Nolah Mattress Reviews: See What A 25 Year Veteran Mattress Manufacturer Thinks Of The Popular Brand

nolah evolution mattress review, with photo depicting a woman sitting on the side of a mattress dangling her feet.
Looking for Nolah Mattress reviews? I’m a 25 year veteran mattress manufacturer and designer and I tested the company’s most popular options.

My Nolah mattress reviews provide a critical assessment of each model within the popular online brand, testing for comfort, support, pain and pressure relief, cooling ,side support, couple suitability, and intimacy.

If you want to cut to the chase though, here’s a list of the models I’ve tested during my Nolah mattress reviews, general applications for them, as well as pricing links for you. It’s a good solid brand, guys, worth reading about.

Quick Reference List Of Nolah Mattress Models I’ve Tested, Rated, And Recommend: Black Friday Sales Including 35% Off With My Links

Nolah Original Mattress-10" pressure relief, great priceJump To My ReviewCyber Monday :Q$942, K$1147
Nolah Natural 11" Mattress-hypo-allergenic latex/pocket coil hybridJump To My ReviewCyber Monday: Q$1364, K$1624
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress-best pressure and pain reliefJump To My ReviewCyber Monday: Q$1169, K$1332
Nolah Evolution 15" Hybrid Mattress-top seller, side sleeper, coolingJump To My ReviewCyber Monday: Q $1624, K$1754

So, What Is The Nolah Mattress Brand Known For That’s Different? A Quick Overview, First.

Nolah Mattress created a proprietary foam called AirFoam™, that is supposedly more effective at pressure relief than the squishy memory foam we are all familiar with.

It’s used in all eight of their models, though in my Nolah mattress reviews, we’re going to focus on the four models that are the company’s popular and most often purchased options.

It’s similar to memory foam but is open cell in design rather than closed cell, allowing for delayed response time, which helps prevent it from mashing down and getting extremely hard.

Think of Nolah’s memory foam as being interconnected channels vs. a honeycomb pattern, providing a loftier and more buoyant feel with minimal sink factor.

According to the Nolah Mattress materials description content, AirFoam™ is infused with “nano sized” microscopic air bubbles combined with an encapsulated cooling gel material, and the bubbles are much smaller than created in conventional “memory foam” brands.

The company also uses a graphite infused memory foam layer they call IceFoam™ which absorbs heat, is anti-bacterial, and adds to the pressure relieving capacity of their lineup.

Note: The Nolah Evolution 15″ Mattress is the company’s most popular model, containing a pocket coil suspension along with the proprietary cooling layers. My Nolah mattress reviews discuss the cooling ability of all four models we’re taking a look at on this page.

Technical features like a mesh fabric along the edge of this model provide active ventilation, too. I’ll explain down below.

Cutaway of the Nolah Evolution Mattress, a 15″ cooling and pressure relieving model that I found is fantastic for side sleepers.

During my Nolah Mattress reviews, I found all of the components used in their lineup tend to be of better quality, specifically the density and the ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) of foam layers.

Using top of the line materials can make or break a brand, but costs a bit more to use. Nolah does not use discarded materials like shredded garment fiber, plastic pellets, or other components commonly used as filler.

Also, the way the company packages and ships their mattresses is well thought out. Shipping boxes are thicker which reduces damage, plastic wrapping and mattress is more dense to avoid punctures.

 
 

1. The Nolah Original 10” Mattress: Cooling Pressure Relief, The Back Support You Need

The Nolah Original 10” Mattress, at just $1099 in queen and $1299 in King, offers the pressure relief of their proprietary AirFoam™ without the hot, melting in sensation that old school memory foam delivers.

Let’s talk about what’s inside the Nolah 10” Original Mattress, their first model developed in 2016. In my Nolah mattress reviews, I try to mention the amount of time each model has been in the field.

Up top is the 2”layer of proprietary AirFoam for pressure relief, and you’ll get minimal sink- no trapped feeling- but easy to turn on, and yielding to shoulders.

Underneath is a layer of latex like foam that is firmer and a bit more supportive, keeping you buoyant, without a sinking sensation.

For the money, it’s less expensive than many retail store brands, and without the quick sand, “dead memory foam” feel.

Update: The Nolah 10” Original Mattress has recently been given an upgrade and it’s now equipped with a snow-white Tencel™ cover. Tencel is a naturally derived material that is super absorbent, lightweight, soft, and highly breathable, too. I’ve used it before in many of my own designs.

The Nolah Original 10” Certipur-US® certified mattress is scientifically proven to provide 4x less peak pressure on hips, shoulders, and back compared to high-end memory foam.

This price friendly option is not excessively soft, , being more medium firm, around 5-6 on a 1-10 scale. You’ll be more on top of the Nolah Original 10”, rather than inside of it.

photo depicting the 3 foam layers inside the Nolah Original Mattress
Three layers and a natural fiber outer covering keeps it simple, less likely to fail.

The Nolah 10” Original is astonishingly simplistic in design, which means less likelihood of lifetime failure. It’s a one side up mattress and it has a medium firm feel, and has a temperature neutral foam layer (mint green) in close body proximity.

Nolah AirFoam™ is 100% temperature neutral and made without heat-trapping chemicals to provide you with a cool and comfortable sleep.

I found that all four of the models in my Nolah mattress reviews, including The Nolah 10″ Original Mattress, are a tad more body contouring, plush and embracing, imparting a feel that envelopes or hugs your body-without making it feeling like you have to did your way out.

I’d say you immerse about an inch, which is just about perfect to allow for easy turning, and will still calm you if you are a restless sleeper.

Who Might Strongly Consider The Nolah Original 10″ Mattress

  • Side sleepers who’ve been disappointed with conventional memory foam– I noted very good pain and pressure relief while on my side, with little sink factor. For shoulder pain, it might be an outstanding option.
  • Price conservative shoppers- for the money, it’s a worthwhile purchase. I’d compare it’s cushy yet supportive feel to higher priced mattresses in the $1400-1600 range. Queen sells for $1099.
  • Anyone with minimal to moderate back pain– kept my lower back pain at bay while I sleep tested it (notable while on my back as it filled in void areas well). It’s not too tall, either, at 10″, easy to get in and out of.
  • Hot Sleepers- I slept cool and cozy on my sample and the outer fabric really helps (even with a sheet and a mattress protector on top). Instead of stock polyurethane foam, which is hot and dense, the proprietary AirFoam™ is effective at passive ventilation.
  • ⚠️ Bigger Bodies Or Bigger Couples– I don’t recommend individuals over 275 lbs. or couples with combined weights over 400 lbs. to purchase- go with thicker models shown below.

The foundation foam layer layer, at the very bottom, serves the function of providing height to a mattress, and to provide the underlying support that keeps you from bottoming out.

The Nolah Original Mattress contains 7” of breathable HD (high density) foam, and I’ve used this foam myself on brands I’ve designed.

Nolah shelling out a bit more in production cost to offer a better foam support layer with higher density and firmness that’s worth a few more bucks. The high density polyurethane foam used in this mattress is 7″ thick, beefy and substantial enough to provide good “float factor”.

All of my Nolah mattress reviews were conducted using my 13 datapoint test, with an overall score of 10 being outstanding and lower than 5 being not acceptable:

Nolah Original 10″ MattressRanking And Test Results (v2)
Shipping9– arrived unscuffed, no damage.
Trial Period10– 120 day trial, hassle free
Return Policy9– must wait 30 days, then return within 90
Warranty8 limited lifetime, well explained
Set-Up, Install By User9– free shipping, user setup*
Motion Transfer8– light sleepers may be affected
Edge Support8– very good for 10″
Pressure Relief10– excellent
Spine Alignment9– very, very good
Responsiveness8– very good
Cooling (**digital probes)9– very, very good
Durability9– most still in field
Customer Service10– superb

My Nolah Original 10″ Mattress review put the mattress at 9 out of 10, which is considered excellent. *Note that you can add installation and old mattress removal for $125. **Temperature readings conducted using digital probes, not IR surface scans.

Overall, I loved the construction, support, comfort, and well crafted exterior cover. The cover is made from Tencel lyocell, which is a plant-based fabric that is soft, breathable, and hypo-allergenic.

Little things, like the quality of the stitching and the side panel construction is impressive, with no sagging or draping of the fabric.

The mattress has a subtle melt in sensation with a medium level of firmness, kind of half way between cloud like and a firm innerspring.

People with bigger bodies and couples might find that it’s not quite thick enough, though I’m 6’2″ and 195 lb and didn’t find my self digging my way out of the middle.

Pro Tip: after you unbox your Nolah mattress, I advise to leave it plastic bag, place it on your foundation adjustable base, or platform bed and then carefully cut away the plastic protective covering.


 

2. The Nolah Natural 11″ Latex Mattress: Pure Talalay Latex On Pocket Coil Suspension

If you are looking for the Nolah brand, but need a hypo-allergenic mattress that is lively, not too soft, and has the fast response time that natural latex delivers (makes it super easy to turn, and is great for light sleepers), this option combines botanical latex and a pocket coil suspension underneath.

corner view of the nolah natural latex mattress showing the quilted pillow top and the channel quilted side fabric of the mattress

I tested a queen size model and was surprised at how cushy yet supportive this natural latex and pocket coil hybrid was.

There was some notable attention to detail by Nolah’s design team that I noticed which tweaked the pocket coil tension just right -not too firm and yet not springy- it’s a sweet spot for sure.

The mattress is outfitted with 3″ of Talalay latex, which provides pressure relief and comfort without bottoming out, especially for bigger bodies and couples.

Typically, to save costs, you might get 2″ of latex and 2″ of a cheap polyurethane filler foam combination with other so-called latex hybrid brands, and you may pay even more.

The fabric on the outside is organic cotton, and just below the top piece is a quilted New Zealand wool, which breathes easy and sleeps cool.

Who Might Strongly Consider The Nolah Natural 11″ Latex Hybrid Mattress

  • Chronic pain, back pain, shoulder or hip pain– I noted excellent pain and pressure relief while on my side and back. Natural latex fills in void areas, provide a floatation like feel.
  • Hypoallergenic or green mattress shoppers- made using organic cotton, organic wool, plant based natural latex. Asthma, seasonal allergies. Latex repels dust mites, and is anti-microbial without chemicals, or other mysterious substances.
  • ✅ Anyone tired of that “dead bed” sensation with poor quality memory foam mattresses. I loved the livelier, more responsive feel that made it easy to turn on and body embracing.
  • Hot Sleepers- I slept cool and cozy on my queen sample and the organic cover and New Zealand wool insulates really well (even with a sheet and a mattress protector on top). Instead of stock polyurethane foam, which is hot and dense, natural latex is highly effective at passive ventilation.
  • ⚠️ Bigger Bodies Or Bigger Couples– I don’t recommend individuals over 275 lbs. or couples with combined weights over 400 lbs. to purchase- go with firmer Nolah Evolution option shown below.
Nolah mattress reviews photo showing the individual layers inside The Nolah Natural Mattress, consisting of 3" of natural latex, an organic cotton covering, a New Zealand organic wool layers,
The Nolah Natural 11″ Latex Hybrid Mattress employs 6 different components I’ve used in my own mattress designs.

From top down, here’s what’s inside:

  1. Breathable organic cotton outer covering
  2. Quilted organic New Zealand wool insulates
  3. 2″ Talalay latex layer soothes joints, pressure
  4. 1″ stiffer Talalay latex for weight balance
  5. 8″ tempered pocket coil zoned suspension
  6. Cotton and organic wool support layer
  7. Organic cotton bottom cover with handles

Of all of my Nolah mattress reviews, I’d rate this model at offering the best side sleeping feel if you prefer a medium level of support.

Also, I found it to be very soothing at hips and shoulders, and even relieved my flank and rib pain.

The Talalay latex and organic cotton quilted top did a terrific job filling in little pockets that I don’t find with firmer memory foam mattress options.

In queen it’s $1399 and in king, $1699. Offers a medium feel, easy to turn on yet sumptuous and great on shoulders and hips. Even reduced my leg pain as well (years of running and snow skiing).

