Best 12-inch mattress – data-backed performance tests on 11+ brands

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You’ve finally bitten the bullet and you’ve decided to try a 12-inch bed-in-a-box mattress. But with the wide breadth of choices available in the online mattress space these days, you’re not even sure where to begin looking. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Our team has tested mattresses from all the brands and narrowed it down to our Top 8. Our Editor’s Choice is the Nolah Signature 12.

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Top 8 Best 12-Inch Mattresses

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#1. Nolah Signature 12

Why it’s the overall best

We chose the Nolah Signature 12 as our top 12-inch bed since it has “12” in its name. Haha, just kidding. 

We like the Nolah Signature 12 because it provides you all the benefits of a memory foam mattress without its drawbacks.

It comes in an all-foam and an all-foam “hybrid” version (more on this later).

We recommend the Signature 12 for strict side sleepers who want to get deep pressure relief without feeling stuck-in-the mud like they would do on traditional memory foam mattresses.

Specs at a glance

Nolah Signature 12 performance

We tested both versions of the Nolah Signature 12 and we gave the all-foam model a 5.5 and the all-foam hybrid a 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. 

Nolah AirFoam™ is like a mix of memory foam and latex so both versions felt responsive and provided contouring comfort.

The Nolah Signature 12 mattress got a 9.7 in our pressure relief test. 

We found it ideal for side sleepers and back sleepers since it conforms to the shape of your body and relieves pressure points. Its layers evenly distribute your body weight and you won’t feel stuck on it like you would in other super plush memory foam beds.

In terms of cooling, we gave the Signature 12 mattress a 9.2. 

It’s not the best, but it is made of AirFoam™ which is basically open cell memory foam that’s designed to allow for more airflow on the mattress. The mattress is also encased in an organic cotton cover which felt breathable and soft to the touch.

If you sleep with a partner, you should always look out for a bed’s motion isolation and edge support.

As for motion isolation, we gave the Nolah Signature 12 a 9.6. 

Although we experienced some motion transfer on this mattress, it’s nowhere near the bounciness of innerspring mattresses. We recommend it for couples who want to get uninterrupted sleep.

The Nolah Signature 12 got a 9.3 for edge support. 

I didn’t feel so secure while sitting on the edge of the mattress but I felt well-supported while laying down.

Overall, we gave the Nolah Signature 12 a performance score of 9.5 out of 10.

Factor	Performance
Firmness	Medium to Medium Firm
Cooling	9.2
Pressure relief	9.7
Motion isolation	9.6
Edge support	9.3
Mattress thickness (inches)	12
Sinkage	Minimal
Trial (days)	120
Warranty (years)	Lifetime

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#2. PlushBeds Cool Bliss

Why it’s one of the best

The PlushBeds Cool Bliss got a spot in our top 8 list because it’s a great cooling mattress that provides body-hugging comfort for all sleep positions. 

It’s a cross between a latex and a gel memory foam mattress so it gives you the benefits of both mattress types.

The biggest highlight of this mattress for us is its cooling properties so we highly recommend it for those who sleep hot at night. Check this bed out if you prefer a plush mattress over a firm one.

Specs at a glance

PlushBeds Cool Bliss performance

The industry standard for a medium-firm feel is 6.5 and the PlushBeds Cool Bliss is just a touch softer at 5.5-6 out of 10. 

During our testing, we experienced initial pressure relief right away from the gel memory foam layer and we felt comfortable in all sleeping styles.

We did feel a bit of sinkage, but the Dunlop latex layer below provided supplemental resistance against the gel memory foam top layer. That being said, we don’t think this gel memory foam mattress is firm enough to support heavy stomach sleepers.

The Cool Bliss mattress got a 9.8 in our pressure relief test. 

If you’re a side sleeper who’s looking for deep pressure relief, this gel memory foam mattress definitely delivers. The thick layer of gel memory foam on top worked wonders in relieving pressure from our shoulders and hips.

As for cooling, we gave the PlushBeds Cool Bliss a 9.6. 

We didn’t experience any heat retention at all on this mattress, in fact it felt quite cool to the touch. This is likely due to the cooling gel memory foam, the breathable natural latex, and the convoluted air flow layers.

We gave the PlushBeds Cool Bliss a 9.5 for motion isolation. 

While testing the motion isolation on this mattress, I think it did really well. Normally, organic latex is bouncy but the thick layer of gel memory foam on top effectively counteracts this.

In terms of edge support, we gave the PlushBeds Cool Bliss a 9.1. 

The edge support on this mattress is not great but not bad. We did sink a little bit while lying on the edge of the bed but we still felt a good amount of support.

The PlushBeds Cool Bliss got an overall performance rating of 9.5 out of 10.

