Leesa Studio mattress: two-minute review

Leesa is a major player in online mattress retailers. The Leesa Studio mattress is its most affordable option, and has a simple design: it's 10 inches tall and contains three layers of different foams. I slept on a king size Studio for three weeks, as well as running a series of tests, to see how it compares to the rest of the best mattresses on the market. 

Many customer reviews rate the mattress as a moderately firm feel, and I agree – it's around an 8 out of 10 on firmness. Although the mattress begins with a top layer of memory foam, don't expect to sink in and have your body enveloped in the foam. There is some contouring, but when I press down on the mattress with my hand, the mattress snaps back into form in about a half second. 

Not to say that it's like sleeping on the floor – it's still comfortable – but having tested several mattresses over the years from brands like Purple, GhostBed, Saatva, Brooklyn Bedding and others, this is the firmest mattress I've experienced. I found that sleeping on my side on this mattress led to a build-up of pressure in my shoulder, and I expect that will be the case for most side-sleepers.

However, the firmer feel makes it a great choice for those who sleep on their back and stomach, and it might also work well for those suffering from back pain. For context, I used to be a stomach sleeper, but eventually had to switch to sleeping on my side due to lower back pain. When I laid on my stomach for extended periods of time on the Leesa Studio, I didn't experience any of that familiar pain. For me, it's amongst the best mattresses for back pain.

There are a couple of caveats to that. Because it's fairly thin, it probably won't suit those who weigh over 200lbs, and I also had issues with it running warm. If you're a naturally hot sleeper, the Studio won't work for you. Read on for my full Leesa Studio mattress review. 

Leesa Studio mattress review: price & value for money

• The cheapest Leesa mattress, and lower mid-range overall
• Rarely sold at MSRP – expect 25% off
• Free pillows usually bundled in

The Studio is the cheapest mattress in the Leesa range, but it sits in the lower-mid range price bracket overall. That's based on the regular discounts, because you'll never really pay full MSRP at Leesa. Expect around 25 per cent off, with two free pillows. Here's the pricing for the main sizes when you buy direct from Leesa:

• Twin size: MSRP $549 (usually sold at $412)
• Full size: MSRP $699 (usually sold at $524)
• Queen size: MSRP $799 (usually sold at $599)
• King size: MSRP $999 (usually sold at $749)

We'd always recommend buying direct from the brand wherever possible, to make customer service easier. However, the Studio is also available via the Leesa Amazon store. Pricing will usually be the same but it's worth double-checking before you buy, to make sure you're not missing a bargain.

All-foam mattresses tend to be the most affordable mattress type, which means there's tough competition in this price bracket. The top two models in our best memory foam mattress ranking both generally cost around $699 for the queen size. Read about those in our Nectar mattress review and Cocoon Chill mattress review. 

Mattress sales happen all year round, but many brands increase their discounts around national holidays. Particularly good times to shop include the Presidents' Day mattress sales in February, the Memorial Day mattress sales in May, the 4th of July mattress sales, the Labor Day mattress sales in September, and of course the Black Friday mattress deals at the end of November.

Leesa Studio mattress review: design & materials

• 10-inch tall memory foam mattress with three layers of foam 
• Lightweight for a mattress, king weighs only 83lbs 
• Cover has a zip but shouldn't be removed; no handles

The design of the Leesa Studio is simple but effective. Inside of the soft, removable mattress cover is three layers of foam. At 10 inches tall, it's on the thinner side, and also pretty lightweight. The king-sized mattress that I tested only weighs 83lbs. For reference, a king-size Purple mattress weighs 120lbs. So, if you ever need to move the mattress from one bedroom to another, or from one home to another, it won't be too heavy to deal with. 

All three layers of foam are CertiPUR-US certified. This means the foam was tested by a third-party to ensure that no harmful chemicals are present in the foam and that it meets durability standards to last the lifetime of the mattress. Inside of the mattress cover begins with a 1.5 inch layer of memory foam. This layer is designed to provide a sink-in contouring feeling. Below the initial memory foam is another 1.5 inch layer of responsive foam. This is an airy foam designed to help dissipate heat and keep you cool during your sleep. 

Finally, a 4-inch layer of base foam provides the support for the mattress. Essentially this provides firmness and stability, so you don't simply sink through the top layers into the platform, which wouldn't be comfortable at all.

