The Layla Mattress Review You Can Actually Trust
No commission • No endorsements • Based on owner experiences • Since 2008 • More
Does a $400-$900 dual-sided memory foam mattress that is quite soft on one side and quite firm on the other side sound good? Then Layla might be for you.
But if you seek a very soft, medium-firm, or very firm mattress, then you should probably look elsewhere.
All things considered, Sleep Like The Dead rates Layla a C+.
Layla Mattress Performance Ratings & Analysis
The table below rates each side of the Layla, the soft side and the firm side. The ratings – based on 80+ consumer reviews gathered using an unbiased, accurate methodology – show how Layla rates compared to the average mattress.
| Soft Side | Firm Side | ||
| Owner satisfaction | B | B- | For those seeking a mattress with somewhat softer- or firmer-than-average comfort, Layla performs well. More. |
| Durability / longevity | C | C+ | Available owner experience data as well as data from similar established mattresses suggests that Layla has on average about fair longevity (6-year lifespan). More. |
| Support | C- | B | The soft side appears to lack optimal support for at least 10% of owners (1 in 10). More. |
| Less (back) pain | C+ | B- | Neither a clear strength nor clear weakness of the mattress. More. |
| Minimizes pressure | B+ | C- | The soft side contours / conforms to the body to an above average extent. This helps to equalize weight distribution and reduce pressure points. |
| Easy to move on | D+ | B | The sleeper often sinks into the soft side to a significant degree thereby making changing position on the bed and getting up off it somewhat challenging. About 12% of owners (1 in 8) report some movement difficulty. |
| Motion isolation | A- | B | Like memory foam mattresses in general, the mattress absorbs motion from one person so that another person is not much, if at all, disturbed. |
| Edge support | D+ | C+ | For the soft side especially, support for sleeping / sitting near the mattress edge is below average. |
| No initial odor | B- | At least 7% of owners (1 in 15) report a significant and often unpleasant initial odor. More. | |
| No sleeping hot | c+ | B- | Significant and bothersome heat retention occurring at least some of the time is reported by about 7% of owners (1 in 14). More. |
| Good for sex | C | C+ | Full analysis. |
| No noise | A | Like other foam-based mattresses, Layla is silent. | |
| No topper needed | B | C | Topper needs for the soft side appear to be low for the clear majority of owners. |
| Fast break in | B- | C- | The typical break-in time appears to be longer for the firm side. |
| Easy to maintain | C- | Layla suggests rotating the mattress at least once a month. If this frequency is indeed needed to maintain comfort, then the Layla would have to be considered high maintenance. | |
| Easy to use | D | A downside of a two sided mattress is that turning it over is needed to alter the comfort level. This can be difficult to do, especially for one person. | |
| Easy to handle, lift move | B- | Weigh is 50 to 90 lbs depending on size which is about 15% lighter than the average mattress. No handles. More. | |
| OVERALL RATING | C+ | C+ | This overall rating is determined by averaging the above performance ratings. |
Layla Mattress Specifications Ratings & Analysis
The Layla is a 10-inch thick dual-sided copper-infused memory foam mattress that is mostly if not entirely made in USA . The ratings – based on consumer experiences and the evaluation of Sleep Like The Dead – show how Layla's construction compares to the average mattress.
| Soft Side | Firm Side | ||
| Cover | B | C- | Soft side: 66% polyester, 30% viscose, 4% poly/lycra; firm side: polyester. The high viscose content makes cover somewhat different than that used on most competitors. Viscose pros: luxurious, stretchy, absorbs moisture to regulate temperature. Viscose cons: may lack strength / durability, moisture absorbency including spot cleaning may result in water marking / spots – therefore dry clean only. |
| Top and bottom layers | B- | C | Soft side (top): 3" copper-infused memory foam (3.5 lb/ft); firm side (bottom): 1" copper-infused memory foam (3.5 lb/ft). Total amount of memory foam (4") is about 25% more on average than competitors of similar price. Copper foam is not widely used, and its real-world performance suggests that it is not much if at all superior to non-copper foam. |
| Middle Layer | C- | 2" convoluted foam (1.8 lb/ft). Convoluted foam – while providing some heat dispersement and perhaps softness – appears to be less expensive and have less durability than straight sheet foam, all other things equal. Also, the density of this layer is somewhat low, possibly a durability liability. | |
| Base / support layer | C | 4.5" foam (2 lb/ft) is relatively thin for a base layer – about .7" or 15% thinner than main competitors on average. It appears this layer is thinner to allow for having two comfort layers (one on each side). As a result, support may not be ideal for couples & large people. Density, however, is above average which may be a durability strength. | |
| OVERALL RATING | C+ | C | The overall rating is determined by averaging the above specification ratings. |
Layla Sleep Company Ratings & Analysis
The ratings below – based on consumer experiences and the evaluation of Sleep Like The Dead – show how Layla Sleep compares to the average mattress manufacturer.
