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The AS3 is the best-selling mattress by Amerisleep. This model is considered universally comfortable and seems to be offering an excellent value for money.
But does this mattress live up to the expectations?
Today’s review of the Amerisleep AS3 mattress will take a close look at this model, how it performs in real life, and all its perks and drawbacks that might affect your experience.
Weight (Queen Size)
80 lbs
Thickness
12"
Delivery Format
Compressed and rolled in a box
Delivery
Free shipping & returns
Type
Memory Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm
Trial Period
100 Nights
Warranty
20 Year
Cover
I’d like to start my Amerisleep AS3 mattress review with the cover, which will be the closest to the sleeper.
The AS3 uses polyester for the cover (a popular option among most modern mattresses) but adds a little twist. The cover fabric also contains spandex and Celliant.
Spandex makes the AS3’s cover stretchy and adaptive. It adjusts to the body’s shape and then springs back to its original state. That’s probably why my AS3 did not show any body imprints while I was testing it. The mattress’s surface looked brand new even after prolonged use.
As for the Celliant component, it is meant to transform the body heat into infrared energy, aiding muscle recovery and cooler sleep. I’m not sure about the infrared energy, as the AS3 isn’t the coolest foam model on the market. It remained neutral throughout the night, but I didn’t notice a significant cooling effect. I also experienced fast tension relief after hitting the gym, but this aspect might have to do with the adaptive foams of the AS3 (which I will discuss in detail below).
It’s worth mentioning that this mattress’s cover is zippered. There are two zippers - one for the main cover, and the other for the bottom blue section (allowing sleepers to clean the entire outer shell of the mattress). I did not have any issues with the zippers, as they seemed well-made and worked smoothly. The cover might be too large for some washing machines, but the removable design makes it easier to clean nonetheless (when you need to treat spots, for example).
Construction
Moving on to the next part of our Amerisleep AS3 mattress review – the layers that are hiding under the cover. They include:
- Comfort layer (3 inches). Amerisleep uses its proprietary Bio-Pur foam, plant-based memory foam that has an open-cell structure. It has a cradling feel and adjusts to the body. The top layer returns back to its shape slowly after the pressure is applied, which is typical for memory foam. That being said, the Bio-Pur layer does feel a bit different, as it doesn’t trap as much heat as traditional foam. I was surprised when the AS3 maintained a neutral temperature even while I was sleeping on one side and experienced a deeper hug.
- Transition layer (2 inches). The second layer is slightly stiffer than the comfort layer, with a more noticeable response. This layer nicely balanced out the soft comfort foam, preventing that unpleasant quicksand sensation many foam mattresses have. Additionally, the AS3’s transition layer uses the HIVE technology. It has a convoluted design (resembling a beehive, hence the name), which allows the air to travel more freely through the mattress. The HIVE layer contributes to the cooling effect of the top Bio-Pur foam, which is why the AS3 helped me avoid night sweats. It’s also worth mentioning that the HIVE layer is zoned. It offers various support levels for different body parts (for instance, it’s softer around the shoulders but firmer in the lumbar area). Such a design ensures proper spinal alignment and reduced tension. I, for one, experienced immediate relief when lying on the AS3 with a stiff back. The pressure simply dissipated, which might prove this zoned layer works.
- Base layer (7 inches). The foundation of the AS3 mattress is thick and dense. This layer feels firm and provides reliable support for the rest of the construction. To me, this layer seemed sturdy enough to withstand years of use. It also has a slightly springy feel (probably due to its firmness), which may also help prevent sagging.
Cooling
Memory foam already has a reputation for sleeping hot, and the AS3 is no exception. However, this mattress uses some tricks, such as a breathable cover and open-cell memory foam, to help with heat retention. The mattress reached a max temperature of 85.6 degrees Fahrenheit while I was lying in it. So, although I didn’t notice any specific coolness qualities, and slept temperature neutral, I also didn’t overheat or have any dreaded night sweats.
Sinkage
Sinkage plays a significant role in whether a mattress will feel comfortable and alleviate pressure. While testing the AS3, I measured its compressions at around 2.18 inches, which is moderate sinkage. I felt properly contoured but still had enough support while lying on my stomach.
