattress under 1000 that will actually last. I'm a side sleeper and weigh around 170lbs. I don't need bells and whistles – just something with decent support.

Has anyone found a quality mattress in this price range? Are online mattress companies worth considering? I was checking out Boring. I'm open to foam, hybrid, whatever - as long as it's comfortable

I'm looking at upgrading my mattress and there are sooooo many options out there so I was hoping for some recommendations. The stores that are everywhere feel slimy and predatory in my opinion, it's really tough to compare and get all the info I want to make my decision.

My budget is $3,000ish, California king size is what we want. I want a high quality mattress that won't break down/fall apart, ideally something that will last at least 10 years, if not more.

Currently I've been looking at the Saatva 'ZenHaven' but I'm concerned that the latex foam won't last as long as a more traditional option. There are a couple of other options from the same company but I'm hoping to get some more options to compare & consider.

What are some other brands I should consider?

I am noob in mattresses. Looking to replace my years old mattress. Which is best mattress material should I go for ?Where should I buy, online or offline ? Those who have good knowledge in mattresses, please suggest me the best mattress material for great sleep

I’ve been trying to upgrade my sleep with a new mattress, but honestly, it’s been tough to find one that actually works for me. Struggling to find the right mattress too many options and issues like firmness, overheating, and lack of support make it overwhelming.

Have any of you found a mattress that made a noticeable difference in your sleep? Looking for recommendations on mattresses that offer great support, stay cool, and are durable all without breaking the bank.

I’ve seen brands like:

• Tempur-Pedic

• Purple

• Casper

• Saatva

Thanks in advance.

I’m looking at a mattress by sealy that’s 1000$ off for 4th of July. I do see some people online saying their bad tho and they start to sag after a few months. Is this still true and are there any brands I should look for?

Why can’t it be simple? It’s too fucking much.

Does anyone have a mattress that they love? Mine is only 2 years old and I hate it.

Update: I bought a Stearns & Foster one. So far so good.

Currently sleeping on an old spring queen mattress I bought 10 years ago for $250. I want to spend an obscene amount on a new mattress, not knowing anything my mind goes to Duxiana. Thoughts?

I am furnishing my new apartment. Most things I will buy second-hand, but mattresses make me nervous.

Does anyone know ways to get mattresses new for cheap, that won't break my break?