best full size mattressesShare on Pinterest

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

When it comes to good health, sleep is a key player. You’ll probably find it hard to get a good night’s sleep without a good mattress.

If you have a full-size bed frame, you’re probably considering full-size mattresses, but your mattress isn’t the only thing that affects your sleep. A too-small bed can also make it tough to get quality shut-eye.

With so many options to choose from, you might wonder how you can ever decide on the right mattress. We created the following list of the top six full-size mattresses to make this process a little easier.

In our list, we took the following factors into account:

  • Customer reviews. Companies can say anything about their products, but real insight and opinions from other consumers like you offer a clearer picture of how your mattress will hold up over time. We took a careful look at what reviewers had to say about these mattresses.
  • Company reputation and transparency. We selected mattresses from companies known to create safe, quality products. We also made sure these brands are upfront about their materials and have a good business reputation.
  • Company policies. When you purchase an expensive product meant to last, such as a mattress, you want to know you’ve chosen the right one. That’s why we included only brands that offer warranties and trial periods.
  • Affordability. Most people want a great mattress that doesn’t cost a fortune. While we do include some pricier picks, many of the mattresses on our list come in under $1,500.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $1,000
  • $$ =$1,000–$1,500
  • $$$ = over $1,500

Best full-size pillow top mattress

Saatva Classic Mattress

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Height: 11.5 or 14.5 inches
  • Trial period: 180 nights
  • Firmness options: plush soft, luxury firm, firm

More than 1,000 5-star reviews across the internet recommend this mattress for luxurious comfort.

Saatva’s dual-coil construction and the luxury Euro pillow top combine to keep you cushioned and supported through the night. You’ll get additional support from an extra layer of foam designed specifically to provide back support and relieve pressure.

The choice of two heights and three firmness levels allows you to customize your mattress. If you experience back pain, you may want to opt for luxury firm, a medium-firm option that research shows is optimal for promoting sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment.

For a true “cloud-like” experience, choose the plush soft. The foam is softer, and the pillow top boasts additional padding.

Many reviewers confirm this mattress has minimal motion transfer, as the company claims. Several reviewers also note that while this mattress doesn’t feel cool to the touch, it also doesn’t heat up at night and make them uncomfortable.

Pros

  • Comes with a 15-year warranty.
  • All styles include a 3-inch pillow top.
  • Delivery is free, including in-room set-up.

Cons

  • May not be budget-friendly for everyone.
  • Some reviewers report a difference between the advertised and actual mattress heights.

Buy the Saatva Classic Mattress online.

Best full-size foam mattress

Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Type: foam
  • Height: 11 inches
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Firmness options: medium firm

Prefer a softer mattress? Reviewers say the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress combines support and softness in just the right balance, calling it a great mattress choice.

Nectar rates this mattress a 6.5 on a 10-point firmness scale, a “just right” medium-firm mattress.

The four foam layers are designed to support, relieve pressure, and improve spinal alignment. The top layer, a quilted cooling cover, helps you sleep more comfortably on top of all that foam.

Some reviewers say they got the best sleep on this mattress. You certainly don’t have to take their word for it, though. Nectar’s 365-day trial period, lifetime warranty, and free shipping make it almost risk-free to try this mattress yourself.

Pros

  • The cover of this mattress actually unzips for easy mattress cleaning.
  • The warranty and sleep trial go far beyond the industry standard.

Cons

  • The price tag is a bit steep for a full-size memory foam mattress.
  • Stomach sleepers may not feel like this mattress is firm enough to support them, especially if they are on the lighter side.

Buy the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress online.

Best rated full-size mattress

Tuft & Needle Original Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Type: foam
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Firmness options: medium firm

Tuft & Needle’s original mattress isn’t just a foam mattress that doesn’t break the bank. It’s also been extensively reviewed: More than 30,000 reviews give it an average of 4.6 stars.

There’s plenty to recommend this mattress. Based on customer feedback, the company says its proprietary foam is designed to provide optimal pressure relief. The second layer of foam adds extra support and durability. The foam contains graphite and ceramic gel beads to absorb and draw body heat away as you sleep.

Reviewers like the price quality, the unboxing process’s simplicity, and Tuft & Needle’s customer service. Some say the mattress was softer than the medium-firm they expected, but others found it just right.

There’s no way to know whether you’ll like a mattress until you try it, but the positive reviews suggest this mattress does work for many people.

The 100-night trial, free shipping and returns, and 10-year, limited warranty make it easy to give this highly rated mattress a test run.

