Getting the rest you need is essential for your overall health. But did you know a good night’s sleep also supports your mental health? While good sleep hygiene is critical, the right mattress can also help you sleep better.
But finding the perfect match for your sleep style and preferences can be challenging, especially with so many options on the market. One popular mattress is The WinkBed, the flagship mattress from WinkBeds.
We tested The WinkBed’s softer, luxury firm, and plus firmness options so you can decide if It’s right for you. Read on to learn more about the different models of The WinkBed.
The WinkBed (softer model) highlights
Our expert opinion
With its soft overall feel and high level of pressure relief, our testers find The WinkBed (softer model) a good pick for side sleepers. They say it gently cradles the body without sacrificing overall support or creating too much sinkage While some softer mattresses offer good contouring sinkage, sinkage is also a result of wear and tear. Foam materials especially sink over time, resulting in a sagging feeling, which provides less support. . This mattress scored high for overall pressure relief and support, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for both.
Due to its excellent motion-isolating The containment of movement on one area of a mattress so it doesn’t impact other areas. properties, The WinkBed is also an option for people who sleep with a partner, kids, or pets. Although it offers poor bounce, our testers say the memory foam layer responds quickly and pops back up, allowing them to move easily. However, they say higher-weight sleepers (over 250 pounds) may feel more stuck in the material.
From our tester
I love the lack of pressure when sleeping on this mattress on my side. It’s soft and contouring, but it doesn’t cause as much sinkage as expected.
The WinkBed luxury firm highlights
Our expert opinion
We think The WinkBed (luxury firm model) offers a comfortable medium-firm surface ideal for most sleepers of all body types. This model is more responsive than the softer model and scores a 4 out of 5 for motion isolation, providing a good balance of both. This makes it ideal for couples who don’t want to be disturbed by each other’s movements and people who change positions at night and need a mobility boost. This mattress also offers solid edge support (4 out of 5), which is helpful if you want to maximize the full surface of the bed or need support getting in and out of bed.
This mattress provides great pressure relief (4.5 out of 5 overall) and good overall support (4 out of 5), making it ideal for back and side sleepers of all body types. Our testers say their weight is evenly distributed while lying in both positions, and their spines are aligned. They feel a little pressure in the shoulder while sleeping on the side, but overall, they say it’s comfortable. While lighter-weight (under 130 pounds) and average-weight (130–250 pounds) stomach sleepers should feel supported, we don’t recommend it for higher-weight (over 250 pounds) stomach sleepers.
From our tester
Stomach sleepers liked this mattress even though it’s softer due to its support and resilience, but higher-weight stomach sleepers might want a firmer option.
WinkBed Plus highlights
Our expert opinion
The WinkBed (plus model) is specifically made for higher-weight sleepers (over 250 pounds). It provides a high degree of overall support (4.5 out of 5) and pressure relief (4.75 out of 5). Our testers also note it does a solid job of dampening movement despite its higher-than-average bounce score (4.5 out of 5). Like all The WinkBed models, the mattress has a zoned support Support zones mean different sections of the mattress provide different levels of firmness and support system for targeted support.
We feel it’s an ideal mattress option for most higher-weight and average-weight sleepers, but some side sleepers may find it too firm. It’s also especially good for stomach sleepers of all body types, with our testers saying it keeps the hips elevated and spine aligned.
From our tester
The mattress has zoned support at the center, helping to contour and support the back.
How we test and choose the best mattresses
The Handbook Team has researched many mattresses online and in person and hand-selected about 130 (and counting) of the best models to test. We’ve also surveyed 1,200 total shoppers (in two 600-people surveys) and interviewed recent mattress customers to understand the buying process and how their new bed has impacted their sleep quality, physical health, and mental wellness.
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite scores.
Firsthand testing experience
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
Mattress surveys and interviews
We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our surveys of 1,200 total people. These include price, features, and the setup process. We also interview real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress and the benefits of purchasing one.
Objective and honest ratings
We use information from our surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews to determine the most important features in our brand and mattress testing scorecards.
We also weigh the following factors to determine an overall rating for each brand we recommend.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15 percent | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10 percent | Years in business, lawsuits, class actions against this company |
| Features | 20 percent | Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, included add-ons (free sleep accessories) |
| User Experience | 35 percent | White glove delivery, CertiPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials |
| Affordability | 20 percent | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology.
The WinkBed mattress firmness and feel
Here’s what our Handbook Team has to say about the firmness and feel of each WinkBeds model we tested.