Nolah Natural 11″ Latex Hybrid MattressRanking And Test Results (v2)
Shipping9– arrived unscuffed, no damage.
Trial Period10– 120 day trial, hassle free
Return Policy9– must wait 30 days, then return within 90
Warranty8 limited lifetime, well explained
Set-Up, Install By User9– free shipping, user setup*
Motion Transfer8– light sleepers may be affected
Edge Support9- excellent for an 11″
Pressure Relief10– excellent
Spine Alignment9– very, very good
Responsiveness10– fantastic
Cooling8– very good
Durability10– super low return rate
Customer Service10– superb

There are a lot of latex mattress options out there, and many of them are all foam, with very few being top to bottom latex. The reason for this is that latex is very heavy.

An 11″ latex mattress made without a pocket coil component can weigh 200lbs. The weight of The Nolah Natural 11″ Mattress in queen size is 135lb, and a king weighs about the same.

As long as your body is in contact with 3″ of latex right up top, having another 6-8″ of latex underneath does not really add to the benefit.

I spent years designing both all latex mattresses and latex/polyurethane foam option. There’s simply no need to rely on latex for the superstructure so to speak.

Pro Tip: after you unbox your Nolah mattress, I advise to leave it plastic bag, place it on your foundation adjustable base, or platform bed and then carefully cut away the plastic protective covering.


 

3. The Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress: Flippable, So You Get Two Mattresses In One

Photo of the Nolah Signature Mattress from the foot of the mattress.

At just $1299 in queen, and $1499 in King, The Nolah Signature 12” Mattress is one of few mattresses I’ve reviewed of its type, mainly because it’s not easy to pull off a double sided mattress that gives you the option to choose from a softer or a firmer option-with one easy flip.

Using a thicker layer of proprietary Nolah AirFoam™ one one side, the softer option is 2.5” thick. When flipped, you’ll get 1” of AirFoam™, for a firmer feel. You can even flip the mattress over when it suits you depending upon your needs over the lifetime of the mattress.

The Nolah Signature 12” Mattress is flippable, and the softer side has their latex like high resiliency foam that is far more durable than latex (latex can be easily torn when stretched over time).

The core, or center of the mattress is a firm, high density layer that essentially divides the soft side from the firm side.

The weight of the mattress is not overwhelming, and it can be flipped by one person, though a team of two do it faster and a tad easier.

The outer covering fabric that is used is an organic cotton covering that is highly breathable. The organic cotton cover is white on the softer side of the mattress, and is a charcoal color if you flip it to the firmer side.

Firmness wise, the softer side runs about 4-5 on the 1-10 scale, with 10 being like sleeping on a carpeted floor, and 1 being like a down pillow, so its plushy and nest-like-but you don’t crash right through it either.

I found the soft side to have a very plush feeling, but without crashing through it-especially when on my side, and if you like to be nestled, it’s a good fit.

For couples, or heavier folks, though, you may want to test the firmer side as well, as it will be notably easier to turn and to transfer in and out of the mattress during the night.

Firmer side up, the Nolah Signature 12” Mattress is pretty firm, at about 7-8, and I will tell you that it’s about the firmest mattress I’ve tested in the “memory foam” category.

So, the difference between the two sides is substantial enough so that you will definitely feel the difference.

The Nolah Signature Mattress, a photo depicting the individual comfort layers

Who Might Strongly Consider The Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress

  • Chronic Pain– I noted outstanding good pain and pressure relief while on my side, with little sink factor. For shoulder pain, it might be an outstanding option.
  • Price conservative shoppers- for the money, it’s a worthwhile purchase. Easily compares to higher priced brands like Tempur-Pedic. Queen sells for $1299, King $1499.
  • Lower Back Pain– kept my lower back pain at bay while I sleep tested it (notable while on my back as it filled in void areas well). At 12″ tall, better edge support than Nolah Original Mattress.
  • Hot Sleepers- Made with temperature neutral foams. Breathable outer fabric really helps (even with a sheet and a mattress protector on top). Instead of stock polyurethane foam, which is hot and dense, the proprietary AirFoam™ is effective at passive ventilation.
  • Light Sleepers Needing Reduced Motion Transfer-ideal for couples and light sleepers, I observed little or no motion transfer when changing positions or transferring in and out.
  • ⚠️ Bigger Bodies Or Bigger Couples– I don’t recommend individuals over 275 lbs. or couples with combined weights over 400 lbs. to purchase- go with thicker models shown below.

