Written by Olivera Jancikin, Content Writer
Are you after a memory foam mattress that sleeps cool? Memory foam mattresses have earned a bad rep when it comes to sleeping hot, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t exceptions.
Enter the Serta Arctic mattress. While this isn’t the first cooling mattress Serta came out with, it is the coolest one, made specifically for hot sleepers. The bed features the brand’s Reactex® System that works to maintain an optimal sleeping temperature regardless of the weather.
In this Serta Arctic mattress review, we’ll focus on the details, explaining the construction, preference-based features, and the bed’s firmness and feel to help you decide if this is the right choice for you.
Serta Arctic
The Serta Arctic is a memory foam bed aimed at keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Read Serta Arctic Review
Save up to $800 on select mattresses + adjustable bases
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Serta Arctic
The Serta Arctic is a memory foam bed aimed at keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Read Serta Arctic Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Serta Arctic
The Serta Arctic is a memory foam bed aimed at keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Read Serta Arctic Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Who We Recommend The Serta Arctic For:
- Hot sleepers – The Serta Arctic has the brand’s Reactex® System and EverCool® Fuze Gel, both of which are designed to keep the surface of the bed cool. The Reactex® System absorbs your body heat while the gel memory foam layer disperses it so that the construction doesn’t overheat.
- Side and back sleepers – This bed comes in Medium Plush and Medium Firm. Side sleepers should like the softer model as it offers more contouring, while back sleepers should do well with a firmer model.
- Couples – The Serta Arctic mattress is an excellent option for couples and co-sleepers as it’s made entirely of foam that helps absorb movement.
Who We Don’t Recommend The Serta Arctic For:
- Combination sleepers – Combination sleepers and possibly also people with mobility issues may find this mattress a bit too soft. Although it may fit your preferred sleeping position, you may feel trapped inside the foam once you sink into the comfort layer. This can make it difficult to reposition and get in and out of bed if you’re a combination sleeper.
- Stomach sleepers – A softer version of this bed is likely too soft for most stomach sleepers. The firmer model may work for some, but only if they’re under 130 pounds. Anyone over 130 to 150 pounds is likely to find the Arctic mattress too soft for stomach sleeping.
First Impressions: Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 5/10 (Medium Plush) 6/10 (Medium Firm)
Please remember that firmness is a subjective characteristic and your shape will dictate how you experience a bed. A heavier person whose weight can more easily push through softer comfort and support layers may experience a bed as softer than a lightweight person. The way you are shaped could also play a role here. Consider your weight, shape, and size when evaluating firmness scores.
Mattress firmness is something most of us pay attention to when buying a new bed. For this reason, we rate mattress firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
The Serta Arctic is available in two firmness options, so you can choose based on your needs and preferences. We rated the softer model a 5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, while the firmer option feels more like a 6 out of 10.
How Does It Feel?
This is a memory foam bed, so it naturally feels contouring and hugging. Although the firmer model will have a bit less sinkage, both should offer excellent pressure relief. We tested the Medium Plush Serta Arctic, and it feels like sleeping on a cloud.
Right when you lie on it, you should feel the foams slowly contouring your body but quickly regaining their shape once you get up. The Medium Firm one should feel equally slow-responding but with a bit less sinkage.
What We Like About the Serta Arctic
- Proprietary materials – This bed is packed with the brand’s proprietary materials and technologies, delivering all the comfort, cooling, pressure relief, and support.
- Cooling and pressure relief – The construction features multiple cooling features, starting with the cool-to-the-touch cover. The high-quality foams deliver excellent pressure relief without trapping heat.
- Two firmness choices – Shoppers can choose between two firmness options based on their body weight and preferred sleeping position.
Our Serta Arctic Complaints
- Not for significantly heavy people – Although the firmer model may feel comfortable for side and back sleepers weighing closer to 230 pounds, anyone heavier may find the bed too soft, especially if they prefer sleeping on their back.
- It has no bounce – This bed has impressive motion isolation but virtually no bounce, which can be a problem for people with limited mobility, combination sleepers, and sexually active couples.
- It’s expensive – The Twin XL size, which is the smallest Serta Arctic, is 2,999 dollars, which may be too high for budget mattress shoppers. The Medium Firm model is even more expensive.
