Could you ever guess that indoor air quality is, on average, worse than outdoor air quality? Among many, the most common airborne pollutants found in your place include allergens, VOCs, mold, pet dander, and odors. All these particles can give rise to continuous headaches, allergies, and even asthma.
Hence, an ever-growing number of people are looking for ways to tackle the issue and improve their home environment. Besides regular cleaning and ventilation, air purifiers can trap toxic chemicals, dust, and viruses. More so, these devices promise to filter and freshen the surrounding air.
Below, we’ll give you an overview of air purifiers, along with the ups and downs of prolonged use. We’ll also help you resolve the dilemma ‘Are air purifiers a waste of money.’ Keep reading to find out what’s the right path to take.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Commercial air purifiers contain a fan that collects the air around them. Once in the appliance, the air moves through the filters that catch pollutants and gets recirculated into the room. The tiniest particles it can eliminate include pollen, dust, mold, viruses, and some bacteria.
The most common filters are charcoal, which removes odors, and HEPA. The latter boasts a 99.7% efficiency in capturing particles down to .3 microns. Moreover, standard air purifier versions also contain a pre-filter that captures larger particles.
Most homeowners go for portable purifiers with the capacity to purge individual rooms. If your device contains proper filters and powerful airflow, it can clean an average room in 30 minutes. But if you want a solution for the entire place, consider a version integrated into the HVAC system.
Before we go into more detail, it’s vital to understand that air purifiers don’t remove every contaminant. Yet, improved filters and HVAC systems can lower indoor air pollution significantly.
Perks Of Using An Air Purifier
Let’s explore the many ways in which air purifiers enhance your daily life quality. Below are some indisputable benefits of having a filtration system at home.
Dust Reduction
One way to tell whether an air purifier works is the amount of dust that builds up on surfaces around your house. Dust comprises many airborne pollutants, such as pollen, mold, hair, human skin cells, and pest debris.
A highly-efficient HEPA filter can remove all these particles and reduce the need to clean as often as you did. Yet, air purifiers will not clear out the dirt and dust accumulated on surfaces.
Allergy Control
Inhalation of allergens and tiny particles like pollen, pet dander, and mold can trigger many allergies and asthma. Once inhaled, they cause sneezing, coughing, and nose congestion. An air purifier can improve the quality of indoor air by eliminating harmful allergens.
The rationale behind using a HEPA filter is that it traps the source of your symptoms. Hence, your allergy has no way to develop or activate an immune response. With continued use, you will prevent pollutants from entering your home and experience fewer reactions. Finally, you can also use a dehumidifier to reduce the growth of mold.
Household Odors Removal
Smelly food like fish and garlic, tobacco, pet gases, and gas stoves worsen the condition of indoor air. Also, ovens produce nitrogen dioxide that causes respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Opening windows and running exhaust hoods won’t remove all pungent smells from your home. Using sprays and candles will only mask the problem.
Your best shot to get rid of unpleasant odors is to run an air purifier. More so, an activated carbon filter can catch all odors and fumes that slip past HEPA fibers. After treatment, the charcoal filer creates a more neutral, fresher-smelling space.
Harmful Chemicals Absorption
Volatile organic compounds or VOC come from many sources. From cleaning and beauty products to wall paint and furniture, they are harmful to your respiratory health. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of VOCs can spur asthmatic symptoms.
Activated carbon filters adsorb toxic chemicals coming both from indoor and outdoor sources. To this end, replace the filter regularly because the surface area can soon get saturated and no longer trap pollutants.
Sleep Quality Improvement
Sleeping with a running purifier will result in a restful night since the appliance keeps air cleanliness at an optimal level. Plus, the latest versions produce soothing sounds that help you fall asleep faster and enable lengthy rest periods.
When inhaled, clean air also improves your mood and reduces stress levels. This benefit comes as a result of decreased cortisol levels, which give you peace of mind.
Disadvantages Of Air Purifiers
Besides the upsides, it’s worth listing a few downsides to having an air purifier at home or in your office. Once you’re aware of both the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision.
Maintenance
For any purifier to live up to your expectations, you need to maintain it by schedule. Most devices have two to four replicable filters. Hence, you must change them as instructed by the manufacturer to keep the device high-powered.
Depending on the model, you have to replace filters every four to eight months. Unlike the HEPA filter, the activated carbon one requires more frequent changes. For models with permanent filters that don’t need changing, on-time washing is vital.
Also, how long you will use the device comes down to where you live and how many hours a day you’re using it. In a word, no one-size-fits-all solution exists when it comes to replacing an air purifier. The average lifespan of a store-bought device ranges from three to five years.
Ozone
Some devices come with ionizers and give off ozone which is a harmful gas. Others emit ozone as a byproduct, so you must pay attention to this when selecting the right purifier. Another threat that lingers is the worsened condition of the air once the filters get clogged and not so efficient.
Performance
Most manufacturers claim that the efficiency rate of their products is over 99%, but this is pretentious. Companies test purifiers in controlled conditions and on the highest setting. Since every home is different and you’ll probably be using lower settings, the percentage can drop. Also, air cleaners can’t reach embedded contaminants such as dust mites in mattresses, carpets, and upholstery.
Running Costs
The average product uses 100 watts or 0.1 kilowatts of electricity an hour. Hence, running an air purifier for 12 hours every day will you 16 cents, or 5 dollars a month. It’s an expense that you must consider and budget for before buying the appliance.
Noise Levels
Not everyone can stand the noise produced by air purifiers as higher settings make annoying sounds. Some air purifiers create up to 70 decibels, which resembles traffic noise and can be a nuisance, particularly during the night.
Air Purifiers To Avoid
Specific air purifiers available on the market are best when avoided. Pay attention to devices with the following features when choosing a ventilation system for your place:
Since ozone harms your lungs, consider passing by ozone air purifiers.
No HEPA filters. HEPA filters are the gold standard for clean air and are responsible for removing tiny particles.
Avoid untested and unproven models. Only advanced gas-phase filtration can provide you with all the benefits listed above.
Forget about one-room ventilation. Installing a whole-house system will give you the purest air. You can even integrate it within your heating and cooling structure.
Steer away from UV light. UV-based devices produce ozone, do nothing about pollutants, and can harm your skin and eyes.
So, Are Air Purifiers Worth It?
Before we answer this, you must understand that air purifiers aren’t a magical solution to pollution. No product or appliance can provide a 100% sterilized and particle-free environment. Moreover, medical studies supporting the claim that air cleaners directly improve your health are scarce.
It is often challenging to separate the impact of common pollutants from genetic and environmental factors. The level of pollution in the area will further affect the efficiency of the device. Yet, a high-quality air purifier with charcoal and HEPA filters will ease many allergies and respiratory symptoms. Getting one for the sake of removing fine airborne particles is a wise decision.
Are Air Purifiers Effective Against COVID-19?
Using an air purifier is advisable as an additional way to protect yourself and your family in less ventilated areas. The novel coronavirus spreads through airborne aerosols and droplets, and air purifier filters can capture these pathogens. In a word, a highly-efficient HEPA filter will lower the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Yet, even renowned manufacturers haven’t managed to test their products against COVID-19. More so, air filtration won’t suffice to protect you from COVID-19 transmission. When used with other best practices, an air purifier can diminish airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors.
Bottom Line
Though air purifiers aren’t a cure-all, they can fight off many harmful pollutants and chemicals. Hence, if you select the right purifier that fits your home and needs, it can be worth buying. Finally, regular maintenance and proper use will extend its lifespan and help you lead a healthier life.
If you are slowly moving past the coffee-loving stage of French presses and milk frothers, you will soon need one of those fancy-schmancy espresso machines. While having a coffee maker at home may not be a necessity, it sure makes lives a lot easier for coffee lovers. But, browsing through the sea of options on Amazon is overwhelming, to say the very least.
And that’s where we come in! We don’t want to brag but we have a list of some of the best home espresso machines that will fill you in with some rich brown goodness. From classic retro styles to a modern-day machine that does all the job — you’ll surely find something you’ll love.
With brewing features typically found in higher-end machines, the Breville Barista Express will make you feel like a real barista when brewing a cup. It comes with an integrated conical burr grinder with over 16 settings, from ‘coarse’ on one end to ‘fine’ in the other! Whether you want a cup of espresso or double shot, the amount can be adjusted accordingly.
The stainless steel chassis looks stunning and the bean hopper, hefty steel portafilter, and magnetic tamper overall make an aesthetic espresso machine for your kitchen counter space.
Plus, the steam wand lets you hand texture micro-foam milk for a rich, velvety mouthfeel. So whether you like to indulge in the perfect espresso as dark as your soul, or have fun with some latte art, the Breville Barista Express will be your go-to machine in no time.
However, it can be tricky to use. So read the manual from cover to cover if you don’t want to waste your coffee beans on bad shots of espresso.
Pros
Bean hopper capacity: 0.5 lb
Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz
Adjustable grind amount
16 grind settings
Real pressure gauge
Automatic ‘clean me’ signal
The manual is easy to understand
Integrated coffee grinder
Drip tray catches stray ground beans or liquid
Removable water tank with a sturdy handle
Comes with an assorted set of cleaning tools
Relatively low price tag for such a great espresso maker
Cons
Can be tricky to use if you don’t read all the instructions
Drip tray is rather small and needs to be emptied often
Advice: Clean the group head regularly with hot water and steam
As an entry-level super-automatic espresso machine, the De’Longhi Magnifica is an excellent choice for beginners and pros alike. It comes with a patented “Cappuccino System” frother that makes one of the creamiest milk froths for your coffee.
The conical burr grinder offers 7 settings while the push-button control panel is easy to use with programmable menu settings. De’Longhi Magnifica does come with an integrated bean hopper along with a ground coffee bypass if you ever wanted a decaf (although we don’t know why you would).
You wouldn’t miss going to your favorite coffee shop because this home espresso machine can make everything from espresso to latte, cappuccino, macchiato, and flat white at the push of a few buttons!
Pros
Bean hopper capacity: 8.8 ounce
Water Tank Capacity: 60 ounce
Super-automatic espresso machine
Automatic shut off after 3 hours
Programmable menu settings
Removable water tank
Manual steam wand for frothing
Can make all espresso drinks
Integrated conical burr grinder
Removable drip tray for easy cleanup
Electronic steam and coffee thermostat
High-quality machine, made in Italy
Adjustable coffee spigot for different cup heights
Easy maintenance and cleaning
Stainless-steel removable double boiler
Grinds, tamps, and extracts coffee beans automatically
If you want an authentic cafe-style espresso at home, the Gaggia classic pro will not disappoint.
The rugged brushed stainless steel housing gives this Italian made machine an elegant look. The biggest improvements in this model from its predecessor are the commercial-style steam wand and the new drip tray. The steam wand has a two-hole steam tip that makes some really nice textured milk for latte art. The new pump mount makes the brewing process much quieter and faster.
The Gaggia Classic Pro comes with a pressurized basket and other commercial baskets for single and double shots. This ensures that you get some crema and a great espresso no matter what coffee beans you use. Plus, we love how the top of this machine has been utilized as a passive cup warmer.
Pros
Water Tank Capacity: 47 ounce
Semi-automatic espresso machine
Rugged brushed stainless steel housing
Commercial three-way solenoid valve
Redesigned, removable drip tray
Passive stainless steel cup warmer on the top
Improved access to the water reservoir
Easy to use and durable for years
Commercial basket for single and double shots
58mm chrome-plated brass group head and portafilter
Pressurized basket for pre-ground coffee or ESE pods
Steam wand with a two-hole steam tip for textured milk froth
If you don’t want the hassle of a bigger espresso machine that takes up most of your little counter space, then this Nespresso machine is perfect for you. It’s a compact pod coffee machine that offers delicious brew with naturally formed crema. With a sleek design and 5 different cup sizes, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus makes a great travel companion as well.
