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It’s really hard to distinguish good mattress brands from unreliable ones, especially if it’s your first time shopping for a bed online. To make the process easier for you, our team of sleep experts have put together a list of the top five mattress brands to avoid on the market. Our Least Favorite is the Olee Sleep Aquarius mattress.
Our Picks for the 5 Worst Mattress Brands
- Olee Sleep Aquarius – our least favorite (View approved alternative)
- Sleep Innovations Marley – worst materials (View approved alternative)
- Oliver Smith – least durable (View approved alternative)
- Nutan 8-Inch Mattress – worst innerspring mattress (View approved alternative)
- Restonic Adorn – worst motion isolation (View approved alternative)
#1. Olee Sleep Aquarius
Check Current Price | Our Least Favorite
Pros
- Very affordable
- Suitable for side sleepers
- Suitable for back sleepers
- Good motion isolation
Cons
- Not for individuals over 230 lbs
- Not for strict stomach sleepers
- Customers reported sagging after six months
- It contains potentially harmful fiberglass
Our experience with Olee Sleep Aquarius
Out of all the mattresses we’ve tested, the Olee Sleep Aquarius gets the top spot in our list of mattress brands to avoid. This mattress is super cheap compared to other memory foam mattresses on the market. It might feel comfortable the first time you try it, but it won’t last long due to the low-quality foams used in its construction.
Despite these drawbacks, Olee Sleep is a very popular mattress company that has lots of customers. Everything goes well at first, but the mattress starts to sag in the middle after just a few months of use. Don’t make the same mistake, go take a look at our best mattresses lineup for better and more durable choices.
Firmness
Our team gave the Olee Sleep Aquarius a 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. It’s slightly softer than medium-firm and it has a soft memory foam feel with a lot of give. Personally, I found it hard to move around the mattress and switch positions because I was sinking too much.
If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll get ample cushioning and pressure relief for your hips and shoulders. However, heavier individuals might sink too much and make contact with the bed’s firm support layer causing joint pain and stiffness.
Light to average weight back sleepers will receive adequate support on the Aquarius mattress. But if you weigh 230 lbs. or more, we suggest that you check out our best hybrid mattresses list for more supportive and durable options.
We do not recommend this mattress for strict stomach sleepers. It has too much give which means your hips will sink right through its comfort layer and out of alignment with the rest of your body.
If you’re a stomach sleeper, a firmer mattress such as the Saatva Latex Hybrid is a much better option.
If you sleep with a partner, the Aquarius has good motion isolation so your sleep won’t be interrupted their movements.
The mattress does not have the best edge support so you might feel its top layer compressing as you lay near its edges.
Construction
The Olee Sleep Aquarius mattress is 10″ tall and is comprised of two foam layers. It’s a memory foam mattress that’s made with lower quality materials compared to other mattress brands. The mattress is encased in a cover that’s made with a blend of polyester and spandex.
Directly beneath the cover is the bed’s comfort layer which is made of gel-infused memory foam. Although it offers a conforming hug feel and relieves pressure points, this foam has low density which means it won’t last as long as high-quality memory foam.
Next, is a thick layer of high-density polyurethane foam which provides support for the mattress. This foam gives the mattress its structure and some added durability.
I should mention that despite having gel infusions in its comfort layer, the Aquarius mattress still traps quite a lot of body heat. Therefore, it’s not a good option for hot sleepers.
Another thing we didn’t like about this mattress is that it contains fiberglass as a flame retardant. If you ever remove its cover for washing, the fiberglass shards will be released into the air creating both skin and inhalation hazards for you and your family.
Sizes
The Olee Sleep Aquarius comes in 5 sizes. It’s compatible with most foundations and bases but it can’t be used with an adjustable bed frame.
- Twin
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Warranty
The Olee Sleep Aquarius mattress comes with a 30-day trial period and a 10-year warranty if purchased through Amazon. Shipping is free in the contiguous United States.
Buy: Olee Sleep Aquarius
#2. Sleep Innovations Marley
Check Current Price | Worst Materials
Pros
- Three thickness options
- Suitable for all sleeper types
- Low motion transfer
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not suitable for individuals over 250 lbs
- Made with low-quality foams
- The mattress sags after a few months
- It contains fiberglass
Our experience with Sleep Innovations Marley
The Marley mattress by Sleep Innovations is a low-priced model that’s made with low-grade materials. It’s available in three different thickness options: 8″, 10″, and 12″, and it’s suitable for most sleeper types. However, many verified customers have reported sagging and body impressions after a few months of sleeping on the mattress.
