Purple Mattress review: Two-minute review

The original Purple Mattress provides a unique sleeping experience. The two-inch tall GelFlex Grid is a proprietary hyper-elastic polymer layer that is the key difference between this and other mattresses I've tested. It appears in all of Purple's mattresses, but for this review I tested out the original model, simply called the Purple Mattress. I slept on this mattress for a week, and during this period I experienced a notable improvement in my sleep quality. 

Although the feel is different from the rest of today's best mattresses, the novel design is very effective. You can feel the checkered-like design immediately when you lay on it. You can also feel how supportive the mattress is, as the Grid contours to the pressure points, and supports the areas that don't immediately press as hard on the mattress, like your lower back.

The Purple Mattress does an exceptional job at keeping you cool at night. I am a hot sleeper, and I often find myself rolling from one side of the bed to another just to find cool spots. The SoftFlex cover, combined with the open structure of the GelFlex Grid, helps dissipate heat, and I had no issues with overheating when sleeping on this mattress. No rolling around necessary.

I do recommend placing the mattress on your frame before unboxing, and letting the mattress settle and expand on the frame. The design of the mattress makes it incredibly heavy, and moving it around after it has been unboxed is rather difficult.

Any other downsides? The GelFlex Grid gives this mattress an unusual feel that I can imagine won't be for everyone. It really is unlike anything else I've slept on. But one thing I'm certain of – I slept well on the mattress, and felt supported and cool throughout the night. Read on for my full Purple Mattress review…

Purple Mattress review: Materials & design

• 9.25" tall mattress with foams and GelFlex Grid layer
• Super-stretchy cover, not removable
• No handles for maneuvering

The real design story begins with the 2-inch hyper-elastic polymer GelFlex Grid. This proprietary engineering is designed to provide targeted support and pressure relief without trapping body heat. 

The cover is breathable and soft to the touch, but most importantly, super-stretchy – so you get the full benefit of the Grid beneath it. It can't be removed, so you're probably going to want to invest in the Purple Mattress protector for easy cleaning, without dampening the feel of the mattress. There are also no handles, which is particularly annoying because this isn't the easiest mattress to maneuver in the first place.

Beneath the GelFlex Grid there's a 3.5 inch-polyurethane foam layer that's bordered by an additional edge support layer. The polyurethane foam is essentially your memory foam layer. This helps to provide that contouring feeling when you lay on it. The bordering foam simply provides extra support so the mattress doesn't sag too much around the perimeter. 

The final layer is a sturdier 4-inch polyurethane foam. This serves as a foundational foam to provide a firm support, essentially so when you lay on the bed, you don't sink right through to the platform.

At 9.75 inches tall overall, it's on the thinner side. In fact, we usually recommend a minimum of 10 inches for adult mattresses, although I found the Purple Mattress very effective despite it being slightly shallower than this. The thinner profile and simple design mean this mattress doesn't look particularly luxe or sumptuous.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Purple Mattress review: price & value for money

• Sits in the upper-mid price bracket, second cheapest in the range
• Often discounted around major shopping events
• Not the cheapest, but fairly unique on the market

The original Purple Mattress sits in the brand's Essential Collection, and at time of writing is the second cheapest adult mattress in the range. Despite that, it's not especially cheap. At full price it sits in the upper-mid price bracket, with a queen size costing $1,399.

Purple mattress sales take place fairly regularly, so you can avoid paying that price if you're strategic about when you buy. More on that in a second, but first here's the ticket price of the main size options:

• Twin: MSRP $799
• Full: MSRP £1,199
• Queen: MSRP $1,399
• King: MSRP $1,799

Some bed brands run sales constantly, but Purple is not one of those. You'll need to plan ahead to get the best prices. There tend to be discounts around major shopping events – for example, the Labor Day mattress sales in September, the Presidents' Day mattress sales in February, Memorial Day mattress sales in May, the 4th of July mattress sales, and – for the biggest bargains – the Black Friday mattress deals. 

Discounts of $100 or $200 are fairly regular, but occasionally we see up to $400 off, with a queen size dropping to $999. If you spot a $400 discount, it's well worth taking advantage of. The extras – a 100 night trial, free shipping and 10 year warranty are fine but not especially generous.

There are plenty of options in this price bracket, and many with more complex designs and longer trials and warranties. However, due to the Purple mattress' unique feel, none are really direct competitors – if you want a Purple feel, you're going to have to shell out for a Purple mattress. There is one cheaper option in the lineup – the Purple NewDay, which still sits in the upper-mid bracket, with a queen costing $1,295 at MSRP.

• Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Purple Mattress review: comfort & support

• Medium-firm, with unique feel from the GelFlex Grid top layer
• Slight sink on pressure points, but supportive elsewhere
• Supports both lightweight and heavier individuals 

The Purple Mattress' GelFlex Grid provides a unique level of support that is soft on pressure points, yet firm and supportive on other areas. For reference, I am 5'9" and weigh roughly 150 pounds. When I laid down on the bed, as well as sat on the edges, I recorded about 2-inches of sink. I also had a co-worker, who is a big guy (6'3" and weighs about 300 pounds), do the same thing. We measured that same 2-inch sink. That goes to show the impressive amount of support the Purple Mattress provides. Both big and small people will enjoy the same amount of support. 

The hyper-polymer top is responsive, so when you lay on the mattress, and get up, the mold of the mattress snaps back into place immediately. You don't see the slow re-inflation found with classic memory foam. That was the case for me and also my bigger co-worker. 

Purple describes the feel of the mattress as medium firm, and I would generally agree with that. The GelFlex Grid – the hyper-elastic polymer top layer – gives this mattress a unique feel. When you first lay on it, you can feel the grid-like design pressing against your skin, unlike laying on a standard mattress where the material feels flat and uniform. It's not uncomfortable, but it is different from any other mattress, and it might not appeal to everyone.

