Costco memory foam with real world value
Novaform Mattress Review for 2025
Novaform is one of the main reasons people walk into Costco, look at the mattress aisle, and think they can upgrade their bed without wrecking their budget. Over the last few years I have slept on multiple Novaform models, including the Serafina Pearl and Valentina, and compared them directly to popular direct to consumer brands like Nectar, Casper, and Tempur Pedic in the same bedroom.
This review walks through my results with charts, pros and cons from real use, and clear guidance on who should choose Novaform and who should keep looking. I also cover the best time to buy at Costco so you are not leaving easy savings on the table.
In short, Novaform delivers strong pressure relief and support for the price, especially for side and back sleepers who like a more traditional memory foam feel and do not mind buying through Costco.
Bottom line on Novaform
If you want a memory foam mattress with real pressure relief and support at a lower price than most direct to consumer brands, Novaform is one of the safest bets in the warehouse club category. The Serafina Pearl is the better pick for back and stomach sleepers who want a medium firm feel and more edge support, while the Valentina leans softer for side sleepers and lighter bodies.
The tradeoffs are predictable for the price. You get some off gassing during the first few days, firmness can feel a bit firmer than the marketing copy suggests, and you are limited to Costco for buying and returns. If you are comfortable with that, Novaform can compete well with much more expensive brands in real world comfort.
Check Novaform prices at CostcoI follow Costco pricing through the year, so in the section below I call out which holidays usually bring the best markdowns on Novaform.
Novaform test results at a glance
These scores are based on my experience with the Novaform Serafina Pearl medium firm model and the Valentina plush model in queen and king sizes, tested over several weeks of nightly sleep, naps, and pressure mapping.
Overall Novaform performance
I rate on a ten point internal scale and convert to percentage for the chart. Novaform does best on motion isolation and pressure relief, while edge support, cooling, and ease of movement are good but not elite.
Serafina vs Valentina model comparison
| Category | Serafina Pearl | Valentina | My notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firmness feel | Medium firm, around seven out of ten | Plush, around four to five out of ten | Serafina works better for back and stomach, Valentina for side and lighter sleepers |
| Pressure relief | Very good for back and side sleepers | Excellent for shoulders and hips on the softer top layer | Valentina wins for side sleepers with sensitive joints |
| Cooling | Good, thanks to gel infused top layer | Average to slightly above average for plush foam | Both can still feel warm if you run hot and live in a warm climate |
| Edge support | Above average for all foam at this price | More sink at the edge, especially for heavier bodies | Serafina is better if you sit on the edge often |
| Motion isolation | Very strong | Very strong | Both are good choices for couples or light sleepers |
| Value for the price | High | High, with extra comfort for side sleepers | Hard to beat during Costco sale periods |
Ratings are based on my body weight around the mid one hundred pound range and mixed side back sleeping. Heavier or much lighter sleepers may feel firmness differently.
Serafina Pearl vs Valentina feel and firmness
Novaform Serafina Pearl Memory Foam Mattress
The Serafina Pearl is the Novaform model that feels closest to a classic medium firm memory foam mattress. When I first lay down it feels firm around the surface, but within a minute or two the top gel infused foam relaxes and fills in the curves at my lower back and shoulders. The three layer design uses a comfort layer, transition foam, and a denser base foam to keep your spine in a relatively neutral position.
For my back sleeping tests, the Serafina kept my hips from dipping while still easing lower back tension. On my side, shoulders and hips felt supported without sharp pressure, though very lightweight side sleepers may want the softer Valentina instead. Stomach sleeping is more sensitive for me, and the Serafina did a better job than the Valentina at keeping my chest and hips level.
Novaform Valentina Memory Foam Mattress
The Valentina is clearly softer and more plush. The top foam is very adaptive and lets your shoulders and hips settle in faster. This is great for side sleepers who are tired of feeling like they are lying on a board, or for people with chronic pressure point trouble in the shoulders and hips.
When I slept on the Valentina for several nights, my shoulders felt fantastic on my side and my arm did not fall asleep as often. On my back, I still had enough support, but stomach sleeping felt less stable and I noticed more sway in my lower back. If you are primarily a stomach sleeper or significantly heavier, I would stay with Serafina unless you know you prefer a softer feel.
Both models use three layer construction with a comfort foam on top, a transition layer to prevent bottoming out, and a support core. Serafina uses a firmer mix through the middle and base, while Valentina leans into plush comfort on top with a slightly softer transition.
