Mattress Review
Tuft & Needle Original
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $745 – $1,395
Warranty: 10-Year, Limited
Highlights
- Offers a balance of softness and support
- Excels at pressure relief for sleepers with sensitive pressure points
- Very good ease of movement for an all-foam bed
Drawbacks
- Edges sag under pressure
- Too firm for side sleepers under 130 pounds
- Conforming foam comfort system may sleep hot
Sleep Doctor’s take: Tuft & Needle Mattress
Tuft & Needle’s flagship Original Mattress offers a balanced, medium firm (6) feel at a modest price-point. The back and stomach sleepers on our testing team — particularly those weighing less than 230 pounds — appreciated its blend of contouring and support, noting that they were able to easily shift positions without sinking too far into the bed’s surface.
Tuft & Needle Mattress: An introduction
Tuft & Needle is an Arizona-based mattress company that was founded in 2012. Now a part of Serta Simmons Bedding, the brand sells a range of products under its label, including mattresses, bedding, and furniture.
The brand currently sells three mattress models: the Original, the Mint, and the Mint Hybrid. Each bed includes the company’s proprietary T&N Adaptive Foam, which is engineered to mimic the feel of memory foam without its tendency to trap heat and develop lasting body impressions.
We’ll focus on the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress, which has a straightforward, two-layer construction and a knit cover.
How we review
Our testing team, which includes testers with different sleep preferences and body types, uses a hands-on approach when assessing mattresses based on our comprehensive testing methodology. Our reviews combine the testers’ subjective assessments with objective measurements like heat retention, motion transfer, and off-gassing odors.
What’s it like to sleep on the Tuft & Needle Mattress?
The Tuft & Needle Original Mattress contours to the body without allowing sleepers to sink too far into the bed. While many all-foam mattresses sacrifice either softness or responsiveness, the Original achieves both by using polyfoam layers with different densities.
Overall, we found the Tuft & Needle Original to be an excellent choice for back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds. People looking for a bed that relieves pressure should also appreciate the Original’s even balance of cushioning and structure.
Sleeping positions, body weight, and firmness
We rated the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress as medium firm (6) on our 10-point firmness scale. We understand that finding the right mattress is dependent on a person’s body weight, sleep position, and personal preferences. Therefore, our testing team includes a variety of sleepers with different needs.
Tuft & Needle Mattress sleeper ratings
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Over 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Back Sleepers | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Stomach Sleepers | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Side sleepers
The Tuft & Needle Original provided sufficient support for our side sleepers who weigh over 130 pounds. Testers under 130 pounds found the mattress a bit too firm to maintain spinal alignment in this sleeping position. Our side sleepers under 130 pounds preferred the medium (5) feel of the Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress.
Back sleepers
Our back sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds found the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress to be a standout choice. In general, back sleepers benefit from a mattress with a mid-range firmness that supports the spine without too much sagging under the hips. Back sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds reported that they prefer a firmer mattress for better lumbar support.
Stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers typically need a firmer mattress that doesn’t allow their midsection to shift out of alignment and arch the spine. The Original received the highest scores from our stomach sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds, who appreciated its balance of light contouring and sturdy pushback.
Our performance ratings
When testing products like the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress, we use our standardized methodology to assess performance and provide a rating on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent. While we know a mattress’ performance can be subjective, our diverse testing team has a range of body types and preferences to limit any biases.
Pressure relief
Rating: 4/5
Our testing team gave high marks to the Original’s ability to relieve pressure. The top 3-inch layer of polyfoam is plush and conforming, while the denser support core promotes spinal alignment while helping to evenly distribute body weight.
Temperature neutrality
Rating: 3/5
During our tests, the Original Mattress demonstrated a decent ability to control temperature. Its graphite- and gel-infused polyfoam comfort layer disperses some heat throughout the material. However, due to the inherent characteristics of conforming foam, we observed some heat retention. While this may not be an issue for most people, people who tend to overheat at night may prefer the more temperature neutral Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress.
Motion isolation
Rating: 3/5
During testing, our team found that the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress did an average job of minimizing motion transfer. Its all-foam construction helps to dampen some vibrations, but light sleepers might still sense some of their bed partner’s movements.
Edge support
Rating: 2/5
The edges of the Tuft & Needle Original sink significantly under pressure. Our team reported that they felt relatively unstable when lying near the mattress’ perimeter or sitting along the edge. People with limited mobility or those who sleep away from the center of the bed may prefer the Tuft & Needle Mint or Mint Hybrid, which demonstrated better edge support during our tests.
Durability
Rating: 3/5
Although foam beds are at risk of premature sagging and the development of body impressions, the high-density foam in the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress should resist excessive wear. While we know durability is also dependent on individual use, we think this mattress will have average durability for an all-foam model and expect it to last six to seven years before needing to be replaced.
