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Full beds are incredibly underestimated.
They are no worse in terms of support and can easily accommodate two average adult sleepers, just like a Queen bed would.
In fact, for some people, a Full bed is the only choice they have. If that’s your case, you should know how to choose the right one.
Thankfully, I did the dirty job for you. And after thorough testing, I’m ready to share my reviews of 4 best Full mattresses. Hopefully, you’ll find a perfect fit for you among them.
A Quick Preview
 | Best Overall Nolah Original 10 | Read more about this mattress |
 | Runner Up Puffy | Read more about this mattress |
 | Best For Couples Amerisleep AS3 | Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Cooling Option GhostBed Luxe | Read more about this mattress |
Key decision factors for choosing the Best Full-Size Mattress
Since we have many different options for mattresses in the beginning, it’s important for us to choose the best ones based on several factors like motion isolation, edge support, and price, to handpick a few for this article and only present you with the best choices. Here are some more details about each of these factors.
Motion Isolation
Since full-size mattresses are almost big enough to fit two persons on them, it’s important for them to isolate each partner’s motion accordingly. This helps give each person their own space and prevents them from waking up by the other person’s movements during the night or before and after leaving the bed.
Edge support
Edge support refers to the compression of the mattress on its edges, in a way that if it compresses too much, the mattress has low edge support, and vice versa. Full-size mattresses with great edge support allow each person to reserve their own space on the bed. Without edge support, a full-size mattress can feel like a twin mattress, so it can’t properly support two people.
Price
When it comes to getting a mattress for two people, most people would go for a queen or king size mattress. Full-size mattresses are great for younger individuals. Therefore, the cost of it should be affordable and fair.
Full-Size Mattresses - Our Tests
We test each of the mattresses on our list by many different factors, especially the factors that most contribute to them being suitable for sleepers as full-size mattresses. For example, for measuring edge support, we sit on the edges of the mattress and we measure the sinkage. If the mattress sinks less than 2 inches, it has good edge support. If it sinks more than 4 inches, it’s not supportive on the edges.
The same goes for motion isolation. We place a glass of water on one side of the mattress, and we apply pressure and motion on the other side. If the glass of water falls or spills, the mattress has high motion transfer, which is not good. If the glass doesn’t spill, the mattress has great motion isolation.
Our Reviews of 4 Best Full Size Mattresses on the Market
Best Overall - Nolah Original 10
Highlights
- all-foam construction for generous cradling and pressure relief;
- strong edges, suited for couples who need more sleeping space;
- breathable Tencel cover for cooler sleep.
The Nolah Original 10 mattress is the best on this list of full-size mattresses because of its strong uniform support, cooling properties such as the Airfoam structure, and cradling feeling.
The mattress combines 3 layers, all made of foam. Thanks to the dense base and transition layers, the Nolah Original has unusually strong edges for a foam mattress. The top layer uses Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam that doesn’t contain any heat-sensitive visco-elastic chemicals, which makes this mattress cooler than competitors but still sufficiently cradling.
Now, as for the cover, you have 2 options. The Nolah comes with either a natural viscose or a breathable Tencel cover. Both are great in terms of breathability and thermoregulation. However, the Tencel option is cheaper since it costs less to produce.
Overall, this mattress can properly support your spine and offer a uniform surface, even near the edges. Therefore, it can make a good Full-sized bed for both single sleepers and couples.
The Nolah AirFoam™ gave me better pressure relief than I’ve felt reviewing most standard memory foams. I was adequately supported uniformly, experiencing a sinkage of about 3.98” near the edges, which means you won’t feel like you’re going to roll off.
Key Decision Factors
On edge support, this mattress only sinks about 3.98” on the edges, which is good enough for two adults to sleep on the same full-size mattress. On motion isolation, this mattress is made with 3 layers of memory foam, ranging from dense to medium, making it extremely motion isolating. Memory foam is already well-known for transferring little to no motion. Plus, all of these goodies come at a price of less than $1000 for a queen-size mattress.
Based on Our Tests
I found this Nolah mattress extremely conforming and supportive both on the edges and in the middle. Plus, it kept me cool all night, around 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recommended for:
- Side and back sleepers. Thanks to the medium feel, the Nolah Original will provide enough sinkage and cradling for individuals who sleep on their side and back.
