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Our Tuft & Needle vs. Leesa Mattress Comparison for 2024

If you’ve managed to stumble upon this mattress battle, you are on the fence between a pair of some of the most popular mattress companies in the bedding industry – Tuft & Needle and Leesa.

Both beds offer great value, featuring all-foam constructions, cooling technology, and motion isolation. While they may seem pretty similar to the naked eye, it’s their subtle differences that could sway you.

The Leesa Original is Leesa’s flagship mattress that’s designed to give you contouring pressure relief and comfort, while the Tuft & Needle is unique in its minimalist two-layer design, providing gentle contouring and cooling.

Let’s begin the battle of the all-foam beds. 

Quick Comparison: Tuft & Needle vs. Leesa

Product
Firmness
Trial Period
tuft & needle original mattress
Tuft & Needle Mattress
Medium: 5/10
100 nights
Leesa mattress
Leesa Original Mattress
Medium: 5.5/10
100 nights
tuft & needle original mattress
Product
Tuft & Needle Mattress
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Leesa mattress
Product
Leesa Original Mattress
Firmness
Medium: 5.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights

Who I’d Recommend the Tuft & Needle For

  • Hot sleepers – Both beds feature breathable covers and aerated foam but the Tuft & Needle has also infused their comfort layer with cooling gel and graphite, which work to draw heat away from the body. 
  • Budget-conscious shoppers – This bed is slightly cheaper than its opponent yet still packs a punch in the value department, so we think it’s a great choice for those looking to spend a little less.
  • Side sleepers – We think most side sleepers should love the plusher feel of this mattress, offering comfortable pressure relief at sensitive points such as the hips and shoulders.

Who I’d Recommend the Leesa For

  • Memory foam fans– While this bed doesn’t have a super deep hug that you often get with memory foam, it does have more of a standard memory foam feel than the Tuft & Needle. The memory foam layer is placed beneath the responsive top layer of this mattress, giving you the best of both worlds – a medium cradle and a bit of bounce.
  • Couples looking for a versatile feel – Both beds feature fantastic motion isolation and moderate bounce, but the Leesa may sway couples looking to compromise on firmness as it has more of a medium feel.
  • Consumers concerned with social impact – For every 10 beds sold, Leesa donates one to someone in need. “I personally like that this company is out there making a difference in the world by donating their mattresses to those who really need them,” said our mattress tester Emma. “It helps me sleep better at night knowing that my money is going to a really good cause.”

Comparing Tuft & Needle vs. Leesa: Top Similarities

  • Bounce – With their responsive top layers, we were pleasantly surprised by how bouncy both beds were. While you won’t experience the high bounce of an innerspring, the moderate bounce should satisfy combination sleepers, those with mobility issues, and couples who prefer a responsive mattress for sex.  
  • Edge support – As expected from all-foam models, edge support was slightly lacking in both models. This could affect couples who like to use the whole surface area of the bed, who may experience some sinkage.
  • Trial and warranty – You’ll get a 100-night trial and 10-year limited warranty with both the Leesa and the Tuft & Needle. 

Comparing Tuft & Needle vs. Leesa: Key Differences

  • Sinkage – While neither bed offers a deep hug, we found the Leesa to have slightly more sinkage, offering a medium cradle compared to Tuft & Needle’s more gentle cradle. 
  • Firmness – We think the Tuft & Needle has a medium-plush feel, whereas the Leesa is more medium. While this may not seem like a huge difference, we do think lightweight side sleepers will likely prefer the softer feel of the Tuft & Needle, while those who weigh more may feel better supported on the Leesa. However, significantly heavier sleepers may require a firmer bed than either of these options.
  • Alaska and Hawaii shipping policy – Shoppers in Alaska and Hawaii often have to pay extra shipping costs, but Leesa provides free bed-in-a-box shipping to these states.

Comparing Firmness, Support & Feel 

Firmness 

We rate mattress firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest. Our testers ranked the Tuft & Needle at a 5, making it medium-plush, while the Leesa came in slightly firmer at 5.5. 

Both beds should suit a wide range of sleepers, though we think back and side sleepers will appreciate their comfy mix of pressure relief and support. However, stomach sleepers could find themselves bottoming out on either option and would likely prefer a firmer option.

Support

Our mattress tester Stuart is a combination back, side, and stomach sleeper weighing around 170 pounds. He loved the support offered by the Tuft & Needle’s top layer of Adaptive® foam. “I can confidently say that the Tuft & Needle is the Goldilocks of beds; not too soft, not too hard, but just right.” 