I really like the “bench built” brand quality (more stitches per inch on all sewn textiles at exterior than economy brands) and the customer service with the Nolah lineup.

Pro Tip: after you unbox your Nolah mattress, I advise to leave it plastic bag, place it on your foundation adjustable base, or platform bed and then carefully cut away the plastic protective covering. Here’s how the Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress performed in my test:

Nolah Signature 12″ MattressRanking And Test Results (v2)
Shipping9– arrived unscuffed, no damage.
Trial Period10– 120 day trial, hassle free
Return Policy9– must wait 30 days, then return within 90
Warranty8 limited lifetime, well explained
Set-Up, Install By User9– free shipping, user setup*
Motion Transfer10– none observed-excellent
Edge Support9– very good for 12″
Pressure Relief10– excellent
Spine Alignment10– very, very good
Responsiveness7-8– a little slower to respond
Cooling9– very, very good
Durability9– most still in field
Customer Service10– superb

My Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress review scored the mattress at 9.3 out of 10, which is considered excellent. *Note that you can add installation and old mattress removal for $125.


 

4. The Nolah Evolution 15″ Mattress: An Investment Mattress That Sleeps Cool, Offers Cloud Like Comfort

photo of The Nolah Evolution Mattress depicting outer covering and quilted pillow top section
The Nolah Evolution 15” Mattress incorporates a layer of Graphite Infused Air-Foam Ice Foam, a unique material that cools down the topmost layers so that your body temperature is held at optimal range-promoting restorative, energizing sleep.

Guys, I write a lot of reviews on mattresses and rarely do I say this. A lot of attention to detail was placed when designing this mattress.

Active ventilation, the no-sink, “Ahhh” factor when you lie on it, the precise calibration of not too firm, and no bottoming out. Hard to beat.

Nolah’s fastest selling and most popular mattress option. Loaded with features designed to improve sleep, reduce pain, sleep cool, and eliminate motion transfer.

Priced at $1699 in queen, and $1899 in king, I find it on par with mattresses costing $3500 with same bells and whistles, honestly.

Owners tell their friends and family and experience “cloud like” sleep, and even see reduction in pain from sciatica and lower back issues.

Garnishing a 4.9 out of 5 star rating from hundreds of verified owner ratings, I’d say it’s hard to beat this hybrid mattress which includes individually pocketed coils that allow your body to hover.

We’ve rated The Nolah Evolution 15″ Mattress at 4.9 out of 5 stars for comfort, support, pressure and pain relief, and based on owner opinions.

ditch your so-called “memory foam” mattress and get an upgrade

I’ve reviewed hundreds of hybrid mattress options, but for the most part, they’re all the same. The Nolah Evolution Mattress however, is different. It even incorporates specialized vents that remove air from the sides of the mattress.

photo showing layers inside the Nolah Evolution 15" mattress

The components inside the Nolah Evolution 15″ Hybrid Mattress are designed to deliver spine tingling comfort, uplifting and elevating support, and optimal pressure relief.

Delivering localized support that offers pinpoint support (imagine piano keys and your vertebrae falling in line upon them, you’ll get lifting and levitating support that’s firm (the Evolution falls at about 6 out of 10 on my scale, so medium firm) while still feeling comfy and cozy.

photo of graphite infused foam which reflects heat and also has anti-microbial and odor reducing properties
If you’re a hot sleeper like me, the graphite infused cooling memory foam makes a pretty big difference and keeps you cool, which promotes restorative, rejuvenating sleep.

Graphite infused body adaptive foam material is something I’m familiar with, but I’ve not seen it used in a hybrid mattress with pocketed coils before. It’s a daring addition to the category and Nolah’s most popular runaway mattress option.

You’ll get a 120 night free trial, too, to make sure it blows you away. Lifetime warranty, free returns and shipping, and best of all, it’s entirely made in the USA.

The Nolah Evolution 15 comes in three firmness levels: plush, luxury-firm, and firm. I opted for luxury-firm, which sits at a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. The mattress’s quilted Euro top and 2-inch layer of high-resilience foam provide enough comfort and cushioning for me, a side sleeper.