Testing the Serta Arctic Mattress: How it Performed
We tested the Serta Arctic mattress in a few positions to figure out how it would fit different sleepers. As always, we focused on the general feel, sinkage, pressure relief, and support. However, we also tested this bed for motion isolation, bounce, edge support, and other preference-based features some people may find important.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
We couldn’t find any official words on how much weight this mattress can handle. However, being that it’s an all-foam model, we would say it can safely support up to 250 pounds. The Serta Arctic may handle more, but it’s likely to feel uncomfortable for those weighing over 230 to 250 pounds due to the foams being on the softer side. Even the Medium Firm model is likely too soft for those over 250 pounds.
Side Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – This bed in Medium Plush should feel comfortable for side sleepers as the memory foam allows slow contouring that ensures maximum pressure relief on the hips, shoulders, and knees.
- Average Weight Sleepers – Average-weight side sleepers should sink a bit deeper but without throwing the spine out of alignment. Some may prefer the Medium Firm model if they like sleeping on a firmer surface.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy side sleepers should stick to the firmer option as this bed is likely to do a better job of keeping the spine aligned than the Medium Plush Arctic mattress.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight back sleepers should like how memory foam fills the gap between the bed and lower back. This gives excellent support to keep the hips aligned with the rest of the body.
- Average Weight Sleepers – Average-weight people should experience a nice contour around the lower back, but those who weigh closer to 230 pounds may want to look at the firmer Serta Arctic version of this mattress.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy back sleepers are likely to sink deeper, which is why they should consider the Medium Firm model. This bed should do a good job of keeping the spine in a neutral position without creating any pressure buildup.
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight stomach sleepers can choose between the two firmnesses, depending on how they like their bed to feel. Although this firmness rating may feel too soft for stomach sleeping, people under 130 pounds don’t weigh enough to sink way too deeply.
- Average Weight Sleepers – Average-weight stomach sleepers are likely to do better with the firmer model that can do a good job of keeping the hips aligned with the rest of the body.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy stomach sleepers may experience this bed as too soft, even with the firmer model. The foams are on the softer side, and those who weigh over 230 pounds may find them even softer.
Pressure Relief & Pain
Pressure buildup can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep, but memory foam can help alleviate the problem. The Serta Arctic is made entirely out of foam with excellent pressure-relieving properties. The bed allows enough sinkage, easing you into a gentle hug that should help relieve pressure on the hips, shoulders, and hips, especially if you’re a side sleeper.
Back sleepers should feel equally good pressure and pain relief as the foams contour the lower back to relieve any tension in this area.
Back Pain – People with back pain should experience a nice relief thanks to the foams contouring the lower back and shoulders. Although some people may experience a deeper hug, depending on their weight, the bed still does a good job of supporting the body so that everything is aligned, especially when you sleep on the back. Some people with severe back pain, however, may prefer a firmer bed.
Hip Pain – The Serta Arctic mattress should help those with hip pain by contouring the area to relieve tension. You’ll notice how memory foam hugs the curves and eases you into the comfort layer, which should help relieve pressure, preventing it from building up again.
Shoulder Pain – Those with shoulder pain should feel similar benefits as those with achy hips. The Serta Arctic mattress has soft foams that contour the shoulders without letting them sink too deeply to throw the spine out of alignment. You should get equally good relief with both firmness options, although side sleepers may want to stick to the softer one.
Support
Although you should feel the foam contouring around you, this is not at the price of support. The Arctic mattress combines plush foams that can deliver pressure relief where it’s needed while also providing enough support to keep the body aligned.
The CustomFit™ HD Memory Foam layer supports the upper layer and your body so that nothing sinks too deeply. This memory foam layer is contouring, but not as much as the upper one. Instead, this one is firmer to offer a higher support level so that your body stays aligned even with the deep hug you get from the upper layer.
Motion Transfer
Much like most all-foam beds, the Serta Arctic has excellent motion-isolating capabilities. The mattress has a softer feel but no bounce, so it does a good job of absorbing motion right when and where it starts.
Motion isolation is important for most people, but couples and co-sleepers are the ones who benefit the most. The Serta Arctic mattress should be a good match for these people as its motion isolation helps partners sleep without feeling each other tossing and turning.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
Cooling is one of the things this mattress excels at. Although it’s made of foam, the Serta Arctic is an excellent match for hot sleepers and those who struggle with sweating. The bed has multiple cooling features to help cool the construction. Everything starts with a cool-to-the-touch cover that ensures you don’t have to struggle to find a cool spot on the mattress. Next comes the Reactex® System that cools the foam as well as the cover. Lastly, the transition layer has gel infusions that help disperse the heat so that it doesn’t stay trapped within the mattress.
Learn more about the best cooling mattresses.
