Tuft & Needle Mattress Review 2021 – Should You Buy One?

Whether you’re a digital shopper or love hitting up your local mall, you’ll notice that high price tags often accompany quality mattresses. When you’re looking to upgrade your sleeping surface on a budget, this sight can be discouraging. Are your only options really the lower-end, cheaper models? Sad. After all, aren’t all cheap beds of poor quality?

Nope, according to Tuft & Needle (T&N). This retailer’s founders had a mission in mind when they started their company: to make the hunt for mattresses not suck. T&N wants to ensure that their customers get quality, affordable sleep products to help them catch those Z’s.

How well does T&N live up to its own standards? You’ve come to the right place to find out. We’ll provide you with quick stats and in-depth breakdowns of the company and each of its three mattress options. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether this bedding is right for you. 

Tuft & Needle Mattresses – The Lowdown

Pros

• Great prices
• Philanthropic company
• Great customer service
• Online or in-store shopping

Cons

• Shorter sleep trial & warranty than some competitors
• No white-glove set-up services available

Best For…

• Bargain hunters
• People concerned about safety
• Side and back sleepers

T&N Overview
Mattress Type	Foam; Hybrid
Models	Original, Mint, Hybrid
Shipping	Free
Returns	Free
Ships in…	1-5 Business Days
Trial Period	100 Nights
Firmness Level	Varies
Sleeper Type	Great for Side and Back Sleepers
Warranty	10-year Limited
Certifications	CertiPUR-US, GreenGuard Gold, Parent Tested Parent Approved™, Today’s Parent Approved, Interek’s Clean Air Certification, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, A+ BBB Rating, BBB Accredited

Model Types

Tuft & Needle strives to be a modern mattress in a box company that meets the needs of eager sleepers across the United States. Is it really the solution, though?

Plenty of people seem to think so. For starters, T&N is a BBB-accredited business and has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for their quality business practices and work towards resolving any customer problems. Nearly 5,600 Amazon reviewers have also left this brand five-star reviews.

Does T&N really deserve this praise? Let’s break down what the company offers their mattress-buyers below to find out.

Option #1: The Original

Those who value simplicity should appreciate the minimalist 2-layer design of the Tuft & Needle Original. To create a mattress that T&N claims “95% of [their] customers keep and love,” this brand has filled all 10” of this foam bed with smarter—not more—materials. Those who have reservations about foam beds because of their heat-trapping qualities should know that T&N has taken plenty of steps to combat the heat.

What? A foam bed that doesn’t make you sweat at night? It’s not fiction; the secret lies in the bed’s clever construction.

One of the most important components of any T&N mattress is their proprietary Adaptive foam. Like regular memory foam, this Adaptive foam is flexible enough to properly support the body. Unlike regular memory foam, though, T&N foam is sturdier and airier.

Supportive foam likewise gives this bed stability at the foundation. Its open-cell design creates a relatively breathable base that helps sleepers stay cool all night long. Because of the sturdiness of this material, it should also increase the lifespan of the bed.

The last two components—graphite and ceramic gel beads—work together to provide an even more breathable sleeping surface. Both are known for absorbing heat. That means heat is drawn away from you while you sleep, so you stay cooler as you rest. The unique composition of the ceramic beads also means they provide extra cushioning.

The Original at a Glance

• 10”
• 2 layers
• Includes T&N Adaptive® foam, ceramic gel beads, graphite, open-cell support foam

How Much Does Tuft & Needle Original Mattress Cost?

The Original is available in 6 standard sizes at the following prices:

• Twin: $350
• Twin XL: $395
• Full: $495
• Queen: $595
• King: $750
• California King: $750

T&N once more comes out ahead of most of its competition here. Often, this brand is several hundred dollars cheaper than other major mattress retailers at the same size. Even Nectar, which prides itself on affordability, offers a Queen at $799. Tuft & Needle? That same size costs just $595. In comparison the standard price for the Queen Tulo mattress is $699.As if the base prices weren’t great enough, Tuft & Needle regularly holds sales. To check up on potential deals, you can visit their official website.

T&N The Original – Layer Materials

1.  T&N Adaptive foam with graphite and ceramic gel.
2. Open-cell foam.

Option #2: The Mint

The Tuft & Needle website claims that the Mint is “[d]esigned for superior comfort. Above all the rest.” How true is this statement? Let’s find out.

Measuring in at 12”, this 3-layer bed incorporates many of the same elements as the Original, including graphite, ceramic cooling gel beads, and their Adaptive foam. However, this bed takes everything a step further, offering better edge support and higher-quality T&N Adaptive® foam. The middle transitional layer helps everything lay better, so those resting on top are more comfortable. The result? Better support, a softer sleeping surface, and greater heat-wicking capabilities.

In short, the Mint is a little thicker than the Original and a little softer, too. That makes this style a better option for those who prefer softer—but not too soft—sleeping surfaces. The enhanced support along the edges will also be a great addition for those who need a firmer edge to push off from when getting out of bed. Naturally, these additions come at a higher price than the Original.