The look of the cover is recognizable, clean, and modern, making it look appealing standing alone on laundry days when it's time to wash bedding. There is a zipper, so you could take the cover off, but Leesa doesn't recommend it. Adding one of the best mattress protectors is always a good idea, anyway. Overall, it's a simple bed design that's lightweight and easy to move around, even though the mattress doesn't have any handles.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Leesa Studio mattress review: comfort & support

• Most comfortable on back or stomach sleeping positions
• Light sink in, returns back to form in about half a second 
• May be too firm for side sleepers

When you scroll through the purchased views on Leesa's website, virtually the only complaint about the mattress is that it is more firm than people expected. I can say that's exactly what my wife and I experienced after sleeping on the bed for a few weeks. I would rate the firmness an 8 out of 10. Leesa rates the mattress as a medium/moderately firm mattress, which is about on-par with my assessment, and the assessment of many customers. Compared to the mattress we were previously sleeping on – a pillow-top, spring mattress – the Studio is a much firmer feel, and it took a few nights for our bodies to adjust.

When I placed a 25lb weight and in the middle of the bed, it sank in roughly 1.5-inches. The mattress returns to form about a half second after the weight is removed. I had two others try out the mattress, and they, like me, reported a responsive feel with minimal sink and just a tiny bit of contouring. 

I weigh about 155lbs and I used to sleep on my stomach, but with my old mattress, I had to switch to my side because stomach sleeping was causing lower back pain. When I lie on my side for too long on the Leesa Studio, I wake up with a sore shoulder. My wife, who is much smaller than me, has the same issue; both of us have noticed that even if we fall asleep on our sides on this mattress, we end up on our backs by the time we wake up. A third member of my testing panel, who weighs just north of 200lbs, also found the mattress to be too firm, and lacking in pressure relief, especially when they laid on their side.

The best mattresses for side sleepers tend to be a bit softer, and often come with higher levels of contouring, to prevent pressure building up in the shoulder. The Leesa Studio doesn't offer enough contouring for most side sleepers.

However, it's pretty well suited to back and stomach sleepers. Generally, these positions require a medium-firm or firm mattress, to keep the sleeper's back supported and prevent the pelvis from dropping too far into the surface and putting strain on the spine. 

Even though I generally try and avoid rolling onto my stomach because of my back, while testing the Leesa Studio mattress I found myself getting comfortable again on my stomach, and without back pain. On my old mattress, when I would lay on my stomach, I could feel my back starting to bark within a couple minutes. On the Leesa Studio, there is plenty of lower back support to keep your lower back/stomach from sinking in and causing pressure that leads to discomfort or pain. (If you like the sound of a sturdy sleep surface and want to see what else is out there, our best firm mattress guide rounds up our favorite options.)

Leesa Studio mattress review: performance

• Does not dissipate heat well 
• Negates some motion transfer
• Slightly more sink on edge compared to center

I slept on the Leesa Studio mattress for three weeks during the coldest month of the year in northern Utah (January), with lows in the teens (Fahrenheit). During this time, I tested the mattress following TechRadar's mattress testing methodology. Read on to find out how this mattress performed.

Temperature regulation

I am a hot sleeper and my wife is a cold sleeper; I go to bed in gym shorts while she is fully clothed in bed. I found, even in the dead of northern Utah's coldest month, that I was getting hot at night. My wife did as well, saying that she didn't feel the need to 'layer up' before she went to bed anymore. 

In short, this bed is not ideal for heat dissipation. Living in a dry climate that is especially cold right now, it makes me skeptical that I would be comfortable come summertime on this mattress. 

• Temperature regulation score: 2 out of 5

Motion isolation

One of my biggest complaints about my normal mattress, which is a spring mattress, is motion transfer. Our 50 pound dog sleeps with us (don't judge me), and I can feel every micro-adjustment he makes in the bed. The Leesa Studio all but eliminates that problem. My wife also mentioned she no longer feels when I get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. 

For an objective idea of how well this mattress isolates motion, I used a travel mug and dropped a 25lb weight from about 6 inches onto the mattress at varying distances away from the mug to measure motion transfer. Once the weight was about 9 inches away from the mug, the mug stopped falling over. 

