The Molecule Mattress: A Performance Mattress Used By Elite Athletes To Optimize Deep, Restorative Sleep: The Perfect Mattress For Fitness Buffs And Healthier Adults!
The Molecule Mattress lineup has exploded in popularity in the last couple of years primarily because Tom Brady has heavily endorsed the company. He was a Simmons Beautyrest Black fan ($4,800 mattress) until he received a king size Molecule mattress and after spending one night on it, totally fell in love with it. He’s not the only performance athlete who’s a fan, either.
He joins an elite stable of hardcore Molecule owners, including Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Olympic rower Susan Francia, and distance runners Ryan and Sara Hall. Runners and swimmers especially enjoy the elite level of performance offered by The Molecule Lineup.
Molecule also is a partner brand with the New York Mets. Seems that performance athletes compare notes about their mattresses, and the Molecule lineup, which includes two beds, the Molecule 1 and the Molecule 2, which were both designed specifically for recovery and restorative sleep performance.
Judging by the company’s review feedback from both amateur athletes and fitness buffs, their lineup of just two mattresses seems to outperform other in-class beds like Purple, Casper, Tuft&Needle and others, the Molecule team has created something other bed in a box companies have missed.
Founded only in the last few years by 45-year-old serial entrepreneur Albert Oh and backed by aNew York City private equity fund that also owns a leading foam manufacturer, Molecule is attempting to crack the crowded online mattress business by offering beds for performance-minded consumers. Its main selling point: quick recovery, restorative rest, and sleeping cooler than virtually any mattress out there.
Both of the Molecule mattress models, move twice as much heat away from the body as traditional foam, which helps prevent tossing and turning and promotes the restorative deep sleep that, in addition to other benefits, contributes most to recovery. This phenomenon has been well documented, and Daniel Barone, an assistant professor of neurology at Weil-Cornell Medical College, has stated that independent research backs up the claims of Molecule’s highly proprietary foam components do in fact keep body temperature cooler than other foams- the key to deeper, more restorative sleep.
The Molecule 1 And The Molecule 2 Mattress: Overview
There are two Molecule mattress models, and at first glance, they are not easy to distinguish, even after we cut them open to see how the internal foam layers are arranged, and how they feel.
I think the Molecule 1 has more of a medium to medium-firm feel as far as firmness goes. It feels slightly softer than the Molecule 2 mattress, but firmer than the average bed-in-box mattress which ten to run on the soft side, and are often returned by first time owners who describe the typical bed in a box as having a “trapped” or “confining” sensation. We give the Molecule 2 a medium-firm rating on our firmness scale.
Of course it’s important to keep in mind that how soft or firm a bed feels is based on your weight. In other words, heavier individuals will apply more pressure to the mattress than lighter individuals and, thus, the mattress will seem softer to them. Since the lineup is geared for athletes and highly active people, their weight may tend to make the Molecule 2 more appealing, since it is ever so slightly firmer.
Runners and tennis players, especially, tend to have less mass and will likely sleep better on the Molecule 1, which runs more on the softer side of medium firm, say a 7 out of 10 sensation, 10 being firm enough to limit sinking into the mattress, though not as firm as sleeping, say, on a very firm futon.
How The Molecule 1 Mattress Feels Compared To The Molecule 2
The easiest way to describe the feel and experience associated with the Molecule 1 mattress is that it feels like the next generation of memory foam mattress. While being firmer that other memory foam mattresses like the Tempur-Pedic, which offered a lot of really firm options like their Rhapsody model, The Molecule 1 has less resistance and still offers the melting in sensation but only just enough to embrace your body rather than “cuddling” it a bit too much. Here are the components used in the Molecule 1 that contribute to its extraordinary effectiveness at optimizing sleep to give you the restorative and reinvigorating rest you need.
The idea behind the design of the Molecule 1 mattress also follows to the Molecule 2 mattress, which tends to keep you buoyed and “levitated” above the mattress, reducing body contact and thus surface area contact, which allows heat to escape to keep you cool.
This is likely due to the fact that the open-cell memory foam that Molecule uses, called “RestoreFLO™”, is infused with micro-gel beads, which helps to push heat away from the body laterally (sideways) rather than downwards where it pools, often feeling like a furnace underneath the body of especially hot sleepers, for example.
