Ben found the original Comfort & Relax 12-inch foam mattress slightly softer than many budget foam beds, with good value for its historical price. It expanded quickly and had less initial odor than expected. This is a review of the 2018 sample, which was supplied for review; current availability and terms are unverified.
Ben’s original experience
The mattress arrived compressed in a box, with pillows and pillowcases packed alongside it. Ben reported that the bed expanded relatively quickly and seemed ready to sleep on after roughly four to five hours. That is an observation of this sample, not an instruction for another mattress; follow the current manufacturer’s expansion directions.
He described the feel as a little softer than many three-layer foam mattresses. In his original comparison, it was firmer than the Zinus Green Tea 12-inch he had tried but softer than the Lucid Hybrid. Firmness is subjective, and these comparisons refer to the historical samples.
Original Comfort & Relax at a glance
| What to know | Original review evidence |
|---|---|
| Model | 12-inch foam mattress supplied for our 2018 test. |
| Construction | Three foam layers, not an innerspring or hybrid. |
| Feel | Ben described slightly softer comfort than many budget foam mattresses. |
| Setup | Expanded after unboxing with relatively mild initial odor in the original test. |
| Current terms | Original package included pillows; verify today's contents, model and returns independently. |
Original construction
The 12-inch mattress was described as having a poly-jacquard cover, a 1.5-inch Air Cell foam surface, a 2-inch foam transition layer and an 8.5-inch foam base. Ben opened the mattress and photographed the layers and edge compression. The original model was foam throughout, without springs.
The original queen price and bundled pillows were specific to that offer. A similarly named listing today may have a different construction or contents.
Original photos and videos
These photographs document the original delivery, pillows, layers and compression.
Watch the original overview and motion-transfer video.
Watch our original Comfort & Relax mattress review
Our 2018 video shows the 12-inch foam mattress tested for this review.
Who might prefer a similar mattress?
You like a softer surface and want a straightforward all-foam construction.
You prefer a firmer feel, coil bounce or a mattress you can try in person before ordering.
The old motion video illustrates the sample’s response; it does not guarantee that movement will be imperceptible to every couple.
How to evaluate a similar foam mattress
Start with your sleeping position. Ben described his sample as softer than many budget foam beds, but that relative impression does not establish how a different mattress will feel to you. Side sleepers may want enough cushioning around the shoulder and hip; back and stomach sleepers may prefer a surface that does not let the midsection sink too far. Body weight and personal preference also affect the result, so use the description as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Look beyond total thickness. The original sample combined a 1.5-inch surface layer, a 2-inch transition and an 8.5-inch base. Two mattresses can both measure 12 inches yet feel very different because the layers and materials differ. When comparing a current listing, check the complete construction and exact model, not just the brand name or height. A picture of foam layers is useful evidence of the older sample, not proof that a newer listing uses the same foams.
For couples, look at both motion and usable space. Ben’s original motion-transfer video shows how that particular mattress responded to movement. It is a useful visual reference, but it does not measure every kind of movement or tell you how a different model will behave. If you share a bed, compare how easily you can change positions and how the edge feels when sitting or sleeping close to it. The original edge-compression photos illustrate that sample rather than a standardized edge-support rating.
Plan the setup. A compressed mattress can be easier to move through a hallway than a fully expanded bed, but a box can still be heavy. Check the package weight, arrange help if needed, and make room for the mattress to expand on a suitable foundation. Ben’s four-to-five-hour observation describes his sample; follow the instructions supplied with the mattress you purchase. Confirm the bed frame and slat spacing meet the mattress maker’s requirements.
Compare the full cost and return process. Before ordering, check the exact size, delivery charges, trial period, return eligibility, pickup or disposal requirements, and any fees with the seller. Also confirm what the warranty covers and whether a proper foundation is required. The pillows in Ben’s 2018 delivery were part of that historical package and should not be assumed included today.
Separate comfort from durability. A first impression and a brief motion video cannot establish years of performance. Look for clear construction details and warranty terms, then use any available trial to assess your own comfort. A softer top layer can feel welcoming without necessarily being the best fit for everyone; if practical, compare different firmness levels before deciding.
Shopping for this model today
We have not verified that the exact 2018 model remains available. Check the precise seller, thickness, composition and return policy before purchasing a similarly named product. A different mattress linked in an old listing is not necessarily the mattress tested here. For alternatives, browse our mattress reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Was the sample purchased?
Ben wrote that the mattress was given to him for review.
Did it contain coils?
No. The original 12-inch sample had three foam layers.
Did it include pillows?
The original package did. Do not assume a present-day offer includes them.
Does this test establish current availability?
No. Confirm the exact listing and seller terms.
Bottom line
Our photos and firsthand notes describe the original 2018 Comfort & Relax foam mattress. The slightly softer feel, original construction and unboxing experience may help when comparing similar foam beds, but should not be treated as a review of an unverified current product.
Compare this mattress against 142 tested mattresses
Sort all 142 mattresses we have tested by pressure relief, support, cooling, motion isolation, edge support, price, trial and warranty, then filter by how you actually sleep. Of those, 84 hold a complete standardized record and 41 a partial standardized record.