- Value seekers. Those who are looking to get the best for their money will love the comfort this bed offers, its pressure-relieving and cooling properties, and, of course, its price.
- Hot sleepers. The open-cell AirFoam retains less heat than traditional foam and will promote cooler shut-eye.
Pros:
- Cool tencel cover and breathable Airfoam structure;
- Great motion isolation thanks to the dense foam layer;
- Little sinkage but enough contour for sleeping comfortably.
Cons:
- Won’t work for people who want to sleep on a firm surface, such as stomach sleepers or heavy users;
- May have a foam off-gassing for the first couple of nights;
- Not bouncy enough for sex.
Highlights
- durable materials and a lifetime warranty for your peace of mind;
- removable and stain-resistant cover for easy cleaning;
- gel-infused foam for cooling pressure relief.
The Puffy mattress is a runner-up on this list, thanks to being durable, having cooling properties like cooling gel, and providing comfort and support.
Using gel-infused memory foam for the comfort layer, the Puffy sleeps neutral and isn’t likely to make you sweat during the night. The transition layer is slightly more resilient, which means you are not going to feel restricted in your movements.
Another cool thing about the Puffy is its cover. Using stain-resistant fabric and featuring a convenient zipper, the cover is super easy to clean. Chances are, your mattress will remain fresh for quite a long time.
All in all, this mattress certainly deserves your attention, especially if you are suffering from tender pressure points. The Puffy is plushy and gentle, and would make you feel like you are sleeping on a cloud.
Puffy’s Cooling Cloud Foam layer really made me feel like I was sinking into a cloud while testing. There was a bit of compression while being close to the edge, making me rate it a 6.5/10 for firmness, but you can still feel supported as a Full-size mattress.
Key Decision Factors
This mattress offers minimal motion transfer, making it great for partners. It does feel a bit bouncy but it does not disturb the partner’s sleep. Regarding edge support, this mattress sinks about 2.5 inches on the sides, which puts it at the top of the list in this regard. Considering the price, the Puffy mattress starts at $1,000 up to $2,000 depending on the exact type and preferences you choose.
Based on Our Tests
I found this mattress to sink just a bit, allowing my back and shoulders to be properly contoured. I also felt that the mattress’ firmness was about medium-firm to firm, which was supportive enough for both me and my partner.
Recommended for:
- Average-weight side sleepers. The Puffy is soft enough to accommodate side sleepers and to gently cradle the protruding parts of their body, reducing tension.
- Lightweight back sleepers. For petite individuals (less than 130 pounds), the Puffy offers just enough sinkage for the hips and buttocks, suited for proper spinal alignment when sleeping on the back.
- Couples. The Puffy shows great results when it comes to motion absorption, which makes it suitable for partnered sleep (even if one of you is a restless sleeper).
Pros:
- Breathable and washable cover;
- Supportive and sturdy;
- Minimal sinkage.
Cons:
- May sleep warmer for heavier individuals who sink in deeper;
- Not stiff enough to provide decent support for stomach sleepers or larger folks (over 230 pounds);
- Likely to start sagging more quickly than other firmer mattresses.
Highlights
- responsive Bio-Pur foam to combat the quicksand sensation;
- breathable design for cooler sleep without sacrificing the adequate hug;
- zoned transition layer for pinpoint support and effective tension alleviation.
The Amerisleep AS3 mattress is great for couples thanks to having great motion isolation and cooling properties that prevent couples from sweating or sinking in the mattress.
Being among the best Full-sized mattresses, the Amerisleep AS3 combines pretty much everything sleepers may need. It’s spacious enough for two and cradling (which means less motion transfer). At the same time, the Amerisleep AS3 uses breathable foam, which allows it to prevent overheating at night. As an average side sleeper who sinks in a bit deeper, I appreciate that a lot. The Amerisleep AS3 didn’t make me sleep hot even when I forgot to adjust my thermostat to a lower temperature.
Despite having a bit of a slippery cover and noticeable compressions of about 5.4 inches while testing, I still enjoyed the buttery sinkage of Amerisleep AS3’s comfort layers. If you need deep-penetrating pressure relief and are in good health, you should feel stable and comfortable on this mattress.
Key Decision Factors
Speaking of motion isolation, this mattress has several sturdy and thick layers to allow for pressure absorption. The compression properties also present themselves in the edge sinkage, which can be about 5.4 inches. This means that the mattress might not have top notch edge support, but it can provide great contour because of this property. This mattress also ranges from about $1,500 to $2,000 in price depending on the type and sizing.
Based on Our Tests
I found this mattress to absorb the shock from my partner’s movements greatly; probably even the best compared to other mattresses on this list. My partner and I also found it to be medium-firm, which is perfectly balanced for both of us.
Recommended for:
- Partnered sleep. The AS3 has a rather slow-moving feel. Therefore, this mattress can absorb shock from movement quite well. Naturally, this would guarantee undisturbed sleep for couples.
- Side sleepers (or lightweight back sleepers). This model has a medium feel. It should be enough to provide a generous hug for average side sleepers without sacrificing support. This firmness level may also work for petite (less than 130 pounds) back sleepers. The AS3 would cradle their hips and buttocks while supporting the back properly.
- Those who want a long-lasting foam mattress. The AS3 by Amerisleep is very well-made. Additionally, it is protected by a 20-year warranty (quite rare for all-foam mattresses). Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the AS3 was built to last.
Pros:
- The open-cell memory foam construction makes it very breathable;
- It excels at absorbing motion;
- It is completely noiseless during sex;
- The 7-inch thick support layers make it relieve pressure greatly.
Cons:
- Below-average edge support (common for most foam mattresses). This means a bit less sleeping space and makes the AS3 a somewhat questionable choice for larger couples;
- Might not be firm enough for stomach sleepers;
- Might feel too plush for heavier sleepers.
Read our full Amerisleep AS3 mattress review for more information.
Best Cooling Option — GhostBed Luxe
Highlights
- Ghost bounce layer made of gel-infused memory foam and latex
- Ghost Ice technology, made to draw heat away from the body
- Medium plush firmness level that grants generous cushioning for pain relief
The GhostBed Luxe mattress is the best option on this list regarding cooling properties. This is because the mattress has a layer of gel-infused foam and a breathable cover, sleeping at about 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty cool for hot summer nights.
Due to its makeup, it is also able to provide tension alleviating effects with the body contouring and cradling that memory foam offers, while also retaining a bit of springiness to bar that sinking feeling we may get from too much softness.
I tested GhostBed Luxe’s Ghost Ice fabric temperature around 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit after 15 minutes of lying on the mattress, and the fabric itself feels cool every time you shift positions. That makes the GhostBed feel at least 15% cooler than, say, the AS3, which only uses a BioPur foam that lacks an initial cooling effect.
Key Decision Factors
Regarding motion transfer, this mattress is completely made with foam, which makes it absorb motion properly. It might not be the best regarding edge support on this list, since it can feel a bit plush. However, it still provides sufficient cradling and contour for lightweight and average weight side sleepers and back sleepers. Also, keep in mind that this mattress ranges from $2,000 all way to $3,000.
Based on Our Tests
My partner and I found this mattress ideal since we both tend to sleep hot during summer. The mattress kept our bodies cool and didn’t make us feel stuck.
Recommended for:
- Side and lightweight sleepers. It provides these set of sleepers with the appropriate cushioning needed for their sleeping style.
- Hot sleepers. The surface and core cooling properties of the mattress, makes it very ideal for people who tend to sleep hot or warm.
- People with back pain. Its body contouring and cushioning feel is great for tension relief and pain reduction.
Pros:
- Removable and washable cover allows you to keep it clean;
- Relieves pressure thanks to multiple layers of comfort and support;
- Sleeps very cool.
Cons:
- Its firmness level may not be adequate enough for heavier stomach sleepers;
- It may be a little bit expensive for people on a budget;
- Heavier individuals and stomach sleepers might find that it sinks a bit too much for them.
A Brief Word About Full Beds: History and Features
I personally love exploring how certain things have become a natural part of our daily lives — and I thought this might be of interest to you as well — which is why I’m going to share a short historical reference about Full size mattresses.
