New Grad, New Views

So, like, here’s the deal: there are some products out there that are pretty cool, but they didn’t quite hit the mark like the ones we already talked about. Let’s give some honorable mentions to these guys.

The Saatva Contour5: So, Saatva came out with this new mattress, the Contour5. It’s supposed to be an upgrade from their Loom & Leaf model. Unlike most of the others on this list, this bad boy doesn’t come all squished up in a box. Nope, it gets delivered on a fancy moving truck. The Contour5 has two firmness levels and some fancy cooling tech to keep you from sweating buckets at night. It’s got this gel foam layer that’s thinner than its predecessor, so it doesn’t hold onto heat as much. I gave it a whirl for a couple of weeks, and I gotta say, it kept me pretty chill during those hot summer nights. Plus, it’s soft enough for side sleepers without feeling like you’re sinking into a black hole. Oh, and the build quality is top-notch, especially for an all-foam mattress. Prices range from $1,899 to $3,599.

The Big Fig Classic: This one’s for all you big folks out there. The Big Fig is designed for larger bodies, claiming to handle up to 550 pounds per sleeper. I, myself, am on the heavier side, so I was curious to see how this mattress would hold up. It’s sturdy, with a gel cooling layer to keep things from getting too toasty. But here’s the thing: the edge support is a bit much, giving it a hammock-like feel that I’m not a huge fan of. Whether I was on my back or side, I felt like I was sinking into the middle of the bed. Some people might dig that, but it’s not really my jam. Prices range from $1,499 to $2,699.

The Boring Hybrid Mattress: Okay, so this one’s from a new company called Boring Mattress. They keep it simple with just one option: the Boring Hybrid Mattress. It’s got four layers of foam and springs, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer for my joint pain. I’ve tried a bunch of mattresses over the years, and this one has been the best for keeping me pain-free. The firmness and support are just right for my picky self. Plus, the open-cell design helps move heat away from your body while you snooze. I’m usually cold, so it’s not a big deal for me, but on those nights when I’ve cranked up the heat, it hasn’t been the best at keeping me cool. Prices range from $599 to $999.

Casper The One: Casper has been in the game for a while now, and their latest offering, The One, is a solid choice. It’s an all-foam mattress that’s 11 inches tall and super lightweight. The top layer uses this cool open-cell foam that’s squishy and breathable. Two more layers of foam give it a medium-firm feel, with extra support for your hips and back. Prices range from $749 to $1,498.

The Winkbed: This one’s a winner in my book. The Winkbed has fantastic edge support, so your partner won’t even notice when you sneak into bed late at night. The plush pillowtop gives it a fancy hotel vibe, even though it’s on the firmer side. Prices range from $1,149 to $2,049.

Nest Bedding Quail: If you’re into classic bed-in-a-box brands, the Quail by Nest is worth a look. It’s a bit firmer than the Casper, but it’ll cost you a bit more. I did notice that I slept a bit hot on it, even with the cooling system they claim to have. Prices range from $849 to $1,499.

Helix Sunset Elite: Now, this one’s a top pick for a reason. The Helix Sunset Elite collection has seven different mattresses to choose from, each with its own level of softness. The tallest mattress on the internet, this bad boy comes in two heavy boxes and can be adjusted if you change your mind. I tried out the softest model for a month, and let me tell you, the cradling effect is no joke. Prices range from $2,499 to $4,499.

Wayfair Sleep 14-Inch Plush Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress: If you’re into plush mattresses, this one’s for you. It’s got cooling gel, pocket coils, and memory foam to keep you comfy and supported. The top knit cover and sides help with breathability, and it’s compatible with an adjustable bed base. Plus, it’s CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex Certified, so you know there are no harmful toxins. Prices range from $213 to $400.

Now, let’s talk about some mattresses you might want to steer clear of. I’m not really sure why this matters, but here are a few to avoid.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt: Two WIRED reviewers weren’t fans of this one. They found it lacking in support and feeling like they were sinking into a void. Prices range from $1,699 to $3,398.

Magniflex Magnistretch 12: This Italian-made mattress claims to stretch your spine, but I found it to be more like sleeping on a chainlink fence. Prices range from $3,699 to $5,299.

Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed: Sure, it’s temperature-controlled, but at almost $8,000, you might as well buy a used car. Plus, sleep experts say you should avoid electronics before bed, so there’s that. Prices range from $7,999 to $14,199.

Amazon Basics mattress: This cheap foam mattress sinks way too much and isn’t worth the price. Prices range from $205 to $459.

Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress: It’s pricey and doesn’t live up to the hype. The padding is lacking, so you might want to pass on this one. Prices range from $1,500 to $2,600.

So, there you have it. Some mattresses to consider and some to avoid. Remember, finding the right mattress is key to getting a good night’s sleep. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Happy snoozing!