Written by Olivera Jancikin, Content Writer
Shopping for a new mattress can feel like a hassle. While we try to help make that process easier, bed-in-a-box brands like Tuft & Needle have streamlined the process by offering a direct to consumer model.
Tuft & Needle has built a reputation on simple, affordable mattresses. Their flagship mattress relies on a three-layer foam construction that features Tuft & Needle’s proprietary Adaptive® Foam.
In our Tuft & Needle mattress review, we’ll go over why a simpler bed could be better and who we think will sleep well on one. We also dive into how this bed performed in categories like support and motion isolation.
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Up to 25% off mattresses, bedding & accessories
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Watch Our Tuft & Needle Video Review
Who We Recommend The Tuft & Needle For:
- Eco-minded consumers – While this isn’t an organic bed, it has eco-friendly certifications and uses a limited amount of glues and adhesives. This helps the company cut out unnecessary chemicals to save you money and limit their ecological footprint.
- Shoppers on a budget – Part of what makes mattress shopping stressful is knowing you’re going to spend a lot of money on an investment that should last you years. It can put a lot of pressure on your purchase. Luckily, this is a less expensive option but should still last with its 10-year limited warranty.
- People who want a responsive bed – The adaptive foam is extremely responsive, so combination sleepers or those who reposition frequently shouldn’t struggle to move across the surface of the mattress.
Who We Don’t Recommend The Tuft & Needle For:
- People who prefer traditional memory foam beds – While this mattress has two layers of Adaptive® foam and a third layer of poly foam, it may not be the best option for those who prefer the slow-sinking feel of traditional memory foam. Memory foam is a unique material with excellent motion isolation, and while poly foam does well in this department as well, it may not offer the same slow-sinking feel.
- Heavy stomach sleepers – This mattress has a medium-plush feel which may be too soft for stomach sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds. This firmness should work for most people, but those who sleep on their stomach might not get sufficient support in the hip area.
First Impressions: Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 5/10
Mattress firmness is one of the most important things people look at when buying a new mattress. For this reason, we rate mattress firmness on a scale from one to ten, where one is the softest and ten is the firmest. The Tuft & Needle mattress is rated five out of ten on our firmness scale, which means it has a medium-plush feel.
Since this mattress falls in the middle of our firmness scale, this mattress should work for most people, but especially average-weight sleepers and those who like sleeping on their back.
How Does It Feel?
The Tuft & Needle mattress is wrapped in a thin, breathable polyester cover, made to circulate air and dry quickly for those who tend to sleep hot. The fabric is soft-to-the-touch and is pulled tightly across the surface.
As you lay on the bed, you should notice a deeper cradle, as the adaptive foam layer is made to be soft and responsive. The bed should still cradle your pressure points like memory foam would – just without creating a crater.
What We Like About the Tuft & Needle
- More cooling than most all-foam beds – Although all-foam mattresses are prone to overheating, this isn’t the case with Tuft & Needle. The company included graphite and gel infusions in the Adaptive® Foam layer to keep the heat away from the surface. Plus, the cover is breathable as well.
- Affordable price – This Tuft & Needle mattress is an excellent option for budget shoppers as it has an affordable price point. However, you still get a high-quality mattress with plenty of useful features and benefits.
- Gentle cradling – The Adaptive® Foam layer offers gentle cradling, easing you into the mattress for optimal pressure relief. Although it doesn’t offer that deep hug you’d get from memory foam, the gentle cradle is excellent for those who prefer to sleep “on” the bed instead of “in” it.
Our Tuft & Needle Complaints
- It’s not memory foam – If you prefer memory foam mattresses, Tuft & Needle’s flagship model may not be for you. Keep in mind they do have another budget option called the Tuft & Needle Mint which may feel more similar to a memory foam mattress.
- It doesn’t have the best edge support – This all-foam bed’s edges may falter a little if you sit or sleep near the edge. You’re unlikely to roll off the bed, but you’ll feel it sinks more in this area than it does in the center of the bed. For better edge support, you may want to consider a hybrid mattress made with coils for more secure edges.
Testing the Tuft & Needle Mattress: How it Performed
We tested the Tuft & Needle mattress to determine which sleepers it would be best for. This way, we were able to tell if it would fit stomach, back, or side sleepers best. Apart from testing how the mattress performs in each position, we also tested for motion isolation by placing a water bottle on one side to measure how much it moves as someone tosses and turns on the other side of the bed. Similar tests were performed for edge support, bounce, and other preference-based features.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
The Tuft & Needle mattress can handle 500 pounds per person, which means it should carry up to 1,000 pounds in total. However, this depends on the base you use, so make sure to pair the mattress with a sturdy and reliable bed foundation.
Side Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight side sleepers should like how the Adaptive® foam layer cradles the pressure points by allowing just enough sinkage without throwing the spine out of alignment.
- Average-weight Sleepers – Side sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds may experience this bed differently, depending on their exact weight. Those closer to 230 may sink deeper, but you should still get a good balance of pressure relief and support.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavier side sleepers may experience a deeper sink, which can make some feel a bit trapped in the Tuft & Needle. However, the Adaptive® foam should feel good on the shoulders of those who prefer a softer mattress.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Back sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds should like the medium-plush feel, although they may experience it as a bit firmer. Nonetheless, the first foam layer should offer gentle cradling which relieves pressure in the lumbar area.