Reviewers on Amazon love simple and intuitive it is to use this machine. Just fill the water reservoir, slot the coffee pod, and press the start button — it can’t get any easier than this! This coffee maker utilizes Centrifusion Extraction Technology that punches some holes in the pod and spins it to create centrifugal force and extract coffee. This results in thick, dense crema to go with your brew, although the taste can be overwhelming for some people.
Pros
Water tank capacity: 40 ounces
Blend specific brewing
Automatic shut-off after 9 minutes
Heats up quickly (15 seconds)
Centrifusion Extraction Technology
Very easy and intuitive to use
Removable water tank
Great for traveling too
Makes espresso, doppio, lungo
Removable drip tray for easy clean-up
Fully recyclable aluminum capsule
Automatic capsule ejection technology
Capsule container can hold 10 pods
Bar-code reader for blend-specific brewing
Sleek retro-modern design with elegant chrome details
Mr. Coffee Espresso Machine not only makes authentic coffee house style espresso but also some equally delicious lattes and cappuccinos. As one of ‘Amazon’s choice’ for latte machines, this beast will make you much more inspired to wake up early for work. It features an electric 15-bar pump that extracts rich flavors from coffee beans while brewing.
This coffee maker may come in a relatively lower price tag, but don’t let it fool you. It features a one-touch control panel that lets you select a single or double shot filter or latte and cappuccino options.
This semi-automatic espresso maker is easy to use — just fill the milk and water tanks, push a few buttons, and you’ll soon have an aromatic brew in your hands. Not to mention the automatic milk frother! The Cafe Barista froths milk as it’s needed and since the tank is removable, you can store the unused milk in the fridge for your next brew.
Finally, it also comes with a recipe book so you can indulge in different espresso drinks without having to walk to the nearest coffee shop.
Pros
Affordable price tag
Semi-automatic espresso machine
Removable milk and water tanks
Electric 15-bar pump for rich flavor
Easy to use, one-touch control panel
Single and double shot of espresso filter
Makes espresso, doppio, latte, cappuccino
Comes with a recipe book for different types of espresso drinks
Automatic milk frother with an adjustable control knob
Do you want to splurge all out on one of the best home espresso machines? Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is your answer!
This semi-automatic espresso machine has a durable housing of iron frame and stainless steel side panels. The steam wand is fully articulated for a complete range of motion, making luscious foam or creamy steamed milk in no time!
Although the Rancilio Silvia is such a great machine, it does fall back in some areas. For example, it doesn’t have a grinder and you may need to get it separately, which will further empty your wallet. Also, this is a complex machine and you will need to read the instructions carefully and play around with the settings before you can operate it and get a nice shot.
Even though the Rancilio Silvia may overwhelm beginners, but once you get the hang of it, this machine will make a delicious cuppa that you’ll never get enough of.
Pros
Semi-automatic espresso machine
Elegant chrome-plated brass details
Clean control panel with push buttons
Ergonomic portafilter handle
Professional level espresso maker
Makes luscious foam and creamy steamed milk
Allows for customization and experimentation
Commercial grade group head for exceptional brew
Optional pod and capsule adaptor kit available
Can be used to steam milk and for milk frothing
Fully articulated steam wand with a precise pressure control
Can you name a more retro-style, aesthetically pleasing espresso maker? This drip coffee machine is inspired by the 50s and will certainly add that vintage flair on your counter space. The 10-cup glass carafe ties the whole look together but this machine serves more than just looks.
Technically this is not an espresso machine, but it’s on our list because it makes one of the best drip ‘filter’ coffee, aka americano. What we absolutely love about this machine is the option of automatic brewing. The convenient Auto Start function lets you configure time to start the brewing process automatically so you can wake up to an aromatic, piping hot drink every morning. And even if you decide to press the snooze button ten times, fret not — the warming plate keeps your brew warm for an entire hour!
Pros
10-cup glass carafe
3 aesthetic color options
Reusable coffee filter
Anti-slip feet to avoid accidents
Makes delicious drip coffee
Water filter to adjust the water hardness
Auto Start function for automatic brewing in the selected time
Warming plate to keep your coffee warm for 60 minutes
If drinking coffee in the morning is all it takes to set your mood straight for the long day ahead, do yourself a favor and get the STARESSO home espresso machine. It makes rich espresso with a thick layer of crema without the hassle of cords and electric plugs. You can either use ground coffee or Nespresso pods with this and it will always brew delicious Italian style espresso each time.
The 15-bar pump delivers just enough pressure for the hot water to go through the ground coffee, resulting in the “Golden Exaction Rate” espresso. And on days when you want to make other coffee drinks, this machine still has your back. You can use this manual machine to froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, ice cream coffee, and any basically any espresso-based drink.
This manual espresso machine does give a certain retro flair — that remarkably unmissable 1950s Italian cafe vibe. It’s a no-fuss machine with a lever to let you master the art of brewing a cup.
The Flair is easy to use and comes in a simple design, but if you’re always in a rush or you like getting ready while your coffee is brewing, this is not an ideal choice. Every step of the brewing process demands not just attention but also your action. This minimal style coffee maker lets you handcraft high-quality espresso exactly the way you like it.
The Flair also features a stainless steel brewing head that sets it apart from other machines and makes a consistent cup every time.
With plenty of color options from the standard silver to aesthetic rose gold, the Bialetti Moka is a favorite among coffee lovers for decades.
Made in Italy, Moka pot doesn’t brew true espresso, but what comes out is a high-quality espresso-esque coffee nonetheless. It applies under 5 bars of pressure, compared to 10-15 in standard espresso makers, so the brew is in an interesting middle ground of an espresso shot and ‘regular’ drip coffee.
Moka pots were essentially designed for gas stoves or directly over the fire, so if you have an electric or induction stove, it may take longer for the brewing process. If you love grinding and filling your house with the aroma of freshly ground coffee, but hate tamping and milk frothing, the Moka Pot is the way to go!
Pros
Stovetop espresso maker
Affordable price tag
Works great on gas stoves or over flames
Very easy to use
Easy to clean and maintain
Can brew up to 12 cups of coffee
Classic octagonal, Italian-made finish
Small and compact but beautiful design
Cons
Needs to be cleaned after each brew
You may need to invest in a separate coffee grinder
Things To Consider Before Buying an Espresso Machine
Steam-driven vs pump-driven coffee machine
Espresso machines are either steam-driven or pump-driven.
Steam-driven machines further come in two types: stovetop espresso maker and pump-less electric ones. These machines are easy to use and will last you years on end. Also known as the Moka pot, or macchinetta del caffè, it pressurizes boiling water with steam and passes it through ground beans for an amazing cup of joe.
Pump-driven machines are a lot common in today’s world and may come in different types:
Manual espresso machine
Traditionalists love the manual espresso machine for the classic aesthetic of handcrafting a brew that they offer. Such machines feature a single boiler, pressure gauge, portafilter, and a manual lever for pulling the shot. No buttons or cords — this is as simple as it gets.
Semi-automatic espresso machine
With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you have to grind the beans, tamp them in the portafilter, and fix it to the group head. Turn the machine on and it will continue the rest of the brewing process. However, it doesn’t control the volume of water and you will have to turn it off after it has pulled the shot.
Automatic espresso machine
Just slightly more ‘advanced’ than the semi-automatic, this type of espresso maker will need you to grind and tamp the beans but will take the rest on. And, it will also turn itself off after it brews the espresso.
Super-Automatic espresso machine
This is the most expensive of the bunch — but it will do all the jobs for you, from grinding, tamping to milk frothing (in case you want a latte). Be ready to empty your pockets if you want the all-in-one appliance that can take on the entire brewing process.
Automated vs handcrafted coffee
When looking for espresso makers, first consider how much time do you want to spare for the brewing process. If you like to take a shower or dress up while your coffee is brewing, then an automatic or super-automatic espresso machine would be the right choice. However, if you want to indulge yourself in the brewing process and gain some craftsmanship of actually brewing a coffee, get a manual espresso machine that you the full control.
Single boiler vs double boiler
With a single boiler espresso maker, you can’t brew coffee and steam milk at the same time. You’ll do one of those first, wait for the system to heat up again, and do the second task. However, in machines with a double boiler, you can heat up both simultaneously and save your precious time.
Burr grinder
A grinder is the most important part of the brewing process regardless of what coffee machine you are using. Some machines today come with an integrated burr grinder, but if your machine does not, you will need to get a separate coffee grinder if you love whole beans coffee.
Portafilter and tamper
The handheld ‘device’ that holds your ground coffee is called portafilter. And the tool that helps you set the ground coffee inside the portafilter is called a tamper. This may seem like a mundane part of the process, but it helps to get just the right amount of ground coffee for the hot water to pass through. Eventually, this also dictates (a little) if your espresso will pass the taste test.
Conclusion
With the list of our top picks of the best espresso machines, whipping up a creamy latte or brewing a crisp espresso has never been easier. De’Longhi EC155 is a great option out of this list if your current bank balance hates you but your tastebuds crave delicious espresso coffee or cappuccino. At the end of the day, choosing a suitable espresso machine depends on how you like your coffee.
Share your favorite memory of drinking coffee in the comments below!
With winter just around the corner, it’s time to huddle around the fireplace again and get hot cocoa for the umpteenth time. But, there’s nothing more inviting than a soft faux fur blanket that you can drape yourself in until the snow melts away.
The best faux fur blankets feel luxurious and are ultra-soft to keep you cozy all night, or all day if you want to take them to work.
And with so many options out there from Amazon to Pottery Barn and Wayfair, we know how confusing it can be to find the best faux fur blanket.
From fun budget-friendly picks to high-end options that can match up to the real thing, here’s a round-up of some of the best throws and blankets to win over chilly nights.
Chanasya is one of the leading brands when it comes to cozy blankets and throws. This faux fur throw blanket looks and feels like real animal fur, but doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. Available in eleven different colors, this blanket can easily match your home decor and add a touch of a classy and elegant look.
As ‘Amazon’s Choice’ for “softest blanket in the world”, the Chanasya throw is soft and plush — perfect to cuddle with on the sofa watching Netflix all day. Moreover, this blanket is safe to wash in the machine and tumble-dry in low heat settings.
Whether you want a warm blanket for chilly nights or to drape over the sofa for a cozy look, the Chanasya is one of the best faux fur blankets you can get. It also comes in a set of throw blanket and two pillow covers.
Pros
Affordable and durable
Lightweight and versatile
Classy and elegant design
Machine washable and tumble dry
Doesn’t fade, shed, or lose softness
Made of 100% microfiber polyester
Delightfully soft and plush blanket
Queen size, King size, and other sizes
Set of two matching pillow covers also available
Made with non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials
Cons
The Sherpa side isn’t as soft as the faux fur side
This thick throw blanket by Pinzon (by Amazon) boasts of a velvety soft feel at a low price point, and we cannot be more delighted.
Although it’s made with 100% polyester, this faux fur throw offers texture and quality like the real thing. Add it to a tufted chair, or your bed — this blanket is perfect to cozy up during the cold weather or to cuddle up with a good book.
One side of this throw blanket has a comb-through-your-finger faux fur while the other side has an ultra-soft microfiber that gives a luxurious feel.
Further, it’s available in three sophisticated colors that will instantly add a touch of glamorous look!
Add interesting patterns and colors to your coziness with this option from Best Home Fashion. This throw blanket mimics the texture and feel of real Chinchilla fur, while still being animal friendly.
