Not everyone loves a memory foam mattress.
I myself have alternated between memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses over the years.
To be sure, memory foam mattresses offer many advantages.
They provide excellent contouring that feels like a hug. They are available in a wide range of prices to fit every budget. They are durable. They are fairly hypoallergenic.
But memory foam mattress also have their downsides.
They are notorious for sleeping hot, which can contribute to a restless night of sleep, which is exacerbated if you live in a hot, humid climate, or you’re experiencing hot flashes. Memory foam mattresses are also not as responsive as traditional innerspring or hybrid mattresses—they have that distinctive, slow-moving sinkage feeling. That makes memory foam mattresses less ideal for partnered sex.
Memory foam mattresses are made entirely from synthetic petroleum products. That’s why memory foam mattresses off-gas fumes for 24-48 hours when unboxed or delivered. That’s something that sleepers with chemical sensitivities or eco-conscious shoppers find both unhealthy and troubling.
No matter what your reasons or preferences for wanting a mattress made without memory foam, rest assured. If you’re interested in buying a new mattress without memory foam, there are many top-notch options available that feature the best sleep technologies on the market.
Keep reading to find our top picks for memory foam-free mattresses. Below, we’ve selected some of the best mattresses without memory foam on the market right now.
But first, let’s drill down on how you should go about selecting the best mattress without memory foam that will suit you and your unique needs.
Best Non-Memory Foam Mattress in 2024
| Brand | Best For | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Editor’s Choice |
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Overall | Shop Now |
| 2 |
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Side Sleepers | Shop Now |
| 3 |
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Organic | Shop Now |
| 4 |
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Cooling | Shop Now |
| 5 |
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Pressure Relief | Shop Now |
| 6 |
|
Value | Shop Now |
| 7 |
|
Firm | Shop Now |
| 8 |
|
Plus Size | Shop Now |
| 9 |
|
Budget | Shop Now |
| 1 |
|---|
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Editor’s Choice
Best For:
Overall
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| 2 |
|
Best For:
Side Sleepers
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| 3 |
|
Best For:
Organic
|
| 4 |
|
Best For:
Cooling
|
| 5 |
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Best For:
Pressure Relief
|
| 6 |
|
Best For:
Value
|
| 7 |
|
Best For:
Firm
|
| 8 |
|
Best For:
Plus Size
|
| 9 |
|
Best For:
Budget
|
Your Tipsheet For Buying a Mattress Without Memory Foam
If you’ve been loyal to memory foam mattresses for a while, shopping for a mattress without memory foam can be a new experience.
A lot has changed—for the better—when it comes to innerspring mattress or hybrid mattress selection whether you buy at a local furniture store, a big-box retailer or online.
This guide to the important criteria will ensure you are armed with the know-how to evaluate various options out there. These are things to consider as you’re shopping.
Check Out Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring coils with other materials like latex, polyfoam, or micro-coils. This blend can offer a wide variety of sleepers a balance of support and comfort without memory foam.
Consider Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic latex, offering a responsive and supportive surface. They are naturally hypoallergenic and durable.
Research the Support Layers
Pay attention to the support core of the mattress, which can be innerspring coils, latex, or other proprietary materials. A solid support core is crucial for back support and spinal alignment, particularly if you have scoliosis, sciatica, or chronic pain issues. You’ll have to read carefully to be sure none of the layers contain foam.
Weigh Pressure Relief Options
The most common pressure points are the hips and shoulder blades. You’ll want a pressure-relieving mattress that can alleviate pain in those areas as well as in the lower back.
Evaluate Firmness Levels
If you don’t already know it, you can assess your preferred firmness level based on your sleep position. Side sleepers may prefer a softer mattress, while back and stomach sleepers need a firmer surface. Let your sleeping position guide your choice of mattress. Medium-firm mattresses are comfortable for most sleepers.
Assess Allergenic Materials
If you have allergies, asthma, or skin sensitivities of any kind, opt for mattresses made with hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and dust mite-resistant properties. At the end of this guide, we’ve compiled a cheat sheet for decoding the alphabet soup of the most common mattress certification to make it easier to identify a good hypoallergenic mattress.