When I lie on the mattress, I can feel the mattress sink in and give way to the heavier parts of my body. When I lie on my stomach for example, I can feel the mattress sink in a little around my chest area, but rise up to support my stomach area. The same goes for when I lie on my back. I can feel the mattress sink around my upper back and shoulders, but rise up to support my lower back. It provides relief on the pressure point areas, and supports the areas that aren't as heavy. I found it helped ease my lower back pain.

I generally start my night by laying on my back, then move over to my side to fall asleep. But I also felt the same comfort and support when laying on my stomach. The Purple Mattress isn't made for any one sleep style. Regardless of back, side, or stomach sleepers, you'll feel comfortable and supported.

Purple Mattress review: performance

• GelFlex Grid keeps you cool throughout the night
• Great edge support bounces you out of bed in the morning
• Minimal motion transfer – great for couples

A great mattress needs to be comfortable and supportive, of course, but there are other key factors that will affect your overall experience with it too. Read on for my take on how well the Purple Mattress regulates temperature, how supportive the edges are, and how effectively it absorbs movements on the surface.

Temperature regulation

With a breathable top cover, and a GelFlex layer beneath, this mattress does wonders in keeping you cool at night. I am a hot sleeper and notorious for rolling around, or putting a fan on me at night to keep me cool. During my testing, I stayed cool throughout the night, sans midnight fan. That's especially notable as my review period took place during the hottest month of the year in Utah. 

• Temperature regulation score: 5 out of 5

Edge support

Great edge support is important for a couple of reasons – you don't want to feel like you're going to roll off the bed at night, and you don't want the mattress to sink in so much that it becomes difficult to lift yourself out of bed. This is especially important for older individuals who may not have the same leg strength as they once did. The Purple Mattress excels in this area.

Both myself and my heavier co-tester found that when we sat on the edge of the bed, the combination of the foam rails and the hyper-elastic polymer grid kind of propelled us up and out of bed. I'm a particular fan of this because as I get older, I'll take all the help I can receive to get out of bed. 

• Edge support score: 4.5 out of 5

Motion isolation

The 5.5 inches of combined GelFlex Grid top and polyurethane foam below helps curb motion transfer. If I am having a particularly rough night of sleep and tossing and turning, the makeup of the Purple Mattress stops the motion transfer from disturbing the other person. This is great for those who share a bed with someone who is a light sleeper, those who frequently toss and turn, or who get up repeatedly to use the bathroom in the night. 

• Motion isolation score: 4.5 out of 5

Purple Mattress review: Specs

Should I buy the Purple Mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You're a hot sleeper: The top cover and GelFlex Grid help make this mattress super-breathable, and won't cling on to your body heat. As a typically hot sleeper, I never found myself getting too warm on this mattress.

✅ You share a bed with a restless person: The Purple Mattress does a great job at eliminating motion transfer. If you or your partner often disturbs the other with relentless tossing and turning throughout the night, this mattress will help keep that motion from interrupting the other's sleep.

✅ You need a mattress with good support: Due to rolling on my stomach during my sleep, I tend to wake up with a sore back on most mattresses. I didn't have that experience with the Purple Mattress. It offers great support that you can feel when you first lay on it.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You're on a tight budget: The Purple Mattress sits in the upper-mid price bracket, and there are plenty of options to choose from in that bracket – some of which arguably offer better value for money. If you want the Purple feel for a lower price, check out the NewDay. 

❌ You want a traditional feeling mattress: The GelFlex Grid is unlike anything I've ever laid on. And I can imagine that it won't be appealing for everyone. We have separate guides to the best hybrid mattresses and the best memory foam mattresses if you specifically want those feels.

❌ You're planning on moving the mattress about: In most cases, once a mattress finds the platform, it doesn't go anywhere. But if for some reason, you'll be moving the mattress to different rooms in your house, moving the Purple Mattress around is a heavy, and difficult endeavor. 

How I tested the Purple Mattress

I slept on a queen size Purple Mattress for a week in July, the hottest month of the year in Utah. Nights usually stayed in the mid 60s Fahrenheit during this period. I have Baroque sheets that are 100% polyester. Although I did not sleep at night with anyone during the testing, I first opened and did sink tests measurements, and motion isolation testing in our testing lab in Ogden, Utah. I am generally a side sleeper who wakes up on my stomach. I am 5'9” and weigh about 150 pounds, and I also asked a larger and heavier co-worker to try out the mattress and share their experiences. 

First reviewed July 2023

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Two-minute review

I slept on a queen sized Chill mattress for three weeks, testing it in all areas of comfort and performance, to see how it compares to the rest of today's best mattresses. I also enlisted the help of a panel of others to get a more rounded overview for this review. 

This mattress comes in two firmness options, cushion-firm and plush. I tested the cushion-firm option and found it very comfortable. Despite the fact that you don’t really sink into the mattress, there is something cozy about the top layer which hugs the body on all sides. As someone who can sleep in all sleep positions, I did find that sleeping on my back or stomach was the most comfortable on this mattress. The Oasis Chill Hybrid is reinforced in the center to provide support in the hips and lower back area which makes for a great sleep experience and removes any pain or pressure you may have. 

Getting in and out of bed is a breeze and there was never any concern of slipping off in my sleep. The motion isolation capabilities are also top-notch, making it a good choice for those with fidgety partners. 

This hybrid mattress was designed with plenty of cooling properties, however, I found the breathability of the mattress to be lacking. Despite having a hybrid design, cooling cover, and memory foam with cooling properties, I consistently felt warm at night (during October of all times). 

With the ability to try the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress under a 100-night trial, it’s well worth seeing if the mattress suits your body or not. Returning is free, though if you decide to keep it, a 10-year warranty is added to the mix. 

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Design

• 13.5-inch hybrid mattress with 6 layers of foam and springs
• Cover and foam layers designed to promote cooling
• Option to add an Ultra Cool Mattress Protector 

This hybrid mattress has six layers comprised of coils and foams and is 13.5 inches tall. It's designed specifically with cooling in mind, and is available in two different firmness feels.

