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Purple NewDay mattress review: Purple Grid magic, on a budget

5:00 pm | February 4, 2024

Purple NewDay mattress mattress review: two-minute review

The Purple NewDay mattress is the brand's most affordable mattress, and delivers comfort and support that more than justifies its upper mid-range price tag. I tested a queen-sized Purple NewDay mattress for three weeks, and as someone who loves a super-supportive mattress, I thoroughly enjoyed sleeping on it. I'd rate it a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, or medium- firm, and would enthusiastically recommend it to back and stomach sleepers.

A lot of the positive features of this mattress can be attributed to the GelFlex Grid. This layer of GelFlex polymer appears in all of Purple's mattresses, and assists not only with comfort but also temperature regulation and motion isolation capabilities. I've tested a number of mattresses, and this was the first one that made me cold at night, which makes it the ideal buy for hot sleepers. Through motion isolation tests, it was clear that the Purple NewDay absorbs movements very efficiently, too.

The outlines of the grid can be felt through the cover, which gives this mattress an unusual feel, but I didn't find it bothersome in any way. Compared to the original model (which you can read about in detail in our Purple Original Mattress review) you're losing a layer of comfort foam, which does mean this mattress has a lower- than-usual profile, at just eight inches thick.

That shallower design does mean that when I sat near the perimeter of the mattress, I sank to the bedframe. It could also could also have potential drawbacks for those with larger bodies. If either of those things are issues for you, you'll need to stump up for one of the thicker Purple models.

Read on to see the results of my testing and my nightly experience sleeping on the Purple NewDay mattress.

Purple NewDay mattress review: design

Eight-inch tall mattress with GelFlex polymer grid layer
Base foam layer and foam perimeter to bolster edge support
Breathable cover, can be removed but spot-clean only

The Purple NewDay mattress is constructed in the US with hypoallergenic and non-toxic materials that are CertiPUR-US and Clean Air GOLD certified. It's the cheapest and simplest adult mattress in the brand's range – it stands just eight inches tall, which is thin (most mattresses we recommend are a minimum of 10 inches). The other thing to note is that there's a relatively limited range of sizes: just twin, full, queen and king.

The design starts with a breathable cover that can be removed, but not machine-washed. It's suitable for spot-cleaning with mild detergent only, so you'll likely want to add one of the best mattress protectors.

exploded diagram showing internal layers of Purple NewDay mattress — (Image credit: Purple)

The next layer is perhaps the most interesting – a two-inch GelFlex grid. Purple patented this bouncy gridded layer made of GelFlex polymer, and it appears in all of the brand's mattresses. The open structure of the Grid means this layer won't hold on to body heat, keeping you cool at night. The outlines of the grid can be felt through the top cover. Running around the perimeter of the Grid is a foam border, designed to bolster the edge support.

The last layer is a 6-inch base layer made of polyurethane foam, which maintains the mattress' structural integrity while also providing some support to the GelFlex grid.

Inside the NewDay (left) compared to the Purple Original (center) and Purple Plus (left) — (Left to right) Inside the NewDay, compared to the Purple Original and Purple Plus (Image credit: Purple)

The NewDay is the cheapest of three Essential mattresses at Purple, sitting beneath the Purple Original and Purple Plus. All have a similar design, but as you move up the range, the mattresses get thicker and extra foam layers are added. If you want something more decadent, Purple also has a couple of pricier, fancier ranges: the Restore Hybrid Collection and the Rejuvenate Luxe Collection.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Purple NewDay mattress review: Price & value for money

Purple's cheapest mattress
Upper-mid range at MSRP, sometimes discounted into mid-range
Delivers comfort and quality above its price point

The Purple NewDay mattress is the brand's most affordable mattress. Even so, it's an upper mid-range mattress on the wider market, so don't mistake it as a budget mattress by any means. Here are the prices for each size:

Twin size: MSRP $695 (sometimes discounted to ~$495)
Full size: MSRP $1,199 (sometimes discounted to ~$799)
Queen size: MSRP $1,299 (sometimes discounted to ~$999)
King size: MSRP $1,599 (sometimes discounted to ~$1,349)

This isn't one of those brands that runs perpetual sales, but if you time it right you can snag a discount – Purple mattress sales run semi-regularly, and can knock up to $400 off, although the discounts tend to vary by size.

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 in late November.

As simple as the design is, I was impressed with the quality of the materials, the feel of the mattress, and how it held up to testing. I think you get what you pay for, if not more, for a decent price when you buy the Purple NewDay.

However, if you're not fixed on the Purple brand's unique feel, then there are plenty of other options in this price bracket, many of which are thicker, with more complex designs and more generous extras.

Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Purple NewDay mattress review: comfort & support

Medium-firm sleep surface keeps your body elevated
Back and stomach sleepers provided significant support
Softens somewhat in the first three weeks

Despite Purple labeling it as 'firm', I think the Purple NewDay mattress is best described as medium-firm and supportive. I'd rate it about a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, with 10 being rock-solid. Upon first touching the mattress, I was surprised that I could feel the faint outlines of the GelFlex Grid. I could even feel it when lying on the mattress. It did not bother me as I slept.

The Purple NewDay is a springy mattress that supported my body completely, almost to the point that I felt like I was floating on top of the mattress. Although the NewDay has a medium-firm feel, it is not a hard mattress, and softly contours around my body in a soothing way.

Weight resting on Purple NewDay mattress — (Image credit: Future)

A 15lb dumbbell only sunk half an inch when I placed it in the center. When I removed the weight, the mattress sprung back immediately – don't expect the sink-in feel you'll get with many of the best memory foam mattresses.

The Purple NewDay is best suited to back and stomach sleepers. I am 5'5" and 170lbs, and I couldn't sleep on my side the first week that I tested the mattress as my hips didn't sink enough to allow my spine to be aligned (for this reason, the best mattresses for side sleepers tend to be medium or medium-firm). However, over the next two weeks, the mattress softened enough that I could at least fall asleep on my side, though I usually awoke on my back.

Member of testing panel lying on her stomach on Purple NewDay mattress — (Image credit: Future)

A friend who is about 5' 2" and weighs 100lbs also slept on the mattress. She settled onto her back and fell asleep immediately, not waking once in the middle of the night. She also felt the GelFlex Grid and judged the firmness level to be a 7 out of 10. Interestingly, she found sleeping on her side felt equally as comfortable as sleeping on her back.

Member of testing panel lying on her side on Purple NewDay mattress — (Image credit: Future)

While I believe that the mattress will support some people with larger bodies, I'm inclined to say that because it's only eight inches thick that there might be some who will not find it thick enough to support them completely. See my feedback in the customer reviews section to understand what I mean.

Purple NewDay mattress review: performance

Superb cooling properties that might make you cold
Edge support is good but could be better if the mattress was taller
Motion isolation exceeds most on the market

To ensure buyers have a full idea of what the Purple NewDay mattress has to offer, I made sure to assess the mattress' temperature regulation, motion isolation capabilities, and the edge support. In addition to running multiple objective tests, I used my own experience sleeping on the mattress, and a friend's feedback, to offer an in-depth overview of what you can expect. Keep reading to learn more about how I got on.

Temperature regulation

I wasn't expecting this mattress to be as cool to the touch as it was. I tested the Purple NewDay in the middle of winter and some nights were so cold that I added more blankets atop the comforter and sheets. I never once got hot.

Reviewer's hand resting on Purple NewDay mattress — (Image credit: Future)

In fact, the mattress was so cool, I felt it through the sheets, the mattress protector, and my clothes (which were often thick hoodies and sweatpants). This is the only mattress I've tested that has made me cold, and that's likely due to the GelFlex Grid which dissipated my body heat superbly. I'd rate it amongst the best cooling mattresses around.

Temperature regulation score: 5 out of 5

Motion isolation

I tested the motion isolation of the Purple NewDay mattress by placing an empty wine glass in the center of the bed. No matter if I dropped a 15lb dumbbell four, 10, or 25 inches away, the wine glass never tipped over. It only wobbled slightly.

Purple NewDay mattress with weight and wine glass in center — (Image credit: Future)

I also had a friend help with testing by having her get in and out of bed and moving from her stomach to her back. I couldn't feel her move at all. The NewDay will do a fantastic job at isolating motion, no matter how much your partner moves as you sleep.

Motion isolation score: 5 out of 5

Edge support

I assumed that the Purple NewDay mattress would have fantastic edge support because the edges are reinforced with support foam. At first, this seemed to be true, – when I placed a 15lb dumbbell along the perimeter, it only sank half an inch. (On most mattresses, it sinks an inch.) However, when I sat on the edges or the end of the mattress, I sank to the bed frame.

Purple NewDay mattress with weight resting on edge — (Image credit: Future)

If the mattress had been thicker – say 10 to 12 inches rather than eight inches tall – that probably would not have happened. Did it make getting in and out of bed more difficult? No. Do I fear slipping off the bed when sleeping? Not at all. But does it knock my opinion of the edge support from perfect to 'good?' Unfortunately, yes.

Edge support score: 4 out of 5

Purple NewDay mattress review: customer experience

Mattress delivered vacuum-packed, rolled and in a reusable plastic bag
Free delivery; no white glove delivery option for this Purple mattress
100-night trial with free returns

All the mattresses I've tested have arrived rolled and vacuum-packed in a cardboard box. The Purple NewDay mattress, however, came in a purple plastic bag with handles. It was raining the day the mattress arrived, so I was glad the mattress wasn't in a cardboard box, as it might have soaked through. I reused the shipping bag by storing my Christmas tree, which I'd just taken down, in the bag.

There are instructions inside the purple bag that inform you exactly which side of the package to place to the right of the foot of your bed, so that when you pull out the mattress, it'll be in the correct position to unfurl. The instructions said to use the provided cutting tool to remove the plastic wrap around the mattress, but my package lacked one.

Use the arrow icons to scroll through the unpacking photos.

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Purple NewDay mattress, vacuum-packed and rolled in a reusable plastic bag — The mattress arrived in a reusable plastic bag with handles (Image credit: Future)

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Purple NewDay mattress instructions plus two free sleep masks — I received two free eye masks (Image credit: Future)

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Purple NewDay mattress unboxing instructions — Purple provides clear unpacking instructions (Image credit: Future)

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Purple NewDay mattress vacuum-packed and rolled — The vacuum-packed mattress on my frame, ready to release from its wrappings (Image credit: Future)

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Purple NewDay mattress unrolled on the bed frame — The NewDay unrolled but still vacuum-sealed (Image credit: Future)

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Corner of the Purple NewDay mattress as it starts to expand — How the NewDay looked when first released from its wrappings (Image credit: Future)

The mattress unfurled without any off-gassing smells. It took about five hours for the mattress to fully expand and fill out the cover at the corners of the bed, but I was still able to sleep on the mattress on the first night after delivery.

