Why You Can Trust CNET Best Full Mattress for 2024
After testing hundreds of mattresses, we’ve found the best full-size mattresses -- optimal for small spaces, solo sleepers, kids and teens.
When it comes to choosing a mattress, there are many things to consider. Mattresses come in a bunch of different sizes. And while many would love to snag the biggest of the bunch, a full-size mattress is actually the most practical option for a lot of people. This is especially true if your space is on the smaller side or if you're on a tight budget. That said, if you’re looking for the best full mattress for you, you’ll also want to think about your preferences such as soft versus firm, mattress material and your preferred sleeping position.
There are a lot of questions when shopping for a mattress. Do you sleep on your back, or are you primarily a stomach sleeper? Are you looking for a foam mattress, an innerspring mattress or a hybrid mattress (innerspring with a foam layer)? Do you prefer a soft mattress, a firm mattress or a medium-firm one? To help make things easier, CNET has spent years testing the best mattresses on the market. I've rounded up seven of my recommendations for the top full-size mattresses below.
What is the best full mattress?
The Layla Hybrid mattress is our top pick for the best full mattress overall due to its impressive features. Including its soft cover, the mattress is made of several layers of copper-infused gel memory foam, support foam and individually wrapped coils. The copper-gel memory foam helps to keep sleepers cool at night and the coils keep the motion transfer to a minimum. What makes this mattress stand out is that the Layla Hybrid is flippable; one side is soft and the other is firm.
Video: Best full mattresses for 2024
Watch CNET video producer Owen Poole review the best full size mattresses for 2024.
Best full mattresses of 2024
Mattress price scale:
$ = Budget: $799 and below
$$ = Average: $800 to $1,699
$$$ = Premium: $1,700 and up
These reflect MSRP or list prices. Sales might make a mattress less expensive, but are always changing.
Why we chose the Layla Hybrid mattress:
The Layla Hybrid has it all. This mattress is constructed of several layers, including a gel memory foam, airflow support form and individually wrapped pocketed coils that add extra support and just enough bounce. The mattress felt soft and comfortable, but also supportive like it was contouring my body in all the right places without sinking too much. This hybrid mattress also had very little (if any) motion transfer. I wasn't disturbed or jolted awake when my partner tossed and turned.
The middle layer of the Layla Hybrid is made from copper-infused memory foam, which is designed to absorb and disperse heat so you stay cool while you sleep. The copper is also antimicrobial, so it fights off bacteria and other icky things that can build up in the mattress over time. One of the biggest things that sets the Layla Hybrid apart is the fact that it's a flippable full-size mattress. Not only that, one side of the mattress is soft and the other side is firm, so you can test out both sides of mattress firmness to find out which one is right for you.
Pros:
- Flippable with a soft and a firm side
- Great for all body and sleeper types
- Made of gel memory foam and pocketed coils
Cons:
- A little expensive for budget shoppers
- Combination sleepers might find the bed to have a little resistance
Layla Hybrid
Why we chose the Cocoon mattress:
The Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam mattress is the perfect marriage of softness and the right amount of mattress firmness support. While having some firmness level is important, you also want it to have enough give to contour your body and alleviate pressure, which is exactly what The Cocoon offers. If your mattress firmness level is too soft, it can lead to back pain and many restless nights.
This mattress type is made with a specialized memory foam called Perfect Fit memory foam, which is designed to adapt to your body almost immediately. Underneath the Perfect Fit layer lies another layer of responsive comfort foam that prevents your body from sagging into the mattress and adds some extra cushioning. Not only did the Chill Memory Foam mattress immediately feel comfortable, but it also provided excellent pressure relief so I felt like it took the weight of the day off my body. It also has a stretch-knit cover designed to pull heat away from your body so you don't sleep too hot. Even with a down comforter, I stayed cozy and comfortable.
Pros:
- Cooling mattress for hot sleepers
- An affordable budget option
- Made with three layers of memory foam and a cooling cover
Cons:
- Not supportive enough for heavier people
- May be too cold for some sleepers
Cocoon by Sealy Chill
Why we chose the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress:
The Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent mattress for when you're not really sure what you want, or which type of mattress is best for you. When it comes to firmness, this mattress is rated a 4 to 7 out of 10, which means that its firmness level is roughly equal parts soft and firm and may work well for most sleepers.
