Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress: Two-minute review

Nolah is a well-known sleep technology company in the US which crafts premium hybrid bed-in-a-box offerings at more affordable prices. Launched in 2015, the brand has carved out a niche for itself, using the latest sleep technology to design its superior foam formulations, all backed by a lifetime warranty. But how does the Nolah Evolution 15" mattress fare? 

Extremely well, I think. Thanks to its thick seven-layer construction, those with bad backs and achy joints can expect a good night’s sleep thanks to its firm-but-supportive layers that slightly contour to your body as you dream the night away. The best way to describe a good night’s sleep in the Nolah Evolution 15” mattress? It feels like you're floating. But this sturdy hybrid bed won’t suit everybody. 

I tested out the Nolah Evolution 15” mattress in ‘firm’ – which is the brand’s firmest mattress offering, measuring in at 8 on the firmness scale. It’s great for those who sleep on their back (you'll find it in our selection of the best mattresses for back pain) and it could suit some front sleepers. However side sleepers might find this mattress too firm for their shoulder, hip and knee joints. But one of the best things about this mattress is its customizable firmness options as it’s available in Plush (4-5), Luxury Firm (6-7) and Firm (8). 

Motion isolation-wise, I found the Nolah Evolution 15” mattress to absorb movement really well, so it would be perfect for couples. However, despite its cooling properties, I found the mattress ran hot a few times; adding the Nolah Bamboo Mattress Pad to the mix could help make things more comfortable.

Like many of the best mattresses, Nolah offers a sleep trial for all its beds. While you won’t get a full year to try this out, you will get 120 nights to decide whether it’s for you. If you change your mind, you can return the mattress and get a refund, although $99 will be deducted for shipping. 

• Read more: Nolah Cooling Foam Pillow Review

Nolah Evolution 15” mattress review: Price & value for money

• Premium price tag, even with regular 30% off discounts
• Comes with two free Nolah Squishy Pillows
• Feels high quality, and comes with a lifetime warranty

The Evolution 15 is Nolah's most luxurious, and expensive, bed-in-a-box offering. Officially, the MSRP for a queen size is $2,499, but it's never really sold at that price. Expect around 30% off, which takes that price down to around $1,599 (you won't usually need a Nolah Mattress discount code to save; the promo will be applied automatically). That's in the premium price bracket. To sweeten the deal a bit, you'll get a pair of Nolah's Squishy Pillows for free. 

Here's the pricing for the Nolah Evolution 15, and what you can expect to actually pay:

• Twin: MSRP $1,499 (usually sold at $1,049)
• Twin XL: MSRP $1,599 (usually sold at $1,119)
• Full: MSRP $2,299 (usually sold at $1,609)
• Queen: MSRP $2,499 (usually sold at $1,749)
• King: MSRP $2,699 (usually sold at $1,889)
• Cal King: MSRP $2,699 (usually sold at $1,889)

If you want to shave a bit off that price, you can opt to forgo your 120-night sleep trial, and pay $100 less. This is the only mattress brand I've seen to do this. If you decide to opt for the trial and return the bed before the 120 nights, you’ll get $99 deducted for transportation costs. 

If you're looking for a bigger discount, a good bet might be around national holidays. During the 2023 Black Friday mattress deals, the Nolah Evolution 15 got a 35% discount, which meant a queen size cost $1,624. Nolah also threw in a sheet set and mattress protector, as well as the usual pillows, to amp up your value for money. 

Outside of Black Friday, good times to shop include the Labor Day mattress sales in September, the Presidents' Day mattress sales in February, the Memorial Day mattress sales in May, and the 4th of July mattress sales.

In terms of the wider market, I'd say this mattress offers decent. The materials are high quality, and although it's hard to make a call on durability after just three weeks, I feel like this is a mattress that's built to last. The fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty is also reassuring (not many bed brands offer this). 

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Nolah Evolution 15 mattress review: Design & materials

• 15 inch thick, hybrid mattress 
• Design includes pocket coils and various foams
• Euro-top with organic cotton and cooling fibres

The Nolah Evolution 15 is a 15-inch tall, hybrid mattress, that's available in three firmness options. It ranks amongst TechRadar's best hybrid mattress picks.

At the top, you'll find an organic cotton cover, woven with 'ArcticTex' fibres, designed to promote cooling. It's not removable for cleaning, so you'll want to add a mattress protector. Beneath this is three layers of different foams, with various cooling and comfort properties. These foams are wrapped in a 'Heat Escape Gusset', designed to allow air to escape (and creating that luxurious Euro-top look and feel). 

Beneath your foams comes the coils – here, eight-inch, pocket coils. These will further boost breathability, by creating space for air to circulate within the mattress. Thicker coils are used around the entire perimeter, as well as in the central third, to offer improved support in these areas. Finally there's a recycled plant fiber foundation layer, which further strengthens its support. The lower cover is made from sturdy fabric, with carry handles and non-slip base. 

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Nolah Evolution 15" mattress review: Firmness & comfort

• Three firmness options: Plush, Luxury firm, or Firm (reviewed here)
• Excellent spinal support and light contouring
• Different options means it can suit pretty much anyone

The Nolah Evolution 15 is available in three feels: Plush (rated 4-5 out of 10 on the firmness scale), Luxury firm (6-7 out of 10) and Firm (7-8). I reviewed the Firm option, and agree with that rating – I think it's an 8 out of 10. To judge the pressure relief more objectively, I placed an 8kg weigh in the middle of the bed. It sank half an inch, which shows how sturdy the surface is.

From the very first moment I first sat on the Nolah Evolution 15 mattress, my body felt comforted and cradled. Because I was reviewing the firmest version, I expected to be greeted by something sturdy, but when I lay down I felt a dreamy balance of comfort, firmness and support. I found the seven-layer construction helped align my spine by allowing my pelvis to ease into the surface, and easing tension through any achy joints. 

