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Leesa vs. Layla Mattress Comparison
In this comparison, we’re taking a look at the Layla and Leesa mattresses—two all-foam beds that vary in design and feel. The Layla is a double-sided, flippable bed with two different firmness levels. The Leesa is a firmer all-foam bed with a latex-like comfort layer and noticeable bounce.
Layla & Leesa Overview
The Layla is a flippable mattress with two firmness options (firm and soft) and a traditional memory foam feel. The Leesa mattress has a nice bounce, sleeps cool for an all-foam bed, and has a medium firmness level.
| The Layla is best for… | The Leesa is best for… |
| Back & Side Sleepers < 230 lbs | Back Sleepers < 230 lbs |
| Memory Foam Lovers | Combination Sleepers |
| Couples Concerned About Motion Transfer | Lightweight Side Sleepers |
Who Should Choose the Layla Mattress?
- Strict side sleepers—If you sleep exclusively on your side, the feel of the mattress’s soft side and the contouring of the memory foam will allow you to sink deeper for great pressure relief. That way, you won’t feel jammed up at the shoulders or hips.
- Couples—The Layla is virtually silent and eliminates almost all motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other, so it’s a great pick for couples who need quiet and stillness.
- People who love memory foam—If you love the feeling of being hugged by your mattress, the Layla offers more of a classic memory foam feel than the Leesa. You’ll sink into the bed and experience a contouring feeling around the hips, shoulders, and other joints.
Read our full Layla Mattress Review to learn more!
Who Should Choose the Leesa Mattress?
- People who sleep hot—Most beds that have memory foam in their construction use it in the top layer, but the Leesa’s memory foam sits underneath a breathable, latex-like comfort foam. This helps prevent some of the heat buildup that often happens with memory foam. The bed’s firmer setting also helps with breathability, as firmer mattresses tend to trap less heat and don’t feel as stifling.
- Combination sleepers—If you need to roll around and change positions at night, the Leesa’s medium firmness setting and latex-like top foam will keep you from feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It will give you just enough bounce (responsiveness) to remain mobile, making it easy to change positions.
- Back and stomach sleepers—The supportive feel of the Leesa’s foam helps it maintain a flat, even surface for back and stomach sleepers. The bed prevents the hips and upper back from sinking, which encourages proper spinal alignment.
Read our full Leesa Mattress Review to learn more!
Layla vs. Leesa: Top Similarities
- Support—Even though the Leesa offers better edge support than the Layla, we don’t think either bed is supportive enough for heavyweight body types.
- Materials—Both the Layla and Leesa offer “clean” sleeping surfaces in different ways. For instance, the Layla has copper infusion that helps kill bacteria. And the foam used in both the Leesa and Layla is CertiPUR-US certified, which means it’s made without harmful chemicals such as ozone depleters, flame retardants, heavy metals, and formaldehyde.
Layla vs. Leesa: Top Differences
- Motion Isolation—The Layla absorbs motion very well, but you’re likely to feel movement on the Leesa if you sleep with a partner.
- Sleeping Positions—Both beds can work well for back, stomach and combination sleepers, but the Leesa’s firmness setting may create pressure at the hips and shoulders for side sleepers.
- Social Impact—Leesa is known for its charitable giving. The company donates one mattress for every 10 sold through the One-Ten initiative.
- Construction—Both are all-foam beds, but the Layla is a plush, flippable memory foam bed, and the Leesa feels more like a latex foam mattress.
Layla vs. Leesa Firmness & Feel Differences
Online mattresses can be tricky to shop for since you aren’t able to feel them until they’re delivered. That’s why we ordered and tested the Layla and Leesa mattresses—so we can share how they feel in person and help you decide.
What’s the Firmness Of the Layla & Leesa Mattresses?
We use a 1–10 firmness scale at Mattress Nerd, where 1 feels as plush as a soft down pillow and 10 feels like lying in a sleeping bag on the ground. As a flippable mattress, the Layla has two firmness levels: soft and firm. The soft side is around 4/10 on the scale, and the firm side is about 6.5/10 (which we call medium-firm).
The Leesa has a medium firmness level that borders on medium-firm. We put it at 5.5/10 on the scale, which means it should cushion your curves while keeping you from sinking too deep into the mattress.
What Do the Layla & Leesa Mattresses Feel Like?
The Leesa and the Layla are both all-foam mattresses, but each feel completely different. The Layla has a doughy memory foam feel. The Leesa’s top layer of foam has a latex-like feel, so it’s responsive and less “sticky” than memory foam.
What’s It Like to Sleep On the Layla & Leesa Mattresses?
When sleeping on the Layla, you’ll sink in moderately on the firm side and deeply on the soft side. On the soft side, you should experience nice pressure relief and feel “hugged” by the foam. The firm side also contours around your backside, but you won’t sink as deeply into the foam.
The Leesa balances support with comfort. When sleeping on it, you can expect to stay lifted “on top” of the mattress, while experiencing some nice cushioning under your back. Because this bed has polyfoam instead of memory foam, it’s very easy to change positions, and you shouldn’t feel stuck in the foam.