Buyers receive a 100-night free trial and free returns, as long as they sleep on it for 21 days. A typical 10-year warranty comes with the mattress, too. I should add that shipping is free, however, white glove delivery is not available for this particular Purple mattress.

Customer service score: 4 out of 5

Purple NewDay mattress specs

Purple NewDay mattress review: Other reviews

3.8 out of 5-star rating from over 40 reviews (January 2024)
Praise for comfort and support
Complaints that it's too firm and not thick enough

The Purple NewDay mattress has 40 reviews and a 3.8 out of 5-star rating (at the time of writing this review, January 2024). All 40 reviews are in relation to the Purple NewDay mattress and can be searched through by keyword and star rating. Even more impressive, they can be filtered by categories like 'Best For', 'Preferred Sleep Style', 'Body Type', and 'Size'.

All the reviewers agree – whether they praise or dislike the mattress – that the Purple NewDay is a firm mattress. Most people found the firmness level comfortable and supportive, although there were some who prefer a softer mattress than this one.

Member of testing panel sat on Purple NewDay mattress — (Image credit: Future)

Most people wrote general comments about how much they enjoyed the NewDay and slept better on it than their previous mattresses. Some reviewers were specific in their praise, particularly in how cool the mattress was and its motion isolation capabilities.

There were a few complaints that the mattress was not thick enough by people with larger bodies. For instance, someone that weighed over 300lbs mentioned that their body touched the bed frame when they laid on the mattress. That said, when I compared the reviews of people with larger body sizes, I discovered that the reviews were pretty evenly split in terms of those who liked and disliked the mattress. Generally, if you weigh over 250lbs, you might want to consider investing in a specialist model – we have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the best mattresses for bigger bodies.

Should you buy the Purple NewDay mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You like to sleep on your back or stomach: This medium-firm mattress will support your hips and lower back no matter if you lie face up or down.

✅ You easily get hot at night: The Purple NewDay is not only cool to the touch, but it regulated my temperature even when I wore sweats to bed under three blankets, one comforter, and microfiber sheets.

✅ You don't want anyone to disturb your sleep at night: The Purple NewDay exceeds most mattresses in terms of motion isolation capabilities. Trust me when I say that you're going to enjoy uninterrupted sleep despite your fidgety partner.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You like a softer mattress: Among the Purple Essential Collection of mattresses, the Purple NewDay mattress is the firmest. If you want a soft, cloud-like mattress – for example, if you're a side sleeper and/or light in body weight – this might not be the best choice for you.

❌ You prefer taller mattresses: At only eight inches tall, the Purple NewDay mattress is a thin mattress. If you don't like sinking to the bed frame when you sit on the edge, go for the 11-inch-tall Purple Plus Mattress.

❌ You usually sleep on your side: Although this mattress did soften over the course of my testing, it wasn't soft enough to make sleeping on my side the most comfortable.

How I tested the Purple NewDay mattress

For three weeks in December and January, I tested a queen-sized Purple NewDay mattress. At the beginning of the testing period, temperatures were in the high 60s and the low 30s Fahrenheit, but by the end, it had gotten much cooler with temperatures between 20- and 55-degrees Fahrenheit. Some nights it was lower than that. Microfiber sheets and a lightweight comforter covered the bed, though on particularly cold nights, I added a few more blankets. My best friend also slept on the mattress one night, so I considered her feedback, on top of my own, and the standardized tests I ran to assess all of the mattress' features including motion isolation, comfort, and edge support.

Strava: One-minute review

Did a workout even happen if it's not logged on Strava? We've been using the smartphone app to track weekly miles since it launched in 2009. Yes, there have been periods in my life where I haven't run at all – just before this review, for example. But when I am ready to pound the pavements again, I find it hard to imagine not using Strava.

Strava is part-fitness app and part-social platform. You can record and review activities, then share them with friends for "Kudos" (similar to giving a "like" on other media platforms). Run, Bike, Hike is the app's motto, but there's support for over 50 activities, including kayaking, swimming – great for triathletes – and yoga.

You can track activities using the GPS on your iPhone or Android device and get time, distance, route, estimated calories, and elevation. But using Strava on the best fitness tracker or the best running watches (all the major brands are compatible) elevates the experience, allows you to go phone-free, and can add more metrics for a full picture of your workout intensity.

The service is brand-agnostic, and I record from my Apple Watch 8, a budget Garmin Forerunner 45, and my iPhone 15 Pro, depending on the context. Each device provides a seamless experience, and the app's interface allows you to set up and start recording in moments.

The Strava app open on an iPhone 15 Pro — The Strava app can effectively turn your smartphone into a cycling or running computer (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

According to Strava's Year In Sport Trend Report, more than 10 billion activities were shared on the app in 2023. There's more to Strava than recording, though; it's about celebrating movement and creating community through your favorite sports. By connecting with friends and colleagues who also use it, I've become part of a small but consistently encouraging group that will cheerlead my activities – even the slow ones.

And there's the metrics element. In the modern world, we usually rely on data to improve performance, and Strava can provide this in spades after a workout. How much you can access depends on your plan; if you just want to log your distances and interact with friends, the free version gives you the basics.

Strava has come under fire for its huge price hikes in the last year, and it's a shame to see features like maps, routes, and monthly progress stats behind a subscriber paywall. The app has some competition from alternatives like Nike Run Club and Runkeeper (owned by Asics). But are these a better proposition?

I think Strava is still one the best fitness apps for runners, cyclists, and adventurers, with a blend of statistics and a social community that's hard to beat. But is it the best for you? And is the subscription worth it in 2024?

Note: I'm reviewing the Strava iOS app using an iPhone 15 Pro, which is also available on Android. I've used both the Premium and Free plans.

Strava: Specifications

Strava: Price and availability

The features you get with a free or paid version of Strava — As of January 2024, the features you get with a free or subscription version of Strava (Image credit: Strava)

Subscription: $11.99/£8.99 per month
$79.99/£54.99 billed yearly
Free version available

Strava is free to download, and free to use forever if you want to. But you'll get limited features without a subscription. In January 2023, Strava announced that it was moving to consistent subscription pricing by country, and the current cost is $11.99/£8.99 monthly or $79.99/£54.99 annually.

A 30-day try-before-you-buy option gives you full access to training logs, segment competitions, maps, and more. It's easy to cancel the free trial before the month is up if you don't think these are worth paying for.

There's been a lot of negative press about Strava's rising subscription cost, but it's in the same ballpark as the fitness apps Fitbit Premium ($79.99 / £79.99 per year) and Fiit Unlimited ($9.99 / £9.99 per month).

By comparison, Runkeeper charges $39.99 / £39.99 per year or $9.99 / £11.99 per month for its premium features like live tracking, and progress insights over time. That's half the annual price of Strava in the US, but more per month in the UK. As its name suggests, Runkeeper is an app built mainly with runners in mind, and the activity types it supports are more limited than Strava.

Athletes, competitive runners, and cyclists who are serious about planning routes and improving their performance over time will benefit from subscribing to Strava. If you're training for a specific event or goal, I'd recommend paying monthly until you no longer need the extra features.

Value score: 4/5

Strava: Design and UX

The maps feature of the Strava app open on an iPhone 15 Pro — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Clean but utilitarian aesthetic
Small text during navigation
Route-making fiddly on a phone

On the whole, Strava is intuitive to use and navigate around. At the top, you'll find a plus symbol for adding a post, photo, or manual activity, a search function to find friends or clubs, and messages and notifications icons on the right. So far, so simple. I do find it fiddly to build a route, but you can log into the desktop app to do this with far more control.

The app is made up of shades of white and gray – a clean and minimalist look with orange accents to highlight your tab selection. The UX designers have done a good job at packing a lot of information onto the screen, but at times the text can be very small. Again, rely on the desktop version if you need to dig deep into stats on a big screen.

Before a workout, I don't want anything to put me off going. Thankfully, the Strava interface is easy to navigate, and you can start tracking with just a few taps. To start a session, you go to the record section, choose a sport, and press start. On my Apple Watch 8, I tap on the Strava app and tap Outdoor Run. Both approaches take seconds.

Once an activity has started recording, the time, average split pace, and distance are big and bold on your phone screen – so you can scan them while you're pacing along. Toggling the map button hides these numbers and brings up your location, which is helpful if you're exploring somewhere you haven't been before. And when you're at the end of your adventure, the big orange stop button is easy to find.

Design score: 4/5

Strava: Features

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Screenshots from the Strava app — As a subscriber, I get analysis on each activity, and suggested exercise routes (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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Training dashboard is insightful
Free features are limited
Route planning is excellent

Strava is designed for athletes – especially cyclists and runners – to track and analyze their fitness activities. Its main features revolve around recording workouts and giving insights into them to help you improve.

Users can track generic sports such as running, cycling, swimming, and hiking, along with niche exercises like skateboarding, squash, or HIIT sessions. Sports are grouped into further subcategories by genre; under Cycle Sports there's a generic "Ride" option, but also Gravel Bike Ride and E-Bike Ride, among others. The real difference here is how your workout is displayed on the dashboard. For example, "Runs" show Distance, Pace, and Time, but "Trail Runs" are likely to involve mixed terrain and show Distance, Elevation Gain, and Time.

During a workout, Strava gives you an analysis of each activity on the screen, with metrics such as time, distance, speed, elevation gain, heart rate (if you're synced up with compatible devices, like a smartwatch), and power (for cyclists using power meters). This data is also saved afterward with more nuance.

For free users, I'd say there's little data crunching beyond what a smartwatch records. You will be able to see your workout stats as recorded on your smartwatch, but Weekly Intensity is out, as is making a training plan. However, if you're using one of the best Garmin watches or a competitor like Polar, you'll be able to put together training plans in those native apps.

Strava has become well known for its segments; specific sections of routes where you can compete for the fastest time with other users, or track your improvement over time. These are also now subscriber-only, which is a real shame, as they help to foster competition and motivation for users of all levels.

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The Strava app on an iPhone 15 Pro — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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Accountability can be a big factor in whether we choose to exercise or not, and I know that the social nature of Strava has often spurred me on to go further and faster. I already mentioned the ability to give and receive Kudos and leave comments on activities – the networking features let you follow and interact with friends as well as pro athletes. Because who doesn't want to nosey at other people's training plans?