Firmness
Due to its different thickness versions, the Marley’s firmness levels range from 6 to 7 out of 10 (Medium to Firm). It has a soft comfort layer that offers some nice contouring without letting your body sink in too much. Moreover, the Marley uses polyfoam which is more responsive than traditional memory foam.
The thin version of the mattress can accommodate lightweight sleepers, while the thicker versions offer better support for heavier individuals. That being said, this mattress has very low durability and is prone to sagging after less than a year of use.
Couples won’t feel each other’s movements because the mattress is good at absorbing motion. However, it does not have good edge support which means lying or sitting near the edge of bed might cause some issues.
Construction
The Sleep Innovations Marley is an all-foam mattress that’s offered in 8″, 10″, and 12″ profiles. It’s comprised of three foam layers and it’s encased in a quilted fabric cover. The foams used in this mattress are low-quality and not as durable as products from other mattress companies.
Below the cover is a comfort layer that’s made of gel-infused foam. This foam does not conform to your body to the same extent as memory foam, but it does provide cushioning and pressure relief for your joints.
Next up, is a transition layer that’s made of air channel foam. This section has an egg crate structure for added airflow and breathability.
Lastly, the bed’s base layer consists of high-density foam to provide support and overall shape to the mattress. This layer acts as a foundation and prevents the top layers from shifting around.
It’s important to mention that the Marley mattress contains fiberglass as a fire barrier. This can be harmful to both your skin and your lungs if you remove the mattress cover and expose the fiberglass shards to your bedroom.
Sizes
The Sleep Innovations Marley comes in 5 sizes:
- Twin
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Warranty
The Sleep Innovations Marley mattress comes with a 30-day trial period and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty if purchased through Amazon. Free shipping is available for orders in the contiguous United States.
#3. Oliver Smith
Check Current Price | Least Durable
Pros
- Suitable for back and stomach sleepers
- Inexpensive
- Responsive
- Good edge support
Cons
- Low durability
- Not for individuals over 300 lbs
- Might be too firm for side sleepers
- Moderate motion transfer
Our experience with Oliver Smith
The Oliver Smith is a low-end hybrid mattress that’s geared towards budget shoppers. It’s suitable for back and stomach sleepers due to its hybrid construction, but it’s not a long-lasting mattress. If you’re a fan of firm mattresses, check out our best innerspring mattresses list for durable and comfortable options.
Firmness
Our team rated the Oliver Smith hybrid mattress a 7 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. It’s firmer than average despite having a euro pillow top as its top layer. The mattress is also quite responsive due to the individually wrapped springs in its support layer.
While it might not work for all sleeping positions, the Oliver Smith mattress is suitable for back and stomach sleepers, as well as some combination sleepers. This mattress is too firm for most strict side sleepers.
The best mattress for side sleepers is one that offers pressure relief for the sensitive hip and shoulder joints. One reliable mattress brand is Amerisleep because their lineup consists of five mattresses which range from medium-soft all the way to firm.
If you sleep with a partner, your sleep might be interrupted by their movements since this mattress has moderate motion transfer. It has good edge support though which means that you can lie or sit near the end of the bed without falling off.
Construction
The Oliver Smith is a 10″ hybrid mattress that’s comprised of four layers. Although hybrid mattresses are typically durable and supportive, the Oliver Smith mattress won’t last as long because of its low-quality materials.
First up, the mattress has a soft fabric cover that features a quilted euro pillow top. This layer provides some plushness and initial pressure relief for your body.
Beneath the pillow top, there’s a comfort layer that’s made of responsive polyfoam. It offers some contouring for your body, but it’s firmer than your average mattress.
Next up, is a support core which consists of individually wrapped coils. This section is what gives the mattress a bouncy and responsive feel.
Lastly, all the layers sit on a thin high-density foam base. This acts as a stable foundation and it provides a surface for the coils to bounce off of.
Sizes
The Oliver Smith comes in 4 sizes:
- Twin
- Full
- Queen
- King
Warranty
The Oliver Smith mattress comes with a 30-day return period, but it is not backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. Free shipping is offered for orders in the continental United States.
