Nolah Mattress Review 2025 Original, Signature, Natural and Evolution after years of testing
I have slept on every major Nolah model since they launched in 2016. This guide pulls together eight years of testing in my home and in the Yawnder showroom so you can pick the right Nolah the first time and avoid guesswork.
Clicking through helps support Yawnder at no extra cost to you. I only recommend beds I would actually sleep on myself.
About Nolah mattress as a brand
Nolah is a Colorado based company that launched in 2015 with a simple goal: create a cooler, more responsive alternative to classic slow memory foam and do it in a way that is easier on wildlife and the planet.
Instead of using standard memory foam, Nolah developed its own comfort material called AirFoam. I have watched them evolve that formula through several generations: the original AirFoam in the first Nolah mattress, cooler AirFoam with added graphite, and now AirFoamICE in their higher end models for stronger cooling.
Every time you buy a Nolah, you also support their wildlife program. For years I have adopted an animal through Nolah on each test mattress and received an official certificate from Defenders of Wildlife. It is a small touch, but it speaks to how the brand thinks.
Current Nolah mattress lineup in 2025
Nolah has grown from a single model to a complete family of foam and hybrid beds. Below is how the main models shake out right now and who I usually steer toward each one.
| Model | Type | Height | Feel | Best fit | Typical queen sale range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nolah Original 10 | All foam AirFoam design | About 10 inch | Medium, slightly plush on top | Light and average side sleepers, value hunters | Often under one thousand after promos |
| Nolah Signature 12 | All foam with extra AirFoam | About 12 inch | Medium to medium soft | Dedicated side sleepers, pressure relief first | Usually mid one thousand range on sale |
| Nolah Natural 11 | Latex and coil hybrid | About 11 inch | True medium | Shoppers who want natural latex and stronger bounce | Commonly around low to mid one thousand on sale |
| Nolah Evolution 15 | AirFoamICE and coil hybrid | About 15 inch | Plush, luxury firm or firm | Most people, especially hot sleepers and couples | Often around two thousand or a bit less with big promos |
| Nolah Evolution Comfort Plus | Reinforced hybrid for bigger bodies | About 15 inch | Supportive medium firm to firm feel | Sleepers above about 250 pounds, plus size couples | Usually similar to Evolution or a little higher on sale |
| Nolah Nurture Kids | Flippable latex and coil kid bed | About 10 inch | One side softer, one side firmer | Children and tweens who want a cooler, springier feel | Commonly well under one thousand even outside major events |
My personal findings after eight years on Nolah
I have unboxed, cut open and slept on early Nolah foam beds, newer AirFoamICE versions and the coil hybrids. They all share a common feel that sits between classic memory foam and bouncy latex.
- Pressure relief shows up fast. AirFoam settles under the shoulders and hips sooner than dense memory foam, so you do not get that firm first impression followed by a slow sink.
- Recovery is quick. When you roll to a new position, the surface springs back instead of holding a body outline. Combination sleepers usually appreciate this.
- Motion stays controlled. You still get some bounce on the hybrids, but partner movement is much less noticeable than on many classic coil beds.
- Cooling is better than standard memory foam. The all foam models still feel warmer than a thin coil bed, yet they run cooler than most dense memory foam I have tested. The Evolution with AirFoamICE is the standout for hot sleepers.
- Support for bigger bodies improves as you move up the line. I am more cautious recommending the Original for heavier sleepers, while the Evolution and Comfort Plus hold shape much better over time.
Nolah video gallery
If you want to see how the foam behaves in real time, these test clips show bounce, contouring and heat response from my lab and showroom.
How each Nolah model feels to sleep on
Nolah Original 10
The Original is the starter bed in the line. It uses a comfort layer of AirFoam over a simple support core. On my scale it lands in a true medium range with a relaxed surface. Side sleepers up to roughly the mid two hundred pound range usually do well, and back sleepers who like a slightly softer top also tend to be happy here.
Downsides show up if you are heavier or spend most of the night on your stomach. In that case you may sink a bit too deep through the comfort layers.
Nolah Signature 12
Signature keeps the same basic concept but adds more AirFoam and a thicker build. The extra height gives shoulders and hips more room to nestle in without running straight into the firm base. For strict side sleepers this is often the sweet spot in the all foam group.
If you want a very firm feel, Signature will not be the right call. It is built to cradle more than to feel board like.
