Our Experts Written by Caroline Igo Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement What to consider Firmness The right firmness level for you depends on your sleeping position and overall preference. A firm mattress offers more support for back and stomach sleepers, while a soft mattress is more pressure-relieving for side sleepers. Medium mattresses fall in the sweet spot right in between for those who switch positions. Feel The feel of a mattress depends on the materials it is made of. Hybrid mattresses with coils with latex foam have more bounce, while memory foam and poly foam beds are cushiony and pressure-relieving. Construction There are essentially two mattress types: hybrid and all-foam. Hybrid mattresses are constructed with steel coils and foam, but all-foam mattresses are just as their name implies. Body type Sleepers who are over 230 pounds should turn to hybrid mattresses since those beds tend to be extra supportive and durable. All-foam or softer mattresses are better for petite body types because they are more pressure-relieving. Average body types can choose between either all-foam or hybrid. Remember that your body type will determine how firm a mattress will feel to you. Performance Motion isolation, edge support and temperature are important features for couples or people who sleep hot to consider. Hot sleepers should consider a mattress that boasts special cooling features. Couples want minimal motion transfer and a strong, supportive bed perimeter. Company policies Most online mattress brands offer a free trial, free shipping and a warranty, but some brands are more generous with their policies than others. Why You Can Trust CNET 220230240250260270280290300310 Mattress Tested123456789 Testers8409401,0401,1401,2401,3401,4401,5401,6401,740 Hours Tested How we test With 5-plus years of mattress-testing experience, we use our different sleeping-position and body-type perspectives to offer well-rounded, honest reviews.Table of Contents Back to selection