- We spent over 1,000 hours researching and testing the top mattresses on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated over 100 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
- We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 1,200 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process.
- We also test for preference-based considerations, including cooling, repositioning, motion transfer, and edge support.
- We regularly update our content, as we are continuously testing new platforms, to keep pricing and services up to date.
- Learn more about how we tested our full-size mattresses below.
Key takeaways
- The Saatva Classic is our pick for the best overall full-size mattress because we’ve found that it works well for all sleeping positions. With a firmness score of 7 out of 10, this mattress is slightly firmer than medium, making it durable enough to support stomach, back, and higher-weight sleepers (250 pounds or more), while still providing enough pressure relief for side and lighter-weight sleepers (130 pounds or less).
- Full-size mattresses usually cost anywhere from $1,000–$2,000, with some mattresses falling below this price and some going over. The price is based on the mattress brand, the bed’s construction, and the materials used throughout.
- Any sleeper, regardless of their preferred sleeping position or body weight, can opt for a full-size mattress. However, based on the information listed in this roundup, we recommend that customers choose a full-size bed that works with their needs and preferences.
When it comes to sleep, one-third of the adult population reports not getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, limited or poor-quality sleep can impact productivity and cognitive function and increase a person’s risk of developing health problems.
A comfortable sleep environment, including a comfortable bed, is a foundational element of good sleep hygiene practices. Trying out different mattress firmness levels, foam toppers, and pillows can help you find bedding and accessories that suit your preferences and sleep style. It’s also important to consider your sleeping position, body type, and whether you have health conditions like joint pain or sleep apnea.
While couples typically will want a bigger mattress, a full-size mattress is great for solo sleepers and kids. We’ve tested more than 30 mattresses and chose our top six full-size mattress picks.
Six best full-size mattresses of 2024
- Saatva Classic: Best Full-Size Mattress Overall
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Full-Size Mattress for Kids
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best Full-Size Mattress for Side Sleepers
- WinkBed: Best Hybrid Full-Size Mattress
- Nolah Signature: Best Full-Size Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Emma Original: Best Affordable Full-Size Mattress
Firmness Rating
Mattress brands designate each mattress with a firmness rating. While many use a number system out of 10, some brands do not assign numbers to their mattresses and instead assign firmness ratings that align with soft, medium, or firm. Our testers also give each mattress a firmness rating out of 10, but our firmness ratings may not always align perfectly with the brand’s, as firmness is subjective to body type and preference.
Saatva Classic: Best full-size mattress overall
Why the Saatva Classic is our pick for best full-size mattress overall
The Saatva Classic is our pick for the best full-size mattress overall because we’ve found it’s suitable for a variety of sleepers, regardless of their weight or preferred sleeping position. Back and stomach sleepers should find that the Saatva Classic’s firm, “on top” feel keeps them well-supported and their spine in neutral alignment.
During testing, our team has found that the mattress’s pocketed coils contour to our curves and movements, which is especially helpful for sleepers who switch positions during the night. While lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) side sleepers might feel some pressure buildup on the Saatva Classic, the majority of average-weight (130–250 pounds) and higher-weight (over 250 pounds) side sleepers should receive enough pressure relief from this bed’s softer memory foam layer.
Who may want to use the Saatva Classic: The Saatva Classic is best for back and stomach sleepers of any body weight who prefer a medium-firm mattress with an “on top” feel that provides great pressure relief.
Who may want to avoid the Saatva Classic: If you sleep with a particularly restless partner, you might want to pick another mattress. Our team could feel the tossing and turning of other testers while testing the mattress’s responsiveness Good responsiveness means the mattress has a bouncier surface that responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and switch positions. and bounce.
Saatva Classic tester insights
While testing the Saatva Classic, we’ve found that it scores highest on support and edge support, with a 5 out of 5 in both categories. This is likely due to the more than 800 pocketed coils made from 14.5-gauge recycled steel in the mattress’s construction and the high-density foam used to create rails around its perimeter. This bed includes a cover made with naturally breathable and hypoallergenic organic cotton, helping to promote cooler temperatures. Plus, the individually wrapped coils also increase the Saatva Classic’s airflow, leading to cooler sleep overall. Our testers confirmed its cooling capabilities and gave it a 4.5 out 5 for cooling, making it one of our best cooling mattresses.
