Best air mattress – data-backed performance tests

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You’d think it would easy to shop for an air mattress… but it can actually be a daunting process. Air mattresses aren’t as simple of a product as they seem. But don’t you fret because I did the hard work for you. I tested out all of the top brands and put together this handy dandy list of the best air mattresses you can buy today. My Editor’s Choice is the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress.

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Top ten best air mattresses and performance test results

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#1. King Koil Luxury Air Mattress

Pros

• High-speed pump inflation
• Comes in three different thickness levels
• Features a coil beam construction
• Suitable for all sleeper types

Cons

• May be too thick to be used on rugged terrain
• May lose air upon initial use

Why it’s the overall best

The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress is our overall best pick because it’s comfortable, easy to set up and durable.

Similar in a way to a hybrid mattress, the King Koil Luxury Air mattress features a coil beam technology which includes air-filled coils instead of spring ones, that still offer the same responsive support.

The King Koil Luxury Air mattress also features a built-in pump that inflates the entire mattress within 2-3 minutes which is helpful especially if you have guests that have to stay over unexpectedly.

Thick and sturdy, the King Koil Luxury Air mattress comes in three different thickness levels to choose from.

Specs at a glance

King Koil Luxury Air Mattress Performance

We rate the King Koil Luxury Air mattress a 9 when it comes to comfort.

There’s no doubt that the air coils offer both support and pressure relief, but the King Koil Luxury Air mattress also features a soft, flocked top that feels as though you’ve already got a built-in foam topper, which adds to the whole sleeping experience.

We rate the King Koil Luxury Air mattress a 9 when it comes to ease of setup.

From unboxing the King Koil Luxury Air mattress to waiting for it to inflate (which literally seems like seconds), the air mattress performed amazingly well when it comes to how easy it is to set up. You just need to twist the dials to get your desired firmness level.

We rate the King Koil Luxury Air mattress a 7.5 when it comes to air retention.

I did find that you lose a bit of air when you first use the mattress but as time goes by and you re-inflate it, air retention becomes much more stable.

We rate the King Koil Luxury Air mattress an 8 when it comes to insulation.

King Koil has not really disclosed the R-value of their Luxury Air mattress, but I found it to be pretty much temperature-regulating when I tried it out. I slept cool when it was hot and kept warm when it was cold.

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#2. SoundASleep Dream Series

Pros

• Features up to 40 internal air coils
• Inflates in under four minutes
• Can fit two people comfortably
• Good for both indoor and outdoor use

Cons

• Pump could be a little loud
• Edges are raised and could be uncomfortable for taller individuals

Why it’s one of the best

Out of all the air mattresses on this list, the SoundASleep Dream Series is the one that feels the most like a traditional mattress thanks to its internal air coils.

Great for either indoor or outdoor camping use, the SoundASleep Dream Series comes with its own carry bag and built-in pump for extra convenience – all you need is to do is to pump and go and you’re all set.

The SoundASleep Dream Series air mattress is thick and durable and can accommodate two adults comfortably making it a good option for those who share a bed.

Although SoundASleep does not really advertise this, here’s a little hack for you to get your desired firmness level: deflate it a little to get a softer feel, inflate it a little more to get a firmer feel. Easy peasy.

Specs at a glance

SoundASleep Dream Series Performance

We rate the SoundASleep Dream Series a 9 when it comes to comfort.

Even without an added foam topper, the SoundAsleep Dream Series does an amazing job at providing both support and pressure relief no matter your preferred sleeping position. Like with most air mattresses, you do need to make slight adjustments when inflating and deflating to get your desired firmness level.

We rate the SoundASleep Dream Series an 8.5 when it comes to ease of setup.

The SoundASleep Dream Series’ built-in air pump takes only up to four minutes to fully inflate, making setup a breeze. You may find the air pump to be a little noisy but it didn’t really bother me.

We rate the SoundASleep Dream Series an 8 when it comes to air retention.

The SoundASleep Dream Series air mattress did a great job at retaining air even when you share a bed with a partner. There will be some initial deflation upon first use but that usually happens with most other brands as well.