• Motion isolation score: 4.5 out of 5

Edge support

Edge support is important for those who have trouble getting in and out of bed. A mattress that doesn't have proper edge support will be more difficult to climb in and out of – you might feel as though the bed is sinking and you're sliding out.

I placed my 25lb weight on the edge of the bed to measure the sinkage. Remember, the middle of the bed recorded roughly 1.5 inches of sinkage. On the edge of the bed, the sinkage recorded was closer to 2 inches. When I sat on the edges of the bed I felt myself slightly sliding out of the bed. I do still feel supported – the bed isn't collapsing under my weight – but there is definitely a bit more give. When I lay on the edge of the mattress, I don't feel any sensations of rolling off. Edge sleepers shouldn't be concerned about rolling out of bed, and getting in and out of bed wasn't difficult, although there was a little more give than expected. 

• Edge support score: 3.5 out of 5

Leesa Studio mattress review: customer experience

• Free standard delivery to doorstep
• In-home setup and old mattress removal available for a fee
• Standard 100 day free trial and 10 year limited warranty 

You can request at checkout in-home delivery and old mattress removal. In-home delivery and setup costs an extra $159, while adding old mattress removal bumps it up to $199. All you need to do is ensure the bedding is removed from your old bed and the delivery company will either donate or dispose of the mattress sustainably.

Without those add-ons, the Leesa Studio arrived on my front doorstep rolled up, wrapped in plastic and boxed. Since the king mattress is lightweight and only weighs 83lbs, it was quick and easy for two people to move the mattress to the bed.

Once the mattress was on the bed, I unrolled several layers of plastic and the mattress started to expand even before all of the plastic was fully removed. The mattress seemed to be fully expanded after only 10 minutes or so. Once fully expanded, there is a slight plastic-like smell, but that smell was mostly masked by the fitted sheet, and completely unnoticeable after a day or two.

Leesa offers a 100-day trial period and a 10 year limited warranty on the Leesa Studio. This is considered industry standard in terms of trials and warranties (some brands, like Nectar, are more generous, and give you a full year's trial and forever warranty). In order to be eligible for a return, you must have the mattress for at least 30 days, but no longer than 100. Leesa will encourage you to donate the mattress to a charity, but if that is not an option, you can call its return phone number and begin the return process. There are no fees associated with returns unless you live in Alaska or Hawaii, in which a $100 return fee is included.

• Customer service score: 4 out of 5

Leesa Studio mattress specs

Leesa Studio mattress: other reviews

When it comes to customer reviews, the majority of the people are pleased with the purchase. You'll find a lot of 'best night sleep ever' from a number of user reviews on Amazon or Leesa's website. 

As I alluded to previously, the user reviews on the Leesa website provide an overall 4.2 star rating based on 58 reviews. The main culprit of complaints is the firmness of the mattress. Many users claim that it's firmer than the 'medium firm' rating provided by Leesa. Even users who left positive, four-star ratings leave comments noting the firmness of the mattress. 

At time of writing (Feb 2024), the mattress had received a 4.4 out of 5 star average rating on Amazon. Again, many of the most common complaints are about the firmness of the mattress, or if you are heavier than 200lbs, the mattress may not be supportive enough. I also found other reviews that mentioned the mattress being ideal for users under 200lbs. I did also find a few mentions of users accounting for the mattress sleeping hot. I had a similar experience, as noted above, and it appears other users second those experiences.

Should you buy the Leesa Studio mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You're a back / stomach sleeper: The firm (8 out of 10) feel makes this a good choice for those who like to lie on their back or stomach. These positions require a sturdier feel, to keep the pelvis supported and ensure 

✅ You suffer from back pain: While my usual, softer mattress can aggravate my  lower back pain when lying on my stomach, I didn't have that issue when testing out the Leesa Studio. I think that's down to the firmer, more supportive feel. 

✅ You're a cold sleeper: Heat retention is often considered a bad thing with mattresses, but my wife – who is a cold sleeper – found the fact that this mattress retains body heat was a benefit. It meant she didn't need to bundle up at night. . 

✅ You share a bed: The Studio does a good job of absorbing movements on its surface, which makes it a strong choice for bed-sharers, especially if they're easily disturbed at night. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You are a hot sleeper: If you're searching for a mattress to help keep you cool at night, the Leesa Studio may not be for you. I found it ran warm at night. TechRadar's best cooling mattress guide has plenty of alternative options – the top rated one is the Purple mattress, which I also tested and was the coolest mattress I've ever slept on. 

