Saatva’s Graphite Memory Foam Topper has the perfect profile for folks with hip pain: dense, pressure-relieving memory foam that’ll conform to the contours of your body. It’s 3” thick, the perfect height to transform the surface of your existing mattress. My colleague and fellow tester, Matt Schickling, was most impressed by the quality of this topper’s construction, awarding it a perfect 5/5 materials score. He also gave the topper high marks for support and value, each earning 4/5.

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper is a whopping 3 inches thick, with an overall “dense and high-quality feel,” per Matt. He thought it was a level up from other toppers he’d tested. “The cover is really nice and breathable. There is no notable pilling, weird stretching, or bad stitching. This thing is really nicely made,” he said.

It also has a true memory foam feel, which Matt thought would work well for sleepers “who want to add some plush support to their bed.” You’ll sink deeply into this topper, to be sure, but not too much that you feel fully unsupported. Back and side sleepers should achieve the most comfort.

Graphite is a mineral known for its high thermal conductivity, so it’s often added to dense, heat-trapping materials like memory foam to help with overheating. Matt noted that this topper wasn’t cool-to-the-touch, but he said, “I’d say the cooling is pretty good for memory foam. I was lying on my stomach for 14 minutes on this topper, and it didn’t noticeably heat up beneath me.”

Memory foam generally has a doughy, slow-moving feel that leaves impressions and indentations whenever you sink into it. But Matt was surprised by how well this foam topper held its shape. “It’s not bouncy, but when you change positions or get up off the bed, it does retain its original shape pretty quickly,” he explained.

This dense feel usually means that the foam is better at absorbing motion, which would keep movement from traveling across the surface. However, Matt called the motion transfer “just okay” for memory foam. “I can feel a good amount of movement—more than you’d expect for this material, but not extreme or anything like that.” For folks looking for a topper that’s great at isolating motion, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Topper, also on this list.

If the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper is calling your name, though, you can purchase it on Saatva’s site for about $295. It’s definitely on the higher end, but Matt proudly proclaimed that “the quality justifies the expense.” You also get a 1-year warranty and 45 nights to try it out for yourself. 

Read more in our full Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper review.

If you’re looking for a high-quality topper that doesn’t break the bank, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Topper. This memory foam topper offers plenty of cushioning, and it features cooling gel infusions to keep things cool. It also absorbs motion like a champ, scoring a perfect 5/5 score for motion isolation. But the best part of this topper is that a queen-size will only run you about $130, thanks to frequent sales; this earned it an admirable 4.5/5 score for overall value.

I once purchased the Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Topper years ago as a broke college student, looking to freshen up my twin-XL mattress from Amazon. My colleague Riley Otis recently tested a new queen-size topper, and based on her findings, it seems the quality has held up at a budget-friendly price. 

She called the topper “super thick and durable, thanks to its high-quality materials.” There were a few holes in the foam, since the topper is one massive slab, but nothing that compromised the integrity. It’s also available in 2-inch and 3-inch configurations, depending on what you need for your bed. 

The overall feel is “plush and squishy,” per Riley. It’s best for a mattress that needs more cushioning. Riley specifically recommended it for side sleepers who need extra pressure relief around the hips and shoulders. On her back, she was able to remain in alignment, too, so back sleepers looking for a softer mattress should also love this topper. 

“This topper is also excellent at absorbing motion,” Riley said. “Even with another person on top of it moving around and hopping in and out of bed, I couldn’t feel any movement on my side.” She thought it would be a good choice for couples who share the bed with an especially light sleeper.

This topper gets its name from the cooling gel-infused memory foam in its construction, which gives the topper a swirly blue cloud look. The cooling gel is the reason I was drawn to the bed in college, and I found it did offer some improvement to my setup: an all-foam bed in a room with no air conditioning. 

Riley thought the topper performed best with one sleeper in the bed: “When I was sleeping beside my partner, I felt much hotter than I usually do, but once he left for the morning, things cooled down. I even felt a bit chilly.” If you’re looking for a cooling topper that’ll tackle overheating for couples, consider peeking at the Viscosoft Active Cooling Topper. 

As I mentioned, the Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Topper is available for as low as $129 for a queen-size in the 2-inch variant, with an extra $20 for the 3-inch model. Brooklyn Bedding allows for returns within 30 days of purchase and also offers a generous 3-year warranty for this topper. 

Find out more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Topper review.

Soft mattress toppers are a great match for hip pain, especially if your current bed is too firm. The Nolah Mattress Topper has an uber-soft feel that provides excellent cushioning and sinkage around the hips. Besides its softness, our testers appreciate its dense, doughy feel for its motion isolation and durable construction, two categories that scored 5/5 in our tests.

My colleague Kenny Timper gave this mattress topper the old college try, and he immediately noticed how soft it was when he plopped down onto it. “Your body sinks right through it, which feels great in terms of pressure relief,” he said. “I think it’s great if you’re a side sleeper that needs more cushioning around the hips and shoulders, or you’re just looking to soften up a too-firm mattress.”

Despite its super-soft feel, Kenny thought the topper should hold up well. “The foam is dense and cushioning,” he said. “The organic cotton cover also feels soft and high-quality.” He did note that the softness could pose a problem for heavyweight sleepers, who might start to see signs of wear and tear more quickly. “I think its softer feel would hold up for lightweight and average-weight sleepers, more than 5 years, at least.”

Kenny also found that the soft feel should appeal to couples who share a bed with a restless partner. “Since it’s very soft memory foam and there’s plenty of sinkage, there’s no chance that you’ll feel any movement. I think if you’re a light sleeper, you’ll be able to sleep comfortably throughout the night.”