We rate the SoundASleep Dream Series a 7 when it comes to insulation.

There mattress doesn’t have a declared R-value, but its thick waterflocked top did not feel too warm nor too cold to me.

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#3. Intex Durabeam

Pros

• Great for camping
• Comes with built-in pump
• Easy to clean
• Can accommodate two people

Cons

• Does not come with carry bag
• Only comes in 3 sizes

Why it’s one of the best

You honestly can’t beat the Intex Durabeam air mattress when it comes to its value for money. For an air mattress that’s cheap as chips, the Intex Durabeam sure packs a punch.

Featuring a fiber tech construction that’s made up of thousands of fiber strands that can withstand up to 600 lbs, the Intex Durabeam can comfortably fit two average-sized adults without losing its integrity.

The Intex Durabeam air bed also comes with a built-in air pump that can fully inflate the mattress in just under two minutes. This makes it one of the quickest air mattresses to inflate on this list.

The Intex Durabeam also features a bottom ring that helps with stability and support – you won’t feel any dips.

Specs at a glance

Intex Durabeam Performance

We rate the Intex Durabeam a 9.5 when it comes to comfort.

Although the Intex Durabeam does not feature any fancy air coils, it still does a stellar job of providing comfort and support no matter your desired sleeping position. The velvet surface also helps provide an almost mattress topper feel which I appreciate.

We rate the Intex Durabeam a 9 when it comes to ease of setup.

It took less than 2 minutes for the Intex Durabeam to fully inflate but that’s also because it’s a lot thinner than most air beds on this list. The air pump is also noise-less which is great if you’re trying not to disturb your roommates.

We rate the Intex Durabeam an 8 when it comes to air retention.

Like most air mattresses, the Intex Durabeam loses a bit of air upon first use but Intex does address this and tells us it’s because of the material stretching when you first inflate it. This settles once you have used the mattress a few times.

We rate the Intex Durabeam an 7 when it comes to insulation.

The Intex Durabeam cools rather than warms so if you’ll be using the mattress outdoors, you might need to add layers of insulation such as comforters and quilts.

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#4. Sealy Tritech Airbed

Pros

• Comes with a built-in headboard
• Great for those just starting out
• Wave design for added comfort
• Good for couples

Cons

• Not really recommended for outdoor use
• Not water resistant

Why it’s one of the best

The Sealy Tritech Airbed looks and feels just like a traditional mattress, complete with a headboard that provides a sturdy recline should you want to read in bed or just lounge.

Featuring a dedicated knob control so you can get your preferred firmness level, the Sealy Tritech Airbed suits all sleeper types which is great for couples who have varying sleeping positions.

The Sealy Tritech also features raised edges for better edge support – you definitely won’t be rolling off the edge of the bed here.

As you may already very well know, Sealy is a trusted brand name when it comes to mattresses and the Tritech Airbed does not disappoint. There is a but though – because of its larger build (AND a full-on headboard) the Sealy Tritech isn’t the most convenient air mattress to use outdoors. I mean… unless you’re really extra.

Specs at a glance

Sealy Tritech Airbed Performance

We rate the Sealy Tritech Airbed a 9.5 when it comes to comfort.

I like the fact that we get a built-in headboard with the Sealy Tritech which really gives it that traditional mattress feel – you know, in case you want to read or lounge. In terms of comfort the Sealy Tritech Airbed does a stellar job of providing comfort and pressure relief for all sleeping positions.

We rate the Sealy Tritech Airbed a 9 when it comes to ease of setup.

It takes around five minutes to inflate the Sealy Tritech which is a tad longer than some of the mattresses mentioned on here but I chalk it up to it being a thicker bed and a bigger size (the Tritech only comes in a King and Queen) so not bad at all. I also like that they have a screw valve for easy deflation.

We rate the Sealy Tritech Airbed a 9 when it comes to air retention.

The Sealy Tritech Airbed features what they call their tritech internal beams which helps keep the structural integrity of the air bed no matter how many times you inflate it or deflate it which also helps with air retention. 9 points for Gryffin- I mean, Sealy.