It’s made with 100% microfiber polyester so you can enjoy the look of real fur without the guilt! Reviewers on Amazon also raved about how incredibly soft and plush this blanket is.
So, whether you want to enjoy Saturday night TV with hot cocoa or add a luxe touch to your living room, the Best Home Fashion Champagne Fox throw blanket is the perfect cuddle partner!
Pros
Adds interesting texture to home decor
Thick, lush, and rich Chinchilla faux fur
Machine washable for easy care
Can also be dry cleaned
No shedding even after multiple washes
Available in three different sizes
Made with 100% polyester
Unbelievably soft and plush
Durable oversized throw blanket
Luxuriously lined with a color-coordinated faux rabbit fur
Cons
Needs to be handled with care (fibers can get tangled easily)
Made with ultra-plush Sherpa underside and soft faux fur on the top side, this throw blanket is one of the best faux fur blankets for chilly nights.
It is unbelievably soft and comes in lots of colors and textures so you can pick one that matches your home decor the best. Snuggle up in your couch with hot tea or drape it over your duvet cover, it adds a sophisticated touch that you can’t say no to.
Further, it cleans easily through machine wash and still remains as good as new for years to come. Available in different sizes, this luxe throw blanket is perfect to snuggle in with your SO or your pet.
If you are looking to step up your living room decor and add some pizzazz, try this ruched throw from Chanasya. The interesting ruched texture is perfect to show off in your living room or you can simply leave it in your bed for a chic look. It’s made with 100% microfiber polyester, so rest assured that no animals were harmed in the making.
Further, all the Chanasya blankets are made with non-toxic hypoallergenic materials. Perfect for snuggling in cold nights, the ruched royal faux fur throw blanket is lauded for its soft feel and interesting texture.
Keep it simple yet classy with this oversized mink chinchilla faux fur blanket. Combining style and function together, this bed blanket can be used as decor for your living room or to snuggle in for warmth in chilly weather.
It’s available in both short and long-pile faux fur and comes in different sizes to fit your space as well. To maintain the ultra-soft feel, you have to tumble dry it on a low heat setting. Reviewers on Amazon lauded this blanket for having plush faux fur on both sides!
Moreover, the Afghan Mink Chinchilla Throw Blanket comes with a storage bag and a festive ribbon wrap!
Tache Home Fashion’s fleece blanket might just be one of the coziest blankets you will ever lay your hands on. It’s made with two ultra-soft fabrics — one side is a plush faux fur, while the other is a super warm Sherpa fleece.
This blanket also takes styling up a notch with two-toned colors (on each side) and gorgeous details on the front. Use it as a bed blanket or snuggle up by the fire, this throw blanket will definitely add a touch of elegance to any space.
Moreover, not only is this fleece blanket comfortable to use, it is easy to clean as well. Just put it through a cold machine wash, and tumble dry in low heat.
However, this isn’t a lightweight blanket. It’s a bit on the heavier side but is still not too heavy to smother you in your sleep.
Pros
Pleasant color options
Cozy feel and elegant design
Different sizes available
Ultra-plush faux fur and fleece blanket
Great for cold weather
Made with 100% Polyester
Both decorative and functional
Easy care: cold machine wash, and tumble dry in low heat
Plus faux fur on one side, warm Sherpa fleece on the other
Did you know you can get animal-friendly faux fur blankets for your pets as well? This pet blanket is one of the best faux fur blankets for cats and dogs and is designed to work with natural body heat.
Moreover, you will be saving rescue dogs out of kill shelters as with every purchase of this blanket paired with the dog bag, ZuGoPet proceeds to donate a certain amount to dog rescue facilities.
If you want a comfy blanket for your pet AND save lives, this is the blanket to get. Your furry friend will still miss you while you’re at work, but they’ll miss you while lying comfortably in this ultra-soft blanket.
Pros
Soft faux fur blanket
Scratch proof
Machine washable
Works with pet’s natural body heat for comfort
Can be used inside pet bags while traveling
Cons
No size variation
Things To Consider Before Buying Faux Fur Blankets
Size
Are you looking for a fuzzy throw for your living room sofa or for your bed to keep you toasty at night? Make sure to consider the size depending on how or where you are going to use it.
Material used
Not all faux fur blankets are created equal — they have different levels of ‘softness’ depending on what material they are made of. The best faux fur throws are ultra-plush and remain soft even after a few washes. Usually, faux furs are made of a combination of polyester and microfiber, which keep you warm and are soft to the touch.
Machine washable
Even though faux fur blankets do not need to be washed as often as your duvet cover or pillowcases, having one that’s machine washable definitely takes much hassle away. Most faux fur blankets (in this list) are suitable for machine wash and tumble dry.
Style
Faux fur throw blankets are the perfect and easiest way to add interesting texture to any space. They come in all different designs, prints, and colors. In the end, it all boils down to your personal preference and your home decor.
Conclusion
Normal blankets do not possess the sense of inviting and cozy vibe that a fuzzy blanket has. From short and silky blankets to fluffy long-pile, these faux fur blankets are versatile and can instantly brighten up any space. Whether you want to upgrade your home decor, or need a huge blanket to wrap yourself in for the night, these are our top picks that you shouldn’t miss.
Sectional sofas are loved for their versatility since they can be assembled like Legos! Small living rooms can look spacious with these shape-shifting sofas. However, finding the best sectional sofa online can be quite a task since you have to be extra careful with the measurements, quality, etc.
Also, most sectional sofas are modular in nature so you might have to spend extra on bits and pieces to achieve the result you want.
To help, we put together our list of best sectional sofas. The sofa sets mentioned below have been rated A1 in comfort and most of them are customizable. Take your pick from these stylish and functional sectional sofa sets.
Among upholstery options, the Pottery Barn Pearce Sectional holds no match with its plush cushioning and luxurious look. However, the hardwood frame provides just the right amount of structure to this otherwise maximally cushioned sofa.
The brand offers an endless range of materials to choose from. This comfy three-piece sectional consists of a left and right loveseat, and a wedge, perfect for curling up on a weekend for a Netflix marathon!
You need not fret if you drop any crumbs while giving into your midnight cravings too since the back cushions are easy to lift up and clean. Moreover, the removable tapered legs and adjustable levelers help transform the sofa according to the floor of your living space.
The Infini Furnishings Reversible Sectional from Wayfair is generously spaced to sit your friends and family over a hearty dinner. It is a gigantic L-shaped chaise sectional with the chaise being the reversible part.
Although the color options are limited to just two, both the colors seem versatile enough to fit any living space. The tufted seat cushions and removable and easy to clean with a brush or a vacuum. Even liquid spills will not be something to worry about since the fabric does not soak it immediately.
Reviewers love the classy and minimal vibe of this easy-to-assemble sofa. Moreover, it is quite reasonably priced for an oversized sectional sofa.
Surprise visits from guests are all fun and games till you realize that the guest might want to stay the night and you do not have a guest room! Fret not, the West Elm Urban Sleeper Sectional will keep awkward moments at bay and ensure a goodnight’s sleep for your guests.
It is a sleeper sofa that looks like a standard sectional until you pull out the main part to transform it into a full-size bed.
That’s not all. This sofa bed also has a secret storage space for keeping extra pillows, blankets, etc. Moreover, the Urban Sleeper strikes the perfect balance between comfort and firm support with its soft cushions, and solid wood frame.
Pros
Minimal, contemporary design
Sofa cum bed
Soft, cushiony comfort combined with solid sturdiness
Minimal assembling required
Secret storage
Cons
May require professional cleaning for tough, liquid stains
The Rivet Revolve Modern Upholstered Reversible Sectional is your best bet if you are running low on budget. This mid-century modern sectional sofa is pleasing to the eye, and provides enough comfort and sturdiness.
According to reviews on Amazon, the Revolve Modern sectional is built to last with its hardwood frame and beech wood legs. The adjustable chaise can be kept on either side depending on your living space.
Moreover, the cushions are soft enough to provide maximum comfort but do not sag over time. There are plenty of color options to choose from, according to your preferences.
Most IKEA products are renowned for their quality and comfort and the Vimle Sectional sofa is no different. In fact, this modular sectional is a best seller for its optimum comfort, simple elegance, and versatility. There are tons of different designs and sizes under the Vimle line, each of which can be bought and styled individually or altogether.
The sectional sofa is generously sized, and the chaise lounge and ottoman hold a secret storage. While the armrests do not make the most comfortable pillows to nap on, the overall comfort level of the sofa is good enough for lounging. The Vimle is sturdy and when combined with other pieces, they offer reliable comfort and durability.
Overall, this modular sofa provides the best of many worlds for years to come.
Pros
Impressive quality and durability
Bestseller among IKEA’s large sectionals
Stylish design
Modular sectional that can be combined with various chaises, armrests, ottomans, etc.
Firm yet soft and comfy
Wide selection of colors and fabrics
Cons
Armrests are not very comfortable, cannot be used as headrests
If you need a sofa that is comfortable enough for movie nights and steals the show at parties, the Joybird Bryant L-Sectional is worth the splurge. The expensive price tag of this high-end sofa seems justified with its unparalleled comfort, elegance, and longevity. The design strikes the perfect balance between minimalistic and luxe, making it versatile enough to match any kind of home decor.
Plus, the three pieces of the sofa can be arranged according to your living space. The frame combines the durability of kiln-dried hardwood and the cozy comfort of contouring foam. Reviewers, especially with kids and pets, rave about the Bryant L-Sectional for it is built to last.
The roomy U-shaped sectional from Pottery Barn is a six-seater and is available in more sizes if you need to fit more. Like any other sofa by this brand, you get a huge variety of colors and materials to choose from.
Its square armrests and wide tapered legs give it a modern touch while being low-profile to suit any kind of vibe. While this high-quality chaise sofa may take quite long to be delivered, know that the time and price are worth it.
Moreover, you can make this purchase without any guilt of harming the environment as it is made of 70% recycled 8-gauge, soy-based foam core, and steel sinuous springs.
The Article Sven Charme is the best leather sectional with its mid-century design and inviting comfort. This leather not only adds to its luxe charm but also doubles its longevity with its premium quality.
However, you can choose from other material options if a leather sofa is not your cup of tea. The loose one-piece seat cushion and down-filled back cushions provide the right amount of softness and sturdiness.
While the price tag may look steep, the quality and design of this eye-catching sectional make every penny worth it. However, the velvet variant of this sofa is not very easy to maintain. Especially, if you have kids and pets, adding a slipcover is recommended.
Moreover, the leather material develops wrinkles and creases over time. According to personal preferences, this aspect could be a plus or a total bummer!
Pros
Luxurious design
Durably built
Right amount of softness and sturdiness
High-quality leather
Other materials also available
Cons
Difficult to maintain
Mushy back cushions
Sectional Sofa Buyer’s Guide
Size and Seating
According to the size of your family or the number of guests you invite occasionally, you can choose a sectional sofa that is best for you. While most people opt for sectionals that seat a larger group, smaller sectionals are just as inviting and functional.
Upholstery
Choosing the right upholstery is just as important as selecting the perfect material to match your home decor. The upholstery of your sofa determines the overall look, durability, and ease of maintenance. Most brands offer various upholstery options so make sure you check them out.
Versatility
While we love the idea of getting a sofa of our favorite color, choosing a neutral shade adds more versatility when it comes to the aesthetic. Moreover, a sectional sofa that includes a reversible chaise, secret storage space, etc. is a much better splurge. Thus, try to opt for a sectional that lets you modify its look. However, if you do not plan to move, you can very well invest in a sectional with fixed parts.