Pros

  • The mattress ships quickly, within 1 to 2 business days.
  • Even though the mattress has only two layers of foam, reviewers say that it’s still supportive, plush, and durable.

Cons

  • This mattress is only 10 inches thick, so it might not be a great pick if you have a higher body weight.
  • Some reviewers say that the bed has poor edge support, which decreases the amount of surface area you can actually use on the bed.

Buy the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress online.

Best full-size hybrid mattress

Avocado Green Mattress

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Height: 11 inches
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Firmness options: medium firm, gentle firm

Hybrid mattresses, like the Avocado Green Mattress, combine the softness of memory foam with the added support of coils. If you want the comfort and pressure relief of a foam mattress but need something firmer, you might consider trying this one — particularly if you’re concerned about the materials your mattress contains.

The company uses only organic cotton and nonallergenic wool in their mattresses made by hand in California. (The vegan version of the mattress uses cotton only.)

Avocado also makes foam from Dunlop latex, explaining on the company website that this is a more eco-conscious option. Reviewers confirm the lack of off-gassing, so this might be a good option if you’re sensitive to synthetic products.

Avocado Green rates the mattress 7 out of 10 for firmness, or medium-firm. Some reviewers note the mattress is a bit too firm, even when they chose to add the pillow top. Others love the support and motion isolation.

Pros

  • The materials used to build this mattress are some of the most eco-friendly and environmentally sound that you can purchase.
  • Edge support and motion isolation make this bed a great choice for couples, especially if you have a kid or two who likes to climb in bed with you.

Cons

  • Some negative reviews say that the mattress isn’t as durable as the price would suggest, mentioning that the bed starts to sag in the middle.
  • Some customers report difficulty with lost or missing orders.

Buy the Avocado Green Mattress online.

Best full-size mattress in a box

Sealy 12-Inch Medium Hybrid Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Height: 12 inches
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Firmness options: medium

This mattress features coils, wrapped separately to help reduce motion transfer, under gel memory foam. Coils also border the edge of the mattress to provide additional support and durability.

Tend to sleep warm? Sealy uses graphite and copper in their foam to prevent heat from getting trapped.

The company says the proprietary gel memory foam makes for a better sleeping experience. Reviewers largely agree this mattress is comfortable with great support, especially for side and stomach sleepers.

Some say it works well for couples with different sleep styles, making it an option to consider when one partner likes to feel “hugged” by the bed, and the other prefers a firmer surface. Some reviewers say it feels much softer than a medium firmness. Others say it made an immediate difference in pain relief and sleep quality.

Buying a mattress in a box frees you from having to worry about the hassle of having a full mattress delivered. Just note it may take up to 48 hours for the mattress to expand completely.

Pros

  • Price is affordable for a full-size hybrid mattress.
  • Reinforced coils on the edges of the mattress mean you can actually use more surface area, which can make the bed feel spacious.

Cons

  • Available only in one comfort level, medium.
  • Some reviewers say that the Sealy cooling mechanism is not as effective as promised, and some hot sleepers say they woke up sweaty every morning.

Buy the Sealy 12-Inch Medium Hybrid Mattress online.

Best firm full-size mattress

Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Height: 13 inches
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Firmness options: extra firm, medium, plush

This mattress is truly for those who prefer a firm bed, available in an extra-firm feel. If you sleep on your back or stomach and like a solid, sturdy bed, this mattress may provide the support you’re looking for.

Serta also offers several ways to customize the bed to your needs. You can choose from one, two, or three layers of memory foam and have the option to add a pillow topper.

Some reviewers note sagging after several months of use, but others praise this mattress’s quality and comfort. Serta offers a 10-year limited warranty, so read it carefully before purchasing if you have any concerns about the firmness holding up.

By and large, reviewers generally call this a quality mattress that noticeably improves sleep.

Pros

  • You can configure this bed however you like, adding additional layers of foam and a sewn-on mattress topper.
  • This bed has the firmness many sleepers with back pain look for, but can still provide plush contouring.

Cons

  • Side sleepers may feel like this bed is too firm and doesn’t help them have a neutral spine alignment while they sleep.
  • The Perfect Sleeper is a bit expensive when compared to competitors’ full-size mattresses.

Buy the Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress online.