If you’re a combination sleeper, though, you might encounter some pushback. Kenny noted that he never felt “stuck” in this topper, but you’re going to need to put effort in to move around on the surface. For a bouncier mattress topper, you might like one made of latex, such as the Avocado Organic Topper.

The Nolah Mattress Topper currently retails for $292 for a queen-size. You have a 30-day window to decide whether or not this topper is for you, after which it’s backed by an extremely generous 10-year warranty.

Read more in our full Nolah Mattress Topper review.

Seeking sustainable but comfortable sleep with hip pain? Consider Avocado’s Eco Organic Topper. I tried out this organic mattress topper, and the softest version is a match made in heaven for joint pain. This super-thick slab of latex has a uniquely buoyant yet pressure-relieving feel that molds to your body. It also provides a modicum of support so you don’t sink too far into its plush surface. I awarded it high scores for support (4.5/5) and materials (5/5).

I opted for the 3-inch soft version of this topper, which is available in two different height options and multiple firmness levels. Right off the bat, this 3-inch latex topper is extremely hefty. It doesn’t just feel very squishy and dense; it was a workout to get it onto my already tall bed. Upon closer inspection, it looked like the topper is actually made up of multiple latex layers fused together, but there’s no tugging or budging them apart. 

The cover is also made from organic cotton, a breathable, soft fabric that should feel nice beneath your sheets. Though I wouldn’t call this topper cooling, I think it kept my bed feeling temperature-neutral. I think it’s a great alternative if you’re a hot sleeper who likes a cushy sleep surface.

While this topper has a soft, cushioning feel, it also provides a lot of support. I sank into the surface just enough, but it wasn’t like a super-plush memory foam topper where you felt completely swaddled up in it. It was most comfortable while resting on my back, but side-sleeping was comfortable too. I think it would work great on a too-firm mattress, but also on one that might’ve started sagging in support.

Latex also has a bit more of a springier feel than foam, which I could tell when I moved around on this topper. I chose the Saatva Classic (the mattress I currently sleep on) for its bounce, and I was worried that this uber-soft topper would cancel it out. But that wasn’t the case—while it’s not as bouncy as coils, it offers enough ease of movement that I think most combination sleepers will appreciate.

This bouncier profile may not offer the best motion isolation, though. There’s a chance the latex will amplify movements rather than absorb them, disturbing light sleepers on the other side of the bed. I’d opt for something made with true memory foam in this instance, like the Nolah Mattress Topper.

Depending on which iteration you prefer, the Avocado Organic Topper can cost anywhere from $329 to $499 for a queen-size. Since it’s made with organic latex, I understand the higher price tag. I think it’s well worth the extra money to transform the surface of your mattress. With this topper, you also get a 100-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty.

For more information, check out our dedicated Avocado Mattress Topper review.

Overheating on your current bed? Before you toss it out and find a new one, consider a cooling mattress topper like the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Topper. This topper features a breathable 4-inch foam construction and a cover infused with copper to promote airflow and wick away excess heat from your body. My colleague Matt Schickling awarded this topper a 4.5/5 for cooling, and it also earned impressive ratings for materials (5/5) and support (4.5/5).

This ViscoSoft topper is one of the thickest I’ve ever seen. This means it should not only make a significant difference in how your mattress feels but also hold up with use. Matt called the topper “really well-made and thoughtfully designed.” He added, “It could probably improve even a bad mattress. The cover is soft and well-stitched, and there are even straps to secure it to the bed.” It was an “easy 5” awarded for materials.

Since it’s such a dense slab of foam, we were curious if the name would hold up in our cooling test. Matt brought out a thermal gun to measure the increase in surface temperature after he lay on it for a few minutes. “The temperature only rose 4 degrees after I was lying there for five minutes,” he said. “Even when I lay on it for 20 minutes, I didn’t notice anything overheating. It’s impressive and a good choice for hot sleepers, despite its foam construction.”

Aside from its cool feel, Matt also appreciated how supported he felt on this topper. “I’m a heavy sleeper, and this has a lot of sink for me, but it’s super plush and supportive at the same time,” he explained. “Side and back sleepers who are looking to soften up a firmer bed will really enjoy the pressure relief and support this gives.”

Matt also noted the bed’s “true memory foam feel” that had him sinking deeply, which could also absorb some motion from his fellow tester. “I could feel that my partner was moving, but I couldn’t tell you what they were doing,” he explained. He did note that this posed a problem when trying to move around on the surface. “It’s foam, so it’s not very responsive,” he said. (If you’re worried about feeling “stuck” in this topper, you might want to try out a bouncier one, like the Avocado Organic Topper.)

The ViscoSoft Active Cooling Topper comes in at $400 regularly for a queen, $300 on sale. Matt thought the price was “fine for the high quality.” The brand also offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, plus a 5-year warranty.

Find out more in our ViscoSoft Active Cooling Topper review.

The Helix Midnight Luxe is a beloved favorite on Mattress Clarity, a luxury hybrid that has a balanced, medium feel that makes it approachable for a number of sleeper types. It features a plush, pressure-relieving pillow top plus a supportive coil unit. It received high marks for edge support (4.8/5) and cooling (4.5/5), alongside a 4.4/5 customer service score. The latter comes from the bed’s 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty.