| Warranty | A- | Layla provides a lifetime non-prorated warranty. Most main competitors offer a 10-year non-prorated warranty. Aside from length, Layla's warranty terms are similar to those of main competitors. (See mattress warranties: what you should know.) |
| Return policy | B | 120-day, no-fee, money-back trial. No shipping prep for returning is needed, and a courier (if available) removes the bed from your home to be recycled or donated. The customer is expected to locate / coordinate with a local charity to pickup the mattress. |
| Customer service | B+ | Available data suggests that customer service is overall regarded by consumers to be above average but not necessarily perfect. |
| Marketing Accuracy | D+ | Sleep Like The Dead has identified five questionable marketing claims. |
| Access to customer reviews | A | Laylasleep.com allows sortable and easy access to all customer reviews posted there including those negative. Reviews are also available at Amazon. |
| Integrity of customer reviews | B- | Customer ratings in total on Layla's website are about 10% higher than customer ratings in total at independent sources. |
| Specs disclosed | B+ | Disclosing specifications lets consumers comparison shop and make an informed buying decision. |
| Time in business | C- | Since 2015. Buying from a newer, less established company comes with greater risk because the kinks of operating a new business and selling a new product have likely not been worked out. |
| BBB rating | NR | Layla Sleep currently has no rating with the Better Business Bureau which is unusual. |
| OVERALL RATING | B- | The overall rating is determined by averaging the above company ratings. |
Sleep Like The Dead (SLTD) Rating for Layla
| SLTD RATING | C+ | SLTD (Sleep Like The Dead) rating for Layla is determined by averaging the performance, specification, and company ratings. |
Layla Marketing Accuracy
Sleep Like The Dead has identified five questionable Layla marketing claims.
1. Laylasleep.com prominently and flatly claims that its copper-infused foam provides "cooler sleep and better support." But Layla provides no evidence that its foam actually outperforms other types of material in the real world.
And while the Layla does appear to sleep somewhat cooler than the average mattress, this could be due to its cover and use of convoluted foam. In regard to the claim that their foam is more supportive, owner experience data is inconclusive at best.
2. The company flatly states that "side sleepers absolutely love Layla" but as many as 25% of side sleeping customers would likely say that this statement is not true for them or is overstated.
3. Layla flatly claims that there is no "smelly stuff" in their mattress. A significant number of owners, however, report at least some initial odor, with at least 4% reporting a substantial, enduring unpleasant odor.
4. In the FAQ on their website, Layla states that their mattress keeps you cooler than other mattresses. While their mattress appears to sleep cooler than the average mattress, this claim as worded is stated too strongly.
5. On its website, Layla lists several mattress review websites as seemingly unbiased sources of praise for their mattress. Layla does not disclose that most if not all of these websites have a financial / commission relationship with Layla.
Key Comparisons
In the charts below, "all beds" refers to all mattresses on the market, and "all foam-based beds" refers to Layla's main and closest competitors which are mostly memory foam and foam. Compare Layla to competitors in the side-by-side mattress comparison.
Owner Satisfaction
The Layla mattress overall has 81% owner satisfaction. This rate is slightly higher than that of main competitors overall (80%) and better than the rate of all mattresses (73%). The main cause of Layla mattress owner dissatisfaction is excessive softness for the soft side and excessive firmness for the firm side.
Learn how owner satisfaction is determined.
Durability / longevity
Long-term owner experience data is mostly unavailable given that the mattress was introduced in 2015. What data is available as well as data from more established similar mattresses suggest that Layla has on average at least fair longevity (6+ year lifespan).
* estimate
Price
Layla is about 40% less expensive than the average mattress and about 20% less expensive than main competitors on average. The mattress is priced $400 twin, $500 twin xl, $700 full, $800 queen, and $900 king – not including a foundation.
Support
Support on the soft side of the Layla is fair at best – as is often the case for softer mattresses in general. Support, however, is above average for the firm side. Lack of support can result in the body not lying on a flat, level plane which can cause discomfort or even pain.
Back Pain Relief
Back pain relief does not appear to be a clear strength or weakness of Layla. This is often true for mattresses that are significantly softer or firmer than average. (General analysis: mattresses and pain relief.)
* partial estimate
Heat Retention
At least 7% of Layla mattress owners report bothersome heat retention. The soft side performs worse than the firm side due mainly to the fact that the soft side envelops the sleeper more. Nevertheless, the Layla does appear to sleep somewhat cooler than the average mattress. (General analysis: mattresses and sleeping hot.)
* partial estimate
Sex Suitability & Analysis
The Layla tends to perform similar to foam-based mattresses in general. (See mattresses and sex for general analysis.)