Ease of movement
Rating: 4/5
The Original’s sturdy 6.5-inch polyfoam support core facilitates movement by maintaining a solid structure, allowing sleepers to switch positions without feeling trapped in the more conforming top layer. Our testing team found that the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress has a great balance between support and ease of movement.
Sex
Rating: 3/5
Our testing showed that the Original Mattress is quiet and has modest responsiveness, both advantages during sex. However, subpar edge support limits the utilizable surface area and the bed’s tendency to retain heat may be disagreeable to some couples.
Off-Gassing
Rating: 3/5
Upon unpacking the Tuft & Needle Original, our team noticed that it released an off-gassing odor typical to mattresses containing synthetic foam. While the foams are CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified, assuring that they have been tested for use in indoor environments, the scent could be bothersome to people who are sensitive to smells.
What is the Tuft & Needle Mattress made of?
The Tuft & Needle Original is a 9.5-inch foam mattress with a knitted cover. Below the cover is a 3-inch layer of polyfoam that’s infused with graphite and gel designed to keep sleepers cool. The 6.5-inch support core features denser polyfoam that adds stability and helps prevent sagging.
| Mattress construction layers | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover Material | Knit fabric |
| Comfort Layers | 3″ graphite- and gel-infused polyfoam |
| Support Core | 6.5” Polyfoam |
How much does the Tuft & Needle Mattress cost?
The Tuft & Needle Original Mattress has an average price-point for an all-foam mattress. While it’s priced a bit higher than a budget mattress, it comes with free shipping within the contiguous U.S., a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year limited warranty.
| Sizes | Price | Dimensions | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $745 | 39” x 75” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| Twin XL | $795 | 39” x 80” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| Full | $895 | 54” x 75” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| Queen | $995 | 60” x 80” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| King | $1,395 | 76” x 80” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| California King | $1,395 | 72” x 84” | 9.5″ | N/A |
Which Tuft & Needle mattress is right for you?
Along with Tuft & Needle’s Original Mattress, the brand also sells the Mint and the Mint Hybrid. The Mint Mattress builds on the construction of the Original by adding an additional 2-inch layer of T&N Adaptive Foam. Our testing showed that the Mint is a better fit for hot sleepers, side sleepers under 130 pounds, and people looking for a mattress that excels at motion isolation.
The Mint Hybrid Mattress is a departure from the brand’s all-foam designs, replacing the foam support core with individually pocketed coils. The Mint Hybrid has a medium (5) firmness level and received high praise from testers weighing less than 130 pounds, regardless of preferred sleeping position. The denser coils around the perimeter of the Mint Hybrid provide additional stability, helping it achieve the best ratings for edge support and sex among all Tuft & Needle models.
Tuft & Needle mattresses at a glance
| Model | Firmness | Mattress Type | Height | Base Price (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuft & Needle Original | Medium Firm (6) | Foam | 9.5” | $995 |
| Tuft & Needle Mint | Medium Firm (6) | Foam | 11.5” | $1,595 |
| Tuft & Needle Hybrid | Medium (5) | Hybrid | 12” | $1,995 |
Where can you buy the Tuft & Needle Mattress?
The Tuft & Needle Original Mattress can be purchased via the manufacturer’s website or through an online third-party retailer. Tuft & Needle mattresses are also sold at brick-and-mortar mattress retailers throughout the United States.
| Buying Information and Customer Policies | |
|---|---|
| Shipping | Tuft & Needle mattresses are vacuum sealed and shipped for free to customers in the contiguous U.S. Those purchasing a mattress in Alaska or Hawaii are charged an additional shipping fee. Once the mattress is delivered, the manufacturer recommends taking it out of the box within four weeks. |
| Additional Services | For an additional fee, Tuft & Needle offers White Glove delivery, which includes both in-home setup and old mattress removal via a third party. |
| Sleep Trial | Tuft & Needle offers a 100-night sleep trial. If you find that the mattress isn’t a good fit, the company will provide you with a full refund. Returned mattresses are typically donated to charity. |
| Warranty | The company offers a 10-year limited warranty on mattress purchases. The warranty covers manufacturer defects, including splitting, cracking, and visible indentations or sagging more than 0.75 inches deep. |
Tuft & Needle Mattress FAQ
Foam mattresses are prone to softening over time and developing body impressions. Although the Tuft & Needle Original may develop premature softening, excessive indentations are covered under the bed’s 10-year limited warranty.
A common drawback of foam mattresses is that they tend to retain heat more than other mattress types. The Tuft & Needle Original Mattress has a comfort layer infused with gel and graphite that’s designed to help with temperature regulation and provide a cooler sleep surface. But despite the slight benefit of this layer, our testing team found that the Original Mattress has just average temperature control.
Tuft & Needle is based in Arizona and the company’s mattresses are made in the United States.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Wolf
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