Nolah Natural 11
Natural swaps AirFoam for Talalay latex and adds a coil core. The result feels livelier with more bounce and an easier time moving around. Latex pushes back faster than standard foam, which many people with back issues enjoy.
This is a good answer if you want a cleaner material story with cotton, wool and latex plus stronger edge strength than the all foam beds.
Nolah Evolution 15 and Comfort Plus
Evolution is the flagship. A tall profile, euro style top, AirFoamICE for cooling and a zoned coil core combine to give a very balanced feel. The plush version leans toward side sleepers, luxury firm suits the widest crowd and the firm option is a match for back and stomach sleepers who want a flatter surface.
Comfort Plus builds on that design with extra reinforcement for higher weight ranges. In the showroom it feels very steady under load, with edges that barely budge even when you sit right on the border.
Best Nolah mattress by sleep position
Here is how I usually match each model to sleep style after watching hundreds of people lie on them.
| Sleep position | Top Nolah picks | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly side | Nolah Signature 12, Nolah Evolution plush | Extra AirFoam or plush euro top softens contact at the shoulder and hip while still holding the spine level. |
| Back with some side | Nolah Original 10, Nolah Evolution luxury firm, Nolah Natural 11 | Medium surface that fills the curve in the lower back without letting your hips fall too low. |
| Mostly stomach | Nolah Evolution firm, Nolah Evolution Comfort Plus | Firmer coil zones under the pelvis keep your midsection from dipping, which helps protect the lower back. |
| Plus size sleepers | Nolah Evolution luxury firm or firm, Comfort Plus, Natural 11 | Taller builds with coils and stronger edges handle higher loads and resist early sag. |
| Kids and teens | Nolah Nurture Kids | Flippable design lets you start on the softer side and move to the firmer side as they grow. |
How Nolah performs for pain relief and body type
For shoulder and hip pain
Signature and Evolution plush do the best job easing sharp pressure near the shoulder and outer hip. AirFoam spreads load out more evenly than classic memory foam, so you feel cradled without sinking into a deep trench.
For lower back pain
Evolution luxury firm and the firmer Comfort Plus builds are usually my starting point. The zoned coils place stronger support under the lumbar area while letting the top layer cushion the surface. Many back sleepers with chronic soreness report less stiffness after a few weeks on these builds.
For heavier sleepers
If you are above about 230 to 250 pounds, I would skip the Original and go straight to Evolution or Comfort Plus. The coil base and taller build handle force better and feel more stable when you sit on the edges or roll near the border.
Nolah for couples and intimacy
The all foam models absorb almost all motion, which is great if one partner tosses around. The tradeoff is a softer, slower surface that does not feel very springy. Evolution strikes the better balance for many couples: enough bounce from the coils to move freely, yet enough foam up top to keep things quiet.
Nolah vs Nectar and Saatva
Nolah vs Nectar
Nectar leans into a deeper, classic memory foam hug. You sink in more and feel less bounce. Nolah sits closer to the surface with faster response and better ease of movement.
If you are a strict side sleeper who loves that slow melting feel and wants a very long trial, Nectar can make sense. If you want pressure relief without feeling stuck and prefer a cooler surface, Nolah is the safer bet in my experience.
Nolah vs Saatva
Saatva focuses on tall, traditional coil designs with a euro top and a very classic hotel style feel. They carry more firmness choices and more models, but they also come with a higher typical ticket.
For shoppers who want a bouncy coil feel with strong edge support and do not mind spending more, Saatva is attractive. If you want quieter motion, cooler foam and a softer price, Nolah wins on value, especially during big sale periods.
Nolah pricing and promos in real life
Mattress pricing moves a lot through the year, but after tracking Nolah for years I see very clear patterns. Full price is mostly for show. The useful number is the common sale range.
| Model | Queen list price | Typical sale range |
|---|---|---|
| Nolah Original 10 | Around low one thousand list | Often in the high eight hundred to low nine hundred range with code |
| Nolah Signature 12 | Higher mid one thousand list | Commonly mid one thousand range on major events |
| Nolah Natural 11 | Similar to or slightly above Signature list | Often around the mid one thousand range when deals stack |
| Nolah Evolution 15 | Upper one thousand to low two thousand list | Regularly about one third off, usually near the low two thousand mark or below |
| Nolah Evolution Comfort Plus | Premium price tier | Often very close to Evolution sale price once promos apply |
| Nolah Nurture Kids | Well under adult queen list | Usually solid savings that put it in a friendly kid bed range |
Nolah mattress frequently asked questions
Yes. Side sleepers are actually where Nolah shines the most. Signature 12 and the plush version of Evolution give the deepest relief at the shoulder and hip without collapsing through the middle. If you sleep on your side and wake up with sore joints on a firm coil bed, these two models belong on your short list.