On the bottom is a base foam layer that provides long-term support for the mattress. Above this layer is the individually wrapped coil system, reinforced along all the edges of the mattress for edge support. There are also multiple rows of reinforced coils in the center of the mattress, designed to support your hips and keep your spine in line, to prevent back pain. 

The next three layers are foam layers. Above the coils is an adaptable foam layer which helps the mattress spring back after your body weight is removed. From there you have a memory foam layer infused with copper which is supposed to create an antibacterial sleeping environment and disperse heat, thereby making the mattress cooler. The last foam layer is a quilt foam infused with gel that assists with the mattress’ breathability. 

All the foams in this mattress are CertiPUR-US certified. This is important because it means that while the mattress isn’t organic, it has low VOCs and is free of the most harmful chemicals. 

Last but not least, there's the super soft cover. This includes cooling fibers that Leesa says will disperse heat to leave your body at 88 degrees Fahrenheit – which according to them is the ideal temperature for sleep. The cover is not removable, however, there are handles that make it easier to move.

From my experience testing mattresses, I feel as if the materials are top quality and put together well for long-term use. 

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Leesa Oasis Chill review: Price & value for money

• Officially a premium model, usually discounted into upper mid-range 
• Decent value for a hybrid
• Sits in the middle of Leesa's range in terms of price

The Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid has a MSRP that is in the premium price bracket category, but regular sales take it down into the upper mid-range. . From the materials to the feel, I’d say that the price matches the value. Among Leesa mattresses, it’s not the cheapest option, but it’s also not the most expensive either (see how it compares a pricer option in TechRadar's Leesa Sapira mattress review). 

Here’s the current pricing for the chill Hybrid, along with the prices you can expect to pay: 

• Twin size: MSRP $1,259 (usually sold at $1,049)
• Full size: MSRP $1,559 (usually sold at $1,299)
• Queen size: MSRP $1,679 (usually sold at $1,399)
• King size: MSRP $2,039 (usually sold at $1,699)

Generally, today's best hybrid mattresses cost more than all-foam models, and this Leesa is pretty well priced within its category. I wasn't especially impressed with the cooling here (as I'll get on to later), but if you go down the specialist route, the best cooling mattresses also tend to sit in the premium price bracket.

You'll usually get two free pillows bundled in with your mattress, which is nice, but otherwise the extras are pretty standard – free delivery, 100 night trial, 10 year warranty. 

Like many bed brands, Leesa has regular sales. However, if you're looking for a particularly strong discount, your best bet is around a national holiday – the Labor Day mattress sales in September, Presidents' Day mattress sales in February, Memorial Day mattress sales in May, 4th of July mattress sales, and of course the Black Friday mattress deals at the end of November.

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Comfort & support

• Choose between cushion-firm (reviewed) or plush feels
• Cushion-firm has a supportive but huggable feel
• Most comfortable sleeping on back and stomach positions

I ordered the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid in the cushion-firm comfort level. Leesa doesn’t provide a firmness rating, but I can say that a 15lb weight sunk about half an inch when placed in the center. In my opinion, it’s a 6 out of 10 on a firmness scale.

When laying on the mattress, my body, which is 5’5” and weighs 175 lbs, does not sink in too much. It’s a supportive surface that isn’t hard by any means. I’d describe it as cloud-like, with an almost buoyant feel. The sleep surface is quite responsive and springs back immediately when pressure is removed. It doesn’t contour, but rather seems to hug the body instead. 

Sleeping in the back and stomach positions feels most comfortable on the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress. My hips and lower back feel completely supported, and the mattress seemed to relieve some pressure points in my hips. It’s not uncommon for me to want to sleep on my side too, however, that sleep position was not as comfortable. I felt like my hips and shoulders needed to dip in further into the mattress so that my spine could be aligned in the side sleeping position. Unfortunately, this did not happen. Perhaps a larger or smaller body would find the side sleeping position more comfortable on this mattress. 

I had a friend sleep on this Leesa mattress who was smaller than me in height and weight. They found that sleeping on their back and side felt most comfortable. On a scale of 1-10, they rated it as a 5.5 in terms of a firmness level. 

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Performance

• Temperature regulation could be better
• Exceptional edge support along the sides
• Solid motion isolation capabilities

While comfort is important to consider when buying a mattress, I also made sure to assess the temperature regulation, edge support, and motion isolation, through an assortment of tests and personal sleep experiences. With all of this information, I can provide more insight into the overall value of the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress, and who it might suit best. 

Temperature regulation

As a hybrid mattress, the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid is inherently more breathable than, say, an all-foam mattress. However, as someone who doesn’t run hot at night, I was surprised by how warm I got sleeping on this mattress – especially given that it's specifically designed for cooling, with a copper-infused memory foam layer meant to absorb excess body heat and a quilt top cover with special fibers meant to keep your body at exactly the right temperature.

I tested this mattress in October when nights were between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. I even used a fan and slept under lightweight sheets and a comforter, but despite that, there were quite a few nights where I woke up sticky with sweat and had to throw the comforter to the side. I have tested over a dozen [edit if required] mattresses, and I generally don't have this issue. 

This mattress may not be a good choice for couples – who create more body heat – or those who run hot at night. Perhaps, adding the cooling mattress cover protector to your order will help. 

• Temperature regulation score: 3.5 out of 5

Motion isolation

Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress absorbs movements, and is important for light sleepers and couples who don't want to be disturbed by their partner's movements. To test the motion isolation on the Leesa Chill, I placed a wine glass in the center of the mattress and dropped a 15lb weight from a distance of 4, 10, and 25 inches away. The wine glass remained steady when the dumbbell was dropped at 25 inches away, but swayed a bit at 10 inches, and toppled over at four inches. These results are pretty common for most mattresses. 

I combined this test with real-world experience by having someone else in bed. I didn’t feel the other person get in and out of bed, but I did feel them change sleep positions. If I was in a deep sleep, I probably wouldn’t notice them moving at all. Ultimately, I’d say this mattress has solid motion isolation capabilities and is a good choice for couples, unless one of them is a particularly light sleeper. (For the most complete motion isolation, look for an all-foam mattress – most of today's best memory foam mattresses absorb movements extremely well).