We rate the Sealy Tritech Airbed a 9 when it comes to insulation.

The unique wave design on the mattress surface helps with air circulation which in turn helps you sleep cool and dry on the Sealy Tritech Airbed.

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#5. Serta Perfect Sleeper

Pros

• Waterproof and puncture-proof
• Built-in auto-pump
• Easy control over mattress firmness
• Features up to 35 air coils

Cons

• No carry bag included
• High raised edges may be difficult for those with low mobility

Why it’s one of the best

Usually with air mattresses, you need to manually inflate and deflate to get your desired firmness level but the Serta Perfect Sleeper does away with all of that. Instead, it features a dedicated knob that lets you set the mattress to the firmness level of your choice.

Made from TPU material, the Serta Perfect Sleeper is water resistant and puncture-proof which makes it perfect for outdoor use (but of course you can use it indoors as well – it’s a great bed for unexpected guests!).

Another thing I quite like about the Serta Perfect Sleeper is that it features a cooling top fabric which helps dissipate any heat retention. This is good news for those who tend to sleep hot.

Although I appreciate the Serta Perfect Sleeper’s firm edge silhouette, it could be a little too high for those with limited mobility to get in and out of bed easily.

Specs at a glance

Serta Perfect Sleeper Performance

We rate the Serta Perfect Sleeper an 8.5 when it comes to comfort.

I like that you get set controls for different firmness levels which makes it easier for you to choose the right option for your preferred sleeping position. There’s no tinkering around with the inflation or deflation, which saves a lot of time. For my preferred sleeping position (I’m a stomach sleeper), I get to choose the extra-firm setting which provides me with enough support as well as pressure relief.

We rate the Serta Perfect Sleeper an 8 when it comes to ease of setup.

Built-in air pumps are a godsend when it comes to air mattresses and the Serta Perfect Sleeper’s air pump inflates in a matter of minutes. This is super convenient, especially when you have unexpected guests popping in late at night.

We rate the Serta Perfect Sleeper a 9 when it comes to air retention.

Thanks to the mattress’ set firmness controls, air retention is solid and constant even with first use. I didn’t have to wait for a second inflation to get the mattress to fully settle (which is usually what happens with most other brands).

We rate the Serta Perfect Sleeper a 9.5 when it comes to insulation.

The Serta Perfect Sleeper features a cooling top fabric which helps with heat retention and actually feels cool to the touch.

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#6. Beautyrest Supreme Air

Pros

• Comes with an auto shut-off feature
• Puncture-resistant
• Up to 650 lbs weight capacity
• Comes with carry bag

Cons

• Air retention could be a little bit better
• Raised edges could be difficult for those with low mobility

Why it’s one of the best

The only air mattress that features an automatic shut-off feature for inflating and deflating, the Beautyrest Supreme Air does all the work for you. Who doesn’t want that added convenience? I know I do.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the brand Beautyrest before – it’s only the most preferred mattress brand in hotels across America and I think their air mattresses are on par with their traditional mattresses when it comes to performance.

The Beautyrest Supreme Air mattress features thick air coils that not only help provide support but help absorb any motion transfer which is crucial especially if you share a bed with a partner.

Made from durable vinyl, the Beautyrest Supreme Air is waterproof and puncture-resistant which means it’s also great for outdoor use as well as indoor use.

Specs at a glance

Beautyrest Supreme Air Performance

We rate the Beautyrest Supreme Air a 9 when it comes to comfort.

The Beautyrest Supreme Air’s internal air coils provide targeted support as well as pressure relief making the Supreme Air mattress one of the most responsive air mattresses I’ve tried. With a weight capacity of up to 650 lbs, it can accommodate all sleeper types no matter the body type.

We rate the Beautyrest Supreme Air a 9.5 when it comes to ease of setup.

With the dedicated control knob that automatically shuts-off when the Beautyrest Supreme Air is fully inflated or deflated, setup is as easy as 1, 2, 3. It only takes up to three minutes to get the Beautyrest Supreme Air fully inflated and the air pump is pretty noiseless (which I appreciate).