Buy: Oliver Smith
#4. Nutan 8-Inch Mattress
Check Current Price | Worst Innerspring
Pros
- Waterproof
- Suitable for kids and people with incontinence
- Suitable for back and stomach sleepers
- Good edge support
Cons
- Too firm for most individuals
- Not for side sleepers
- Not for heavyweight individuals
- Made with low-end materials
Our experience with the Nutan 8-Inch Mattress
The Nutan 8-Inch Mattress is an innerspring model that’s too firm for most individuals to get a good night’s sleep. It’s mostly intended for orthopedic use and people with bedwetting issues. It features a waterproof vinyl cover that keeps the mattress dry and is very easy to clean.
Firmness
We found that the Nutan 8-Inch Mattress has a firmness rating of around 7.5 to 8. It’s a very firm mattress that’s responsive and has little to no give. It might work for individuals who are recovering from an injury or are struggling with urinary incontinence.
This mattress is simply way too firm to provide pressure relief for your joints. As such, it is not a good option for side sleepers. Take a look at our best mattress for side sleepers lineup for some great options.
Some back and stomach sleepers might feel comfortable and well-supported on this mattress, but some back sleepers won’t be getting enough contouring for their lower back.
The Nutan mattress is not a good option for couples who have restless partners. It transfers a lot of motion from one side of the bed to the other which could interrupt the other person’s sleep.
The mattress has good edge support though which means you can stretch out and lie down near the end of the bed.
Construction
As its name states, the Nutan mattress is 8″ tall and is comprised of two layers. It’s encased in a vinyl cover that’s waterproof to make cleaning easier for individuals who tend to wet their mattress at night.
Beneath the cover is a thin layer of cushioning that’s similar to a pillow top but doesn’t have the same plush feel. Then, below that is the support core of the mattress which consists of innerspring VertiCoils.
The coil system provides support and gives the mattress its firm, responsive feel. It also prevents you from sinking into the bed which is something side sleepers need for their hips and shoulders to stay pressure-free.
Sizes
The Nutan 8-Inch Mattress comes in 7 sizes:
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Full XL
- Queen
- King
- California King
Warranty
The Nutan 8-Inch Mattress comes with a 30-day return period, but it is not supported by a manufacturer’s warranty. This mattress ships for free within the contiguous United States.
#5. Restonic Adorn
Check Current Price | Worst Motion Isolation
Pros
- Suitable for back and stomach sleepers
- Responsive
- Good edge support
- Affordable
Cons
- Might be too thin for some individuals
- Too firm for side sleepers
- Low-grade construction
- Very high motion transfer
Our experience with Restonic Adorn
The Restonic Adorn is an innerspring mattress that’s made by one of the oldest brands in the industry. It’s very affordable and it has a traditional design which means its coils are interconnected. This means the mattress has a lot of bounce and it transfers motion all around the bed’s surface.
Firmness
Our team gave the Restonic Adorn an 8 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. It’s extremely firm and responsive due to its classic innerspring design. The mattress has little to no give and I would not recommend it for side sleepers of any body type.
The coils in the mattress will keep your body on top of the bed. This is good for stomach sleepers who need to keep their hips in line with their upper body. The Adorn might be too firm for some back sleepers, but if you prefer a firmer mattress it could be a suitable option for you.
This mattress has very high motion transfer because its coils are interconnected. This can be an issue for couples who don’t want their sleep to be interrupted by their partner’s movements.
A good thing about this mattress is that it has good edge support. You can lie down near the edge of the bed without feeling like you’re about to fall off.
Construction
The Restonic Adorn mattress is 8″ tall and is comprised of two layers. It’s encased in a fabric cover that quilted with a pillow top for some softness. However, this layer is too thin to provide ample cushioning for sensitive areas.
Below the pillow top is the support core which contains interconnected VertiCoils. These coils provide lots of bounce and support at the cost of significant motion transfer throughout the mattress.
If you want an innerspring bed that’s better at absorbing motion, check out the Winkbed mattress.
Sizes
The Restonic Adorn comes in only 2 sizes:
- Queen
- King
Warranty
The Restonic Adorn mattress comes with a 30-day trial period and a 1-year warranty if purchased through Amazon. Shipping is free in the contiguous United States.