On the flip side of social features, Strava also has plenty of privacy features with safety in mind. It's possible to set the visibility of your whole profile to friends only, to everyone on Strava, or to completely private. You can also change each activity's visibility individually. I love the ability to hide and end the start point of your run (or the entire map), which goes some way to protecting your identity if you often run straight from your front door.

Strava Beacon is a safety feature for subscribers that allows users to share their real-time location with selected contacts during an activity. The aim is to offer peace of mind, especially if you're working out after dark, or in a new area. I've used it a few times when running alone at night.

The biggest and best feature for adventurous runners and cyclists is Strava's Maps tab, which gives you thousands of downloadable routes from other users, plus the ability to draw your own. When I'm stuck for inspiration, firing up the maps tab, setting an ideal distance and following a saved route nearby has given me fresh inspiration and allowed me to run knowing I'll end up finishing where I want to.

Features score: 4/5

Strava: Performance

Excellent fitness tracker integration
Challenges and goals
Plenty of subscriber metrics

Strava The Strava app open on an Apple Watch 8 — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Strava is generally well-regarded among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, but it's not perfect. It's also fair to say that the performance aspect of Strava depends on what activities you're tracking, what plan you're on, and what device (if any) you're wearing.

One of the best things about Strava is its integration with popular fitness platforms and services like Garmin Connect, meaning you can sync Strava with these services to upload workouts automatically. For premium users, ahuge range of compatible devices can be used to compete in Live Segments while running or cycling.

Lots of people start Strava on their phones, though. So to be thorough for this review, I recorded the same run on a Garmin Forerunner, Apple Watch, and the Strava app. Distance-wise, they were all within 0.05 miles of each other, which is comforting.

However, I've found that Strava will more often round down the distance from a Garmin watch, meaning you end up with an annoying 5.99 miles rather than the six miles recorded on your watch screen. This is a phenomenon known as "Strava tax" and has to do with the file that Strava uses. It's hardly a dealbreaker for most users, but competitive runners might see this as a frustration.

The Strava app on an iPhone 15, Garmin Forerunner 45 and Apple Watch 8 Pro — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

The reports from activities are clear and helpful, but again optimal with a fitness tracker. Elevation, pace, and heart rate are available to free users, while heart rate zones and pace zones are unlocked for premium app users. They're all fed back to you via the analysis section, and incorporated automatically into your Relative Effort score, so you can see whether you performed above or below average. The numbers are crunched and presented in a friendly way, and I've loved seeing my Fitness score increase over the weeks.

Maps and route mapping are other compelling reasons to subscribe to Strava, but are they any good? Definitely, if you're visiting a new area, on holiday, or working away from home, and want to find or plan a new route for exercise. The mapping interface is easy to use; just a few clicks, drags and drops and you've made a circuit.

The route mapping feature is available on desktop and mobile, but I find it quicker to make new routes on a bigger screen. Strava uses global maps with detailed road and trail data, so when you add two points to a route, there's the option to stick to roads or trails automatically. I mostly run solo, but the ability to share a route with friends or club members makes it easy to organize group rides or runs.

One of the standout aspects of Strava's performance is its emphasis on community and social interaction. The leaderboards, challenges, and the ability to follow and interact with friends and athletes provide real motivation, and I've never found anything but support on the platform.

Performance: 4.5/5

Strava: Scorecard

Strava: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also Consider

How we tested

I've used the free version of Strava ever since 2015, and have been a Premium subscriber for around a month at the time of writing this review. I generally track runs between 10-20 miles a week – to complement my workouts with Fiit Unlimited – but I've also been hiking and swimming to test out more of Strava's sports modes. I've used the app on iOS (an Apple iPhone 15 Pro), and have tracked activities on an Apple Watch 8 as well as an older Garmin Forerunner 45. As well as recording and syncing with fitness trackers, I also tried manually uploading activities to Strava on the website to see how easy and effective it was.

Audi Electric Mountain Bike review: Premium-priced offroad excellence

2:00 pm | January 28, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: Europe, UK | Comments: Off

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: One minute review

The clue is in the name, as the Audi Electric Mountain Bike powered by Fantic (to give it its full title) is just one of the Italian marque’s XEF Enduro bikes with a little Audi attitude applied to it.

Anyone expecting motors developed by the German automaker, or quattro all-wheel-drive technology, will be a little bit disappointed. However, if you like the idea of a dream spec downhill eBike that looks fantastic when attached to one of Audi’s electric vehicles, this is the only bike to have.

It offers the rider a potent Brose S-Mag 250W electric hub motor that offers several rider assist modes. This is all neatly wrapped inside a chunky aluminum frame, with SRAM GX and NX Eagle components and gearing.

Stopping power is taken care of by IN.CA.S disk brakes, which are massive to help bring the action safely to a halt. In addition to this, shock absorption is left to Swedish experts Ohlins, which provides both the front fork (complete with 180mm of travel) and the TTX 22M shock at the rear.

It’s a serious package for riders looking to tackle some serious terrain and although we found the entire set-up to be arguably too heavy, the 720Wh lithium-ion battery pack copes with the mass well and offers a solid all-electric range. As for the Audi branding, it looks a bit like an afterthought in a few places, even though it is influenced by the RS Q e-tron E2 Dakar Rally car. But it will undoubtedly go down well with fans of the brand.

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: Specifications

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: Price and availability

Only available in UK and Europe
RRP £8,499
Heavily discounted to £5,990

The Audi Electric Mountain Bike was released in the Spring of 2023 and went on sale via the company’s official online accessories store soon after. Originally, it cost £8,499 in the UK, which is the equivalent of around $10,500 or nearly AUS$16,000, although it didn’t officially go on sale in those territories.

That said, the bike was claimed to be a limited run, but it is already heavily discounted on the UK site, with large frame models available to buy for £5,990, which feels like a bit of a bargain to us considering the components on offer.

Value score: 3.5/5

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: Design

Very well constructed, like other Fantic bikes
Heavy at 24 kgs
Excellent component choices

As previously mentioned, Fantic doesn’t really mess around when it comes to making hardy electrified mountain bikes, and its current range comprises everything from Trail to Mountain, Enduro to Downhill and even classic hardtail models.

In this instance, the Audi e-bike’s frame is fashioned from toughened aluminium, with some very obvious and robust welding in key, high-stress areas. The rearmost triangle is made from carbon fiber to help keep some of the weight down, but this is still a chunky machine. Neither Fantic nor Audi reveal the official weight, but we’d say it’s easily in excess of 24kg after hauling it from a rear-mounted bike rack a number of times.

Further robustness is added by Vittoria off-road tyres and ultra-wide handlebars, which in this case were provided by FSA, although official specification says it should be Renthal’s Fatbar offering. There’s also the ubiquitous dropper seat post for ditching the saddle quickly during punishing downhill descents.

Audi has removed all Fantic branding and has instead added its own grey, silver and red livery, which is apparently inspired by its current electric Dakar Rally car. There is red and black hatching on the battery pack, bold e-tron lettering, Audi Sport stickers on the cranks and the Four Ring logo on the front of the headstock. There is certainly no mistaking this is an Audi product.

That said, some of the stickering feels like a bit of an afterthought, with the red and black hatching on the rims reminding us of the cheap rim tape boy racers add to their sports bikes, while the “Future is an Attitude” logo on the chainstays makes little sense.

Design score: 4/5

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: Performance

Superb off-road handling
Great power delivery
UK road legal, so only 15.5mph-speed assistance

As is the way with most e-bikes on sale today, the electric motor offered here only provides assistance at speeds of up to 15.5mph: anything more than that and the electric motor cuts its power.

That said, this isn’t a bike designed for speeding around town, instead the 90Nm of torque offered up by the system is more than enough to ease riders up the toughest uphill sections so they can spend more time doing the fun stuff… namely careering downhill and trying not to hit a tree.

Four assistance modes allow the rider to tailor the power delivery and these are easily accessed via a small colour screen computer mounted to the bars. This also gives a readout of remaining battery levels, current speed and distance travelled.

Power delivery is based on the amount of torque being pushed through the cranks and the rider’s cadence. In Eco and Tour modes, the electric system will offer minimal assistance in an effort to eke the most from the battery pack - which can be removed or charged on the bike. Sport and Boost seemed to unleash full power, with the latter enough to have the rear wheel spinning on loose surfaces.

The wide bars, slack headtube angle and long, low chassis are all classic hallmarks of a downhill/endurance bike and the Audi offering is perfectly at home being thrown down steep trails. It’s also easy to ride over distance, but we wouldn’t say this is right for touring… it’s too heavy and clearly designed for adrenaline junkies.

“The Audi electric mountain bike in cooperation with Fantic is another fantastic example of how we can expand our mobility offering to customers that extends beyond the award-winning models they drive,” Andrew Doyle, Director Audi UK said.

It’s a strange sentiment, considering this is most definitely not a commuter bike, while we feel Audi has probably alienated a bunch of potential customers by opting for one of Fantic’s more focused off-road machines.

But we’re not complaining, as it proved an extremely fun way to tear up a few local trails and send down a number of root-laden descents. It’s certainly capable and at the discounted price we previously mentioned, it’s a lot of bike for the money.

Performance score: 4/5

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: Scorecard

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon

The best electric mountain bike on our list - a lightweight and cheaper, but less powerful, alternative.

Read our full review

Under Armour Flow Dynamic review: Built for cross-training comfort

8:37 pm | January 23, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: Australia, UK | Comments: Off

UA Flow Dynamic: One minute review

If, like me, you love mixing up your workouts – from interval running to strength workouts, then you’ll need some of the best gym shoes to keep up with you. UA’s Flow Dynamic trainers are lightweight and comfortable enough for a quick HIIT session, thanks to super foam soles and IntelliKnit uppers, but they also have the stability needed for strength sessions.

The Flow Dynamic trainers boast an innovative design that sets them apart from other cross-training shoes; stylish and functional, they have a sock-like design, a lateral TPU wrap and engaging colors.

The use of synthetic overlays and a breathable mesh upper means you’ll also get durability and breathability from the trainer, an important factor for any intense cross-training routine. Other highlights include the internal shank, which gave me extra stability during jumps and lunges.

When it comes to running long distances, I found they didn’t have enough energy return, while when lifting heavy weights, the trainers 8mm heel-to-toe-drop let me down, as while they gave me flexibility when I was moving fast, the foam isn’t sturdy enough when handling bigger weights.

UA Flow Dynamic: Specifications

UA Flow Dynamic: Price and availability

Under Armour Flow Dynamic — (Image credit: Sarah Finley)

$130 in the US
£115 in the UK
AU$140 in Australia

The trainers are priced at $130 in the US, £115 in the UK and AU$140. This is around the standard market price for a premium workout shoe, although they don’t represent outstanding value other than perhaps the Australian price. Thrifty gym-goers can try older models such as the Under Armour Tribase Reign 4, which can now be picked up very cheaply and will certainly do the job well, unless you’re looking for extreme performance.