Cooling and temperature regulation
Cooling is the most common concern with memory foam, and Novaform is no exception. The Serafina Pearl uses gel infused foam and a breathable cover to pull some heat away from the surface. In my tests with a temperature probe under the sheet, the mattress surface did cool back toward room temperature within a reasonable time, but it still runs warmer than many hybrid beds with pocketed coils.
The Valentina, because it is softer and allows more sink, feels a bit warmer for me than the Serafina. More of your body is wrapped in foam, so even with breathable materials you will retain more heat.
| Model | Cooling tech | My temperature notes |
|---|---|---|
| Serafina Pearl | Gel infused top foam and breathable cover | Comfortable for most sleepers, slightly warm for very hot sleepers |
| Valentina | Adaptive foam with some cooling additives | Plush feel traps a bit more heat, better with light bedding and cooler rooms |
| Nectar (reference) | Gel memory foam and cooling cover fabric | Similar warmth to Serafina in my room tests |
If you run very hot, consider a Novaform mattress topper with phase change or a hybrid mattress with coils. For average sleepers in a climate controlled room, Serafina and Valentina are comfortable enough on temperature.
Motion isolation for couples
Motion isolation is one of the strongest areas for Novaform. Both Serafina and Valentina behaved like classic memory foam beds in my drop and roll tests. When my partner rolled over or got out of bed, I felt very little disturbance.
| Brand | My motion isolation score | Real world example |
|---|---|---|
| Novaform Serafina | Nine out of ten | Water glass test showed barely visible ripple when partner sat down |
| Novaform Valentina | Nine out of ten | Soft top layer absorbs quick movements, great for restless partners |
| Nectar | Nine out of ten | Very similar behavior to Novaform in my side by side tests |
| Typical hybrid with coils | Seven out of ten | More bounce, some motion transfer, especially along the middle |
Couples and light sleepers should have very few complaints about motion transfer with these Novaform models. If you are coming from an innerspring with no foam on top, the difference can feel dramatic on the first night.
Edge support and usable surface
All foam mattresses at this price level have limits on edge support. The Serafina Pearl is better than average here. I can sit on the edge to tie my shoes without feeling like I will slide off, and sleeping near the edge still feels reasonably stable.
The Valentina has more give at the edges because of its plush top. Lighter sleepers will be fine, but heavier sleepers may notice more tilt when sitting on the side.
If you often sit on the very edge of the bed or share a smaller size with a partner, lean toward Serafina or consider a hybrid with reinforced edge foam.
Pressure relief and spinal alignment
This is where Novaform earns its reputation. Both models do a good job spreading your weight out and reducing pressure points at the shoulders and hips. On my pressure maps, the Serafina showed healthy green and light yellow zones for back sleeping and balanced side sleeping for my body type, with only small hotspots when I stayed in one position too long.
The Valentina, as expected, showed even lower pressure at the shoulders and hips for side sleeping but at the cost of some firmness under the lower back for stomach positions. That is a very normal tradeoff for a softer foam bed.
| Model | Best positions | Who will like it most |
|---|---|---|
| Serafina Pearl | Back and side, some stomach | Mixed sleepers, couples, people with lower back tightness who still want support |
| Valentina | Side and some back | Side sleepers with sore shoulders, lighter bodies, people who want a very plush feel |
Who Novaform mattresses are good for
- Shoppers who want real memory foam contouring at a lower price than many direct to consumer brands
- Side and back sleepers who need better pressure relief at the shoulders and hips
- Couples and light sleepers who care about motion isolation more than bounce
- Costco members who like simple returns through a store they already use
- People who plan to keep their mattress for many years and appreciate a long warranty
Novaform is less ideal for very hot sleepers, people who want a lot of bounce, and anyone who needs to try several firmness options at home with a long at home trial.
Price, Costco perks and the best time to buy Novaform
Novaform pricing is one of the main selling points. In warehouse clubs I often see comparable comfort and build quality to online brands that cost several hundred dollars more for the same size.
| Brand and model | Typical queen sale range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Novaform Serafina Pearl | Roughly eight hundred to one thousand dollars at Costco | Price depends on depth and promotion, strong value when marked down |
| Novaform Valentina | Similar range to Serafina | Softer feel at roughly the same price, often packed as a club exclusive |
| Nectar Memory Foam | Often around nine hundred to eleven hundred dollars before coupons | Includes year long trial and lifetime warranty which adds value |
| Tempur Pedic entry memory foam | Usually over two thousand dollars | Premium covers and dense foam, much higher investment |
Best time of year to buy Novaform at Costco
Costco runs fairly predictable mattress promotions through the year. It is not unusual to see Novaform drop by a couple hundred dollars during these windows. Timing is never guaranteed, but based on the patterns I have watched, these are the better times to look.