• Motion isolation score: 4 out of 5

Edge support

Though it may seem trivial, you want your mattress to have good edge support so you don’t slip off in the middle of the night and can more easily get in and out of bed. The Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid has great edge support along the entire perimeter. This was expected as the two outer rows of coils around the whole mattress are comprised of higher gauge springs, which means they’re more reinforced.

I never felt like I was going to slide or slip off when I slept near the side of the bed or even when I sat on the sides or the foot of the bed. The additional support became even more apparent when I placed a 15lb dumbbell on the edge. It didn’t roll off and only sank half an inch. 

• Edge support score: 5 out of 5

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Customer service

• Mattress delivered vacuum-packed, rolled and boxed
• Free delivery with set up and removal service option
• 100-night trial with free return after 30 days

Customers will be happy to hear that the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid is delivered rolled and vacuum-packed in a box to your door – for free. Keep in mind that the mattress is assembled upon ordering, so it takes five to nine business days to be assembled before it’s shipped – if you're in a particular rush, there are beds with far shorter delivery times.

There is an option to add an in-home set up and old mattress removal service, but it’s a little different than you’d expect. Leesa delivers the mattress to you in a box and then their partner has up to seven business days to set up and remove the mattress in your home. 

I was able to move the mattress on my own into my room and remove the packaging with ease. There were no off-gassing smells and the mattress seemed to inflate immediately. Leesa notes that it could take up to an hour for the mattress to fully inflate and days for it to fully firm up. 

Leesa offers a 100-night trial, which is pretty standard (again, some brands are more generous here, with some offering up to a full year's trial). You just have to sleep on the mattress for 30 days before you go through a free return process. The 10-year limited warranty offered is also standard, which means they’ll replace or repair the mattress if there is a defect in the craftsmanship and/or materials. 

One of the most notable aspects of Leesa is that it donates one mattress for every 10 sold to a child or family in need. 

• Customer service score: 4 out of 5

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Specs

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Other reviews

• A new mattress with very few reviews as of October 2023 
• Buy direct from Leesa for best pricing
• Also available at MattressLux.com, Better Mattress, and other resale sites 

At the time of writing (October 2023), the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid is still fairly new to the market so there are only two reviews of the mattress online. For some reason, you can’t see these two reviews on the website, but I was able to see one of them via Google. The reviewer pointed out that this mattress’ reported cooling properties did not work well, and they found themselves sweaty and uncomfortable at night. 

If you’d like to look at the reviews on your own as they come in, you might find them on Leesa, Google, or other sites where they sell the mattress like MattressLux.com and Better Mattress. 

Should you buy the Leesa Oasis Chill mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You like to sleep on your back and stomach: The hybrid design offers incredible hip and back support that keeps your spine in line.

✅ You suffer from joint and back pain: Sleep on this hybrid mattress that has a reinforced center and you’ll quickly find your joint and back pain disappearing. At least the cushion-firm version helped alleviate hip and lower back pain I’d been dealing with for months.

✅ You have a fidgety partner: Enjoy a seamless night of sleep with the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid. Through our testing, we determined that you likely won’t feel your partner move or get in and out of bed at night. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You have a tendency to get hot at night: Despite a design that is meant to promote cooling, the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid isn’t as breathable as I hoped – I found myself getting hot at night during the testing period. Head to TechRadar's cooling mattress guide for alternatives at a range of price points.

❌ You prefer to sleep on your side: Due to the center coils of the mattress being reinforced, the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid doesn’t offer enough give in the hip area for side sleepers. Something like the Helix Midnight mattress would be a better choice for most side-sleepers.

❌ You have a smaller budget: As an upper-premium mattress, the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid is fairly expensive. If you're on a tighter budget, check out the Cocoon Chill mattress, which is more affordable and comes with a phase-change cover that our testers found regulated temperature very effectively.

How I tested the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid

I tested a queen-sized, cushion-firm Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid in my Dallas, Texas, home for 3 weeks. The testing period was during October when night temperatures ranged from 60-75 degrees. The bed was made with a light comforter and microfiber sheets. I had a friend sleep on the mattress one night. I also ran standardized tests to determine the mattress’ softness, edge support, and motion isolation. 

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: November 2023

Layla Essential mattress: Two-minute review

The Layla Essential mattress slashes the price and cuts a few corners compared to the brand's standard all-foam model. I slept on a queen size for three weeks to see how this wallet-friendly offering compares to the rest of today's best mattresses, and was reasonably impressed.

The slimline nine-inch tall, all-foam mattress has a straightforward design that includes memory foam, support foam, and a zip-off, washable cover. While it's unlikely to please everyone, the Layla Essential mattress could be a terrific purchase of exceptional value for a specific cohort of customers. Specifically, solo sleepers of light to average weight who prefer back sleeping are most likely to enjoy the Layla Essential to the fullest. Combination sleepers (back and side sleeping) on a budget may also find that this mattress suits their needs. The medium sleep feel means stomach sleepers and people of heavier weights risk misalignment and discomfort, and would be better with something firmer and more supportive. 

I found there was an above-average amount of motion transfer here. Co-sleepers – especially if one partner rouses easily and the other fidgets throughout the night – should opt for a mattress that absorbs motion better. Edge support was similarly below-par, which may prove to be a problem for co-sleepers who want to be able to comfortably enjoy the full sleeping surface, or anyone with mobility issues who needs a sturdy surface to push off against when getting up in the morning. 

I'm concerned that the lack of edge support may also point to dwindling durability over time. Note:  I didn't have the same experience in my Layla Hybrid mattress review – the edge support and motion isolation was great there, which suggests these performance niggles are a concession you're making for that lower price point rather than an issue with Layla's mattresses in general.)

