Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review in brief
Stearns & Foster is well known for its luxury mattresses, including the famous Ritz-Carlton hotel bed. Handcrafted in the US, the brand prioritizes high-quality materials and build, but that does result in premium prices.
Currently, there are four mattresses in the brand's line up: the Studio, Estate, Lux Estate and Reserve. The Estate is the brand's 'mid-range' option and has proved most popular among customers, which is why we wanted to give it a go.
The Estate mattress is available in soft, medium and firm feels, and you can upgrade to a soft or firm pillow top at an extra cost. We called in a firm pillow-top option and slept on it for four weeks to decide whether it deserved a spot in this year's best mattress guide.
The Stearns & Foster Estate is certainly a premium option, with prices starting from $1,899 (outside of key mattress sales.) But, to live up to the luxury price, you'll get free white glove delivery that includes the removal of your old mattress and installation of your new bed.
The mattress itself has an indulgent design. Like the best hybrid mattresses, the Stearns & Foster Estate combines foams and springs. But here, you'll find layers of Tempur-Indulge memory foam paired with IntelliCoil innersprings, resulting in robust and adaptive support. During testing, our two lead testers found it to be both comfortable and supportive, and they noted that this design meant edge support in particular was impressive.
Type: Hybrid
Materials: Coils, memory foam, Tencel
Firmness: Firm (9/10) or soft (3/10) with optional pillow top
Depth: 15"
Trial period: 90 days
Warranty: 10 years
MSRP: from $2,299 at Stearns & Foster
But we didn't just sleep on the mattress for this review. Instead, over the four-week period, we conducted multiple tests to evaluate the performance of this bed, looking at key factors like motion isolation, edge support, pressure relief and more. This helps us compare it to other leading mattresses on the market.
The mattress comes in seven sizes: twin long, full, queen, king, split king, Cal king, and split Cal king. We tested a king size firm Estate with a firm pillow top upgrade, which was an additional $600.
Our lead reviewer for the Stearns & Foster Estate is primarily a side sleeper, but sometimes sleeps on their back. And our secondary tester is a stomach sleeper (who also occasionally sleeps on their back.)
Firmness is subjective, but generally side sleepers will prefer a softer mattress to relieve pressure around the hips, knees and shoulders, while back and stomach sleepers tend to benefit from a firmer mattress to keep their spines aligned.
Interestingly, our side sleeper found the firm Estate more comfortable than our stomach sleeping tester. But they both slept well, praising the responsive support of the mattress that helped keep them in a neutral sleeping position, without stress, tension or pressure building in particular joints. Although our side sleeper did note that she felt some pressure in the hips. But this was neither painful nor long-lasting.
A surprising and important factor to note is that after the four-week testing period, we found that the pillow top was already showing two indentations where we slept. While we felt this didn't impact the support or comfort of the mattress, it doesn't reflect the performance we'd expect from a high-quality Stearns & Foster mattress.
Aside from this, the mattress performance impressed, particularly temperature regulation. The Tencel moisture-wicking cover and ventilated coil systems inside the mattress maximized airflow and kept the bed feeling breathable — we didn't overheat once.
Now, we'll be digging deeper into all aspects of our experience sleeping on the Stearns & Foster Estate, from set up and delivery to our testing data across support, comfort, motion isolation and more. Here's what we discovered during our review process...
Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review: Price & Trial
- A premium mattress that retails for $1,999 in a queen
- Comes with a 90-night sleep trial
- Mattress sales discount the MSRP by $200 to $400
The Stearns & Foster Estate is the brand's second-cheapest model, but in the broader mattress marker, it sits in the premium price bracket. A queen retails for $1,999 in a medium firmness, while a soft or firm queen is $2,399.
Note that the pillow top option adds $600 to each size. The price increases significantly if you opt for a soft or firm version of each size.
Below is the current pricing for the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress in a medium firmness (without pillow top):
- Twin Long MSRP - $1,899
- Full MSRP - $1,949
- Queen MSRP - $1,999
- King MSRP - $2,599
- Cal king MSRP - $2,599
- Split king MSRP - $3,798
- Split Cal king MSRP - $3,798
In the Stearns & Foster mattress sale last Black Friday we saw $200 off the list price of the Estate plus a free $300 VISA gift card, which was an excellent deal. Stearns & Foster tends to reserve its best sales for major holidays, similar to what we've come to expect from the Tempur-Pedic mattress deals.