We rate the Beautyrest Supreme Air an 8 when it comes to air retention.

The Beautyrest Supreme Air features an anti-stretch material that fully keeps the air within the mattress thereby reducing any instances of leakage. You still do get a little loss of air upon initial inflation but that soon settles upon consecutive use.

We rate the Beautyrest Supreme Air a 9 when it comes to insulation.

The thick vinyl covering the Beautyrest Supreme Air mattress does a stellar job of helping you keep warm when it’s cold and helping you stay cool when it’s hot no matter whether you’re indoors or outdoors.

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#7. Pittman Outdoor Comfort Series

Pros

• Great for outdoor use
• Features a laminated fabric blend
• Comes with carry bag
• Features wave beams

Cons

• May be too soft for some sleepers
• Thick material may be too warm

Why it’s one of the best

If you’re a big fan of the great outdoors and go camping often, you know how crucial it is to choose an air mattress that can weather anything the wild throws at you.

The Pittman Outdoor Comfort Series is made specifically for outdoor use and is waterproof and puncture-proof – Pittman even goes so far as to describe it as pet-friendly.

Featuring an extra thick topper, the Pittman Outdoor Comfort Series has a pillowtop feel that’s contouring and compressing, great for those who suffer from chronic body pain (or just those who are tired from all the hiking).

The Pittman Outdoor Comfort Series also comes with a built-in air pump that comes with a stow-away compartment for those unsightly cords.

Specs at a glance

Pittman Outdoor Comfort Series Performance

We rate the Pittman Outdoor Comfort Series a 9 when it comes to comfort.

The extra thick topper adds just the right amount of plushness that gives the Pittman Outdoor Comfort Series that extra edge when it comes to comfort – it almost feels as though you’re lying on a pillow top bed.

We rate the Pittman Outdoor Comfort Series an 8 when it comes to ease of setup.

The built-in air pump of the Pittman Outdoor Comfort Series goes from zero to a hundred in just under three minutes. It is also pretty noiseless which I guess could either be a good thing or a bad thing if you’re outdoors.

We rate the Pittman Outdoor Comfort Series an 8 when it comes to air retention.

Like most air mattresses, the Pittman Outdoor Comfort Series does need a bit of time to settle and you will find that it deflates just a little bit upon first use but after that initial inflation, you’re good to go.

We rate the Pittman Outdoor Comfort Series a 9 when it comes to insulation.

That thick topper once again does the heavy lifting here and not only does it help provide comfort but it also helps with keeping you warm which is especially helpful if you are outdoors.

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#8. Divon

Pros

• Features a wave design for added comfort
• Comes with carry bag
• Waterproof and puncture-resistant
• 660 lbs weight capacity

Cons

• Edges might be a bit too firm for some
• Some air loss on initial inflation

Why it’s one of the best

Large and in charge, the Divon can’t help but command attention, but its size is not really its main selling point – it has a weight capacity of up to 660 lbs, making it a good option for heavier-set people.

Featuring a patented design and vertical beam support, the Divon distributes weight precisely which means there’s none of that unwanted sagging or air loss.

Made for both indoor and outdoor use, the Divon is made up of industrial-grade PVC that’s 30% thicker than standard which gives it durability as well as stability.

The Divon air mattress comes with its own carry bag as well as a repair kit should any accidents happen (which, I hope not).

Specs at a glance

Divon Performance

We rate the Divon air mattress an 8 when it comes to comfort.

Firmer than most air mattresses mentioned on this list, the Divon can accommodate sleepers up to 230 lbs easily and still provide enough comfort and pressure relief, no matter your preferred sleeping position.

We rate the Divon air mattress a 9 when it comes to ease of setup.

The Divon inflates and deflates in just under three minutes, no matter what size you choose. It also comes with its own carry bag as well as – get this – its own repair kit should any accidents happen.

We rate the Divon air mattress an 7.5 when it comes to air retention.

I’m not going to beat around the bush here – you will get some air loss during the first few uses but once the mattress settles, its performance when it comes to air retention improves significantly.