Performance for Couples
Couples should appreciate how this bed absorbs motion so that they can’t feel the movement on either side. Memory foam is often the best choice if motion isolation is your primary concern, so you won’t go wrong with the Serta Arctic mattress. In addition, it has a firm core that offers edge-to-edge support, allowing couples to use the entire surface of the mattress.
However, this bed doesn’t have much bounce, so it may not be the best for sexually-active couples.
Serta Arctic
The Serta Arctic is a memory foam bed aimed at keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Read Serta Arctic Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Serta Arctic
The Serta Arctic is a memory foam bed aimed at keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Read Serta Arctic Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Serta Arctic
The Serta Arctic is a memory foam bed aimed at keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Read Serta Arctic Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Preference-based Features
Two Firmness Options
By offering two firmness options, Serta ensures the Arctic mattress is a good match for nearly every sleeper. Although both models may be too soft for stomach sleepers, side and back sleepers should like the pressure-relieving foam that allows proper spine alignment, motion isolation, and cooling.
Exceptional Edge Support
The base layer of this bed has a firmer foam that ensures excellent edge support so that the perimeter doesn’t collapse under the weight. Although it may not be as strong as hybrid mattresses, this all-foam model has good edge support that should make you feel secure when you sit and sleep in this area.
Certified Materials
The foams in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified as free of toxins, chemicals, heavy metals, and other harmful substances.
Adjustable Base Compatible
Serta Arctic works with a platform bed, mattress frames, a box spring, and an adjustable base. This allows you to customize the feel and performance to fit your needs and preferences even better.
Made in the USA
Construction: What’s Inside the Serta Arctic?
This bed has a cooling cover with a unique pattern. The cover works hand-in-hand with the memory foam layer underneath, so the Reactex® system provides a cool feel. The Medium Plush model has five layers, two of which are the same gel memory foam layers that help cool the rest of the construction. The Medium Firm model has an extra layer of Peak Support™ Ultra HD Memory Foam that ensures a higher support level.
The Medium Plush Serta Arctic is what we’ll focus on. This bed is 13.5 inches tall.
- Below the cover is a layer of memory foam featuring the brand’s Reactex® System. This is a comfort layer that helps absorb heat from your body so that it doesn’t build up, allowing the cover to stay cool to the touch.
- Next is the CustomFit™ HD Memory Foam that conforms to your body, contouring the curves to relieve pressure in the most sensitive areas.
- The transition layer is made from the EverCool™ Fuze Gel Memory Foam. This is split into two layers, enhancing pressure relief by following how the upper foams contour the body. Plus, it has a slow response, so it helps enhance motion isolation.
- The Serta™ Foam Core is what gives support, ensuring the upper layers don’t sag or collapse into the mattress. In addition, this firm support goes from edge to edge, ensuring substantial edge support.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
The Serta Arctic mattress is shipped in a box, so it’s easy to move from your door to the bedroom. However, much like with all beds, the box can be heavy, so it may take two people to move it around. If you want a hassle-free process, you can opt for white glove delivery that includes setting up the new mattress and removing your old one. The mattress is compressed in the box, so it should take a few hours to decompress. We’d say give it a day before sleeping on it.
Any off-gassing you may notice is common for bed-in-a-box mattresses. In most cases, odors should dissipate by the time the bed decompresses.
Certifications
- Eco-Friendly Certifications – 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 United States, but the company doesn’t ship to Hawaii or Alaska.
- White Glove Delivery – White glove delivery is available for additional 150 dollars.
- Trial – You can keep the Serta Arctic mattress for 120 nights before deciding if this is the bed you want to commit to.
- Warranty – Serta offers a 10-year warranty with this bed.
- Return Policy – Returns are free within the trial. The company offers a full refund except for the white glove delivery costs, which are non-refundable.
Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 13.5” | $2,999 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 13.5” | $3,399 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 13.5” | $4,099 |
| Cali King | 72” x 84” x 13.5” | $4,099 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years does a Serta mattress last?
All Serta mattresses, including the Arctic, are designed to last eight to ten years. However, how long your mattress lasts depends on how you use it. In other words, any jumping and misuse can shorten its lifespan. Occasional rotating can make it last longer, ensuring even wearing and tearing.
Is there white glove delivery with the Serta Arctic mattress?
Serta offers white glove delivery for the Arctic mattress for an additional fee of 150 dollars. This shipping fee is non-refundable. The service includes delivery, setting up the new mattress, removing your old bed, and taking away any packaging materials.
How long is the trial for the Serta Arctic mattress?