Value score: 3.5 / 5

UA Flow Dynamic: Design

Upper is lightweight and breathable
Cushioning outsole foam
Snug sock-like fit

I love the striking design of the trainers: my samples were white with accents of orange and blue, which wrap around the base of the foot, giving them some edge. The trainer also comes in other color designs including pink, black and white. I personally felt the sleek design and bold color options make these sneakers not only a top choice for the gym but also a nice addition to my wardrobe, and I regularly paired them with jeans and other casual outfits.

The uppers of the Flow Dynamic trainers are made with Under Armour's IntelliKnit, a stretchy, lightweight mesh material which supports my foot but allows them to breathe as I start to sweat. While the lateral TPU wrap up gives the shoe a snug, sock-like fit: they are easier to slip on than other trainers, while the padded heel support, with a collar, is also sturdy and doesn’t rub as I make my way through multiple workouts.

The 8mm heel-to-toe drop midsole is made from the brand's one-piece flow technology - giving them a cushioning, responsive and comfortable ride. The Flow Dynamic trainer also has the same rubberless sole as two of the brand's running shoes, Velociti and SlipSpeed, meaning they are super-light to wear but also supportive throughout the footbed.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

UA Flow Dynamic: Performance

Versatile in gym workouts
Stability for HIIT workouts
Lacks energy return for running

I’m a big gym-goer, regularly attending HIIT and strength classes, so I was keen to out these trainers to the test, which I did rigorously over a couple of months. The trainer's responsive Flow technology, a super foam, is firmer than other foams so took a while for me to ‘break in’, but once I had they provided a great bounce. This makes them perfect for activities that involve jumping or quick lateral movements like squat jumps or skaters. At the same time the outsole, thanks to its multidirectional patterns, gave them a good grip – I find myself slipping on some gym floors, especially when pushing heavy weights, but they performed well on various surfaces, from rubber tile floors to outdoor tracks.

The trainers also boast an internal shank, there to give you more support. I found I had supportive landings when I was performing more explosive movements such as skipping or box jumps. I also really appreciated the lightweight construction as it made me feel less weighed down during high-intensity workouts. The sock-like fit also helped to keep my feet stable, ensuring they had minimal movement as I made my way through different workouts. These shoes do come up big though, and I would advise going down half a size so make sure you have a snug fit.

Lacing up the shoes for a series of short runs I loved how light they were, but I found the super foam a little too stiff for a comfortable run. Unlike some of their running specific trainers, there wasn’t enough energy return, the process of using the compressing and decompressing foam on your feet to save you energy and propel you forwards during your run. The trainers weren’t the best choice for very heavy weightlifting either, as I prefer a flatter sole and more stability for exercises such as squats and deadlifts.

However, the shoe is built to withstand the wear and tear of intense cross-training and HIIT sessions full of plyometric movements – the shoes’ support and comfort, particularly in the midsole and heel areas, is a key reason why I keep slipping them on for gym sessions even after I’ve finished testing. I’m sure this is one of the main reasons why I’ve avoided injuries over the last couple of months: these shoes are seriously well-constructed.

Performance score: 4 / 5

UA Flow Dynamic: Scorecard

UA Flow Dynamic: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

UA Flow Dynamic: Also consider

Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review

2:00 pm | January 21, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Mattresses Sleep | Comments: Off

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.

Diagram showing internal layers of Stearns & Foster Estate mattress — (Image credit: Stearns & Foster)

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.

Diagram showing layers inside the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress compared to the Lux Estate — (Image credit: Stearns & Foster)

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.

Stearns & Foster Estate mattress with kettlebell weight resting on it — (Image credit: Future)

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).

Reviewer lying on the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress — (Image credit: 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.

Stearns & Foster Estate mattress in reviewer's bedroom — (Image credit: Future)

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.

Stearns & Foster Estate mattress, side view, showing vents — (Image credit: Future)

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.

Close up of cover on Stearns & Foster Estate mattress — (Image credit: Future)

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.

Stearns & Foster Estate mattress with a kettlebell resting on the edge, showing minimal compression — (Image credit: Future)

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.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: One minute review

Brooks wants the Hyperion Elite 3 to be the best running shoe for race day, the one shoe you lace up when you’re ready for peak performance.

Like the Elite 2, Brooks says this shoe is the perfect choice for those who run marathons and half marathons, and it sticks largely to the same formula as its predecessor. There have been some small tweaks, which Brooks hopes will make the Hyperion Elite 3 the shoe of choice if you’re stepping up to that start line.

It’s up against a host of carbon race shoes, such as the Nike Vaporfly 3, Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 and Asics Metaspeed Sky+ among others, which have graced most the feet of some of the fastest runners on the planet such as Eliud Kipchoge. It also faces competition from new brands of race shoe in the market, such as the Hoka Rocket X 2 and On Running Cloudboom Echo 3.

Competition appears to be pretty fierce, then, and the feeling is that maybe the Elite 3 isn’t quite the shoe of choice for chasing a PB.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Specifications

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Price and availability

$250 in the US
£200 in the UK
AU$399.95 in Australia

The Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 launched in the US in 2022, and in the UK in early 2023. You can pick up a pair for £200 / $250 / AU$399.95, which makes this shoe cheaper than the Nike Vaporfly 3, Asics Metaspeed Sky+, Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 and Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.

Value score: 4/5

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Design

Quickknit upper
8mm heel-to-toe drop
Weighs 246g in UK size 8

The Elite 3’s design doesn’t see too much of a shift away from the Elite 2. The main change is a move to Brooks’ knitted style of upper, rather than the mesh kind used for the Elite 2. Brooks has also updated the design of the heel and the collar, to address some of the rubbing issues associated with the Elite 2.

An 8mm drop remains, but it’s picked up some weight over its predecessor. My UK size 8 weighed in at 246g, which makes it heavier than the Nike Vaporfly 3 and the Asics Metaspeed Sky+.

Sticking with its DNA Flash midsole foam, which is an EVA-based setup that’s nitrogen-infused to deliver a lightweight and fast ride, Brooks partners this with a full-length carbon plate to promise some pop when you hit your top speeds. The rubber outsole looks identical to the one used on the Elite 2, with a similar pattern and exposed areas of foam.

Overall, I found the fit pretty decent. The ridged laces and slightly gusseted tongue offer a strong foot-ground connection, keeping you secure inside the shoe with no sliding around, and I didn’t experience any rubbing at the heel, either. The stretchy nature of the upper creates some welcome space up front in the toe box, so I’d say that opting for your regular size should work for most.

Design score: 3.5/5

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Performance

Feels more speedy daily trainer than race shoe
Same DNA Flash as Hyperion Elite 2
Outsole grip performed well on dry and wet roads

Brooks pitches the Hyperion Elite 3 as a racing shoe, and while I’ve yet to use them in that capacity, I’ve aimed to replicate that race pace in my runs with the shoes on my feet. What I’d say about that time is that the Elite 3 shoe doesn’t feel quite that Elite.

In fact, I’d say the Elite 3 would be more suitable for uptempo training sessions of the type you’d do before actually starting to race. Brooks’ DNA Flash delivers an EVA-type midsole as opposed to the more popular Pebax-based type used to such great effect by the likes of Nike, Hoka and On Running. As such, the Elite 3 feels more firm and, along with the carbon plate, really requires you to engage with that midsole to get the best out of it.

Run quicker in the Elite 3 and you’ll experience a more rockered feeling at the forefoot, a more stable feeling than most top-tier carbon racing shoes. If you’re hoping this is a shoe you can ease off in, this simply isn’t the case here. You’ll feel a firmness and stiffness at slower speeds; but that’s hardly surprising given it’s a shoe pitched at giving you that speedy feeling.

The Elite 3 definitely wouldn’t be my shoe of choice for going particularly long; other super shoes feel a bit more forgiving over distance by comparison. It screams tempo running and speed sessions, and will reward you in such use. However, it doesn’t deliver that “wow”, even against speedier training shoes that are available for a lot less.

Elsewhere, the outsole has generally been fine in terms of grip. I’ve run the pavements in the Elite 3 on both dry and wet days, and while it’s held up surprisingly well on the latter, I’m still of the opinion that the Elite 3 feels more at home in drier running conditions.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Scorecard

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Also consider

CMF Watch Pro by Nothing review: A great value smartwatch, but not perfect

5:00 pm | January 14, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: AI, Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

CMF Watch Pro: One minute review

The CMF Watch Pro is astonishingly cheap, retailing for just $69 / £69 / AU$142, but despite that it looks and feels premium throughout. Moving into this watch from my (comparatively expensive) Amazfit Balance, I was worried that the experience would be laden with frustrations and limitations, but on the contrary, I’ve really enjoyed testing it.

The design, while clearly taking inspiration from Apple, is lovely. It looks great on the wrist, the materials and finish are top-notch, and Nothing’s signature design language is present across a large library of aesthetically pleasing and functional watch faces. It’s a chunky watch, but extremely lightweight, and that makes it a pleasure to wear.

Of course, at such a low price, there are plenty of features missing that have become commonplace on more expensive smartwatches. There’s no onboard Wi-Fi, no payment system and the vast majority of features will require your smartphone to be connected in order to function, but I think the Watch Pro covers the basics well enough to satisfy most users.

The frustrations arise when you realise how much effort it takes to keep the watch connected to your phone. It just seems to disconnect itself all the time, and that means you won’t be getting notifications and many functions will be unavailable until you open the smartphone app and reconnect your phone.

Hopefully, this is something that will be improved as the software matures, and in fairness, there have been multiple updates pushed over the few weeks I’ve been wearing it. As it stands, it’s still a great-looking smartwatch at a bargain price, but there are definitely some refinements to be made.

CMF Watch Pro: Specifications

CMF Watch Pro: Price and availability

£69 in the UK
$69 in the US
AU$131 in Australia

The biggest draw of the CMF Watch Pro is its low asking price. While it may look a lot like an Apple Watch, its pricing puts it in closer competition with devices like the Xiaomi Smart Band 8, Fitbit Inspire 3 and the Amazfit Bip 5. All great watches in their own right, but none have quite the same premium allure as the CMF option.

It launched in September 2023 as a debut product for the CMF by Nothing brand, alongside some earbuds and a wall charger.

It’s available to purchase now from Nothing directly and via various authorised resellers in the UK. In the US, it can be found on Amazon and in Australia it’s available via AliExpress.