However, I was more impressed with the temperature regulation. I didn't have any issues with overheating on the Essential, which is particularly notable because not all of today's best cheap mattresses excel in this area. Keep reading for more extensive details in my full Layla Hybrid mattress review.

Layla Essential mattress review: Design & materials

• On the thin side at nine inches tall
• All-foam design, with memory foam and base foam
• Zippable, washable cover

The Layla Essential is a nine inch tall, all-foam mattress. That's on the slightly shorter side – TechRadar recommends a minimum of 10 inches for most adults. The design comprises two different types of foam, zipped up in a washable cover (98 per cent polyester and 2 per cent lycra). The first layer, made of 'Open Cell+' Memory Foam, is two inches thick.

Layla says that this specific type of memory foam is designed to promote airflow, breathability, and temperature regulation. According to the brand's product page and its own tests, Open Cell+ Memory Foam boasts three times the cooling power of conventional memory foam – the latter of which can have a habit of clinging on to the sleeper's body heat. However, the proof of this is in the sleeping, and you'll find my personal experience of temperature regulation under the 'Performance' section of this review.

Foam density is an indicator of quality and longevity, and at 2.5 pounds, the memory foam here is under what we'd usually expect for a good quality mattress foam. However, very few brands actually share the density of the foams used in their mattresses, making it difficult to directly compare budget-friendly models based on this spec (in short, it might be that most cheaper mattresses use foams of a similar or lower density). The base layer consists of seven inches of polyurethane foam to bolster support and durability.

The two foams are CertiPUR-US certified. This means that they've passed rigorous tests that meet standards for the protection of human health and the environment.

A cover in Layla's signature hexagonal print finishes the whole thing off. This cover can be zipped off for easy cleaning.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Layla Essential mattress review: Price & value for money

• Budget to lower mid-range, depending on where and when you buy
• Cheapest option from Layla
• Sold via Amazon or direct from Layla

Layla carries three mattresses, and the Essential is the cheapest of the bunch by a considerable margin. The standard Memory Foam mattress is about twice the price of the Essential. Meanwhile, the Hybrid is about triple the price of the most cost-efficient option. 

It's sold directly from the brand – although it can be difficult to find on the Layla website – as well as via Amazon. Depending on where and when you buy, in the wider market, the mattress is on the higher end of the budget bracket or the lower end of low-mid range. Promotional sales prices are fairly common, so you can anticipate saving at least $100 if you buy at the right time. The Layla Essential mattress is priced as follows:

• Twin size: MSRP $549 (usually sold at $349-449)
• Twin XL size: MSRP $599 (usually sold at $399-499)
• Full size: MSRP $649 (usually sold at $449-549)
• Queen size: MSRP $699 (usually sold at $499-599)
• King size: MSRP $799 (usually sold at $599-699)
• Cal king: MSRP $799 (usually sold at $599-699)

At the time of writing (late October 2023), the promotional deal for the Layla Essential sounded almost too good to pass up, saving you $200 off the MSRP. Earlier in the month, each mattress was only $100 off the MSRP. For added value, Layla offers free shipping to your doorstep to 48 states. It'll also throw in two free pillows to the mix.

While it's common for mattress sales to happen all year round, Layla's discounts fluctuate depending on when you buy. Traditionally, the cheapest prices appear in the Black Friday mattress deals, but other good times to buy include the Labor Day mattress sales in September, the Presidents' Day mattress sales in February and the Memorial Day mattress sales in May. 

How good value this mattress is will depend on when you buy. Sitting at the top of the TechRadar best cheap mattress guide are the Siena memory foam mattress and the  Allswell (read TechRadar's Allswell mattress review). Both are typically a bit cheaper than the Layla Essential and similar quality. The Layla Essential does, however, compare favorably to most of today's best Amazon mattresses. 

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Layla Essential mattress review: Comfort & support

• Layla calls it medium firm' but I found it medium (6 out of 10)
• Most comfortable in back sleeping position
• Heavier bodies may sink and misalign

As a lightweight sleeper, I found that the sleeping surface of the Layla Essential mattress gently hugged my body without fully sinking in across all positions. Since the top memory foam layer is only two inches thick, this wasn't too surprising.

I tested the mattress across all sleeping positions, and found it most comfortable for back sleeping. I felt that my full weight was supported without any pressure mounting up. Side sleeping, which I'm naturally prone to, wasn't exactly uncomfortable, but it didn't feel optimal either. In the long run, I think my hips would have tensed up more than they typically do. (For more options here, head to TechRadar's best mattress for side sleepers roundup.)

Stomach sleeping was in a similar middle ground. In general, most people who prefer stomach sleeping should choose a firmer mattress (eight or more out of 10) for optimal alignment – especially medium to heavier bodies.

According to the brand, the Layla Essential provides "just enough hug to support your body at critical pressure". It also deems it to be medium-firm. To objectively assess support, I placed a 55-pound kettlebell in the middle of the mattress, to mimic the sinkage from a person's body weight and center of gravity. I measured just shy of 3.25 inches of sinkage. Firmer mattresses with more robust support won't sink quite as much. Based on previous mattresses I've reviewed – as well as this kettlebell test – I believe a medium rating (6 out of 10) is more accurate.

All things considered, the Layla Essential mattress performs best for back sleeping and is most suitable for lightweight and medium-weight sleepers who prefer this position. Most stomach sleepers and heavier bodies should likely seek out firmer, more supportive alternatives.

Layla Essential mattress review: Performance

• Decent temperature regulation for an all-foam design
• Some motion transfer – not the best for couples or light sleepers
• Noticeable sinkage when sitting along the edges

As well as assessing this mattress' comfort and support, I also tested for a range of other key performance criteria. Specifically: motion isolation, edge support and cooling. Here's how I got on.

Temperature regulation

A good night's sleep can be wrecked by overheating – whether that's primarily caused by a mattress, your body's own chemistry, or a mix of both. Although memory foam mattresses aren't inherently ideal to regulate temperature (they conform closely to the body and create opportunities to trap, rather than disperse, airflow), the Layla Essential takes care to address this.

