updated February 2023

Dreamfoam Essential vs Zinus Mattress Comparison
Need help deciding if the Dreamfoam or Zinus mattress is right for you? Learn everything you need to know to make the right decision in our Dreamfoam vs Zinus mattress comparison.
Ready for a new memory foam mattress but not looking to break the bank? The Dreamfoam Essential and the Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam mattress are two very affordable bed-in-a-box memory foam mattresses. In our Dreamfoam vs Zinus review, we’ll see how these mattresses compare and help you decide which all-foam mattress is right for you.
Dreamfoam Essential and Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Overview
Customer Rating
MA Score
Summary
Firmness
Type
Trial Period
Warranty
Customer Rating
MA Score
8.5/10
Summary
A mattress comes in multiple firmness options and is an affordable choice for mitigating back pain
Firmness
Medium-Soft to Firm
Type
Memory Foam
Trial Period
120 days
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Customer Rating
MA Score
7.5/10
Summary
Budget-friendly memory foam mattress
Firmness
Medium-Soft to Medium-Firm
Type
Memory foam
Trial Period
100 days
Warranty
10-year limited warranty


Dreamfoam Essential
Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam
Customer Rating
MA Score
8.5/10
7.5/10
Summary
A mattress comes in multiple firmness options and is an affordable choice for mitigating back pain
Budget-friendly memory foam mattress
Firmness
Medium-Soft to Firm
Medium-Soft to Medium-Firm
Type
Memory Foam
Memory foam
Trial Period
120 days
100 days
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
10-year limited warranty
Dreamfoam Essential vs Zinus: Top Similarities
- Traditional Feel: Both the Dreamfoam Essential and Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam deliver a traditional memory foam mattress feel. This close cradling sensation feels like sleeping “in” the bed rather than “on” it.
- Great for Budget Shoppers: These are two of the least expensive memory foam mattresses we’ve reviewed and are both great options for budget shoppers.
- Below-Average Cooling: As with most cushy memory foam mattresses, cooling is not a prime feature of either of these beds.
- Good for Side Sleepers: The Dreamfoam Essential and the Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam offer excellent pressure relief, which is an important feature for side sleepers. Both mattresses gently cushion and support your shoulders, hips, and glutes.
- Great for Back-Pain Sufferers: With great scores in our spine alignment test, both beds help support proper posture all night long and are good choices for people with back pain.
- Firmness Options: Both the Dreamfoam Essential and the Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam offer various thicknesses that correspond to different comfort levels, varying from medium-soft for both, to medium-firm for the Zinus, and firm for the Dreamfoam.
Dreamfoam Essential vs Zinus: Top Differences
- Edge Support: The most glaring difference between these two mattresses is edge support, which is crucial for anyone who uses the edge of the bed for sitting, sleeping, or stability. Dreamfoam’s edges are much more supportive than Zinus’s.
- Various Sizes: If you’re looking for a non-standard bed size, Dreamfoam is the way to go. Zinus offers standard sizes, while Dreamfoam comes in many less common sizes, including various RV and short mattress options.
- Returns: While returns are not too tricky with either company, they’re easier with Dreamfoam, which takes care of the process of mattress pickup. Zinus requires you to find a charity for donation and provide them with the donation receipt.

Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Review Highlights
- Great Value: Because Dreamfoam is owned by Brooklyn Bedding—a company that lowers costs by keeping all manufacturing and sales in-house—its value is hard to beat.
- Suitable for Seniors: Older adults benefit from mattresses with great pressure relief, spine alignment, and edge support. The Dreamfoam Essential provides these qualities and has a good balance of support and cushioning.
- Available in Unusual Sizes: The Dreamfoam Essential comes in a variety of RV and “short” sizes. This is fantastic if you need to fit a bed into a small or oddly shaped space.
- Other Options: Brooklyn Bedding offers other Dreamfoam mattresses, including the Dreamfoam Latex, the Dreamfoam Copper, and the Dreamfoam Hybrid.