- Average-weight Sleepers – Average-weight back sleepers should experience an even weight distribution, which helps prevent pressure build-up in the lower back area. Those who weigh closer to 230 pounds may sink deeper.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy back sleepers should like how the Adaptive® foam doesn’t allow their hips to sink too deeply to throw the spine out of alignment. The weight is evenly distributed, although some may experience the bed as softer.
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight stomach sleepers should get sufficient support to keep the hips aligned with the rest of the body. Although the mattress is medium-plush, most lightweight stomach sleepers should experience it slightly firmer.
- Average-weight Sleepers – Average-weight stomach sleepers who weigh closer to 230 pounds may experience this mattress as softer, but they should get sufficient support in the hip area.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy stomach sleepers may want a firmer mattress because the medium-plush feel of the Tuft & Needle might not be enough to keep the hips aligned.
Pressure Relief 4/5
Pressure relief is important for all sleeping positions to keep your spine in alignment. Think of what it feels like to lay on your side on the ground: It’s not very comfortable and your spine is probably at a weird angle.
The company created its T&N Adaptive Foam® to solve this problem by using an open-cell structure for a flexible sleep surface. This proprietary foam should resemble memory foam’s pressure-relieving capabilities, but with a faster response time.
Is the Tuft & Needle Good for Pain Relief?
- Back Pain – People with back pain need extra support in the lower back area to keep the spine aligned. The Tuft & Needle should do a good job relieving back pain in this area as it has a medium-plush feel and allows gentle cradling without taking away from the support. However, some average-weight to heavyweight sleepers may find this medium firmness level doesn’t provide a sufficient amount of pushack for back pain relief.
- Hip Pain – Those with hip pain should like how this mattress cradles the hip area when sleeping on the side. Back sleepers with hip pain should also benefit from the light contour that doesn’t allow the hips to sink too deeply.
- Shoulder Pain – People with shoulder pain who sleep on their back should find a nice amount of relief in the gentle cradle coming from the Adaptive® foam. Those who sleep on their side should also like the medium-plush feel that allows enough sinkage for pressure relief.
Support 4/5
Support is just as important in creating optimal spinal alignment as pressure relief. Just like you shouldn’t sleep on the floor, you also probably shouldn’t sleep on a surface so soft that there isn’t enough support for your curves.
That’s why just below the adaptive foam layer, there’s a high-density poly foam support layer, so you don’t sink in too far and bottom out. This base layer has much less bounce than the top layer and should work for most people by keeping heavier sleepers from bottoming out without creating a surface that’s too firm for petite sleepers.
Motion Transfer 5/5
Foam mattresses tend to perform well in motion isolation, and the Tuft & Needle mattress isn’t an exception. This bed performs at the industry standard, and those that wake up easily from restless partners and pets should sleep well on this model. Motion isolation is also important for partners with different sleeping habits. Since the Tuft & Needle does a good job at isolating motion, you’re unlikely to feel any bounce when your partner gets in and out of bed.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling 4/5
While Tuft & Needle eliminates a lot of mattress “extras” in their flagship design, cooling properties isn’t one of them. They’ve infused their T&N Adaptive® foam with graphite as well as cooling gel to draw heat away from your body. The cover was also made to promote ample breathability, so this mattress should regulate temperature well for most sleepers.
Performance for Couples 2.5/5
Couples who prefer a softer mattress should like the Tuft & Needle as it has a medium-plush feel that fits most sleeping positions. Those with different sleeping habits should also enjoy its motion-isolating capabilities, while hot sleepers will appreciate the breathable cover that doesn’t allow any extra heat to build up. However, one thing to keep in mind is that this bed doesn’t have the best edge support. The softer feel combined with its lack of reinforcements may result in a bit of sinkage. This means some couples may not be able to use the entire surface of the bed. However, we still gave this bed a 2.5 for couples because we weren’t impressed with its lack of bounce and edge support. Plus, the softer feel will only accommodate certain couples; we think most would prefer something firmer.
For other options, check out our Best Mattresses for Couples.
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Preference-Based Features
Bed-in-a-Box
There’s no need to worry about picking up your Tuft & Needle mattress from a store or scheduling a drop-off; this brand ships free right to your door. With an easy unboxing process, you’ll be ready to go in no time.
Eco-Conscious Materials
The Tuft & Needle mattress carries eco-friendly certifications like CertPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold which limits the amount of chemicals and potential air pollutants they bring into their homes.
Adjustable Base Compatible
The Tuft & Needle was created to be compatible with a variety of bases, and they even offer their own adjustable base for those who may need to keep their feet or head elevated, or just prefer the comfort of customization.
Made in the USA
Tuft & Needle designs, assembles, and ships their products right from the U.S., where the company was formed. Find our picks for the best mattresses made in the USA here.
Construction: What’s Inside the Tuft & Needle?