We found that the memory foam and high-density foam on the Leesa provided ample support for all but the heaviest of sleepers.

Feel 

Our mattress tester Emma weighs 140 pounds and is a stomach and side sleeper. She loved the feel of the Leesa. “Its foams are incredibly contouring and should provide excellent pressure relief”. 

Stuart was also a big fan of the Tuft & Needle, saying, “The Tuft & Needle has a simple yet effective design that feels like a hug from your grandma. Topping it off is a soft and durable cover that should cool you all night long.” 


Comparing Sinkage and Bounce 

The Leesa’s memory foam offers a medium cradle, while the Tuft & Needle provides a gentle cradle, leaving you feeling a little more ‘on top of’ the bed. 

All-foam beds aren’t famous for their bounce, but our team was impressed by the relative springiness of the Leesa. “One of the things that really surprised me was how responsive this was for an all-foam bed,” reported Emma. “It makes it easier to move around on.” 

We were also super impressed with the responsiveness of the Tuft & Needle, making either bed a solid choice for combination sleepers, couples who prefer a responsive mattress for sex, or people with mobility issues. 

Comparing Motion Transfer 

If you’re easily awoken by a restless partner or pet, you’ll need a bed with good motion isolation. We found both beds to have minimal motion transfer. “The Tuft & Needle mattress will make sharing your sleep space a breeze,” noted Stuart. “It’s so good at isolating motion, especially considering how bouncy this bed is, that you won’t even notice when your partner tosses and turns all night.” 

Emma was also impressed by the motion-isolating abilities of the Leesa. “The Leesa mattress has really good motion isolation; you should find it easy to move around and reposition yourself without disturbing your partner.” 

Comparing Cooling 

All-foam beds often sleep hot, but both these models have included temperature regulation in their designs. The Tuft & Needle features a breathable cover and a top layer of aerated foam that promotes airflow. This foam is infused with cooling gel and graphite, offering extra cooling abilities. 

The Leesa also has a breathable cover and aerated foam. Memory foam can trap heat, but placing the memory layer in the middle of the Leesa keeps it away from the sleeper. We think most people should stay comfortably cool on either bed, though we found the Tuft & Needle slept slightly cooler. However, exceptionally hot sleepers may still prefer a dedicated cooling mattress


Comparing Construction (Materials & Quality)

Tuft & Needle Mattress

tuft & needle original mattress

This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.

Score 4.0/5
Read Tuft & Needle Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Foam

Trial Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping minus HI and AK

Firmness

Medium: 5/10

Warranty

10-year limited warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review

Tuft & Needle Mattress

tuft & needle original mattress

This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.

Score 4.0/5
Read Tuft & Needle Mattress Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

10-year limited warranty

Firmness

Medium: 5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping minus HI and AK

Trial Period

100 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
tuft & needle original mattress

Tuft & Needle Mattress

This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.

Score 4.0/5
Read Tuft & Needle Mattress Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium: 5/10

Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty

10-year limited warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping minus HI and AK

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review

Tuft & Needle Construction

The Tuft & Needle is 9.5 inches tall, featuring a minimalist construction of just two separate layers. This was a conscious decision by the brand as extra layers require more glue to hold them together, which stifles airflow, making the mattress hotter. The poly-blend cover is soft and breathable and the bed’s flame retardant is made from a natural mix of polyester, cotton, and food-grade salt.

Layers of the tuft and needle original bed
  • The top layer features 3 inches of the brand’s proprietary Adaptive® Foam, which they claim is superior to memory foam due to its breathability and ability to contour without sagging. The open-cell design is engineered to offer a responsive sleep surface, providing pressure relief and support where it’s most needed. The breathable foam also contains cooling gel and graphite, which work together to draw away heat.
  • The bottom layer is 6.5 inches tall and made of poly foam. This foundational foam offers support for the sleeper, allowing for healthy spinal alignment. 

Leesa Original Mattress

Leesa mattress

Leesa’s premium foam mattress works wonders for sleepers of all positions.

Score 4.0/5
Read Leesa Original Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Foam

Trial Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium: 5.5/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review

Leesa Original Mattress

Leesa mattress

Leesa’s premium foam mattress works wonders for sleepers of all positions.

Score 4.0/5
Read Leesa Original Mattress Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Medium: 5.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

100 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review
Leesa mattress

Leesa Original Mattress

Leesa’s premium foam mattress works wonders for sleepers of all positions.