Shape
There are two most popular types of sectional sofas— L-shaped and U-shaped. L-shaped sectionals are recommended for smaller areas. They create an illusion of more space and are perfect for limited groups of people. Moreover, L-shaped sofas offer more room for adjustment since you can shift the chaise and loveseat from time to time. On the other hand, U-shaped sectionals fill up more space and are suitable for mega families and larger groups of guests. Lastly, you can even opt for armless sectionals that offer maximum flexibility in assembling.
Number of Parts
Naturally, a 3-piece sectional will cost more than a 2-piece sectional so keep additional purchases minimum. Some popular parts for sectionals are chaises, ottomans (preferably with storage space), recliners, corner units, etc.
Conclusion
A sectional sofa is not just a piece of utility furniture but also adds to the aesthetic of your living space. Plus, most of them cost over $1000 so it becomes all the more important to make your choice wisely. With our buying guide of the best sectional sofas, you can easily pick the perfect one for you and make the purchase online.
The Hybrid. Their most expensive mattress and their only mattress with a coil support system.
The Mint. A 12-inch, all-foam mattress with graphite cooling technology.
The Original. Their least expensive (and most purchased) option.
But what makes these mattresses different? And which one is right for you?
That’s what we’re going to figure out today in our Tuft and Needle mattress review.
We’re going to cover each mattress, going over their pros and cons, plus share pricing information, and highlight some common feedback we’ve found in their own reviews.
By the end of this post, you should know which Tuft & Needle bed (if any) will be right for you.
Let’s start with the Hybrid.
1. The Tuft and Needle Hybrid Mattress
*Note: There are delays on the Tuft and Needle Hybrid queen size, due to COVID-19
The Tuft and Needle Hybrid is a 12-inch mattress with six layers. Hybrid mattresses are usually more bouncy and just more comfortable to sleep on than traditional all foam or innerspring coil mattresses – and the Tuft and Needle hybrid is no exception.
Beneath its breathable cover, the Hybrid has its proprietary T&N adaptive foam. Unlike other bed in a box brands, such as Casper mattresses or Dreamcloud mattresses, the Tuft and Needle beds don’t use any memory foam. Instead, they use what they call adaptive foam.
Adaptive foam is light and highly-responsive (that means it’s bouncy and you’re not going to sink into it). So Tuft and Needle mattresses don’t have that “memory foam feel” because they aren’t memory foam beds.
This means they’ll sleep cool and it’s very unlikely that these beds will develop a sag within 10 years (but if they do, the Tuft and Needle warranty covers you for any sag that’s ¾ or thicker).
We think the Tuft and Needle Hybrid mattress is great for side and back sleepers who like a little more bounce. If you’re a stomach sleeper, it might be too soft for you. If you’re really trying to move away from coils (because coils do have a reputation of being bad for pressure points), then move on to the next mattress on our list, the Tuft and Needle Mint.
2. The Tuft and Needle Mint
Like the Tuft and Needle Hybrid, the Mint is a 12-inch mattress. Unlike the hybrid, the Mint is all-foam.
Whereas the Hybrid has six layers, the Mint has three. What’s that mean for you? The Mint mattress is going to feel firmer. In fact, we really recommend it for back and stomach sleepers. While they advertise it as being good for all sleepers, in our experience it’s a little on the firm side for side sleepers. Now, if you like a firmer mattress then it could be perfect for you.
The Mint uses the same Adaptive Foam we talked about above, so the Mint will sleep cool throughout the night.
There is a slight difference in the cover. The Mint cover is even more breathable than the Hybrid cover. This change makes sense as the Mint mattress is all-foam and all-foam beds – even beds with TN’s Adaptive foam – are at a higher risk of sleeping hot. By having such a cool knit cover, combined with the breathable adaptive foam, plus cooling gel beads in the foam, Tuft and Needle has made one cool bed.
This 10-inch, all-foam mattress is Tuft and Needle’s least expensive option at just $595 for a queen mattress.
It’s a real simple, minimalist bed. It’s great for college graduates who are moving into their first apartment. It’s great for kids and teenagers. It’s great for someone who doesn’t want to fuss with their bed.
But be careful: as it’s pretty firm. We’d say this mattress is a medium-firm and is really perfect for stomach and back sleepers. In our experience, it’s just too firm for side sleepers. If you’re a side sleeper and want to get a Tuft and Needle mattress, we really recommend you consider the Mint or the Hybrid.
Tuft and Needle Warranty and Shipping Info
All Tuft and Needle mattresses have a 100-night sleep trial and offer free shipping.
A 100-night sleep trial is a must when you’re buying a mattress. The truth is it’s really difficult to tell if a bed will work for you or not. The only way to really know is to get the bed home, in your room, with your sheets on it. Then you can try it and see if your sleep improves. If you try it and it isn’t right for you, you can return the mattress to Tuft and Needle and get a full refund.
If you decide to keep the mattress, then you’re covered by the 10-year warranty. 10-year warranties are the standard in the mattress industry. Some mattress companies offer a 15-year, 20-year, or even Forever Warranty. And while you may think a longer warranty is better, the fine print is usually pretty restrictive. Plus, most sleep health experts don’t recommend that you keep a mattress that long. As long as a bed has a 10-year warranty, you can rest easy.
FAQ
Are Tuft and Needle mattresses any good?
Yes! Tuft and Needle does make good mattresses. But it’s important to know what you’re getting, so you make the right choice. Finding the best mattress isn’t easy and there’s a lot to factor in before you make a decision.
Tuft and Needle mattresses aren’t going to be good if you’re expecting a memory foam feel. This is because Tuft and Needle mattresses don’t use memory foam. Memory foam provides pressure relief and contours to your body. But memory foam can also lead to you sleeping hot, plus memory foam beds are usually pretty expensive.
To try and compete with memory foam mattresses, Tuft and Needle made its own unique foam called Adaptive Foam. It’s cheaper and cooler, for sure, but it doesn’t quite offer as much pressure relief as memory foam.
Is this a deal-breaker? Not necessarily. If you don’t have any major aches and pains, then you may not need the pressure-relief of a memory foam mattress.
Casper mattresses and Tuft and Needle mattresses are pretty different. As we covered in our Casper mattress review, Casper beds make three different models. All of their models have memory foam (which Tuft and Needle does not) and one of their models – the Wave Hybrid – has latex foam.
If you’re looking for pressure relief and zoned support, we’d say consider a Casper mattress. But if you’re looking to stay away from that memory foam feel, then we think you’d be happier sleeping on a Tuft and Needle.
How long do Tuft and Needle mattresses last?
Tuft and Needle mattresses are warrantied for 10 years. This means that if they form a defect within those 10 years you’re eligible for a replacement. The main thing a mattress warranty is covering is sagging.
If you get out of your Tuft and Needle mattress in the morning and there is a visible sag in the bed that doesn’t go away – you may have a defective mattress on your hands.
But that doesn’t necessarily answer how long your mattress will last. If you keep your mattress clean and covered in a mattress protector, a well-made bed can last you much longer than 10 years.
Do I need a boxspring with a Tuft and Needle mattress?
A Tuft and Needle mattress can be set directly on the floor, but we do recommend that you use a platform. Putting a mattress on the floor isn’t the best look (it’s very college or bohemian). But more than that, it isn’t very hygienic and it restricts airflow (because the base of the mattress is pushed up against the floor).
Tuft and Needle does sell different types of frames (from adjustable bed frames to wooden frames) and foundations. Foundations are more common than box springs because foundations are sturdier.
Final Thoughts
We hope you liked our Tuft and Needle mattress review.
Tuft and Needle has been making mattresses for about eight years now and they’re pretty good at it. They’re unique in the mattress industry because they don’t use any memory foam.
This means their beds will be cool and bouncy, but that they’ll also be firmer than most all-foam beds and may not be the best bed for you if you get aches and pains in your shoulder and hips.
Figuring out how to get your sleep schedule back on track is the first step in so many positive changes to your life.
Your quality of sleep effects:
Your mood
Your diet
Your productivity levels
Your mental and physical health
But readers often struggle to find a sleep schedule that works with them and stick with it. And messing up one day (by staying up too late or sleeping in through all of your alarms) can derail a week of otherwise healthy sleep habits.
The good answer is it’s relatively simple to get your sleep schedule back on track, if you follow these five step process.
1. Ditch the Alarm Clock
You might be surprised by this first step – plenty people are. But think about it: most of us use alarms every day, yet a good chunk of us are still struggling to have a good sleep schedule – as proven by our heavy reliance on annoying alarms to jolt us from bed.
Now, obviously, we aren’t suggesting that you turn your phones off this Sunday night, and sleep through all of your work or school obligations Monday morning. In fat, we’d suggest when you’re looking to get your sleep schedule back on track, that you do it on a Friday or Saturday night (or a night where you don’t have commitments the following morning).
So why ditch the alarm clock?
You want your body to get as much sleep as it needs, so it can wake up refreshed. Alarm clocks – as helpful as they are – have no idea what stage of sleep you’re in or the quality of sleep you had.
If you set your alarm clock for 8 hours from bedtime but don’t fall asleep until two hours after laying down, then you’re only getting 6 hours of sleep.
By letting your body sleep without an alarm clock, you’re allowing your body to go through the stages of sleep, reach that deep restorative REM sleep, and complete the cycle multiple times.
This means you’re likely to wake up refreshed.
2. Give Yourself Time to Fall Asleep
Of course, not using an alarm clock doesn’t work if you’re going to bed at 3am and your goal is to start waking up at 7 am.
On the night you’re about to reset your sleep schedule, give yourself a 2-hour window. So if you want to wake up around 9 am, get in bed 10 hours before 9 am (11 pm, for those of you who are rusty at math).
3. Don’t Sit in Bed Just Tossing and Turning
But, don’t just lay in bed, frustrated because you aren’t tired. Let’s say it’s 11pm. You got comfy in you bed, turned off the lights, closed your eyes, and then for fifteen minutes you are doing nothing than staring at the back of your eyelids.
Don’t lie there and get frustrated. This frustration can lead to anxiety and stress levels which in turn make it harder to fall asleep. Instead, get up and out of bed and go to a chair or couch and read a book or magazine. Do something relatively passive.
I’d recommend that you avoid your phone or TV – not necessarily because of the blue lights, but because those are both such time-wasters. You can spend 30 minutes on your phone without even realizing it. Compare that to 30 minutes of reading through your mail or reading an article on the magazine.
Do this until you start to feel sleepy. Then, once you feel sleepy, head back to bed, and get some rest.
Sleep Expert advice: You want the bedroom to remain a place for sleeping, which is why we had you get out of bed and head to the couch before reading a book or magazine. You want to signal to your body that you belong in the mattress when you’re tired.
4. When You Wake Up, Get Out of Bed
When your body wakes up, and you’re alert enough to realize you’re awake and its morning, it’s time to get out of bed.
Sometimes we can stay in bed – because we are “waiting” for our body to “fully wake up.” But what often happens is we fall right back asleep.
Once you’re awake enough to realize you’re awake, it’s time to get up. Drink a big glass of water (did you know sleep dehydrates you?), wash your face and brush your teeth, take a shower.
Also, notate what time you woke up. Let’s say you woke up at 8 am. Great, now work 10 hours back (10 pm). That’s your new bed time for the second day.
5. Stick to Your Sleep Schedule!
Ideally, you’d maintain your sleep schedule (within reason, you don’t have to get in bed exactly at 10 pm every night) every day of the week – no matter whether you’re on vacation or it’s a holiday.
That being said, I know life gets in the way. There are parties to attend. Someone just turned thirty. Someone else just got engaged. A new bar opened up near your house and they have a live band after midnight you want to see.
