Best Queen Size Mattress (2021): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

A queen size mattress is a popular choice for many sleepers. In fact, 47 percent of all mattress sales in 2019 were queens. Why is this size so popular? A queen mattress is big enough for couples to sleep together comfortably and perfect for solo sleepers who want some extra legroom. Queens are also ideal because they fit well into almost any bedroom without taking up too much space.

As you shop for a new queen size mattress, you will likely have concerns that go beyond mattress size. You may have questions regarding materials, construction, and firmness levels. Our guide will help answer these questions and introduce you to the best queen size mattresses on the market today.

Best Queen Size Mattresses of 2021

	Mattress	Highlights	Price
	Amerisleep AS3	Features HIVE® technology to promote healthy sleeping positions for side, back, and combination sleepers	$1049
	AS5 Hybrid	Plush mattress with an Active Flex to prevent sinkage	$1679
	Zoma Mattress	Offers even balance of comfort and support	$799
	Zoma Hybrid	Features zoned support and Reactiv™ technologies to reduce lower back pain	$999
	Vaya Mattress	Budget-friendly all-foam mattress with a two-layer design	$599
	Vaya Hybrid	Affordable hybrid mattress with a feel suitable for all sleepers	$699
	Original Purple®	Features Purple Grid™ to offer "no-pressure" support	$1099
	Avocado	Organic mattress for eco-friendly shoppers	$1189
	Bear Pro	Features graphite-infused foam for temperature regulation	$1090
	Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid	Available in varying firmness levels	$1499
	Tuft & Needle Hybrid	Combines T&N Adaptive® foam and innerspring coils for a cushioning, responsive feel	$1495

With so many mattress options available, it can be difficult to narrow down the best mattress for you. Below, we outline the best queen size mattresses of 2021, so you can get a clearer picture of their purpose, materials, and comfort level.

All of the queen size mattresses on our list come in the standard queen size dimensions –60 inches wide and 80 inches long.

The advanced layers of foam in this mattress come together to create a bed that is both incredibly comfortable and supportive.

The layers in this mattress feature some of the most advanced technologies on the market–let’s take a look at the details!

The cover of the AS3 contains a soft, breathable fabric designed to improve airflow throughout the mattress. This airy material helps you sleep cool every night. It is also completely washable so it’s easy to keep your mattress clean throughout many years of use.

Within the mattress, there are three layers of foam.

First is a layer of Bio-Pur®, a highly responsive, breathable, plant-based memory foam. Bio-Pur® has an advanced open-structure to promote airflow and provide additional cushioning. Unlike traditional memory foams, Bio-Pur® does not retain heat, so you never have to worry about waking up hot during the night. Bio-Pur® is also more responsive than most memory foams, so it continues to contour to your curves even when you change positions throughout the night.

The next layer features HIVE® technology–a support system that is zoned to provide you with the perfect amount of support to the areas you need it most. The 5 zones target the shoulders, hips, neck, torso, and feet. Around the hips and shoulders, zones allow for a deep compression, so these sensitive areas have enough cushion. Around the neck, torso, and feet, zones are firmer to provide more support and to keep the spine neutral.

The base layer of the AS3 contains Bio-Core®, a durable and supportive poly-foam that helps the bed keep its shape for years to come.

Amerisleep mattresses are not only comfortable, but they are also eco-friendly. By producing memory foam made with plant-based oils, rather than petroleum, they can create a bed that is safer for you and the planet.

Amerisleep AS3 Highlights

• Plant-based, eco-friendly memory foam made in the USA
• Ideal for most sleep positions–back, side, and stomach sleepers
• HIVE® provides the perfect amount of support and keeps the spine neutral
• Comes with a 20-year warranty and a 100-night risk-free sleep trial

The hybrid’s top layer is 3 inches of Bio-Pur® foam. We discussed how Bio-Pur® is a more responsive and breathable alternative to traditional memory foam. The foam molds to your body for pressure relief, soothing the aches and pains that often build up over a day.

Underneath the Bio-Pur® is a 2-inch layer of Active Flex. Now, the challenge of creating a soft mattress is that you want to minimize sinkage and reduce the risk of spinal misalignment. Active Flex’s purpose is to lift you and maintain neutral spine alignment without negating Bio-Pur®’s plush feel.