Outside of those periods, the best time to buy is Thursday to Monday, as Stearns & Foster usually offers $299 worth of free accessories with any mattress set over weekends.
A big perk of purchasing a Stearns & Foster mattress is that you'll benefit from white glove delivery. This means they will not only come and set up your new mattress, but they'll also remove your old mattress and all of the packing materials. It's a time-saving, practical option that makes buying a new mattress a low stress experience.
Aside from this, the perks Stearns & Foster offer aren't industry-leading, with a 10-year warranty and a 90-night trial. For comparison, Saatva, the brand behind this year's best mattress, the Saatva Classic, offers a lifetime warranty and a full year-long sleep trial (on top of free white glove delivery.)
Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review: Design
- A 14.5" foam and coil hybrid mattress
- AirVent system helps air circulate to prevent overheating
- Add a pillow top for a plusher sleep surface
The Stearns & Foster Estate is handcrafted in the US, like all of the mattresses in the range. It has a hybrid design and five main layers.
On top is a quilted stretch-knit Tencel cover to wick away moisture. Tencel is a high-quality, sustainable fabric known for its softness and durability. The moisture wicking properties should add to the mattresses breathability.
Next is a comfort layer that contains TEMPUR-Indulge memory foam, designed by Tempur Pedic for enhanced pressure relief. This slow moving foam will adapt to your body, providing a weightless feel to your sleep.
However, note that the medium firm option does not contain this material. And if you upgrade to the Lux Estate, you'll get more TEMPUR-Indulge memory foam (as well as a specialty cooling cover.)
Next come the springs. The IntelliCoil innersprings provide long-lasting support while the high-density innerspring border creates robust edges. This should increase the surface space of the mattress as well as help it maintain its shape — but more on that later.
Last is a system of AirVents and ventilated coils that allow air to flow in and out of the mattress, so you don’t overheat.
The Estate comes in either soft, medium and firm options. If you opt to forego the pillow top, the standard top has a tight-stitched surface for a more responsive feel.
There are also eight side handles so if you ever need to move or rotate your mattress, you can do so with relative ease. There's no removable cover so make sure you wrap it in a mattress protector to help keep it clean.
Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review: Support & comfort
- We tested the firm pillow top version, rated an 8 out of 10 firmness
- Side sleepers may fare better with a softer version
- Already spotted indents after a month of use
The Stearns & Foster Estate mattress we slept on was the firm pillow top option. As the standard mattress is 14.5" tall and the pillow-top is 15", the additional pillow-top layer doesn't add much cushioning. However, we found the half inch still provided a plush pressure relieving feel, despite being the firm option.
Without the pillow top, Stearns & Foster rates the firm mattress nine out of 10 on the firmness scale; with the pillow top, it's an eight out of 10. The soft version is described as a three on the mattress firmness, and adding the pillow top drops that to a level two.
As soon as we slept on the mattress, it was comfortable, with no adjustment period. As you'd expect from a firm mattress, there isn't much sink or contouring, but we did feel well aligned and supported.
While there's not too much 'give', it's certainly responsive, meaning even when we tossed and turned, the bed supported us.
We didn't use a mattress cover or topper, just a fitted sheet. We could feel the quilted texture of the mattress through the sheet, but this wasn't bothersome.
For most of the testing period, our lead tester slept on their side and did not feel pain around the hips, shoulders or knees.
However, they did notice that if they exclusively lay on their side for hours without moving, there was a slight pressure build up at the hip. This didn't equate to aches and pains or soreness in the morning, but it was noticeable in the moment.
Our back-sleeping reviewer found the mattress very comfortable. The bed was supportive enough to keep the spine aligned with no sinking at the hips. Excess sink can result in back pain, which is why the best mattresses for back pain are often firmer hybrids.
Generally, a firm mattress is recommended for heavier bodies and back or stomach sleepers. Lighter bodies and side sleepers generally prefer a softer mattress.
Both of our reviewers are on the lighter side and didn't find the mattress too firm, although we think side sleepers would be better of opting for the medium or soft options for enhanced pressure relief.
We conducted an objective test to assess the pressure relief by placing a 15-pound kettlebell in the center of the mattress. It sank about two-and-a-quarter inches.