Factor	Performance
Firmness	Medium
Cooling	9.6
Pressure relief	9.8
Motion isolation	9.5
Edge support	9.1
Mattress thickness (inches)	12
Sinkage	Minimal to none
Trial (nights)	100
Warranty (years)	25

Alternate pick: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss

Maybe you’re looking for more versatile mattress with more height and firmness options.

If that’s the case, you should check out the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss.

It’s made with 100% organic materials and it’s suitable for any sleep position under the sun. The Botanical Bliss is also a slightly better mattress for couples because it has better edge support than the Cool Bliss.

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#3. Sweet Night Prime

Why it’s one of the best

It’s not often that you see a memory foam mattress that has two firmness levels in one bed. 

The Sweet Night Prime has FOUR firmness levels across the mattress which makes it a one-of-a-kind mattress that works for all sleeping positions.

Moreover, we also really appreciated that its a good-quality gel memory foam mattress that’s versatile and budget-friendly.

Specs at a glance

Sweet Night Prime performance

Even among the 100+ mattresses we’ve tested, the Sweet Night Prime is unique because it features 4 different firmness zones across the mattress. 

There are two firmness zones on the top side (Soft and Medium-Soft), and two zones on the bottom (Medium-Firm and Firm).

We believe the Sweet Night Prime can accommodate most sleepers, except those who weigh over 300 lbs since it’s an all-foam mattress. If you’re on the heavier side, we recommend getting a mattress with coils such as the Layla Hybrid mattress.

In terms of pressure relief, we gave the Sweet Night Prime a 9.4. 

We did get some good contouring and pressure relief from the gel memory foam layer of the mattress. It’s not the same deep pressure relief you get from beds with thicker layers but you’ll get some nice comfort for its price.

We also conducted a cooling test and the Sweet Night Prime scored 8.7 out of 10. 

Although its gel memory foam layer draws body heat away from you, the mattress maintains a neutral temperature all throughout the night.

Moving on, the Sweet Night Prime garnered a 9.4 for motion isolation. 

This mattress showed minimal to no motion transfer in our test. It’s a solid option for couples who want a motion-isolating bed.

As for edge support, we gave the Sweet Night Prime an 8.7. 

So it’s not the best. We don’t recommend sleeping near the edge of the mattress so you won’t roll off the edge of the bed.

The Sweet Night Prime mattress got an overall performance rating of 9 out of 10.

We go into more details about the performance tests we conducted in our full Sweet Night Prime review.

Factor	Performance
Firmness	Soft to Firm
Cooling	8.7
Pressure relief	9.4
Motion isolation	9.4
Edge support	8.7
Mattress thickness (inches)	10/12
Sinkage	Minimal
Trial (days)	100
Warranty (years)	10

Alternate pick: Sweet Night Twilight

I mentioned earlier that the Sweet Night Prime isn’t suitable for heavier individuals, well the Sweet Night Twilight is an excellent alternative.

It’s a hybrid mattress that contains gel memory foam for pressure relief and pocketed coils for bouncy support.

Like the Prime mattress, the Twilight also offers incredible value for its price.

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#4. Emma Shift

Why it’s one of the best

Next up is the Emma’s top-of-the-line model: the Emma Shift Mattress. 

It’s our top pick for couples because it features customizable firmness on each side of the bed to suit your individual preferences.

With firmness ranging from Medium to Firm, the Emma Shift mattress can accommodate an array of sleeper types including combination sleepers.

Specs at a glance

Emma Shift performance

During our testing, we found out that the Emma Shift mattress sits at a 5 at its softest and a 7 at its firmest on the mattress firmness scale. 

With regards to responsiveness, I got some body-contouring from the memory foam top layer but it has a quicker response to pressure than classic memory foam mattresses.

Since the Emma Shift has a split firmness design, we recommend this mattress for couples with different firmness preferences.

In terms of pressure relief, we gave the Emma Shift a 9.5. 

We did get some good pressure relief from this mattress but it wasn’t exactly like the deep pressure relief you get from a plush memory foam mattress. The Emma Shift has a more responsive feel that’s similar to organic latex beds.

As for cooling, the Emma Shift mattress got a 9.1. 

It’s not actively cooling but it did keep me sleeping at a neutral temperature when I tried it.

Moving on to motion isolation, we gave the Emma Shift a 9.5. 

I felt almost no motion on my side of the bed when I tried the mattress out with a partner which makes the Emma Shift mattress a great choice for couples.

We gave the Emma Shift mattress a 9.3 for edge support. 

Another factor to consider for couples is edge support. This mattress did pretty well in our edge support test by due to its reinforced perimeter.

Overall, the Emma Shift garnered a performance rating of 9.4 out of 10.

Factor	Performance
Firmness	Soft to Firm
Cooling	9.1
Pressure relief	9.5
Motion isolation	9.5
Edge support	9.3
Mattress thickness (inches)	12
Sinkage	Minimal
Trial (nights)	365
Warranty (years)	10

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#5. Saatva Latex Hybrid

Why it’s one of the best

This next mattress is one of my favorite hybrid models on the market. 