We rate the Divon air mattress an 8 when it comes to insulation.

While there’s no fancy toppers or flocked tops here, I still found the Divon to be pretty temperature regulating and like most air mattresses, won’t really retain so much heat that it would be uncomfortable for you to sleep on.

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#9. Simmons Rest Aire

Pros

• Features coil in coil design
• Responsive and supportive
• Great for kids
• Indoor and outdoor use

Cons

• Raised perimeter may be too high for some
• No carry bad

Why it’s one of the best

Another brand name that’s highly regarded in the mattress world, the Simmons Rest Aire is an air mattress that’s designed and engineered entirely in the USA with premium quality materials such as extra thick, puncture-resistant dura-vinyl.

The Simmons Rest Aire also comes with a built-in pump that features control knobs (that do the inflating and deflating for you) as well as a surelock feature.

The Rest Aire also features a coil-in-coil design that helps provide extra support, while the soft and velveteen top offers extra cushion for extra compression.

Raised edges surround the perimeter of the mattress and help keep your bedding in place. They only problem is that the edges may be cumbersome for some people – I mean, I like it that it has extra edge support but you might not.  

Specs at a glance

Simmons Rest Aire Performance

We rate the Simmons Rest Aire a 9.5 when it comes to comfort.

The Simmons Rest Aire’s coil-in-coil design offers not only pressure relief and comfort but also responsive support – think an innerspring bed but only air (ok, that’s hard to imagine but you get the gist). The soft and velveteen top also adds a layer of cushioning that helps with compression.

We rate the Simmons Rest Aire a 9 when it comes to ease of setup.

The Simmons Rest Aire just takes two minutes to inflate/deflate and the air pump shuts off automatically when done, which means less work for you. That’s always a good thing.

We rate the Simmons Rest Aire an 8 when it comes to air retention.

You’re going to experience a tiny amount of air loss during the first few uses – that’s normal –  but after that it’s going to be easy going. You also get to choose between different firmness levels using the control knobs.

We rate the Simmons Rest Aire an 8 when it comes to insulation.

The soft velveteen top is breathable and helps keep you cool, which is perfect especially if you tend to sleep hot. The top also helps keep the bedding in place.

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#10. Airefina

Pros

• Up to 750 lbs weight capacity
• Non-slip bottom (very useful if you want to put it on a bed frame)
• Type-0 shape beam construction
• Comes with built-in pump and carry bag

Cons

• Comes in only two sizes
• Air pump can be noisy

Why it’s one of the best

With up to 750 lb weight capacity, the Airefina is the only mattress on this list that can accommodate a high weight capacity, which means an entire family can lay on it with no problems (but please don’t do that because I highly doubt it’ll be comfortable).

That said, this mattress can accommodate heavier-set sleepers easily.

Built to last, the Airefina is not flimsy whatsoever. It’s built with thick PVC material that’s water-resistant and puncture-proof, which means you can use the mattress outdoors under all weather conditions (but of course please use a tent).

The Airefina also features Type 0 vertical beam construction. This not only helps with air retention but also helps provide zoned support.

Specs at a glance

Airefina Performance

We rate the Airefina air mattress an 8 when it comes to comfort.

The Airefina has a firmer feel than most air mattresses on this list which makes it more suitable for back and stomach sleepers (even those who weigh heavier than average). The mattress’ Type 0 beam construction definitely provides enough support for heavier-set sleepers. Strict side sleepers may find the Airefina to be a bit too firm.

We rate the Airefina air mattress a 9 when it comes to ease of setup.

The Airefina’s built-in air pump inflates the mattress in just under two minutes. That’s one of the quickest inflation times on this list. The same goes for its deflation times. If you’re an impatient person then this is the mattress for you – jk, JK (kinda).

We rate the Airefina air mattress an 7 when it comes to air retention.

Like I mentioned earlier, the Airefina does have a bit of a problem with air loss when you first use it, but then this levels out over time as the mattress settles.

We rate the Airefina air mattress an 8 when it comes to insulation.