While the Saatva Classic comes in three firmness levels (plush soft, luxury firm, and firm), we tested the luxury firm, which the brand ranked as a medium-to-firm mattress. We agree and rated this a 7 out of 10, which is a little firmer than medium. For context, 6.5 out of 10 is the industry standard for a true medium.
From one of our Saatva Classic testers:
“This mattress has a memory foam layer of lumbar support, which supported me at the lower back and hips when on my stomach. It’s also bouncy, which makes it a great choice for sleepers who change positions throughout the night.”
Read our in-depth Saatva mattress review for more information.
Helix Midnight Luxe: Best full-size mattress for kids
Why the Helix Midnight Luxe is our pick for best full-size mattress for kids
We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the best full-size mattress for kids because we found it works well for lighter-weight and average-weight sleepers in all sleeping positions. This mattress scores “ideal” for lighter-weight back and stomach sleepers and average-weight back, side, and stomach sleepers. It also scores “good” for lighter-weight side sleepers.
Who may want to use the Helix Midnight Luxe: The Helix Midnight Luxe is best for back, side, and stomach sleepers who are lighter- or average-weight and prefer a mattress that has a “sinking” feel to it.
Who may want to avoid the Helix Midnight Luxe: With a firmness rating of 5.5 out of 10, this mattress is likely not supportive enough for most higher-weight sleepers.
Less expensive mattress that works well for kids
While the Helix Midnight Luxe is our pick for the best full-size mattress for kids, it is fairly expensive at around $1,999. If you’re looking for a less expensive mattress that works well for kids, take a look at The Nectar, which costs around $949, or check out our roundup of the best affordable mattresses.
Helix Midnight Luxe tester insights
Our testers scored the Helix Midnight Luxe well for overall support (4 out 5) and pressure relief (4.75 out of 5). A good night’s sleep is critical for kids’ development, with research showing that kids who get less sleep have more mental health and behavioral challenges. Just like adults, growing bodies need a supportive mattress that keeps their spine aligned, while also providing contour, especially since kids often sleep in multiple positions throughout the night. Plus, this mattress also scored well for bounce (4 out of 5), which gives people who change positions a boost in mobility.
For those who want to maximize the full use of the bed, our testers found that the Helix Midnight Luxe felt evenly stable across its surface, including the perimeter, allowing you to spread out, which is why we gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for edge support.
From one of our Helix Midnight Luxe testers:
“The Helix Midnight Luxe has a very soft pillow top with a responsive surface underneath, which is great for stomach sleeping. I also felt a lot of pressure relief from the pillow top in back and side sleeping positions, with support coming from the layers underneath.”
Bear Elite Hybrid: Best full-size mattress for side sleepers
Why the Bear Elite Hybrid is our pick for best full-size mattress for side sleepers
The Bear Elite Hybrid is our pick for the best full-size mattress for side sleepers because it contours the body and provides a high level of pressure relief that people who sleep on their side need so they don’t wake up with aches. This mattress includes individually encased coils in the base layers, which provide pressure relief by supporting areas of the body that sink more heavily into the mattress. Bear’s proprietary foam used throughout this bed’s construction helps to contour the body, allowing our testers to sink into the bed, while still supporting their lower back, hips, and shoulders.
Who may want to use the Bear Elite Hybrid: The Bear Elite Hybrid is best for back and side sleepers of any body weight who prefer a strong balance between comfort and support.
Who may want to avoid the Bear Elite Hybrid: The Bear Elite Hybrid is likely not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers, especially higher-weight (250 pounds or more) sleepers.
If you are a side sleeper on a budget
The Bear Elite Hybrid is fairly expensive for a full-size bed, around $2,108. If you are a side sleeper on a budget, we recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, which costs around $1,599, or check out our roundup of the best affordable mattresses. Holidays and sales events are also a great time to get a mattress at a discount.