This indicates a moderate level of pressure relief, which is to be expected from a firmer bed. You can expect to feel the bed adjust to your body with a very slight cradling feel, but otherwise, you'll sleep on top of the mattress rather than in it.
It’s worth pointing out that after only a month, we noticed visible dips or indentations where our testers slept. This didn't affect the comfort of the mattress, but it could indicate problems in the future. Excessive sagging or indentations can compromise not only the comfort of the mattress, but the support, too.
It's certainly a concerning development for a premium mattress from a brand that takes pride in its high-quality materials, and we did see reports of this in other customer reviews (more on this later.)
Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review: Performance
- Not enough motion isolation to keep light sleepers undisturbed
- Superb temperature regulation – our testers remained cool
- Sturdy edges for sitting and pushing off
For four weeks, we slept on a firm king-size Stearns & Foster Estate mattress with a pillow top. We evaluated it in all major areas of performance including motion isolation, edge support and temperature regulation. Here's what we found out...
Motion isolation
If you have more than one person sleeping in a bed, you’ll want a mattress that will isolate motion. This means that when one person moves, the motion won't transfer to another area of the bed, so bed sharers remain undisturbed.
Our primary tester is a very light sleeper and is sensitive to even the smallest movements. While motion transfer was minimal and most likely adequate for most sleepers, it was enough to disturb our primary tester’s sleep. Our secondary tester is a heavier sleeper and wasn’t disturbed by any motion transfer at all.
To gain a more objective view of the Estate's motion transfer, we conducted a drop test using a 15-pound weight and an empty wine glass.
First, we dropped the weight four inches from the glass — the glass fell over immediately. Next, we dropped the weight 10 inches from the wine glass, which fell over after a brief hesitation. Finally, we dropped the weight 25 inches from the wine glass. The glass barely jiggled and did not fall over.
The best memory foam mattresses usually absorb the most motion, so if you share a bed with a restless partner, or you both have different sleep schedules, you might want to invest in an all-foam alternative to the Estate, such as the Saatva Contour5 mattress. During our Contour5 testing, the wine glass remained standing up until we dropped the weight just four inches away from it.
No mattress is going to offer complete motion isolation, unless you choose a split mattress. This pairs two smaller beds in one and while it's an option with the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress, it’s not what we tested.
Score: 4 out of 5
Temperature regulation
Temperature regulation is key to a good night's sleep. Our body temperature naturally drops at night which helps us fall and stay asleep. If you're overheating, the quality of your sleep will be disrupted.
This is why mattresses should be breathable, and draw heat away from the body. While memory foam has the tendency to trap heat, hybrid mattresses usually sleep cool thanks to their open structures, so we expected this mattress to keep us nice and cool. And we weren't disappointed.
The Stearns & Foster Estate mattress has several features to promote airflow and temperature regulation. First, a ventilated coil system; the coils are surrounded by a fabric that's full of holes to allow air to pass through. External silver air vents also prevent trapped air.
Despite both of our testers having the tendency to sleep hot, they didn't overheat for the whole month that they slept on the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress.
While it didn't actively cool, unlike the best cooling mattresses, the bed felt neutral and cool-to-the-touch, without trapping body heat throughout the night. If you experience hot flushes or night sweats, consider upgrading to the Lux Estate which has a cooling cover and additional ventilation.
We tested this mattress during a cool midwestern fall, with the indoor temperature averaging in the mid 60s. We used 100% cotton or microfiber sheets, a lightweight quilt, and occasionally a light blanket.
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Edge support
We've mentioned edge support a little already, so let's dive deeper into this.
You want your mattress to have good edge support for several reasons. First, you want to be able to use every square inch of the mattress, right up to the sides.
Second, a firm, supportive edge allows you to sit comfortably on the sides and push off when you’re getting out of bed. Poor edge support can also lead to premature sagging around the perimeter of the mattress.
We found the edge support of the Stearns & Foster Estate quite good, bolstered by the high-density springs that surround the perimeter. We had no problems sleeping right up to the edge of the bed without any fear of falling over.
We could also comfortably sit on the edges to take our shoes on and off and were able to push off easily to get out of bed. The head and foot of the bed offered just as much edge support as the sides.
For a more objective look, we placed a 15-pound weight along the perimeter — top, bottom, and center — and measured how much it sank. The weight sank in two-and-a-quarter inches, which matches what we measured at the center of the bed. Ideally, the edges should not dip lower than the middle, where some sinkage is essential for pressure relief. This test data showed excellent edge support.