As the main tester (around 5ft 5, 132lbs) I tend to switch between sleeping on my back, stomach and side, and I found the Nolah Evolution 15" mattress offered unparalleled support when it came to spinal alignment. I found that this bed-in-a-box offered total pressure relief. When shifting from my front to my backs or side, the Nolah mattress seemed to evenly disperse body weight and prevent pressure from building up. 

I also asked a second tester (6ft, around 175lbs, back / side combi sleeper) to try out the mattress. He described the mattress as having some sink to it, without it feeling like he was being swallowed whole. 

Firmness and comfort levels are subjective and can vary from person to person, and differing weights, heights and sleep preferences all have some part to play in this. The great thing about having three firmness options is that you can choose the one that suits you and your sleep style. Typically, this firmest option would be recommended for back/stomach sleepers and those who weight on the heavier side. The Luxury Firm option would suit a wide range of people and positions, while the softest version would only really be a good recommendation for lightweight side sleepers.

Nolah Evolution 15" mattress review: Performance

• Motion isolation was first class; ideal for couples / restless sleepers
• Edge support was up to scratch even when sitting on the border
• Fluctuating levels of cooling 

I slept on the Nolah Evolution 15" for three weeks to test all major areas of performance, from the pressure relief to motion isolation and edge support to cooling. Keep reading to find out what I learned. 

Motion isolation 

Motion isolation is particularly important for those who sleep with a partner, especially if one of them tends to toss and turn in the night, or you have different sleeping schedules. Too much motion in the bed can wake the other person up. 

To test out the motion isolation, I placed a wine glass on the bed and dropped an 8kg weight at 25 inches, 10 inches and 4 inches away from it. This helped to reenact a partner tossing and turning, someone getting out of bed and someone hopping out of bed with some force. 

When the weight was dropped at both 25 and 10 inches away, the wine glass didn’t tipple or move. While when it was dropped from 4 inches away, it did move and eventually topple. 

In the real world, I found this mattress did a good job of absorbing movements, and all but the lightest sleepers will get on well with it. For complete motion isolation, you can't beat one of the best memory foam mattresses – coils do tend to make things a touch more bouncy. Be aware the pay-off will be that all-foam models often sleep a bit warmer. 

• Motion isolation score: 4 out of 5

Temperature regulation 

Those who are hot sleepers will know that being too warm to sleep can be a major sleep disruptor. Which is why many sleep brands focus on creating a bed that disperses the heat as you sleep. 

The Nolah  Evolution 15 has three different layers that work towards cooling. It comes with a high thermal conductivity euro topper and organic cotton ArticTex cover which draws heat away from the body. Its AirFoamIce layer is infused with cooling graphite. While its breathable border gusset helps to rid excess heat. So it’s fair to say it runs cool to the touch. 

But despite sleeping in cotton pajamas, and using a 12 tog duvet with a cotton sheet, I found the Nolah mattress did run hot a few times. So while I'm confident this mattress lives up to its pain relieving and joint supporting qualities, in terms of temperature regulation, it can't begin to compete with today's best cooling mattresses.

• Temperature regulation score: 3.5 out of 5

Edge support 

If you sleep on the edge of a bed, you’ll know how important edge support is. Plus, mattresses don’t come cheap. So for the high price tag, you’ll want to be able to use 100 per cent of the bed’s surface, rather than just the middle. Great edge support also enables the durability of a mattress by preventing premature sagging around the perimeters. 

Nolah’s edge support was more than adequate, giving you the space to sleep on the full perimeter of the mattress without feeling like you’re going to roll off. This was even the case when sitting on the edge of it. This, however, may differ depending on the firmness option you choose. 

To see the edge support with my own eyes, I placed a 8kg kettlebell on the edge of the bed. Much like when I placed the weight in the middle of the bed, the mattress only sunk by half an inch. 

• Edge support score: 4 out of 5

Noah Evolution 15 review: Customer experience

I received a Queen sized mattress in a box and it weighed 115 lbs. Two people were needed to get the mattress upstairs and into the correct room. Once the box was opened, the mattress was rolled and tightly sealed in plastic packaging. I've tested a fair few mattresses and found the levels of packaging to be in line with most other bed-in-a-boxes. However, the hardest part about setting up this mattress was getting it out of its inner wrapping. 

My review model didn't come with handy safe blade to help rid it from its tight air-sealed packaging, so I had to make do with scissors – a task made trickier once the mattress started rapidly expanding from its packaging.

Once all the packaging was carefully cut, the mattress inflated in seconds. It looked almost ready to sleep on, although Nolah recommends leaving the mattress for a couple of hours before sleeping on it. 

My review model emitted some pretty strong odors once the packaging was removed. This is known as off-gassing, and it's harmless but a bit unpleasant (this mattress uses CertiPUR-US certified foams). Off-gassing experiences can vary from person to person, so you might not have the same issue with this mattress. In my case, it took a few hours to dissipate. I cracked open a window and let my mattress breathe before adding my mattress protector and sheets. 

All in all, the setup took around 30 minutes. But if you're short on time, you could opt for the brand’s ‘white glove service’, which means experts will remove your old mattress and set up your new one. There is a fee for this service, but it's good that there's the option there if you need it.

A 120 night trial is included, to give you time to make sure your chosen mattress suits you. That period is about standard, although some brands offer longer. What's more unusual is that you can choose to forgo this trial for a $100 discount on your purchase. If you do decide to return the mattress, there's a $100 deduction for shipping costs (most brands don't charge for returns). 

• Customer experience score: 4 out of 5

Nolah Evolution 15 mattress specs

Nolah Evolution 15” mattress review: User reviews

One of the best ways to see how a mattress fares, is to head straight to the user reviews. The bed is only sold on Nolah’s website where the mattress scores a brilliant average of 4.9 stars out of 5, with pages and pages worth of reviews.

One particular highlight which kept on coming up amongst users was how good the bed-in-a-box was for joint pains and pressure. Many users said that within a week of using, the mattress seemed to ease pains and discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region and back. While some likened the mattress to sleeping on a cloud of comfort thanks to its supportive but cradled feel. 

