I’m tired of feeling like I’m falling to hell every night bending my spine , hips falling through while my top half lays on the surface

Ughhhhh $2000 down the drain (medium )

I know a matress isnt forever but any favorite FIRM mattress recommendations? Had a Tempur-Pedic while back, now a Casper mattress from Costco but its way too soft and wreaks my back. I get really bad sciatica pain so any hip support bed recommendations or pillow favorites or hacks to help is very appreciated!

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.

Hello,

I’ve been searching online a lot to get an extra firm if not ultra firm queen mattress! Whatever I purchased so far, either came out to be medium or deformed in a year. Heard hybrids provide extra support and that is preferred (10”-12”)! I’m in Dallas area, so any hint/ help finding such in this area or online that is affordable would be much appreciated!

Thanks!!!

My partner and I just lost our mattress/apartment due to a tree falling and need to buy a new mattress quickly so we can sleep in our new apartment. We're young and buying our own mattress for the first time, so we're totally lost as to what is good and what is bad; however, mattress stores are few and far between in our area so it's hard to test them in person. We'd like to stay in the $800-ish range but can go up to $1500 for an awesome mattress. We want a firmer mattress (not super firm) that will last a long time; we would also prefer a hybrid mattress to just memory foam, as we both move around a lot at night and don't want to get "stuck" in a hot memory foam mattress as we toss and turn, but still want some soft comfort on top of the springs. We're both side sleepers, sometimes I am a stomach sleeper and partner is sometimes a back sleeper. We are both ~250lbs per person. Partner has issues with snoring, I have issues with acid reflux.

Can anybody recommend a mattress you love? Or, does anybody have comments (negative or positive!) about the following mattresses?:

Sealy Hybrid Elstead 11" Firm Mattress: https://mattresswarehouse.com/products/sealy-elstead-hybrid

Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid Lacey 13" Firm Mattress: https://www.mattressfirm.com/posturepedic-hybrid-lacey-13-firm-mattress/5637393578.p?variantid=5637394343

Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid Ashurst 11" Firm Mattress: https://www.mattressfirm.com/posturepedic-hybrid-ashurst-11-firm-mattress/5637147652.p?variantid=5637152537

I need some advice choosing a new mattress from Mattress from mattress firm. I know they are all overpriced, mediocre at best mattress but I have 1000 dollar credit from a warranty refund. I’m open to spending extra even another 1000 or more if it means something quality and comfortable. Both me and my wife prefer medium to plush and are both side sleepers. Any reviews on any of their current products. Specifically any of the hybrid options, sleepys , nectar , serta I series , or sealy posturpedic.

Hi guys,

I've been reading a few posts but struggling to get an idea of what is 'reasonable' for a good quality mattress. Ideally, I don't want to spend more than £500. I've seen a few mattresses on John Pye Auctions eg silent night miracoil, John Lewis 1200 spring mattress but few clear reviews on these.

For context, I regularly share the bed with my partner who is larger than myself and every movement he makes, in our cheaper "orthopaedic" mattress from eBay, I feel. I'm a side sleeper, too. The current mattress just feels too... for lack of better comparison, bouncy castle-like? It's not firm at all. I'm surprised a supposedly new orthopaedic mattress could lack such support, considering all I've known is rental home mattresses, which were better than this.

I prefer firmer mattresses, because I can always get a topper, which works cheaper than getting a more expensive mattress.

Any recommendations which won't break bank are welcome.

EDIT: Thanks everyone for the recommendations and reassurance. I ended up going with the Boring Hybrid (https://www.boring.co/products/hybrid-mattress)

After 5 years of apartment living with a crappy IKEA foam mattress that's literally SINKING in the middle, my wife and I finally closed on our first house last month!! 🎉

We've been sleeping on the same sad queen mattress since our broke grad school days, and now that we have a proper bedroom (and a master that can actually fit a king), we're ready to invest in a REAL adult bed. I've been spending wayyy too many hours researching the best hybrid mattress options and my brain is melting.

We went to a local mattress store last weekend thinking we'd just pick something and be done with it. HUGE mistake. The salesperson was so aggressive about this $3000 mattress that apparently has magic fairy powder (whatever TF that means). My wife almost caved because she just wanted to leave, but I couldn't stomach dropping 3 grand on something that felt... fine? Not amazing? Just fine?

I'm convinced the best hybrid mattress for us is out there somewhere without the insane markup. We're both side/combo sleepers, I run hot at night, and my wife has some back issues that flare up occasionally.

I THINK we want a hybrid construction (heard these are more supportive and cooler than all-foam), medium-firm feel (6-7/10 on firmness scale), good motion isolation (I get up earlier than she does), definitely something that will actually LAST (our current mattress started sagging after just 2 years), and under $1200 for a king if possible.

Any other first-time homebuyers find a hybrid mattress that actually lives up to the hype? Any brands I should look into or definitely avoid? Anyone have experience with online mattress companies vs. the traditional stores? I was checking out Boring Mattress after seeing some ads here and there.

Hello everyone. I am looking for a new firm mattress and would like some advice and recommendations from you guys. I have been searching for the Plank and Plank Luxe. If any of you have used both, what are your opinions on them? Or which is the best firm on the market? I am a small guy, just 5’7 and 140 lbs.

Thank you all.