Factor in Temperature Regulation
If you’re a hot-natured sleeper, know that some non-memory foam mattresses, like latex and innerspring, offer better temperature regulation when compared with foam mattresses. If you tend to overheat while sleeping, pay special attention to construction and materials that can dissipate body heat.
Suss Out Motion Isolation
If you share the bed with a partner or a furry friend, consider a mattress with good motion isolation to minimize disturbances when they move during the night.
Gauge Durability
High-quality mattress materials and construction are critical to withstand regular use, particularly if your mattress is used nightly, or is subjected to higher usage such as kids and pets jumping on and off the bed, for example. As always, it’s important to invest in a high-quality mattress to receive ongoing return on investment.
Investigate Brand Reputation
There have never been more mattress brands to choose from than right now. That’s why it’s essential to research the manufacturer of the mattress you are considering buying. Reading customer reviews to get an idea of the overall quality and satisfaction of the product and the company can help you make an informed decision. But also read reviews from reviewers and testers to find out how a particular brand has performed over time. And a plug for buying stateside: many people feel simply more comfortable buying a mattress made in the U.S., where materials and manufacturing transparency is easier to determine and trace.
Understand the Trial Period
Look for a mattress with a risk-free trial period of at least 90 days, so that you can test it out in your own home under normal use conditions. Your body needs time to adjust and see if the mattress you’ve picked out is the right fit for you—especially if you’re accustomed to sleeping on a memory foam mattress.
Seek a Generous Warranty
Opt for a mattress with a multiple-year warranty period, such as 10 years, which is the industry standard, to protect your investment. Longer is better; don’t buy a mattress that shortchanges you in the warranty department. Five years is a substandard warranty.
Scope Out the Return Policy
If you test out a mattress in-home (which we absolutely recommend), read the fine print to make sure you don’t get blindsided by restocking fees, return shipping costs, or other possible charges that can quickly add up. Ask in advance to see the company’s policy to save buyer’s remorse on the backend.
Now let’s explore our top picks for the best non-memory foam mattresses in 2024.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Mattress: Helix Dusk Luxe
- Best For: All sleepers including combination sleepers, hot sleepers, back sleepers, heavier side sleepers, and lightweight stomach sleepers
- Price Range: $1,373.80-2,373.80
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm, 5-6/10 on firmness scale
- Sleep Trial Length: 100-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-15-Year Warranty
Why I Picked This Mattress
The Helix Dusk Luxe has widespread appeal: its zoned support is a big help for those who need pressure relief due to low back pain, while the coils provide extra airflow to release trapped body heat to keep you cool as you sleep. Plus, it’s extra durable.
What I Loved
One of the best mattress brands of 2024 for combination sleepers, the Helix Dusk Luxe is the Goldilocks of mattresses: not too firm, not too soft, and ideal for couples with different body types, sleep preferences, and sleeping positions. It features a zoned lumbar support for enhanced contouring and three foam layers for support on pressure points. It also offers spinal alignment, back pressure-relieving qualities, and structural stability with perimeter edge support, making it a pleasure to lay on after a hard day. The Helix Dusk Luxe is a step up from the Helix Dusk model, so it also provides additional durability.
What I Didn’t Love
The sleep trial period is a bit shorter than some competitors and the non-sale price tag a bit higher, but watch for frequent promotions. If you’re primarily a side sleeper, check out the Helix Sunset Luxe which delivers a plusher feel.
Best Mattress For Side Sleepers: Nolah Evolution
- Price Range: $1,499-2,699
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Available in plush, luxury firm, and firm options ranging from 4-8/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
Why I Picked This Mattress
Our testers are in agreement: the 15 -inch Nolah Evolution is an excellent choice for buyers who enjoy a thick luxury mattress that keeps you cool and soothes pressure point aches and pains.
