Nolah Evolution 15″ Hybrid Mattress Review By A 25 Year Mattress Manufacturer And Expert
My Nolah Evolution Mattress review takes a look the popular 15″ coil and foam option to find out if it sleeps cooler, relieves pressure, and delivers good support for both back and side sleepers.
Overall I found it to be dramatically more comfortable than other pillow top hybrids, primarily because of graphite infused cooling foams and passive ventilation that chills down your mattress on hot nights.
I scored it at 9.9 out of 10 after I conducted my 11 point test, noted that not only was it really good at cooling, it also gave me great pressure relief when on my side. Best part? It’s $1749 in queen, and $1899 in king, delivered to your door.
It’s available in three firmness options including Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. I’m going to try and provide a more simplified explanation of its features and benefits.
I’ve actually tested and slept on all of the Nolah Evolution Mattress firmness options myself and pitted my 25 years of mattress design and manufacturing experience to the test to review all three variations.
Bottom line, while the Nolah web site does throw a lot of technical details at you, which can scare off a potential buyer. I’ll explain what to expect comfort wise, what kind of support it offers, as well as cooling, edge support, bounciness, and other bullet points.
The Nolah Evolution Mattress: Features And Benefits
For the money, The Nolah Evolution Mattress is a good fit for most side and back sleepers, and for couples that tend to snuggle in the middle, it won’t easily form gulleys or ruts.
In Reddit reviews going back a few years, many owners mention that if you have pressure issues at hips and shoulders, opt for the two softest versions.
Also, I feel that it’s not ideal for petite, solo sleepers under 125lbs., unless you opt for the softest version, which is Plush. Couples can opt for any of the three levels of firmness, Plush, Luxury Firm, or Firm.
On a firmness scale of 1-10, the plush version falls at about a 5-6, the Luxury Firm at about 7, and the Firm option is a solid 7-8, and as firm as any very firm name brand innerspring mattress.
How To Choose The Correct Firmness Option Of The Nolah Evolution Mattress
The Nolah Evolution Mattress is sold in three firmness options, Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm, so you can tailor your sleep experience more effectively. This is accomplished by using 3 different versions of the support foam (the creamy yellow layer in photo above). By using a layer farther down to control density, the effect is subtle, but detectable.
Plush: 4-5 On The Firmness Scale
The Nolah Plush Comfort feel has deep body contouring and extra pressure relief at hips and shoulders. Slightly softer is what I often recommend dedicated side sleepers. This option is about 15% softer than the Firm version, and just little on the soft side for back sleepers. If you are comfortable sleeping on a carpet floor, this is not a good option. About 25% of owners have chosen this option.
Luxury Firm: 6-7 On The Firmness Scale
Luxury Firm is the most popular option, primarily because it generally works for side, back sleepers, and most couples. About 55% of owners have chosen this option.
Firm: 7-8 On The Firmness Scale
Nolah’s Firm comfort feel is designed to make you float on top of the mattress with minimal body contouring and maximum body support. It’s firm, supportive, and still hugs your body in all the right places for all-night comfort and pain-free sleep. This option is highly recommended for heavier sleepers. This option of the Evolution supports sleepers up to 350 pounds. About 25 of owners choose this option with an Evolution mattress
My Test And Review Took A Look At 11 Important Features
Hybrid mattresses, which are made using a combination of pocketed coils and various foam layers, is a pretty crowded category right now. Because the Nolah Evolution Mattress has a lot of technical pieces and parts that seem hard to understand, it’s easy to bounce off and keep on looking.
Nolah is a company that uses specific elements inside of their mattresses for precise purposes, and we will outline those components as simply as possible.
You won’t find any wasted space or fluff materials stuffed inside, and the team that designed it focused on an inviting initial body contact feel even though you can choose from multiple levels of firmness.
The degree of firmness is controlled the firmness of the coils underneath your bodey in each model as they increase in firmness. Increasing densities of foam mean an ever so slightly increase in resistance. So, you’ll immerse a little more in the plusher version, and less on the firmer options.
I will stress though that with many hybrid coil/foam mattresses I’ve reviewed before that so-called “plush” vs. firmer models can have a wide degree of variation. We tested the Medium Firm option, but personally I’d opt for the softest version of a hybrid mattress that I could find simply because I’m a side sleeper and like a mattress to be immersive and very body embracing.
