Top Picks for Comfortable and Supportful Mattresses in 2022
In the realm of bed-shopping, there's a conundrum that often arises: what to do when you're too big for a puny twin bed, but a grandiose queen seems excessive? Enter the full mattress, the knight in shining armory, transitioning smoothly from childhood slumber to adult dreams.
Since you're investing a chunk of your life into this bedtime companion, we've done the dirty work, diving into the specs, reviews, and materials to bring you the cream of the crop. After all, especially in these trying times, who doesn't need a little slice of luxury to look forward to every night?
Here's our helter-skelter rundown of the finest offerings in the full-mattress genre, along with tips to navvy your way to slumber nirvana.
C'mon, let's take a gander at these dreamboats!
Here's a swift look at our faves, giving you a smattering of options to suit your needs:
- Best-rated Full-Mattress: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- Best on Amazon: The Casper Original Mattress
- Best under $500: ZINUS 12 Inch Green Tea Luxe Memory Foam Mattress
- Best in a Box: Purple Mattress
- Best for Kids: Helix Kids
- Best for Adults: Sleep Number 360 Special Edition Smart Bed
- Best Firm: The WinkBed
- Best Memory Foam: Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam Mattress
But WTF is a Full-Mattress, You Ask?
A full-size mattress flaunts dimensions of 53 by 75 inches, making it ideal for:
- those who swoon solo or with a wee child or fur ball
- folks below 6 feet
- older kids and adolescents
- college scholars
- couples who enjoy snuggling like sardines!
So, How'd You Pick These Sweet Slumber Beasts?
With a cornucopia of options flooding the market, sifting through them would make Atticus Finch cringe - except we've got a nose for the good stuff. Here's how we separated the wheat from the chaff:
- Reviews and Editorial Tests: Listening to the people, we sought out top-rated options and those that performed well in our own Editorial road-test.
- Versatility: We understood needs vary; thus, we looked for options to cater to a variety of needs and preferences - from easing back pain to accommodating lil' ones.
- Price Point: We believe quality sleep can be had at every price point, so we cast our net wide to furnish options to suit multiple budgets.
- Company Rep: With new direct-to-door brands sprouting left and right, it can be challenging to distinguish legit brands from the hype. We ensured our picks passed our vetting process, shunning unsubstantiated health claims, potential safety concerns, and underhanded business practices.
And that's A Wrinkle in Time! The 8 Best Full-Size Mattresses
Best-rated Full-Mattress
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- Price Range: $750-$900
- Material: Memory Foam
- Firmness: Medium-Firm
- Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cali King
- Height: 12 in.
!'ve heard Nectar's the bee's knees when it comes to full mattresses. Praised by over 40k reviewers with an average of 4.8 stars, it could be the queen bee of the full-mattress scene. Crafted with five layers of swanky memory foam, it's meant to feel both comforting and supportive. Perfect for basically any sleeper - even those plagued by back or neck pain. Compared to competitors, testers and reviewers alike confess it offers added support where others sink.
For the lowdown, venture on over to our comprehensive review of Nectar's full-mattress lineup here.
Pros
- Comfy for all sleepers
- Ideal for peeps with back or neck pain
- Bang for your buck
- 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
Cons
- Might sleep hot for some
- Too firm for a few tastebuds
- Only one firmness option
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Best Full-Mattress on Amazon
The Casper Original Mattress
- Price Range: $1,000-$1,100
- Material: Memory Foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King Cali King
- Height: 11 in.
Casper, the most iconic ghost on the block, now offers comfort to the masses, and their Original Mattress has gained a rep as the most iconic mattress on Amazon.
Technically speaking, it's made from the company's famous AirScape foam, which boasts tiny perforations designed to boost breathability and prevent overheating. The top layer of memory foam flaunts special zoned support, with softer foam cradling your shoulders and firmer foam cocooning your hips and lower back to keep your spine aligned.
Our fairydust-loving editor found this mattress to be like manna from the heavens. She marveled at the hassle-free delivery and the delightful non-response to her partner's nocturnal tomfoolery.
As with all things trendy, there's a slight risk of it being all hype. Although advertised as medium for firmness, some reviewers whine it's a tad too soft, especially for back sleepers. Unlike competitors, Casper offers only one firmness level, so you'll need to roll the dice to see if it's a winner for you.
One thing's for certain, though - you're presented with a 100-night free trial (even when purchased through Amazon), so it may be worth sampling.
Get the (supernatural) scoop on Casper's full lineup here.
Pros
- Convenient and reliable
- Seamless delivery experience
- Memory foam layer designed for optimal spinal alignment
- 100-night in-home trial and 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- May be too soft for some rough-and-tumble back sleepers
- Offers only one firmness option
Shop Now on Amazon Shop Now on Casper
Best Full-Mattress under $500
ZINUS 12 Inch Green Tea Luxe Memory Foam Mattress
- Price Range: $373-$569
- Material: Memory Foam
- Firmness: Medium-Firm to Medium-Soft
- Sizes Available: Twin, Full, Queen, King
- Height: 8, 10, or 12 in.