CONTOURFLO foam: The bed’s 7” dense support layer forms the foundation of the mattress.
RECOVERYFLO foam: A 3-zone transition layer that’s 3” thick and manufactured with contoured patterns on the surface that differ in size. It’s softer at the head and feet for pressure relief but firmer in the middle for additional support.
RESTOREFLO foam: An open-cell memory foam layer infused with miniature gel-beads meant to help with breathability and moisture-wicking. It’s soft, pressure relieving and remembers your shape like memory foam.
12” finished height, 3-layer design
All foams are CertiPUR-US® certified and made in the USA
RestoreFLO™ Gel-Infused Open Cell Memory Foam
The unexpected low price point of The Molecule 1 the most popular model, and again, the use of a uniquely supportive yet pressure relieving memory foam layers, provide it’s slightly softer feel. The Molecule 2 mattress model offers a more resilient and firmer feel to it, much like a foam mattress that has more density and less give- but not by much.
The Molecule 2 : Design And Components
And, The Molecule 2 features a specialized anti-microbial treatment and uses an even more advanced memory foam material than the RestoreFLO™ used in Molecule 1, with a material called AirTEC™, which improves airflow and respiration even more by helping to lower body temperature to optimize sleep.
The Molecule 2 mattress is the same 12 ¼” thickness as Molecule 1 and is made with three layers like the entry-level model. The key design differences between the two models primarily revolve around the construction and materials of the transition and top comfort layers:
COUNTERFLO foam: This layer provides support for your spine.
RECOVERYFLO foam: The 3” transition layer in this mattress is made with five zones, as opposed to Molecule 1’s 3-zone transition layer. It has two additional zones around the neck and the knee area that the entry-level bed doesn’t have, and every zone is meant to provide support and pressure relief where your body needs it.
MOLECULARFLO foam: The comfort layer in the Molecule 2 is made with “their most advanced proprietary foam” made to promote a solid airflow, and they actually claim the airflow is five times better than traditional memory foam.
Microban AEGIS Microbe Shield® antimicrobial treatment on exterior outer covering.
12” 4-layer design
CertiPUR-US® certified, Made in the USA foam
Proprietary AirTEC™ Extreme Open Cell foam layer
RestoreFLO™ Gel-Infused Open Cell Memory Foam
5x the airflow and passive respiration of traditional memory foam
The design of the Molecule 2 is a bit more uplifting and buoyant, and is designed to allow for body heat extraction even more than on the Molecule 1. Overall, it’s still a comfortable, supportive mattress. It just depends on what degree of firmness you prefer. Slightly softer, stick with the Molecule 1, ever so slightly firmer and more resilient, go with the Molecule 2. Let’s look at how different kinds of sleeping positions might influence which model you buy…
Side Sleepers
For side sleepers, we’d say the Molecule 1 is a good fit, really geared fo those who like a mattress to fill in void areas and offer a more sumptuous feel where you immerse into the mattress with a more “nest-like” sensation.
The open-cell memory foam top layer does offer a good amount of pressure relief, and generally speaking, primary side sleepers tend to prefer slightly softer mattresses that are more gentle around their hips and shoulders. The Molecule 1 and The Molecule 2 both deliver on this in my opinion, so there’s not much difference for sidesteppers in this regard.
Back and Belly Sleepers
Typically, back sleepers and belly sleepers prefer a firm mattress that helps to keep their spine in neutral alignment. What you don’t want is a mattress that is so soft that it allows your hips to sink too far into the top layers.
This can cause an arching effect on your lower back, which creates pain as you body attempts to suspend your spine during the night to keep it straight and level, resulting in lactic acid buildup and soreness. Fortunately, both the Molecule 1 and Molecule 2 are slightly firmer, more so than typical memory foam mattresses, making them an ideal mattress for back and belly sleepers. Also, the underlying layer of high density PU foam for the base layer provides a proper foundation that keeps you body from immersing, and keeps your spine and vertebrae strains and level.
Combination Sleepers And Flip Floppers
People who switch from side to back, and those who are notorious for tossing and turning will likely calm down and wake up less on the Molecule 1 mattress.
As we mentioned, because the specialized memory foam is used in both beds, you won’t feel much resistance when attempting to switch between positions on either, though the Molecule 1 is slightly softer. And because there is less struggle with movement, by having to dig your way out of an abyss in the middle of your bed, you won’t wake up or experience disruption in deep REM sleep.
The Molecule 2 will also work for combo sleepers, but if you spend the majority of the night on your side, I’d advise sticking with the Molecule 1 mattress option.
Molecule Mattress vs. Body Weight
We think both Molecule mattresses are an excellent choice for petite and medium size individuals. Smaller people (less than 150 pounds) will appreciate the comfort and support of the all-foam bed without immersing in either model too much.
If you enjoy the feel of memory foam and you’re of typical weight(150 – 225 pounds), chances are that you’ll sleep well on a Molecule mattress. The foam densities are actually targeted at this weight range, and while it might be slightly firmer than the average mattress, being a memory foam mattress, it offers a sweet spot for folks of typical weight.
While bulkier people would likely be better off in most circumstances on a coil or other kind of coil/hybrid mattress, anyone who is height/weight proportionate will evenly distribute load on the 1 or the 2, and its just a matter of preference for slightly medium to medium firm, or moving to the Molecule 2 for a firmer feel. Either option will insure that you fall asleep fast, keep you cool for more restorative rest, and will help heal and re-energize tired and sore muscles.
As for performance athletes, you might wonder how “Tom Brady sleeps on this bed. How can it not handle heavy people?” In fact, Tom Brady weighs only 225 lb, being a quarterback rather than a tackle. If Tom weighed 350 lbs., we doubt he’d sleep on a Molecule for 10 years.
Molecule Mattress Component Performance Ratings
Off-gassing: The Molecule mattresses did have a slight “fresh mattress” foam smell at first, but the odor gradually faded away within days, thanks to the open-cell memory foam layer, which promotes breathability and respiratory qualities.
Durability: Likely with the components being used and our knowledge of the basic build-out of this mattress but we can confirm that they are well-made and use quality materials that will last for the duration of the warranty- which happens to be the lifetime of the mattress.
Pressure Relief: Both Molecule options offers enhanced pressure relief due to the advanced formulation of the memory foam layers, and though you won’t collapse into the Molecule mattress models as deeply, you will experience the effective distribution of body weight sideways, rather than downward, as with typical memory foam mattresses.
Motion isolation: Like other foam beds, Molecule mattresses are excellent in terms of motion isolation, so you shouldn’t feel much when your partner moves around at night.
Temperature neutrality: Even though it’s a memory foam bed, Molecule sleeps cooler than you’d expect.
Edge support: Molecule 1 and 2 both offer surprisingly good edge support, considering that edge support on memory foam mattress is notoriously terrible. It definitely outperforms similar beds in this category.
Review Of Quality Of Materials In The Molecule Lineup
The Molecule Mattress program are all-foam mattresses originally designed to deliver the best restorative and supportive components to performance athletes and health conscious individuals. They use a selection of proprietary and trademarked specialized foams that are technically advanced, and work together to diffuse heat and cushion the body while supporting the spine.
Surprisingly both models are affordable and priced to compete with traditional memory foam bed in a box options, yet offer more effective support, spine alignment, temperature regulation, and comfort.
The Molecule 1 mattress comes with 3 comfort layers and a cover layer.
Cover Layer: The cover layer is treated with Microban®, which is an anti-microbial treatment that promotes wellness and reduces allergies, stuffiness, and respiratory distress. The cover material is moisture wicking and highly breathable.
Foam Layer #1: The first comfort layer is a 3” thick layer of proprietary MolecularFlo™ foam that features extreme open cell technology. This lets air flow throughout the mattress and does a superior job diffusing heat.
Foam Layer #2: The second comfort layer is 2” of proprietary RecoveryFlo™ foam that comes with hexagon and diamond shaped targeted support regions. This technology keeps your spine supported while working against pressure points where you need it most.
Foam Layer #3: The last comfort layer is a 7” layer of ContourFlo™ foam that is much firmer to keep the spine aligned and give the mattress durability. this layer acts as the foundation or base layer of the mattress and creates the overall effect of slightly firmer than average support, without feeling rock hard.