The AS5 Hybrid doesn’t compromise on support even as it delivers a soft sleep experience. Eight inches of pocketed coils support the mattress, with the coils grouped into three support zones. The coils under your back offer more support, while softer coils are placed in the head and foot of the mattress to optimize pressure relief.

Every Amerisleep mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid Highlights

• Plush, eco-friendly Bio-Pur® foam
• Combines softness with support for a good night’s rest
• Active Flex layer limits sinkage without affecting the bed’s feel
• Sleepers have 100 nights to try it out, along with a 20-year warranty

Underneath a light, breathable cover is 2 inches of gel memory foam with Triangulex™ technology. Gel memory foam contours to your body for immediate cushioning comfort, and the gels within combat body heat to keep you cool. Triangulex™ technology within this layer contributes to healthy spinal alignment by targeting specific areas of the body—certain segments provide more cushion around the shoulders and hips and others offer more stability near the back and neck.

In the middle of the Zoma Mattress is a layer of Reactiv™ technology–a foam with a bouncy, latex-like feel. This foam has a quick response time, so you stay cradled even as you move. The responsiveness also helps to reduce motion transfer, so you sleep soundly even when your partner gets in and out of bed.

Both of these foam layers are supported by a base layer of 7 inches of a higher-density foam that adds zero pressure relief and promotes a healthy sleep position. The durability of this foam ensures that it will support you night after night.

All materials in the Zoma Mattress have been given a Certi-PUR US® certification–guaranteeing that this bed is free of all harmful ozone depleters, heavy metals, flame retardants, and CFCs. Certi-PUR® US ensures that no dangerous VOC emissions are brought into your home.

Zoma Mattress Highlights

• Provides deep, restorative sleep for those that live a demanding lifestyle
• Triangulex™ technology offers zoned support to hips, shoulders, neck, and back
• CertiPUR-US® ensures that it is free of harmful VOCs
• Comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night risk-free sleep trial

The Zoma Hybrid’s support comes from pocketed coils instead of stiff and supportive foam.

The top layer is 2 inches of gel memory foam zoned support cutouts. Cutouts near the shoulder and leg areas of the mattress are softer and provide more pressure relief. Air can also easily slip through these cutouts, carrying off absorbed body heat.

The second layer is 2 inches of Reactiv™ foam. Reactiv™ foam responds to your movements, providing back support and minimizing sinkage.

Seven inches of pocketed coils support the Zoma Hybrid, with fabric packets around each coil to reduce motion transfer and mattress noises.  The Zoma Hybrid also features edge support, thanks to the firm foams around the mattress’s perimeter that protect the coils.

Every Zoma mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Zoma Hybrid Highlights

• Zoned support to increase pressure relief to legs and shoulders
• Responsive transition layer prevents sinkage and spinal misalignment
• Pocketed coils muffle noise and reduce motion transfer
• A 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty that protects against sagging deeper than 0.75 inches

A Vaya Mattress contains two foam layers, each certified safe by CertiPUR-US®. A soft, breathable cover is wrapped around the mattress’s layers.

The top layer is 3 inches of plush Vaya Foam, an adaptable and airy polyurethane foam. Vaya is lighter than traditional memory foam, so it retains less heat for a cooler feel.

The bottom layer is 9 inches of dense and supportive poly-foam. The base foam resists sagging and compression, increasing the bed’s likely lifespan.

After the Vaya Mattress arrives at your home, you have 100 days to try it out and make sure it’s the right mattress for you. You also have a 10-year warranty to protect against any manufacturing defects.

Vaya Mattress Highlights

• Affordable all-foam mattress suitable for all sleepers
• Plush 3-inch thick top layer with pressure relief and motion isolation
• Supportive 9-inch base layer that resists sagging

There are three layers inside the 12-inch Vaya Hybrid, all encased in a breathable mesh cover.

The top layer is 2 inches of conforming, breathable Vaya Foam. It cushions the sleeper and relieves pressure points across the body.

The next layer is 8 inches of pocketed coils, and the base layer is 2 inches of supportive, stiff foam. The coils create a firm, supportive feel along the edge to make it easier to move in and out of bed.

Once the Vaya Hybrid arrives at your door, you have a 100-night to test it at home and a 10-year warranty guaranteeing its quality.