Looking for a mattress that fits like a glove on your wallet but still leaves you feeling pampered? Well, it's time to toe the line with the Zinus Green Tea Luxe Memory Foam Mattress.
This mattress is infused with splashes of green tea extract and charcoal to neutralize odors and sweat that can accrue in memory foam mattresses. For the price, its construction is pretty legit, boasting three layers with varied densities (with the densest in the middle), designed for optimal contouring and support. There are three thickness levels to choose from, with the 8-inch version being the firmest and the 12-inch version being the plushest (although it'll cost ya over $500).
Cross your fingers on one thing, though - the lurking danger of fiberglass particles. In a class-action lawsuit, it's alleged that the fiberglass particles in the mattress construction - that look like wispy strands of fabric - can be hazardous when exposed. Worry not! Just make sure the original mattress cover remains intact, and you'll be okay.
Pros
- Affordable
- Green tea/charcoal infusion
- Comfy
Cons
- Contains fiberglass (but just ensure final installation adheres to the manufacturer's instructions!)
- No sleep trial (but it can be returned for refund or replacement within 100 days)
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Best Full-Mattress in a Box
Purple Mattress
- Price Range: $900-$1,199
- Material: GelFlex
- Firmness: Medium
- Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cali King, Split King
- Height: 9.25 in.
Remember Purple, the cult-fave spirit brand? Well, their mattress has caught a similar buzz. This mattress boasts GelFlex innovation, which conforms to your body, ofering bounce and support found in traditional coil springs, reduced in size and smushed between layers of GelFlex goodness.
Purple's been a darling of many Greatist editors, earning particular acclaim for its supportive yet cushioned feel. One of our editors claims it's revolutionized her sleep, providing the perfect blend of support to ease pressure points.
However, the gel's unique texture can bring challenges when trying to move it around. Additionally, some reviewers have raised concerns about its longevity. For the price point and comfort level, though, it may be worth the risk.
Want to dive deeper? Check out our comprehensive Purple mattress review here.
Pros
- Comfy for all sleeping positions
- Unique materials with benefits similar to memory foam, but sleeps cooler and has more bounce
- 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty
Cons
- Slightly difficult to move due to the dense gel texture
- Questionable longevity
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Best Full-Mattress for Kids
Helix Kids
- Price Range: $640-$1,050
- Material: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium-Soft, Medium-Firm
- Sizes Available: Twin, Full
- Height: 8 in.
The Helix Kids mattress shows its mettle as a flippable beast designed to grow with your kiddo. Exclusively for kiddos ages 3 to 12, the side for 3- to 7-year-olds is firm for optimal spinal support, while the 8- to 12-year-olds side features GelFoam for diffusing body heat.
This kid-friendly hybrid mattress features a layer of 5-inch spring coils for added support as your little one grows, and it offers extra reinforcement in the perimeter to prevent your little tike from rolling off the bed. An added bonus? The water-repellant Tencel cover to shrug off bed-wetting accidents.
Since it's a more recent model, there aren't too many reviews out yet, but parents' main complaint? That it's more comfortable than their own beds...which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I suppose!
Pros
- Flippable mattress designed to grow with your kid
- Comfy and supportive hybrid mattress
- Protects against bed-wetting
- 100-night sleep trial, 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- A bit costly for a kids' mattress
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Best Full-Mattress for Adults
Sleep Number 360 Special Edition Smart Bed
- Price Range: Over $2,750
- Material: Air Foam
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cali King, FlexTop King, Cali King FlexTop
- Height: 10 in.
For grown-ups who crave a luxury mattress experience, the Sleep Number 360 Special Edition Smart Bed is a splurge-worthy investment. Unlike traditional mattresses, this smart bed features adjustable air chambers controlled via remote. It also touts sleep tracking features and can help you snooze better.
However, it's not a mattress for the faint of heart, both literally and figuratively - it's priced to make your wallet weep. Some reviewers claim the air tech doesn't quite feel like a traditional foam or spring mattress, but once you get used to it, all's well.
Tech-enthusiasts, rejoice! This is the bed of your dreams...er, perhaps not dreams, but certainly sleep.
Pros
- Adjustable firmness
- Sleep tracking tech
- Oh-so-luxurious
- 100-night sleep trial, 15-year limited warranty
Cons
- Expensive (but hey, you get what you pay for, right?)
- Air tech might take a bit of adjusting to for some
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Best Firm Full-Mattress
The WinkBed
- Price Range: $1,100-$1,550
- Material: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium-Firm to Firm
- Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Height: 13.5 in.
For those suffering from chronic back pain, look no further than the WinkBed, a firm hybrid mattress that'll set your spine straight. According to a 2015 review, a medium-firm mattress can help alleviate back pain for many sufferers. Although WinkBeds offers a firmer model, the medium-firm is highly regarded by those with back problems.