❌ You are a heavier (200lbs+) person: There are many user reviews across the web that mention that this bed isn't supportive enough for heavier individuals. Something like the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress might be a better choice, or if you weight 250lbs or more, consider something built especially for bigger bodies – TechRadar's guide to the best mattresses for heavy people has our top picks.  

❌ You are a side sleeper: Everyone who slept on the Studio for this review has issues with pressure building up in their shoulder when lying on their side. Something more contouring, such as the Nectar Memory Foam mattress, will be a better fit for most side sleepers. 

How I tested the Leesa Studio mattress

I slept on the Leesa Studio mattress for three weeks during the coldest month of the year in northern Utah. Utah has a dry climate and during my testing, the lows were in the teens with highs in the 30s (fahrenheit). I used our normal bedding, which for us, consists of a mattress cover and comforter (my wife nor I sleep under a sheet). The bed was occupied every night by me, my wife, and our three-year-old, 50lb Aussiedoodle. 

Standardized testing included sinkage testing, where I placed a 25 pound weight in the middle of the bed and measured how much the mattress sunk. For edge support, I placed the same weight on the edge and end of the bed and measured how much the mattress sunk. For motion transfer, I placed a travel mug on the bed and dropped the 25 pound weight from varying distances to see how well the mattress eliminates motion transfer.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: Feb 2024

Adagio Latex Mattress Topper: two-minute review

The Naturepedic Adagio 2" Organic Latex Mattress Topper is a foam mattress topper that adds softness to your existing mattress. Even a good quality, supportive mattress isn’t always as soft and comfortable as one would like, so a plush mattress topper can add a great deal of comfort. This one isn’t cheap, starting at $499 for a twin size, but I found it to be one of the best mattress toppers you can buy. I had a 'wow' moment the first time I laid down on it.

The Adagio is basically a two-inch thick rectangle of foam encased in fabric that sits on top of a mattress, and it's a fantastic way to turn a too-firm mattress into a softer one, relieve pressure points, and maybe even improve your sleep.

I tested it for a week. I sleep primarily on my side, but I also sleep on my back and spend a lot of time reading in bed on my back as well. My husband helped me test this mattress topper, and he’s mostly a stomach sleeper. The Adagio feels plush to the touch, and is designed specifically to relieve pressure points. In my testing, I found that it really does the job.

I’d recommend this for anyone with a medium to firm mattress that wants to add a bit of softness, regardless of sleep position. The latex foam doesn’t trap heat, it just adds gentle, pillowy cushioning to your mattress. Additionally, its materials are certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard and are sourced from reputable certified suppliers. This ensures purity, fair labor practices, and support for rubber tree forests.

Naturepedic Adagio Topper review: design & materials

• Made from organic rubber tree sap latex
• Cover is made from organic cotton stretch knit fabric
• No skirt or straps to hold it in place

The Adagio is made from organic latex sourced from rubber tree sap. It has holes throughout that keep it from trapping body heat. This latex is approved by GOTS, the Global Organic Textile Standard, for use in certified organic mattresses. It’s also sourced from reputable certified suppliers, ensuring fair labor practices, product purity, and protection for rubber tree forests.

The cover is a soft, stretchy, organic knit cotton fabric. The materials combine to make an extraordinarily soft and comfortable sleeping experience. However, even if you could fit this sizable topper into your washing machine, it is not washable at all. You can only spot clean it.

One thing worth noting is that the Adagio topper simply sits on top of your mattress, without any skirt or straps to hold it in place. While I didn't have any problems with the topper sliding out of place during my review period, it feels likely that over longer periods of time you'll like have to adjust it back into place, particularly if you or your partner tend to move around a lot in the night.