The Nolah Evolution Mattress is ideal for people with the following preferences:
- Hot And Warm Sleepers– due to cooling foams and fabrics in the pillowtop, and the mesh netting vent system that wraps around the edge of the mattress- a unique proprietary feature.
- People Seeking A More Luxurious Mattress-but seeking an affordable price. Nolah gets around all of the middleman costs by using 8 factories in their network to manufacture and ship directly.
- Back Sleepers– quilted top on all three levels of firmness fills in void areas like between pelvis and rib cage, and effectively moves weight away from your body. This is due to increasingly supportive layers, the yielding nature of the pocketed coils used, and the design of the mattress edge.
- Side Sleepers– excellent for side sleepers, even if you opt for the firmer version. Couples who are side sleepers might have found the perfect last piece in the puzzle when opting for this mattress.
The Nolah Evolution Mattress might not be the best choice if:
- If you are seeking a mattress without coils, or an option that is less than the $1599 queen or $1799 king size price. I will mention that you also get a free gift, either a Nolah Squishy Pillow or a Nolah Weighted Blanket (tested both, they are fantastic)
- Stomach Sleepers– I’d recommend checking out something with a lot of latex inside. It’s a tad more flexible for belly sleeping, and will immediately bounce back and won’t keep your spine in a sway back position.
- People looking for a super firm mattress- even the firmest model is not really extremely firm, and if you need it to be similar to a carpeted floor, consider other options.
We’re going to get into what makes this mattress tick, layer by layer below, but first, here’s what we experienced after resting, reading, and sleeping on The Nolah Evolution Mattress for 24 hours:
| Ideal For: Hot sleepers, side and back sleepers, those needing pressure and pain relief. Offers three firmness levels to choose from. | Considerations: Not ideal if you want a really firm mattress. Not ideal for bigger bodies (over 275lbs.), and at 15″ tall, not the ideal low profile mattress |
My Objective Test Results: The Nolah Evolution Mattress Scored A 9.9 Out Of 10
I reviewed Nolah Evolution Mattress in a simulated bedroom environment with the mattress placed on a solid deck surface of platform bed in queen size. All of the data I collected was incorporated into the individual scores for each characteristic
Overall Comfort– initial feel, level of immersion, initial body contact experience, choose from Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm options ( I preferred Plush of Luxury Firm models, for pain relief) 10
Support– spine alignment, pain relief, pressure relief in 30 minutes or less 10
Solo Sleeper– overall impressions with comfort, ease of turning, back and side 9
Couple Experience- minimal sink in middle (1.5″), snugglers dream, quiet motion transfer 10
Edge Support– no sliding off, as experienced by 190lb test subject 10
Cooling Power: Surface temp before testing, 73F, After 30 Minutes lying on back, 78F- superior cooling, noticeable immediately upon immersing into pillow top 10
Sex– as reported by online reviews and voluntary reporting- great edge of the bed sex,too 9
Bounce, Motion Transfer, And Liveliness-just right, quiet motion transfer 10
Cost Value– 1-10 rating 10 being best bang for your buck-10
Trial Period, Warranty, And General Customer Service Appeal 10
Shipping And Delivery Experience– ease of delivery, clean packaging, ship time, setup 9
Overall Rating Of The Nolah Evolution Mattress: 9.7 Excellent
Notes: Who got our sample? We tested it in a room at a Hilton Hotel. After sleeping on it for a week, I offered it to the hotel general manager. He took it home, called me two days later and stated, “it’s one bad ass mattress” and indicated it was the first time ever he had slept on a brand new mattress that wasn’t a hand me down.
ANALYSIS OF MY RESULTS FOR THE NOLAH EVOLUTION MATTRESS
1. Overall Comfort: 10 out of 10
The Nolah Evolution Mattress is available in three levels of firmness, including Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. The primary difference between the softer version and the firmest option is controlled by the stiffness of the pocket coil suspension underneath.
They vary in density a bit from model to model, but I scored the comfort level of the Medium Firm a solid 10, the plush option at a solid 9. I’d rate the “Firm” model at around a 9.0, though I thought it was too firm for my personal tastes, but for a really firm option, you get the back support you need but it has just the right amount of cushiness without feeling like a sheet of plywood.
One thing you won’t experience on this mattress is bottoming out, unless your total weight (either solo or with a partner) is over 300lbs. The pocket coils are quite supportive, and the overall feel of both the plush and medium firm mattress whether on side, back, or belly, is inviting, buoyant, and extremely easy to turn on. Edge of the bed experience, not sliding off, adds to my rating.
2. Support: 10 out of 10
Support is always the important consideration in all of my mattress reviews. The Nolah Evolution Mattress is really great at helping you relax muscle groups, joints, and connective tissue which prevents pain and inflammation during sleep.
I scored this option higher because it is available in three firmness options that allow you to dial in on your preference more effectively.
After sleeping on my sample, I noticed the following benefits immediately:
- A good level of suspension that prevented pressure points minimizing constant position change
- Excellent support while on my back, with pillowtop and comfort layers kept me from sinking in
- I sleep on my sides and back, changing position 6-7 times during the night. Easy to turn on, excellent choice for combination sleepers of people who change position a lot.
- Zoned layers in both upper layers of comfort foam and in pocketed coil system provide better support for key areas like lower back, between shoulder blades, even legs and arms. This also helps to distribute load sideways rather than down.
3. Solo Sleeper: 9 out of 10
The Nolah Evolution Mattress is a terrific option for solo sleepers because of its three firmness options, and if you are of typical height and weight or have a bigger body, you’ll get the support you need. It’s an investment grade mattress that is about 50% of the price of retail store brands offering cooling, pressure relief, and the slightly springy yet immersive comfort it offers.
Another solo sleeper advantage is that because the mattress is gently pre-compressed and vacuum packaged, it is easily handled and setup using two people. You can opt for in home delivery on the web site, for $125.
After conducting my Nolah Evolution Mattress review and setting up a queen size myself (weighs 115 lbs.) I’d advise getting one other person to help you. A king size weighs 145 lbs.
4. Couple Experience: 10 out of 10
There’s a common complaint from couples when mattress shopping that drives them nuts? Without question, it’s motion transfer. For bigger couples, it’s really hard, and even the slightest movement can send jiggles and shakes through the top of a mattress.
By incorporating dampening high density foam layers and a pocket coil system built with just the right amount of tension, The Nolah Evolution Mattress resists motion transfer and is highly effective.
Checkout the real reason why we are all very sensitive to motion transfer in this NIH study. Evidence suggests that auditory levels when moving around at night become enhanced if one partner is sleeping restlessly.
Being mammals, evolution has wired us to respond to predatory alerts, kind of like cats, who sleep just below the fully alert level, to protect themselves. Not being cats, though, we require deep REM sleep to experience restorative sleep. So, it’s essential to invest in a mattress with minimal motion transfer.
5. Edge Support: 10 out of 10
Superior edge support can be found in The Nolah Evolution Mattress largely due to the use of a perimeter high density foam edge around the entire perimeter of the mattress. This also makes this option terrific for people who are bedbound, disabled, or otherwise confined to bed for lengths of time.
You can check out my Best Mattress For People With Disabilities page for more mattress options on this topic, too. For full service setup with this mattress, the extra charge of $125 is well worth the price. Note that during my Nolah Evolution Mattress review, we found that transfer in and out compared to other hybrid brands was easier due to better edge support.
6. Cooling Capability: 10 out of 10
Using Nolah’s proprietary ArcticTex cover which contains heat dissipating fibers, along with a graphite infused layer of high resiliency foam right underneath the pillow top section, The Nolah Evolution Mattress is cool to the touch. I noticed continued cooling for hours when lounging and testing out my initial perception of this pocketed coil hybrid.
Cooling ability of The Nolah Evolution Mattress seems to be a combination of the breathability of the outer pillow top section and a mesh “ventilation” fabric that runs along the perimeter edge of the mattress ner the top.
Body movements during the night can gently move air away from the center of the mattress to the edges, much like breathing moves hot air oiut of our bodies.
We Sleep Deeper When Our Bodies Are Cooler
When you are hot, whether created by room temperature, menopause, or other medical conditions, falling asleep is much more difficult. this causes you to toss and turn which generates even more heat.
Your body will naturally lower your internal temperature by 1-2° F as you fall asleep, which is why you can’t easily fall asleep when you have a fever. If you are hot sleeper, you need effective cooling technology to help you get to sleep and stay there.
The Nolah Evolution Mattress has multiple elements built in that help cool you down, and keep the immediate environment around you cool, too. It’s also ideal for couples and larger people that naturally sleep hot.
Another note: when I tested our sample, we kept our room temperature at about 68°F, which research suggests is ideal for your body and your brain.