The good news is you know your ideal wake up time – 8 am. So if you do choose to stay up late one night, try to wake up within an hour of your normal wake up time. This is where alarm clocks come in handy.
That way, sure, you might be tired the next day, but you’re not off of your sleep schedule. Now you can go about your day (a little groggy) and head back to bed this night around 10 pm.
We hope that was helpful. Getting your sleep schedule back on track is more than possible and it’s something you can likely do over the weekend.
But let’s take a look at a few extra tips resetting your sleep schedule easier on you.
Tip 1: Avoid Caffeine on the Day You’re Trying to Reset your Sleep Schedule
No shocker here. Caffeine, like cigarettes, is a stimulant. A cup of coffee stays in your system for about 6 hours. And if you’re drinking a sugary drink with syrups, then you’re getting the caffeine and the sugar, which is also a stimulant.
Once your sleep schedule is on track, you can go back to drinking coffee but be mindful of how late it is in the day. If you’re working a traditional 9 am to 5 pm work day, I’d recommend no caffeine (this includes chocolate) afternoon.
Tip 2: Avoid Alcohol
Don’t worry. You only have to forego alcohol for a day or two at the most. The thing is alcohol gets you sleepy, but it doesn’t help you sleep. Or it helps you sleep, but you don’t get the full benefit of a good night’s sleep.
Think of the last time you had a hang over – you wouldn’t say you woke up refreshed did you? This is because alcohol makes it hard for your body to go to the deeper stages of your sleep cycle.
Once you’re back on track, feel free to enjoy a few drinks (responsibly, of course) but I’d recommend not having an alcoholic drink within 2-3 hours of going to bed – especially if you find a good night’s sleep evasive.
Tip 3: Blackout Your Room
If you go to bed tonight and take a second to look around after you’ve turned off the lights, I bet you’ll see anything besides total blackness.
Most people see:
TV power button
Wifi/Route blinking light
Phone notifications every few minutes
Streetlights through the window
Passing headlights if you’re parked near a busy road.
Everyone’s sleep situation is different but the takeaway is the same: you want your room as dark as possible. Light can trigger your eyes to tell your brain to stay awake.
Brooklyn Bedding is a family-owned bed in a box mattress company that started out of Arizona. They make and sell five mattresses, all of which except one are hybrid mattresses.
Here is their complete line-up:
Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid – Brooklyn Bedding’s best mattress for the price. Comfortable, well-designed, and cool to sleep on. Queen size: $1274
Brooklyn Signature Hybrid – Not a fan of memory foam? Get support and comfort without memory foam. Queen size: $749
Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid – The budget option. Available with or without coils. A great bed for a kid or a spare bedroom. Queen size: $599
Brooklyn Spartan Hybrid – A mattress designed for athletes, hard workers, and those who need a mattress that, like them, goes the extra mile. Queen size: $1499
Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid – An eco-friendly, firmer than most, bouncy, latex hybrid mattress. Queen size: $1499
Brooklyn Sedona Hybrid – Brooklyn Bedding’s most luxurious mattress with thick layers of memory foam and advanced cooling. For those who want the best of everything. Queen size: $1799
Whentrying to pick between Brooklyn Bedding’s five mattresses, we think it’s a little bit of a waste of time to factor in price. If you need the cheapest one that’s the Brooklyn Bowery. If you want the most expensive one, that’s Brooklyn Sedona Hybrid.
They also all come with the same sleep trial and warranty (which we go over in detail below).
But to find the best Brooklyn Bedding mattress for you, you’re going to want to focus on comfort and support.
Brooklyn Bedding offers comfort and support by using a mix of all popular mattress technologies: latex, memory foam, poly-foam, and innerspring coils.
In our post today, we’re going to look at each mattress, describe what kind of person works best for each mattress, and then consult some third-party mattress reviews.
Affiliate Disclosure: We are supported through affiliate relationships with certain vendors. If you purchase a product through one of our links, we may earn a commission.
1. Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid – $1,274
The Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid is a comfy, supportive mattress. It’s 13 inches thick and can be made as a soft, medium, or firm bed.
We like that Brooklyn Bedding gives us the option to pick different firmnesses – not a lot of mattress companies do anymore. But if you’re a side sleeper, you’re generally going ot like a softer feeling mattress. But if you’re on your back or stomach, you’re going to do better on a firmer bed. Medium-firmness is really common for combination sleepers or couples who are sharing a mattress. It’s sometimes considered the safest route – not too soft, or too firm.
Who Should Buy a Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid?
The Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid is a perfect mattress for a sleeper who wants the benefits and comfort of memory foam, without having to worry about “sinking in” or “sleeping hot.”
Again, if you’re a side sleeper we’d recommend you pick either the soft or medium option. If you’re a stomach or back sleeper (or just like a firmer feel), go with the firm option.
But no matter what firmness levels you choose, you’re still getting the same quality materials and paying the same price.
How the Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid Keeps You Comfortable
The first layer you feel when you lie on an Aurora Hybrid is a 1.5” layer of breathable and highly durable foam called CopplerFlex™ foam. We like that that this is the first layer because as a sleeper you want the most breathable layer of the mattress to be at the top, where your body generates the most heat. We’ve tried it out and can attest – the Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid sleeps very cool.
Beneath that first layer, Brooklyn Bedding puts three inches of support foam. First, there are two inches of poly-foam. This helps keep your body supported so your hips don’t sink into the bed. Beneath that, there’s an inch of memory foam. The inch of memory foam is to help the mattress cradle you as you sleep.
Think of it this way: you want your bed to conform to you, but not give in too much. That’s why Brooklyn Bedding layers the foam like this: soft, bendable CopplerFlex™ Foam, followed by a firmer poly-foam, topped off with a conforming layer of memory foam.
How the Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid Keeps You Supported
Beneath the layer of memory foam, there are up to 1,032 individually wrapped coils (the actual coil count depends on what size mattress you buy). These coils – sometimes called pocketed coils – provide the main support and bounce of your mattress. And because Brooklyn Bedding chose to individually wrap the coils because that’s the best way to stop what’s called motion transfer – where you can feel your partner moving in the night. By using individually wrapped coils, the innersprings don’t affect each other as much. This means if your sleeping partner gets out of bed in the middle of the night or tosses and turns over, you’re not likely to feel it. This is called promoting motion isolation.
How the Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid Keeps You Cool
In addition to the breathable foam layers, Brookly Aurora Hybrid uses a phase change material (PCM) to keep you cool. PCMs work by being activated by heat – your own body heat. So when you add heat to the mattress, the PCM is activated and cools you down.
Brooklyn Bedding says the PCM infused cover keeps your skin temperature at “an ideal 88 degrees” for sleep.
2. Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – $749
The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid is an 11” hybrid mattress that is available in a soft (plush), medium, or firm option. Brooklyn Bedding calls it their “best selling” mattress, which probably has something to do with its great price point. It’s $999 normally, but Brooklyn Bedding is usually running a sale that can bring it down to under $800.
$750 for a queen hybrid mattress with a 120-day trial period and a 10-year warranty is a great deal.
But it’s a waste of money if it’s not the right bed for you. Let’s look at it in detail below, and compare it to the more expensive Aurora Hybrid we covered above.
Who Should Buy a Brooklyn Signature Hybrid?
The Signature mattress is a great option for those who don’t want the memory foam feel. Brooklyn Signature uses poly-foam (non-memory foam) throughout, along with individually wrapped coils. This means it’s going to have less of a sinking/contouring feel.
This mattress will feel more like a traditional innerspring bed. This helps explain the lower cost – memory foam mattresses generally cost more than non-memory foam mattresses, and the Brooklyn Aurora has memory foam in it.
If you’re looking for a quality bed, but don’t want to pay more (or just don’t like) for upgraded technologies such as memory foam or latex, then get the Brooklyn Signature.
How the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid Keeps You Comfortable
The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid keeps you comfortable with two inches of what they call TitanFlex foam. That’s fancy mattress speak for Brooklyn Bedding’s own unique foam that’s supposed to replace memory foam and latex. Obviously, it can’t quite do that. But it’s a good alternative if you find memory foam too soft and latex too firm.
How the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid Keeps You Supported
Beneath those two inches of foam, there is another two inches of transitional foam. And then there are six inches of individually wrapped coils. Compare that to the Brooklyn Aurora Signature. It isn’t that you’re getting a less well-made bed, but you’re getting fewer materials (you’re also getting about 100 coils less in this bed, which just means less evenly distributed support). This is why Brooklyn Bedding can sell it at such a lower price point.
How the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid Keeps You Cool
The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid uses PCM in its cover to help keep you cool, plus without a memory foam layer, there’s even less risk of this mattress sleeping hot.
3. Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid – $599
The Bowery Hybrid is a budget hybrid mattress at under $600 for a queen. For a mattress that uses both foam and coils, comes with a ten-year warranty and a 120 sleep trial, that’s a great deal.
The Bowery Hybrid is only available in one firmness – medium, but it does come in an all-foam option, which we cover at the end of this section.
Who Should Buy the Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid?
Mattress shoppers who are looking for a budget mattress will love the Brooklyn Bowery. Or if you’re looking for a mattress for a guest room or for a kid who is still growing.
How does the Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid Keep You Comfortable
First, the Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid uses a 1-inch layer of quilted gel memory foam with a transition layer of foam beneath that. This helps give it a nice contouring feel.
How does the Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid Keep You Supported
The first layer is a 1-inch layer of quilted gel memory foam. This is a nice, soft, comfy layer of foam and its on top of a two inch of a firmer poly-foam layer called Energex foam.
With the budget price, you’re not going to be getting as much memory foam, as well as not any advanced cooling technology.
This is a comfy and well-made mattress, but it’s the economical model – you get what’s essential in a bed, and not much more.
How does the Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid Keep You Cool
The Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid doesn’t use any phase change material or wool or organic cotton as other models we’re covering in today’s mattress review, but it does have less foam in it (and less memory foam in it) than other models. That, plus its hybrid structure, makes this a temperature neutral model – similar to the Bloom Hybrid.
Plus, there’s the Brooklyn Bowery All-Foam Option. . .
If you’re not crazy about coils (for some people they bounce too much and can trigger their pressure points), then you can get the Brooklyn Bowery All-Foam model. It’s similar to the Bowery Hybrid, but instead of coils, you get a 5-inch high density base foam and thicker Energex foam at the top of the mattress.
If you’re not sure which one you want, in this particular case, the foam model will feel firmer and more rigid than the coil model.
4. Brooklyn Spartan Hybrid – $1,499
The Brooklyn Spartan Hybrid is made with more advanced material than the other Brooklyn Bedding mattresses. It uses unique infrared technology in the top layer of the mattress to “transform your body’s heat into waves of energy.” This helps you recover faster by getting better sleep. Because of that, this is a great mattress for someone with an active lifestyle, whether that’s working a physically demanding job, running marathons on the weekend, or playing sports.
Who Should Buy the Brooklyn Spartan Hybrid?
Given its price point, the Brooklyn Spartan Hybrid is a great buy for most customers. Like the other Brooklyn Bedding models, the Spartan Hybrid is available in three different mattress firmnesses: soft, medium, and firm.
While the Far Infrared Rays (FIR) technology is a major win for athletes, the truth is everyone will benefit from it.
How Does the Brooklyn Spartan Hybrid Keep You Comfortable?
The Spartan Hybrid has a nice and thick comfort layer – 4.5” of contouring foam. 3.5” of light and adaptable poly-foam (read: not memory foam). Beneath those 3”, there is a 1” layer of memory foam.
How Does the Brooklyn Spartan Hybrid Keep You Supported?
