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.

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!

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?

I'm in the market for a new twin-size mattress and have looked at a few threads already where they talk about the layers, support, the type of materials, etc. That said, I am basically like one of those clients that doesn't know what they want. I've been to some retailer's show floors and stuff at my nearby mall and I feel like I could fall asleep on damn near any of the mattresses I tried.

Sleep posture: Side-sleeping is when I think I'm most comfortable falling asleep, but I'm sure that I wake up on my back sometimes too. Not really sure what to make of that. Also I think I run colder than average, so I don't necessarily need any cooling function.

Health conditions: As far as I know, I don't have any like back pain and the like. Ideally the mattress I buy will help to prevent any of that.

Budget: I would say a max of $1K. I'm not really trying to break the bank, but I'm also willing to splurge on something that is as important as a mattress and regularly getting a good night's sleep.

Could people who are happy with their mattresses tell me what brands they sleep on? If you can, be specific - brand, model and firmness level. I'm looking for something temperature neutral and good for back sleeping.

My back hurts every morning and I'm finally accepting that my 8 year old mattress is done. I've been researching for weeks and I'm more confused than when I started. Every review site ranks them differently and I'm pretty sure most are getting paid for recommendations. I'm a side sleeper, around 200 pounds, and need something that won't hurt my shoulders but also supports my lower back. Medium firm seems like what I need but that's subjective and meaningless. Budget is flexible, willing to spend 1500-2000 if it's actually worth it but also don't want to overpay for marketing hype. The bed in a box brands are convenient but I'm worried about buying something I can't try first even though they have trial periods.

For people who've gone through mattress shopping recently, how did you actually decide and are you happy with what you got? And is there any way to cut through the BS reviews and figure out what's actually quality vs just good marketing?

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.

An actual fun post, researching and looking into it I settled on two brands, Nell Mattress and Koala Mattress. This will be my first actual big boy mattress, since college been living the poor bachelor's life and sleeping on shitty $100 Amazon mattresses saving money all for this moment to finally buy a decent mattress.

From what I looked up, Koala Mattress gets plenty of praise but have complaints of becoming completely soft several years later, seems to have the reputation equivalent of Nuro, advertised high speeds and actually good when it works but experiences widely vary. It seems like the normal Koala Mattress tends to have this problem, however the slight upgraded version, the one where you can flip it between soft and hard hasn't had this problem, albeit reviews are few on this.

Then there's Nell Mattress. Looks good, but no reviews or statements whatsoever. There's literally only one comment on this, and it was several years ago.

Those that have experience or can vouch for either, how is it? Are the Koala Mattresses going soft really an issue and does it extend for even the slightly higher model version? I'm slightly interested in the ability to switch between soft and hard, and being able to remove the cover and throw it in the washer is nice. Otherwise will opt for the Nell, simplicity can sometimes just be the best option. Prices are roughly equivalent, so not an issue. Also open of course to other brands.

For those that are interested, the pillow I have opted for is the Brain Sleep Pillow.

I've just bought a house and I'm currently purchasing furniture for it.

I'm buying the bedding from John Lewis. They say that one of the things you should never "cheap out" on is a mattress. I'm willing to spend around £1200.

Are pocket sprung generally regarded as being better than memory foam?

I don't suffer from any back issues. I just want something super comfortable, doesn't everyone!

I've been researching mattresses for 3 weeks and I'm more confused than when I started. My current mattress is 12 years old and causing serious back pain but every time I think I've found the right one I read conflicting reviews. I'm a side sleeper around 180 pounds and need something that won't destroy my shoulders but also supports my lower back. Budget is around 1000 for a queen. The mattress industry feels like a scam with fake review sites and return policies that sound good until you actually try to return something.

How did you actually decide on a mattress without losing your mind? And for side sleepers with back issues, what ended up working that didn't cost a fortune or feel like drowning while sleeping?

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 did everything right. I researched, read reviews, even laid on this Sealy mattress in a showroom for 15 minutes while the salesperson awkwardly hovered. It felt amazing... until it didn't. After spending the last THREE YEARS on a mattress that cost me $850 and developed a body-shaped crater within 8 months, I'm super skeptical and literally trust no one.

The first 90 days were great, then it started freaking sinking in the middle. By the time I tried to use the warranty, they hit me with "normal wear and tear isn't covered" and "body impressions under ‘x’ inches aren't considered defects." EXCUSE ME?

Anyway. I'm now mattress shopping again, but THIS time, I want a simple, well-made mattress under $1000 that won't become a hammock within a year.

I'm looking at some online brands, but also considering going back to basics with something more traditional.

Has anyone found a good mattress under $1000 that's actually held up over time? What's your experience with hybrid vs all-foam designs? Any brands to absolutely avoid? (I’ve read that a lot of those trial periods often have ridiculous return processes and that most mattress reviews online are paid.)

Edit: WOW, didn't expect so many responses! I tried reading through all your suggestions, but they were too many… thanks so much everyone!

I ended up going with the Boring Hybrid Mattress (https://www.boring.co/products/hybrid-mattress) after a decision paralysis, since it checked all the boxes for me: under $1000, a 365 night trial period, good support, and plenty of positive reviews here on Reddit.

It might not be the most exciting pick, but it felt it was one of the safest bets. I’m super excited to finally try it out and see if it lives up to the hype (or at least doesn’t sag within 8 months)!

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

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 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.

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’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!

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?