Rankings and Market Leaders
In 2019, consumer testing organizations and publications ranked several mattress brands at the top of their lists based on comfort, durability, and value. Forbes highlighted models from companies like Saatva, Helix, and WinkBeds as leading choices for different sleep preferences. The Saatva Classic, an innerspring mattress, was frequently noted for its edge support and responsive feel, with prices starting around $1,145 for a Queen size at the time of its 2019 release. Helix Sleep offered a personalized approach, using a sleep quiz to recommend a mattress tailored to body type and sleeping position, a model that gained traction in the direct-to-consumer market.
The WinkBeds EcoCloud, a hybrid mattress featuring a coil-on-coil design, appeared on multiple 2019 best-of lists for its balance of contouring and support. Consumer Reports and similar testing bodies evaluated these models on factors including pressure relief, motion isolation, and temperature regulation. The rankings reflected a broader trend in the mattress industry toward online sales and home delivery, which allowed brands to offer lower prices by cutting out traditional retail markups. This shift was documented in industry analysis from sources like SEC filings and market research reports covering the bedding sector.
Key Features and Technologies
Mattresses from 2019 often incorporated specific technologies aimed at improving sleep quality. Memory foam and latex layers were common in models from brands like Leesa and Nectar, designed to provide pressure relief and contouring. Leesa, for example, used a three-layer foam construction with a top layer of Avena foam for cooling, and the company offered a 100-night trial period and free shipping, a standard that became an industry benchmark. Nectar Sleep positioned its all-foam mattress as a high-value option with a lifetime warranty, emphasizing the use of gel-infused memory foam to address heat retention.
Hybrid and Innerspring Designs
Hybrid mattresses combining pocketed coils with foam or latex layers were prominent in 2019, offering a balance of bounce and pressure relief. The Purple Mattress, known for its proprietary hyper-elastic polymer grid layer, was a standout for its unique feel and airflow design. The grid structure was intended to provide support while allowing air to circulate, addressing a common concern with foam mattresses. Meanwhile, traditional innerspring models from brands like Saatva and WinkBeds used individually wrapped coils to enhance motion isolation and contouring, making them suitable for couples.
Pricing and Buying Trends
Direct-to-consumer brands in 2019 disrupted the traditional mattress market by offering significant savings compared to retail prices. Companies like Casper and Purple sold their mattresses in compact boxes, a delivery model that reduced shipping costs and allowed customers to try the mattress at home for an extended period. Casper’s Wave hybrid, which featured zoned support layers, was priced competitively, with a Queen size often available for under $1,500. This pricing strategy was part of a broader industry trend where brands invested in digital marketing and customer experience to build loyalty without the overhead of physical showrooms.
The 2019 mattress market also saw increased interest in organic and eco-friendly options, with brands like Avocado and Birch by Helix catering to consumers seeking natural materials. Avocado’s Green Mattress, certified by global organic standards, used natural latex and organic wool and cotton, positioning itself in the premium segment. Birch, a Helix subsidiary, focused on a firmer, innerspring-centric design with organic materials