I tested out the Helix Midnight Luxe myself and found it came in at a 6/10 on our firmness scale, which is a true medium feel. This is mostly thanks to the dense cushioning you get from the top layers, which also lends the bed its pressure-relieving properties. Physical therapist Dr. Hannah Habeeb noticed this right away while resting on her back, noting she felt “zero pressure build-up.” She added, “My lower back is very well supported, so I don’t think I’ll sink in enough that it would get irritated.”

Our pressure relief testers agreed, with their ratings leading to an overall score of 4.2/5 in this category. Dr. Habeeb and I liked how the pillow top contours to the lower back, eliminating the gap there. If I had this bed at home, I’d want to sleep on my back more often.  

Heavyweight tester Caine Wilkes was also able to find comfort on his side. “I usually sleep on my side, and I would recommend this for side sleepers in my weight category,” he said. “The plush top feels really nice and comfortable, while the bottom layers are more supportive.”

With how soft it feels up top, I was expecting the Midnight Luxe to have pretty lackluster edge support. But I was pleasantly surprised; I never felt like I was sinking or going to slide off when sitting or lying down at the perimeter of the mattress. However, I did notice a discrepancy between the short and long edges of the mattress. If you plan on sitting on the foot of the bed to tie your shoes, for example, you’re going to notice a lot more sinkage.

If you sleep hot, though, the Midnight Luxe will have you covered there. When I lay down on the surface, I could feel the cover actively cooling me, especially around my neck, where it came in direct contact with the mattress. It’s definitely cool-to-the-touch, and the gentle contouring from the pillow top means you’ll be enveloped in this crisp feeling.

The only area that left me wanting was the Midnight Luxe’s responsiveness. I’m a particularly restless combination sleeper, so I love a bouncy bed to help me quickly change positions. There’s a bit of this from the coils below, but it’s mostly muffled by the dense pillow top. I couldn’t roll from my back to stomach as seamlessly as I liked. While I don’t think it’ll deter all combination sleepers, I think it’s something to keep in mind. 

Want a super-bouncy bed? Check out the Saatva Classic. You can read more about this mattress in our full Helix Midnight Luxe review. 

If you want to save on your next mattress, look no further than the Nectar Classic. This all-foam mattress retails at just $649 for a queen size, offering a cushy, supportive feel that’s built for back and side sleepers. Thanks to its cooling cover (for which it earned a 5/5 cooling score), this bed is also a great pick for hot sleepers. To top it off, the Nectar comes with a generous year-long trial and a lifetime warranty.

The Nectar mattress came in at a 7/10 on our firmness scale, just half a tick firmer than standard medium-firm. Despite it being a memory foam bed, I’d say the Nectar has a more “on top” feel, rather than the deep sinkage of other, softer mattresses. Dr. Habeeb recommended this profile to back sleepers, especially those with back pain: “It’s conforming to my lower back and placing the spine in a neutral position.”

Our testers agreed with Dr. Habeeb’s assessment, with heavyweight tester Matt Schickling calling the mattress “supportive but surprisingly firm.” On his back, he said, “I don’t feel any buildup in my shoulders, upper back, or lower back.”

Average-weight tester Sosha Lewis was able to find comfort on her side. “I feel really good,” she explained. “Though it’s pretty firm, it’s contouring my body, especially my hips. It’s elevating them and creating a really nice balance.” However, the lightweight tester did find the Nectar mattress a bit too firm for her liking, something to keep in mind if you have a smaller frame. 

With their thick and cushy layers, memory foam mattresses tend to trap heat more than beds with coils, since there’s less airspace. Nectar attempted to counteract this with a cooling cover, and in my tests, I was surprised to find it succeeded. While I wouldn’t call it truly cool-to-the-touch, it didn’t overheat the entire time I was lying on it. Hot sleepers unwilling to part with a foam feel may like this compromise. 

The Nectar mattress has a firmer feel, but it also provides enough cushioning to absorb motion at the surface. I found this out in the partner test, where I had a fellow tester crawl into bed alongside me and flail around, switch positions, basically anything that mimicked sleeping beside a restless sleeper. As a light sleeper myself, I was pleased with the level of motion isolation I experienced; I only noticed some jostling when my partner got out of bed. Couples should therefore do just fine on this bed. 

Folks who might want to steer clear of the Nectar are those looking for a rock-solid perimeter. While it’s not the worst I’ve seen from a foam mattress, there’s quite a bit of sinkage when sitting on the edge of the bed. It makes getting out of bed a little difficult, something to consider if you have mobility concerns. In that case, you might prefer the Helix Midnight Luxe, which has much better edge support.

Read more in our full Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress review.

Waking up overheated and sweaty? Check out the Aurora Luxe Cooling, an aptly named luxury hybrid that earned a 4.5/5 in our temperature regulation test. Hot sleepers will feel comfortable and cool on the bed’s crisp cover. The Aurora Luxe should also appeal to back and stomach sleepers who want a firmer, more supportive sleep surface. Moreover, the bed comes with a 120-night sleep trial, so you can gauge its cooling capability for yourself. After that, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is available in three different firmness levels, including their mid-range Medium option. However, when we tested this mattress, we found it firmer than expected; it came in at a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale. 

“I like firmer mattresses like this one for back sleepers,” said Dr. Habeeb after trying out the mattress herself. This was echoed in our pressure relief testing, with our average-weight and heavyweight testers most preferring the mattress on their back.

Average-weight tester Melanie Kassel explained, “There’s some nice, slight contouring going on, so the gap in my lower back feels filled in. It feels so much better than on my side.” Heavyweight tester Matt Schickling agreed with Melanie’s assessment, but he was able to rest comfortably on his side. “I feel more cradled by this than anything,” he said. “My shoulders and neck feel pretty good—it’s not the most pressure relief I’ve ever felt, but it’s pretty solid.”