Best full-size mattress for stomach sleepers

Saatva Loom & Leaf

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: foam
  • Height: 12 inches
  • Trial period: 180 nights
  • Firmness options: relaxed firm or firm

A supportive mattress can help stomach sleepers sleep comfortably. While traditional memory foam tends to be softer, Saatva’s Loom & Leaf mattress is available in a firm feel. Reviewers confirm that it does feel like a firm sleep surface.

The foam is also designed to cool sleepers and contains earth-friendly materials. With an overall rating of 4.9 stars out of 5 on the company website, the mattress is clearly getting appreciation from customers. But a few people note the bed isn’t ideal for side sleepers and may feel too firm to some.

Pros

  • You have the option between a relaxed firm or firm feel.
  • Each mattress comes with an antimicrobial cover.
  • The mattress contains eco-friendly materials.

Cons

  • The memory foam mattress may not provide long lasting support for all sleepers.
  • It’s an expensive option.
  • Some people complain that it’s too firm and not good for side sleepers.

Buy the Saatva Loom & Leaf online.

Best full-size mattress for back pain

Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Height: 13 inches
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Firmness options: medium

A too-squishy, plush mattress won’t provide much support, and one that’s too firm may even exacerbate back pain. If back aches and pains are keeping you up at night, you may want to consider a medium firm option like the Casper Wave Hybrid.

A mix of foam and coils supports and may help keep your spine in alignment. Many reviewers agree that the Wave Hybrid helps reduce their back pain and makes sleeping through the night easier. It is on the pricier side, though.

Pros

  • Customers rave about the mattress’s ability to help with back pain.
  • The Wave contains cooling materials to help prevent nighttime overheating.
  • The model’s cover is made from recycled materials.

Cons

  • It may not be budget-friendly for all.
  • It might not feel comfortable if you prefer a plush, sinking feel.

Buy the Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress online.

Best flippable full-size mattress

Layla Memory Foam Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Type: foam
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Firmness options: medium/firm

This inexpensive foam mattress is a good pick for a guest room or an indecisive sleeper. The flippable mattress features a soft side with a body-hugging feel and a firm side with more support. Copper filaments within the foam help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. It’s also antimicrobial and may help keep odors at bay.

Reviewers say the mattress is supportive, provides great motion isolation, and sleeps quite cool. People also appreciate the lower price tag of the Layla mattress.

Pros

  • Layla offers a generous lifetime warranty.
  • The mattress is priced affordably.
  • The flippable design makes it easy to customize your sleep experience.

Cons

  • It’s on the thinner side, which may translate to poorer durability down the road.
  • Some may miss the option of a medium-firm sleep surface.

Buy the Layla Memory Foam Mattress online.

Best eco-friendly full-size mattress

Birch Luxe Natural Mattress

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Height: 11.5 inches
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Firmness options: medium-firm

Comfort is important, but so is feeling good about your mattress. And the Birch Luxe Natural delivers on both fronts. The nontoxic mattress contains natural materials like wool, cotton, cashmere, and latex. And it’s GOTS and Greenguard Gold certified.

The medium-firm surface also features zoned support and excellent edge support.

What’s not to love? Some reviewers say the mattress sleeps hot and is on the too-firm side. But if you’re looking for a very firm sleep surface, that might not really be a con.

Pros

  • It’s eco-friendly and contains nontoxic materials.
  • It comes with a generous 25-year warranty.
  • The mattress offers plenty of edge support.

Cons

  • It’s pricey.
  • Some reviewers say the mattress sleeps hot.
  • A few people complain that it’s too firm.

Buy the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress online.

Product Price Trial length Warranty
Saatva Classic $$$ 180 nights 15 years
Nectar Memory Foam $$ 365 nights lifetime
Tuft & Needle Original $ 100 nights 10 years
Avocado Green $$$ 365 nights 25 years
Sealy 12-Inch Medium Hybrid $$ 100 nights 10 years
Serta Perfect Sleeper $$$ 120 nights 10 years
Saatva Loom & Leaf $$$ 180 nights lifetime
Casper Wave Hybrid $$$ 100 nights 10 years
Layla Memory Foam $ 120 nights lifetime
Birch Luxe Natural $$$ 100 nights 25 years

There are four main categories when shopping for a full-size mattress: hybrid, innerspring, latex, or memory foam. When shopping, it helps to know what matters to you regarding material content and design.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses are comfortable and supportive. These are a coil mattress that is usually made of polyfoam, memory foam, latex, and other conforming materials. They are great for people who want the support of an innerspring mattress and the feel of a memory foam mattress.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses combine thin comfort layers of polyfoam and/or memory foam with steel coils. They are very supportive yet bouncy. Innerspring mattresses are the most widely sold mattress type among U.S. consumers and the most affordable.