Vaya Hybrid Highlights

• Budget-friendly bounce can support all sleeping styles
• Conforming 2-inch foam top eases pressure points
• Corner-to-corner edge support

7. Original Purple®

Purple® is a leading bed in a box mattress company that works hard to provide a true pressure-free sleep experience. Although they have introduced more mattresses into their product lineup, their original mattress remains a great option at an affordable price.

This mattress has 3 comfortable layers, but their most unique layer is their proprietary Purple Grid™. This material is designed to withstand intense pressure, so it always supports your shoulders, hips, and back without adding tension. Its hyper-elastic polymer material hugs the curves of the body, so you feel weightless all night long. Because this elastic material is so resilient, it also helps give the bed more durability and helps to reduce motion transfer. The Purple Grid™ consists of thousands of open-air channels that remain cool at all times, so you don’t have to worry about overheating.

This layer is supported by high-density poly-foam, a support foam for extra durability and to help the bed keep its shape. Purple’s® mattresses are highly recommended by Amazon users and have an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

Original Purple® Highlights

• Unique pressure-relieving Purple Grid™
• CertiPUR-US® certified foam in the base layer
• Edge support and a SoftFlex cover to promote airflow
• Comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial

8. Avocado Green Mattress

If you are considering an organic mattress, the Avocado Green Mattress is an excellent option. This bed is a latex foam hybrid mattress made with 100 percent GOTS certified organic cotton and GOLS certified organic latex. Because natural latex is sustainable, this bed is also environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic. Avocado even offers a wool-free vegan option.

The comfort layer of this mattress features all-natural Dunlop latex that is free of any chemical additives. The elasticity of latex provides cushion, and a bouncer feel that helps sleepers stay more lifted on the bed rather than cradled. It also comes with an optional European-style pillow top that gives the bed 2 extra inches of latex foam. With this addition, the mattress offers a full 13 inches of pressure-free support.

The base layer is made of 1,414 tempered steel coils that are individually wrapped and tuned for 5 specific support zones. It also includes a reinforced steel perimeter for additional edge support and motion isolation.

Avocado only uses natural flame retardants in their mattresses, earning them a GreenGuard Gold Certification. This certification ensures no VOC emissions will leak from the bed. Their use of organic GOTS certified cotton and wool also makes this mattress completely non-toxic, safe, and eco-friendly.

Avocado Green Mattress Highlights

• Eco-friendly materials that are backed by both GOTS and GOLS certifications
• Comes in a wool-free Vegan version
• Zone specific, pressure-free support layer
• Comes with a 25-year limited coverage and a 1-year trial period

9. Bear Pro

Bear features 3 impressive mattresses in their lineup, but we recommend the Bear Pro mattress for its abilities to provide a cool, restorative sleep. This bed features both Celliant® and copper infusion to bring you a more breathable mattress. The medium firm feel of this mattress (it rates a 6.4 out of 10 on the firmness scale) makes it a suitable option for side sleepers and back sleepers.

The Bear Pro mattress features 4 layers. The cover of this mattress is woven with Celliant® thread. As we mentioned above, Celliant® is able to move body heat away from the body and increase muscle recovery. The top two layers of the mattress feature copper-infused memory foam and gel memory foam to promote cooling and to cradle joints and muscles. Copper is also antiviral and antimicrobial and thought to promote pain relief, making this mattress a great option for athletes and active individuals. The two base layers of the bed are made of a responsive, high-density foam for balance and durability.

Bear’s mattresses have also been tested for VOC emission and have gained a CertiPUR-US® certification, guaranteeing that it is free from ozone depleters and formaldehyde.

Bear Pro Highlights

• Celliant® cover promotes muscle recover
• CertiPUR-US® certification ensures no harmful VOCs
• Copper infusion and cooling gel to help control temperature
• Comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial period

10. Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid

Nest Bedding offers sleepers a lineup of luxury and eco-friendly mattresses. From their lineup, we recommend the Alexander Signature Hybrid because its memory foam layer and innerspring base offer both contouring and stability. This mattress comes with the option to customize the firmness level so that you can opt for a medium or a firm mattress. We recommend a bed with medium firmness, as they are suitable for most sleep positions.

The cover of the Alexander Signature is made of a quilted thermic phase changing fabric that absorbs heat as the temperature increases and releases heat as the temperature goes down. This fabric ensures that you will never be too hot or too cold. The gel memory foam in the comfort layer also helps to remove body heat from the bed. Quantum Edge pocketed support coils in the base layer of the bed reduce motion transfer and prevent sagging.