Buy: Restonic Adorn
Quick view and comparison
| Brands | Olee Sleep Aquarius | Sleep Innovations Marley | Oliver Smith | Nutan 8-inch Mattress | Restonic Adorn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 5 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 2 |
| Thickness (inches) | 10 | 8/10/12 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Feel | Medium Firm | Medium to Firm | Medium Firm | Firm | Firm |
| Motion Transfer | Good | Good | Fair | Mediocre | Poor |
| Hybrid | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable | No | No | No | No | No |
| Edge Support | Fair | Mediocre | Good | Poor | Good |
| Sleeping Position | Back, stomach and combination sleepers | Back, stomach and combination sleepers | Back and stomach sleepers | Back and stomach sleepers | Back and stomach sleepers |
| Trial (nights) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Warranty (years) | 10 | 10 | N/A | N/A | 1 |
| Link to buy | Buy Olee Sleep | Buy Sleep Innovations Marley | Buy Oliver Smith | Buy Nutan | Buy Restonic Adorn |
How to tell if a mattress is low-quality
Here I’ll be giving you several traits that are common with unreliable mattress brands. Watch out for these factors when you’re searching for a good mattress online.
Thin mattress
Mattresses that measure 8 inches and below are not supportive enough especially for heavier individuals. Depending on the mattress type, you should generally opt for a 10 inch and above mattress for a good blend of comfort and support.
Poor-quality materials
Better sleep health means getting comfortable and consistent sleep every single night. However, mattresses made with poor-quality materials won’t last long before sagging and developing body impressions. Sleeping on a sagging mattress can cause issues like body pain and general discomfort which can turn chronic in the long term.
Extremely low price
Cheap mattresses will not last for 5-10 years because they use cheap materials. If you want a mattress that has a long lifespan, you should invest close to a $1000 for a good quality model. Pricier mattresses tend to have better value for money and will provide you with better sleep for a longer time period.
No return or exchange policy
Most reputable online mattress brands offer sleep trials for their products so you can decide if it works for you or not. If a mattress does not have any return policy whatsoever, it’s best to avoid it and look for another brand.
No certifications
Certifications are very important for people to determine if a mattress is safe for their health and the environment. If a product does not meet general health standards, then it’s best to look elsewhere.
How to choose the right mattress brand
Choosing the right mattress brand means finding the opposite of the traits I mentioned above. First and foremost, you have to look for mattress company that uses high-quality materials for their mattresses because this means their products are long-lasting.
Next, you have to consider your body type and sleeping position. Do they have a mattress that can accommodate your needs? Are their mattresses both comfortable and supportive?
Another significant factor is the price range of their products. Are they too expensive? Too cheap? Or are their mattresses in the average price range for good quality products? If it fits your budget and you like their products, you’ll be more inclined to make a purchase.
You also have to check if the brand offers sleep trials and warranties for their mattresses. These two important factors give you an idea of how reliable a company is, and how confident they are with the quality of their products.
Lastly, check for certifications that the brand’s products meet certain health standards. Typically, the certifications to look out for are CertiPUR-US for foam mattresses and GreenGuard Gold for natural latex mattresses.
Remember to keep all these things in mind when choosing a mattress brand and you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision.
FAQs
Synthetic foam mattresses are the most toxic out of all mattress types. These mattresses contain lots of chemicals and are known for emitting high levels of VOCs.
Not all, but most modern innerspring mattresses contain fiberglass as a fire barrier.
Check if your mattress has a CertiPUR-US or a Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification. If it does not have either, then it most likely contains toxic substances.
The two most durable mattress types by far are hybrid and latex mattresses. These mattresses provide durable support and have the most longevity.
Sagging is caused by general wear-and-tear of mattress. However, if a mattress is low-quality, sagging can develop in less than a year.
Most mattresses should last 7-10 years given that they are made with good-quality materials.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about getting a new mattress, it’s best to stay away from the brands that we mentioned above. There are many other mattress brands that produce high-quality beds that are comfortable, durable, and safe for your health. Check out our website for dozens of product reviews which exist to help you find a mattress that suits your needs and offers great value for your money.
Next step: Now that you know which brands to avoid it’s time to take a look at our #1 pick for best mattress. Saatva is a reputable mattress brand that meets the needs of all sleeper types. They’re one of the most popular companies in the mattress industry because they create high-quality products that comfortable, durable, and supportive.
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