- The WinkBed (soft model): The brand’s firmness rating is a 4.5 out of 10, and our testers agree that this mattress has a soft overall feel. However, we scored it a 5 out of 10, making it a softer medium. When we lie on top of the mattress, we experience contour without sinking into it.
- The WinkBed (luxury firm model): We scored this WinkBed model 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, meaning this model offers a true medium-firm feel by industry standards. Medium mattresses are typically the most popular firmness level. Our testers feel the mattress contours their curves well while providing good support.
The WinkBed (plus model): As the firmest of the three, we rate this model a 7.5 out of 10, which is slightly lower than the brand’s 8 out of 10 firmness rating. Our testers agree it’s firm and supportive, with a pillow top that offers the necessary contour. It’s also the most responsive model of the three.
Back sleepers will benefit from a medium-firm mattress because it supports the proper spinal alignment. Side sleepers often prefer a softer mattress to cushion the shoulders and hips, providing necessary comfort and support. In contrast, stomach sleepers typically need a firmer mattress to prevent the spine from sagging, ensuring proper alignment and reducing potential strain.
says Brent Wells, chiropractor and founder of Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab based in Alaska.
WinkBed mattress performance
When choosing a mattress, consider your sleep position and body weight, which can impact how a specific mattress feels to you.
- The WinkBed (softer model): This model performs well, scoring 4 out of 4 or above in all performance categories except for bounce, earning a 2.5 out of 5. A bouncy mattress is helpful for people who change positions throughout the night because it aids in movement. It’s also helpful for people with mobility issues or those experiencing pain. However, despite this mattress’s low bounce score, our testers say the material is responsive, so moving around is relatively easy. Although they do note that higher-weight sleepers may have a harder time moving and feel more sucked in.
- The WinkBed (luxury firm model): Our testers say this medium-firm mattress could work for almost anyone, though higher-weight stomach sleepers might not find the surface supportive enough. This mattress is another high performer, with bounce again being the only performance category under 4 out of 5. At a 3.5 out of 5, it still has an above-average score, with our testers saying they find it easy to move on the bed because the material is so responsive.
- The WinkBed (plus model): This version of The WinkBed is specifically made for higher-weight (over 250 pounds) sleepers. Our testers find this mattress best for back and stomach sleepers of all body types and good for higher-weight side sleepers. Just like the other two models, the plus doesn’t score lower than a 4 out of 5, not even in bounce.
Sleeping position and body weight
Your weight can also impact how you perceive a mattress’s firmness level. For example, a firm sleep surface might provide just the right amount of support for a higher-weight sleeper (over 250 pounds). Someone under 130 pounds who sleeps on the same firm surface might experience discomfort and experience it as much firmer.
The WinkBed (softer model) mattress for different sleeper types
| Lower weight (<130 pounds) | Average weight (130–250 pounds) | Higher weight (>250 pounds) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back sleepers | Ideal | Good | Poor |
| Side sleepers | Good | Ideal | Good |
| Stomach sleepers | Ideal | Good | Poor |
The WinkBed (luxury firm) mattress for different sleeper types
| Lower weight (<130 pounds) | Average weight (130–250 pounds) | Higher weight (>250 pounds) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back sleepers | Ideal | Ideal | Ideal |
| Side sleepers | Good | Ideal | Ideal |
| Stomach sleepers | Good | Good | Poor |
The WinkBed (plus model) mattress for different sleeper types
| Lower weight (<130 pounds) | Average weight (130–250 pounds) | Higher weight (>250 pounds) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back sleepers | Good | Ideal | Ideal |
| Side sleepers | Poor | Poor | Good |
| Stomach sleepers | Ideal | Ideal | Ideal |
The WinkBed mattress pain relief performance
“When considering specific health conditions, a medium-firm mattress is generally recommended for back pain as it supports the natural curve of the spine,” says Wells. Research supports this sentiment, showing a medium-firm mattress promotes comfort, sleep quality, and good alignment of the spine.
But that doesn’t mean a firm and soft mattress can’t benefit some sleepers. Wells notes that some sleepers with back pain, including those with bulging or herniated discs or sciatica, may prefer a firmer sleep surface. On the other hand, “a softer mattress may relieve stenosis by cushioning sensitive areas and reducing pressure points The parts of a sleeper’s body that have the hardest contact with the bed surface, such as the shoulder, hips, rib cage, and tailbone. ,” he adds.