Naturepedic Adagio Latex Mattress Topper review: price & value for money

• Premium mattress topper
• Prices range from $499 (Twin) to $849 (King)
• Not always discounted

With prices starting at $499 for a twin and going all the way up to $849 for a king size, the Naturepedic Adagio is certainly a premium mattress topper. Here's what it costs at MSRP:

• Twin: $499
• Twin XL: $549
• Full: $649
• Queen: $749
• King: $849
• Cal king: $849

$749 for a queen size topper is a lot of money; you'll pay less than that for some of the best mattresses. Naturepedic often runs 20%-off deals, which means entering a coupon code at the checkout. It's not hugely intuitive and it means you might assume that there's no discount on the Adagio, but I've just checked and it's currently possible to get 20% off, bringing the price of a queen to a more palatable $599.20. 

You can certainly save money choosing a cheaper mattress topper. The Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper is TechRadar's top pick, and it starts at just $179 for a Twin, which still puts it in the luxury category but it’s substantially cheaper than the Naturepedic Adagio. Our reviewer noted how well it conformed to and cradled her joints in all sleeping positions but noted that it sleeps hot. 

If you’re looking for more options, the Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper comes in three different thicknesses and four levels of firmness. It starts at just $150 for a twin, so it’s a more affordable option. Another alternative is the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper; it's 2.75" deep and comes in firm and plush options, and at MSRP a queen size is $100 cheaper than the Adagio.

Naturepedic Adagio Mattress Topper review: comfort & performance

• Very soft feel
• Excellent pressure relief
• Body heat dissipates easily

The Naturepedic Adagio 2” Organic Latex Mattress Topper is soft, and intended to be used over a medium to firm mattress. It’s not adjustable at all, it just is what it is. My mattress is firm with a pillow top, which is pretty comfortable on its own, but this Adagio adds a whole other level of cloud-like softness and pressure point relief. Neither my husband nor I are big people, we both found that this added a great deal of comfort to our mattress.

I usually sleep on my side, but sometimes sleep on my back. I also spend a great deal of time reading in bed, on my back. With just a mattress, I often feel some pressure in my hip area in both of those positions. The Adagio topper eliminated that completely. My husband is a stomach sleeper, and he felt supported and quite comfortable as well.

Naturepedic mentions on its website that the Adagio mattress topper 'sleeps cool'. While I didn’t notice any cooling sensation, I didn’t notice it trapping body heat, either. As a woman in midlife, I’m quite sensitive to anything that can trap heat, and I didn’t have any such issues with this topper.

I found it very comfortable to sleep on, temperature-wise; for me it remained temperature neutral all night long. My husband also tends to sleep hot, and he had no issues either. I used nothing but a microfiber fitted sheet between me and the Adagio topper, plus a flat sheet and light quilt over me. I tested the topper during the winter, with the interior thermostat set on 68 degrees.

Naturepedic Adagio Mattress Topper review: customer experience

• Free delivery and returns, 100-night trial and 10-year warranty
• Heavy but otherwise easy to set up
• No noticeable off-gassing smell

The Adagio topper comes with free shipping in 1-3 business days within the continental US. When mine arrived it was so heavy that I had to enlist the help of another person to bring it into my home and upstairs to my bedroom. The topper was rolled and vacuum-packed with several layers of plastic, and packed in a large box. Once unpacked, it was easy enough to remove the plastic and unroll it onto my mattress. This took just a few minutes but there was quite a bit of cardboard and plastic to dispose of. 

Once unrolled, it took only a few more minutes for the topper to regain its full shape and thickness. There was no noticeable off-gassing smell, and the topper was ready to use virtually right away.

As well as free delivery, the Naturepedic Adagio topper comes with a 100-night sleep trial, giving you plenty of time to judge whether it's the right addition to your mattress. Naturepedic also offers free returns, and the Adagio comes with a 10-year limited warranty for additional peace of mind.

Naturepedic Adagio Mattress Topper specs

Should you buy the Naturepedic Adagio Topper?

Buy it if...

✅ Your mattress is too firm:  If you’re looking for a plush layer of softness to relieve pressure points, I’d recommend the Naturepedic Adagio for you. Whether you’re a side, stomach, or back sleeper, this topper adds a layer of comfort between you and your mattress.

✅ You sleep hot at night: The Naturepedic Adagio isn't a specifically cooling topper, but it's temperature-neutral and unlike memory foam, its latex won't trap heat and it features holes throughout to enhance airflow.

✅ You want to buy organic: The Adagio's stretch-knit cover is made with organic cotton, while its organic latex is GOTS-approved and sourced from reputable certified suppliers, making this topper a strong ethical choice.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You're on a tight budget: Even with a discount this is an expensive topper, and while many will happily pay for its luxurious feel, there are cheaper options available. The Turmerry Organic Latex topper is more basic but offers a similar feel for a much lower price.