Before Queen and King mattresses hit the market, Full (or Double) beds were the only option to accommodate two adults.
Today, Full is often confused with Queen – some people even call it ‘mini-Queen’ because of visual similarity.
But here’s the truth:
A Full size mattress measures 53 x 75 inches (2) and is smaller than Queen, which is 60 x 80 inches.
There’s also a Full XL mattress, which measures 53 x 80 inches and makes a good pick for taller individuals, who need some extra space for their legs. However, it’s not a popular size on the market, so you may have difficulties finding it, as well as bedding accessories for it.
Today, Full mattresses are typically a go-to option for:
- teenager bedrooms;
- low-cost hostel or hotel rooms;
- guest rooms.
Full-size beds aren’t that popular on today’s market. In 2018, their share was only 14.8% of all mattresses shipped in the US, while the share of Queen-sized ones was 41.4% (1).
Who Will Benefit the Most from Using a Full Size Bed?
Every mattress size is manufactured with a certain audience in mind; this is why there’s no universal mattress for everyone.
And if you’re considering getting a Full mattress as your next sleeping surface, you probably want to make sure this is the right size.
Let’s see in which scenarios Full will be the perfect pick:
- Small bedrooms or studio apartments. Even though Full beds are often confused with Queens, the difference in their dimensions may play a major role for those who live in a small apartment or have a small bedroom.
- Petite sleepers. If you and your partner aren’t taller than 5’5”, you’ll likely feel comfortable on a Full mattress even if you love to stretch during sleep. But if you are, you should consider getting Queen or even King.
- Guest rooms. A Full mattress can easily accommodate two adult sleepers, and it’s more comfortable than your sofa in the living room.
- Those with a limited budget. If you compare two sizes of the same model, Full will always be a more affordable alternative to Queen. So, if you’re a couple who is tight on a budget, it’s more advisable to go for a Full size: it will be able to give you the minimum required comfort.
Are Full Mattresses Always a Good Idea?
While the Full size can help shoppers save both money and space in the room, this mattress size might not be ideal for certain shoppers. They include:
- sleepers over 6 foot tall;
- larger couples or partners who require more space to feel comfortable during sleep;
- sleepers who share their bed with restless partners (as there’s less space between the two, nighttime disturbances are possible);
- couples who practice co-sleeping or allow their pets in bed.
How Much Do Full Size Mattresses Cost?
On average, quality Full mattresses can range from approximately $400 to $1,000. Anything pricier than that would probably have a unique construction with plenty of extra features.
It’s also worth mentioning that the price of a Full mattress would depend on its type. For instance, spring models are among the cheapest ones.
Foam can also be pretty affordable, but advanced types tend to be more expensive. A good example would be open-cell foam.
Hybrid mattresses can be found in different price segments. However, quality ones are usually a bit pricier than all-foam models.
As for latex, these mattresses are often the most expensive ones. This can be explained by their impressive durability.
Things You Need to Know When Shopping for a Full Mattress
To choose the best Full mattress, you need to look at a lot of models and compare their numerous specs.
I’ll list the main factors that could make or break your new purchase below.
Thermoregulation
If you’re choosing a Full mattress for you and your partner, keep in mind that Full is a bit narrower than Queen.
What does this mean in terms of thermoregulation?
Well, this means you and your partner will be sleeping closer to each other and will exchange more heat. In case you or your bedmate are prone to hot sleeping, this may lead to disrupted sleep for both of you.
Edge Support
Another essential thing to look for is edge support. This is dictated by the smaller surface area that makes every inch of the space essential for the comfort of both partners.
Mattresses with a reinforced perimeter can help you get comfy even if your partner sleeps in the starfish position. Models with coils — especially if they feature a solid steel coil unit — typically have the sturdiest edges. However, if you’re not a fan of springs, you can choose a mattress made of denser foam and pair it with a supportive bed base to create a more uniform surface.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer is a determining factor for couples. Those who want to go with a Full mattress should give it even more attention.
Here’s why:
As mentioned above, Full mattresses have a smaller area, so you will more likely feel your partner’s movement across the bed.
Foam mattresses typically absorb movements better, so they are the most preferred option for couples.