Beneath the 4.5” of foam, the Spartan Hybrid has 8” of individually encased coils. (The actual amount of coils will vary depending on the mattress size you choose; the bigger the mattress, the more coils it uses).
How Does the Brooklyn Spartan Hybrid Keep You Cool?
To keep you cool, the Brooklyn Spartan uses:
Coil technology
Memory foam with gel swirl (to break up any heat from getting trapped)
Light and breathable poly-foam at the top of the mattress
TitanCool™ phase change material (PCM) to regulate your body temperature
5. Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid – $1,499
The Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid is a latex hybrid mattress. It’s 12” inch mattress with a firm, medium, and soft option. But it’s going to be a firmer feel – overall – than the other beds we’ve discussed in our Brooklyn bedding reviews. This is because latex foam is more resilient than memory foam, and feels more like it’s “pushing” back and less like it’s “sinking” in.
Who Should Buy the Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid?
The Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid is our pick for any customer who wants the bounce and durability of latex foam. Latex mattresses are generally expensive because they’re in high-demand. They are eco-friendly, long-lasting, and supportive.
The Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid is a great deal because Brooklyn Bedding uses some latex foam at the top but is able to offer this to you at a steep discount because it also uses less expensive materials – such as coils.
How Does the Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid Keep You Comfortable?
The first 3 inches of the Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid are made of up Talalay latex. This makes the mattress “buoyant” and can often feel “firmer” than other memory foam or polyurethane foam mattresses.
If you visit a Brooklyn Bedding showroom, and jump on a memory foam hybrid and then jump on the Bloom Hybrid, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
How Does the Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid Keep You Supported?
Beneath the 3 inches of Talalay latex, there is 8” of individually wrapped coils and beneath that there is a 1” base of high-density foam. This helps the entire mattress stay in place and not shift throughout the night.
How Does the Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid Keep You Cool?
The Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid keeps you cool because it uses Talalay latex. Latex, generally, is a much more breathable material than memory foam. Heat doesn’t get trapped in latex like it can in dense foam – and since the only layer of dense foam on this bed is at the very bottom, there’s very risk of waking up because your bed is making you sweat.
Plus, the Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid uses wool and organic cotton in its top cover. These are soft and breathable materials that will help you sleep cool. But, it must be said, this Hybrid doesn’t have as much cooling technology as the other Brooklyn Bedding mattresses we’ve talked about in our review. If you’re really looking after a cool bed, a bed that feels cool to the touch, consider the Spartan or the Aurora.
We would consider the Brooklyn Bloom hybrid as temperature neutral more than specifically cooling.
6. Brooklyn Sedona Hybrid – $1,799
The Brooklyn Sedona Hybrid is a new mattress from Brooklyn Bedding. It’s 14 inches thick and uses 3 inches of memory foam, making it one of the most memory foam heavy mattresses on our list. Unlike other Brooklyn Bedding mattresses, it doesn’t come with firmness options.
Who Should Buy the Brooklyn Sedona Hybrid?
The Brooklyn Sedona is a luxury memory foam mattress. This high-quality option is great for those who want the best bed a company has to offer, but also it’s a perfect match for sleepers who have a lot of aches and pains in the joints or really sensitive pressure points, in their shoulders, hips, and knees.
The natural pressure relief capabilities of memory foam make the Sedona Hybrid a pretty good contender for #bestmattressever.
How Does the Brooklyn Sedona Hybrid Keep You Comfortable?
The Brooklyn Sedona Hybrid uses four inches of foam to keep you comfortable. Specifically, beneath ther first layer of non-memory foam poly foam, the Sedona Hybrid uses memory foam varies in terms of density and elasticity to keep you comfortable. The lighter and more contouring foam at the top, and the more dense foam as the third layer.
How Does the Brooklyn Sedona Hybrid Keep You Supported?
Beneath the 4 inches of poly foam and memory foam, the Brooklyn Sedona uses the familiar 8” inch individually wrapped coil system to keep you supported. Beneath that coil system, there is the 1” of high density foam to keep the bed durable and stationary.
How Does the Brooklyn Sedona Hybrid Keep You Cool?
Given the thickness of the foam – and the high density memory foam used – the Sedona hybrid works to keep you cool by putting cooling fibers or advanced yarns in the knit cover of the mattress. Plus, the memory foam used is gel infused. Gel infused memory foam helps keep heat from getting trapped in memory foam layers.
Now that you know about Brooklyn Bedding Mattresses, let’s discuss some critical information about buying an online mattress*, specially:
Sleeping Positions
Temperature Regulation
Box Springs, adjustable beds, and foundations
Trial Period and Return Policy
Warranty
*Note: yes, you can definitely visit the Brooklyn Bedding showrooms if you live in the right state. But just like Casper and Tuft and Needle, most of Brooklyn Beddings customers are likely to be shopping form home on their computer.
Sleeping Positions
One of the biggest indicators of whether or not a specific mattress will work for you (whether it’s a firm mattress or a soft mattress, a memory form bed or a latex mattress) is your sleeping position.
If you’re a side sleeper, you’re likely to want a medium to medium soft mattress. This is because side sleepers have curves that need to be filled or supported with the bed, such as the space between your shoulders and hips.
If you’re a back sleeper, you’re likely to want a medium to medium firm mattress. This is because your body is mostly straight when on its back, just with a slight curve at the base of your spine. If you go to a firm, and get an extra firm or ultra firm mattress, your lower back may not get the support it needs.
If you’re a stomach sleeper, you’re likely to want a firm mattress. Generally, it is recommended you do not sleep on your stomach, as it goes against the natural curve of your spine. But if you have to – due to a medical reason or a preference you can’t quit, then it’s best to get a firm bed. The softer your mattress, the more your hips sink into it, the more uncomfortable it can be on your spine and lower back.
What if you want an ultra soft or an extra firm mattress? The above are general guidelines but how you sleep is shaped by how you’ve slept your entire life. Rumor has it that firm mattresses are more popular in Asian countries than soft mattresses. Also, your body weight and shape is a critical factor into how your body responds to a mattress.
What’s more important than following a general outline is making sure the mattress company you’re buying from, whether it’s Brooklynbedding.com or a mattress off of amazon, has a generous trial period so you can try the mattress on home and see how it works for you and your body type.
Temperature Regulation
A mattress salesman once told me: you only wake up for two reasons, 1) you’re in pain and 2) you have to go to the bathroom. I’d add one more: you’re hot.
When you’re hot on a mattress it’s incredibly uncomfortable, especially as most of us need to sleep with some kind of blanket or covering. This means you need to add weight to your body that’s already hot because of your hot mattress.
But what makes a mattress hot?
Historically, customers were led to believe through marketing that memory foam mattresses are always hot and coil mattresses are cooler. And while that isn’t technically true, there’s some truth in the lie.
The thicker and more dense the foam the harder it is for air to travel through it. The less air travels through foam, the more it gets stuck in one area, the more it leads to hot spots, which can lead to you sweating.
Most memory foam mattresses (and hybrid mattresses and latex mattresses) have done a great job over the past ten years making sure they don’t sleep hot. I’ve tried hundreds of mattress brands in the past eight years and I’ve never encountered one that makes me feel hot.
But that’s because I’m doing mattress reviews on reputable brands with high quality materials that are CertiPUR-US certified. The rule of thumb is the cheaper the materials, the higher the risk of a bed sleeping hot.
Is there a difference between temperature regulation and temperature neutral?
Some mattresses use phase change materials (PCMS) that work to cool you down. These beds can feel a bit like a stainless steel refrigerator when you put your hand on it. These are actively working to turn any warmth into a cooling factor.
That’s very different from a bed that’s temperature neutral – that neither cools you down or heats you up but is a non-factor. In this case, your diet (whether you’re eating a lot of spicy food or red meat), your room’s temperature, your pajamas (or lack of pajamas), and your bedding will decide whether or not you’re sleeping hot.
Box Springs, Adjustable beds, and Foundations
One of the most overlooked questions from online mattress shoppers – until the bed actually arrives – is what will I put my new mattress on?
If you’re replacing a mattress you bought in the last decade, the chances are you’re using a box spring or foundation Box springs and foundations aren’t the same thing – a foundation is the more common type of base now. Think of it as a box spring, without the springs. It’s sturdy, heavy-duty, and replicates the rigidness of the floor.
Most online mattress companies – Brooklyn Bedding included – sell their own foundations. There is little difference (besides color and style) from foundations, whether you’re getting it at Brooklyn Bedding, Casper.com, or Amazon. As long as it’s sturdy, relatively flat (you want wooden slats that are no more than 3 inches apart from one another).
You can also get an adjustable base. An adjustable base is a foundation that moves up and down. You’ve seen these before if you’ve ever visited a hospital room, the adjustable bases we’re talking about are not hospital beds. These are luxury furniture items that give you, the sleeper, a long list of benefits, including:
Reduces snoring
Makes it easier to breathe (a big win for if your stuffed up or sick)
Reduces lower back pain
Makes it easier to sleep on your back or side (a big win if you’re trying to stop stomach sleeping)
Makes it easier to watch tv, read a book, eat in bed, or work in bed.
Similar to foundations, when it comes to buying an adjustable base, you don’t have to stick with the same company. You can shop around for the best price.
That being said, Brooklyn Bedding does sell an adjustable bed at a very good price point: the Ascension Luxe Adjustable Base at $799 (for a queen size).
This base comes with some great features, including:
Preset positions (that can be adjusted to your preference), including: TV viewing setting, zero gravity, anti snoring, lounging, etc.
2 USB charging ports (great for your phone, tablet, smart watch)
A built-in flashlight in the remote (great for waking up in the middle of the night or having to look under the bed in case you dropped something)
A power down battery (this is a wonderful future – perfect if the power ever goes out at your house. This power down battery gives you enough juice to flatten your bed so you’re not stuck in the up position.)
Trial Period and Return Policy
Brooklyn Bedding has a generous and fair return policy. You get 120 days on all of their mattresses to make sure you like it. If you don’t or the mattress doesn’t give you a good night’s sleep, then call Brooklyn Bedding and they’ll pick it up and refund you your money.
Let’s face the terrible reality: no matter how good your new mattress is (and if you buy a bed from Brooklyn Bedding you’re getting a good mattress), you still might hate it.
Online mattress shopping is – generally – easier than showrooming a mattress at a large showroom with a bunch of options and no information. But there’s still an inherent risk of buying a bed you haven’t tried before.
This is why bed in a box mattress companies offer sleep trials on your new bed. Generally, they go like this, try the bed for a specific number of nights, if it doesn’t work for you, call the company and they will pick it up and refund your money, no penalty, no fees.
In our experience, a good sleep trial will be at least 90 days long, but any longer than 120 nights is overkill. You should, ideally, know if a mattress is right for you after 1-2 months of sleeping on it. However, some people need more time (such as those who travel or those who have serious back pain concerns).
When shopping for mattresses, make sure there’s a generous and fair sleep trial and return policy.
FAQ about Brooklyn Bedding Mattresses
Is Brooklyn Bedding Non-Toxic?
Yes. Brooklyn Bedding uses CertiPUR-US® certified foam, which means its safe to purchase and sleep on.
This helps prevent any off gassing or bad smells when you unpackage your new mattress
Where are Brooklyn Bedding Mattresses Made?
All Brooklyn Bedding mattresses are made in the USA. In fact, Brooklyn Bedding is an Arizona company and has its factory in Phoenix, Arizona, where all mattresses are made and distributed from. Brooklyn Bedding even manufactures its own coils.
What is the Most Comfortable Bed on the Market?
What’s comfortable to you and what’s comfortable for me is likely to be different. Some sleepers prefer the bounce and sturdiness of latex mattresses, while others want the soft conforming of memory foam.