If I had to single out one component or ingredient in my Nolah Evolution Mattress review that really sets this mattress apart, it’s definitely the use of the brand’s Graphite Infused Air-Foam Ice™ layer which is strategically place near the top.
I noticed fast cooling and a super body contouring sensation while not feeling trapped or stuck in the middle of this mattress.
7. Sex And Intimacy: 9 out of 10
Note that most mattress review sites are not actually testing every mattress sample by pairing up reviewers to make love and record each datapoint- but- actual owners do write about it.
As a mattress designer myself, I’ve custom made mattresses for couples who specifically ask for a bedding option designed for optimal sex. What this usually meant was incorporating a comfortable and softer surface rather than too firm, the use of motion dampening and energy absorbing materials like memory or gel foams, and in some cases natural latex.
I gave The Nolah Evolution Mattress high marks primarily because of actual owner reviews which offered the following value feedback to consider
- Not bouncy or jiggly, ideal motion dampening without having a typical “dead memory foam slab kind of sensation”
- Excellent support for edge of the mattress sex, with minimal sliding
- Cooling capabilities prevents overheating even when using cover-ups like sheets and comforters
- Just the right amount of sink- get firmer options for couples that weigh over 350 combined
- Really great for after sex cuddling
If you are looking for something with some serious bounce or spring back with minimal sinkage, you could consider Natural Latex Mattresses which are a bit springier allowing for better “grip” on bodies, however options might be limited for larger couples to keep from feeling trapped.
8. Bounce, Liveliness, And Motion Transfer: 10 out of 10
I found that The Nolah Evolution Mattress delivers a pretty good level of subtle bounce, better described as responsiveness when it comes to motion transfer, which is a common complaint heard from larger couples, especially when there are light sleepers and restless sleepers in the mix.
The pilowtop section, which has an organic cotton covering, has a lot of motion dampening ability, primarily due to the taught feel that the pillow top area has. It has just the right amount of tension to keep is a bit tighter up top. Generally, mattresses that use a sleeker fabric, such as the ArcticTex used in the Nolah Evolution, you’ll experience a bit more flexing and springiness.
9. Cost vs. Value Delivered: 10 out of 10
For the money, The Nolah Evolution Mattress pricing is on point. I’ve seen Sealy, Serta, and Tempur-Pedic mattresses that cost a lot more ($3,000 and up for a queen) that don’t deliver what you get with this mattress. Selling for $1599 in queen, and $1799 in king, it is an excellent value.
10. Trial Period, Warranty, Customer Service 10 out of 10
Saatva’s premium delivery and setup service, factory and fulfillment network of 15 strategically located facilities helped drive up my score for this category.
The turnaround time of 9-21 days to receive your mattress is acceptable considering each mattress is made to order and not rolled and compressed, collecting dust in a dusty warehouse. Customer service is something I thoroughly checked out too, with 6 different chat questions regarding pretty technical questions being answered rapidly and effectively.
11. Shipping And Delivery Experience 10 out of 10
Overall, 10 out of 10, with excellent packaging and timely shipping. Your order will arrive within 9-12 days after the day you place your order. Nolah uses strategic shipping points around the country.
Shipping and delivery is typically reliable with most online mattress companies, but with enhanced services, the ability to coordinate production and scheduling in home setup services takes some effort. I did it for years with my own online mattress companies.
Customer Service, Trial Period, Warranty, And More About The Nolah Evolution 15″ Hybrid Mattress You Should Know
If you order The Nolah Evolution Mattress, it will arrive in a well constructed cardboard shipping box that is easily handled once delivered to your home.
I recommend at least two people to maneuver and setup your mattress, which arrives pre-compressed and rolled up inside the box.
After reviewing and testing hundreds of mattress samples, I never get tired of how each bed in a box mattress hisses and takes on air as it expands to its original factory size.
Note that this technology does not harm or reduce the comfort of your Nolah Evolution Mattress.
Nolah mattress offers a 120 night no questions asked trial period which means you can opt to have the mattress returned (you don’t have to remove it yourself, as the company will arrange removal at no charge to you). There is no fee to return the mattress.
Also, the warranty looks really good compared to other brands I’ve tested, offering a lifetime warranty which provides fair coverage, including free replacement within the first two years.
As a manufacturer myself, if you ever are likely to experience an issue with compression, a dip forming in the middle, or other issues, it typically happens within the first year of ownership of any mattress. If you want to read the warranty in its entirety, click here.