As to be expected on a brand page, users didn’t highlight many downsides to the mattress. However, a handful claimed they would like this mattress to be a couple of inches thinner, so it would fit their ‘regular’ mattress sheets edge to edge. 

Should you buy the Nolah Evolution 15” mattress?

There’s a lot to love about the Nolah Evolution 15” mattress and at points, it left us wondering what exactly were the downsides. If you suffer with joint pains, a bad back or poor spinal alignment, the Nolah Evolution 15” mattress could help you sleep easily. I thought it was second-to-none at offering the correct spinal alignment along with cradling your body, without feeling like you were being swallowed by its plush and comfortable layers. 

Plus, if you have a sleep partner, I found the mattress to absorb all motion, while providing a comfortable base to sleep on. And the edge support was more than adequate, giving you the space to sleep on the full perimeter of the mattress without feeling like you’re going to roll off. This was even the case when sitting on the edge of it. 

While Nolah claims this mattress to be cooling, it did run a little hot a few times. But that’s not to say I didn’t have many peaceful nights' sleep. We’d also highlight that some side sleepers may find this mattress a little too firm. So do make use of Nolah’s offering of firmness levels. Smaller sleepers – along with most side sleepers – may want to consider the plusher version of this mattress, while heavy sleepers might benefit from the firmest option. 

If you’re still undecided on this mattress, do consider looking at the Saatva Classic Mattress as both beds have many similarities. It comes with great pressure relief from memory foam layers, a 14.5” frame and three levels of firmness to choose from. But you could also consider the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress which offers stable motion transfer, excellent pressure relief and cooling gel foam ideal for hot sleepers. 

Loom & Leaf mattress review in brief

• A 12" memory foam mattress that comes in 2 firmness levels
• Superb pressure relief can help alleviate aches and pains
• Prone to trapping heat, despite its cooling tech

The Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress was introduced in 2015 as an affordable alternative to Tempur-Pedic's line of high-end beds – and despite a gradual price increase due to the cost of living crisis, it still is. The Loom & Leaf sits on the higher end of the mid-range bracket; a queen retails for around $2,300 for either a relaxed firm or firm feel. Fortunately, regular mattress sales knock up to $250 off.

The Saatva Classic holds the number one spot in our best mattress guide, so how does its all-foam counterpart stack up? We slept on a relaxed firm Loom & Leaf mattress for three weeks and found its most impressive feature to be its pressure relief. In fact, our lead reviewer experienced a marked improvement in her lower back pain as a result of sleeping on the Loom & Leaf, and it occupies a well-earned top position in our best mattress for back pain roundup.

This 12" mattress has a 5lb core of body-hugging memory foam plus multiple high-density foam layers for perfectly cushioned support, no matter your sleep position. The middle third of the mattress is reinforced with a gel-infused foam lumbar crown for lower back support to keep everything properly aligned.

Unlike the more buoyant Saatva Classic, you'll feel 'hugged' by the Loom & Leaf mattress. The quilted foam pillow top gives it an even plusher feel, which may turn off sleepers who like a firmer, flatter surface. It's also not designed to support sleepers weighing over 300lbs, so a hybrid like the Saatva Classic may be a better option there.

Still, the Loom & Leaf is a quality-made bed. Handcrafted in the USA, long-time customers praise its durability and long-lasting comfort. What's more, Saatva offers a lifetime warranty with the Loom & Leaf, which suggests the brand's confidence in the integrity of its materials and construction. 

There are some cooling materials within – a 2in layer of perforated gel memory foam and a breathable cotton cover. Whilst we were comfortably dry during short-term naps, the Loom & Leaf is prone to trapping heat during longer stretches of sleep. We'd recommend a specialized cooling mattress over the Loom & Leaf is overheating is your primary sleep concern.

However, motion isolation here is excellent, which should appease sleepers who share a bed with a restless partner. Meanwhile, edge support falls somewhere in the middle of the scale, although we tested a twin-sized bed – we imagine larger sizes of the Loom & Leaf have more stable edges.

If your budget doesn't quite reach Tempur-Pedic proportions – but you can afford more than a Nectar or Tuft & Needle – the Loom & Leaf is a solid choice, especially if pain relief is your main priority; another alternative would be the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid. Unlike most beds purchased online, the Loom & Leaf arrives flat and includes free in-home set-up. You'll also get a full year to trial it at home so you can test it throughout all seasons. (Just beware of a $99 return fee.)

Loom & Leaf mattress review: price & value for money

• A queen Loom & Leaf mattress retails for $2,395
• Regular sales knock between $200 and $250 off 
• Includes white glove delivery but returns cost $99

The Loom & Leaf mattress sits in the higher bracket of the mid-range market, even with steadily-growing MSRPs. A queen now retails for $2,395, which is a $200 increase from when we tested it in November 2022. Fortunately, regular Saatva mattress sales knock between $200 and $250 off list prices, and there are Saatva coupons available too so it it should always be possible to save. 

Here's the official pricing for the Loom & Leaf mattress:

• Twin MSRP: $1,195
• Twin XL MSRP: $1,575
• Full MSRP: $2,295
• Queen MSRP: $2,395
• King MSRP: $2,745
• Cal King MSRP: $2,745
• Split King MSRP: $3,150
• Split Cal King MSRP: $3,150

Standard with every handcrafted Loom & Leaf mattress is in-room delivery and setup, with the option to remove your existing mattress if needed. Also included is a 1-year mattress trial plus a lifetime warranty – each an industry-best amenity. However, you'll be on the hook for a $99 returns fee if you want to send it back.

The Loom & Leaf was introduced as an affordable alternative to Tempur-Pedic's prestigious line of NASA-developed mattresses. Even in light of rising costs due to inflation, that's still the case today. A queen Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress retails from $2,749 and comes with much shorter trial and warranty periods (90 nights and 10 years, respectively). 