We didn’t know whether the Aurora Luxe Cooling would live up to its full title until we conducted our temperature regulation test, which my colleague Cait Giddings handled. She used a thermal gun to measure the mattress’s surface temperature after resting on it, indicating how much heat the bed retains. After seven minutes, the temperature only rose 5.9 degrees. “The mattress never felt like it was heating up,” Cait added. “The cover of the mattress feels crisp and slippery, which is great for hot sleepers.”

The Aurora Luxe also performed well in our responsiveness test. Cait called the mattress “bouncy and buoyant.” She explained, “I didn’t sink into the mattress surface at all; I felt like I was almost floating on its surface.” She further recommended the mattress for sexually active and combination sleepers who are looking for effortless ease of movement.

While the Aurora Luxe is a great pick for hot sleepers and those looking for bounce, it may not be the mattress for everyone. As Dr. Habeeb put it, “For some lighter sleepers, this model might be a little firm.” If you’re looking for a softer bed you can sink deeply into, check out the Bear Elite Hybrid. 

Find out more in our dedicated Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling review.

Hybrid mattresses are renowned for their complementary construction: soft, cushioning comfort layers balanced by supportive, springy coils. The Bear Elite Hybrid only amplifies what’s already great about hybrid mattresses: It has a sumptuously soft pillow top that’ll have you sinking deeply into the surface—but you’ll also get plenty of bounce from the coils, a feature that earns the bed its perfect response score. On top of that, the mattress is backed by a lifetime warranty, and you get 120 nights to give it a whirl. 

The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in three firmness options: soft, medium, and firm. We tried out the Medium model and found it to be an apt descriptor; it came in at 6/10 on our firmness scale, just a smidge softer than medium-firm. 

Dr. Habeeb found this profile was “really comfortable on the side.” She added, “The mattress conforms to your body really nicely, and my spine feels neutral. Overall, nothing is hurting, and there’s no pressure.”

Our heavyweight tester Matt, however, much preferred the bed for back sleeping. “I feel like my hips and shoulders are well-aligned, and I’m not noticing any pressure,” he said. “If you’re a heavy back sleeper, I’d say this is a good pick.” Ultimately, our testers rated the bed’s pressure-relieving ability at a 4/5.

My colleague Cait Giddings also noticed the pillow top’s cushioning during her tests, but she found it did little to impede her ease of movement. “I didn’t sink very far into it,” she explained. “Toggling through different sleep positions felt very easy. The bouncy core of the mattress made it a breeze to launch myself in and out of bed or roll around.” This means the Bear Elite Hybrid should work well for combination sleepers and sexually active couples.

Moreover, the responsive nature of the bed assisted Cait during her edge support assessment. “It was so easy to get out of this bed that I felt like I essentially bounced out,” she said. On top of that, she didn’t have any issues with the mattress sinking beneath her weight when sitting or lying down at the perimeter: “I felt like I could lie on the absolute farthest reaches of the bed without sliding or rolling out.”

Where Cait encountered mixed results was the cooling test. She used a thermal gun to measure the increase in surface temperature after lying on the bed for a few minutes, and found it went up a whopping 12.6 degrees. “I wouldn’t describe this bed as ‘sleeping hot’, despite its thermal gun results,” she said. “I didn’t feel the mattress heat up at all while I was lying there.”

If you’re looking for a truly cool mattress, consider taking a look at the Aurora Luxe Cooling. You can also read our full Bear Elite Hybrid review for more information about this bed.

Some folks might associate shopping for beds online with low-quality or budget buys, but there are a lot of high-end, luxury options available. My personal favorite is the Saatva Classic; it’s the mattress I sleep on every night. It has the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, but it’s topped with a dense, tufted pillow top that lends the entire bed a luxe feel. We also awarded it perfect scores for edge support, responsiveness, and customer service. Saatva has some of the most generous policies we’ve seen from an online retailer, offering a year-long sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free white glove delivery with every mattress.

The Saatva Classic comes in multiple firmness levels, but we tested the mid-level option, the Luxury Firm. This is the model I own, and I’d rate it slightly firmer at 7.5/10 on our firmness scale. However, this firmness doesn’t mean that you won’t get the pressure relief you need. Dr. Habeeb appreciated how comfortable she felt resting on her side: “It’s very plush and adds a lot of contouring at my hips and shoulders,” she explained. “I feel no pressure at my joints.”

My fellow testers also liked the mattress on their back. Heavyweight tester Matt Schickling likened the alignment to “a stretch when you haven’t stretched in a while.” He added, “On my side and back, I feel totally aligned and well-supported overall.” His results, combined with the other glowing opinions of our lightweight and average-weight testers, led to the Saatva earning a 4.5/5 for overall pressure relief.

The Saatva Classic is outfitted with two innerspring units for double the support, contributing to its firmer feel and also resulting in double the bounce. I can launch myself across the surface of this mattress with extreme ease, and it makes repositioning during the night a breeze. Sexually active couples should also appreciate this when it comes to the main event. 

These coil units also help prop up the perimeter of the mattress, which gives the Saatva some of the greatest edge support I’ve ever seen in a mattress. I have a small bedroom, so I’m often using the edge of my bed as a seat to tie my shoes or do other mundane tasks. During this, the edge never collapses under my weight. It’s the same for sleeping—I can sling one leg over the edge of the mattress and not slide off once throughout the night. 

When it comes to the Saatva, I have few complaints overall. However, if I had to pick an area for improvement, it’d definitely be its motion isolation. I’m a notoriously light sleeper, able to sense when someone is thinking about moving beside me, and I’ve found that the Saatva Classic’s springy surface seems to amplify more than it stifles. If you sleep with a partner, be aware that you’re going to feel every little movement from their side of the bed.

For a mattress with better motion isolation, consider the Nectar Classic. Or read more in our Saatva Classic review.

Memory foam mattresses are popular picks when it comes to online mattress shopping. They’re often the more affordable option, and they’re easily compressed for bed-in-a-box delivery. One of our favorite all-foam mattresses to recommend is the Leesa Original. This bed scored 4s and above in all of our performance categories, including perfect scores for cooling and response—two areas that foam beds rarely do well in. It also comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty.

The Leesa Original came in at a 8/10 on our firmness scale, which is decidedly firm, especially for an all-foam mattress. It gives the mattress more of an on-top feel than the super-sink of traditional memory foam. Dr. Habeeb thought this supportive nature could work well for sleepers who need it, such as those with back pain: “I think it would provide relief for people with back pain, offering the necessary support at the lower back to keep you in a relatively neutral position.”

Despite its firm feel, the Leesa Original still earned a 4.5/5 for overall pressure relief. Lightweight tester Riley Otis preferred the mattress on her back, saying, “I don’t have any pain or pressure. I feel very comfortable, cozy, and supported.” On the other hand, heavyweight tester Caine Wilkes liked the mattress on his side, calling it “very supportive for an all-foam mattress.” He added, “I don’t feel any pressure, and it feels really comfortable as I sink in.”

Softer foam beds usually have a slow-moving feel, while the Leesa’s firmer feel gives it a uniquely responsive nature. Our in-house tester felt as though she didn’t sink too deeply into the mattress, which made moving around easier. “I didn’t notice any effort when lifting my body off the bed,” she said. You won’t get “stuck” in this mattress trying to move around, a plus for especially restless combination sleepers.

Most foam beds are also notorious for trapping heat, but the Leesa is a great pick for hot sleepers. The mattress doesn’t feature a cooling cover, but our in-house tester thought the mattress felt cold during her temperature test. “I felt like the mattress was cool to touch at first and almost a little chilly,” she explained. “As I lay there, I noticed it did get more comfortable in temperature, but never too warm.” The surface temperature of the bed only rose about 4.5 degrees, a sign of exceptional cooling, especially for foam. 

While hot sleepers are set on this mattress, its firmness may pose a problem for lightweight sleepers. Dr. Habeeb noted that “it could cause unnecessary pressure buildup.” If you’re a lightweight side sleeper looking for a foam mattress, you might like the Nectar instead, which has a cushier feel.

Find out more about this bed in our dedicated Leesa Original review.

Shopping sustainably online? The Birch Luxe Natural is a great organic mattress that’s sure to please sleepers looking for an eco-conscious option. It’s made up of layers of natural latex and wool, which give the bed a cozy yet bouncy feel, earning it a 5/5 responsiveness score. Latex isn’t just sustainable, it’s great for combination sleepers or sexually active couples who want the bounce of coils but the pressure relief of memory foam. But it has its own unique feel, so you may want to take advantage of the brand’s 120-night sleep trial to see if it’s right for you. 

The Birch Luxe Natural came in at 7/10 on our firmness scale, a little firmer than a traditional medium-firm. Latex has a unique buoyant feel, but it’s also a nice alternative to memory foam for pressure relief. As a result, our testers found comfort on their sides and backs while resting on the Birch Luxe.

Our testers, particularly our lightweight tester, noted that while there was pressure relief, there wasn’t much sinkage while resting on her back. “I like a bit more contouring around my lower back, but overall, I feel pretty aligned,” she explained. She found the most comfort resting on her side: “I feel really great support, and there’s a lot of pressure relief, making things comfortable.”

Latex mattresses are known for their bounce, and the Birch Luxe Natural is no different. “I feel like this mattress has great responsiveness, so it’s really easy to switch positions,” our in-house tester said after moving around on the surface. She also noted that the Birch Luxe has a flat sleep surface rather than a tufted pillow top, so there’s no chance of getting “stuck” in any contours or valleys.

Sometimes, latex’s buoyancy lends it a more wobbly feel, which can lead to edge instability. However, our tester thought the edge of the mattress held up well when bearing weight. “It only got worse when I scooted far off the edge,” she explained. “Lying down at the perimeter, I feel supported—even in an exaggerated position, though I wouldn’t want to sleep like that.” This means you should be able to spread out to your heart’s content.

A common pitfall of latex mattresses is their lack of motion isolation. Unfortunately, that seemed to be the case with the Birch Luxe. The bounce that makes it so great for combination sleepers can amplify smaller movements during co-sleeping. Our tester noted that they felt the most disturbance when their partner got in and out of bed, but noted that they could probably sleep through it. Especially light sleepers might want to opt for something with a higher motion isolation score, like the Titan Plus Core.

Read more in our full Birch Luxe mattress review.

Some sleepers over 230 pounds may find that traditional mattresses don’t offer the support they need. That’s why Brooklyn Bedding created the Titan Plus Core, a bed specifically built for bigger bodies. Its industrial-strength coil layer should ensure you remain comfortably lifted on the surface, while the pillow top provides just the right amount of contouring.

Despite this, even our lightweight testers found comfort on the Titan, a sign of a truly well-rounded mattress. The bed earned 4s and above in all of our performance categories, including high marks for responsiveness (5/5) and pressure relief (4.8/5). It also comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a generous lifetime warranty.