Designed with a mesh screen material that provides active ventilation at all four sides, you will sleep cooler, reducing tossing and turning, and improving deep REM sleep.

Who Might Strongly Consider The Nolah Evolution 15″ Mattress

  • Hot Sleepers– Cooling body contact fabric, high thermal conducting top quilt, IceFoam™; immediately detectable cooling. Excellent for post menopausal hot flashes, has ventilation “ducting” along outside edge, pocket coil suspension ventilates hot air.
  • Reasonably priced considering benefits– Easily compares to higher priced brands like Tempur-Pedic. Queen sells for $1699, King $1899.
  • Pain And Pressure-though slightly more “taut” feeling due to outer cover and quilt, excellent at relieving back pain. No hot pressure pinpoints thanks to multiple comfort and support layers
  • Side Sleepers Rejoice-usually unwilling to switch my own mattress, I kept my sample largely due to comfortable side sleeping. Even after 2 hours, no numbness, need to change position, and I’m 190 lbs. Couples up to 450 lbs, individuals up to 375lbs. (click here for link to Evo+ Page)
  • Light Sleepers Needing Reduced Motion Transfer-ideal for couples and light sleepers, I observed little or no motion transfer when changing positions or transferring in and out.
  • ⚠️ Bigger Bodies Or Bigger Couples– I don’t recommend individuals over 375 lbs. or couples with combined weights over 450 lbs. to purchase.
Nolah Evolution 15″ MattressRanking And Test Results (v2)
Shipping9– arrived unscuffed, no damage.
Trial Period10– 120 day trial, hassle free
Return Policy9– must wait 30 days, then return within 90
Warranty8 limited lifetime, well explained
Set-Up, Install By User9– free shipping, user setup*
Motion Transfer10– none observed-excellent
Edge Support10-– very good for 12″
Pressure Relief10– excellent, especially at side
Spine Alignment10– very, very good
Responsiveness9– quick to respond
Cooling10– fantastic!
Durability10– most still in field, owners love
Customer Service10– superb

My Nolah Evolution 15″ Mattress review put the mattress at 9.5 out of 10, which is considered excellent. *Note that you can add installation and old mattress removal for $125. In all of my Nolah mattress reviews, the price for additional services is about the same, but could be slightly higher in rural areas.

More Bullet Points And Features About The Nolah Mattress Lineup

I really like the “bench built” brand quality (more stitches per inch on all sewn textiles at exterior than economy brands) and the customer service with the Nolah lineup.

Promoted as the best mattresses for side sleepers, all three of Nolah’s models contain the AirFoam™ component which is designed to provide cushioned support and soft, soothing relief for shoulders and hips, while filling in void areas, giving you a nice hugged and tucked in sensation without feeling trapped.

The best side sleeper mattress options provide relief at hips, shoulders, and flank. Note: I am 6’2″ and 190lbs.

You’ll get free shipping and returns if you don’t like any Nolah mattress, a lifetime warranty, and a mattress that’s made in the USA.

The company offers a 120 night trial, which to me, is plenty of time to either fall in love with it, or return it for a full refund. Usually, new mattress owners quickly decide whether they love or merely like their new mattress.

Nolah Mattress claims that their proprietary AirFoam™ is scientifically proven to provide 4 times less peak pressure on hips, shoulders, and back when you compare it with premium memory foams.

I found this to be notable in 3 of their AirFoam models, the Original, Signature, and Evolution. Note that the Evolution used a pocket coil layer inside the mattress in lieu of a foam base.

Their Nolah Natural model (it’s made using natural latex) provided a little bit less immersive side support, but the bouncier feel was more appealing to me, nonetheless.

Nolah AirFoam™ is 100% temperature neutral and made without heat-trapping viscoelastic chemicals to provide you with a cool and comfortable sleep. During my Nolah Mattress reviews, temperature readings revealed no substantial increase in the foam material under my body during any testing.

It’s also part of the Nolah regimen to use only CertiPUR-US® certified foams that are not loaded with VOC’s, heavy metals, PBDE’s, formaldehyde (found in adhesives using in gluing layers together) and hazardous fire barrier chemicals. If you found my Nolah Mattress reviews helpful and read this far, send me an email! johnmarc@themattressbuyerguide.com


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