❌ You're a clean freak: If you want the ability to wash your mattress topper, the spot clean-only Adagio isn't for you. Consider instead the Tempur-Adapt mattress topper: a soft and supportive premium topper that's incredibly comfortable and also boast a washable cover.

❌ You move about a lot in the night: Nocturnal wrigglers are likely to find that the Naturepedic Adagio doesn't stay put for very long, because it sits on top of your mattress with nothing to hold it down. The Saatva Foam mattress topper will transform the feel of your bed in a similar way, and features hefty straps to keep it secure.

How I tested the Naturepedic Adagio 2" Organic Latex Mattress Topper

I tested the Naturepedic Adagio 2" Organic Latex Mattress Topper on a firm mattress with a pillow top, over the course of a week in winter, with the thermostat set on 68 degrees Fahrenheit. I slept on it in on my side and on my back, while my husband tested it while sleeping on his stomach.

Stearns & Foster Estate mattress: Two-minute review

The Stearns & Foster Estate mattress is a premium hybrid mattress made with coils and memory foam. There are a few customization options: soft or firm feels, and with or without a pillow-top. For this review, I spent just under a month sleeping on the firm mattress with a pillow-top, and ran a series of tests to assess performance and see how it compares to the rest of the best mattresses on the market. 

This mattress has a fairly traditional, responsive feel. Ideally, I'd have chosen a 'medium' firmness, but that wasn't an option (it looks like it may once have been, as there are references to this in other customer reviews, so perhaps it will return). The firm version I tried lived up to that name, providing plenty of sturdy support from edge to edge. Although the pillow-top does add a little more cushioning, it's not as soft as I'd hoped it would be. 

The coils, ventilated fabrics and moisture-wicking Tencel cover do a great job of preventing heat from building up, and I didn't have any issues with sleeping hot on this mattress. It also isolates movements pretty effectively, which is good news if you share a bed.

Despite performing well in all of my tests, I have one significant concern about the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress. While it looks and feels fitting of the premium price tag, I was surprised to find that over the course of my relatively short testing period, noticeable indentations had started to form where myself and my husband slept. (Note that I was going against manufacturer recommendations by placing this mattress on a box spring rather than a firm platform.) That raises questions about its long-term durability. Read on for more detail in my full Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review.

Stearns & Foster Estate review: Materials & design

• 14.5" tall hybrid mattress with memory foam and springs
• Quilted, stretch-knit cover with Tencel to keep you cool
• Available in firm or soft, pillow-top or none (firm with pillow-top reviewed)

The Stearns & Foster Estate has a design that's not dissimilar from the best hybrid mattresses on the market. The layered mattress includes both memory foam and coils. The coils are encased in ventilated fabric to help prevent build up of heat from your body; the outer fabric of the mattress is ventilated as well. Memory foam on top of the coils provides extra comfort. 

The stretch-knit mattress cover is made from Tencel fabric, which is sustainably sourced from wood pulp and designed to be cool to the touch and to wick away moisture. It's not removable (so you'll want to add a mattress protector) but there are handles to help with moving the mattress around. 

There are a few different customization options. You can choose from soft or firm feels, and add a pillow-top to either. This is an extra layer of upholstery for a plusher feel, and takes the profile of the mattress from 14.5 inches to 15 inches tall. I tested the firm mattress with a pillow-top for this review. 

Also in the Estate line is the Lux Estate. This looks similar, but comes with a more advanced cooling cover and adds a layer of Tempur-Pedic foam near the top. Tempur-Pedic is known for being one of the best memory foam mattress brands, and belongs to the same parent company as Stearns & Foster.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review: Price & value for money

The Stearns & Foster Estate mattress sits firmly in the premium price bracket. Here's a look at the MSRP for each of the different sizes:

• Twin long: $2,299
• Full: $2,349
• Queen: $2,399
• King: $2,999
• Split king: $4,598
• Cal king: $2,999
• Split Cal king: $4,598

This is a market in which mattress sales happen year-round, but it looks like Stearns & Foster isn't particularly big on discounts. (At time of writing, you could get a $300 Visa gift card with your purchase, which is an unusual offer.)