Hybrid and latex mattresses are initially more bouncy. While this may be a benefit for couples with active sex life, sleeping on this mattress might be disruptive for sensitive sleepers.
Durability
The average mattress lifespan varies between 7 and 10 years, during which your bed will likely offer good spine support and decent cradling. But some mattresses don’t live up to this age. To make sure it won’t be true for your new mattress, choose models made of heavy-duty materials, such as:
- Dense foam. Memory foam density is measured in pounds per cubic foot. Look for a rating of 4 and higher for medium and high density. If you choose a polyfoam mattress, look for numbers like 1.8 pounds per cubic foot for medium-grade foams and 2.5 pounds per cubic foot for high-quality foams.
- Steel coils. The coil gauge is the main characteristic that will impact how well and how long the coils will remain supportive. Aim for the coil gauge of 12 to 15. Keep in mind that a lower number indicates a thicker steel wire (and hence, a more durable construction).
- Cover materials. A cover protects the mattress layers from dust, debris, and moisture, which all can adversely affect durability. Natural materials are always the best choice, as they let the air circulate. Also, you should check for the weave: it should be tight enough to prevent tears and ripples.
Firmness level
To find a truly comfortable Full-size mattress, you need to pick a proper firmness level according to your weight and preferred sleep position. Allow me to explain a bit more:
- If you are a side sleeper, you require more cushioning and pressure relief for the protruding parts of your body. That’s why side sleepers are usually advised to choose softer mattresses. However, if you are a heavier individual, you might sink in too deep, which is why a medium option would work better for you. A medium-firm might also be suitable if you don’t have tender joints and prefer firmer beds.
- If you sleep mostly on your back, you need a good balance between support and moderate contouring for the heavier body parts (hips and buttocks). In this case, a medium or a medium-firm mattress would suffice. If you weigh more than 230 pounds, you may also try using a firm mattress to receive adequate support and enjoy proper weight distribution.
- If you are a stomach sleeper, you require sturdy support to avoid unhealthy back curves when lying on your mattress. That’s why stomach sleepers are usually recommended to choose firm mattresses (extra-firm if you are a heavier individual). In this case, your body will remain straight, without any awkward (often painful) bends in the back.
- As for combo sleepers, they typically find medium to medium-firm mattresses the most comfortable. This firmness level is a nice compromise if you like more than one sleep position. Additionally, medium and medium-firm mattresses don’t usually restrict movement, which makes it easier for combination sleepers to shift and move during the night.
Thickness
The thickness of the mattress may seem like a minor characteristic, but it can actually affect a lot.
For instance, thicker mattresses are often more supportive, which makes them more suitable for heavier users. If a thick mattress has softer comfort layers, it can offer more of a gentle hug. In this case, such a mattress would be ideal for users suffering from painful pressure points.
At the same time, thinner mattresses are usually cheaper. In terms of support, they work better for lightweight or average individuals. They are also easier to transport, which can come in handy for users who move often.
Now, most modern Full-sized mattresses measure at least 8 inches in height. For heavier users (over 250 pounds), a good Full-sized model has to be at least 12-inches tall.
Cover
This aspect is often overlooked by shoppers. However, the mattress cover is just as important as the rest of its components.
Now, most mattresses use cotton, bamboo, Tencel, or polyester covers these days. Shoppers can also find blends of polyester and natural fabrics.
Polyester is cheaper and slightly easier to care for. At the same time, it’s a synthetic fabric. That's why polyester isn’t that breathable and usually doesn’t work for hot sleepers.
Cotton, bamboo, and Tencel are natural fabrics. They are breathable and do an excellent job of wicking the excess moisture away. Therefore, such mattress covers would be perfect for hot sleepers who wish to stop night sweats.
Now, wool covers are a bit rarer, but they can guarantee all-year comfort. Wool has great thermoregulating properties. This fabric can cool sleepers down during summer and just like that, can keep them warm when it’s cold outside.
The construction of the cover also matters. For instance, removable washable covers are getting pretty popular these days. And there are many reasons for that.
They could be a great solution for allergy sufferers. After all, taking the mattress cover off and washing it regularly is very beneficial. It can help sleepers get rid of allergens and other nasty things that often accumulate on the sleeping surface.