I have specific testing methods I use to get my numbers for mattresses like the AS3, so you can get a better understanding of what mattress works best for you.
Response
The AS3 has an average response time compared to other mattresses I’ve tested, making it not as fast responding as others, but it also won’t suck you in like quicksand. The AS3 has a mostly recovered shape from an impression in about 0.6 seconds, and a fully recovered shape in 0.9 seconds. This is in contrast to Zoma, which had a 0.35 seconds partial recovery time, and 0.8 second full recovery time. I found the AS3’s slower response time helped increase its ability to absorb motion, which is a plus for couples sleeping with a restless partner.
Bounce
Due to AS3’s slower response time, it doesn’t have as much bounce. However, since AS3 is an all-foam mattress, having less bounce is normal. I measured AS3’s bounce values at 6.6 inches for a total bounce, and an initial impression sinkage at around 5.30 inches. My testing object only reached a height of 1.3 inches while bouncing, meaning that this mattress won’t slow you down too much for changing sleeping positions, but may feel a bit slow for fast movements.
Firmness
Another important aspect I want to mention in my Amerisleep AS3 mattress review is the firmness level of this model. It will affect how comfortable different sleepers would be when using this mattress.
Now, firmness is subjective. One mattress can seem softer to heavier individuals and firmer to lightweight people, as they apply different amounts of pressure to the foam.
As an average sleeper, I think the AS3 is a medium-firm mattress. I would give it 6 on the firmness scale (with 10 being the stiffest).
Overall, the AS3 feels nicely balanced, as for me. The top layer is cradling and offers a generous hug. However, once the body reaches the transition layer, it receives sturdy support. The AS3 made me feel like I was sleeping “in” the mattress rather than on it, but without sacrificing proper support.
To sum up, the AS3 doesn’t feel like a plush cloud. Instead, it combines a gentle hug with reliable, solid support.
Edge Support
Strong edges are often a necessity for couples who want more sleeping space. 
However, this aspect is something most memory foam mattresses lack.
When testing the edge support in the AS3 mattress, I tried both sitting and sleeping near the edge. The results were satisfactory but not impressive.
The AS3 managed to provide decent support when I was lying close to the edge. I didn’t feel like I would roll off, which means this mattress can offer extra sleeping space for average and lightweight sleepers. Sadly, heavier individuals might have to look for a hybrid model if they want solid edge support.
That being said, the foam around the edges compressed noticeably when I was sitting. While such a performance is common for most all-foam mattresses, the AS3 might not work for sleepers with somewhat limited mobility. The mattress simply doesn’t offer any help (boost) when trying to get up.
It’s also worth mentioning that the AS3’s surface is a bit slippery. It’s not critical but might be an issue for people with somewhat limited mobility (due to pain, for example).
The AS3 compressed noticeably while sitting on the edge, typical for most memory foam mattresses; however, the AS3 compressed a bit more than usual. I measured the compression at around 5.4 inches, which may make the mattress a bit too edge-sinking if you have mobility issues and need a stable, firm surface to sit down on. Lying on the edge was a bit better, as my weight was evenly distributed, and I didn’t feel like I would roll off.
Motion Transfer
Moving on to motion transfer, a factor that can be a real deal-breaker for some couples (especially if one of them is a restless sleeper).
Now, foam mattresses usually absorb shock from motion pretty well, so I was expecting excellent results from the AS3 by Amerisleep. And thankfully, this mattress did not fail me. Even though the AS3 is slightly more responsive than your average foam mattress (so it doesn’t feel like quicksand), it does not allow shock from motion to travel to the other side of the bed. This allowed my wife to sleep peacefully throughout the night, even though I tried to be extra active when tossing and turning.
Sex Test
For a mattress to perform well, it needs to have good bounce, and edge support, and not generate a lot of sound. I recorded the AS3 to have a lower bounce than average, meaning you may find the AS3 to feel a bit dead for fast movements The AS3 also has a bit more compression than usual for edge support at around 5.4 inches, which can play a role in how well the mattress works for couples. However, the mattress, due to be all-foam, is noiseless, which can be a huge plus for couples.