The Mint at a Glance

• 12”
• 3 layers
• Enhanced edge support
• Includes enhanced T&N Adaptive® foam, knit fabric, ceramic gel beads, graphite

How Much Does Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress Cost?

The Mint is available in 6 standard sizes at the following prices:

• Twin: $595
• Twin XL: $645
• Full: $845
• Queen: $995
• King: $1145
• California King: $1145

T&N The Mint – Layer Materials

1. T&N Adaptive foam with 30% graphite and gel beads.
2. Transitional layer.
3. Open-cell supportive foam.

Option #3: The Hybrid

The Tuft & Needle Hybrid is where, according to the official website, “[t]he latest in foam meets classic support. Everyone wins.” Does everyone actually win, though? That’s what we’re going to find out.

Measuring in at 12”, this 6-layer mattress is a little more complex than either the Original or Mint. This style includes not just T&N’s proprietary foam but also tempered pocketed springs. This design, T&N says, is to create a bed that has the comfort of foam but the support and durability of innerspring mattresses.

Besides the springs, the addition of carbon fiber helps improve the bed’s durability and overall longevity. This fiber is woven together with the foam to create a stronger structure that can stand the test of time. That all means a longer-lasting mattress.

Now, this model is the newest addition to the T&N lineup. It’s also the most expensive. Considering that hybrid mattresses are often more expensive than other varieties, though, this bump in price should come as no surprise.

The Hybrid at a Glance

• 12”
• 6 layers
• Includes T&N Adaptive® foam, carbon fiber, graphite, tempered springs, ceramic gel cooling beads, plush cover
• Pocketed springs enhance edge support

How Much Does Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress Cost?

The Hybrid is available in 6 standard sizes at the following prices:

• Twin: $895
• Twin XL: $995
• Full: $1295
• Queen: $1495
• King: $1745
• California King: $1745

T&N The Hybrid – Layer Materials

1. Open-cell foam.
2. T&N Adaptive foam.
3. Transitional coils.
4. T&N Adaptive foam.
5. Supportive pocketed coils.
6. Dense polyfoam.

Materials & Safety

Materials

Tuft & Needle’s choice of materials for their mattresses help further distinguish them from their competitors. The most unique feature of these beds is the inclusion of T&N Adaptive® foam. This foam is made to be tougher and longer-lasting than many other foam alternatives, and it’s springy enough to align the spine when you slumber.

This brand-exclusive foam isn’t the only interesting material that T&N incorporates into their beds. Ceramic gel cooling beads also serve several important functions in their mattresses. Besides keeping you cooler and drier, they also add stability and support. Graphite works together with other cooling gel technology to further regulate temperature.

In the Hybrid option, you can also find carbon fiber and pocketed springs. Both of these materials help make T&N mattresses sturdier, so you can comfortably rest on them for years to come.

So, how does this all stack up to the competition? While plenty of competitors use heat-regulating technology in their beds, T&N incorporates more innovative tech to help fight the night sweats, distinguishing it from the crowd.

Safety

When it comes to product safety, T&N performs quite well. Their safety certifications include CertiPUR-US®, GreenGuard Gold, Interek’s Clean Air Certification, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval™, and Today’s Parent Approved. Don’t worry; we’ll break these down together.

CertiPUR-US

CertiPUR-US certification applies to foams only. In order to earn that certification, foams must be free of harmful chemicals and substances like ozone depleters, mercury, lead, and formaldehyde. The not-for-profit organization responsible for this certification is Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, Inc. All three T&N mattresses have earned this certification.

GreenGuard Gold

GreenGuard Gold certification can apply to more than just foam. The purpose of this certification is to ensure that products meet certain safety requirements to help improve indoor air quality in places where people might have weaker immune systems, like healthcare facilities or schools. UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Environment is responsible for GreenGuard certifications. All three T&N mattresses have earned this certification.

Interek Clean Air

Interek’s Clean Air Certification is another test to ensure better indoor air quality, specifically checking products for emission levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Both the Original and Mint models have earned this certification.

Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX

Seeing Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX on a product means that it has undergone rigorous independent-party testing for harmful substances. Like the other two listed certifications, this one also ensures that products are safer for human use. OEKO-TEX research and test facilities are located in Japan and Europe. The Mint mattress has earned this recognition.

Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval™

Earning the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval™ means that real-life parents have tried a product out and thoroughly reviewed it. Earning the seal means the consumer enjoyed the product and published their review for others to read. Both the Original and Mint models have earned this seal of approval.

Today’s Parent Approved

Today’s Parent Approved is another approval that parents award products based on three criteria: quality, ease of use, and value. When approved, product reviews are displayed for other parents to view. Both the Original and Mint are Today’s Parent Approved.

All in all, these certifications should assure even the wariest potential customers that these mattresses are relatively safe, free of many harmful substances and approved by real-life people.