Zinus Mattress Review Highlights
- Good for Motion Isolation: The Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam scored well in motion transfer, so you won’t be jostled awake whenever your partner moves at night.
- 24/7 Customer Care: Zinus is one of the few mattress companies we’ve found that offers live support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can reach them via phone, chat, or an online form.
- Great for Side Sleepers: With an excellent pressure relief score, the Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam cradles your hips, shoulders, knees, and ankles. This is essential for side sleepers.
- Other Options: Zinus offers various other mattresses, including the Zinus Green Tea, Zinus Spa Sensations, and Zinus Hybrid.
Dreamfoam Essential vs Zinus Dimensions
The Dreamfoam Essential comes in various uncommon sizes, such as the short full, the short queen, and RV sizes. The Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam mattress is available in standard mattress sizes.
Dreamfoam Essential Mattress | Zinus Cooling | |
Thickness | 6”–14” | 8”-14” |
Twin | 38” x 75” | 39” x 75” |
Twin XL | 38” x 80” | N/A |
RV Bunk | 28” x 75”
30” x 75” 30” x 80” 32” x 74” 34” x 75” |
N/A |
Short Full | 48” x 74” | N/A |
Full | 53” x 75” | 54” x 75” |
Full XL | 53” x 80” | N/A |
Short Queen | 60” x 74” | N/A |
Queen | 60” x 80” | 60” x 80” |
Olympic Queen | 66” x 80” | N/A |
RV King | 70” x 74”
70” x 80” 72” x 80” |
N/A |
Short King | 72” x 75” | N/A |
King | 76” x 80” | 76” x 80” |
Split King | N/A | N/A |
California King | 72” x 84” | 72” x 84” |
Split California King | 36″ x 84″ (X2) | N/A |
(*The Zinus is only available in specific sizes for each comfort level. The 8” and 10” come in twin, full, queen, and king. The 12” and 14” versions are available in full, queen, king, and California king sizes.)
Learn more about mattress sizes.
Dreamfoam Essential vs Zinus Pricing
Both Zinus and Dreamfoam offer all-foam mattresses at affordable prices. Additionally, both companies provide various options for thickness at each size, and prices increase with increasing plushness.
Keep in mind these prices do not include any discounts, promotions, or exclusive Mattress Advisor deals. Visit our mattress deals page for further information on current promotions.
Dreamfoam Essential Prices | Zinus Cooling Prices* | |
Twin | $274–$599 | $369-$429 |
Twin XL | $349–$649 | N/A |
Full | $449–$749 | $499-$539 |
Queen | $524–$949 | $549-$609 |
King | $699–$1,149 | $629-$739 |
California King | $699–$1,149 | $619-$729 |
Compare the Inside of the Mattresses
The Dreamfoam Essential and the Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam are both gel-infused memory foam mattresses, and they share quite a bit in common regarding their construction. Take a look at our layer-by-layer analysis of each bed below to discover their similarities and differences.

Inside the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress
The Dreamfoam Essential is a gel memory foam mattress available in depths of 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”, and 14”. Dreamfoam uses open-cell foam in all its layers to promote airflow and cooling.
A stain-resistant mattress cover sits atop the Dreamfoam Essential’s comfort layer. This 2”–3” layer of gel-infused memory foam delivers cooling properties while providing pressure relief. VariFlex foam makes up the transition layer in the 12” and 14” models, improving the contouring and durability of these beds. Last, a high-density polyfoam support layer enhances durability. This layer varies between 4” and 8” depending on the overall thickness of the bed.
Because of the thin comfort layers in the 6” and 8” models, we do not recommend them for side sleepers or people over 230 lbs.
- Stain-Resistant Cover: This stain-repelling top mattress panel prevents stains from accidental spills and accidents.
- Gel Foam Comfort Layer: A layer of gel-infused memory foam draws heat away from the body while gently cradling your joints.
- Transition Layer (12” and 14” models): VariFlex transition foam provides contouring and support, making the 12” and 14” models great for side sleepers.
- High-Density Support Layer: Varying in thickness between 4” and 8”, high-density polyfoam delivers durable support to the Dreamfoam Essential. A thicker layer here corresponds with greater durability and longevity.