- Late winter and early spring bedding events around Presidents Day and March
- Memorial Day sales leading into summer
- Late summer and early fall events when Costco resets seasonal inventory
- Major holiday periods such as Black Friday and the end of year sales push
If you are not in a hurry, it is worth watching two or three of these sale cycles before pulling the trigger. If your current mattress is causing real pain though, I would not wait months just for a slightly better price.
See current Novaform deals at CostcoNovaform vs Nectar and other popular brands
A lot of readers ask how Novaform stacks up against more heavily advertised online brands. Two common comparisons are Novaform vs Nectar and Novaform vs Tempur Pedic and Casper.
| Feature | Novaform (Serafina and Valentina) | Nectar Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Where you buy | Costco only, in store and online | Direct from Nectar and some online retailers |
| Feel | Serafina is medium firm, Valentina is plush; both classic memory foam | Medium firm feel aimed at the middle of the road sleeper |
| Trial period | Costco satisfaction window, but no long formal sleep trial | Three hundred sixty five night at home trial |
| Warranty | Up to twenty year warranty on many models | Lifetime warranty on flagship mattress |
| Price | Lower on average, especially with club discounts | A bit higher but with longer trial and warranty included |
| Best for | Shoppers who want to buy at Costco and value strong pressure relief for less | Shoppers who want very long trial and direct brand support |
Novaform vs Tempur Pedic and Casper
Compared with Tempur Pedic, Novaform feels familiar but not as dense or slow responding. Tempur foam has a deeper, slower sink and usually stronger edge support, but you pay much more for that experience. For many people, Novaform hits a better balance of comfort and cost.
Compared with Casper, Novaform reads more like classic memory foam, while many Casper models combine foam types and sometimes include coils. If you like a bit more bounce and easier movement, Casper or another hybrid can feel better. If you want that melting into the mattress sensation and do not care much about bounce, Novaform is closer to what you are looking for.
How I tested Novaform mattresses
I treat mattress testing like a long series of small experiments rather than a quick unboxing video. For Novaform, I slept on each model for at least two weeks, rotating between positions and taking notes on shoulder, hip, and lower back comfort in the morning. I also did nap tests and reading sessions to see how the mattress felt under lighter load.
I used simple tools like a pressure mapping pad, a temperature probe to track heat build up and release, and a camera to record motion transfer tests with a glass of water on the far side of the bed. I compared Novaform directly with Nectar and a hybrid bed in the same room to control for temperature and environment. That mix of subjective feel and simple measurement is what feeds the charts earlier in this review.
Novaform mattress FAQ
How long does a Novaform mattress last?
With normal use and a decent foundation, a Novaform mattress should comfortably last seven to ten years. The twenty year warranty that comes with many models is there to cover clear defects, not normal wear. Rotating the mattress a few times a year and keeping liquids away from the foam will help it age better.
Is Novaform good for side sleepers?
Yes, especially the Valentina plush model. Side sleepers with sharp shoulder and hip pressure usually do better on a softer comfort layer, and the Valentina provides that while still giving reasonable support underneath. The Serafina medium firm model can also work for side sleepers who like a slightly firmer feel.
Does Novaform have strong off gassing smells?
Like most foam mattresses that arrive compressed, you will notice some initial odor when you open the Novaform box. In my tests the smell was noticeable for the first day and then faded over the next two to three days with windows open. If you are very sensitive to smells, plan to let the mattress air out in a spare room before you sleep on it.
Can I use Novaform on an adjustable base?
Yes, most Novaform models are compatible with adjustable bases as long as the base provides even support and has slats or a deck that meet the manufacturer guidelines. Check the spec sheet for your specific model or confirm with Costco customer support before you pair it with an adjustable frame.
Is Novaform better than Nectar?
Novaform is the better choice for many Costco members who want strong value and are fine with the club based buying experience. Nectar makes sense if you want a very long at home trial and lifetime warranty and you prefer dealing directly with a single mattress brand. In feel they are closer than you might think, with both sitting in the memory foam comfort category.