Bear Elite Hybrid tester insights
Pressure relief is essential for side sleepers because the hip and shoulder are two primary pressure points The parts of a sleeper’s body that have the hardest contact with the bed surface, such as the shoulder, hips, ribcage, and tailbone. . The Bear Elite Hybrid delivers on this, scoring a 5 out of 5 for pressure relief for both the side and back. The brand’s proprietary foam provides additional support and contouring, with our testers noting their spines stayed aligned while on their sides. We especially like this bed for side sleepers because it’s suitable for sleepers of all body types who prefer the side position.
This mattress also provides a good balance of bounce to aid in movement across the bed and motion isolation for people easily disturbed by a partner’s, pet’s, or kid’s movements.
From one of our Bear Elite Hybrid testers:
“I feel like I am lying close to the surface on this bed, and it is definitely contouring my lower back and molding to my body. If I was in the market for a new mattress, this would be up there on my list.”
The WinkBed: Best full-size hybrid mattress
Why the WinkBed is our pick for best full-size hybrid mattress
We picked The WinkBed as the best full-size hybrid mattress because of its strong combination of pressure relief and support. This bed works well for both back sleepers, who need more support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment, and side sleepers, who need additional pressure relief around their hips and shoulders. By combining these features into one mattress, The WinkBed is suitable for the majority of sleeping positions and body weights.
Who may want to use The WinkBed: The WinkBed works best for back and side sleepers, most stomach sleepers, and couples due to its high support (4 out of 5), motion isolation (4 out of 5), edge support (4 out of 5), and pressure relief (4.5 out of 5) scores.
Who may want to avoid The WinkBed: Higher-weight (over 250 pounds) stomach sleepers may need more support to keep their hips lifted and spine aligned. Although The WinkBed luxury firm model is suitable for all body types, lighter-weight side (less than 130 pounds) sleepers looking for more cushion may want to try The WinkBed’s “softer” model.
The WinkBed tester insights
While The WinkBed comes in four firmness options (softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus), we tested the luxury firm, the brand’s medium-firm model. We agree with the brand’s firmness rating and gave it a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. The WinkBed’s great support and pressure relief make this bed a strong hybrid option for most sleepers. The Euro pillow top A kind of pillow top that’s sewn into the cover of the mattress, this style is flush with the edges of the mattress, providing better support than your typical pillow-top mattress while also offering a soft, plushy center. provides additional cushioning around the lower back, hips, and shoulders. Our testers say the mattress provided a gentle cradle with some sinkage met by firm support.
The WinkBed also scores a 4.5 out of 5 for cooling due to the eucalyptus-derived Tencel A brand of sustainable cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, which is used in clothing, footwear, home linens, carpets, mattresses, and pillows because it’s highly breathable, hygienic, and comfortable. material used in its cover, making this bed one of our best cooling mattresses. Hybrid mattresses tend to provide better cooling because the coil support allows for more airflow. We tested the mattress by having two testers lie down on the mattress for five minutes and measuring the degree difference with a thermal gun A tool that uses thermal imaging to measure how quickly the bed’s surface heats up after someone lays in it. . The temperature only went up about six degrees (from about 66 degrees Fahrenheit to 72 degrees Fahrenheit). For context, anything below 10 is considered good.
From one of our WinkBed testers:
“I can feel The WinkBed contouring my body. It’s keeping my weight evenly distributed, and my spine is neutral. There is a gentle cradle, but I’m met with firmness as I sink in slightly.”
Nolah Signature: Best full-size mattress for back sleepers
Why the Nolah Signature is our pick for best full-size mattress for back sleepers
While Nolah rates the Signature as a medium-soft mattress, we found the mattress firmer and rated it 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. This makes it a good choice for back sleepers who need more support to keep their spine elevated and in a neutral position. It’s also a great mattress for stomach sleepers, so people who sleep in both positions may find this mattress works for them. The Nolah Signature also includes Zoned AirFoam in its construction, which makes some portions of the mattress firmer than others. This includes the area around the lower back to provide more support to the spine, while areas around the shoulders and hips are softer to make sure sleepers receive the pressure relief they need to sleep comfortably during the night.
Who may want to use the Nolah Signature: The Nolah Signature should work well for the majority of back and stomach regardless of their weight.
Who may want to avoid the Nolah Signature: Lower-weight (under 130 pounds) side sleepers may need something softer to cushion their shoulder and hip better.
If you prefer a slightly softer mattress
While the Nolah Signature is our pick for the best full-size mattress for back sleepers, it is fairly firm. If you prefer a slightly softer mattress, we recommend checking out the Nolah Evolution instead.
Nolah Signature tester insights
While testing, we have found that the Nolah Signature provides enough support to keep our spine neutral, but we still have enough cushion to support the lower back. We scored it 5 out of 5 for pressure relief for back sleepers and 4 out of 5 for support. As an all-foam mattress, the Nolah Signature does a good job of dissipating motion before it reaches the other side of the bed, which is a plus for couples or anyone who sleeps with a pet or child. Although this mattress has poor bounce, the material is responsive enough that our testers say they don’t have a hard time moving around, so this could also work for people who change positions throughout the night.
From one of our Nolah Signature testers
“This mattress was firmer than expected, but it offered a good amount of pressure relief for back and side sleeping, and a strong amount of support. Plus, it was generally easy to move around on this mattress.”
Emma Original: Best affordable full-size mattress
Why the Emma Original is our pick for best affordable full-size mattress
Out of all of the mattresses included on this list, the Emma Original is the lowest-price full-size mattress, costing around $979. We also like the Emma Original because it works well for average-weight (130–250 pounds) and lighter-weight (under 130 pounds) sleepers in most positions. We found that this mattress provided a high level of support with enough contour to create good pressure relief, specifically for the back, which is why we gave it a 5 out of 5 for back sleeping.
Emma rated this mattress as medium-soft (5/10), but we find it firmer and scored it 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
Who may want to use the Emma Original: The Emma Original is best for lighter-weight and average-weight back and stomach sleepers who prefer a slightly firmer mattress.
Who may want to avoid the Emma Original: Side sleepers usually need a softer mattress to relieve pressure around the hips and shoulder. We also don’t recommend this mattress for higher-weight sleepers, who typically need something more supportive.
Emma Original tester insights
While our testers gave it a 2.5 out of 5 for pressure relief for side sleepers, it scored high for back pressure relief (5 out of 5) and motion isolation (4 out of 5), making it ideal for back sleepers and people who share a bed with a partner, pet, or child.
This mattress is made entirely of foam that’s designed to adapt and contour the sleeper’s body, providing enhanced pressure relief and comfort—which our testers found to be true for back sleepers. Most all-foam beds score low in the bounce category since they don’t have coils to increase bounce, and the Emma Original is no exception. People who change positions throughout the night may need a different bed to boost mobility.
From one of our Emma Original testers:
“The foams included on the Emma Original pop back up right away after repositioning and respond really well. There is also uniform responsiveness for all layers in this mattress.”
How we test and choose the best full-size mattresses
The Handbook Team has researched many mattresses online and in person and hand-selected about 130 (and counting) of the best models to test. We’ve also surveyed 1,200 total shoppers (in two 600-people surveys) and interviewed recent mattress customers to understand the buying process and how their new bed has impacted their sleep quality, physical health, and mental wellness.
First-hand testing experience
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
For this review, we focused on tests and scores related to overall support, pressure relief, motion isolation, bounce, and edge support for a general overview of what makes for a quality mattress.
Mattress surveys and interviews
We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our surveys of 1,200 total mattress owners. These include price, features, and the setup process. We also interview real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress and the benefits of purchasing one.
For example, we consider white glove delivery (in-home delivery and setup) as a pro, since more than 41 percent of people in one of our surveys responded that it’s highly important to them, while more than 29 percent said it’s moderately important.
Objective and honest ratings
We use information from our surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews to determine the most important features in our brand and mattress testing scorecards.
To make our list, every model in this review needs to score at least a 4 out of 5 in side or back pressure relief and 3.5 out of 5 in overall support. Other features we consider are motion isolation, bounce, edge support, and firmness. Our roundups cater to different needs, so we filter the best full size mattresses uniquely to fit each review.
We also weigh the following factors to determine an overall rating for each brand we recommend.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15 percent | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10 percent | Years in business, lawsuits, class actions against this company |
| Features | 20 percent | Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, included add-ons (free sleep accessories) |
| User Experience | 35 percent | White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials |
| Affordability | 20 percent | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology.
How to choose a full-size mattress
Choosing a full-size mattress is similar to choosing a mattress of any size. The first thing you want to consider is your body weight and preferred sleeping position. We categorize body weight into three categories: lighter-weight, average-weight, and higher-weight. Higher-weight sleepers (250 pounds or more) typically need a firmer, more durable mattress, while lighter-weight sleepers (130 pounds or less) usually opt for a softer mattress with increased pressure relief.
Next, we look at preferred sleeping positions, which are categorized as back, side, and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers typically need a supportive mattress with a lot of contour to relieve pressure at the shoulder and hip, while back sleepers typically require a medium-to-firm mattress for good support. Stomach sleepers usually need a firmer mattress to keep their hips in line with their shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal alignment.
After considering your body weight and preferred sleeping position, you may want to think about other features that are important to you, like how cool the mattress feels to the touch, whether or not it works well for you and your family, how easily motion travels across its surface, and whether there is any sagging or sinkage around its edges. While these considerations are not as crucial as body weight or sleeping position, they are good to keep in mind and can be critical to how comfortable you are overall.
Who should consider purchasing a full-size mattress
While anyone can opt for a full-size mattress, these beds are typically bought by people who sleep alone or want a less expensive bed, which makes them one of the best mattresses for kids. Full-size beds work well for smaller spaces, like dorm rooms or apartments. Plus, they are cheaper than most queen- and king-size mattresses, so they work well for younger people who may not have the extra income to purchase a larger mattress.
We do not usually recommend full-size mattresses to couples, as there may not be enough space in the bed for two average- or higher-weight sleepers. However, we have included factors in this roundup that couples usually look for, like motion transfer, cooling, and edge support.
If you want to consider other mattress sizes, we recommend checking out our picks for best queen-size mattress or best king-size mattress.
Our final verdict
Our overall pick for the best full-size mattress is the Saatva Classic because of how well this bed works for most sleeping positions and body weights. The Saatva Classic is a hybrid mattress with a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, making it a strong medium-firm bed.
However, all of the beds included in this roundup should work best for specific sleepers. Some of these mattresses are softer and work better for side sleepers, while others are firmer and are better suited for back or stomach sleepers. We’ve also included information about features like cooling, motion transfer, and edge support to ensure you understand the pros and cons of each before making a purchase.
Compare the best full-size mattresses of 2024
| Price | $1,995 | $1,999 | $2,108 6. | $1,499 | $1,649 | $979 |
| Our firmness rating | 7/10 | 5.5/10 | 5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Foam |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10–15 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Trial period | 365-night trial | 100-night trial | 120-night trial | 120-night trial | 120-night trial | 365-night trial |
| Best for | Overall | Kids | Side Sleepers | Hybrid | Back Sleepers | Affordable |
Frequently asked questions
A full-size mattress is typically 54 inches wide, which should be enough room for one adult to spread out comfortably. These beds also work well for adults who share their bed with a child or for multiple children who sleep in the same bed.
A full-size mattress is wide enough to accommodate two adults, depending on how much they spread out and move around during the night. If you or your partner switch positions often during the night, a full-size mattress might not provide enough space to do so comfortably.
Yes, a full mattress is the same as a double mattress, just under a different name. Both of these beds are 54 inches wide by 75 inches long.
- Blackwelder, A., Hoskins, M., & Huber, L. (2021). Effect of inadequate sleep on frequent mental distress. Preventing Chronic Disease, 18. Link
- Choosing the best sleep position. (2021, August 8). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Link
- Kids’ sleep linked to brain health. (2024, June 17). NIH News in Health. Link