A true hybrid mattress, the Helix Midnight Luxe is made from a combination of high-density memory foam, gel visco and pocketed coils. This combination provided excellent lumbar support and relief from the aches and pains that I had been dealing with from other mattresses. It was equally comfortable whether I was sleeping on my side or back -- something that can be difficult to find. I also found The Helix Midnight Luxe to be plushier than other bed-in-a-box type mattresses. It has a breathable premium quilted top that provides an additional comfort layer of cushioning that feels more reminiscent of a traditional mattress but without any motion transfer. Read more in our full Helix mattress review.
Pros:
- Comfortable for all sleeping positions
- Great for those looking for a luxury mattress
- Made with a premium pillow top
Cons:
- May be too soft for heavier back and stomach sleepers
- Expensive
Helix Midnight Luxe
Why we chose the Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid mattress:
If you suffer from back pain -- or you don't have any pain and you want to keep it that way -- the Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid is an excellent option for you. It's made with a specialized layer of proprietary memory foam, called Bio-Pur, that contours your body and offers pressure relief for your back, hips and shoulders. It has a medium-firm mattress feel that provides enough support to keep my spine properly aligned, but still felt soft enough to have some give for my pressure points. I'd mostly recommend this bed to combo, back and/or stomach sleepers because it may not be soft enough for side sleepers in the long run.
One of my favorite things about this foam mattress was the better response time (compared to traditional memory foam mattresses). When you move around at night or change positions, it takes all foam mattresses some time to adjust. This lagging can lead to interrupted sleep, as it takes some time to get comfortable again. The Bio-Pur foam responded to movement almost immediately, so I was able to readjust and fall back asleep ASAP. The Bio-Pur memory foam is also designed to be more airy and breathable than denser memory foam, so the mattress doesn't trap heat at all. I never woke up too hot and sweaty, even in the warmer months. Read more in our full Amerisleep mattress review.
- Pros:
- Great for all body types due to the hybrid design
- Impressive pressure relief and support
- Back and stomach sleepers will find it comfortable
Cons:
- May give combination sleepers a little resistance
- Too firm for strict side sleepers
Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid
Why we chose the Purple Restore Hybrid mattress:
The Purple Restore Hybrid mattress is a dream. With its proprietary Purple Grid, it's different from any other mattress I've tried -- in all the best ways. Unlike memory foam, which is the foundation of many of these direct-to-your-door mattresses, the Purple Restore Hybrid bed is made from a hyper-elastic polymer grid formation that feels strong and supportive, but somehow still soft and plush.
The grid gives way to your body, expertly contouring and alleviating pressure where you need it most like it was made just for you. I immediately felt weightless, almost like I was floating on this full-size mattress. This Purple mattress also felt bouncier than the others, but it was still able to provide motion isolation and prevent motion transfer. While it's comfortable in all positions, this Purple mattress is especially great for stomach sleepers since it has enough give to make sure your neck and spine stay aligned.
Pros:
- Made of a grid-like latex that is bouncy and breathable
- Great for pressure relief
- Most sleeping positions will find this mattress comfortable
Cons:
- Budget shoppers should look elsewhere
- Not for those looking for a traditional mattress
Why we chose the Avocado Green mattress:
If you're looking for a comfortable full-size mattress minus any potentially harmful chemicals, the Avocado Green is the mattress brand for you. It's constructed of cotton, wool and natural latex (or you can opt for the vegan mattress, which is the same sans wool) -- which is the safest combination recommended by the Environmental Working Group. This Avocado Green mattress is also free of polyester, polyurethane foam and fire retardants. Equally importantly, it's comfortable and supportive too.
My first impression was that this full-size mattress was too firm, but after a few days, my body adjusted and I was able to settle in. The natural latex mattress started to conform to my body and I felt comfortable and supported. The Avocado Green had just the right amount of give to provide pressure relief, but not so much that I felt like I was sinking into it. It also had a quick response time, so when I changed positions, it re-adapted right away. Read more in our full Avocado mattress review.
Pros:
- Has a quick response time
- Great for environmentally conscious shoppers
- Best for back and stomach sleepers
Cons:
- On the expensive side
- May be a little firm for strict side sleepers
Avocado Green
The Casper mattress is one of the most popular bed-in-a-box mattresses and for good reason. It's a simple, accommodating foam mattress that feels like a giant marshmallow. It doesn't use traditional memory foam, so it's much easier to switch positions on and it bounces back quickly when pressure is removed.