What I Loved
If you need enhanced spinal alignment (I have scoliosis so this mattress was of special interest to me), the Nolah Evolution may be just what the sleep doctor ordered. This high-tech, hybrid mattress—the company’s most advanced—has been praised by the Sleep Foundation for its excellent construction, features, and performance. Its targeted back support and responsive pressure relief come courtesy of the HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ coils, while the breathable cover, heat-dissipating Euro topper, and graphite-infused AirFoamICE™ (the company’s next-level memory foam) combine for luxurious cushioning and best-in-class cooling. This mattress compares favorably to a Tempur-pedic in feel but offers enhanced durability and superior edge support. The Nolah Evolution seemingly does it all: it’s a great choice for side sleepers, sleepers with hip, back, or shoulder pain, combination sleepers and hot sleepers—and couples.
What I Didn’t Love
The Nolah Evolution may be a bit too cushy for back sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress.
Best Organic Mattress: Birch Natural Mattress
- Price Range: $1,498.80-2498.80
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium to medium-firm, 4-7/10 on firmness scale; softer with a mattress topper
- Trial Length: 100-Night Sleep, Risk-Free Trial
- Warranty: 25-Year Warranty
Why I Picked This Mattress
The all-natural Birch Natural is a well-reviewed, high-quality, fairly priced mattress that suits a wide range of sleeping positions for those who prefer a sustainable bed.
What I Loved
The eco-friendly Birch Natural mattress is made with high quality, natural, non-toxic and luxurious materials including fair-trade, organic cotton, organic cashmere, New Zealand wool and natural, breathable Talalay latex. These materials provide optimum airflow and breathability. Because the Birch Natural is free from any harmful chemicals it’s safe for children and those with skin sensitivities. As a result, it’s garnered a GREENGUARD Gold and GOTS certifications. The hybrid Birch Natural mattress includes up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils cradle your body while also limiting motion transfer. The sides are reinforced lengthwise to provide superior edge support. It’s also very well-priced for the quality materials and thoughtful construction. And bonus: it’s handmade in the U.S. The Birch Natural is an obvious choice for sleepers who seek a greener mattress and it’s comfortable for all sleeping positions. Avocado Green and Dunlop also makes fine latex mattresses, so we suggest you compare brands.
What I Didn’t Love
If you’re seeking a softer feeling bed, the Birch Natural isn’t your best bet. Latex is also naturally bouncy so lighter, partnered sleepers may want to look at a mattress that offers greater motion isolation.
Best Cooling Mattress: Leesa Deluxe Chill Hybrid
- Price Range: $1,679-2,759
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness Level: Medium-Firm, 6-7/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 100-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
Why I Picked This Mattress
The premium Leesa Deluxe Chill Hybrid mattress, part of the company’s luxurious new Chill Collection, delivers exceptional levels of comfort and coolness for a variety of sleepers, making it one of the best choices on the market.
What I Loved
Measuring 14” in height, the Leesa Deluxe Chill was designed specifically to combat hot sleeping thanks to a quilted top infused with phase-change fibers to pull heat away from your body to keep you cool all night long. An ultra-breathable dual spring system of up to 3,788 springs offer airflow and contours to your body to provide outstanding pressure relief and isolate motion disturbances. If you’re a back sleeper, the Leesa Deluxe Chill is dreamy with a balance of zoned support in the lumbar region to encourage neutral spine alignment (goodbye back pain!) with the plush feel of a pillowtop. The finishes are sumptuous. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid boasts better than average motion isolation, in addition to admirable edge support. This hybrid mattress achieves a nice balance between a traditional innerspring and a cushier memory foam sleep experience. There’s also a feel-good component to buying the Leesa Deluxe Chill Hybrid: the company has partnered with more than 1,000 partners across the U.S. to ensure that children and families in need have a safe place to sleep.
What I Didn’t Love
The hefty price tag may give some buyers sticker shock, but the quality and features are definitely there.
Best Pressure Relief Mattress: Bear Star Hybrid
- Price Range: $1,498-2,298
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness Level: 6.8/10 on the firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
Why I Picked This Mattress
The Bear Star Hybrid packs a lot of bang for your sleep buck and is especially well-suited to couples with different sleep positions and weights, and those who like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress.