The company has been vocal about the industry practice of using multiple lower-quality layers to drive higher retail prices. These excessive layers not only add less value but they require more glue to hold them together. In turn, this glue stifles airflow and temperature regulation.
To respond to these issues, Tuft & Needle created a minimal design that uses two distinct layers of high-density polyurethane foams. The two foams work together to deliver support for a healthy sleep posture, along with enough cradling to help relieve pressure in the most sensitive areas.
At its full height with the cover included, it stands 10 inches tall and uses only two layers of foam.
- The top layer consists of 3 inches of proprietary T&N Adaptive® Foam. This material mimics memory foam and latex in its pressure relief and support capabilities without the drawbacks (such as trapped heat in traditional memory foam). In addition, this foam wicks away heat with graphite and is infused with cooling gel for cooler, more comfortable rest.
- The base layer is made from 6.5 inches of poly foam. This support level gives the Tuft & Needle mattress its shape and is much firmer than the top layer.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
The Tuft & Needle mattress ships free to your door, wrapped and rolled into a box. You’ll want to give it a few hours to fully inflate before sleeping on it, but the off-gassing period should be shorter and less potent than most all-foam competitors. The mattress is designed to be used with a variety of frames, such as box springs, slatted frames, and adjustable bases.
Certifications
- Eco-Friendly Certifications – This product has a GREENGUARD Gold certification that reflects the product’s ability to meet some of the world’s most rigorous emissions standards. In addition, the foams in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified. CertiPUR-US® is a third-party program that ensures the foams meet rigorous health and safety standards. This means they don’t contain harmful substances like ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They should also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
- Shipping – Shipping is free within the continental United States.
- Trial – The company offers a 100-night sleep trial to give you time to decide if the mattress is right for you. If you feel like it’s not a perfect fit, the company should issue a full refund and donate the mattress to a local charity.
- Warranty – These beds may be cheap in price, but they’re made to last. The company offers a 10-year warranty on its beds.
- Return Policy – The company accepts returns within the 100-night trial period and will issue a full refund. All used products are donated, while unused and packaged mattresses are sold again.
Tuft & Needle Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 39″ x 75″ x 10″ | $745 |
| Twin XL | 39″ x 80″ x 10″ | $795 |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ x 10″ | $895 |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ x 10” | $995 |
| King | 76″ x 80″ x 10” | $1,395 |
| Cali King | 72″ x 84″ x 10” | $1,395 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick is the Tuft & Needle original mattress?
The Tuft & Needle flagship model is 10 inches tall if you also count the cover. Without the cover, it measures around 9.5 inches. Since it’s not too tall, the mattress fits well in smaller rooms and any bed foundation, including an adjustable base.
What is the lifespan of the Tuft & Needle original mattress?
Tuft & Needle mattresses carry 10-year warranties, assuring a long product life.
How long does it take to break in the Tuft & Needle mattress?
The company claims it takes about two weeks for most people to break in the Tuft & Needle mattress, so make sure to give yourself this time to adapt. During this time, the mattress should soften a bit and feel more comfortable than the first day you tried it.
Tuft & Needle vs. Other Brands
Tuft & Needle vs. Bear Original
Product
Type
Score
Who We Recommend the Tuft & Needle For
- Lightweight people
- Side sleepers
- People with hip pain
Who We Recommend the Bear Original For
- People with back pain
- Athletes and active people
- Back sleepers
Tuft & Needle vs. Layla Memory Foam
Product
Type
Score
Who We Recommend the Tuft & Needle For
- Lightweight stomach sleepers
- People with back pain
- Average-weight back sleepers
Who We Recommend the Layla Memory Foam For
- People who prefer memory foam
- Sleepers who like having options
- Couples
Tuft & Needle Original vs. Other Tuft & Needle Models
Tuft & Needle Original vs. Tuft & Needle Mint
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
Who We Recommend the Tuft & Needle Original For
- Sleepers with shoulder pain
- Budget shoppers
- People with pressure build-up
Who We Recommend the Tuft & Needle Mint For
- Co-sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Heavier back sleepers
Tuft & Needle Original vs. Tuft & Needle Hybrid
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
Who We Recommend the Tuft & Needle Original For
- People who prefer foam mattresses
- Those who want a thinner bed
- Combination sleepers
Who We Recommend the Tuft & Needle Hybrid For
- Couples
- People looking for edge support
- Hybrid fans
Our Verdict
The Tuft and Needle mattress contains two foam layers and is an affordable option for budget shoppers
We think it’s a good option for side and back sleepers, especially lightweight and average-weight folks. Some stomach sleepers may also like it, depending on their exact body weight. It also excels in motion isolation, so it should work for most couples.
However, since it’s made entirely out of foam, it doesn’t have the best edge support or bounce. We don’t recommend this mattress for heavyweight sleepers who will likely feel unsupported and sink too deep into this mattress.
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Olivera Jancikin
Content Writer
About Author
Olivera is a content writer for Sleep Advisor and is enthusiastic about sleep. She firmly believes in the benefits of daytime naps on top of getting a full 8-hour sleep at night.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach