The original 12-inch Revel offered a balanced medium feel at a budget price. Ben found good contouring and relatively quick foam recovery, but noticed the transitions between layers and would personally choose a softer bed for side sleeping. This is the 2019 sample; current availability and policies have not been verified.
Ben’s original experience
The mattress expanded quickly after unboxing and produced relatively little initial odor compared with other compressed foam beds Ben had tried at the time. Its surface offered a blend of cushioning and support without the very slow response of some traditional memory foam.
For Ben’s own side-sleeping preference, a softer mattress might be more comfortable. He could also feel the transition between layers more distinctly than on some higher-priced models. These are subjective observations from the original sample, not a promise about current products.
Inside the original Revel
The mattress reviewed was approximately 12 inches tall and used three foam layers:
| Layer | Original description |
|---|---|
| Comfort | 3 inches of gel-infused foam |
| Transition | 2 inches of quicker-response LiftTex foam |
| Support | 7 inches of base foam |
Ben opened the cover and photographed the layers. Despite occasional historical use of “hybrid” in the product description, this sample did not have a coil support unit.
Original photos and video
Watch my original 2019 Revel mattress review. The video shows the foam mattress reviewed at the time; it is not a test of a current model.
Watch the original Revel review on YouTube.
Who might have liked the original?
You want balanced foam contouring with more responsive movement than very slow memory foam.
You prefer a particularly plush side-sleeping surface or want the feel of a coil hybrid.
Comfort and support vary with body size, sleep position and the base used beneath the mattress.
Before buying an old listing
We have not verified the original Revel’s current availability, model specifications or return terms. If you find a listing, confirm the manufacturer, model, size and condition; similar names can refer to different products. Read the seller’s delivery, return and warranty terms before paying.
For currently available alternatives, explore our mattress reviews or visit the Encinitas showroom.
Frequently asked questions
Was the tested Revel a hybrid?
The tested mattress used three foam layers and no coils, even though some older descriptions used “hybrid.”
Was it very soft?
Ben described a balanced medium feel and would have preferred something softer for his own side sleeping.
Does this review cover a mattress sold today?
It covers the original 2019 sample. Current availability and specifications have not been verified.
Does the bowling-ball demonstration measure how I will sleep?
No. It shows compression under one object, not a personal comfort result.
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.