My Nolah Evolution Mattress review covers their most popular model, but I’d recommend checking out my reviews of The Nolah 10″ Original Mattress, and The Nolah Natural 11″ Mattress as well.
Want To Up The Game On Your Sleep Sanctuary? See What I Found When I Reviewed The Nolah Adjustable Base.
My Nolah Evolution Mattress review took a look at the brands’s popular hybrid pocket coil mattress, and I was pretty impressed. I spent 5 nights sleeping on it, and with my sports injuries, I’m always looking to maximize the time I have to restore and rest.
Often, that means I need to elevate my legs, or at least sit up a bit to try to find a “zero-G” sweet spot to spread my weight out and ease the pressure on my back.
The only way to really do that is to get and adjustable base, and Nolah offers a reasonably priced option that sells for $949 in Queen and $1498 in split king (I’ll explain further down).
It’s loaded with all the bells and whistles that more expensive brands offer (I used to sell many brands when I had my own retail site before I strictly began reviewing them. You can order the Nolah Adjustable Base along with any Nolah mattress, including the Nolah Evolution Mattress, and simply place the mattress directly on top.
Features And Benefits Of The Nolah Adjustable Base
The Nolah Adjustable Base comes in four sizes, corresponding with standard mattress dimensions.
Dimensions and Mattress Size Compatibility
Twin XL: 37.5”W x 79.5”L
Queen: 59.5”W x 79.5”L: You receive one base, that is the same size as your queen mattress.
Split King: You receive two connecting bases, each measuring 37.5”W x 79.5”L. For split functionality, use these bases with two twin XL mattresses. Or, sync the bases and use them with a single king mattress.
Meaning, if you want to order one king size Nolah Evolution Mattress, you can simply switch the system so that when you operate the remote to lift or drop the base and mattress, both bases will operate as one continuous unit, “synced up”.
Split California King: You receive two connecting bases, each measuring 35.5”W x 83.5”L. For split functionality, use the bases with two split California king mattresses. Or, sync the bases and use them with a single California king mattress.
Height
All models of the Adjustable Base feature adjustable legs with three height options: 6″, 9″, and 12″. If you assemble the base with the tallest height option, the platform’s surface (where the mattress rests) will be 15″ from the ground.
Materials And Delivery And Setup Requirements
The Nolah Adjustable Base features quality platform upholstery, a sturdy metal frame, and a reinforced steel superstructure for extra strength and durability. It assembles easily in 15 minutes, with no tools required. Free Shipping With FedEx.
Note: Unless you arrange for local setup service to arrive after your Nolah adjustable base arrives, you will need to set up the base yourself (takes 1-2 able bodied people about 15 minutes)
Like our mattresses, the Adjustable Base ships FREE via FedEx. Your base will ship from our warehouse in California.10-Year Warranty
We’ve got you covered.
Our Adjustable Base includes a 10-year warranty with purchase. If your Nolah base is found defective, Nolah Technologies will repair or replace it. You can read the full warranty terms here.
Mattress Weight and Size
The Nolah Adjustable Base can support a total weight of 750 pounds, including the Nolah Evolution Mattress. See the “Available Sizes & Dimensions” section above for information on mattress size compatibility.
Mattress Types
All Nolah mattresses are compatible with adjustable bases, as are most foam, memory foam, and latex mattresses from other companies. However, innerspring mattresses and hybrid mattresses from other brands may not have the flexibility to sustain use with an adjustable base. Please refer to the mattress maker for more compatibility information.
Bed Frames
For styling purposes, you can use this adjustable base with your existing bed frame, depending on its construction and size.
The Adjustable Base does not work with bed frames featuring non-removable interior supports, such as platforms, built-in slats, and central legs or support bars. However, these internal support structures often have a removable design.
Once you remove them, the open space allows you to nestle the Adjustable Base within the perimeter of the frame, standing on its own legs. This configuration gives you the functionality of an adjustable base but maintains the aesthetic of your existing bed frame.
Our adjustable bases measure half an inch shorter in length and width than standard bed frames, ensuring they fit within most bed frames. Still, we recommend you measure your current frame to ensure it can accommodate the Adjustable Base before purchasing.
Headboards
Shoppers can place a special order for headboard brackets ($39.99) with the purchase of a Nolah adjustable base. Please contact us at support@nolahmattress.com to place your order. If you’re interested in an adjustable base with a built-in headboard, check out our Adjustable Base with Headboard.