We like the Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress because it’s extremely supportive and it provides excellent back pain relief.

It’s firmer than your average mattress so it’s best suited for back and stomach sleepers who need proper support for maintaining spinal alignment.

Specs at a glance

Saatva Latex Hybrid performance

After testing, we would say the Saatva Latex Hybrid sits around a 7.5 on the mattress firmness scale. 

This makes it a true firm mattress compared to the average firmness of 6.5. We experienced lots of support and a bouncy latex feel that makes switching positions a piece of cake.

This hybrid mattress will work best for stomach and back sleepers as well as combination sleepers who prefer a firmer bed.

So in terms of pressure relief, we gave the Saatva Latex Hybrid a 9.5. 

This hybrid mattress is great for back pain but not good for side sleepers. It did an excellent job of keeping my spine aligned in both back and stomach positions making it a great choice for those who suffer from back pain.

We also gave it a 9.5 for cooling. 

The combination of breathable organic latex and pocketed coils promotes plenty of airflow through the mattress. Additionally, the natural wool layer in the mattress also aids in regulating body temperature and wicking away moisture.

Garnering a score of 8.7, one drawback of the Saatva Latex Hybrid is poor motion isolation. 

Using bouncy latex and springs in one mattress doesn’t really help in isolating motion, hehe.

Lastly, we gave the Saatva Latex Hybrid a 9.8 for edge support. You can maximize the entire surface of the mattress and sleep near the edges without any issues.

The Saatva Latex Hybrid garnered an overall performance rating of 9.4 out of 10.

Factor	Performance
Firmness	Firm
Cooling	9.5
Pressure relief	9.5
Motion isolation	8.7
Edge support	9.8
Mattress thickness (inches)	12
Sinkage	Minimal to none
Trial (nights)	365
Warranty (years)	Lifetime

Alternate pick: Saatva Loom and Leaf

Are you more of a memory foam mattress fan?

Check out the Saatva Loom and Leaf. It’s a premium gel memory foam mattress that’s also 12 inches tall and highly durable and supportive.

We appreciate that it comes in two firmness options to fit the needs of most individuals and sleeper types.

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#6. Latex for Less Hybrid Latex Mattress

Why it’s one of the best

We’re continuing our list with another organic hybrid mattress that we really like. 

The Latex for Less Hybrid is an eco-friendly mattress that’s very supportive and suitable for all sleeper types.

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Made with natural latex and pocketed coils, the Latex for Less Hybrid is a highly durable hybrid mattress that should last longer than most all-foam beds.

Specs at a glance

Latex for Less Hybrid Latex Mattress performance

We gave the Latex for Less Hybrid Medium version a 5 and the Firm version a 7.5 out of 10. 

Choose the Medium model if you’re primarily a side sleeper, and the Firm version if you’re a back and stomach sleeper.

We also recommend this hybrid mattress for individuals weighing up to 400 lbs. If you’re heavier than this, you should opt for a thicker mattress like the Saatva HD.

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In terms of pressure relief, we gave the Latex for Less Hybrid Latex mattress a 9.4. 

I felt a some good body-contouring especially while trying out the Medium version of the mattress. The Firm version was better at keeping my spine in proper alignment and helping alleviate tension from my lower back.

We gave the Latex for Less Hybrid Latex mattress got a 9.2 in our cooling test. 

If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll get lots of airflow from the bed’s pocketed coils and perforated latex.

As for motion isolation, we gave it a 9. 

Despite its bouncy latex and coil construction, this hybrid mattress has decent motion isolation.

We gave the Latex for Less Hybrid mattress an 8.9 for edge support. 

This was one thing that took us by surprise. You would expect a latex hybrid mattress to have solid edge support but this mattress does not.

The Latex for Less Hybrid got an overall performance rating of 9.1 out of 10.

We go into more details about the mattress in our full Latex for Less Hybrid Mattress review.

Factor	Performance
Firmness	Medium/Firm
Cooling	9.2
Pressure relief	9.4
Motion transfer	9
Edge support	8.9
Mattress thickness (inches)	12
Sinkage	Minimal
Trial (nights)	120
Warranty (years)	20

Alternate pick: Latex for Less Organic Latex Mattress

Looking for a pure organic latex mattress?

The Latex for Less Organic Latex Mattress might be the bed for you.

It’s slightly more affordable than the Latex for Less Hybrid and it provides a similar level of bouncy support. It comes in two heights and three firmness levels and it’s made with high-end GOLS certified organic latex.

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#7. Puffy Lux

Why it’s one of the best

The Puffy Lux is our top pick for side sleepers because it cradles your body and relieves pressure from your shoulders and hips.