Here’s a breakdown of the three WinkBeds models we tested and their pressure-relieving qualities:
- The WinkBed (softer model): We scored this mattress 4.5 out of 5 for both back and side pressure relief, making it great for most back and side sleepers. If you experience shoulder or hip pain, a softer mattress can help relieve uncomfortable pressure when lying on your side.
- The WinkBed (luxury firm): While the medium-firm WinkBed isn’t as soft as the brand’s softer model, it still provides plenty of pressure relief to accommodate most sleepers, including side sleepers. We gave this mattress a 5 out of 5 for back pressure relief and a 4 out of 5 for side pressure relief.
- The WinkBed (plus model): Despite its firm feel, our testers say their body weight is evenly distributed, and they feel cradled while lying on this mattress. We gave this a 5 out of 5 for back pressure relief and a 4.5 out of 5 for side pressure relief.
Our overall thoughts about The WinkBed
Overall, our team feels the brand offers a selection of comfortable, well-rounded mattresses to suit a variety of sleepers.
Our favorite things about The WinkBed
We like that the mattresses are reasonably priced and that WinkBeds offers The WinkBed in various firmness options. We also appreciate how high-performing this mattress is in all three firmness options. It’s a versatile mattress that caters to a variety of sleepers.
Our WinkBed mattress complaints
We don’t like that WinkBeds doesn’t offer white glove delivery, which typically includes installing and removing your old mattress. More mattress brands are beginning to offer white glove delivery for an extra fee since it’s a nice option for shoppers.
What is The WinkBed mattress?
The WinkBed mattress is a handcrafted mattress made in the United States featuring layers for support and pressure relief, including a moisture-wicking eucalyptus-derived Tencel A brand of sustainable cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, which is used in clothing, footwear, home linens, carpets, mattresses, and pillows because it’s highly breathable, hygienic, and comfortable. cover, a gel-infused foam Euro top A kind of pillow top that’s sewn into the cover of the mattress, this style is flush with the edges of the mattress, providing better support than your typical pillow-top mattress while also offering a soft, plushy center. , a motion-isolating gel-foam layer, and individually wrapped pocket coils with targeted support zones.
It has four firmness options: softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus.
Note: We have not tested the firmer model, but it’s currently in our testing queue. We’ll update this article once it’s been tested.
How does The WinkBed mattress feel?
The WinkBed is available in multiple firmness options: softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus. The softest model is ideal for lighter-weight sleepers, while the plus model was designed for higher-weight (over 250 pounds) sleepers. The right option for you depends on a combination of your personal preferences, go-to sleep position, and body weight.
How long will a WinkBed Mattress last?
Mattresses typically last about seven to 10 years on average. While it’s hard to say exactly how long a mattress will last, The WinkBed comes with a lifetime warranty to ensure you feel good about your purchase. Additionally, hybrid mattresses may last longer than memory foam, as they’re less likely to sag.
Compare WinkBed mattresses
| Cost (before discounts) | $1,149–$2,049 | $1,149–$2,049 | $1,349–$2,199 |
| Type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Brand firmness level | 4.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 8/10 |
How does The WinkBed compare to other hybrid mattresses?
| Cost | $1,149–$2,199 | $1,395–$2,990 | $419–$1,090 | $1,049–$1,799 | $499–$1,498 |
| Type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Firmness options | Soft, luxury firm, firmer, plus | Plush soft, luxury firm, firm | Medium-firm | Medium-firm | Medium-firm |
| Trial period | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights |
Frequently asked questions
During our testing, we have found The WinkBed softer and luxury firm models great for side sleepers of all body types, while the plus model is better suited for higher-weight side sleepers.
According to the company website, WinkBeds handcrafts its beds in the United States using American-sourced materials. The brand manufactures and ships WinkBeds mattresses from facilities in Wisconsin, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Connecticut.
No, the company recommends pairing your WinkBed with the brand’s platform frame for the best results. Without a supportive foundation, your mattress may sag.
All versions of The WinkBed are 13.5 inches deep, which may require deep-pocket sheets. These sheets can typically accommodate mattresses between 13–17 inches in height.
- How Sleep Affects Your Health. (2022). National Institutes of Health (NIH). Link
- Scott, A. J., Webb, T. L., James, M. M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60, 101556. Link
- Caggiari, G., Talesa, G. R., Toro, G., Jannelli, E., Monteleone, G., & Puddu, L. (2021). What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 22(1). Link