The mattress boasts a decent combination of softness and support, with two layers of GelFlex foam on top of a firmer layer beneath. You can rest easy knowing the pocketed coils will hold up your lower back, and the perimeter will help you stay contained. The cover is made from breathable Tencel, which helps regulate temperature.
One gripe? Some reviewers claim the firmness level is a bit too much for their taste, and they've swapped it for the softer version. Luckily, WinkBed offers a 120-night trial and free firmness exchanges during that period.
Pros
- Great for back pain and hot sleepers
- Supportive and durable hybrid construction
- 120-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty
Cons
- Might be too firm for some taste buds
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Best Memory Foam Full-Mattress
Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam Mattress
- Price Range: $600-$700
- Material: Memory Foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cali King
- Height: 10 in.
If you're all about memory foam, holla at the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam Mattress! Memory foam aficionados unite, for this mattress has your name written all over it. The specialized foam adapts to your unique body shape as soon as you lie down. Whether you're craving ultimate pressure relief or the perfect snooze, this bad boy has got you covered.
What sets it apart from the pack? With its cooling cover made of breathable knit fabric, you can sleep sound and sweet, without sweating like a pig.
Warning: Keep a keen eye on those 5-star reviews, as some come from sweepstakes entries (and therefore possibily skewed). One point of contention: It might not be comfortable for stomach sleepers, and heavier sleepers over 250 pounds may feel it a bit lacking in support.
dont't miss our comprehensive Sealy mattress review here.
Pros
- Top memory foam choice
- Cooling cover designed for optimal comfort
- Affordable
- 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy sleepers or stomach sleepers
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Who Needs a Full-Size Mattress?
Looking for a new mattress for your bedroom du jour? Consider a full-size mattress if:
- You're a single sleeper who wants a touch more room than a twin
- You and your partner don't mind cuddling up close
- You're under 6 feet
- Your bedroom is petite, and you need to keep things snug
- You're on a budget and can't afford a larger mattress
So there you have it, a delightful roundup of the finest full-size mattress offerings on the market. Choose wisely, and may your slumber be everlasting!
Tossing and Turning? Don't Pick a Rough Sleeper!
When selecting the perfect full-size mattress, keep these factors in mind:
Mattress Type
- All-Foam: Offers support and cushioning, but can be too warm and lack bounce for some sleepers
- Innerspring: Can be firm and bouncy, but may need proper upkeep for durability
- Hybrid: Offers the bounce of innerspring and the comfort of foam, but can be pricey
- Airbed: Allows for adjustable firmness, perfect for couples with different preferences, but can be high-maintenance
Firmness Level
- Medium-Firm: Due to its balance of support and comfort, it's ideal for most sleepers, including those with back problems
- Soft: Ideal for side sleepers and those who prefer a cushioned feel
- Firm: Best for back and stomach sleepers, but may be too firm for others
Sleeping Position
- Side Sleepers: Need a softer mattress to accommodate their hips and shoulders
- Back Sleepers: Require a medium-firm mattress for proper spinal alignment
- Stomach Sleepers: Benefit from a firmer mattress to prevent sinking and spinal misalignment
Mattress Performance and Features
- Pressure Relief: Ideal for individuals with achy joints or back pain
- Support: Vital for those suffering from chronic back pain or those with a heavy build
- Motion Isolation: Important for couples with different sleeping schedules or movements
- Ease of Maintenance: Crucial for those who prioritize hassle-free upkeep
A Final Whisper Before the Night
Found the one? Here are some quick tips to ensure you truly dote on your chosen full-size mattress:
- Before you buy, check the return policy to avoid any return hassles.
- Take advantage of in-home trial periods. Trust us, a week-long test drive doesn't truly give the mattress a chance to show its stuff.
- Wash your sheets often and vacuum the mattress regularly to prolong its lifespan.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for care and maintenance.
- Most importantly, listen to your body - comfort is the ultimate goal!
Sleep soundly, sleep well, and remember, dreams do come true... especially when you sleep on a dream mattress!
- Given the list of mattresses you've narrowed down, some individuals might be uncertain about which options would be the most legit and suitable for those (like them) who experience sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea. In that case, it's recommended to investigate each mattress's specific features and details that could aid in easing these conditions.
- With the varying heights of bedrooms today, some might struggle to find a mattress that's both suitable for their space and ready to adapt to their needs. It's important to measure the height of their current bed frame or platform, accounting for additional pillows, comforters, and other bedding needs, and compare that to the mattress height options available in the market.
- Lastly, it's not uncommon to feel isolated or disconnected during sleep due to the inadequacies of a mattress, causing disturbances in the overall slumber cycle. By carefully considering numerous factors, such as support, pressure relief, temperature control, and durability, you can choose a mattress that's empowered to overpower these isolating feelings and help ensure a peaceful rest.