The all foam beds run cooler than dense memory foam and warmer than a simple coil bed. Hot sleepers who want the coldest surface should focus on Evolution with AirFoamICE or the Natural latex hybrid, both of which move more air and pull heat away from the body better than basic foam.
With normal use and a proper base, most people can expect a real world lifespan of around eight to ten years on the hybrids and a bit less on the entry all foam beds, especially for heavier sleepers. The lifetime warranty covers defects, but comfort changes over time are still the main reason you will eventually want to replace any mattress.
Yes, though model choice matters. For sleepers above roughly 230 to 250 pounds I strongly prefer Evolution luxury firm or firm, Comfort Plus or Natural 11 over the all foam Original. They keep alignment in a safer range, resist early body impressions and give edges that feel much more secure.
Nolah is primarily direct to consumer. That said, you can try select models on the floor at our Yawnder showroom in San Diego. For everyone else, the brand leans on a long home trial so you can sleep on the bed in your real bedroom instead of for five minutes under bright lights.
Nolah gives a trial period that runs about four months. After the first month, if the feel is clearly wrong, you can contact them to arrange a return. They typically work with local partners to donate or recycle the mattress and then refund you minus any small pickup or transport fee noted in the terms.
My bottom line on Nolah
If you want pressure relief and a calm, quiet feel without the deep slow sink of old memory foam, Nolah deserves a serious look. For most shoppers the Evolution line gives the cleanest blend of comfort, support and cooling. The all foam beds stretch your dollars further but are better for lighter and average builds.
The good news is that you do not have to guess from a product page. Use the trial, sleep on it for a few weeks and let your body decide. If it is not the right match, move on. Life is too short to wake up sore.
27 thoughts on “Nolah Mattress Review – 12 Real World Tests”
Hi Ben. I just ended a chat with this company. They couldn’t tell me what the density of the base foam is. How do we find that out? I like everything else about this mattress but like you I am concerned about bottoming out. I’m overweight at 170 lbs but with 33 bmi. Any ideas?
I weight around 200 and did not bottom out on this mattress. If you were to jump into bed, you might bottom out when landing. It’s an impromptu test that I have. Once you’re lying down, you wont bottom out.
Nolah Mattress has cured my back pain. I highly recommend them.
Thanks for the review! I’ve been reading more about Nolah and appreciate the straight up honest review.
Thanks for this review. I would love to win. Thank you
Read review. Would love to win this for my daughter! Thanks for the chace to win one!
It sounds wonderful! I’ve had 10 back surgeries and its really hard to find a mattress that is tolorable for me to sleep on.
I like the idea of it having more breathability. Is it heavy? My son has a foam mattress and it’s quite heavy.
No, it’s not heavy. I can’t remember the exact weight but it’s under 70 lbs.
2 weeks in to trying the nolah. I like it, my wife not so much. Shes a back sleeper 130 pounds and prefers firmer. Im a side sleeper 190 pounds and i think it works for me, but maybe a tad soft. Thinking of returning and trying the ghostbed or leesa. Aby real difference between leesa and nolah? Might she like it more? Will I find the ghostbed too firm?
The Leesa may be slightly softer than the Nolah. I think the Ghostbed would definitely be too firm.
2 months in. Wife got used to the feel. She feels like it sleeps too warm, but she insists on full pjs and covers.. For me, i love the pressure relief, its maybe warmer than our innerspring and i use less covers but its not sweating hot, and definitely better than memory foam. Absolutely zero motion transfer. (My above was a tap error). I like Nolah better than leesa (tried in store, too firm for this side sleeper). Wish it had innerspring support. Nolah, make an innerspring hybrid version! Customer service has been awesome.