What I Loved
The Bear Star Hybrid is the company’s most popular mattress because it ticks many boxes buyers seek, especially those with chronic pain points. The Bear Star Hybrid mattress combines copper-gel memory foam & individually-encased coils for a best-of-both-worlds soft and supportive feel. Responsive comfort foam adapts to all body types and sleep positions, and offers additional airflow and pressure relief. High-density support foam provides base support and durability to the entire mattress. The cool to the touch, hand-quilted cover combines HydroCool® technology plus Celliant® fiber to create a moisture-wicking sleep surface that improves overall well-being every night. The Bear Star Hybrid’s individually encased coils reinforces the strength and integrity of your mattress for superior edge support. In addition, it’s non-toxic, certified clean and 100% made in America so you get all the good-feels when purchasing one of the best hybrid mattresses out there.
What I Didn’t Love
There are better mattress choices for side sleepers who generally do better with a slightly less firm bed.
Best Value Mattress: Brooklyn Signature Hybrid
- Best For: Side sleepers, couples, sleepers with troublesome pressure points
- Price Range: $665-1,599
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Customizable firmness levels from 2.5-7.5/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
Why I Picked this Mattress
The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid is a terrific value that offers many features available only on more expensive models. Plus, you can customize your firmness level so you can dial in the most comfortable feel no matter how you sleep.
What I Loved
This Arizona-made mattress from Brooklyn Bedding provides superior support at a factory-direct price. The top-of-the-line memory foams used to construct the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid offer outstanding pressure relief and contouring comfort, along with buoyancy, breathability, and best-in-class comfort. The individually pocketed coils are zoned for independent movement, support and superior motion isolation. You can customize the firmness of the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid with three options: soft, medium or firm, and the coil-reinforced perimeter means excellent edge support. An optional GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover delivers high-tech cooling comfort to hot or heavy sleepers. In this category, we also like the Saatva mattress, which shares many similarities to the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid.
What I Didn’t Love
Because the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid has some motion transfer, couples may feel their partner’s or pet’s movements in the night. For that reason, it might be a better choice for solo sleepers.
Best Mattress For Heavier Sleepers: Titan Plus Luxe
- Price Range: $899-1,799
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm mattress, 5-7/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
Why I Picked This Mattress
Heavy, plus size sleepers or heavier partnered sleepers have made the Titan Plus Luxe a bestseller for years. It’s a luxurious workhorse and the price is right.
What I Loved
Brooklyn Bedding’s market-leading Titan Plus Luxe is specifically designed with substantial support for heavier sleepers in a traditional medium-firmness that suits the majority of sleepers. The Titan Plus Luxe is a pillow top mattress that builds on the original Titan Plus, bumping up the contouring comfort and durability for plus size sleepers weighing 230 pounds or more. The gel-infused memory foam quilted cover and latex-like, high-density polyfoam layer results in excellent stability. The company’s optional GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover can be sewn into the surface of the Titan Plus Luxe to deliver ultimate cooling on contact—a super upgrade for hot sleepers. An 8-inch core of up to 1,032 individually encased TitanCaliber™ coils deliver ample support and pressure point relief all the way across and to the edge of the Titan Plus Luxe, along with superior motion isolation and durability. Shoppers might want to compare the hybrid super sturdy WinkBed to the Titan Plus Luxe.
What I Didn’t Love
Side sleepers weighing 130 or less pounds are likely to find the Titan Plus Luxe too firm for comfortable sleep. The responsive feel of this hybrid foam and pocketed coil mattress may produce more motion transfer than some sleepers like.
Best Mattress for Firm Sleepers: Plank Firm Luxe
- Price: $1,024-1,932
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Firm to extra-firm, 6-9.5/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
Why I Picked This Mattress
The Plank Firm Luxe is an industry-leading firm mattress that enjoys exceptional reviews from both consumers and critics—and it doesn’t break the bank even in a California King size.