Value score: 5/5

CMF Watch Pro: Design and screen

1.96-inch AMOLED display
Dark Grey and Metallic Grey options
Replaceable 22mm silicon wrist strap

The CMF Watch Pro is quite a sizable watch, and while I think it looks great on my wrist, it’s worth noting that I am male and over 6 feet tall – it’s likely to look more out of place on petite wrists.

This watch is only a few millimeters smaller than the Apple Watch Ultra, so it’s quite chunky, but it wears it well. It’s also extremely lightweight, coming in under 50 grams including the silicon wrist strap, so you’ll barely feel it on your wrist – but you’ll see it.

I was sent the Dark Grey variant for testing and I think it’s the better-looking of the two finishes. The Metallic Grey option has a polished, almost mirror finish on its frame, a bit like the Google Pixel Watch 2, and while it does look nice I know I would be concerned about scratches and blemishes. The Dark Grey option is anodized with a more rugged-looking matte finish, and comes paired with either an ash gray or dark gray sports strap, the flashier orange strap is only supplied with the metallic version.

On the right-hand side, there’s a push button and a speaker, while all the other sides are blank and minimalistic. On the base, you’ll find an array of four optical sensors for fitness tracking and two pogo-pin pads that attach to the magnetic charging puck.

The screen is large, sharp and bright and it’s extremely responsive to touch input. There are large bezels on all sides, but for the most part, you’d never know. The UI has a black background throughout, and the majority of watch faces are dark, too. This means you rarely see these chunky bezels unless you’re really looking for them.

My biggest gripe with the screen isn’t the fault of the screen itself, it’s just that the watch doesn’t have an ambient light sensor. This means that on many occasions, the display is inappropriately bright or dim. Thankfully, it only takes a couple of taps to adjust the brightness, but it’s a hassle that you won’t experience with the more expensive watches on the market.

Design score: 4.5/5

CMF Watch Pro: Features

110 sport tracking modes
CMF Watch companion app for Android and iOS
Bluetooth calling with AI noise reduction

As you might expect with a watch at this price point, the functionality is quite limited compared to a Wear OS device or an Apple Watch. There’s no app store, everything that you can use comes preinstalled and ready to go out of the box. That said, the most commonly used smartwatch features are present here, and there’s more than enough for most people's needs.

There’s also no Wi-Fi onboard, so for any feature that requires internet access, like weather info, you’ll need to be paired to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The CMF Watch app is available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store and it makes it as simple as can be to get up and running.

Most of the CMF Watch Pro’s features are accessed by tapping the button on the right-hand side. In the resulting menu, you’ll find everything from timers and alarms to music controls, phone calls and fitness tracking. When you open the Exercise app, you’ll find a comprehensive list of 110 different activities to choose between. I was pleasantly surprised to see that some of my more unusual hobbies, like inline skating and snowboarding, were represented here – so there’s a good chance that your sport of choice will be on the list.

Most of the tracking works similarly, measuring your heart rate, workout duration and location data (where applicable). It’s enough information for the casual user, but it might be a little lacking for true fitness buffs. You can’t use the watch to track your reps while strength training, for example.

The CMF Watch Pro can also check your stress level and blood oxygen levels, and it can monitor them 24/7 if you want it to, though that will cost you some battery life. Personally, I chose to keep the 24/7 heart rate monitoring active, which is the default, and activated the other sensors manually.

You can make and answer phone calls directly from the watch, so long as you are connected to your phone, and the function works quite well. My friends told me that my voice came through clean and clear, and the surprisingly loud built-in speaker meant that I could hear them well, too. The only frustration is that you have to manually add contacts to the watch, they won’t appear by default, so you’ll need to do a bit of set-up before you can call people on a whim.

One feature that I found quite appealing was the camera remote, which allows you to trigger a photo or start a timer using your watch. Unfortunately, I couldn't get it to work with my Vivo X100 Pro, and the literature says it won't work with an iPhone, either. Still, I've seen it demonstrated with other Android devices, and if yours happens to work, it could be handy.

Features score: 3/5

CMF Watch Pro: Performance

Up to 13 days of battery life
Heart rate, sleep, stress and SpO2 monitoring
Built-in multi-system GPS

The CMF Watch Pro is advertised as having up to 13 days of battery life on a charge, but of course, that all depends on how you use it. Personally, I used it with the always-on display active, 24/7 heart rate monitoring and notifications enabled for all of my most-used applications. With this configuration, you can expect to be charging it every five days or so.

When it's time to charge, you do so with the proprietary magnetic charging puck that comes included in the box. It's a bit of a flimsy connector and I think it could benefit from some stronger magnets or a ridge to lock into as it's very easy to accidentally disconnect it. That said, it gets the job done well enough, and it'll juice you back up to full battery in under 2 hours.

Nothing hasn't provided any information about the processor powering this watch, nor is there much information about its operating system, but what I can tell you is that it feels snappy and responsive in use and I haven't experienced any freeze-ups or stutters in my usage. In terms of fitness tracking, it’s hard to gauge exactly how accurate the measurements are, but my step count always came close to the figures I’m used to seeing on my other devices, and my average and maximum heart rates were very similar to the readings I got with my Amazfit Balance, too. The only oddity was that sometimes it would think I was asleep when I was relaxing and watching TV, so the sleep data might not be the most reliable out there.

Otherwise, the only real performance issue I experienced was the connection between the CMF Watch Pro and my phone. Unless I had recently used the CMF Watch app, the Bluetooth connection would just randomly drop, and that means no more notifications until you reopen the app, which seems to bump start the connection.

This happened every day without fail, and no matter how many permissions I gave the CMF Watch app, it didn’t seem to change. I tried pairing the watch with a couple of different phones, and the results were always the same, so it’s not an isolated problem, either. On the plus side, there has been at least one firmware update a week since I have been testing, so Nothing is actively working to make the experience better. Fingers crossed one of these updates brings with it better Bluetooth connection stability.

Performance score: 3/5

CMF Watch Pro: Scorecard

CMF Watch Pro: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

CMF Watch Pro: Also consider

CMF Watch Pro: How I tested

Our reviewer wore the CMF Watch Pro as his primary smartwatch for over two weeks, and it accompanied him in travelling, commuting and during regular workouts. It was paired to a Vivo X100 Pro for the majority of the testing period, but was also tried with an Honor smartphone and a Google Pixel to compare.

The tracking results were compared to historical results from the Amazfit Balance and TicWatch Pro 5, as well as the built-in step counter on the smartphone and the Strava app for GPS accuracy.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud mattress review: a super-squishy mattress that you’ll either love or hate

12:00 pm | January 7, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Mattresses Sleep | Tags: US | Comments: Off

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud mattress: Two-minute review

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud is a 10-inch tall mattress available in all-foam or hybrid versions. For this review I tested out the former, sleeping on it for three weeks and also asking a panel of others to try it out and share their thoughts. The aim was to see how it compares to the rest of the best mattresses on the market, and if it justifies the premium price tag.

Like all of this brand's beds, the Tempur-Cloud uses Tempur Material – a kind of high-end foam that delivers a sink-in, deep contouring feel. Tempur-Pedic is widely considered to be one of the best luxury mattress brands, but it won't be for everyone.

This mattress has a medium firmness (I'd rate it a 5.5 out of 10, with 10 being a rock). That, combined with the squishy feel, makes it a great choice for lightweight people and side sleepers seeking a bit of extra softness. The pressure relief here is excellent. It also has perhaps the best motion isolation of any mattress I've slept on. I didn't toss and turn as usual during my review period, and I couldn't feel my husband getting in and out of bed, either.

It will be too soft for most back or stomach sleepers, who will find their hips sinking too low into the surface. Ditto anyone who weighs above average and needs a bit of extra support. And while the slow-moving memory foam will be amazing for some people, it might prove problematic for those with mobility issues – the deep sinking feeling on the edges of the bed made me feel like I was heading towards the floor, which isn't ideal.

All of Tempur-Pedic's mattresses sit in the premium price bracket, and you're mostly paying for the high-end, own brand foams. It's pricier than most of today's best memory foam mattresses, and to be honest, I feel that Tempur could do more to justify that price – especially with regards to things like delivery (which is only to your door) and trial length (short at 90 nights). However, if you want that unique Tempur mattress feel, this is the most affordable of the lineup, and for some people it'll be worth it. Read on for more detail in my full Tempur-Cloud mattress review.

Tempur-Cloud mattress review: Design

10" tall mattress made in the US
Available in all-foam (reviewed here) or hybrid versions
Cover is super-stretchy and designed to be breathable

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud is a 10-inch tall mattress available in all-foam (reviewed here) or hybrid versions.

The top of the mattress is wrapped with a polyester-blend, soft cover that's designed to be ultra-stretchy – so you can get the full benefit of the foams beneath – as well as breathable. It's not removable, so you'll want to add one of the best mattress protectors to make cleaning easier and guard against spills. There are no handles to help with maneuvering.

Diagram showing inside the Tempur-Cloud mattress, all-foam and hybrid versions — The all-foam version (top, reviewed here) and the hybrid (bottom) (Image credit: Tempur-Pedic)

Next up you'll find a 'comfort layer' made from an updated version of Tempur Material. This is a proprietary material that the brand is adamant is not memory foam, but we would class as memory foam (it certainly has that slow-moving, sink in feel that most would associate with classic memory foam). This top layer is designed to cushion pressure points and alleviate muscle pains and achy joints.

This softer top layer sits above a layer of slightly firmer Tempur Material, to add more support and prevent the whole thing from becoming too squishy. If you opt for the hybrid, you'll find a layer of pocket coils next. These will add a touch of bounce as well as creating space for air to circulate within the mattress. Finally, there's a sturdy polyfoam base that supports layers above it. It's thicker on the all-foam version, to make up the height.

Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Tempur-Cloud mattress review: Price & value for money

Premium priced mattress, sometimes 30% off over sales events
Cheapest option in the Tempur-Pedic mattress range
Not the best value for money

The Tempur-Cloud mattress is the cheapest in the Tempur lineup, but it still sits firmly in the premium price bracket. For comparison, at MSRP a queen sized Cloud is $1,999, the Adapt is $2,199 and the Breeze is $4,599. If you're smart, and flexible about when you buy, you can avoid those prices. Tempur-Pedic mattress sales tend to crop up around major shopping events, and usually knock 30 per cent off MSRP.