Because of its firmer mattress surface, the Airefina does help prevent heat retention and helps you sleep cool, even when the ambient temperature is quite warm.

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How we chose these mattresses

There are more factors to consider when buying an air mattress compared to selecting a regular mattress. Unlike memory foam or coil beds, air mattresses use air (obviously) for support. So, you have to ensure that the air stays inside the mattress.

This means that you have to look at the materials used, the pump, weight capacity, and several other elements. 

Now let’s look deeper into each factor that you should consider before purchasing an air mattress.

Type

What type of air chambers does the air mattress have? Does it have vertical air chambers? Or horizontal air chambers?

The most durable air mattresses feature vertical air chambers and coil beams to provide adequate support. Mattresses with horizontal air beams are cheaper and more prone to sagging.

Price

Air mattresses are available at a wide range of prices. The cheapest (and lowest quality) models cost $20, while the most luxurious air mattresses can cost up to $400.

It’s important that you think about how you’re going to use the air mattress. Are you going to use it for camping? For a guest room? Will it be used indoors or outdoors? Knowing the purpose of your purchase will help you find the product with the most value.

Weight capacity

There are two factors that affect the weight capacity of an air mattress and these are: size and construction. Generally, twin-sized air mattresses can hold up to 300 lbs, and queen air mattresses usually support up to 600 lbs.

Air beds that are made of high-quality PVC and vinyl typically have the highest weight limits. Most air mattress brands will state their product’s weight capacity, so you can check if it fits your needs first before making a decision.

Surface material

Most high-quality air mattresses will have flocked fabric on its top surface to provide cushioning and comfort. This material feels like suede and it’s designed so you won’t feel like you’re sleeping on plastic.

Ease of setup

Most of the models on our list above are extremely easy to set up and use. 

The main thing you have to consider is what type of power the mattress needs. Does it have to be plugged into an electrical outlet? Or can it be powered using a portable battery?

Height

The general rule is that taller air mattresses are better for indoor use, and thinner models are going to fit better inside camping tents. They also make a great air mattress for cars due to their small size. 

A taller air mattress will provide you more support and comfort. A lower profile model will be easier to store and carry with you wherever you go.

Size

Who will use the air mattress? 

If you’re buying an air mattress for your kids, a twin-sized model will suffice. But if it’s something that you’re going to share with your partner, we recommend buying at least a queen-size mattress.

Pump

Find out whether the air mattress has an internal or external pump. Choose a model that either has a built-in pump, or an external pump that’s included in your purchase. All the models in our list feature built-in electric pumps for quick and easy inflation and deflation.

Also research about an air mattress’s inflation time before purchasing it. We recommend choosing a model that can inflate and deflate in five minutes or less.

Presence of pets

Although durable air mattresses are made of puncture-resistant PVC, this doesn’t mean that they are completely invulnerable to deflating all of a sudden. 

The claws of cats and dogs can cause serious damage to an air mattress. If you have pets with sharp nails, you should think twice about getting an air mattress.

Perhaps it’s best for you to stick to regular mattresses that are made of memory foam, latex, or pocketed coils.

Ability to hold air

Most air mattresses tend to gradually release air throughout the night. 

It’s very important that you choose an air mattress that holds air well and doesn’t lose its shape. Some models even feature something called a secondary pump which maintains air pressure while you sleep.

Customer service and warranty

Most air mattress brands offer at least a 1-year warranty that covers manufacturing and structural defects. However, these warranties don’t cover rips and tears that occur with regular use.

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Conclusion

Whether it’s for indoor or outdoor use, an air mattress is a great option for those who need a temporary mattress.

When choosing the right air mattress, you have to consider factors such as price, weight capacity, surface material, and type of pump. All the air mattress models that we included in our top 10 list are durable, easy to use, and made with high-quality materials.

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How we rate mattresses

We personally test and rate mattresses using the following strict quantitative criteria:

1. Comfort
2. Structural integrity and durability
3. Firmness and support
4. Cooling capabilities
5. Pressure relief
6. Edge support
7. Motion isolation

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?