* partial estimate
| Soft Side | Firm Side | ||
| Easy to move on | D+ | B- | The softness and conforming ability of the soft side can make moving and changing positions somewhat challenging. |
| Bouncy | C- | C | The Layla appears to be somewhat bouncier than most memory foam mattresses. But those seeking substantial bounce will likely be disappointed. |
| Comfortable | B+ | C- | The soft side tends to minimize pressure on knees, elbows, hands, buttocks, while the firm side does not. |
| No bottoming out | C | C | For some positions involving heavier people especially, it may be possible to run out of cushion and reach the hard foundation underneath. |
| Allows discretion | B | B- | The mattress is silent and energy absorbing, but it may lack the weight to stay firmly in place. |
| Durable | C | C+ | The ability of the Layla to withstand repeated passionate use is likely about average. |
| Whole bed suitable | D+ | C+ | The far edges may not offer adequate support especially for larger people. This may allow one or both people to roll off the bed. |
| Allows fast climax | B | C+ | The soft side especially tends to conform to a degree to allow for high efficiency of movement. |
| Fluid, stain cleanup | C- | C- | If no mattress protector is used, fluids or soiling may mark the mattress. Cleaning / removing such occurrences may be difficult. Cover is dry clean only. |
| OVERALL SEX FRIENDLINESS RATING | C | C+ | This rating is determined by averaging the above ratings. |
Weight
The mattress weighs 50 lbs twin, 55 lbs twin xl, 70 lbs full, 80 lbs queen, and 90 lbs king. Compared to the average mattress, Layla is about 17% lighter.
A lighter mattress may have the disadvantage of not staying firmly in place on its base, but often has the advantage of being relatively easy to move, lift and handle.
When compared to the average 10-inch thick mattress, Layla is about 3% heavier.
Initial Odor
About 7% of Layla owners report a significant, unpleasant and sometimes enduring initial odor. Odor of this kind is not uncommon for foam-based products.
This 7% rate is better than both the average mattress and the average memory foam mattress. (General analysis: mattress off gassing.)
Total Thickness
Layla is 10 inches in total thickness which is about an inch thinner than the average mattress and .5 inch thinner than that of the average main competitor.
Layla Mattress Firmness Analysis – SOFT Side
The "soft side" of the Layla mattress is described by owners on average as being medium-soft to medium. In other words, on a 1 to 10 scale with 1 being very soft and 10 being very firm, this side of the Layla on average is regarded as about a 4.5.
Beyond break-in about 6% of owners find the soft side to be too firm and about 10% find it too soft. About an additional 15% find the firmness to be acceptable but not ideal.
Layla Mattress Firmness Analysis – FIRM Side
The "firm side" of the Layla mattress is described by owners on average as being firm. In other words, on a 1 to 10 scale with 1 being very soft and 10 being very firm, this side of the Layla on average is regarded as about an 8.
Beyond break-in about 16% of owners find the firm side to be too firm and about 7% find it too soft. About an additional 18% find the firmness to be acceptable but not ideal.
Person Size and Sleep Position Suitability For Layla Mattress
The tables below evaluate the Layla mattress for person size and sleep position. It shows what tends to be true for owners; your personal evaluation may differ. See the mattress firmness guide for details based on your body type. And people of below- and above-average weight, see the mattress guide for large and small people.
BACK SLEEP FRIENDLINESS
| Soft Side | Firm Side | ||
| Average-Sized People (130-230 lbs) |
C+ | B | Most back sleepers 130-230 pounds find the mattress to be at least fair. For the soft side, their main complaint is excessive softness and lack of support; for the firm side it is excessive firmness. |
| Large People (230+ lbs) |
C* | C+* | Owner experience data for people over 230 pounds is limited, but most large people find the mattress to be at least acceptable for back sleep. For the soft side, their main complaint is lack of support; for the firm side it is excessive firmness. |
| Small People (under 130 lbs) |
B | C-* | Most back sleepers under 130 pounds find the mattress to be at least fair. Although the firm side is often considered by them to be excessively firm. |
SIDE SLEEP FRIENDLINESS
| Soft Side | Firm Side | ||
| Average-Sized People (130-230 lbs) |
B | C | Most side sleepers 130-230 pounds find the mattress to be fair or better. For the soft side, their main complaint is excessive softness and lack of support; for the firm side it is excessive firmness. |
| Large People (230+ lbs) |
C+* | C* | Owner experience data for people over 230 pounds is limited, but most large side sleepers find the mattress to be at least acceptable. For the soft side, their main complaint is excessive softness and lack of support; for the firm side it is excessive firmness. |
| Small People (under 130 lbs) |
B+ | D+ | Most side sleepers under 130 pounds find the soft side to be at least fair. Some report excessive firmness for both sides, often those with a body mass index of 20 or lower. |
STOMACH SLEEP FRIENDLINESS
| Soft Side | Firm Side | ||
| Average-Sized People (130-230 lbs) |
C | C+ | Most stomach / front sleepers 130-230 pounds find the mattress to be about fair. For the soft side, their main complaint is excessive softness and that they sink too far in for optimal comfort. For the firm side, the main complaint is excessive firmness. |
| Large People (230+ lbs) |
C-* | C+* | Owner experience data for people over 230 pounds is limited, but most large people find the mattress to be no better than fair for stomach / front sleep. For the soft side, their main complaint is excessive softness and that they sink too far in for optimal comfort. For the firm side, the main complaint is excessive firmness. |
| Small People (under 130 lbs) |
B- | D+* | Most stomach sleepers under 130 pounds find the soft side to be better than average and the firm side to be below average due to excessive firmness. |
* partial estimate.
Sleep Like The Dead's mattress research in The News –
About our unbiased Layla Mattress review and research
Ratings are based on 80+ consumer reviews. Learn more about our unbiased research methodology and why you can trust our mattress reviews.