Here are the list prices for the main sizes of the Tempur-Cloud mattress (all-foam):

Twin size: MSRP $1,699
Full size: MSRP $1,899
Queen size: MSRP $1,999
King size: MSRP $2,399

On paper, it's hard to see where this extra expense is coming from. The design is pretty standard – the layers diagram for the Tempur-Cloud would look very similar to the Nectar memory foam mattress or Cocoon Chill mattress, both of which are significantly cheaper.

What about the extras? Well, they're nothing special, either: you've got a 90 night trial, which is shorter than pretty much every other big bed brand, and a 10-year warranty, which is standard. Shipping is free, but that's common, and there are no perks such as setup and packaging removal to sweeten the deal.

The only real point of difference is the inclusion of Tempur Material, which has a fairly unique feel, and which you won't find in any other mattresses. It's this material that has earned Tempur a reputation as one of the best luxury mattress brands around.

You're definitely paying for the brand name a bit, too. Many of the other reviews mention being loyal Tempur-Pedic customers. If you love that unique Tempur mattress feel, that's what you'll need to pay (unless you just opt for the topper – which you can read about in our Tempur-Adapt topper review), but I wouldn't say it's amazing value for money.

Value for money score: 2.5 out of 5

Tempur-Cloud mattress review: Comfort & support

Medium sleep surface with a sink-in feel and excellent pressure relief
Best for lightweight side sleepers, lacks support for heavier people
Gooey, slow-moving foams, takes a long time to return to shape

Climb into bed with the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud mattress, and you'll sink in immediately and keep going, with the foams contouring around your joints. That's often referred to as a 'quicksand-like feeling' in the world of mattress reviews and testing.)

In terms of actual firmness, Tempur-Pedic says this is a 'medium', which would be about a five or six out of 10 on the firmness scale. I'd agree with that, and judged it to be a 5.5. I placed a 12lb kettlebell in the middle of the bed and it sunk in two inches. More so than the softness, the deep sinking feeling of this mattress threw me for a loop.

The brand website says the foam is designed to be responsive but I'd disagree with that. During my testing, I pressed down on the mattress with my hand, and it took about 20 seconds for the surface to completely return to its original shape.

That quicksand feel is divisive – some people will love it, while others hate it. It's a characteristic associated with memory foam mattresses, but it's really pronounced here. I've tested other all-foam bed-in-a-box mattresses that felt much more responsive.

For me, there were some benefits – I usually shift position a lot at night, whereas I tended to stay in place a lot more while sleeping on the Cloud. However, it also made it harder to get out of bed. I'd imagine someone who is pregnant, has mobility issues, or who needs to get up a lot throughout the night might be thrown off by this aspect of the design.

For reference, I'm of average build and height, and predominantly a side sleeper, and I like to put a pillow between my knees for comfort and pressure relief at night. I mostly tested this mattress by sleeping on my side but I also experimented with lying on my stomach and back for naps.

Tempur-Cloud mattress with a weight on in to show sinkage — (Image credit: Future)

Although the deep sinking feeling did take some getting used to, I found this mattress fairly comfortable in my usual side sleeping position. I felt like my shoulders and hips were supported, and the contouring prevented pressure from building up uncomfortably. The best mattresses for side sleepers tend to be medium or medium-firm (five to seven-and-a-half) out of 10) to allow the hip and shoulder to sink in a little, while still keeping the spine neutrally aligned.

It was less comfortable when lying on my back. When settling into a reclining position to scroll through my phone or read a book before going to sleep, my butt would sink all the way down while my legs felt like they rested on top of the mattress and my top half almost felt like I would fall back, even though I was propped up on pillows.

Reviewer lying on Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud mattress — (Image credit: Future)

I couldn't really sleep an entire night on my back, because my butt and hips felt like they were sinking too far into the mattress. This would be even more of an issue if you're on the heavier side, and would likely lead to back pain over time. Typically, we recommend medium-firm to firm mattresses for back sleepers (so at least a seven).

It was a similar situation when I lay on my stomach – my hips sank in deep. This isn't really ideal, as it puts strain on the spine. Again, stomach sleepers usually need a firmer mattress to ensure their back is properly supported.

Because comfort is subjective, I also asked some others to give this mattress a go and share their opinions. My petite, average weight mom tested it on her back and she said she thought it was comfortable once you settled in and would give it a 3.5 stars out of 5 for comfort. My dad is an average height, heavier-than-average man who is a side sleeper and he thought it was comfortable once he settled in as well. He gave it 4 out of 5 stars but noted the lack of edge support immediately (more on that in the performance section).

Close up of corner of Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud mattress — (Image credit: Future)

In general, softer mattresses tend to work best for lightweight people, who will benefit from the extra cushioning. The heavier you are, the more support you'll need and the firmer your mattress should be. Personal preference does come into it, too, as does sleep position. I tend to get on best with mattresses that score around seven out of 10 in terms of firmness.

Overall, I'd say the Cloud would be best suited to lightweight side sleepers, although it may also suit some average weight side sleepers, if they have a preference for a softer feeling mattress. Heavier weight people, as well as back or stomach sleepers, should approach with caution, as they likely won't find the support they need here.

Tempur-Cloud mattress review: Performance

Temperature regulation is poor, not the best for hot sleepers
Edge support is terrible
Motion isolation is excellent – great for couples and light sleepers

As well as general comfort and support, there are other factors that affect your experience with a mattress. In this section of the review, I'll be assessing the mattress' temperature regulation, edge support (how firm it is on the sides of the bed and bottom), as well as the motion isolation. Here's how I got on…

Temperature regulation

The Tempur-Pedic website says the mattress offers superior breathability and airflow compared to 'other compress mattress brands', but overall I wasn't too impressed with the temperature regulation here.

I tend to sleep neutral, and although the Cloud didn't feel immediately warm, I would occasionally wake up feeling clammy during my review period. My sister runs hot and she said she woke up feeling sweaty during her one night on this mattress.

Reviewer resting their hand on the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud mattress — (Image credit: Future)

That's more notable because I tested this memory foam mattress out in a basement bedroom so it was cooler than other areas of the home. For context, the outside temperatures were 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit during my testing period. I slept with a sheet and a duvet cover on the mattress, both made from cotton/polyester blends.

This mattress would work for those who run cool or neutral, but if you struggle with overheating, it's one to avoid. You could consider the Tempur-Breeze, which is this brand's specialist cooling model, or head to our best cooling mattress guide for some more alternatives.

Temperature regulation score: 2.5 out of 5

Motion isolation

Motion isolation refers to the extent to which a mattress absorbs movements or lets them reverberate across the surface. It's something couples might want to look for in a mattress, particularly if they have differing sleeping and waking hours or if one sleeper tends to get up often at night.

The Tempur-Cloud mattress has excellent motion isolation. When my husband was asleep on his side of the mattress, he couldn't feel me getting in or out of bed, and vice versa.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud mattress with a weight and wine glass on it to show motion isolation — (Image credit: Future)

My parents slept over in this bed a few of the nights during the testing phase and didn't notice when the other person got out of bed in the middle of the night or early morning to help with my toddlers, either.

To gain a more objective view, I dropped a 12lb kettlebell near a wine glass balanced on the center of the bed. The wine glass didn't move when it was dropped, 4, 10 and 20 inches away. In fact, when I dropped the kettlebell right next to the wine glass, it only wobbled a little, still staying upright. If you're a light sleeper, the Tempur-Cloud would be an excellent choice.

Good motion isolation can also help promote a more restful sleep if you tend to toss and turn at night. That was the case for me – I usually move around a lot when I sleep, but I slept much more solidly on this mattress. When I woke up, I was in the same position I fell asleep in.

Motion isolation score: 5 out of 5

Edge support

Edge support refers to how sturdy a mattress is around its perimeter. All of our testers said some variation of, “Whoa!” as soon as they sat on the edge of the Tempur-Cloud bed. What does that mean? As soon as their butts hit the edge of the mattress, they were surprised by how far they kept sinking, further and further down and towards the edge of the mattress.

When I stand up, this mattress height hits my mid-thigh. When sitting down, even if I position myself 10 inches or so from the edge of the mattress, I keep sinking until my butt is parallel with my knees and my legs are at a 90-degree angle or less.

So why does edge support matter? If you're short on bed space, you want to be able to use every inch of the available surface for sleeping, without fear of rolling off the mattress. Or if you're someone who likes to sit on the edge of the bed while getting dressed or putting on your shoes on, a mattress with flimsy edges probably won't allow you to do that comfortably. If the edge support of the mattress isn't good in the beginning, it's likely only going to get worse over the years.

When I placed a 12lb kettlebell on the edge of the mattress, it sank in a couple of inches. That's the same sinkage as I recorded in the centre of the mattress, which is actually an acceptable result. However, the softness is exacerbated by how slow-moving the foams are. When I left my 12lb kettlebell on the edge for 10 to 20 seconds, the mattress still hadn't returned to its full height when I checked it again over an hour later.

If you are sleeping by yourself and sleep in the middle of the mattress, it might be a non-issue for you. Also note that poor edge support is more common in all-foam mattresses, so the hybrid version of the Cloud might perform better on this front.

Edge support score: 2 out of 5

Tempur-Cloud mattress review: Customer experience

Mattress delivered vacuum-packed, rolled and bagged
Standard delivery is free, but no white glove option
90 night trial period is short, especially for the price

Tempur-Pedic offers a free delivery for this Tempur-Cloud model. After ordering online to my home in New York, it estimated delivery in five to seven business days. The mattress was delivered to my garage door compressed and rolled up, but interestingly, not in a cardboard box, as most bed-in-a-box mattresses are.

If you buy the pricier Tempur-Adapt or Breeze mattresses, white glove delivery is included for free, but that's not the case with the Cloud. I think that's a little stingy, given that it's still very much a premium priced mattress.

I noticed it was heavy (40 to 50 pounds) and kind of an awkward cylinder shape so I dragged it into my house, downstairs to the guest bedroom where I'd be testing it. With that heavy of a package, it would be nice to have a white glove delivery option, even if I had to pay extra. If you ordered the king-size models, they'd be about 80 pounds and most people would need help getting that size package from wherever UPS dropped it off into a bedroom and on a bed frame.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud mattress rolled and wrapped in plastic — (Image credit: Future)

The trial is 90 nights and Tempur-Pedic recommends each customer try their mattress for at least 30 nights, partly because memory foam can take some time to get used to if you're a former innerspring mattress sleeper, and partly because it molds to your body better after a few weeks. That's about the shortest trial period of any major bed brand – the likes of Nectar and Saatva give customers a full year. If you return your mattress or exchange it within the 90-night sleep trial, you'll need to pay a $175 fee. Only a handful of brands charge for this, and this fee is particularly high with Tempur, too.

There's a 10-year full replacement limited warranty, replacing or repairing a defect within that time frame if you bought from a Tempur-Pedic authorized retailer or the site. I think it's noteworthy that the Tempur-Pedic site explicitly outlines the type of frames, surfaces and foundations that its beds are designed to be placed on. If you don't use those and want to return the product, the site says “...if purchaser uses inappropriate foundations, box springs, adjustable bed bases, or bed frames with the mattress… such will void the Limited Warranty and all other warranties.”

Tempur-Pedic says it regularly donates to “charitable organizations within our community.” At time of writing, there have been quite a few recent complaints and negative reviews captured on the Better Business Bureau website but it's difficult to tell if those products that customers were unhappy with truly fell under the warranty parameters.

Customer service score: 3 out of 5

Tempur-Cloud mattress review: Specs

Tempur-Cloud mattress review: Other reviews

On Tempur-Pedic's website, the Tempur Cloud has 4.5 stars out of 5 stars from over 1,500 reviews (December 2023). The only other site I could find reviews of this model was Walmart, which pulled most of the reviews from Tempur-Pedic's site or the Better Business Bureau.

Many of the reviews of five stars for the Tempur-Cloud were for the hybrid model, which features innersprings. Price comments were positive when compared to other Tempur-Pedic mattresses and other feedback tended to be along the lines of 'worth the cost', while noting that it was expensive.

Some customers who have other Tempur-Pedics found that it was not the same quality as their other products, but noted it was a more affordable line.

Some reviewers mentioned the lack of edge support and there were a lot of comments about it sleeping hot. Complaints tended to be about it being too soft and not getting their money back through the warranty after the trial.

The Tempur-Cloud was launched in 2019, and I couldn't see many comments dealing with the long-term wear and feel of this mattress-in-a-box.

Should you buy the Tempur-Cloud mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You love a deep 'hugging' feel: Tempur-Pedic is known for its pressure-relieving memory foam products and the customer reviews of this mattress sang the praises of this aspect of the mattress. It delivers excellent pressure relief via its contouring, squishy top layer.

✅ You're a lightweight side-sleeper: The medium feel of this mattress is a good fit for side sleepers, and it'll cradle your shoulder and hip and prevent pressure from building up. It's also great for lightweight people who need a little extra cushioning to feel comfortable.

✅ You're a light sleeper or toss and turn at night: The slow-moving foams isolate motion extremely well, which is great news if you're a light sleeper and toss and turn at night – I found I stayed in the same place when sleeping on this mattress. It's doubly useful if you share a bed and don't want to be disturbed by a partner's movements.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You're a back sleeper or a stomach sleeper: The deep, sink-in surface of this mattress isn't well suited to most back and stomach sleepers, as they'll find their hips drop in too low, putting a strain on their back.

❌ You weigh more than average: Bigger bodies need more support than this medium mattress will offer. If you weigh more than 250lbs, check our best mattress for heavy people guide for some recommendations.

❌ You like a responsive mattress that you lie on top of: This mattress' deep sinking feel that hugs your shape is perfect for some people. But if you're looking for a mattress that you lie on top of and is easy to change position on, this won't suit. Something like the Saatva Classic is similarly luxurious but has a much more traditional feel.

❌ You're on a budget: This mattress is an investment. If you're on a tighter budget, something like the Leesa Studio has a fairly similar, slow-moving feel. Or there are plenty of cheaper options in our best memory foam mattress guide.

How I tested the Tempur-Cloud mattress

I slept on the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud for most of three weeks, other than when we had overnight guests over who also tested the mattress. I normally sleep on an innerspring Saatva so I'm used to more of a traditional mattress and like that springy feel.

This mattress was slept on in a basement in the fall in New York so it was fairly cool, between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit outside, but the basement is the coolest area in the house. I used a polyester/cotton blend sheet and comforter set. My parents – in their 70s – slept on it, as well as my sister who's in her 40s.

I ran tests to determine the edge support, motion isolation, and responsiveness. I asked the testers what they thought of the mattress, since they're used to sleeping on an all-memory foam mattress, Zinus, in that room. They found it comfortable overall and slept well on it but everyone seemed to prefer the Zinus mattress feel.

First reviewed: December 2023

Purple Mattress review: the original GelFlex mattress is a revelation in comfort and cooling

2:00 pm | December 26, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Mattresses Sleep | Comments: Off

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.

Close up of GelFlex Grid in Purple mattress — (Image credit: Purple)

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.

Exploded diagram showing internal layers of Purple original mattress — (Image credit: Purple)

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.

Diagram of person lying on Purple mattress — (Image credit: Purple)

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

Saatva RX mattress review: Soothe your sore back in total opulence

12:37 pm | December 17, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Mattresses Sleep | Tags: MSRP, USA | Comments: Off

Saatva RX mattress: Two-minute review

My first thought when I saw the Saatva RX mattress was, "Wow, this sounds like a mattress made just for me!" Well, people like me, anyway. This luxury innerspring hybrid is designed for sleepers who have chronic back or joint issues. I have mild scoliosis and for the last several years I've struggled with recurring lower back pain. In other words: I fit well within the RX's target demographic.

Saatva produces what's regarded as the best mattress in the country, the Saatva Classic. The Saatva RX is very similar in construction to the Classic, but uses more materials and therefore comes at a much higher cost. A queen retails for $3,295, which is a lot to spend for a mattress, even one as luxe and comfy as this one claims to be. Is it worth the cost? I slept on a Saatva RX mattress for one month to find out

The Saatva RX is 15 inches tall and packed with 8-inch coils, 2-inch foam modules, 1-inch micro-coils, two three-quarter-inch layers of high-density foam, and a thin strip of gel-infused memory foam across the middle. Like all of its mattresses, Saatva handcrafts the RX to order and delivers it flat via complimentary white glove delivery.

Within the first week of sleeping on the Saatva RX, I noticed that I was no longer waking up with stiffness in my lower back – a carryover from a less accommodating mattress. Whether I slept on my side or front, I was well supported. That said, most of my fellow testers and I were most comfortable resting on our backs. The Saatva RX nicely redistributed our weight in this position.

Saatva calls the RX 'supportive plush;' I call it 'medium-firm.' Either way, it may not be comfortable enough for lightweight side sleepers with back or joint pain. One of my smallest testers, who also deals with chronic pain, felt pressure buildup in her hips when on her side (yet she was fine on her back).

The firmer caliper coils that surround the Saatva RX yield exceptional edge support, and the mattress will sleep cool enough for most people thanks to its organic cotton cover, cooling foam, and a dual layer of springs. There's plenty of bounce, but its motion isolation won't be enough to dampen moderate to strong movement.

Is this Saatva's best mattress for back pain? I think so – but you can't control the feel of the RX. The Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress comes in two levels of firmness while the Saatva Classic mattress includes three choices, along with two height profiles. If you want a more customized approach, go with either of those (cheaper) options.

That $3,295 MSRP for a queen may make your eyes water, but Saatva is a frequent participant in year-long mattress sales, so you'll always be able to save money. You'll get a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty, along with free white glove delivery and mattress removal. If money is no object when it comes to soothing your nightly aches and pains, go for the Saatva RX. You'll get a lot in return for your investment.

Saatva RX mattress review: Design & materials

A 15-inch hybrid with high density foam and two layers of coils
Specialized lower back crown for pain relief
Fiberglass-free and handcrafted in the USA

The 15-inch Saatva RX is designed to provide relief from the discomfort of chronic conditions and serious injuries. At its core is a series of 8-inch, triple-tempered recycled steel coils set on a non-woven base layer. Firmer caliper spring coils line the perimeter for stable edges, making it easier to push off when you're getting in or out of bed. Each coil is topped with a 2-inch module of open-cell foam infused with graphite and phase-change material for contouring and cooling.

Following that are two layers of three-quarter-inch high-density foam, separated by a layer of 1-inch micro-coils. This combo offers pressure relief, enhanced support, and adaptability to all of your movements. A 1-inch strip of gel-infused memory foam races across the center for lower back relief, and is complemented by specialized quilting in the RX's organic cotton cover, which is treated with a botanical antimicrobial agent for hygienic sleep, though not removable.

Saatva RX layers — (Image credit: Saatva)

This structurally sound mattress prioritizes safe, sleep-friendly materials. It's handcrafted in the USA using CertiPUR-US certified foams free from harmful chemicals and high levels of VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. The Saatva RX is also a fiberglass-free mattress, instead using plant-based thistle pulp as a flame retardant.

Design score: 5 out of 5

Saatva RX mattress review: Price & value for money

Saatva's second-most expensive mattress
Regularly discounted, up to $400 off
Comes with a 1-year trial, forever warranty, white-glove delivery

The Saatva RX is a premium-priced mattress in the wider market; a queen retails for $3,295 while a twin goes for $1,995. The RX is Saatva's most expensive model behind the adjustable Solaire.

Here are the official MSRPs for the Saatva RX mattress:

Twin MSRP: $1,995
Twin XL MSRP: $2,195
Full MSRP: $2,695
Queen MSRP: $3,295
King MSRP: $3,795
California king MSRP: $3,795
Split king MSRP: $4,390

However, it's very unlikely you'll ever need to pay full price – there's almost always a Saatva mattress sale on. The best times to shop are during major shopping events, during which we'll often have a semi-exclusive link for $400 off. Definitely keep an eye out during 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 (these traditionally deliver the cheapest prices of the year).

Are there good mattresses for back pain you can find for less than the Saatva RX? Absolutely. Just take a look at the Saatva Classic mattress. It's still a premium mattress, but much closer to the upper-mid border than the RX is, and offers a broader range of customizable features, along with targeted back support. If you'd rather have more control over the feel of your bed, this is the way for you to go.

Saatva RX closeup — (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

You not only get 365 nights to try the Saatva RX at home, but you also get a warranty for life – those are industry-best amenities, especially compared to luxury rivals Tempur-Pedic and Stearns & Foster. Free white glove delivery is standard and optional mattress removal is included.

Not to mention – the Saatva RX is a gorgeous luxury mattress. But it's more than just its good looks. It's specially designed for sleepers who want relief from their back pain. If money is no object and you want a hotel-quality mattress that'll ease your aches in the process, the RX is worth the investment.

Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Saatva RX mattress review: Comfort & support

A 'supportive plush' (or medium-firm) mattress
Most of the pressure relief is situated in the middle
May be too firm for smaller side sleepers with pain

Saatva classifies the RX as 'supportive plush' – which you could perhaps argue is another way of saying 'medium-firm.' However you phrase it, my fellow testers and I rate it a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, although several of us found it a hair firmer (closer to an 8).