The Titan Plus Core hybrid came in at a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, which is pretty firm. However, sleepers of all sizes should be able to glean some manner of pressure relief from this mattress. Even our lightweight tester found the mattress comfortable on both her back and side.

“Lying on my side, I don’t notice any pressure buildup at all,” she explained. “The mattress feels very supportive, giving me plenty of lift through my hips and shoulders, while still offering just enough cushioning to ease tension around my joints.” She called resting on her back “almost weightless,” and found plenty of alignment in this position, too.

Our in-house tester appreciated the quilted cover of the mattress, noting it provided just enough softness for comfort without impeding her movement during the responsiveness test. “The bed’s firmer feel kept me from sinking too deeply, so I never felt stuck or restricted by the foam layers,” she said. “I think combination sleepers and older sleepers who value easy mobility will really enjoy how simple it is to move around on this bed.”

Moving around on the mattress should be easy indeed, but it also shouldn’t affect your partner’s sleep, thanks to the bed’s surprising motion isolation. With another person in the bed, our in-house tester wasn’t jostled around, even as she remained aloft on the firmer surface. “When my partner climbed into bed, I noticed a bit of motion transfer but nothing disruptive,” she explained. “I could sense the shift, but it didn’t actually move me or make me bounce around.” Based on this, she awarded the bed a motion isolation score of 4.3/5.

The Titan also scored admirably in our cooling test, earning a 4/5, but I will note that this rating comes with a caveat. We tried out the mattress with the GlacioTex cover, which our testers called “refreshing” and “cool-to-the-touch.” However, this cover doesn’t come included with the standard model, so you’ll have to pay extra for it. If you want a mattress that comes with built-in cooling, check out the aptly named Aurora Luxe Cooling.

You can find out more about this bed in our full Titan Plus Core review.

If you’re looking for a low-profile bed frame to set the mood on date night, the Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed Frame is a prime pick. This platform bed by mattress stalwarts Nectar is my overall pick for the best bed frame for sex due to its sleek, sturdy, and quiet design. Product expert Matt Schickling gave the Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed Frame a 4/5 or higher in the materials and assembly categories during testing.

Matt immediately praised the Nectar bed frame for its easy, tool-free assembly, awarding it a perfect 5/5 in this category. He commented that it was lightweight and easy to carry, meaning one person should be able to handle this assembly by themselves. 

“Assembly was a breeze,” Matt said. “There were no tools necessary. It took the two of us about 20 minutes to put together at a reasonable pace. The slats came pre-assembled and went right on the frame.”

Matt also gave it a strong 4.5/5 materials score. While the wood feels durable, he was concerned about its longevity, given that there is no additional hardware in its construction.

“The solid wood pieces feel sturdy and durable,” Matt said. “We moved the mattress from one location to another, and everything stayed together well. It doesn’t have any hardware, so its long-term durability might be a question, but it seems really sturdy, like it will hold up for years.”

That said, buyers should be aware of a couple of things before deciding on the Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed Frame. The bed frame remained quiet during our tests, even with two people moving around on the mattress. 

However, if you opt for the version with the headboard, it will likely hit the wall. The headboard and bed frame combo also comes in two separate boxes, which can make it more of a hassle to move into your home and assemble.

The Saatva Amalfi Storage Bed earns the title of best luxury bed frame for sex by delivering an upscale look coupled with impressive stability and quiet, confidence-inspiring construction. While many storage beds sacrifice aesthetics for utility, the Amalfi stands out for its exceptional build quality, smooth hydraulic system, and refined design. We awarded the Amalfi 4.5 stars or more in assembly, materials, and noise during testing.

Putting the Amalfi together was surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions and tools provided by Saatva. It took product testers Sosha Lewis and Livvi DiCiccio about an hour to assemble, which is reasonable given the added complexity of the storage space system. They gave it a 4.5/5 score for assembly. 

They noted that while it’s possible to assemble the frame without extra tools, using a drill can speed up the process. Saatva also offers free in-room delivery, though they will not assemble it for you.

Materials were another notable high point for the Amalfi, earning a perfect 5/5 rating from our testers. The upholstered frame features a plush, padded headboard and a robust hydraulic lift system that effortlessly raises the mattress to reveal deep, spacious storage underneath.

“The hydraulics seem strong,” said product tester Sosha Lewis. “I don’t think anything in this bed frame will wear out any time soon.”

However, it was the real-world experience test that sealed the deal for our testers. Sosha and Livvi both praised the Amalfi’s performance when evaluating its performance together, awarding it another 5/5 for noise and overall experience. Even with two people moving around, the frame remained quiet, still, and composed.

“I didn’t notice any noise when I was moving around on this bed frame,” Livvi said. “Everything was super sturdy, and I have no complaints. Opening and closing the storage compartment was frictionless.”

While the Amalfi’s main drawbacks are its longer assembly time compared to simpler frames and its $2,595 price tag (for a queen-size bed), shoppers should appreciate its sturdiness, whisper-quiet performance, and supportive feel.

The Helix Madison Bed Frame is a wooden platform bed with an elegant and low-key design. Better yet, the Madison Bed Frame is durable and easy to assemble, both of which are essential for active couples in a hurry. Our in-house product experts awarded the Madison a 4-star score or higher in our materials, assembly, and noise categories.

Our testers praised the Madison Bed Frame’s simple yet sturdy design, noting that each component felt hefty and built to last. During testing, our team awarded it a 4/5 in the materials category.