A closer competitor to the Loom & Leaf is the GhostBed Luxe, a luxury foam cooling mattress. It's a cheaper option upfront thanks to frequent sales of 50% off (a queen GhostBed Luxe is currently marked down to $1,485). However, GhostBed offers 101 nights to try it out, compared to a full-year trial with the Loom & Leaf.

During Saatva's Black Friday mattress sale, we saw queen-sized Loom & Leaf mattress drop to $1,795 after $400 off – not all that close to the $1,499 we were hoping for. However, ongoing supply chain issues have contributed to a rise in retail prices across the industry; thus, it's unlikely we'll see prices that low any time soon, although we have an eye on the upcoming 4th of July mattress sales for some worthwhile Saatva savings.

Loom & Leaf mattress review: design & materials

• A 12-inch foam mattress with six layers and 2 level of firmness
• The top three layers focus on lumbar support and temp regulation
• The bottom half of the bed is built for all-body support and stability

The 12-inch Loom & Leaf mattress features six layers. The first three layers focus on providing lower back support and cooling, whilst the bottom three layers emphasize all-body support and stability. 

It's topped by a tufted cover made from breathable organic cotton. Below that are two layers of gel-infused foam for cooling. There's a thin strip across the middle third of the bed for specialized lumbar support, followed by a 2-inch layer of perforated foam that takes up the whole length of the mattress.

The second half of the Loom & Leaf mattress features a 2.5-inch foam core for that body-hugging feel found among the best memory foam mattresses. Directly underneath that is a 2-inch layer of transitional foam that determines how firm the mattress will be. A 5.5-inch base of support foam helps keep everything in place.

The Loom & Leaf's cotton cover is treated with a botanical antimicrobial treatment that's meant to limit the growth of bacteria and allergens. However, investing in one of the best mattress protectors will help prolong the lifespan of the mattress by safeguarding it against spills and bed bugs.

The Loom & Leaf is a beautifully-made handcrafted mattress. However, we did spot were a few stray threads in the stitching – a possible byproduct of each mattress being hand-sewn. However, this didn't impact performance either way, and we were able to carefully remove the threads.

Saatva includes a lifetime warranty with its Loom & Leaf mattress, which indicates that the brand has a lot of faith in the integrity of its product.

Loom & Leaf mattress review: firmness & comfort

• Comes in either relaxed firm or firm
• We tested a relaxed firm and rate it a 7 out of 10 firmness
• Suits all sleep styles but some might find it too plush

The Loom & Leaf mattress is available in either a relaxed firm or firm feel. We tested a relaxed firm mattress and rate it a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. That skews on the higher end of Loom & Leaf's self-assessment (5-7 out of 10). Meanwhile, the firm version of the Loom & Leaf mattress is rated an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale.

Per Saatva, a relaxed firm Loom & Leaf mattress suits all sleep styles – and based on our experience, we're inclined to agree. In addition to our lead reviewer, we had six individuals of varying body types and sleep preferences try the Loom & Leaf mattress. Regardless of their weight, stature, or dominant sleep position, every one of our testers found it cozy and supportive in all the right places, with very little required needed to break it in.

The Loom & Leaf's reinforced middle-third relieves pressure in the lumbar and pelvis without too much sinkage, which benefited our stomach and back sleepers. Meanwhile, our side sleepers felt the mattress contour to their shoulders, hips, and knees almost immediately. Combination sleepers liked how quick the mattress was to adapt to their shifting positions. 

Whilst everyone in our testing group found the Loom & Leaf cozy, those who are accustomed to sleeping on a firmer bed found the quilted pillow top a bit too plush for their liking. Conversely, participants who sleep on a softer mattress at home acknowledged the Loom & Leaf was firmer than what they're used to but still plush enough for them to rest comfortably.

Our lead tester found it led to a marked improvement in her back pain. Since we first reviewed this mattress, Saatva has added a more luxurious mattress for back pain to its lineup – head to our Saatva RX mattress review for more on that. 

The Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress is best suited for sleepers who weigh 300lbs or less, regardless of firmness. (Nobody on our testing panel exceeds that max weight.) Thus, larger bodies will want to go for a mattress that's built to sufficiently support them. One of our favorites, the hybrid DreamCloud Mattress, is excellent for this.

Loom & Leaf mattress review: performance

• Sleepers with back pain will benefit from excellent pressure relief
• Very low motion transfer makes it great for co-sleepers
• Prone to trapping heat so it doesn't always sleep cool

We put a twin relaxed firm Loom & Leaf mattress through its paces for three weeks, which is the average time it takes for most bodies to adjust to a new bed. Areas of performance we evaluated include pressure relief, motion isolation, temperature regulation and edge support. 

In addition to feedback from our lead reviewer and six additional testers, we've also analyzed hundreds of user reviews from verified Loom & Leaf customers to provide a complete look at what it's like to sleep on this luxury memory foam mattress. Here's what we discovered...

Pressure relief

To test the pressure relief of the Loom & Leaf mattress, we placed a 56lb kettlebell in the center of the mattress – as well as slightly off center, closer to where one's knees would lay. This allowed us to compare the level of support between its reinforced lumbar crown and the rest of the mattress.

The mattress compressed by roughly three inches when we dropped the 56lb weight in the dead center of the mattress. There wasn't as much give when the kettlebell was moved off-center – about two inches there. In either scenario, the mattress quickly returned to form without any obvious impressions on the surface once we removed the weight.

Our human testers praised the Loom & Leaf mattress for its superb pressure relief – especially our average-sized lead reviewer, who is recovering from a lower back injury. Despite being a natural side/front sleeper, she found the most comfort whilst lying on her back. Thanks to the Loom & Leaf's concentrated lumbar support, she no longer wakes up in any significant pain.