The best mattresses on the market are ones that work with your sleep style (Are you a side sleeper, back sleeper, stomach sleepers, or a combination sleeper?), your weight, shape, and height.
What Do Brooklyn Bedding Mattress Reviews Say About Edge Support?
All except one of the Brooklyn Bedding mattresses are hybrid beds with innerspring coil systems for support. These individually wrapped coil systems are great for edge support and unlike traditional all-foam or memory foam mattresses, these Brooklyn Bedding hybrids score well for edge support.
To clarify: Edge support is when the edge of your mattress is slightly firmer or doesn’t have that “run off” feel of an all-foam mattress. Edge support is more common in coil mattresses than foam mattresses and is popular because people like to sit on the edge of their bed in the morning when getting ready or at night when getting ready for bed.
Is Brooklyn Bedding Right For You?
I hope this guide was helpful. A quality mattress, like a bad mattress, is just layers of foam. But the difference is in the details – what materials are used? How are the layers arranged?
With Brooklyn Bedding, we covered all of their 6 mattresses,
Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid
Brooklyn Signature Hybrid
Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid
Brooklyn Spartan Hybrid
Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid
Brooklyn Sedona Hybrid
I think this is a respectable company that sells quality mattresses at a fair price. If you’re looking for a new mattress, whether one that’s for you and your significant other or one for a parent or a child or a guest room, I think Brooklyn Bedding has something for you.
Layla is a bed-in-a-box mattress company that makes two flippable mattresses with dual-sided comfort. That means when you buy a Layla mattress you’re getting both a soft bed and a firm bed. You can pick which side you sleep on every night.
A dual-sided mattress has two key benefits:
If your injured or feeling sore and need to sleep on your back or stomach, you can flip the mattress to the firm side. Sometimes a person sleeps on a bed that’s perfect for a side sleeper but not great for a stomach or back sleeper. So if they’re in pain they’ll move to a couch, or a recliner or even the floor. With the Layla beds, you just flip over your mattress.
A high-quality bed will last 10+ years, but that doesn’t mean your comfort preference won’t change in that decade. Sometimes life changes – such as fluctuations in weight or change in sleeping style – will dictate whether or not you want a firmer or softer bed. If you’re sleeping on a Layla mattress, all you have to do is flip over the bed to the preferred firmness.
So the question isn’t whether or not Layla’s dual-sided beds serve a purpose – it’s whether or not either of their two mattresses are right for you.
That’s what we’re covering today in our Layla mattress review (2020 edition).
Note: We updated this post with Layla’s 2020 Labor Day mattress sale information.
Layla Mattress Reviews 2021
Layla makes two mattresses: the Layla Memory Foam and the Layla Hybrid.
Both beds come with free shipping, a free sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty.
The difference is one Layla mattress is all-foam, while the other is a Hybrid mattress.
Generally, an all-foam mattress is going to be firmer, thinner, and cheaper than a hybrid mattress.
A hybrid mattress – which is a mattress made of both foam and coil technology – is usually softer and bouncier (due to the coils), thicker, and more expensive.
Let’s talk about the all-foam Layla bed first.
1. Layla Memory Foam Mattress – $899
The Layla memory foam mattress is a 10-inch all-foam mattress with a firm side and soft side. It’s made with high-quality, light foam so it’s easy to flip. The queen weighs about 70lbs.
The memory foam is infused with copper, which helps provide comfort and breathability.
Facts about copper in mattresses: Copper in mattresses has been shown to kill bacteria, making your Layla cleaner than the average mattress.
Beneath the memory foam is a layer of zoned air foam.
Zoned foam is great for support because your body isn’t one weight throughout – most of us weigh more in our hips and shoulders and the Layla mattress takes that into consideration.
2. Layla Hybrid Mattress – $1449
The Layla hybrid mattress is a 13-inch mattress with Layla’s trademark dual comfort: a firm side, a soft side.
The soft side uses 2.5 inches of copper-infused memory foam and a 2 inches of Layla’s airflow foam with zoned support. This gives it 4.5 inches of comfy, conforming foam.
Beneath the two layers of foam, the Layla Hybrid has 6-inches of individually wrapped innerspring coils. Individually wrapped coils are great because they reduce the risk of motion transfer – if your partner gets out of bed in the middle of the night to use a restroom, you won’t feel it.
The firm side has 1 inch of copper infused memory foam and 1.5 inches of Layla’s airflow foam.
Yes, Layla makes high-quality mattresses. Let’s look at why. Layla Sleep actually makes two different mattresses: the Layla Memory Foam and the Layla Hybrid.
Both mattresses use CertiPUR-US® certified foam (this means Layla’s memory foam isn’t toxic and won’t off gas in your home). Both mattresses are made in the USA.
Both mattresses come with a 100-night, risk-free sleep trial. If you don’t like your new mattress, just return it within the trial period for a full refund.
Plus, if you decide to keep the mattress, it is covered by a lifetime warranty. A lifetime warranty, like a dual-sided mattress, is pretty uncommon in the mattress industry.
Most people won’t keep their mattress for their entire adult life. You’re likely to want a bigger size at one point, or your body might need a different level of comfort. That’s what makes Layla such a good solution. If, as you get older, you want a firmer bed, you can just flip it over. And if the bed does start to sag about 1” or more, you can use the lifetime warranty to get a replacement.
Are Layla Mattresses Comfortable?
Yes, Layla mattresses use a mixture of poly-foam, memory foam, and coils to provide comfort and support. Comfort and support are the most important factors of a good mattress.
No matter how fancy or expensive or luxurious your bed is, if it’s not a mixture of comfortable and supportive, you’re not going to sleep well.
Let’s start with the Layla memory foam mattress.
The Layla memory foam mattress is 10 inches thick with dual-sided comfort. Like we talked about above, that means there is a firm side and a soft side.
The soft side of the Layla has 3 inches of plush, high-density memory foam. This makes it perfect for providing pressure relief, which keeps you from tossing and turning. This memory foam is also infused with copper.
Why copper?
Copper reacts to pressure. So the parts of your body that need more support (such as your hips and shoulders which have more pressure points) get more support from Layla’s copper foam.
Plus, copper is cool and breathable. By putting copper in their top layer of foam, Layla has made a very cool mattress, so you won’t sweat through the night.
And if you flip the Layla mattress over, then you’re getting the same quality of copper foam but it’s firmer foam.
Our Layla memory foam mattress recommendation:
We recommend Layla’s soft side for side sleepers, back sleepers.
We recommend Layla’s firm mattress side for back sleepers who like a firm feel or stomach sleepers.
Okay, what about Layla’s hybrid mattress?
Hybrid mattresses are the best of both worlds. This is because they are pressure-relieving and supportive. They have the comfy memory foam layer, but underneath it they have a firm system of coils.
The Layla hybrid mattress does this, plus more.
Like the memory foam mattress, the Layla hybrid mattress has two sides: firm side and soft side. Like the memory foam mattress, the Layla hybrid uses copper-infused memory foam for added support and breathability.
But it also uses high-tech individually wrapped coils. These coils are super supportive, preventing any risk of “sinking in” to the mattress.
Unlike the Layla memory foam mattress, the hybrid is 13 inches thick. Remember, generally the thicker the mattress the softer it is.
Our Layla hybrid mattress recommendation:
We recommend Layla hybrid’s soft side for side sleepers, back sleepers.
We recommend Layla hybrid’s firm side for back sleepers who like a firm feel. But even the firm side may be too soft for stomach sleepers. If you’re a dedicated stomach sleeper, consider getting the Layla memory foam mattress.
Definitely choose Layla’s hybrid mattress if you like a more traditional feeling mattress (like one found in hotels) and if you want more edge support from your bed.
Is the Layla mattress toxic? Is there off-gassing?
No, Layla mattresses use high-quality foam. Layla uses CertiPUR®-US certified foam.
This means, their beds DO NOT contain:
Ozone depleters
PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (”Tris”) flame retardants
Mercury, lead, and other heavy metals
Formaldehyde
Phthalates as regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission
Because of this Layla mattresses are low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), so they don’t have that “memory foam smell.”
Layla vs Casper
Layla and Casper are big popular – and well-made – mattresses. But they are pretty different besides the fact that both companies ship quality bed in a box mattresses straight to your front door.
Layla makes two mattresses that have dual-sided comfort.
Casper makes three mattresses and doesn’t really focus on firmness scale, as much as the technology in their beds.
For a complete review, check out our post on Layla vs Casper.
Wedge pillows are triangular pillows that are usually made of a mixture of memory foam (soft, contouring foam) and polyurethane foam (firmer, more rigid foam).
If you’re looking for a wedge pillow, it’s probably because you’re experiencing some kind of pain or discomfort while you sleep.
Unlike a standard memory foam pillow or down pillow, a wedge pillow props you up at a steeper incline. This has numerous benefits, such as helping with lower back pain, that we go over below.
You can use a wedge pillow for your upper torso, as well as your lower legs. Still, because a wedge pillow is so much more unique than a standard pillow, customers have questions about how to use a wedge pillow.
In this post, we’re going to start with the 8 benefits of using a wedge pillow, and then cover some frequently asked questions we get about wedge pillows.
If you’re looking to buy a wedge pillow, check out our post on the best wedge pillows of 2020 for leading brands, customer reviews, and pricing information.
1. Reduces Snoring and Helps with Sleep Apnea
If you’re sleeping on a wedge pillow under your torso, the upper half of your body is elevated. Most wedge pillows sit at a 30-degree angle, with their max height between 7 and 14 inches.
Wedge pillows reduce snoring because they keep you elevated, and open your airways. When people snore it’s because there’s a partial obstruction of their airway. This can get so bad, where you’re now experiencing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
By sleeping at a gradual incline, you help eliminate any obstructions that are otherwise caused by your tongue fall back into your throat.
This, in turn, reduces your snoring.
Because of this benefit, medical professionals may often recommend you sleep with a wedge pillow if you’re suffering from sleep apnea.
You can also use a wedge pillow to help alleviate lower back pain.
Often, when people are experiencing lower back pain as they sleep it’s because their hips are sinking too far into their mattress. This can be an issue if you’re on an old mattress or your mattress is too soft.
And what this does is put pressure on your lower back.
To help, you can actually put a wedge pillow under your legs, elevating them up. This takes the pressure off your lower back, because now your back isn’t supporting the weight of your legs.
If you’re looking to solve your lower back pain with a wedge pillow, we’d recommend a multi-purpose wedge pillow, such as the Lisenwood Wedge Pillow Set.
3. Helps You Sleep on Your Side or Back
Sometimes you need to change your sleeping style. This is most common for stomach sleepers, as multiple studies have shown that stomach sleeping is bad for you.
It could be that your sleeping on your stomach because sleeping on your side or back is uncomfortable. If this is the case, using a wedge pillow has two benefits.
It makes you more comfortable on your side or back, while it also. . .
. . .makes sleeping on your stomach incredibly uncomfortable.
4. Reduces GERD and Acid Reflux
When acid leaks out of your stomach and travels up your esophagus, you’re experiencing acid reflux or GERD.
This can interrupt you throughout the night, leading to a bad night’s sleep.
A wedge pillow helps by having you sleep at an incline, using gravity to keep your stomach acid where it belongs – in your stomach.
Depending on how your body height and shape, you might need a more steep wedge pillow if you’re using it to reduce GERD and acid reflux.
Allergies can keep you awake, especially allergies make it more difficult to breathe, and breathing is already complicated by sleeping: your laying down which makes it harder to take breaths, plus your blood flow is reduced as you’re not moving, plus your airway is more constricted.