I’m a back sleeper that is looking for an ultra firm or even a firm mattress that is actually firm. Budget is not a problem but trying to avoid memory foam. If you guys have a recommendations I would love to check them out.

EDIT: Has anyone heard anything about a brand called Engineered Sleep? Mattresses look high quality and return policy looks great.

Need a second mattress for baby’s room that baby and wife will be sharing for 1-3 years

Wife and I sleep on Beautyrest black series firm mattress and are happy

Don’t want to spend $3500 as it’s not necessary for a kid

Please recommend your best, mattress gurus

I’m wondering if anyone has insights into which BRANDS make durable, high-quality mattresses. I know what I’m looking for in terms of specs, features, and price, but I’m trying to make sure I’m getting something that’s well-constructed and won’t sag on me in a couple years.

I’ve gotten nothing but conflicting information so far. The mattresses I’ve liked in the stores are from a lot of the S-brands that I know use lower-quality materials, tend to sag, and don’t last as long. The bed-in-a-boxes from online retailers seem to have a good reputation online and in this sub, but I know they’re generally supposed to be less durable than the traditional kind and I know a lot of the manufacturers pay for good reviews, so I'm a little wary of them. I know types of materials are important as well and I've looked into that, but it's hard to find this information for a lot of mattresses.

I’m not super picky about feel as long as it’s reasonably firm and supportive and it doesn’t use a ton of memory foam, but I just want to know which brands, companies, and/or product lines are GOOD (and not bad) and will generally remain durable. Can anyone help?

Hi AskUK,

After a few completely befuddling days of researching mattresses, I have compiled the following shortlist.

Bizzarely, I can't seem to find many up to date reviews on YouTube, the internet or Reddit on the latest models and the few that I have found either seem to be very US focusesd, horror stories from a vocal minority or just one line sentences of 'best thing since sliced bread'.

So this is a bit of a hail Mary post to seek genuine advice from any of you have tried any of of the following:

• Dreamcloud Luxury Hybrid

• Nectar Premier Hybrid

• Origin Hybrid Pro

• Emma Next Gen Premium

• Simba Hybrid Luxe

• Any others I haven't considered?

With the exception of the Simba Hybrid Luxe, all of these seem to be going between the £700-800 mark so all comparable in price.

A little about me, I'm about 180lbs / 84kg and tend to be a mixture of side and front sleeper. I tend to have lower back issues from overly soft mattresses so do tend to need a more medium-firm feel to support my spine and stop my stomach from sinking in too much when I am front sleeping.

This might be hundredth post like this but please trust me when I say I have googled till the cows go home and mattress research makes me feel positively insane. I'd love to hear from at least one real human out there. I'm counting on you please AskUK. I've tried other mattress subs and had one or two helpful responses but seems like quite a niche topic...any UK specific help would be super.

Hi everyone,

I’m on the hunt for a firm mattress and would really appreciate some advice! I currently have a memory foam mattress that’s supposed to be medium-firm, but I find it way too soft—I tend to just sink into it.

For context, I’m a front/side sleeper and don’t weigh very much (just over 8 stone). I’ve heard firmer mattresses can be better for support, especially for front sleepers, but I’m not sure where to start looking.

Does anyone have any recommendations for mattresses that are actually firm but still comfortable? Or brands that cater well to lighter sleepers?

Thanks in advance! 😊

I guess mattress is not supposed to be as durable as Stanley thermo kettle. Nevertheless, can anyone recommend a high quality, firm mattress brand/type ? thanks

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’m torn here :((( I’m stuck between being a minimalist and having OCD. So I’ve been sleeping on this spring mattress for like 6 years and now my back's screaming murder every damn morning.

I’m after something firm, but not like sleeping on a brick. This Plank Firm Luxe gets me curious since it looks clean and sturdy… but yeah, I overthink a lot. What if it’s way too stiff? What if I end up hating it? Returns freak me out big time.

Anyone out there found a firm mattress that actually eased their back pain? Just wanna crash without waking up in agony. Send help!!!

Goddamn it I have finally defeated the mattress mafia and put an end to my descent into insanity.

I recently moved to the US from India. I have slept on firm coir mattresses my entire life and was really hoping to find something similar when I got here.

Upon a friend's recommendation I got a Lucid extra firm mattress for 350 bucks. I woke up with a fucked up back everyday. It had gotten to a point where I would sleep on the carpet most nights.

I eventually gave the mattress to a friend after a couple of weeks. This coincided with a new recommendation from another friend who showed me this firm as shit 250 USD Zinus at her place. I was so sold on the damn thing that I ordered one off of Amazon the same day.

It turned out to be even worse than the Lucid one so I went back to sleeping on the floor. I could not fucking believe I got fucked over despite having tested the mattress in person.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks later, my friend suggested exchanging his Lucid with my Zinus since the Lucid was slightly firmer than the Zinus.

As we removed the Zinus from my bedframe, we realized that the bottom of the mattress was rock hard compared to the top. We ended up flipping it and going back to his place if the same would hold true for his Lucid. It fucking did.

To this day , I cannot believe I spent over two months struggling with this shit when all I had to do was flip the mattress.

TLDR: FLIP YOUR MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS IF YOU WANT AN ACTUALLY FIRM SURFACE TO SLEEP ON. (ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A ZINUS OR A LUCID)

Cheap fucks only use memory foam on one side of the mattress apparently.