Score 4.0/5
Read Leesa Original Mattress Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium: 5.5/10

Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review

Leesa Construction 

The 10-inch Leesa has three layers, encased in a polyester and viscose cool-knit cover. The cover is designed to be breathable, offering a cool and comfortable sleep surface, and it is thicker than the covers offered by many other brands, making it durable. The bed is protected by a chemical-free and fiberglass-free fire barrier.

leesa original mattress construction
  • The comfort layer is 2 inches tall and features the brand’s exclusive breathable poly foam. This aerated foam is designed to sleep cool, offering comfortable contouring and a responsive, bouncy feel.
  • The transition layer has 2 inches of contouring memory foam that cradles the sleeper, offering pressure relief at the shoulders, back, and hips. This layer also works to ease you gently into the firmer base layer below. 
  • The base layer features 6 inches of high-density support foam. This provides support for the sleeper, as well as being a durable foundation for the rest of the bed. 

Comparing Company Policies & Price

  • Warranty – A 10-year limited warranty is offered with both the Leesa and the Tuft & Needle.
  • Shipping – The Tuft & Needle ships free with bed-in-a-box delivery to the contiguous U.S., with additional fees for Alaska and Hawaii. White glove delivery is available for a fee. Leesa offers free bed-in-a-box shipping across the whole of the United States, with white glove delivery available at extra cost.
  • Trial Period – Both mattresses come with an industry-standard trial of 100 nights.
  • Returns – Returns are free within the trial period for both mattresses, with full refunds (minus any shipping fees) given, although customers in Alaska and Hawaii must pay a return fee for the Leesa. You must have owned the Leesa for at least 30 days before requesting a return. 
  • Price – The Tuft & Needle is slightly cheaper than the Leesa, which may not be a dealbreaker for some, but those looking to save a bit of money may be swayed by this, seeing how they’re pretty similar beds.
SizeTuft & Needle Price (w/o discount)Leesa Price (w/o discount)
Twin$745$849
Twin XL$795$899
Full$895$1,099
Queen$995$1,299
King$1,395$1,599
Cali King$1,395$1,599

Tuft & Needle vs. Leesa Compared Side-by-Side

FeaturesTuft & NeedleLeesa
Height9.5”10”
CoverPoly-blendPolyester and viscose
MaterialsGel-infused breathable poly foam, poly foamBreathable poly foam, memory foam, high-density poly foam, 
CoolingBreathable cover, breathable foam with cooling gel and graphiteBreathable cover, breathable poly foam
Firmness5/105.5/10
SupportGreatGreat
Motion TransferVery minimalVery minimal
Edge SupportModerateModerate
SinkageGentle CradleMedium Cradle
BounceModerateModerate
Warranty10-year limited10-year limited
Trial Period100 nights100 nights
CertificationsCertiPUR-US®, GREENGUARD Gold CertifiedCertiPUR-US®, GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Adjustable Base CompatibleYesYes
ShippingFree bed-in-a-box shipping across the contiguous U.S., additional fees apply for Alaska and Hawaii. White glove delivery available at extra cost.Free bed-in-a-box shipping across the entire U.S., white glove delivery available for an additional fee.
Made in the USAYesYes
Read Full ReviewTuft & Needle Mattress ReviewLeesa Mattress Review
Shop NowTuft & Needle MattressLeesa Mattress

Final Thoughts

We’ll admit, it’s a tough choice, as both beds perform particularly well. They bring fantastic appeal, splendid comfort, and superior support at a fraction of the cost of mattresses with similar capabilities. 

However, after rigorous testing, we think that side sleepers, hot sleepers, and those on a bit of a tighter budget may sway towards the Tuft & Needle. Slightly heavier individuals, memory foam fans, and shoppers looking to spend their money with a socially-conscious brand may prefer the Leesa. 

Ultimately, it’s down to you, so check out our full-length reviews for a more in-depth analysis of each bed. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed, whichever bed you go for.

Quick Comparison: Tuft & Needle vs. Leesa

Product
Firmness
Trial Period
tuft & needle original mattress
Tuft & Needle Mattress
Medium: 5/10
100 nights
Leesa mattress
Leesa Original Mattress
Medium: 5.5/10
100 nights
tuft & needle original mattress
Product
Tuft & Needle Mattress
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Leesa mattress
Product
Leesa Original Mattress
Firmness
Medium: 5.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Jill Zwarensteyn

Jill Zwarensteyn

Editor

About Author

Jill Zwarensteyn is the Editor for Sleep Advisor and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.

Combination Sleeper

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