The Serta Arctic mattress comes with a 120-night trial, giving customers enough time to test the bed. You can return it for free within the trial period.
Serta Arctic vs. Other Brands
Serta Arctic vs. Helix Midnight Luxe
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
Who We Recommend the Serta Arctic For
- Side sleepers
- Lightweight people
- Hot sleepers
Who We Recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe For
- People who want a bouncy bed
- Hybrid mattress fans
- Stomach sleepers
Serta Arctic vs. Cocoon Chill by Sealy
Product
Type
Score
Who We Recommend the Serta Arctic For
- Luxury shoppers
- Those who need a longer trial
- Back sleepers
Who We Recommend the Helix For
- Budget shoppers
- Those who want a thinner bed
- Average-weight sleepers
Arctic vs. Other Serta Models
Arctic vs. iComfort Foam
Product
Type
Score
Who We Recommend the Arctic For
- Hot sleepers
- Restless sleepers
- Co-sleepers and couples
Who We Recommend the iComfort Foam For
- Back sleepers
- Combination sleepers
- People with back pain
Overall Summary
The Serta Arctic mattress may be on the pricey side, but the brand offers a quality mattress for the money. Not only do you get to choose between two firmness options, but you’re also getting excellent cooling, motion isolation, and pressure relief.
Side Sleepers
5/5
Side sleepers should like the deep hug that the comfort layer allows. The memory foam in this bed contours the curves to relieve pressure in the hips, shoulders, and knees. As such, it should work for all side sleepers, although significantly heavy ones may want to try the firmer model.
Back Sleepers
5/5
Although this bed offers more sinkage, you should feel nicely supported when sleeping on your back. The foams contour the lower back to relieve pressure and pain, while the firmer core ensures proper spine alignment. Again, those on the heavy side may prefer the firmer Serta Arctic mattress.
Stomach Sleepers
3/5
The Serta Arctic mattress has a medium plush feel, so it may be too soft for most stomach sleepers. Lightweight stomach sleepers should like the firmer model, but anyone heavier is likely to experience their hips sinking too deeply in this position.
Combination Sleepers
3/5
Combination sleepers often need a bit of a bounce to help with repositioning. This is why the Arctic mattress might not be the best choice, as the memory foam can make you feel trapped. Some people sink more than others, and the deep hug around your body can make it difficult to reposition.
Couples
4/5
Couples who prefer softer beds should benefit from the medium plush feel. The memory foam does an excellent job of absorbing movement so that partners with different sleeping habits don’t feel one another tossing and turning. However, those who want a bouncy bed may want to look elsewhere.
Heavy Sleepers
3/5
People weighing over 230 pounds are likely to experience this bed as even softer. For this reason, the mattress may not provide enough support to keep the body aligned, especially for heavy people who like sleeping on their stomach. Those closer to 230 pounds may do well with the firmer model, although it’s not much firmer.
Lightweight Sleepers
5/5
Lightweight people weighing under 130 pounds should like how memory foam contours the curves. Most sleepers should experience a comfortable deep hug that ensures no pressure builds up even if you sleep on the side. Additionally, the medium plush feel might even work for stomach sleepers weighing under 130 pounds.
Average Weight Sleepers
4/5
Average-weight sleepers can experience this bed differently based on their exact weight and preferred sleeping position. Most people within this group are likely to feel the deep hug combined with firm support coming from the base layer. However, some may sink deeper than others.
Overall Value
4/5
Average-weight sleepers can experience this bed differently based on their exact weight and preferred sleeping position. Most people within this group are likely to feel the deep hug combined with firm support coming from the base layer. However, some may sink deeper than others.
Our Verdict
After testing the Serta Arctic mattress, we can safely recommend it to lightweight and average-weight side and back sleepers. Memory foam is the best option for motion isolation, making this bed a good choice for partners with different sleeping habits. The best of all is that it doesn’t allow heat to build up. The cool-to-the-touch cover, the Reactex® System, and the gel infusions all work together to draw body heat away from the mattress surface, dispersing it so that it doesn’t overheat the bed.
However, we do want to mention that this mattress does lack bounce and support for stomach sleeping, so combination and stomach sleepers may want to look elsewhere.
Serta Arctic
The Serta Arctic is a memory foam bed aimed at keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Read Serta Arctic Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Serta Arctic
The Serta Arctic is a memory foam bed aimed at keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Read Serta Arctic Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Serta Arctic
The Serta Arctic is a memory foam bed aimed at keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Read Serta Arctic Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
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