To objectively measure the Saatva RX's pressure relief, I dropped a 50lb weight in the center of the mattress (where the lumbar crown is) and it sank 3.5 inches. I also wanted to observe any differences in pressure relief outside of the targeted lumbar zone. Placing the weight at the lower third of the bed showed a more shallow drop (2.5"). That's still quite plush but a subtler hug than what you'll find in the middle.

Saatva RX review, testing the pressure relief using a 50lb weight — (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

According to Saatva, side, back, and combination sleepers will find the RX most comfortable – and my experience corroborates this. I'm a side/front sleeper, and I was comfortable no matter how I lay. I had sufficient support with just enough pressure relief in my knees, lower back, and shoulders. The responsive surface made it easy to switch positions, and the coils were nice and quiet.

Although I'm not a habitual back sleeper, I found the Saatva RX most comfortable in this position. My fellow testers agree. Our weight was well-distributed and we felt the tension in our joints just melt away. One of my testers likened it to lying on a pool float.

Mattress tester sleeps on the Saatva RX — (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

Several of us deal with the conditions that the RX targets. I have mild scoliosis and recurring lower back pain and was no longer waking up with stiffness. Another tester who's roughly the same size as me has arthritis and marveled at the RX's pressure relief. However, one of the smallest testers, who has RSD and several herniated discs, felt better resting on her back than her preferred side, as the latter resulted in mild hip pain.

Firmness and comfort are subjective. That said, the Saatva is a lofty mattress that skews a little firmer. If you're a smaller side sleeper seeking relief from back pain, consider taking a look at my Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress review for a memory foam bed with two levels of sink-in comfort.

Saatva RX mattress review: Performance

Motion isolation is lacking – this is one bouncy bed
Will keep most sleepers cool at night
Sturdy edges, particularly along the middle

I slept on a twin Saatva RX for one month. Naturally, I can only speak from my own experience as a 5-foot-4, 145lb side/front sleeper with mild scoliosis and lower back pain, so I asked six other adults to nap on it for at least 15 minutes. Though this is still quite a small sample size, my group consists of diverse body types and sleep preferences, and several participants struggle with regular aches and pains.

In addition to my personal experiences regarding overall comfort, I also ran several objective tests to measure its motion isolation and edge support. Here's what I found out...

Temperature regulation

A lot of the Saatva RX's materials focus on maintaining a reasonable sleeping temperature. Two layers of coils aid airflow, while the foam modules are infused with graphite and phase-change material to help wick away heat. The cover is made from organic cotton, a breathable fiber.

I'm prone to occasional overheating, and at the time I tested the Saatva RX (October 2023), there were still a few warm evenings interspersed with more season-appropriate temperatures. Either way, I didn't break a sweat or feel the need to kick off my covers and comforter.

For sleepers with back pain, temperature regulation is crucial as you risk torquing your back the more you toss and turn in a futile attempt to cool off. The Saatva RX isn't quite on the level of the best cooling mattresses but it comes really close. It'll be comfortable enough for most sleepers who don't have excessive night sweats.

Temperature regulation score: 4.5 out of 5

Motion isolation

One of the first things I noticed about the Saatva RX was its bounciness. This was fine for me, a solo sleeper who switches positions at night, but I wondered how it could potentially affect couples or families who share a bed.

I have a twin, so the best way for me to test the Saatva RX's level of motion isolation was to place an empty wine glass at the center of the bed and drop a 10lb weight from six inches above the surface.

I dropped the weight from four, 12, and 25 inches away from the base of the glass. From four inches away, the empty glass toppled over – twice. (I ran a re-test to be sure.) The glass remained more upright when I dropped it 12 and 25 inches away but still noticeably wobbled. What really struck me was how much the weight bounced before it settled after every drop.

Would I recommend the Saatva RX for couples, based on these results? Not if one or either of you are light sleepers who wake up the moment you feel even the slightest movement. Memory foam mattresses are often your best bet if you want something to effectively isolate motion. Read my Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review for one such example.

There is one potential workaround – the Saatva RX comes in split king and split California king. This will separate the overall sleep surface so each person essentially has their own bed without being apart.

Motion isolation score: 3 out of 5

Edge support

The Saatva RX has firmer caliper coils along the perimeter. This reinforces the edges so you can sit on them comfortably without fear of falling over. It'll prevent the mattress from sagging prematurely, as well.

In my objective edge support test, I put a 50lb weight in the middle perimeter and it sank roughly three inches. (However, this was a bit tricky to measure as the outer material bunched up considerably.) The most important thing was that it didn't exceed the amount of pressure relief I observed at the exact center of the mattress.

But what are the edges of the Saatva RX like to sit on? Overall, my fellow testers found the middle perimeter comfortable, with just enough sinkage and plenty of support. I often sit at the edge of my bed before waking up and with the RX, I didn't feel like I'd topple over. Plus, whenever I rolled toward the edges as I slept, I didn't suddenly wake up in fear.

If you have mobility issues that require you to sit at the edge of the bed to get up or down, you'll have loads of support with the Saatva RX. The one potential issue here could be its height – at 15", this could be difficult for shorter sleepers to maneuver. Unlike the Saatva Classic, the RX doesn't come in multiple height levels.

Edge support score: 4 out of 5

Saatva RX mattress review: Customer service

Free in-home delivery to a room of your choice
Optional mattress removal is also included

The Saatva RX is one heavy mattress. Saatva doesn't disclose any exact weights but trust me when I say it's one solid bed. Fortunately, I didn't have to deal with setting it up as it arrived flat courtesy of free white glove delivery. All I had to do was schedule a time for a local logistics company to come to my house and clear a path for the delivery crew.

It took less than five minutes for a two-person crew to drop a twin Saatva mattress onto my platform bed and haul away my previous mattress. (Yes, mattress removal is included if you need it, but you'll have to let Saatva know ahead of time that you'd like to request this service.) I didn't have to wait for the mattress to inflate, nor did I detect any obvious off-gassing. Per the tag on my test unit, it was manufactured in September 2023 – all of Saatva's mattresses are handmade to order in the USA.

Saatva RX set up on a platform bed — (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

Once the mattress is in your home, you get 365 nights to test it out. If you don't get on with it, you can return it for a full refund, minus a $99 returns fee. Otherwise, your purchase will be backed by a lifetime warranty, though you'll need to pay for a percentage of any replacement costs starting in year three. (Repairs on your original mattress will remain free outside of a $149 processing fee starting in year three.)

Saatva arguably offers the best assortment of extras in the industry. It's not very often we see free in-home delivery bundled with a 1-year sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Luxury beds tend to be stingy with their trial and warranty periods, while bed-in-a-box brands seldom offer white glove service (and if they do, it costs extra).

Customer service score: 4.5 out of 5

Saatva RX mattress review: Specs

Saatva RX mattress review: Other reviews

As of November 2023, the Saatva RX has fewer than 30 reviews and a 4.8 out of 5-star rating at Saatva.com. The lone 2-star review is related to a delivery issue, but most sleepers with aches and pains absolutely enjoy sleeping on this mattress.

Considering the RX just came out in summer 2023, it'll be a while before the reviews begin to accumulate.

Should you buy the Saatva RX mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ Your back always hurts: Saatva sought to create a mattress that's the perfect blend of support and comfort for sleepers with chronic or serious back pain. The RX eliminated the stiffness in my lower back that developed after I spent weeks on a less comfortable bed.

✅ You're willing to splurge for a luxe hotel-style bed: The Saatva RX wouldn't seem out of place in a ritzy 5-star suite. This is likely the closest you'll get to achieving that luxury feel at home, outside of ordering an actual hotel mattress that comes with less attractive amenities.

✅ You're a combi sleeper: The responsive surface of the Saatva RX made it comfortable for me to shift from my side to my stomach during the night. Though it has two layers of springs, I didn't hear a single squeak.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You're a shorter, lighter side sleeper: The Saatva RX may be too firm for lightweight side sleepers with back pain to get truly comfortable. Plus, at 15 inches tall, it could make getting in or out of bed more of a challenge for shorter people with mobility issues.

❌ Every movement your partner makes wakes you up: If you're on the brink of sleep divorce, the Saatva RX won't do much to mend those fences. Look for a mattress with better motion isolation, namely one made exclusively of foam.

❌ You want some control over the feel of the mattress: The Saatva RX comes in one firmness level, which I already noted may be off-putting for smaller side sleepers. The Saatva Classic has a similar build but comes in three firmness levels and two height profiles – all for hundreds of dollars less than the RX.

Saatva RX mattress review: Also consider

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Mattress
Tempur Material is known for its outstanding pressure relief, and heralded by sleepers with back pain. The Tempur-Adapt is among the most affordable Tempur beds out there – it's comfortably supportive and boasts excellent motion isolation. However, it does trap heat easily. Though it's less than the RX outright, Tempur-Pedic's extras are comparatively underwhelming (90-night trial, 10-year warranty.)
Read more: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress reviewView Deal

Helix Midnight Mattress
For smaller side sleepers, the medium feel of the Helix Midnight may be more welcoming. This hybrid is roughly a third of the cost of the Saatva RX and boasts exceptional pressure relief. It's also a more manageable height (12 inches). On the flip side, edge support is weak, and unless you're a dedicated side sleeper you might have a harder time getting comfortable.
Read more: Helix Midnight mattress reviewView Deal

Saatva Classic Mattress
The Saatva Classic and Saatva RX have similar builds, including dual layers of coils and targeted lower back support. If you can't quite justify the extravagant cost of Saatva's top-of-the-line innerspring, the Classic is an excellent alternative at hundreds of dollars less. You'll still get all of Saatva's industry-leading perks and also have the ability to make the mattress as tall or firm as you like it. (You can't customize the RX at all.)
Read more: Saatva Classic mattress reviewView Deal

How I tested the Saatva RX mattress

As someone with mild scoliosis and recurring lower back pain, I was especially intrigued to try the Saatva RX, a mattress made for individuals with issues similar to mine. Throughout October 2023, I slept on a twin Saatva RX every night and also performed a series of tests to objectively test its pressure relief, edge support, and level of motion transfer.

I'm the type of sleeper who can't sleep without being covered up, regardless of the temperature. I slept with cotton sheets and a mid-weight polyester blend comforter, and kept my bedroom temperature around 71 degrees F.

To add to my experience, I also asked six adult volunteers to nap on the Saatva RX for at least 15 minutes in their usual positions, then sit on the edges as they got in and out of bed. Our testers ranged in size from 5ft 4 and 125lbs to 6ft and 185lbs, and several of them deal with chronic pain in their everyday lives.

First reviewed: October 2023

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