I run hot at night intermittently, part of which can be exacerbated by a lack of breathability in a mattress. During this review, I was glad to find that I didn't experience night sweats. (This was even more impressive given I did my testing at the height of summer in Los Angeles.) This is most likely attributed to the 2-inch top layer of Open Cell+ Memory Foam, which is designed to encourage airflow through the mattress. However, it's not very cool to the touch and simply won't provide the same breathability as a mattress that isn't all-foam. If you tend to run hot at night, I recommend considering a hybrid mattress (which tends to be more breathable as the springs create space for air to circulate) or shelling out on one of the best cooling mattresses.

• Temperature regulation score: 4 out of 5

Motion isolation

I'm a solo sleeper, so motion isolation isn't my primary concern in a mattress. Regardless, I did another kettlebell test to see how light sleepers with a fidgety partner would fare with varying degrees of movement on the surface of the Layla Essential. I placed a wine glass in the center of the mattress, dropping a 10-pound kettlebell at 4, 10, and 25 inches away from it. The glass fell almost every time at 4 inches away, wobbled a moderate amount from 10 inches away, and moved only a small amount from 25 inches away.

These tests indicate that the Layla Essential doesn't excel at motion isolation, which could be a red flag for co-sleepers who rouse easily. Moreover, when the weight dropped, it made a notable slamming sound. This may be another deterrent for partnered sleepers, though perhaps not a solid pass for solo sleepers.

• Motion isolation score: 3 out of 5

Edge support

Some mattresses have reinforced edges along the top/bottom and/or sides of the mattress. This helps to maximize the safe and usable sleeping / sitting surface area of the mattress. It also prevents early sagging, thus bolstering the mattress' durability and longevity. The Layla Essential doesn't reinforce its perimeter.

To assess the edge support objectively, I put the 55-pound kettlebell at the bottom and side of the mattress. The sinkage clocked in at approximately 3.5 inches. Since the sinkage was slightly less at the center of the mattress (about 3.25 inches), that's an indication of less-than-great edge support.

I never felt in danger of rolling off the mattress when lying down, but the lack of edge support was also pretty notable while sitting on the side of bed. This could be a dealbreaker for co-sleepers who require a bigger surface area. People who regularly sit on the bed's edge may also find that it's not as supportive as they'd like it to be, and that it may sag more rapidly than alternatives with robust edge support.

• Edge support score: 3.5 out of 5

Layla Essential mattress review: Customer service

• Mattress delivered vacuum-packed, rolled and boxed
• Free doorstep shipping via Fedex Home Delivery to 48 states
• No issues with off-gassing

Free shipping is always a perk, which Layla provides across all its mattress models. You're not able to choose a delivery window, but you can track shipping details and time estimates via FedEx.

The Layla Essential is delivered to your doorstep, vacuum-packed in two layers of plastic and rolled in a box. As a solo unboxer, I found the mattress to be super easy to roll and maneuver onto my bed frame. That's probably thanks to its slim profile, and it came as a welcome surprise. The mattress hissed only a mild amount once I unwrapped the first layer of plastic, and ceased by the time I cut open the thicker layer of plastic. As it began to expand, I could only notice a very light off-gassing odor when I sniffed it up close. However, I didn't detect an odor that night. (The brand says you can sleep on it directly after unboxing, but it'll expand completely within 24 hours. It felt fine to sleep on that night.) Again, both foams are CertiPUR-US certified, so a lack of safety wasn't a concern on the off-gassing front.

This mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and 120-night trial. Some brands offer longer trials and warranties, but this is decent for the price of the mattress. If you decide to buy via Amazon, make sure you read the small print on this – there are sometimes extra hoops to jump through to ensure your trial and warranty are honored. (And figuring out how to return a mattress to Amazon isn't always straightforward, either.)

• Customer service score: 4 out of 5

Layla Essential mattress review: Specs

Layla Essential mattress review: Other reviews

• Average 4.5 stars on brand website and Amazon
• Happy customers cited great value for cost
• Less satisfied customers noted poor edge support

The Layla Essential has only 12 reviews with an average of 4.5 stars on the brand's official product page November 2023). Amazon has a bit more to go on, with 68 reviews with an average of 4.5 stars. While this isn't a very sizable pool to run with, positive reviews across both sites commonly noted the value of the purchase… so long as it aligned with their preferences for firmness (neither too firm nor too soft) and sleeping positions. In addition, some commenters appreciated the early or on-time delivery. Others, like me, were pleased with the unboxing experience.

Less enthusiastic customers were unhappy with the firmess, whether they deemed it too firm or too soft for what they expected (firmness levels are highly subjective, so this type of criticism should be taken with a grain of salt – almost all mattress review sections are peppered with people complaining their purchase it too firm or too soft). Some experienced next-day pain and/or continuing pressure build-up across different sleeping positions. In addition, some customers called out the disappointing edge support – feeling as though they might roll off or that the mattress wouldn't hold up for as long as it should.

Should you buy the Layla Essential mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You're on a budget: The most appealing thing about the Layla Essential is probably its price. Depending on when and where you buy it, this mattress sits in the lower mid-range or budget brackets, and offers good value for that price. It's also the cheapest Layla by some way.

✅ You're a back sleeper: During my review, I found this mattress comfiest for back sleeping. I'd specifically recommend it to light- to average-weight back sleepers, who should get on with this level of support. 

✅ You sometimes sleep warm: All-foam mattresses, and especially budget-friendly ones, can run hot. I didn't have that issue with the Layla Essential, which stayed neutral throughout my testing period. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You can afford to spend a bit more: While the Layla offers good value for its affordable price, if you can stretch to spend a bit more, the Nectar is TechRadar's #1 rated memory foam mattress, and comes with a full year's trial and forever warranty. Read more in our Nectar memory foam mattress review.  

