How We Rank Mattresses

The catalog score

A catalog score is a weighted average on a 0–10 scale, rounded to one decimal place. It uses the same formula for every brand. We do not apply affiliate-partner bonuses, product-specific score overrides, or minimum scores for expensive mattresses.

Displayed percentages are rounded to one decimal place. The exact calculation multiplies cooling, motion isolation, pressure relief, edge support, durability, and price and policies by relative weights of 20, 20, 20, 10, 5 and 10, then divides the sum by 85.

Category ratings are translated as follows: excellent 10; high or advanced 9; very good 8.5; good 7.5; moderate, average or medium 5; fair 3; low 2; poor or none 1. A valid rating already expressed out of 10 keeps its number. These translations are our comparison convention, not standardized laboratory measurements.

Softer or firmer feel does not raise or lower the general catalog score. Firmness describes feel and changes which mattress may suit you. The quiz uses your sleep position and feel preferences; a mattress with multiple or custom feels can receive a catalog score when its performance ratings and price are complete.

The price component starts at 9.5 points below $400; 8.5 below $700; 7.5 below $1,000; 6.5 below $1,500; 5.5 below $2,200; 4.5 below $3,500; and 3.5 at $3,500 or more. It uses the listed Queen sale price when present, otherwise the listed Queen price. A recorded trial of at least 100 nights adds 0.5, and a warranty of at least 10 years adds 0.5, capped at 10. This is a price-and-policy heuristic, not a complete measure of value. Eligibility, exclusions, return fees and final checkout price can change the comparison.

Missing information and uncertainty

We withhold the overall score when any of the five performance ratings is missing or unrecognized, or a finite positive Queen price is unavailable. Mattress pages may still show subscore bars for the known factors; missing factors receive no public bar. Missing or custom firmness does not make the general score incomplete. Missing information is not a negative product review. A complete set of fields does not establish that every underlying claim has been independently verified. Older or incomplete catalog information is still being reviewed.

How lists and discovery cards are ordered

• Browse defaults to catalog score, with complete scores first and alphabetical ties. You can choose price or brand sorting and apply filters.
• The Editor's Picks page shows up to 30 eligible mattresses scoring at least 8.5. It is a model-based shortlist, not independent testing or a claim that other mattresses are inferior.
• Homepage discovery cards show a selection across brands and price ranges, with no more than two from one brand. A date-based ordering supplies variety when the page is generated. This is not a performance ranking or a guaranteed daily rotation.
• Editorial guides and comparisons have their own topics and selection criteria. A numerical score is one comparison aid; it does not replace checking the exact product, size and seller terms.

Quiz matches are a separate calculation

The quiz adds points based on your selected sleep position, priorities, concerns, size and budget using available catalog fields. It orders positive-scoring results and scales them relative to the leading result, which receives 99%. A 99% match is not a 99% probability of satisfaction and is not comparable across different sets of answers. Missing data, general assumptions and outdated product information can affect results. Use the shortlist to compare options, not to diagnose or treat a health condition.

Only individual, non-retired models with a listed positive price for your selected size are included; a missing size price does not establish that the size is unavailable. Another size's price is never substituted. Unrecognized or missing ratings earn no points, and missing firmness is not assigned a default feel. Budget points use the range you selected; an above-budget model can still appear because of other preferences, with that trade-off shown. GOTS, GOLS or USDA Organic must be named in the listing to receive the organic-certification preference points; other certifications do not qualify. These are listing-based signals, not independent certification verification. Tied scores use alphabetical product order, with six detailed suggestions and at most thirty total. Downloads contain product names and links, not email addresses or quiz answers.

Product information and prices

Manufacturer and retailer pages are sources for model identity, sizes, materials, prices and purchase policies. Where a check is recorded, its scope and date matter: confirming a price does not verify every specification or performance claim. Automated checks help flag changes but do not guarantee current pricing. We are reviewing older records and do not promise that the whole catalog is checked on a fixed weekly or quarterly schedule.

Confirm the exact model, size, stock, shipping, trial and return terms with the seller. A manufacturer's offer may differ from the retailer reached through a link. Bundle value is not automatically a regular mattress price, and we do not treat it as evidence of a discount.