Nest’s commitment to sustainability prompted them to include a zipper with the Alexander Signature so that sleepers could get the most out of their mattress. Removing and washing the cover helps preserve the life of the bed. You can even purchase additional comfort layers that allow you to double the lifespan of the bed.

Nest has also gained a CeriPUR-US® certification–guaranteeing zero VOCs. They also use a non-toxic fire barrier made of all-natural silica minerals.

Nest Alexander Signature Hybrid Highlights

• Thermic phase changing cover keeps your bed at the perfect temperature
• Quantum Edge Pocketed coils for stability and support
• Copper infusion helps to regulate body heat
• Comes with a lifetime warranty and a 100-night sleep trial

11. Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress

If you are looking for a hybrid mattress at an affordable price, Tuft & Needles’s new hybrid mattress is an excellent option. This bed is a combination of Adaptive® foam and individually wrapped innerspring coils to deliver a bounce that is similar to traditional innerspring mattresses.

Topped with a quilted pillow top, this hybrid mattress features a comfort layer that hugs hips and shoulders. This layer of foam is an open-celled structure and infused with graphite channels and carbon fibers. The open-cells and graphite infusion work to wick moisture away from the body while the carbon fibers provide additional stability to the foam to prevent sagging and indents.

The base layer is made up of tempered steel springs that are individually wrapped to handle years of use without squeaking or sinking. The spring base is zoned to support the lumbar and neck, and also provides the bed with a slight bounce. This mattress is also reinforced with edge support that allows you to get quickly in and out of bed.

The Tuft & Needle hybrid can also be used on any type of bed frame, including box springs, platform foundations, adjustable frames, and slatted frames. Tuft & Needle is a popular bed in a box brand, so mattresses can be conveniently ordered and shipped right to your door.

Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress Highlights

• Pillow top reinforced with carbon fibers for more durability
• Graphites infusion helps you stay cool through the night
• CertiPUR-US® and GreenGuard Gold certifications ensure that it is safe and free of VOCs
• Comes with a 10-year limited warranty and a 100-night trial

What Is A Queen Size Mattress?

A queen size mattress will vary by mattress type, but the standard dimensions of a queen bed are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Based on the mattress type and the materials used, the depth of a queen will range between 9 inches up to 16 inches. Most of the mattresses on our list are between 12 and 13 inches deep. Getting a mattress that is too thin can cause you to sink to the bottom and develop painful pressure points.

On a standard mattress size scale, a queen size bed is between a full-size mattress (54 inches by 75) and a king-size mattress (76 inches by 80 inches).  

Queen Size Mattress Variations

A standard queen mattress will measure 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. However, you may come across some variations on the market.

California Queen Mattress

Like a California king mattress, the California queen offers more length than a standard queen. These mattresses have the same width (60 inches), but their length measures 84 inches. A California queen is a great option for taller individuals who want a little more room to stretch their legs.

Olympic/Expanded Queen Size Mattress

An Olympic or expanded queen size mattress has 6 more inches of width than a standard queen, but with the same length (80 inches). This size allows you to stretch out your arms a little more.

Split Queen Mattress

A split queen is simply two 30-inch by 80-inch mattresses placed side by side to form a standard 60-inch by 80-inch queen mattress. A split queen is perfect for a split adjustable foundation that gives couples individual controls.

Mattress Types

As we mentioned above, a standard queen size mattress will vary in depth based on mattress type and the materials used. To help get a better idea of your preferred depth, we outlined the 4 most common mattress types below.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are traditionally the most common due to their low price point. They feature steel support coils and a comfort layer of cotton or wool. Innerspring beds do not offer the contouring of memory or latex foam, so they are not great for pain relief. Coil mattresses also tend to break over time. When this happens, they may stick up and cause painful pressure points to form.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are popular for their ability to provide weightless support to those with lower back pain. Memory foam contours to the joints without adding pressure or force. However, memory foam varies in quality. Traditional memory foam is made with a petroleum-based chemical, which can be dangerous for us to sleep on. It is best to opt for plant-based, open-cell memory foam since it is cleaner and safer.