Latex

Latex is created by mixing the sap of rubber trees with chemical fillers. Latex mattresses are very durable and provide just the right amount of contour. If you hate the sinking feeling of memory foam, you may prefer latex (plus, it won’t trap as much body heat).

Foam

There are different types of foam mattresses on the market — polyfoam, memory foam, or a combination of both materials. People love foam mattresses because they easily sink into and help alleviate pressure points.

Full-size mattresses generally work well for:

  • people who sleep alone or with a small child or pet
  • people under 6 feet tall
  • older children and teenagers
  • college students

A full-size mattress measures 53 by 75 inches, so they aren’t ideal for many couples, especially those who prefer plenty of personal space. Of course, if you’re both on the shorter side and love to cuddle through the night, you might be just fine.

Mattress size isn’t the only factor to consider when purchasing a new mattress.

Mattress type

Mattresses come in four types: innerspring, foam, hybrid, and latex.

Foam mattresses tend to be softer, so dedicated back sleepers and people with higher body weight may find a hybrid or innerspring mattress more supportive.

Hybrid mattresses, the in-between option, combine supportive coils with a softer foam layer.

Traditional innerspring mattresses are coils only, though some newer models might include a pillow top or cooling layer.

Latex mattresses contour gently and feel naturally springy.

Your decision here typically depends on your firmness and sleeping position preferences. Still, your doctor or sleep specialist may recommend a particular type of mattress if you experience chronic pain or regularly have trouble sleeping.

Mattress performance

Mattresses offer plenty of features beyond firmness, so look for the ones you consider most important as you shop.

If you have back pain, you might want a mattress with pressure-relief technology, for example. Perhaps you want to be sure the mattress has a firm edge, so it holds its shape over time.

Sleeping alone? Motion isolation may not matter to you, but you might prefer a mattress with a cooling layer to help prevent overheating.

Bed frame and bedding

With many newer mattresses, you might not need a box spring, but you’ll still need something to put your mattress on.

Many warranties require you to place your bed on a specific type of foundation, such as a box spring or platform, so check yours to be sure the frame you have will work.

If the total height of your mattress is more than 14 inches, you’ll need deep-pocket sheets, so that’s something to consider if you opt for an added pillow top or mattress pad.

Company policies

In a perfect world, the products you purchase would always work exactly as intended. In reality, that’s not always the case, so you want the next best thing: retailers that stand by their products and make the return process as hassle-free as possible.

Mattresses are a big investment. You can’t know how you’ll feel about yours until you sleep on it, so make your purchase from companies that offer home trials and lengthy warranties whenever possible.

If you don’t love it, don’t hesitate to send it back — you deserve quality sleep.

Who should sleep on a full-size mattress?

Full-size mattresses work well for people sleeping alone, especially when your childhood bed feels cramped.

Some couples can sleep comfortably on a full-size mattress, but you could have trouble if you both tend to spread out or move a lot in your sleep. If you and your partner (or dog or cat) already spend most of the night battling for space, you may want to consider moving up a size.

If you move often, a full-size mattress is easier to lug along. You’ll also spend less on it than on a queen-size mattress, so that’s something to keep in mind if the price is a big factor for you.

What’s the difference between a full and a queen mattress?

The only difference is the size.

A standard full-size mattress measures 53 to 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, while a standard queen measures 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. The width of a full-size mattress tends to be best suited for a single sleeper or a sleeper with a pet or small child.

Couples who like getting cozy may also enjoy sleeping in a full, but otherwise, the mattress is too narrow to comfortably accommodate two adult sleepers.

A queen mattress is longer and wider and makes a more comfortable choice for two adult sleepers. But it also takes up more space and comes at a higher price than a full mattress.

What is the best full-size mattress for kids?

When you’re buying for a child, consider the materials. You need something that’s going to be durable and stain-resistant. You may also want to opt for materials that are free from certain chemicals or materials that could irritate sensitive skin.

The best full-size mattress for kids in your family will also depend on your price. If you have room in your budget, you can spring for the Avocado Green mattress. If you’re in the market for something less expensive, though, the Tuft & Needle Original mattress is a good option.

Buying a new mattress can require a lot of legwork when all you want to do is rest — especially when the only thing you’re sure about is the size.

There are plenty of options for any mattress budget, so narrowing down the most important features will help you get a great start on your search for improved sleep.