Stearns & Foster is from the same parent company as Tempur-Pedic, widely considered to be one of the best luxury mattress brands around, as well as being one of the most expensive. Free white glove delivery is included, which is a nice perk, but the trial (90 nights) and warranty (10 years) aren't especially generous. And there's a higher-than-average fee for returns, too. While the design does feel premium, I am also slightly concerned about the long-term durability of this mattress. 

In terms of value for money, there are brands that offer more for less – for example, the Saatva Classic (which you can read about in TechRadar's Saatva Classic mattress review) comes with a year's trial and forever warranty. A queen size is usually discounted to around $1,700 (so $700 less than the Estate). 

• Value for money score: 2.5 out of 5

Stearns & Foster Estate review: Comfort & support

• Available in firm or soft, with or without pillow-top
• I tested the firm with pillow-top, and rate it an 8/10 on firmness
• You sleep on top rather than sinking in – pillow-top isn't very soft

The Stearns & Foster Estate mattress is available in two firmness profiles – soft or medium – and you can further adjust the feel by adding a pillow-top. For this review, I slept on the firm mattress with the pillow-top. 

It's definitely a firm mattress – when I placed a 15lb weight in the middle, it sank in 2.25 inches. Stearns & Foster judges it to be around an eight out of 10 in terms of firmness, and I'd agree with that. For comparison, the firm without pilllow-top is marketed as an nine out of 10, while the soft is a three, and the soft with pillow-top a two. On our TechRadar scale that would be really incredibly soft, but firmness is subjective so it might not be quite that squishy in reality. 

Back to my review model. The firm mattress really doesn't contour to the body very much at all – I felt like I was lying on the mattress, not in it. The pillow-top is described as an 'extra layer of upholstery for a more cushioned, plush feel', but it's quite minimal as pillow-tops go. If I pressed the surface with my hand, I could sense the softer top layer with firmer materials beneath, but that it wasn't really noticeable when lying down – it just felt like a firm mattress.

The sleep surface is pretty responsive. When you remove pressure, the mattress springs back immediately with no lag time returning to its shape. That means it's easy to change position on.

I'm primarily a side sleeper, but sometimes lie on my back to sleep or read in bed. I'm 5ft 4 and medium build. Generally, the best mattresses for side sleepers and people with lighter-weight bodies tend to be a bit softer, but I choose the firm mattress because I sometimes have back issues that I didn't want to aggravate with a too-soft mattress (that's what's recommended if you're looking for a mattress for back pain).

I generally found the mattress to be comfortable and supportive, though if I spent too long in one position I did feel some pressure start to build up in my shoulder or hip. I'd have preferred a medium sleep feel, but that wasn't an option at time of reviewing (there is a medium / medium with pillow-top option mentioned on the product information page, so perhaps it has been available in the past or will be again in the future).

My husband is not much bigger than I am, but primarily a stomach sleeper. He thought the mattress was just 'okay' as far as comfort is concerned.

It's hard to say who I'd recommend this specific mattress to (firm mattress with pillow-top). Generally front/back sleepers and larger bodies are best suited to firmer mattresses, while side sleepers and smaller bodies are best suited to softer mattresses. While neither my husband nor I are very large, he is primarily a stomach sleeper and I am primarily a side sleeper, but I thought the mattress was more comfortable than he did – which goes to show how subjective these kinds of things can be.

Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review: durability

Normally, TechRadar mattress reviews don't have a 'durability' section, for the simple reason that it's very difficult to tell how durable a mattress will be in the long term, based on a few weeks of use. However, I had a specific issue with the Stearns & Foster Estate that I wanted to discuss. 

After just under four weeks of testing, I found that our bodies had started to form indentations in the mattress where my husband and I slept. It wasn't particularly uncomfortable to sleep in those 'trenches', but they were definitely noticeable. 

It's important to note that the manufacturer recommends using a firm, uniform platform under this mattress, not a box spring. Since I don't own a platform, I tested it on a box spring, which may have contributed to the mattress dipping.

To see if this was a more widespread issue, I headed to the reviews section of the Stearns & Foster website. I found maybe eight other reviews specifically complaining of dips or indentations appearing quickly in the mattress surface, of a total of over 700 reviews (Jan 2024). The vast majority of reviews are very positive, though – overall the Estate has an average of 4.4 stars over 722 reviews.

Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review: performance

• Very good temperature regulation
• Excellent edge support
• No issues with motion transfer

In this section of my Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review, I'll be addressing the other aspects that play into how well a mattress performs overall.

Temperature regulation

Temperature regulation is important because being too hot at night makes it difficult to sleep. Some mattresses trap body heat – this is especially an issue with memory foam mattresses. I found this mattress to be temperature neutral. While it didn't actively cool me, it didn't trap my body heat either. 

Between the Tencel fabric cover, which wicks moisture, and ventilated coils, my body heat was dissipated as wIe slept. I do get hot flashes, but they pass quickly and I did not find that this mattress exacerbated the issue at all. I tested the mattress during Midwestern fall, with the indoor nighttime temperatures averaging in the mid-60s Fahrenheit.

• Temperature regulation score: 4.5 out of 5

Motion isolation 

Motion isolation is important for anyone who sleeps with a partner or even a pet. It's important because your sleep partner's movements can cause the mattress to reverberate, jostling you awake. I'm very sensitive to even the slightest movement, so although I did feel it a little when my partner moved, it was nothing excessive. A less sensitive person might not notice their partner's movements at all on this mattress. Indeed, my partner did not notice my movements. 

I ran motion isolation tests with the 15-pound kettlebell weight and a rather top-heavy wine glass. First, I dropped the weight just four inches from the wine glass. It fell over immediately. Next, I dropped the weight ten inches from the glass. It fell over after a brief hesitation. Finally, I dropped the weight 25 inches from the glass. The glass barely jiggled and did not fall over.

This mattress would work for all but the lightest sleepers. And if you want to amp up the motion isolation further, there are two split options (Cal king and regular king). 

• Motion isolation score: 4 out of 5

Edge support

Edge support is important for anyone. You need a supportive edge so you can sleep close to the edge without feeling like you might fall out. This maximizes your sleep surface area. You also want a supportive edge so you can sit comfortably at the edge of the bed, whether you're getting in and out of bed or just sitting there. 

I found that this mattress offers excellent edge support. I felt well-supported sleeping right up to the edge, and I frequently sat on the edge to organize my tech, put on hand lotion, take off my socks, etc.

To test edge support, I placed the same weight at the edge of the mattress. The weight sank 2.25 inches, the same as it did in the center of the mattress during my previous test. Not only is the mattress firm, but the edges are firm.       

• Edge support score: 5 out of 5

Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review: Specs

Should I buy the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You have back issues: Between the coils and the memory foam, this mattress offers plenty of support. The sleep surface is nice and sturdy, from edge to edge. The firm feel is perhaps best for those with back pain, but the option to customize the feel to suit your needs is also helpful.

✅ You prefer a traditional sleep feel: This is a mattress you sleep on top of rather than sinking too deeply into. It's responsive and easy to change position on, and there's none of the quicksand feel you can get with all-foam mattresses.

✅ You sleep hot: Between the moisture-wicking Tencel cover and the springs encased in well-ventilated fabric, body heat is drawn away so it's not trapped under you. While I didn't find this mattress to be actively cooling, it didn't trap my body heat either.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You want a mattress of medium firmness: At time of writing, you can only choose between firm or soft, and the optional pillow-top isn't as plush as I'd hoped, either. If you want a medium firmness, you'll need to upgrade to the Lux model or opt for something different altogether (our best hybrid mattress guide has plenty of recommendations). 

❌ You want the best value for money: This is a pricey mattress, and based on my experience with it, I'm not convinced it's fully worth the premium price tag, especially given my concerns about long-term durability. 

How I tested the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress

I tested a king-sized Stearns & Foster Estate mattress by sleeping on it for four weeks. It was fall in the Midwest, with indoor overnight temperatures in the mid-sixties. I used 100 per cent cotton sheets and a very light quilt. Occasionally I added a blanket on top of the quilt if needed. I did not use any kind of mattress pad or cover, just a fitted sheet. My husband slept on the mattress with me, as well as our toy poodle.

I ran standardized tests with a 15lb kettlebell weight in order to objectively assess the softness, motion isolation, and edge support. Results, as described in detail above, were on par with my subjective experience.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed November 2023