As for the rest of our back sleepers, they felt well-supported throughout – but especially in their lumbar. The reinforced middle also helped our stomach sleepers remain properly aligned without any significant dips in the pelvic area. The side sleepers of our group noted how soft the Loom & Leaf felt along their hips and shoulders. Our combination sleepers liked how quickly the bed adapted to their movements.

All of our testers experienced a 'sink-in' feeling – albeit some more than others. Though everyone was generally comfortable resting on the Loom & Leaf, the taller members of our group (5ft9in and above) said they sank too deeply into the mattress after a few moments. However, the majority of our group (5ft7in and below) said it felt more form-fitting than anything.

If you're not keen on the sink-in feel of a memory foam mattress, check out the firm version of the Saatva Classic. Like its all-foam sibling, this hybrid bed has a tufted top but with a more subtle contouring of the joints.

• Pressure relief score: 4.5 out of 5

Motion isolation

Since a twin mattress is only designed to comfortably accommodate one person, we conducted a series of drop tests using a 10lb weight and an empty wine glass.

We dropped the weight about 25in away from the glass to simulate three scenarios: a partner switching positions in bed (4in high), a partner getting in or out of bed (8in high), and a partner jumping in our out of bed (12in high).

The wine glass stayed in place after the 4in drop, suggesting you won't be disturbed if your partner tosses and turns. There was a very slight jiggle after the 8in drop but again, nothing to suggest your sleep will be interrupted if your partner wakes up earlier than you do.

The most movement we detected was following the 12in drop – a slight jiggle of the wine glass. However, we don't believe a sleeping human will be terribly bothered by their partner jumping in or out of bed when sleeping on this mattress. 

Our verdict: the Loom & Leaf mattress is an excellent choice for couples who share a bed with a restless partner or operate on varying schedules. Low motion transfer is a hallmark of many memory foam beds, and this is no exception.

• Motion isolation score: 4.5 out of 5

Temperature regulation 

The Loom & Leaf isn't a proper cooling mattress, but it does feature a 2in layer of gel-infused perforated memory foam and an organic cotton cover to draw away body heat. Plus, the memory foam lumbar crown is infused with cooling gel to help improve circulation in the lower back. 

Our testing panel slept comfortably dry when taking short naps. However, our lead tester had a handful of nights when which she woke up slightly sweaty. Bear in mind we tested this mattress during a change in seasons from warm to cool, sleeping on a set of lightweight poly-cotton sheets with a mid-weight comforter.

Relative to other full-foam mattresses our head reviewer has slept on, the Loom & Leaf falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to temperature regulation. If you overheat at night, a mattress that's designed specifically to address that concern may be your best bet.

Memory foam is known to trap heat, but fortunately there are specially-designed foam beds with cooling tech that will allow you to stay dry without sacrificing that 'hugging' feeling. A couple of memory foam cooling mattresses we could recommend the Nectar Premier Copper and the Cocoon by Sealy Chill. 

• Temperature regulation score: 3.5 out of 5

Edge support

To test the edge support of the Loom & Leaf mattress, we placed a 56lb kettlebell on the edge of the mattress, in the middle of the perimeter. The edge compressed by about two inches and the top layer bulged slightly – thought it quickly returned to form when we removed the weight.

We also had our human testers sit on the edge of the mattress –on either corners and in the center perimeter. Reactions were mixed here. Most of our panel felt well supported whilst sitting on the corners, but not as much when we moved toward the middle of the bed. Overall, it was comfortable enough for us to get up out of bed without sinking too deeply into the mattress – a plus for those of us with injuries. who need to take our time getting in or out of bed.

It's important to note that memory foam mattresses aren't typically renowned for their superior edge support. (Although there are outliers, like the budget-priced Siena Memory Foam mattress.) Much like its temperature regulating properties, the Loom & Leaf's edge support falls somewhere in the middle relative to other memory foam mattresses our head tester has tried. 

We're also going to consider the possibility of the Loom & Leaf featuring more reinforced edges with its larger sizes. One may believe that edge support on a twin bed isn't as much of a priority compared to a queen or king; however, we feel it's an important factor regardless of size. 

• Edge support score: 3 out of 5

Loom & Leaf mattress review: Customer experience

• Free white glove delivery as standard, optional free old mattress removal
• Very long trial and warranty
• Fee for returns

There was very little we had to do on our part when it came to setting up our Loom & Leaf mattress. We just had to confirm the best date and time for the drivers to come by and set up the mattress.

Saatva partners with a local logistics company to send a couple of crew members to deliver and unwrap the mattress – as well as place it on your frame or foundation. The Loom & Leaf mattress arrives flat, not compressed and vacuum-sealed in a box like most mail-order mattresses. We were able to lay on it almost immediately after set-up.

Our lead reviewer is recovering from a lower back injury, so she was appreciative of this complimentary white glove delivery, especially since a twin Loom & Leaf mattress weighs 61lbs. Meanwhile, a queen is 93lbs and a king is a hulking 116lbs.

There's also free removal of your existing mattress if you need it; just make sure to select this option at checkout. Since we had already donated our previous mattress to a friend, we had no need for this service.

Foam mattresses are prone to off-gassing, which emits a 'chemical' scent that's otherwise harmless. The Loom & Leaf is no exception. Although it didn't arrive vacuum-sealed in a box, we still noticed an obvious smell emanating from the mattress. Cracking a window after 30 minutes helped dissipate this odor, and it was hardly noticeable by the time we went to sleep later that night. 

Like most of the best memory foam mattresses, Saatva uses CertiPUR-US-certified foam in its Loom & Leaf mattress. 

• Customer experience score: 4.5 out of 5

Loom & Leaf mattress specs

Loom & Leaf mattress: customer reviews

Our 7-member testing panel features individuals of various heights, weights, and sleep preferences – but it's still a small sample size. Thus, we analyzed user reviews for the Loom & Leaf from the Saatva website, the only outlet from which this bed can be purchased.