Pressure Relief
With 5 inches of comfort and another 7 inches of support layers, the AS3 has the depth necessary to deliver a good amount of pressure relief. The AS3 did an excellent job providing contour and gently hugging my body, eliminating any pressure build-up.
How It Feels for Different Types of Sleepers
Naturally, one mattress cannot be comfortable for everyone. That’s why I wanted to see how the AS3 by Amerisleep would perform for different sleeping styles. Here are the conclusions I’ve made:
- Side sleepers. When sleeping on one side, I was happy to discover that the AS3 did not cause pressure build-up in the protruding shoulder or hip. Instead, the mattress cushioned my curves and offered a generous hug. The top comfort layer is also gentle enough to cradle petite individuals. As for heavier side sleepers (over 230 pounds), they will also experience a deep hug with decent support for the spine. That being said, I feel like the AS3 might seem too plush for some heavier individuals, especially those who prefer sturdier sleep surfaces.
- Back sleepers. Lying on my back, I felt the tension melting down. This probably has to do with the correct alignment. My lumbar back was properly supported, with the AS3 filling in the natural back curve. It also gently hugged my hips, resulting in a very balanced feel. I also think the AS3 can provide enough of a hug for petite back sleepers while keeping them in a proper alignment. As for heavier back sleepers, they might not receive enough support with the AS3, unfortunately.
- Stomach sleepers. I expected the AS3 to allow for some unwanted sinkage when I was sleeping on my stomach. However, I received decent support and felt perfectly comfortable. I think petite stomach sleepers will also enjoy proper support and alignment when using the AS3 by Amerisleep. As for heavier stomach sleepers, this model might be too plush for them.
Sleeping Positions: Summary
Sleeping Position | Amerisleep AS3 |
|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | I like the extra cushioning that the AS3 delivers, especially to the shoulders and hips. However, heavier sleepers may find the AS3 too plush. |
| Back Sleepers | I noticed the AS3 gave me proper spinal alignment while lying on my back, and my tension totally melted. Heavier sleepers may not experience the same level of support, however. |
| Stomach Sleepers | I felt moderate support while lying on my stomach, and felt comfortable. The plush layers may cause the hips to sink too much for heavier sleepers, however. |
Other Important Information
Some details can either improve or ruin one’s experience with the mattress, so it’s crucial to consider them before finalizing the purchase.
Amerisleep offers a 100-night sleep trial with the AS3, which is a pretty standard duration on the mattress market. However, shoppers might not be aware that this sleep trial includes a mandatory 30-day break-in period. It allows sleepers to get used to the new mattress. Just like that, the foam requires some time to adapt to the sleeper. That’s why the AS3 may seem too firm for the first few days.
This mattress comes with a 20-year warranty, which is good coverage for this price category. Just to compare, the Casper comes with a 10-year warranty, despite being a bit pricier than the AS3 by Amerisleep.
It’s also worth mentioning that the AS3 arrives compressed in a box. As a result, the mattress has slight off-gassing upon unpacking. It’s not that strong but can still be an issue for sensitive individuals. That’s why shoppers might want to wait for around 24 hours before sleeping on the AS3. I left my mattress in a well-ventilated room in the morning, and it was odor-free by evening.
Wrapping Up
The AS3 by Amerisleep effectively combines generous cradling with reliable support, making it as close to a universally comfortable mattress as possible. It might be too soft for heavier sleepers, but the AS3 can still accommodate a wide range of users. This mattress also feels sturdy, doesn’t sleep hot, and has a slow response to pressure (great news for partnered sleepers). Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the AS3 is worth trying out.
Pros:
- very well-made and pretty durable;
- removable cover and outer shell for easy cleaning;
- great motion isolation (suited for partnered sleepers);
- suitable for all sleeping styles.
Cons:
- slight off-gassing (should dissipate within 24 hours);
- might be too plush for heavier individuals (especially stomach sleepers);
- the cover is a bit slippery.