The Very Best Mattresses, As Tested by Our Editors - The Strategist

The Strategist recently featured the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress, saying they " found it especially cozy, with a “hotel-quality” level of cushioning that fans of plusher mattresses will appreciate." Check out an excerpt from their review below, and click HERE to dive into the full article. Keep reading for expert advice on selecting the perfect mattress and all the reasons why the Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress stands out as the ultimate cooling solution for hot sleepers.

"Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe mattress is the brand’s best seller. It’s a hybrid mattress that comes in three different firmness levels — soft, medium, and firm — with the option to add a two-inch foam pillow top for an additional $400. (Strategist writer Latifah Miles tried out the pillow-top version of this mattress in a Brooklyn Bedding showroom and found it especially cozy, with a “hotel-quality” level of cushioning that fans of plusher mattresses will appreciate.) The mattress has an 8-inch zoned core of pocketed steel coils topped with three layers of foam; the density of the middle layer of foam will vary according to the firmness level you select. New York deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff has tested this mattress in her home and advises that while the mattress feels luxurious and very substantial, the medium firmness level “errs on the softer side” and is “squishier” than expected — so she suggests “going in a firmer direction than you might normally.” Both Swerdloff and her husband run hot, however, and found that the mattress’s cooling features — including Brooklyn Bedding’s GlacioTex cover, which uses a specific weave to promote airflow — helped them sleep a little cooler than usual."

Why Sleep Quality Matters

What is Sleep Quality?

Sleep quality refers to how deeply you sleep, how quickly you fall asleep, and how often you wake up during the night, rather than just the total hours spent in bed. A good indicator of sleep quality is spending about 85% of your time asleep and falling asleep within 30 minutes, with minimal waking throughout the night. If sleep issues persist, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

How to Improve Sleep Quality

To improve sleep, establish a consistent routine, create a sleep-friendly environment, and avoid screens or heavy meals before bed. Regular exercise, stress management, and investing in a comfortable mattress that suits your sleep style are key factors.

Benefits of Quality Sleep

Quality sleep enhances cognitive function, boosts decision-making, and promotes physical health by supporting cell repair and regulating metabolism. It also fosters emotional well-being, reducing mood disorders and increasing resilience. Prioritizing sleep leads to better energy, productivity, and overall life satisfaction.

Key Mattress Buying Considerations

Firmness Mattress firmness refers to how soft or firm a mattress feels when you lie on it, typically rated on a scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (firmest). It’s crucial to choose a firmness level that aligns with your body weight and preferred sleeping position. A firmer mattress supports spinal alignment, while a softer mattress can provide relief for pressure points.

Support Levels A mattress should offer adequate support, particularly for your lower back and hips. Back and stomach sleepers often benefit from firmer mattresses, while side sleepers may prefer something softer to relieve pressure on their shoulders and hips. Your body weight and sleep position determine the support level that will provide the most comfort.

Sleep Position Your sleep position plays a major role in choosing the right mattress. Back sleepers need a mattress that provides full-body support, especially for the spine. Side sleepers require pressure relief for their shoulders and hips. Stomach sleepers need a mattress that keeps their spine aligned without too much sinking. Combination sleepers will find a medium firmness mattress that adapts well to multiple positions.

Mattress Materials and Construction

Innerspring and Hybrid Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses use a coil grid for support, while hybrid mattresses combine coils with foam for enhanced comfort and motion isolation. Hybrid options, like the Brooklyn Signature, feature individually encased coils to reduce motion transfer, making them perfect for couples, and they improve airflow for cooler sleep.

All-Foam Mattresses

All-foam mattresses are made with multiple foam layers, offering varied support and pressure relief. High-density foam cores ensure durability, while softer top layers provide comfort and contouring.

Foam Types:

Quick Response Foam: Offers support and pressure relief without sinking.
Memory Foam: Contours to the body, ideal for side sleepers, with cooling features to manage heat.
Latex Foam: Buoyant, breathable, and responsive, great for those with skin sensitivities.

Special Considerations for Unique Sleep Needs

Extra Firm Sleep If you find sleeping on the floor more comfortable, you may need an extra-firm mattress. This is perfect for back and stomach sleepers, or those with conditions like arthritis. The Plank by Brooklyn Bedding is designed for people who need the firmest support available.

Plus-Size Sleep Heavier individuals benefit from a thicker, firmer mattress to prevent sagging and provide even support. The Titan by Brooklyn Bedding is designed specifically for plus-size sleepers, offering extra durability and lift.

Snuggle-Friendly Solutions If your partner’s movements disturb your sleep, consider a hybrid mattress with individually encased coils to minimize motion transfer. A larger mattress or split California King may also reduce disturbances for couples.

Sleep Technology to Enhance Comfort

Adjustable Bases Customize your sleep position with adjustable bases, perfect for relieving pressure points or finding the optimal position for watching TV or reading in bed. Adjustable bases allow you to elevate your head or legs for ultimate comfort.

GlacioTex™ Cooling Fiber Stay cool all night long with GlacioTex™, a cutting-edge cooling fiber infused into your mattress. This technology helps regulate body temperature, making it perfect for hot sleepers who need a refreshing, cool sleep surface.

Top Mattress Choice of 2024

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Aurora Luxe - Best Cooling Mattress

The Aurora Luxe Hybrid mattress is perfect for staying cool while you sleep, especially for people who sleep hot. Its cover is literally cool to the touch, and the inclusion of gel- and copper-infused foam, along with the pocketed coils, help keep air flowing so you don’t overheat. Hot sleepers will love it, and it has a soft, cozy feel like pricier luxury hybrids (but it doesn’t have that luxury price tag). Customers, especially couples, love how cool it stays, even with two people. Many recommend adding the Cloud Pillow Top for extra cushioning. It’s great for motion isolation and is still responsive enough so it’s not a struggle to switch sleep positions.

Highlights of the Aurora Luxe

Since we own our factory, you can get this luxury mattress at a fraction of what the other guys charge.
Three different firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. We offer customized comfort designed for your sleep style.
Comfort layers are excellent at motion isolation, but are still responsive enough to move without feeling stuck.

What to Keep in Mind

People who weigh over 250 pounds are better off looking at the Titan Plus for additional support

Sleep Technology for the Future

Brooklyn Bedding integrates innovative technologies to optimize your sleep experience:

Adjustable Bases: Easily customize your sleep position for added comfort.
GlacioTex™ Cooling Fiber: Keeps you cool all night by regulating body temperature.