The Loom & Leaf mattress has a near-flawless 4.9 stars out of 5 from almost 600 reviews as of November 2022. Reviews can be filtered by rating and whether there are images attached. Fortunately, the built-in search is quite intuitive, so it's possible to find what you're most interested in knowing about this mattress. 

The 5-star ratings make up almost 95% of all customer reviews. A lot of the most helpful positive comments come from sleepers who say sleeping on the Loom & Leaf mattress helped reduce or eliminate their aches and pains. Several couples have sung their praises for the high level of motion isolation.

Negative feedback is few and far between for the Loom & Leaf. The most common theme among the less-than-stellar reviews is the level of perceived firmness being too hard, although it's not always clear which firmness level those customers tried. 

Because we only tested it for three weeks, we also scoured the customer reviews for feedback from long-time users, to get some idea of how durable this mattress might be. The consensus among consumers who have owned their Loom & Leaf mattress for at least two years is overwhelmingly positive. They report no obvious indentations or sagging and feel it's as comfortable as the first weeks they slept on it.

Should you buy the Loom & Leaf mattress?

For most sleepers with back pain or joint pain, we highly recommend the Loom & Leaf mattress for its superb pressure relief (especially along the lumbar) and all-around support. Plus, the complimentary white glove delivery will save you the hassle of possibly trying to maneuver such a heavy mattress on your own, saving you from further injury.

No matter your sleep style, the relaxed firm Loom & Leaf mattress should provide you with the right blend of comfort and support. Back and stomach sleepers may want to opt for the firm option for a more subtle give. Regardless of firmness level, the Loom & Leaf mattress has a quilted pillow top that'll satisfy sleepers who enjoy the 'hug' of foam. 

If you sleep warm, the Loom & Leaf might not always provide the temperature regulation you need as it's prone to trapping heat overnight. For an all-foam cooling model, we recommend the Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress. It's one of the least expensive name-brand beds that's also among the best cooling mattresses on the market.

The Loom & Leaf mattress sits at the high end of the mid-range market but it's an affordable alternative to a Tempur-Pedic mattress if you're seeking pain relief. Plus, you'll receive a 1-year trial, a lifetime warranty, and complimentary in-home set-up.  You may pay more upfront for a Loom & Leaf than a Nectar or Tuft & Needle memory foam mattress, but you'll likely save in the long term since the quality of Loom & Leaf's build and materials will mean not having to replace it as often.

First reviewed November 2022

Editor's note

• Original review date: September 2022
• Height has shrunk since review
• Price has increased slightly since launch

Updated: February 2024. The Helix Midnight mattress remains much the same as it was when we reviewed it back in 2022, but with one intriguing adjustment. In our original review we reported its height as being 12", but checking now it's listed as being 11.5", and it would seem that Helix has lopped half an inch off most of its mattress range. That half-inch really shouldn't trouble you, and aside from the inevitable price increase over the past year that means you'll likely pay around $100 more than when it was reviewed, the Helix Midnight still an excellently-performing mattress at a great price.

Helix Midnight mattress: two-minute review

In this Helix Midnight mattress review, I'm taking a look at Helix's most popular mattress, aimed at side sleepers, to see if it's worthy of inclusion in TechRadar's best mattress guide. The Helix Midnight is one of seven main mattresses (excluding upgrades within specific models) in this brand's range. 

I'll dig into it more in our full review, but the short version is that I think this is the best mattress for side sleepers, bar none. Depending on your body type and preferences, it might also be suitable for back sleepers and combination sleepers. The hybrid design offers four layers, each of which provides different benefits in terms of durability, motion transfer, ergonomic support, pressure relief, and more.

The Midnight was softer than I expected when I first slept on it. Helix describes it as medium feel mattress (rated 5-6 out of 10 on firmness), and after a period of adjustment, I judged that to be about right. With that said, the most common complaint about the Helix Midnight is that it’s too soft for some people’s preferences, and it lacks adequate support that stomach sleepers and heavier sleepers require.

Overall, I found the Helix Midnight mattress to be a great value for the price and most impressive for pressure relief and cooling properties. It offers a great balance of sink and support while side sleeping, though it also performs well for those who sleep on their back. I believe it to be a safe bet for co-sleepers who sleep in either of these positions, as well as if your bed partner tosses and turns throughout the night.

Helix Midnight mattress review: Materials & design

• 11.5" deep, hybrid mattress
• Four foam layers plus up to 1,000 wrapped coils
• Designed for side sleepers

The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress made of foam and coils (if you're not sure what this means, this memory foam vs hybrid mattress explainer will help clarify). The standard version of this mattress is 11.5 inches deep with five layers (whereas the Helix Midnight Luxe is 13.5 inches deep with six layers).

From the bottom up, DuraDense Foam provides solid base support and durability; approximately 950 individually wrapped eight-inch steel coils in the next layer adjust to your body and reduce motion transfer, with lengthwise-only edge support for structural reinforcement; high-grade polyfoam in the transition layer gives the mattress its bounce while offering ergonomic support and medium-feel cushioning; and Helix’s own memory plus foam blend, which is also medium feel, helps to relieve pressure along the shoulders, hips, lower back, and knees.

The foam used in the Helix Midnight is CertiPUR-US Certified, meaning it passes safety standards and is confirmed to contain no harmful chemicals including but not limited to formaldehyde, phthalates, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals.

The Helix Midnight is topped off with a soft, stretchy, knitted cover for breathability and additional comfort; if you want more in the way of cooling or comfort, there's the option to upgrade to a GlacioTex Cooling Cover for an extra $199.20, or a GlacioTex Pillow Top for an extra $299.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Helix Midnight mattress review: price & value for money

• Mid-range mattress
• Regular discount of at least 20%, plus free pillows 

Costing just over the $1,000 mark for a queen size, the Helix Midnight sits in the mid-range mattress market. Price-wise, that puts it roughly in line with the original DreamCloud (see TechRadar's DreamCloud mattress review for more on that one) and the Casper Original mattress.