By living your torso up, you’re now breathing in more air, which makes it easier to cope with the stuffed up feeling you get from allergies.
6. Great for Post-Operative Sleeping
Sometimes a wedge pillow is recommended for post-operative care.
This is because when you’re sleeping on a wedge pillow, you’re not likely to toss and turn. A wedge pillow keeps you in place, which is critical for post-operative care because when you’re sleeping – and your body is recovering – you don’t want to thrash around, undo any stitches, cause any complications, and so on.
Expectant mothers face several complications when it comes to sleeping:
There’s the extra pressure on their body which can lead to significant back pain.
In the later months of her pregnancy, an expecting mother may struggle to get in and out of bed. A wedge pillow, which props you up, makes it easier to get in and out of bed.
Pregnant women may experience a greater risk for acid reflux and, due to their pregnancy, may be unable to take medication that helps with acid reflux. A wedge pillow is a great and safe solution.
A wedge pillow also offers more support than a traditional pillow or mattress for the extra weight that a pregnant woman carries around during her pregnancy.
Finally, some women still use the wedge pillow after labor, as it helps as a nursing pillow, where the mother can sit comfortably propped up while nursing her newborn.
8. Cheaper than an Adjustable Bed Frame
An adjustable bed frame is something you put beneath your mattress. It works by lifting your torso up, with some higher-end models also lifting up your legs.
An adjustable bed frame works by a wired or wireless remote, and it helps you:
Watch movies or read a book in bed or play on your tablet or computer
Reduce snoring and helps with sleep apnea
Helpers with lower back pain
Reduces GERD and acid reflux
And more.
However, an adjustable bed frame comes with two complications.
Adjustable bed frames expensive. Whereas a wedge pillow costs anywhere from $30 to $60+, an adjustable bed frame (queen size) will cost $500+, with some models as high as $2,000 for a queen.
If you’re sleeping with a partner, then you might both have to be elevated up when using an adjustable bed frame. This is true if you’re on a queen size mattress, but if you’re on a king size mattress then you can use what’s called split king mattress and adjustable bed frame combo. But then you’re now technically sleeping on a different bed than your partner, with a small gap between you.
Can You Use a Regular Pillow with Your Wedge Pillow?
Yes, in fact, plenty of reviewers say they use a regular pillow with their wedge pillow.
This is because they still want a soft, cushy feeling beneath their head.
But if you’re using a regular pillow with your wedge pillow, we recommend it’s a thin, down-like pillow that’s soft and pliable. If you’re using a thick memory foam pillow, then your head might be propped too far up, putting a crick in your neck, leading to back and neck pain while you sleep.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing in this post is meant to replace or combat any medical advice/recommendations from your general care practitioner or any other medical professional.
In this post, we’re going to help you decide between a Keesta and a Casper by covering:
Pricing
Mattress Materials (focusing on how they’re used for comfort and support)
Warranties and Sleep Trials
Edge Support
But first, here’s a quick overview of each brand (including our favorite mattress each company makes).
Keetsa vs Casper: An Overview
Both companies use quality materials to make their mattresses (including environmentally friendly foams) and individually wrapped coils.
Keetsa
Keetsa makes six different mattresses, sold at various price points, which means you’re likely to find something you need. It could be the budget, firm mattress (Keetsa Plus), or the luxurious, medium soft mattress with edge support (Keetsa Tea Leaf Dream).
Keetsa has more options than Casper, a longer warranty (12 years compared to Casper’s 10 years), but they also have a less customer-friendly sleep trial (with Keesta, you’re responsible for a 10% processing fee if you decide to exchange or return your Keetsa bed).
Our choice as the best Keesta mattress:
Note: If you’d look a detailed review of each Keetsa bed, check out our complete Keetsa Mattress review.
Casper
Casper has three mattress models and if you’re a side sleeper (which over 60% of us are) you’re going to really be considering the two more expensive options (the Casper Wave and the Casper Nova).
Our choice for the best Casper mattress:
If you’re looking for a top of the line, luxurious model, we’d recommend the Casper Wave. It’s similarly constructed to Keetsa’s most expensive option – the Tea Leaf Dream – but you’re getting some more advanced features.
Note: If you’re interested in learning more about Casper, check out our complete Casper mattress review.
However, if you’re just looking for the best mattress to help you sleep through the night, then it might make more financial sense for you to consider a Keetsa.
Next, we’re going to break down the two brands by pricing, materials, warranties and sleep trials, and edge support.
Pricing
Keetsa Pricing
Keetsa’s six mattresses range in pricing from $490 to $2390.
To get what we think is a quality mattress from Keetsa – in a queen size – you’re going to to spend $990 on a mattress. That’s because the Keetsa Medium-Firm Pillow Plus goes for $990. The Keetsa Pillow Plus has a good amount of memory form for comfort and individually wrapped coils for support.
Casper Pricing
Casper’s four mattress options range in pricing from $595 to $1495, but they’re on average more expensive than Keetsa, especially if you’re looking at King or Queen mattress sizes.
If you’re looking for a quality mattress from Casper – in a queen size – you’re going to need to spend around $2,000.
Let’s explain why.
If you wanted Casper’s most affordable mattress you’d get the Casper Original which goes for $1095 (queen-size) and $1295 (king size). But the Casper Original – which is an all-foam 10 inch mattress – is going to be too firm for side sleepers.
So, if you’re a side sleeper at all you’re going to want to pick either a Casper Nova or a Casper Wave.
A Casper Nova will cost you $1995 (queen size) or $2295 (king size) while a Casper Wave will cost you $2595 (queen size) or $2995 (king size).
This means if you want a Casper mattress with advanced features like zoned support, pressure-reliving memory foam, and more, you’re looking to spend about $2,000.
But if you’re looking for a Keesta mattress and want similar features, you’re going to have more options.
Materials
Mattresses are trying to provide comfort and support. Comfort helps you fall asleep, but support helps you stay asleep and, more importantly, wake up without any aches or pains. Plenty of people own comfortable mattresses, sleep throughout the night, but still wake up in pain in the morning. That’s because their bed isn’t supportive.
To get the right mixture of comfort and support, you need to use quality materials in the right order. You can have the best materials in the business but fail to arrange in a way that makes sense.
Keesta and Casper use the main mattress materials: poly foam, memory foam, latex foam, coils.
Let’s take a look at how they use them.
Keetsa Materials
All Keetsa mattresses use CertiPUR-US certified memory foam (with the more expensive Keetsa beds containing more memory foam than the budget options). Memory foam is generally more expensive than poly-foam and even innerspring coils. As bed gets higher in price, you’re likely to see an increase in the amount of memory foam.
Note: If you find a memory foam mattress with 2-4 inches of memory foam that is under $500 in a queen-size mattress, be skeptical. It isn’t that the bed is definitely poor quality, but look for customer reviews and check the warranty information to make sure you’re buying from a reputable company.
Keetsa mattresses also use traditional polyurethane foam (poly-foam) that is more rigid and sturdy than memory foam. All memory foam mattresses are a mixture of memory foam and poly-foam. If you had a 100% memory foam mattress, your body would sink into it and it’d be terrible for back support. Most memory foam mattress companies put memory foam as one of the top two layers because memory foam provides the pressure relief and comfort, while poly-foam provides support and stability.
As a support system, Keesta is either using their high-density support foam (that’s meant to be very sturdy) or their iCoil system of individually wrapped coils. Coils provide more of a bounce, so Keesta uses a pocketed coil to help reduce motion transfer (which is when you feel your partner or sleeping buddy move throughout the night).
Keetsa’s higher-end models also use latex foam. Latex foam is eco-friendly, naturally cooling (it doesn’t trap heat), bouncy, and long-lasting.
Keetsa mattresses are covered in a cotton cover that is certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX. Cotton covers are a good choice because cotton is breathable and soft.
Casper Materials
In Casper’s most expensive model – the Casper Wave – they use all major mattress materials: memory foam, latex foam, poly-foam, and individually wrapped coils. Plus, their layer of poly-foam uses gel-pods. A gel-pod is just what it sounds like – a pod-shaped amount of gel that is dispersed throughout the mattress to help with increased support and comfort. This works the way zoned support works, by giving your body more support where people tend to need the most support (shoulders and hips).
In the Casper Nova, there no latex foam and no gel pods. Otherwise, it’s relatively similar to the Casper Wave. The Casper Nova is $1995 for a queen size and is 12 inches thick. Overall, we’re less impressed with the Casper Nova but it can be a good option for customers who want a softer Casper mattress and don’t want latex in their bed.
In the Original Casper, there is no memory foam, no latex foam, and no gel pods. There is also less of a presence of zoned support, but the middle third of the mattress is still firmer to help with hip support. This entry-level Casper mattress is available both as a hybrid (with coils) or as an all-foam mattress (no coils). Like we said previously if you’re looking for a mattress in this price range (around $1,000) we think you’ll get more from Keesta’s mattress line-up.
Warranties and Sleep Trials
Both Keetsa and Casper offer lengthy warranties, and both are fairly standard. For example, both companies require that you have proof that your mattress was being used on a suitable surface. For example, if you’re using your mattress on an old box spring your warranty might be void. This is because old box springs don’t offer the right support. Most new mattresses now require a flat or nearly flat foundation (with spacing no more than 3 inches apart)
Keetsa’s mattress warranty
Keetsa offers a 12-year mattress warranty on all mattress models.
Here’s what’s covered for those 12 years:
Open seams that are big enough to cause damage to interior mattress materias (such as Keetsa’s BioFoam or iCoils) and negatively affects the comfort or support of the mattress.
A permanent sag (often called a compression, dip, or canyon) on the surface of the bed that is greater than 1.5”. Note: 1.5” is a fairly large sag. Most bed in a box mattress companies will offer a replacement for sags greater than ¾ of an inch.
Coil failure. When a coil fails or is lopsided or loosened, it can lead to sagging. Again, Keetsa requires a 1.5” sag as evidence of coil failure or if the coil somehow protrudes out of the mattress itself.
If any of those issues occur within the first 12 years, you’re covered for either a repair or a complete replacement.
Casper’s mattress warranty
Casper offers a 10-year warranty on all of its mattresses.
Here’s what’s covered in those 10 years.
When the mattress develops a sag or visible indentation that is greater than 1 inch.
Physical flaws in the mattress, such as a split in the foam material.
Defects in the zipper of the mattress cover (as long as it can be attributed to manufacturer error).
Edge Support
Edge support is when the edge of your bed is slightly firmer or more rigid than the rest of your mattress.
There are pros and cons to beds with edge support.
Pros Plenty of people sit on the edge of their bed in the morning when tying their shoes or getting ready. Edge support prevents them from sinking into their mattress when they sit on the edge. Some customers like the enclosed feeling of a bed with edge support, because they’re worried without edge support they’ll roll out of their mattress.
Cons Some sleepers sleep on the very edge of their bed. This is specifically common with side sleepers. If you’re sleeping on the edge of your bed and your mattress has edge support, it may feel like you’re sleeping on a bed that’s firmer than the one you bought.
Keetsa
The Keetsa mattresses have a good amount of edge support, but their mattress with the most edge support is the Keetsa Tea Leaf Dream.
Casper
With Casper, you’ll get more edge support out of the Casper Wave and Nova vs. the Casper Original but none of their beds are specifically built for edge support.
Again, edge support is a neutral feature – neither bad nor good, but up to each customer’s personal preference.
Are You Going to Get a Keetsa or Casper?
We hope this Keetsa and Casper comparison helped you decide.
When you’re mattress shopping, remember that what you’re looking at is the quality of materials, the ways in which the mattress uses the materials, and how the company’s policies help or hurt you after you decide to buy.