❌ You sleep on your stomach or weigh above average: The medium sleep feel and relatively shallow profile of the Layla Essential means it probably won't be supportive enough for anyone of heavier body weight, or stomach sleepers. A good, firmer, budget-friendly option is the Siena memory foam mattress, or if you're of very heavy body weight, head to TechRadar's roundup of the best mattresses for bigger bodies, and invest in a specialist option. 

❌ You share a bed: I found the Layla Essential didn't isolate movements as effectively as many mattresses I've tested, which could be an issue for those who share a bed, especially if you're a light sleeper. If you can afford it, try one of Layla's pricier models – I was impressed with the motion isolation in my Layla Hybrid review. 

Layla Essential mattress review: Also consider

How I tested the Layla Essential mattress

I slept on the Layla Essential mattress for three weeks in August in Los Angeles, where nights were cool enough as far as peak summer goes, averaging around mid-60s Fahrenheit. (I usually slept with a ceiling fan on and next to a partially open window, but did not sleep with the air conditioning on overnight.) During testing, I used bamboo sheets and a duvet, often sleeping on top of both and using a throw blanket instead. In addition to reviewing this mattress based on my own body type, needs, and preferences, I did several weighted tests to objectively assess features including softness, motion isolation, and edge support.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: November 2023

Siena mattress review: Two-minute review

The Siena Memory Foam Mattress made quite the entrance in March 2022 with a markdown from its already-low MSRP. It's remained on sale ever since, and sits solidly in budget mattress territory – but based on my hands-on experience, I believe the Siena is not only the best cheap mattresses on the market right now, but also holds its own against some of the best mattresses with heftier price tags.

During August 2022, I slept on a twin Siena mattress and had a diverse group of five testers nap on it, as well. My full review is below, complete with all of the details. But if you're pressed for time, here's the abridged version...

The 10-inch Siena features three foam layers, capped with a polyester top cover and a shift-resistant bottom cover. This diverges from the single- and dual-layer construction typically found among budget memory foam mattresses. Since my initial review, the Siena has had a minor redesign: the base layer is shorter, the comfort layer has increased in height, and the top memory foam layer is half an inch smaller. Plus, the top polyester cover no longer has polyethylene fibers to aid with moisture-wicking. The core materials, however, remain the same.

Despite these modifications, I think the Siena will maintain its overall level of performance, and may even have a more balanced feel. My fellow testers and I found the Siena decidedly firm, collectively rating it a 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale. (Siena's self-assessment is a 6.5, or medium-firm.) Thus, the Siena will likely resonate with front and back sleepers who want the support of a firm mattress with minimal give sag. Dedicated side sleepers might grapple with its unyielding surface, and those with joint pain might yearn for deeper pressure relief.

Surprisingly, the Siena was a welcome reprieve from one of the hottest summers on record. Its cooling prowess exceeded expectations and should be suitable for most sleepers; although those who excessively overheat may need something more specialized. Meanwhile, the Siena's excellent motion isolation makes it a sound choice for couples, and I can personally vouch for its stable edges as someone who relied on them for support during recovery from a back injury.

In terms of value, the Siena is a gem. It comes with a 180-night trial – that's half a year to try it out at home, a rarity for mattresses in this price bracket. (It's backed by a 10-year warranty, too). I doubt prices will get much lower during November's Black Friday mattress deals, but the Siena is already competitively priced year-round, so there's really no need to wait for the right time to buy.

Siena mattress review: Materials & design

• A 10-inch mattress with three foam layers
• Minor change in design since its release in 2022
• Polyester cover isn't removable

The Siena has undergone a minor facelift since I originally tested it in September 2022. Originally, the Siena featured a 5.5-inch polyfoam base layer (for stability), two inches of rippled transitional foam (for cushioning and improved airflow), and a 2.5-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam (for cooling and contouring).

Today, the Siena's base polyfoam layer and support foam layer each measure four inches, while the top gel-infused memory foam layer is now two inches. These tweaks may give the Siena a more balanced bed feel than I experienced a year ago.

The top cover is still made of soft polyester, though the polyethylene weave (for moisture-wicking) appears to be missing now. (The shift-resistant bottom cover is also polyester.) The cover isn't removable so you'll certainly want to invest in one of the best mattress protectors to shield it from spills and stains.

Design changes aside, the Siena still boasts one of the most complex builds I've seen from a cheap memory foam mattress. With a total of five layers, it's similar in build to its mid-range sibling, the Nectar. (For the lowdown on that, read our Nectar Mattress review.) 

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Siena mattress review: Price & value for money

Since it entered the market in March 2022, the Siena has never sold at its suggested retail price. At launch, it was already $200 off. That discount eventually increased to $300, bringing the price of a queen to a mere $399.

Siena's early Black Friday mattress deals advertise a hefty 50% off all beds, but this is somewhat deceptive as the brand has quietly bumped up list prices in the process. Take a closer look and you'll find these are just Siena's standard sale prices.

Regardless, the Siena is quite a steal for a five-layer memory foam mattress. That value becomes even sweeter with the inclusion of a 180-night trial period – generous for a budget bed. There's also a 10-year warranty, which is comfortably within the industry average. While the Siena doesn’t come bundled with freebies, shoppers do have the chance to add a bedding bundle at a bargain price of $99 (a $499 value).

• Value for money score: 5 out of 5

Siena mattress review: Comfort & support

• Officially rated medium-firm but many find it much firmer
• Excellent support for front and back sleeping
• Lack of 'hug' may deter side sleepers and those with back pain 

In August 2022, I spent a whole month sleeping on a twin Siena mattress. I'm a 5ft 4, 140lb side/front sleeper with a nagging lower back injury. However, I couldn't be the only one to try it out so I asked five other adults to sleep on the Siena to help me gauge its performance across a spectrum of body types and sleep needs.

Siena rates its memory foam mattress at a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale (medium-firm). My panel and I felt much differently as we unanimously determined it was a much firmer bed. Collectively, we rated it a 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Of course, with the recent tweaks in Siena’s foam layer structure, there's a possibility it now skews softer, but if the most recent customer reviews are to be believed, plenty of sleepers still find it decidedly firm.