Helix makes a range of seven mattresses, each of which is available in a regular or a significantly more expensive Luxe version. It's a bit unusual in that each has exactly the same pricing – at time of writing, MSRP $1,373.80 for the regular queen size, $2,373.80 for the Luxe queen for every mattress line.

• Twin MSRP: $936.30 (normally sells for $749)
• Twin XL MSRP: $1061.30 (normally sells for $849)
• Full MSRP: $1,248.80 (normally sells for $999)
• Queen MSRP: $1,373.80 (normally sells for $1,099)
• Short Queen MSRP: $1,373.80 (normally sells for $1,099)
• King MSRP: $1,748.80 (normally sells for $1,399)
• Cal King MSRP: $1,748.80 (normally sells for $1,399)
• RV King MSRP: $1,748.80 (normally sells for $1,399)

If you've been looking at beds for any amount of time, you'll know that this market is very competitive. There are regular mattress deals and sales throughout the year, but especially around national holidays. The standard Helix mattress sale is a 20% discount, but this tends to rise to 25% around major sales events, including the Presidents' Day mattress sales in February, Memorial Day mattress sales in May, 4th of July mattress sales, Labor Day mattress sales in September and of course Black Friday mattress deals, which is when the biggest discounts usually appear.

Helix's 25%-off promotions are when you get the lowest price, so if you're set on saving you should hold out until the next big sales event. Whenever you buy, you'll usually get two free Dream pillows included, too. 

• Value score: 4.5 out of 5

Helix Midnight mattress review: comfort & support

• A medium mattress with a 5-6 out of 10 rating
• Particularly comfortable for side sleepers
• Provides a good balance of sink and support

Helix says that the Midnight mattress is neither too firm nor too soft, purporting that this middle ground is great for co-sleepers with varying preferences for feel. The brand classifies its best-selling mattress broadly between 5 and 6 on the firmness scale (with 10 being the firmest). From my experience and compared to other medium-feel mattresses I’ve tested, I’d gauge it more precisely at the average of 5.5.

During the first few nights of testing, I found it to be noticeably softer, bouncier, and more plush than I’d expected – especially compared to other mattresses advertised as offering a similar level of firmness (it’s worth noting however, that firmness is subjective and will vary based on your height, weight, personal preferences, and history of mattress use). However, it’s not so soft that you feel a lack of support or think you ordered the wrong model. In addition, as each night passed, I began to feel it work its magic for support and comfort along the body while side sleeping.

I was impressed to discover that the Helix Midnight lived up to its claims – not to mention accolades and awards – as being one of the best mattresses for side sleepers. Within just a few days, I experienced noticeable relief for aches and pains along my neck and shoulders, which I credit to the well-balanced levels of sink from the top two foam layers and support from the lower base and body shaping layers.

To gauge the pressure relief of the Helix Midnight, I placed a 55-pound kettlebell at the center of the mattress. The level of sinkage clocked in at just over 3 inches. (The amount of sinkage from your own body may be less, given the distribution of your body weight; I also found that it will sink more in some denser areas of the body than others, such as around the hips.) The mattress also returned back to form within seconds of removing the kettlebell.

I primarily tested this mattress for side sleeping, and I enjoyed how well it contoured the body in this position and gave an adequate amount of sink – particularly along the shoulders and hips – while still providing support.

The Helix Midnight also offers noticeable pressure relief for back-sleeping. It cushions and contours the body (especially by the hips), so I have no complaints about its ability to hold up for those who primarily sleep on their backs or for combination sleepers. Based on my experience, I can see why this model is also marketed for co-sleepers with varying preferences – so if you’re a side sleeper and your partner is a back-sleeper (or vice versa), this claim holds up.

With that said, this mattress is not ideal for stomach sleepers or people of heavier weights (from 230-300lbs and above), as the amount of give may be excessive and the sinkage can prove to be uncomfortable. In these cases, firm models would be more suitable. If you’d like to stay with this brand, the Helix Twilight and Helix Dawn are safer bets since they won’t sink or give. In addition, while it’s medium-firm, the Helix Plus is made for taller and heavier sleepers.

Overall, I experienced greater body contouring and pressure relief particular to side sleeping than other medium-firm, memory foam-only mattresses we’ve tried.

• Comfort score: 4.5 out of 5

Helix Midnight mattress review: performance

• Offers noticeable relief and comfort for side sleepers
• Minimal motion transfer
• Lacks the level of edge support we anticipated

I tested the Helix Midnight mattress for just under four weeks, and as well as taking its design, comfort and value for money into consideration, I also reviewed it on key performance metrics: its temperature-regulating properties, its effectiveness in absorbing motion, and the quality of its edge support. Here's how it performed.

Temperature regulation 

Within only a few days of testing, I was pleased to discover how breathable the Helix Midnight is – without even opting for the GlacioTex Cooling Cover (which you can upgrade to at checkout). The cooling properties of the standard Midnight mattress can be credited to both its breathable cover as well as its hybrid composition. While it doesn’t necessarily remain cool to the touch, it doesn’t trap body heat, which is a common issue of all-foam mattresses.

I used linen bedding (fitted sheets and a duvet) and a light down comforter to further promote airflow, as I tend to run warm at night. Within this testing period, I experienced a notable reduction in night sweats and heat-related discomfort compared to other non-cooling medium mattresses on the market.

• Temperature regulation score: 4.5 out of 5

Motion isolation

To gauge how well the Helix Midnight holds up in terms of motion transfer, I placed an empty wine glass near the top edge of one side of the bed and dropped a 10-pound kettlebell 25 inches away from the glass. Whether I dropped it from heights at four inches, eight inches and 12 inches, and while the glass wobbled slightly more with each higher increment, it stayed upright the whole time.

The same went for when I dropped the weight at these intervals 12 inches away from the glass – though dropping the kettlebell from higher points almost did knock the glass over.

All things considered, I credit the limited amount of motion transfer to the hundreds of individually wrapped coils. If you or your bed partner tend to toss and turn throughout the night, based on this test, I don’t believe that the other’s sleep will be significantly disrupted on account of excess movement.