Latex Foam Mattresses

Latex is a sustainable and highly durable material that many mattress brands are now using in their beds. Latex mattresses tend to have a more elastic feel than memory foam, but it also offers the same contouring abilities and pressure-free support. Some latex can be infused with chemicals to adjust firmness, so be sure to look for all-natural latex with a GOLS certification.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses are a combination of 3 inches of foam and an innerspring coil base. These mattresses can use either latex or memory foam in the comfort layer. Some hybrids will wrap their coils in cotton or wool for added protection.

When To Buy a Queen Sized Mattress

Queen size mattresses are the most popular because they come with several benefits. Here are a few reasons why a queen size mattress may work for you.

Bigger Sleep Space

Queen size beds come with 6 inches more width and 5 inches more length than a full size mattress. If you are looking for a mattress for couples, this extra room can make a world of difference. It allows you to rest side by side without feeling crowded. Queens also give solo sleepers more length and width to stretch out and move around in.

Smaller Bedroom

A standard bedroom is generally around 11 by 12 feet. A queen size mattress fits perfectly in this size room and still affords plenty of extra space around the bed. Queen beds are a practical choice for those who want a bigger sleep space but don’t necessarily have space for a king-size mattress.

Improved Sleep

If you are sleeping in a cramped bed, it can be difficult to rest in a comfortable and healthy position. Upgrading to a queen size bed will allow you more physical space and comfort so you sleep more peacefully.

More Options

With the more advanced bed in a box mattresses available today, you may be looking to upgrade. However, some of the more high-quality mattresses may not be available in anything smaller than a queen. By opting for a queen mattress, you are open to more advanced options.

Other Factors To Consider

Warranty

Most high-quality mattresses come with a 10-year warranty. Those that offer warranties beyond the 10-year mark often prorate the cost of the repair or the replacement after the first 10 years. This warranty means the customer will cover a percentage of the total cost of the mattress if a replacement is needed after this time period.

Sleep Trial

It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a month to become accustomed to a new bed. So you can test the bed out, most mattresses come with a sleep trial period of at least 30 days. If a trial period is anything less than this, it is best to shop elsewhere.

Return Policy

To ensure that you are happy with the sleep you are getting on your new mattress, be sure it comes with a return policy that allows for easy refunds or exchanges.

FAQs

What is the best queen size mattress to buy?

The best queen size mattress will vary from person to person. When shopping for a queen size bed, it will be important to keep your preferred sleeping position, health concerns, preferred comfort level, and sleeping habits in mind. A queen size mattress suits most sleepers, which is why it’s the most popular mattress size.

What is the top rated mattress of 2021?

Most of the top mattress ratings include memory foam and latex mattresses, as these are the highest when it comes to customer satisfaction. However, the “best” mattress will vary considerably based on sleep position, health, and preferred firmness level. Understanding your preferences will make it easier to find the right mattress for you.

How much is a good queen mattress?

A mattress with higher quality materials will cost between $1,000 and $1,500. The cost will vary based on size, mattress type, materials used, construction, and expected lifespan. Extra features such as mattress toppers, pillow tops, smart technology, and cooling features can also cause the price to increase.

Do I need to buy a box spring with a new mattress?

Most modern mattresses don’t require a box spring for support or comfort. Keeping a foam mattress on a box spring can even cause premature sagging. Most box springs don’t have their coils spaced close enough for consistent support, so parts of a foam mattress may sink beneath the coils.

If you want a box spring to make a mattress taller, try slipping a bunkie board in between the box spring and mattress. The bunkie board will ensure your mattress receives consistent support.

Do slat beds ruin mattresses?

A slatted bed should be perfectly fine for any mattress, as long as the slats aren’t spaced too far apart. If the slats aren’t close enough to provide even support, the mattress may dip between the slats. This can cause the mattress to lose its shape and sag prematurely.

If you’re placing a foam or hybrid mattress on a slatted surface, the slats should be no more than 3 inches apart.

Did You Find The Perfect Queen Size Mattress?

Choosing the right mattress for you may take some time. It is important that you don’t feel rushed to make a decision you are not comfortable with. If you find the process intimidating, you may consider shopping with one of the many online mattress brands. Online retailers often include a bigger selection, longer trial periods, and more customer reviews to help you shop.

Overall, you want to make sure you get a mattress that is suited to your specific needs and helps you get a good night’s sleep.