What Is the Best Type of Full-Size Mattresses?
To pick the best Full-size mattress, you need to be aware of their peculiarities. Each type has its unique features, some of which might not work for you. So, let’s take a closer look at the main options you have these days:
- Memory foam. Fans of memory foam appreciate its gentle hug and ability to contour one’s body. Because memory foam can fill in the curves and cradles the protruding body parts, it promotes proper weight distribution. That, consequently, leads to a better spinal alignment, which is crucial for one’s back health. Memory foam responds slowly to applied pressure and does a great job of absorbing shock from motion. However, keep in mind that this material can trap body heat (when it doesn’t use gel infusion for a cooling effect or doesn’t have a special open-cell structure). Plus, memory foam mattresses typically have weak edges. This can make your Full-size mattress seem even smaller, as you won’t be able to sleep near the edge.
- Polyfoam. Polyurethane foam is slightly more resilient than memory foam. That’s why it feels a bit bouncier and not as enveloping. Polyfoam is usually cheaper. And since it has almost the same properties as memory foam, it can be a good compromise for budget shoppers. That being said, polyfoam is generally less durable than memory foam and might not work for people who want a long-term investment.
- Innerspring. Spring mattresses are also rather cheap and widely available. They offer bouncy support and minimal (often zero) cradling. Spring beds are super breathable, which makes them suitable for users who often overheat during the night. That being said, keep in mind that innerspring mattresses aren’t super durable. They also don’t perform that well in terms of motion isolation, which can be an issue for partnered sleep.
- Hybrid. Hybrid mattresses use coils (typically wrapped) for support and either foam or latex for comfort (sometimes both). Many users refer to hybrid mattresses as “something in the middle”, noting that this type combines the best from two worlds. Hybrids deliver responsive support but can also guarantee effective pressure relief, especially if the comfort layers are thick enough. Hybrid models also have strong edges and can offer extra sleeping space. On the other hand, such mattresses can be pretty expensive. They are often heavy and thick, which can make moving (or rearranging the bedroom) a bit challenging.
- Latex. Last but not least, latex mattresses can boast of their safe and natural composition. Latex is extremely durable (but also expensive, which is understandable). Later mattresses can adapt to one’s body just like memory foam, but they don’t restrict movement or trap heat. Most latex mattresses are quite springy, so some motion transfer is possible. However, if you aren’t a light sleeper, it shouldn't be too noticeable. Also, keep in mind that latex mattresses usually have weak edges.
FAQ
Can a Full bed fit 2 adults?
Yes. A Full mattress can easily fit two petite or average sleepers.
What size of bed do 2 Fulls make?
Two Full mattresses would make a bed 106 inches wide and 75 inches long. Officially, there is no mattress size that corresponds to such dimensions. If you want a bed larger than Full, you can choose between Queen, King, or California King sizes. Or, just buy 2 Full mattresses and place them side by side.
What is the average cost of a Full-size mattress?
The average price of a quality Full mattress is $600.
Wrapping Up
The Full size may not be a universal solution for everyone, but it definitely can become a lifesaver for those who lack room space or are tight on a budget. This bed size will make a good pick for single adult sleepers, including heavier ones, or average-weight couples. Just make sure you pick a model with good edge support, as this will allow you to use the surface area of the mattress to the fullest.
Now, although I genuinely believe that each of the models in this review can make a decent purchase for those who want a good Full-size mattress, my favorite among them is the Nolah Original 10.
It is a great example of a top-notch Full-sized mattress. This bed has a rather simple construction, but thanks to the company’s proprietary foam, it does a great job of providing pressure relief and remaining temperature-neutral. Plus, it’s an excellent option for value seekers.
References
- Alia Hoyt (2019, May 29). Bed Sizes Are Totally Getting Bigger. Retrieved from https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-decor/bedroom/bed-sizes-getting-bigger.htm
- Full Size Mattress Dimensions (2019, December 16). Retrieved from https://www.serta.com/comfort-101/mattress-guide/full-size-mattress-dimensions
Our research
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Mattresses Considered
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Hours of Research
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Sleep Experts Consulted