The side and back sleepers among us said the Siena struck a nice balance of comfort and support, providing just enough give along our joints and lower backs. As someone who occasionally sleeps on their stomach, I found the Siena kept me well-aligned.

However, as a dominant side sleeper, I needed a week to properly break in the Siena. It was initially too rigid along my hips and shoulders (the best mattresses for side sleepers tend to be a bit softer). I eventually settled into it and (fortunately) didn't have any pain. That wasn't the case for one of the back sleepers in my group. At 5ft7in and 210lbs, he found the Siena too unyielding, and he ultimately developed a lower backache after a few moments of resting on it.

To objectively test the Siena's pressure relief, I placed a 50lb kettlebell in the middle of the mattress. The weight sank roughly an inch into the surface, which immediately snapped back to form once I removed the weight. That matches what we human testers experienced.

So who will like the Siena? It seems to be a match for back and stomach sleepers who prefer firmer support. Side sleepers might also enjoy it if they don't like anything too plush but overall I’m hesitant to recommend it exclusively for side sleeping – nor would I consider it an ideal mattress for back pain since there's not much pressure relief.

Again, the latest design changes could theoretically offer a more nuanced feel, but recent customer feedback suggests that many still find the Siena firmer than anticipated.

Siena mattress review: Performance

• Sleeps cooler than expected
• Edges are stable all around
• Minimal motion transfer

During my month with the Siena mattress, I performed a series of tests to evaluate its temperature regulation, motion isolation, and edge support – all according to TechRadar's mattress methodology. Here are the results...

 Temperature regulation

I slept on the Siena in August, which was the perfect chance for me to test the efficacy of its cooling materials. It includes a layer of rippled comfort foam to improve airflow and a gel-infused memory foam to help dissipate heat.

Despite my tendency to occasionally overheat, I didn't wake up sweaty once with the Siena. Whether I dressed the mattress in 100% cotton sheets or a cotton-polyester blend, I remained comfortably cool beneath my mid-weight polyester comforter.

The Siena’s firmness potentially helps with its temperature control. Memory foam mattresses are prone to trapping heat with their enveloping sink. Instead, my fellow testers and I felt like we were slightly hovering right above the surface of the Siena, mitigating the potential for overheating.

The Siena mattress will keep most sleepers at a comfortable temperature. However, chronically hot sleepers should consider a specialized cooling mattress crafted with innovative materials designed to ward off night sweats and hot flashes.

(Note: The original Siena included polyethylene fibers woven into the cover for moisture-wicking. Although this appears to have been phased out, I doubt its absence will dramatically compromise the Siena’s temperature regulation.)

• Temperature regulation score: 4 out of 5

Motion isolation

To test the motion isolation on my twin Siena mattress, I conducted a series of drop tests using a 10-pound weight and an empty wine glass. I positioned the weight 25 inches from the wine glass and dropped it from three distinct heights: four inches (to simulate tossing and turning(, eight inches (to simulate someone climbing in or out of bed(, and 12 inches (to simulate the impact of jumping in or out of bed).

The wine glass remained virtually motionless throughout each drop, and the weight had a slight bounce before coming to rest on the surface. This suggests that the Siena mattress has superb motion isolation, making it a great choice for anyone sharing a bed with a restless partner or an enthusiastic pet.

• Motion isolation score: 4.5 out of 5

Edge support

At the time of testing, I was recovering from another flare-up of my back injury, which meant I had to sit on the side of the bed before standing up. Luckily, the Siena has superb edge support, which made my morning wake-ups much less painful. The rest of my review panel said they felt secure when seated on the corner or along the side. Minimal compression made it easy to push up.

For an objective look, I placed a 50lb weight along the perimeter. It compressed about an inch, the same measurement I recorded when testing the pressure relief in the center of the bed. The edges shouldn't dip lower than the middle, so the Siena aces this portion of the test.

Conclusion: if you intend to use every inch of your sleep surface, you'll be well-supported by the Siena – whether you sleep in a twin (like I do) or something larger.

• Edge support score:  5 out of 5

Should you buy the Siena mattress

Buy it if…

✅ You're a back or front sprawler: With its firm feel and stable edges, the Siena is inviting for front and back sleepers who like to stretch out comfortably.

✅ You share a bed with an active partner: The Siena's top-notch motion isolation bodes well if you want to sleep uninterrupted amidst your partner's flopping.

✅ You're on a strict budget: At $399 for a queen, the Siena is one of the most affordable mattresses out there. The six-month trial is a nice bonus, too.

Don't buy it if…

❌ You're a dedicated side sleeper: Side sleepers who want a mattress that molds to their body may find the Siena too stiff. Our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers can point you in a cushier direction.

❌ You crave a traditional memory foam feel: Those in pursuit of a body-hugging foam mattress will find the Siena lacking. Consider its mid-priced sibling, the Nectar mattress, for a more typical memory foam experience.

❌ You deal with severe overheating: While the Siena slept surprisingly cool for me, it may not suffice for chronically hot sleepers. For an all-foam bed tailored for cooler slumber, check out our Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress review.

How I tested the Siena mattress

I slept on a twin Siena Memory Foam Mattress for four weeks in August 2022. During that time, I was running my central air as we were in the midst of some dreadfully hot weather. I dressed the mattress in either 100% cotton or cotton/polyester bed sheets, with a mid-weight polyester comforter on top.

I'm a 5-foot-4 side/stomach sleeper who at the time weighed 140lbs and was struggling with yet another flare-up of my lower back pain. To supplement my experience, I had five other adults nap on the Siena for at least 15 minutes in their usual positions and sit along the edge. Testers ranged in size from 5-foot-4 and 126lbs to 6-foot and 215lbs. 

To objectively gauge the Siena's performance, I conducted a series of standardized tests. I used a 50lb weight to evaluate pressure relief and edge support, and a 10lb weight plus an empty wine glass to observe the motion isolation.