• Motion isolation score: 4.5 out of 5

Edge support

While I wouldn’t say that the Helix Midnight underperforms in the edge support department, I found this element to be less impressive than other markers of performance.

I first tested edge support by placing the 55-pound kettlebell four inches from the side of the mattress. To the naked eye, the amount of sinkage appeared to be greater than that from the bed’s center, so I wasn’t entirely confident about leaving the weight there unattended or for too long.

Next, when I tested the edge support with my own body weight by sitting upright along the side of the bed, the give wasn’t too drastic. However, testing the edge support while reclining at night, I did experience a notable amount of sinkage. Again, I didn’t find this to be drastic in my case (i.e. I never feared rolling off the bed), though co-sleepers with limited space and especially heavier sleepers are likely to desire and require a bit more support on this front.

• Edge support score: 4 out of 5

Helix Midnight mattress review: customer experience

The Helix Midnight comes with free shipping within the USA via FedEx Ground; if you're in a hurry you can opt for expedited production at the cost of $49 per mattress, which guarantees that your mattress will be shipped within two business days of your order.

I opted for the queen-sized Helix Midnight mattress, which weighs 100 pounds. Packed in a relatively compact box measuring 46 x 17 x 17", I was grateful it was delivered directly to my floor. Even for a relatively petite tester (at 5' 2" and weighing slightly above the mattress itself), I was able to push the package into my apartment, unbox it, unroll it, and unwrap it solo – though it would inevitably have been less laborious with two people.

Once I slid it out of the box, it was simple and hassle-free to unroll it from the first layer of plastic packaging. From there, it took some shifting and shimmying to get the mattress straight onto my bed frame. (While the Helix Midnight doesn't require a foundation, the brand advises that your slats should be no wider than five inches apart, as bigger gaps may cause sagging and potentially void the 10-year warranty). From there, I cut the second, thicker protective plastic layer off. These two steps took no more than 10 minutes, which would likely be cut in half with four hands instead of two.

The unboxing guide recommends allowing one to two hours for the Midnight to fully unwind and expand before sleeping on it.

Despite living in a studio apartment and sitting directly next to the Helix Midnight as it expanded over the next two hours, I was pleased that I didn’t pick up on any odors, or even wheezing sounds for that matter. (At the same time, I do note that the mattress was situated next to a half-open window with the ceiling fan on.)

In all, I felt confident in this mattress while it decompressed and continued to feel safe sleeping on it thereafter. Things don't always go quite so smoothly, though, so it's useful to know that Helix Midnight comes with a 100-night trial as well as a 10-year warranty that covers all manufacturing defects.

• Customer experience score: 4 out of 5

Helix Midnight mattress specs

Helix Midnight mattress: other reviews

User reviews for the Helix Midnight mattress are generally positive, with an average rating of 4.5 out of stars across 6,600+ reviews on the Helix Midnight product page as of February 2024. Many reviewers call out its comfort and support (highlighting its balance between plushness and sturdiness), as well as quality and value for the price and ease to set up. Others have mentioned that the Helix Sleep Quiz, which matched them to the Midnight mattress, proved to be helpful in their decision to buy this particular model – even more so among side sleepers. 

The most impressive benefits that users have reported include help with chronic postural problems and even reductions in blood pressure, plus immediate relief from back pain and improvements in sleep quality. Users have also commented on quick shipping times (despite widespread supply chain issues elsewhere) and excellent customer service.

The majority of users who rated the Helix Midnight less favorably reported that they found it to be too soft for their preferences. However, many of these reviewers called out their satisfaction after reaching out to Helix customer support, as team members solved their issues by facilitating exchanges to a firmer mattress (like the Twilight, which is also designed for side sleepers) or shipping them a free mattress topper.

All of these ratings and reviews considered, both the Midnight mattress itself and Helix as a brand were commented upon in a positive light; firmly negative reviews and reports of poor experiences and regrets were few and far between. (Again, reviews of firmness and thus comfort are subjective and particular to one’s body composition and personal preferences.)

Should you buy the Helix Midnight mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You sleep on your side: The Helix Midnight is designed specifically for side sleepers, so you can order with confidence that it'll provide enough contouring and sink-in comfort to keep your body comfortable and aligned in the night. 

✅ You wake up with sore joints: The pressure relief you get from the Helix Midnight is seriously impressive; this means that when you're sleeping on your side, your shoulders and hips will receive plenty of cushioning and support, and you'll wake up feeling a lot less achy. 

✅ You share with a restless partner: Thanks to its combination of contouring foam and individually-wrapped coils, the motion isolation in the Helix Midnight is remarkably good, so nobody should be disturbed by a night-time fidget.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You like a bit of bounce to your bed: The Helix Midnight excels at contouring and pressure relief, but the downside of this is that if you enjoy a responsive mattress, you may find that it feels a little dead. The Saatva Classic could be a better alternative if that's the case; it has less hug but its innersprings give it more bounce.

❌ You need good edge support: The edges on the Helix Midnight aren't exactly squashy, but there's more give to them than you might be comfortable. For sturdier edges, check the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid, which holds its shape much better when you sit on the sides.

❌ You're a front sleeper: If you're a front sleeper then the Helix Midnight really isn't for you, as you'll sink in too much to get the support you need. The Helix Dusk Luxe has a similar (but more luxurious) feel, is designed to support stomach and back sleepers. 

Helix Midnight mattress review: also consider

How I tested the Helix Midnight mattress

I slept on the Helix Midnight mattress for a period of just under four weeks, sleeping on my side and in other positions to get a full impression of just how this mattress feels over an extended period.

To get a objective measurements of the Helix Midnight's comfort, support, motion isolation and edge support, I also ran a series of standardized tests using kettlebells. I used a 55lb kettlebell to rate the Midnight's pressure relief and edge support, and a 10lb kettlebell to evaluate its motion isolation.