The Original Casper mattress has three layers, the center of which is made with a zoned support design to provide targeted support and pressure relief where you need it most. I'd rate it around a medium on the firmness scale, making it suitable for all sleeping positions from side, back, stomach and combination. For a safe pick that many people find to be comfortable, go for the Casper. The hybrid model is going to be more supportive and durable for people who weigh over 230 pounds.
Pros:
- Great for all sleeping positions
- Made of poly foam that has more bounce than traditional memory foam
- Has a zoned support design for optimal pressure relief
Cons:
- Heavier people should opt for the hybrid model
- Petite side sleepers may find it a little firm
Casper Original
What to consider when buying a full mattress
When looking for the best full mattress, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Firmness
The firmness of a mattress is dependent on your body type. If you are petite or an average person, your body will exert less pressure on a mattress, making it feel firmer. If you are a heavier sleeper, a mattress will feel softer. An average sleeper will find a medium firmness to be comfortable.
Support
Especially if you deal with back pain, you want a supportive mattress. A memory foam mattress is generally less supportive than a hybrid mattress that has both foam and coils. Petite and most average-size sleepers will still find memory foam mattresses supportive. If you are a heavier sleeper, opt for a hybrid or an innerspring mattress.
Edge support
The edges around your mattress should also be supportive. That way, you won’t roll off your bed in the middle of the night. You can test edge support by sitting on the edge. If you feel like you're going to slip off, you might want a bed with better edge support.
Other mattresses we've tested
All of the beds above have been tested by our CNET Sleep editors, but we've also reviewed over 200 other beds. With that being the case, it can be difficult to narrow down the top favorites. The beds below are other mattresses we've tested that are also worth considering in your search for a new mattress.
Puffy Lux mattress: Side sleepers would also really enjoy the thick and luxurious Puffy Lux mattress. It's just as comfortable as it looks and its cloud logo is a good indication of what you're getting yourself into. It's soft and pressure-relieving as it gently wraps around the curves of your body. The main comfort foam is memory foam, but it's more light and airy than it is dense. I'd rate this mattress around a 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale or a medium-soft, so it's mostly for people who favor their side.
Allswell mattress: Looking for the best value? The Allswell mattress is the bed-in-a-box model from Walmart, and in true Walmart fashion, it's extremely wallet-friendly. It'll cost less than most regular foam mattresses, which is rare since hybrid beds are known to be more expensive. It's a little on the firmer side, around a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale or a medium-firm.
Tuft & Needle mattress: The Tuft and Needle bed is a simple, two-layer foam mattress without any special bells and whistles. I think it's a great mattress for kids, teenagers, your kid going off to college or a money-saving individual. It's pretty wallet-friendly, and it's arguably just as popular as the Casper mattress. It has a similar neutral-foam feel that most people find comfortable.
How we tested the best full mattresses
Our CNET Sleep editors have spent countless hours testing each mattress on our many best lists. When we test mattresses, we have an established process that assesses key factors like firmness, feel, construction, performance, price, cooling properties and warranty information. We test how strong the edge of the bed is by sitting and lying on the edge. We test motion transfer by rolling across the mattress with a glass of water by the edge. We do this for all beds we test.
CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Best full mattresses FAQs
What are the dimensions of a full-size mattress?
A full-size mattress measures out to 54 inches wide and 74 inches long, which is 4.5 feet wide and 6.25 feet long.
How much does a good full-size mattress cost?
A premium full-size mattress will range around $700 to $1,400, but there are plenty of options under $1,000 like Casper or Tuft and Needle. Full-size beds are more affordable than queen or king-size mattresses, but are still suitable for couples who want to share a bed.
Is a full mattress big enough for two people?
Yes, a full-size mattress is big enough for two average sleepers. The bed might be a little small if one person is taller or a little heavier. Also, if you need space for pets or extra stretching room, a queen-size mattress might be better.
Is it worth getting a full-size bed?
A full mattress is worth considering if you have a smaller space or you're a single person who likes to spread out (since a twin mattress doesn't provide much room). If you're a co-sleeper, you should be able to fit snugly, but a queen mattress would be more suitable.