“All the parts felt really solid and nice,” one tester said. “The rails and the feet are heavy and feel high-quality. The birch wood is beautiful. The only thing that bothered me about this bed is that the wood slats are not connected using a separate material. You have to put each slat on the bed individually, and I am worried they will shift more with this construction.”

However, when it came to assembly, our product testers were able to put it together quickly and effortlessly. They gave it a perfect 5/5 score in the assembly category.

“This is an easy-to-install platform bed that you can put together without tools,” our tester said. “The bed took a total of 9 minutes to build, and the instructions weren’t even necessary to read. The feet and side rails easily slide into one another and lock in.”

Most importantly, for couples looking for a bed frame that won’t squeak or make noise during more strenuous activities, the Madison stays quiet, even when rolling around on a mattress on top of it.

“The bed frame did great in terms of noise, I would give it 5 stars here,” said one of our in-house experts. “The only thing I did notice is when I bounced on the bed, you could hear some slight jumping of the slats underneath the mattress. However, this was because I was aggressively trying to make a sound. For most couples, this shouldn’t be an issue.”

The only areas where our product testers found the Helix Madison Bed Frame lacking were its price and lack of additional features. At just under $1,000 before any discounts, we felt that it was a bit overpriced for its simplicity.

Couples seeking a bed frame that won’t budge under pressure require one that offers exceptional support and long-term durability. Big Fig, the mattress company best known for its high-end mattresses designed for larger bodies, has crafted a platform bed frame that proves to be just as strong and stable. Thanks to its heavy-duty design and rock-solid feel, our mattress testers awarded the Big Fig Platform Bed 4.5 stars or higher in assembly, materials, and noise, making it a standout choice for couples seeking a supportive bed frame for sex.

While unboxing the Big Fig Platform Bed Frame, product expert Matt Schickling immediately noticed its durable components and awarded them a perfect 5/5 in the materials category. 

Later, Matt and his fellow product testers would find that, when assembled, these materials translate to excellent stability during movement, helping the frame stay grounded and quiet even under shifting weight. For this reason, Matt and the rest of the team gave it another 5/5 in the noise and overall experience categories.

“The wood used here is thick and seems like it will hold up a long time,” he said. “This bed frame definitely delivers on that security for heavier sleepers.” 

Matt and his testing partner also gave the Big Fig an almost-perfect assembly score of 4.5/5. The only reason they knocked off a point was that the instruction lacked images. That said, Matt and his colleague found the process intuitive and straightforward.

“Most people should be able to assemble this on their own,” Matt said. “Many components have a slot that it slides into without any tools necessary.”

While the Big Fig is among the most supportive and stable bed frames we’ve tested, it does come with a few drawbacks. It isn’t eligible for returns, and its $2,549 price tag (paired with a simple headboard) may be hard for some shoppers to justify. 

Still, for couples that need additional strength, stability, and confidence in their bed frame, the Big Fig Platform Bed is a worthwhile investment.

Shoppers looking to get busy on a budget should look no further than The Frame by Brooklyn Bedding. The Frame impressed our product testers with its affordability, ease of assembly, and durability that punches above its price tag. We awarded it a 4/5 or higher in assembly, size, and price.

Our product testers noted that its instructions were clear and easy to follow. After everything was said and done, it only took one of our product experts mere minutes to build The Frame. For this reason, our in-house team gave The Frame by Brooklyn Bedding a 5/5 in the assembly category.

“This was probably the easiest bed frame I have ever put together here,” one of our testers said.

After assembling The Frame by Brooklyn Bedding, our testers measured its dimensions to ensure they were accurately advertised. Fortunately, they found the measurements line up with what is on the Brooklyn Bedding website, and gave it a 5/5 in the size category.

Next, our testers moved The Frame to different rooms and tested it for noise, comfort, and stability. During this process, they found that it remained surprisingly quiet and did not notice any potential weak points in its construction.

“We did not have a box spring to be able to perform our full noise test,” one tester said. “That said, when testing the bed frame as is, the metal didn’t clang or shift. This bed frame feels really solid, especially given how affordable it is.”

However, the real highlight of The Frame is its strikingly affordable price tag. Before any discounts, the queen-sized version of this bed frame only costs $248, which is an excellent deal for an easy-to-assemble, durable metal bed frame. We gave it another perfect 5/5 in the price category.

Unfortunately, if you are looking for a headboard, storage, or other extras, you will not find them with The Frame. This model is a pure, bare bones bed frame.

The Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed is my top pick because it has all the things you could need from a platform bed frame. At a reasonable price, you get durable materials, straightforward assembly, and plenty of clearance underneath for extra storage. During testing, our in-house team rated this bamboo wood bed frame a 4/5 or higher in the assembly, materials, and price categories.

One of our favorite features of the Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed Frame is its tool-free setup. This bed frame utilizes Japanese-style joinery, making it easy for you to slide each piece together, resulting in a pain-free setup. For this reason, our team gave it a perfect 5/5 in the assembly department.

The bed frame itself took roughly 10 minutes to unbox and 20 minutes to put together with no tools or additional hardware required. Product expert Matt Schickling found the overall setup was simple.

“Putting this thing together was a breeze,” Matt said. “I think one person could do it. However, it may be challenging to balance the legs while putting in the platform boards. The slats were pre-assembled and unfurled seamlessly onto the frame, which was nice.”

Thankfully, easy assembly doesn’t mean flimsy materials. Matt was equally impressed by the Nectar bed frame’s materials, calling them “sturdy and durable” and giving them a materials score of 4.5/5. Despite not having any nuts or bolts for added security, nothing slid or fell out of place.