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review: Delivery & setup
- Mattress arrives flat, with free in-room setup
- Old mattress takeaway included
- No issues with off-gassing
Stearns & Foster offers free in-home delivery with old mattress takeaway if desired. Our reviewer was able to choose a date but not a specific time for delivery.
On the morning of the chosen date, our reviewer got a call and a text giving a two-hour window for delivery. Our reviewer could confirm the delivery window or call and request a different time of day.
Stearns & Foster calls their delivery “white glove service,” which means they can take away your old mattress, set up your new mattress and remove any packaging from the process.
The delivery people wore protective footwear inside the reviewer's home to avoid tracking in dirt, which we thought was a nice luxury touch. They placed the mattress right on the reviewer’s bed frame and, at the reviewer’s special request, they put the old mattress into a different room rather than taking it away.
The mattress arrived fully formed. It was not boxed, folded, rolled, or deflated. There was no noticeable off-gassing, and it was ready to sleep on immediately. All in all, it was easy and practical, and we were able to sleep on the mattress right away.
Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review: User reviews
- 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,042+ reviews
- Lots of praise for comfort and support
- Some complaints about indentations
As of this March 2025, the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress has over 1,042 reviews on the brand's website, averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars. Other sites across the web do sell this mattress and reviews average between 4 and 4.5 stars (out of 5).
Keep in mind that the reviewers may have the soft or firm model, with or without the pillow tops. Some reviewers name which model they purchased while others do not. This means that they may not always relate to the mattress you're intending to buy.
Many of the poorer reviews also report finding indentations and body impressions
Customers rave over how supportive and comfortable the Estate mattress is. Many reviewers report feeling relief from arthritis and back pain with this mattress, thanks to the way the bed cradles their body while keeping them aligned at night.
However, many of the poorer reviews also report finding indentations and body impressions. This reflects our experience. Some say that this impacted the comfort of the mattress and even lead to back pain.
Some also report experiencing these dents after just three days of sleeping on the Estate, which raises questions over durability. It does seem that these complaints are more common with those who have opted for the additional pillow top.
Surprisingly, another common theme in the lower rated reviews were complaints of overheating, with the memory foam comfort layer trapping warmth. We didn't personally experience this, but it's worth considering if you're a particularly hot sleeper.
Should you buy the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress?
The Stearns & Foster Estate is an indulgent luxury bed. We found the firm pillow top version of this mattress both comfortable and supportive, especially for back sleeping.
Our side-sleeping tester found it more comfortable than our stomach-sleeping tester did, which is surprising. (Generally, softer mattresses are recommended for side sleepers.)
Edge support and temperature regulation are all above average. Motion isolation is one of its weaker points, particularly for light sleepers, though it's likely adequate enough for heavier sleepers.
Given that this is a premium mattress, it's all the more surprising that the Estate formed slight dips where our testers slept after only four weeks. Perhaps it’s only the pillow top version that has this issue, but regardless, indentations shouldn’t form so quickly on a mattress that prides itself on being top-tier quality.
We think this mattress will be suitable for many different people, thanks to all the options of feel and size you can choose from. Medium weight side sleepers and back sleepers will enjoy the robust support of the firm pillow top, but lighter weight sleepers might want to opt for medium or soft.
Stearns & Foster Estate mattress review: Alternatives
The Saatva Classic mattress tops our best hybrid mattress guide as well as our best luxury mattress guide, so it’s the one we’d recommend as an alternative. This mattress comes in three levels of firmness. It has a lifetime warranty and full year sleep trial period. It’s quite a bit less expensive than the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress and it's noted for its comfort, support, and cooling properties. Read more in our Saatva Classic mattress review.
You can get even cheaper luxury with the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress. This bed is surprisingly luxe for the price, and offers excellent comfort and temperature regulation. Lighter-weight users may find it a little bit too firm, however. The lifetime warranty and 365-day sleep trial make it an appealing purchase. Learn more in our DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress review.
If you have back issues, you might want to consider the Winkbed mattress. The hybrid design includes a lush pillow top, individually wrapped pocketed coils, gel-infused foam, and a targeted Back Relief system specifically designed to ensure proper back support. And it’s still substantially cheaper than the Stearns & Foster Estate mattress. Read our Winkbed mattress review for more information.