It’s a gel memory foam mattress that contains supportive pocketed coils for responsiveness and bounce. Aside from being a great fit for side sleepers, the Puffy Lux also works for some back and stomach sleepers.

Specs at a glance

Puffy Lux performance

We rated the Puffy Lux mattress 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. 

Lying down on it I immediately felt the incredible softness of the top gel memory foam comfort layer as it conformed to my body.

The Puffy Lux works for most sleeping positions but we don’t recommend it for heavyweight stomach sleepers. Your hips might bow into the soft foams and put your spine out of alignment.

We gave the Puffy Lux mattress a 9.6 for pressure relief. 

This gel memory foam mattress is an excellent fit for side sleepers. It gently cradled my joints and relieved pressure all around my body.

Getting a 9.1 in our cooling test, the Puffy Lux mattress is also a nice option for hot sleepers. 

Apart from being a gel memory foam mattress, it has a coil unit that allows for even more airflow within the mattress.

The Puffy Lux got a 9.3 in our motion isolation test. 

A gel memory foam mattress like this model has low motion transfer across the mattress. This is ideal if you sleep with a restless partner who can’t stop switching positions at night.

In terms of edge support, we gave the Puffy Lux mattress an 8.9. 

It did not perform so well in our edge support test. Despite having reinforced perimeter coils, it has several plush memory foam layers which compress under your body weight.

Overall, the Puffy Lux got a performance rating of 9.2 out of 10.

Factor	Performance
Firmness	Medium
Cooling	9.1
Pressure relief	9.6
Motion isolation	9.3
Edge support	8.9
Mattress thickness (inches)	12
Sinkage	Minimal
Trial (nights)	101
Warranty (years)	Lifetime

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#8. Awara Premier Natural Hybrid Mattress

Why it’s one of the best

We’re rounding up our lineup with another latex hybrid mattress that has durable construction and a standard 12-inch profile. 

We really like the Awara Premier Natural Hybrid mattress because it offers nice comfort and long-lasting support while being slightly cheaper than other latex mattresses.

Don’t get me wrong, its price range is still higher than say a memory foam mattress but it does provide some great value and benefits.

Specs at a glance

Awara Premier Natural Hybrid performance

Sitting at a 5 out of 10, the Awara Premier mattress is slightly softer than the standard Awara Natural Hybrid mattress. 

Although both mattresses offer the same responsive latex feel, the Awara Premier has a bit more latex in the form of a pillow top for more cushioning and comfort.

We think this latex hybrid mattress is right around a medium-firm and it’s suitable for most individuals and sleeping styles.

In terms of pressure relief, we gave the Awara Premier Natural Hybrid mattress a 9.4. 

We experienced ample pressure relief from the latex pillow top and our body weight was evenly distributed across the mattress. That said, natural latex is naturally resilient and bouncy so don’t expect to feel super soft contouring on this mattress.

We also conducted a cooling test and we gave the Awara Premier Natural Hybrid mattress a 9.2 

You’ll get plenty of airflow on this mattress since its natural latex layer has countless pinholes for breathability and it has a coil system which aids in ventilation as well.

As for its motion isolation, we gave the Awara Premier mattress an 8.9. 

You should expect to feel some motion from the other side of the bed since the latex and coils provide a lot of bounce.

Finally, the Awara Premier got a 9.3 for edge support. 

I felt sturdy support as I moved towards the edge of the mattress.

Overall, the Awara Premier Natural Hybrid got a performance rating of 9.2 out of 10.

Factor	Performance
Firmness	Medium
Cooling	9.2
Pressure relief	9.4
Motion isolation	8.9
Edge support	9.3
Mattress thickness (inches)	12 inches
Sinkage	Minimal
Trial (nights)	365
Warranty (years)	Lifetime

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Why we chose these mattresses

While testing out various 12-beds for this article, our team made sure to look for mattresses that are made with high-quality and long-lasting materials. Cheap foam or low-end coils can (and will) negatively influence a mattress’ lifespan. In addition, we also made it a point to choose fiberglass-free mattresses.

All the mattresses that we feature in our articles are backed by environmental certifications. Some of the certifications that we look out for are CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for foam beds, and GOTS and GOLS for organic mattresses.

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Additional resources: Learn more about choosing 12-inch mattress

• 10-inch vs. 12-inch mattress guide
• Reddit

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Conclusion

A 12-inch mattress provides way more comfort and support than a thinner mattress. It’s time that you put some importance on getting a good mattress because it will positively affect your sleep and your life overall. Trust me, I spent years sleeping on a 5-inch mattress and my first experience with a thicker mattress was life-changing.

If you’re planning to buy a new 12-inch mattress, our top recommendation is the Nolah Signature 12.

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How we rate mattresses

We rate mattresses using the following criteria:

1. Comfort
2. Structural integrity and durability
3. Firmness and support

Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here.

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Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?