Tuft & Needle Report Card

If Tuft & Needle went to school, what would their report card look like? We think something a little like this:

	The Original	The Mint	The Hybrid
Noise Control	A	A	A-
Temperature Regulation	A-	A	A+
Sinkage	A	A	A
Motion Isolation	A	A	A
Edge Support	B-	A	A+

How did T&N earn these scores? See our breakdown below.

Noise Control

When it comes to noise levels, T&N fares well across the board. The Original and Mint are quieter than the Hybrid. For a bed containing springs, the Hybrid is actually fairly silent, which is why it has earned an A- here.

Temperature Regulation

When it comes to temperature control, T&N once more performs well. Each bedding option performs just a little better than the last, as more temperature-regulating technology is included in the higher-end models like the Mint and the Hybrid.

Sinkage

All three options sink quite well. The Mint is a little softer than the Original, and the Hybrid has more “give” than the Mint.

Motion Isolation

All three T&N options offer a fair amount of motion isolation. That makes them good options for couples who have one (or two) light sleepers.

Edge Support

The Original is a sturdy enough foam bed, but lacks the enhanced edge support of the higher-end models. The Mint does quite well in this regard, especially for a foam-based mattress, including superior edge support to the Original. The Hybrid, with its pocketed springs, provides the best edge support out of all three options.

Warranty, Trial Length & Return Process

You can order Tuft & Needle bedding online, either through their official website or through one of their partners. You can even check out these beds in select physical stores. To see if there are any brick-and-mortar stores in your area, you can go here. To see different online purchasing options, you can visit the brand’s official Amazon store by clicking here.

T&N mattresses come with a limited 10-year warranty, which can cover problems like indentations exceeding 3/4” in depth and certain manufacturer defects. How does this stack up to the competition? Well, competitors like Nectar and Puffy both offer lifetime warranties on their mattresses. In this regard, then, T&N doesn’t quite come out on top. Factoring in the quality of the customer service and what the warranty covers, though, means that T&N still offers something that customers can count on.

T&N offers a 100-night sleep trial with their mattresses. That’s more than three months’ time for potential T&N fans to cozy up in their beds and see how they fare. While that’s plenty of time to test out new bedding, it isn’t the longest trial period in the sleep industry. Some competitors, like Nectar, offer up to a 1-year trial.

Shipping & Set-Up Process

Shipping and returns within the contiguous United States are free of charge. Those same procedures come with a fee for those living in Alaska and Hawai’i, which is a fairly standard practice in the industry.

After receiving your new mattress in a box, it’s time to begin setting everything up. Take the box to the room where you want your bed to be. Then, take the mattress out of the box and place it directly on your bed frame. Next, make sure the still rolled-up mattress is facing the way you want it. Finally, cut the plastic wrapping and unroll the mattress. All that’s left to do is wait for your new T&N bed to expand.

Review Summary & Ideal Customer Breakdown

When it comes to mattress shopping on a budget, Tuft & Needle follows through on their promise to deliver affordable bedding. Compared to other notable brands, T&N is oftentimes hundreds of dollars cheaper and of similar quality.

It’s not just affordability that makes these mattresses stand apart from their competition, though. Their composition is largely minimalistic, incorporating only the smartest components to craft a truly breathable, comfortable sleeping surface. With materials like graphite and ceramic gel beads, these beds are incredibly effective at wicking away moisture and heat to create a cooler place to slumber.

While Tuft & Needle won’t work for everyone, particularly those who dislike foam bedding, the brand does still have a lot to offer. So, for those looking for a new way to find a mattress, T&N can be a great option to explore.

Points to Consider Before You Buy

Do You Share a Bed?

If so, you’re in luck. Each of these models effectively isolates motion, meaning you’ll be less likely to disturb a sleeping partner when you rest on a T&N bed.

Your Typical Sleeping Position & Preferences

Everyone has distinct preferences when it comes to sleeping positions. Some of us like to snuggle up on our sides. Others like to sprawl out on their backs. Some even enjoy catching up on Z’s on their stomach. However you sleep, the most important consideration is to find a sleeping surface that helps you align your spine. Proper spinal alignment, according to experts, is ideal for reducing aches and pains.

So, how does Tuft & Needle best serve the needs of various sleeping types?

The minimalist 2-layer Original model is a great medium-firm option that can suit the comfort and support needs of most sleepers. However, those who prefer sleeping on their sides, enjoy greater edge support, or easily overheat should look into the Mint.

This model is optimized for side sleepers and includes greater edge support and enhanced cooling technology. The Hybrid is a great option for those who easily overheat and want something with a little more give than the Mint.

Your Local Climate

If you sleep hot or live in a warmer area, you’ll likely enjoy the Mint or Hybrid models. These mattresses include more advanced temperature-regulating technology than the Original, meaning cooler, drier nights are a surer bet with these models.

Your Maximum Weight

Tuft & Needle claims their mattress can support 1000 lbs total, or 500 lbs on each side.

How You Plan to Set Up Your Bed

There is no white-glove set-up service available. That means that you will have to unpack everything either by yourself or with the help of a friend. For elderly individuals or those with back pain, this is an important factor to take into consideration.

FAQ

Most frequent brand questions