What I Loved
If you’re looking for an extra firm sleep experience, look no further than the Plank Luxe Hybrid. Inspired by the minimalist approach to sleep in many parts of Asia, the firmer, flatter, flippable surface of the Plank Luxe Hybrid mattress creates neutral spine alignment that’s better for your back and overall posture. Individually encased coils provide responsiveness and pressure point relief. The Plan Luxe Hybrid design offers two variations: the top side of the mattress feels like a traditional firm; the bottom side of the mattress is ultra-firm, allowing for highly customizable rest. Both the firm and extra firm sides are offered with optional cooling panels for the ultimate sleep experience. The Plank Firm Luxe is especially suited to stomach and back sleepers.
What I Didn’t Love
If you don’t love an extra-firm sleep surface, the Plank Firm Luxe really isn’t for you. Side sleepers, those who like the cushy feel of memory foam, and those who prefer softer mattresses should also steer clear of the Plank Firm Luxe.
Best Mattress For Budget Buyers: Dreamfoam Hybrid
- Price Range: $532-999
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness Scale: Medium-firm, 6.5/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
Why I Picked This Mattress
The Dreamfoam Hybrid packs a lot of punch at a lower price point–especially in the popular queen size—plus it sleeps cool and offers very good support for sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds.
What I Loved
Engineered with one of the most advanced fabrics on the market—typically reserved for luxury mattresses—it delivers cooling relief on contact. This premium temperature moderation is paired with a four-layer hybrid construction of high-quality foams and individually encased coils for enhanced airflow and deeper compression support. Because the Dreamfoam Hybrid has a balance of firmness and bounce, it’s an especially solid choice for combination sleepers or partnered sleepers. The Nectar Mattress is another good value option for those who like the contouring feel of memory foam.
What I Didn’t Love
Heavier sleepers need more support and durability than the Dreamfoam Hybrid offers. Likewise, stomach sleepers won’t find the firm sleeping surface they need. Instead, consider the wallet-friendly Brooklyn Signature.
A Few Final Words About Non-Memory Foam Mattresses
Hot sleepers. Green sleepers. Active sleepers. Sensitive sleepers. Sleepers who prefer the more “classic” mattress feel provided by innerspring mattresses.
These are just a few of the many sleepers who find a non-memory foam mattress to be the best choice when it comes to night after night of blissful sleep.
We know it can overwhelming when you’re shopping for a new mattress. Hopefully this guide has been chockfull of helpful information that will help you evaluate the best traditional innerspring mattress or a hybrid mattress.
As you’re doing your research, we’d also like to invite you to check out our roundup of the Best Mattresses of 2024 and the Best Fiberglass-Free Mattresses of 2024. The more you know as an informed shopper, the more confident you can be in your ultimate choice of an innerspring or hybrid mattress.
Decoding “Green” Mattress Certifications
There are a variety of abbreviations conferred by third party, independent testing bodies separate from the mattress manufacturer that you might see promoted when you’re looking at eco-friendly mattresses.
These green certifications can serve as an indicator of the specific qualities a sustainable mattress offers. These are the most common:
CertiPUR-US
This certification indicates that any foams in a mattress have been made without certain harmful chemicals and have been tested for low volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels.
OEKO-TEX
The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex is an assurance that none of the mattress fabric components contain unsafe levels of chemicals known to be harmful.
GOTS
GOTS is short for the Global Organic Textile Standard. It shows that a mattress manufacturer has followed strict production standards, and ensures the entire product, not just some components. Some mattress brands may misuse the GOLS certification, when for example, only the organic cotton cover is GOLS certified. To be sure you’re not being misled, you can log onto the GOTS public database to double-check accuracy.
GOLS
The Global Organic Latex Standard is similar to GOTS, but specifically covers latex mattresses and pillows.
GREENGUARD
This is an indoor air quality certification that shows that a mattress meets chemical emission standards. The GREENGUARD Gold certification is a more stringent certification that requires mattress products to have the lowest VOC emission levels.