Inside the Zinus Mattress
The Zinus is an all-foam mattress that offers a traditional memory foam experience. This mattress comes in various thicknesses: 8”, 10”, 12”, and 14”.
Beneath its breathable knitted cover, a comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam contours to your body’s shape, gently cradling your hips and shoulders. A transition layer follows, delivering pressure relief and responsiveness.
In the 12” and 14” models, a layer of firmer polyfoam allows you to sink in further before reaching the sturdy base layer. This is important for average-sized sleepers who may find the 8” and 10” versions to have too little support. Last, high-density polyfoam makes up the base layer.
The Zinus does a great job of giving you the body hug typical of memory foam. However, heavier sleepers (over 230 lbs) will likely sink in too far for this mattress to provide comfortable support. Also, because of the thinner layers in the 8” version, we only recommend this thickness for teenagers, college students, and guest bedrooms.
- Breathable Jacquard Cover: An elastic and breathable knitted polyester fabric cover.
- Gel-Infused Memory Foam Comfort Layer: Gel-infused memory foam draws heat away from your body, so you’ll sleep cooler than on traditional memory foam while it contours your body’s joints and curves.
- Comfort Foam Transition Layer: Medium firmness foam delivers pressure relief while providing a buffer between the soft memory foam above and denser support foam below.
- Durable Foam Layer (12” and 14” models): An additional layer of supportive polyfoam offers extra cushioning and stability for the thicker models of the Zinus.
- Support Foam Layer: High-density foam provides support, stability, and durability.
Compare Test Scores
We tested both of these beds in our Mattress Advisor lab across 14 categories, so you can make the most informed purchase possible. Check out our head-to-head comparison below. Please note that the following scores are for the 14” Dreamfoam Essential.
If you’re interested in finding out how we test mattresses and come up with their scores, read more about our review process here.
Dreamfoam Essential | Zinus Cooling | |
Shipping | 10 | 8 |
Trial Period | 10 | 9 |
Return Policy | 9 | 7.5 |
Warranty | 9 | 9 |
Set-Up Test | 9.5 | 8 |
Motion Transfer Test | 8.5 | 8.75 |
Edge Support Test | 7.5 | 3 |
Pressure Relief Test | 8.75 | 8.75 |
Spine Alignment Test | 9.5 | 8 |
Responsiveness Test | 7.5 | 7 |
Cooling Evaluation | 7.25 | 7 |
Durability Evaluation | 8 | 7 |
Customer Service Score | 9 | 8 |
Social Impact Score | 3 | 2 |
Total Score | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to how well a mattress compresses to gently cradle the curves of your body. This feature is especially important for side sleepers, who can wake up with achy shoulders and hips if the pressure relief is poor.
The Dreamfoam Essential and the Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam mattress did very well on this test, both scoring 8.75/10. That means both mattresses are solid choices for side sleepers and combination sleepers.
Edge Support
A mattress with excellent edge support doesn’t droop when you sit or lay near its edge. It’s important for couples who like to use the entire surface of the bed and anyone who sits on the bed’s edge when getting ready in the morning. In addition, older adults and people with limited mobility who rely on the edge of the bed for support when getting up and down should aim to purchase a mattress with good edge support.
The Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam mattress underperformed significantly in this category, earning a score of 3/10. In fact, it is one of the lowest edge support scores we’ve ever given out. On the other hand, the Dreamfoam Essential scored 7.5/10, meaning that it provides adequate edge support. However, if this feature is especially important to you, neither of these beds is the best option.
Looking for excellent edge support? Consider the WinkBeds Luxury Firm Mattress, which earned a near-perfect score in our edge support test.
Cooling
Memory foam beds are not known for their cooling properties. By its nature, memory foam lets you sink into the bed, which traps heat around your body, so even the best memory foam beds tend to sleep a little hot.
Both Dreamfoam and Zinus use gel-swirl memory foam in an effort to deliver a cooler sleep experience. Still, neither performed exceptionally well on our cooling test. That said, neither performed poorly, either–so if heat isn’t your number-one concern, either bed is likely cool enough for you.
If you’re a super hot sleeper, check out our article on the Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers.
Bottom Line: Which Is the Best Mattress?
Still wondering whether the Dreamfoam Essential or the Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam is right for you? Both beds are fantastic for side sleepers, people with back pain, and anyone who prefers a traditional memory foam feel.
We recommend the Dreamfoam Essential over the Zinus mattress for older adults, couples who use the entire bed’s surface, and people looking for unusual mattress sizes. The Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam is our choice for budget shoppers seeking a full-sized bed or larger, as it’s priced exceptionally low for queen, king, and California king mattress sizes.
More Zinus Comparisons
More Dreamfoam Comparisons


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