Nolah Original
Who it’s best for: Side sleepers with back and hip pain who need pressure relief and alignment.
Who should avoid it: Those who prefer a taller mattress, especially for getting in and out of bed or want a truly plush feel.
Doctors often recommend mattresses with a medium level of firmness made with pressure-relieving material for a balance of cradling comfort and support for neutral spinal alignment. This pick from Nolah checks off all the boxes, and our panelists and testers reported that it eased their discomfort, helping alleviate both lower back and hip pain.
Tester notes: Those with shoulder, hip and back pain and sciatica shared that Nolah’s responsive foam truly makes a difference. One panelist told us this mattress “has been significantly helpful in relieving back pain for my husband, who has scoliosis” and noted that it “offers back support while still cradling pressure points.” Others who have owned the bed for over four years highlighted how well it’s held up.
A few shared that the mattress took some time to adjust to. One tester said, “Although I was experiencing far less back, shoulder and neck pain from this mattress, it still took a few days for me to get used to.” Note that the 10-inch depth may be a bit low for those with trouble getting in and out of bed, but Nolah offers taller models with the same foam.
Bear Elite Hybrid
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Good Housekeeping readers can take 35% off their order and receive two free pillows with code GH35.
Mattress type: Hybrid | Height: 14 in. | Firmness: Soft, Medium, Firm | Trial period: 120 days
Who it’s best for: Those suffering from back pain and anyone who has struggled to find a truly comfortable mattress. The plush iteration is ideal for many true side sleepers while combination sleepers will appreciate the medium firmness.
Who should avoid it: Those who prefer an all-foam mattress (no springs) or a traditional innerspring; it’s a classic hybrid.
Hybrid mattresses are known for combining cushiony foam with coils for a balance of comfort and support, and this one from Bear is one of the most comfortable beds we’ve ever tested. It’s designed with zonal support, meaning it provides precise cushioning around targeted areas like the hips and back to promote spinal alignment.
Tester notes: The mattress’s ergonomic design truly pays off: It’s earned top scores across the board from our testers who said it’s pressure-relieving yet notably supportive. One commented, “It feels like my entire body is being supported, regardless of my position.” Another even called it the “most comfortable mattress” she has ever slept on.
And while it’s a newer release, it has impressed our experts and testers alike who’ve described it as “nothing short of amazing.” Still, Bear makes some claims about using natural minerals to promote recovery that we weren’t able to verify in our evaluation.
Purple Mattress
Mattress type: Foam with polymer grid | Height: 9.25 in. | Firmness: Medium Firm | Trial period: 100 days
Who it’s best for: Hot sleepers in search of a more breathable mattress, couples looking for motion isolation and anyone who wants to try something new.
Who should avoid it: Cold sleepers or anyone who prefers a tall mattress (this is our shortest pick at 9.25 inches). Those who prefer to use a mattress pad or topper also won’t feel the grid’s cooling effects or unique feel.
For a pressure-relieving mattress that doesn’t feel too plush, Purple uses a unique grid-shaped elastic that feels cushioning yet firm with excellent breathability. This means you get the pressure relief you need as a side sleeper without sacrificing support or worrying that you’ll easily overheat at night. Plus, the brand’s signature GelFlex Grid provides great motion isolation, making it a solid choice for couples.
Tester notes: Members of our panel described the bed as the perfect combination of soft and firm with one saying, “It’s ‘springy’ and conforms to my body while still being supportive.” Several described the unique material as providing a “sleeping on air” feeling and compared it to “floating.”
Reviewers even gave great scores for the motion isolation and commented on the noticeable breathability. One told us it felt “too cold” in the winter. Still, several users reported that the delivery took longer than expected.
Avocado Green Mattress
Organic certifications: GOLS and GOTS | Mattress type: Latex hybrid | Height: 11, 13 or 15.5 in. | Firmness: Firm, Medium or Plush | Trial period: 365 days
Who it’s best for: Side and stomach combination sleepers and couples alike and eco-conscious consumers who prefer organic latex to memory foam.
Who should avoid it: Anyone who prefers a softer, more cushiony feel. Latex feels more springy than cradling.
This mattress proves you don’t have to sacrifice performance to go green: It uses resilient, certified organic latex over coils for a bouncy feel that contours to your body without sinking in. The standard model is on the firmer side, so we recommend the medium pillow-top style (which costs extra) for side sleepers. Plus, the brand has a very generous 365-day trial period.
Tester notes: Users told us they loved sleeping on this mattress and praised the bed for keeping their body weight evenly distributed. One highlighted her experience by saying, “I like that it’s made of organic and natural materials, that it’s extremely comfortable and that it’s held up even after two years.”
With top scores across the board, it’s no surprise that the mattress has impressed with its quality materials and construction. Plus, the brand’s commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality without compromising on comfort or quality is commendable.