Offgassing was minimal and gone in an hour. After initial few weeks saying it was too soft, the wife got used to the feel (softer than our extrafirm innerspring). She still feels like it sleeps too warm for her, but she insists on full pjs and covers. For me, i love the pressure relief, it us maybe warmer than our innerspring and i use less covers but its not sweating hot, and definitely better than memory foam. Absolutely zero motion transfer, i can get in/out bed and wife doesnt notice. I like Nolah better than leesa which i thought a long time about (tried in store, too firm for this side sleeper). Wish the Nolah had innerspring support, because I could use it in my lumba arear–maybe this is a downside if every all-foam mattress? Nolah, make an innerspring hybrid version and I think I would be sold! Customer service has been awesome, refund came same day the mattress was picked up (wow).
My biggest issues is heat, hot flashes and overall heat retention is the reason I’m shopping for a mattress. Would you say this mattress is excellent in the cooling department?
It does do a good job of cooling more so than other all foam mattresses I have reviewed.
I am a side sleeper and have been sleeping on my nolah for about 4 weeks and unfortunately, I think I need something else. I am 6’0, 230 and my hip/lower back pain is gone but I feel like I am sinking in it. Can you recommend something similar that might be better suited for me?
Thanks
Best mattress we ever owned! We’re side sleepers 🙂
We bought Nolah because everybody says it’s the best mattress for side sleepers and we couldn’t agree more! We tried Loom & Leaf and Nectar before Nolah, and both were way too firm and caused us to wake up with hip and shoulder pains. Before we ordered we spoke with them on the live chat where they explained that their foam is softer than Memory Foam but still supportive so we took the chance and ordered one. It arrived five days after we placed the order and one of the co-founders was kind enough to help explain how to set it up on our bed frame. Overall the experience with Nolah has been exceptional and much better than the two previous mattresses we ordered online. For anybody looking for a softer cool supportive mattress for side sleepers, we would recommend Nolah as the best we ever tried! We love it and are enjoying it every single night. No more shoulder or hip pains and my wife wakes up happier than she has done in years which makes me even happier 🙂 Happy wife happy life thank you Nolah!
After doing a ton of research I can’t wait to try my Nolah once it gets here. I previously ordered at tuft and needle and I honestly just didn’t like the feel and firmness of the mattress. After talking to the Co Founder of Nolah (Daniel) he convinced me this will be a good fit for me do to me being a side sleeper and want something on the softer side. I’ll update once I get it !
Looking at your heat retention test on the Nolah, it looked like it took a lengthy period for that heat to dissipate. Did you read it differently? I didn’t notice any direct comment about the actual test.
Thanks for the review. This mattress looks really interesting to me. I’ve wanted to buy a foam type mattress for some time, but I’ve been concerned about the problem of heat. Reviews on the Nolah indicate it is one of the best mattresses for not retaining heat. That and the fact that I’m a side sleeper make this mattress appealing to me.
I thought it might be interesting to find out about their adopt an animal program. When I looked into the Defenders of Wildlife, I discovered that they spend a lot of money on lobbying, filing law suits, and partisan politics. If that’s what “adopt an animal” means to Nolah, then I can’t buy their mattress. I’ll just have to keep looking for a mattress that meets my needs and doesn’t use a portion of my money for partisan politics.
Thanks for the review. After researching for a very long time, I strayed away from what I thought I would do (buy a conventional or hybrid mattress from a B&M store) and ordered a Nolah. I’m hoping it will work out. For me a side sleeper who sleeps hot, it will likely be a good match. My wife is heavier, and is a stomach sleeper, but hates a firm feel. Hopefully, this will work out for her.
While I thought I would stay away from online foam mattresses, this one appears to address some of my concerns. With a better warranty and a simpler, cheaper return process, I’m going ahead and gambling. Neither of my local furniture stores were able to get me something I was comfortable with at an affordable price. We’ll see how it goes when the Nolah arrives.
James,
How’s it working out?
We had our Nolah for eight months now and its the best mattress we ever had! We tried Nectar and Purple before Nolah, but they were too firm, and I woke up with my shoulders hurting 🙁 We’re both sides sleepers, and Nolah is soft and supportive at the same time. It also sleeps cooler than my old memory foam mattress.
Bought Nolah after reading your review. I need a cool mattress with pressure relief for my hips. Nolah did the trick and I sleep cool and without pains!
How does this mattress compare with others in terms of heat? Your infrared recording doesn’t provide any additional details like some of you other reviews do. I have a Nectar and often overheat.
This will sleep a little cooler than the Nectar
We purchased the nolah but found it to be too firm. Like the pillowtop feel, would the dream cloud be a better choice?