“We moved the mattress from one location to another, and everything stayed together well,” Matt said. “The slats were also thick, which should help to keep your bed properly supported.”

Matt also thought the bed frame was priced reasonably for its level of quality. Matt also appreciated the 2-year warranty and 60-night sleep trial. That said, he noted that the add-ons were a little steep, which is something to note if you prefer a headboard. 

“It’s only $100 less than the bed itself for the matching wood headboard,” Matt said. “You can also purchase a more affordable fabric headboard with a $199 upcharge.”

The only other drawback to note about the Nectar Bamboo bed frame is that the headboard comes in a separate box if you opt to get one, which makes it a little more cumbersome to carry into the house.

The Saatva Santorini is an excellent platform bed frame for sleepers looking to add a layer of sophistication to their bedroom. Our in-house team praised the Santorini for its understated design, durable materials, and hassle-free assembly. During testing, the Santorini earned 4.5/5 in our materials, assembly, and experience categories.

The Saatva mattress is one of our favorite beds because of its high-quality materials and sturdy craftsmanship. Fortunately, the brand puts the same attention to detail into its bed frames. Product tester Livvi DiCicco was impressed by how substantial and durable the Santorini felt while assembling it, and gave it a 4.5/5 rating in the materials category.

“Overall, the frame feels really sturdy,” Livvi said. “I like the soft feel of the upholstery, and the wood itself seems rigid and supportive. The slats seem thick and unlikely to move. I can wiggle the headboard a little bit, but it doesn’t feel like it’s at risk of falling off. I think a bed frame like this should last plenty of years.”

Speaking of assembly, Livvi gave the Santorini Platform Bed Frame another 4.5/5 in this category, thanks to its easy build. Livvi noted that it didn’t take long at all for two people to assemble it.

“We didn’t have any noticeable issues setting up this platform bed frame,” Livvi said. “Saatva included all of the necessary tools, and the instructions were clear. The only part that required some finagling was the headboard, but not enough to dock an entire point from the assembly score. Saatva apparently offers in-home setup, but what makes this applicable is unclear, as we had to assemble it ourselves.”

Perhaps most importantly, though, Livvi and her fellow product testers gave the Santorini a 4.5/5 in the overall experience category. In her notes, she stated that the only point of instability was a slight wiggle in the headboard. Aside from that, she was able to move around easily and didn’t hear anything or feel unstable on this sleek and sturdy platform frame.

The only downsides that Livvi pointed out were its price tag and lack of extras included. At $1,595 for a queen-sized frame, the Santorini might not be in many shoppers’ price range. However, if you’re looking for a sleek, long-lasting bed frame to elevate your room for years to come, the Saatva Santorini is a choice worthy of your consideration.

Headboards are perfect for sleepers who want their bedrooms to have a more elevated look. However, it can be challenging to find one that doesn’t wobble, creak, or otherwise seem flimsy. Fortunately, the Bear Summit Platform Bed uses high-quality materials that feel sturdy and contribute to the bed frame’s premium appearance. During testing, our in-house team rated it 4/5 or higher in noise and overall experience.

Our product experts praised the stability of the Summit Platform Bed Frame during testing. After placing a mattress on top of it and moving around on the bed, they noted that the frame didn’t shake or shift on the rug. The headboard and its components stayed tightly in place throughout the process.

“The wood slats are stable and don’t move when you do,” our tester said. “I flipped around and moved quite a bit on the mattress and still felt stable and supported.”

A pair of our product testers tossed and turned on a queen-sized mattress together, and they were impressed at how well everything about the Summit bed frame stayed in place, including the headboard. None of the components creaked, and the headboard didn’t bang against the wall at any point. Our testers rated this platform bed 4.5/5 in the noise category.

“The bed frame is nearly silent,” one tester said. “I bounced around on it a little bit, and it didn’t make any noise.”

Unfortunately, the sturdy, quiet headboard comes at a cost. At full price, the durable Summit bed frame costs $1,200, which could exceed many budgets.

It was also more challenging to put together than the other bed frames on our list. In total, it took our team 28 minutes to assemble using power tools not included in the set. There were also many different parts to keep up with, making it tricky to locate things.

With their Nomad Platform Bed, KD Frames has crafted an affordable, easy-to-assemble bed frame that exceeds expectations at its price point. The Nomad’s wooden construction impressed my fellow product testers and me during testing, earning a 4/5 or higher in assembly, materials, and price.

Product tester Riley Otis and I built this platform wood frame in our Charlotte, NC, studio, and found the instructions easy to follow. The KD Frames YouTube channel also features an assembly video that breaks down the assembly process to make things even easier. It took us roughly 30 minutes to complete the Nomad bed frame, so we gave it a 4.5/5 in the assembly category.

Despite the straightforward process, its materials felt surprisingly durable. KD Frames makes all of its bed frames here in the United States, and the wood it uses feels sturdy. 

However, some of the wood pieces for this frame vary in hue. Some wooden slats are more tan, while others have a greenish tint. The components don’t feel like they would break easily; however, you may wish to refinish them if you prefer a uniform look. Riley and I gave the Nomad a 4/5 overall in the materials department.

That said, the KD Nomad is incredibly hard to beat at its price. A queen-sized bed frame is $299.00 before any discounts, and is often on sale for $279. Riley and I gave the Nomad a 5/5 in the price category. While it may not be a show-stopping centerpiece with an upholstered headboard and other additional features, it is quiet, durable, and highly functional.