The Layla & Leesa Mattresses By Body Type
Layla Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Leesa Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 2 | 1 | 2 |
1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)
The Leesa and Layla mattresses work the best for average-weight folks who are back sleepers. The Leesa and the firm side of the Layla are comparable for this sleeping position, but only the Layla is supportive enough for average-weight stomach sleepers. The soft side of the Layla may not be supportive enough for average-weight back sleepers, and it’s definitely too soft for stomach sleepers.
Side sleepers weighing 130–230 lbs will fare better on the soft side of the Layla, since it offers better pressure relief. If you spend only part of the night on your side and don’t have shoulder pain, the Leesa should work fine.
Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)
Neither the Layla nor the Leesa are good choices for those with heavier body types. The all-foam construction and 10″ height aren’t supportive enough for most sleepers weighing more than 230 lbs. With that said, heavyweight side sleepers may do OK on the Layla, but back sleepers and stomach sleepers should check out better mattresses for heavy people.
Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)
The Layla and Leesa mattresses are best for lightweight sleepers. They’re both cushioning and supportive enough to work for any sleeping position for those weighing less than 130 lbs. Lightweight back sleepers will have the best experience, while stomach sleepers could go either way. Side sleepers will get a little more pressure relief on the soft side of the Layla.
Differences In Mattress Construction
The Layla and Leesa are both all-foam mattresses with a 10″ height. The main differences are that the Layla is made with memory foam instead of polyfoam—like the Leesa, and the Layla is flippable, whereas the Leesa is one-sided.
| Layla Mattress Materials | Leesa Mattress Materials |
| Polyester Blend Cover | Polyester & Lycra Blend Cover |
| Copper-Infused Memory Foam (3″ Soft Side, 1″ Firm Side) | 2” High-Density Polyfoam |
| 2” Convoluted Polyfoam (Soft Side Only) | 2” Low-Density Memory Foam |
| 4.5” High-Density Polyfoam | 6” High-Density Polyfoam |
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Cover
The Layla is wrapped in a polyester blend cover with the brand’s signature hexagonal design. The Leesa’s cover is made of polyester and lycra, and it has a thick, cozy feel when you lie on it.
Comfort Layers
The soft side of the Layla features a 3” comfort layer of copper-infused memory foam, and the firm side has just 1” of the same foam. The softer side’s thicker comfort layer will give the sleeper deep contouring and sinkage, while the firm side will feel lightly contouring with little sinkage.
The Leesa’s comfort layer is made with cooling polyfoam that has a latex-like feel. It’s bouncy, responsive, and moderately dense, so it helps the sleeper stay cool and makes it easy to change positions. There’s also a 2″ layer of memory foam that allows for some extra contouring around your curves.
Support Layers
The soft side of the Layla features an extra layer of convoluted foam to improve airflow and prevent the sleeper from sinking too deeply into the base foam. Both sides of the mattress share the same support core: a 4” layer of high-density polyfoam. The base layer of the Leesa is 6″ of high-density foam that adds stability, shape, and durability to the mattress.
Layla vs. Leesa Pricing
| Mattress Size | Layla Price | Leesa Price |
| Twin |
$749.00 |
$849.00 |
| Twin XL | $849.00 | $899.00 |
| Full | $999.00 | $1099.00 |
| Queen | $1099.00 | $1299.00 |
| King | $1249.00 | $1599.00 |
| Cal King | $1249.00 | $1599.00 |
For the best price on a new mattress, check out our Layla mattress coupons and Leesa mattress coupons.
Layla & Leesa Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
Temperature
If you sleep hot or need a breathable mattress to get a good night’s sleep, the Leesa is a better choice. Even though the Layla has copper-infused memory foam—which should help with temperature control—it doesn’t do enough to help the hottest sleepers. At best, the Layla sleeps temperature-neutral, whereas the Leesa is firmer, with a top layer of latex-like foam that makes it a more cooling mattress.
Motion Transfer
Most all-foam beds absorb motion very well, which is helpful if you share your mattress. The Layla minimizes movement disruptions well, while the Leesa is a bit more bouncy. Keep this in mind if you’re a light sleeper or have a partner who likes to get up in the middle of the night for snack runs. For more motion isolating mattresses, see our picks for the best mattress for couples.
Edge Support
When you sit or lie along the edge of a bed, does it feel like you’re sinking? That’s the main question our team asks when we discuss edge support. Edge support is typically best in hybrid and innerspring beds, which have coil bases and (sometimes) dense perimeter foams to prevent sinkage.
All-foam beds aren’t typically the winners in the edge-support category, but the Leesa has above-average edge support because of its firmer foams. You’ll sink some into the top two layers of the Leesa when you sit along the edge, but not so much that you feel like you’re going to roll off the mattress. The Layla isn’t as good at edge support—you can expect to sink quite a bit when you sit on the edge of the bed.
Pressure Relief
Foam beds with deep contouring tend to provide the best pressure relief. That’s because they cradle heavier parts of your body. The Layla’s memory foam provides excellent pressure relief and creates a body-hugging cradle that is great for those who struggle with aches and pains. The second layer of memory foam in the Leesa will provide some pressure relief, but you’re going to feel the firmness and responsiveness of the top latex layer more.
Pain Relief
Finding a bed that promotes neutral spinal alignment is essential for pain relief. Both of these beds keep the spines of back and side sleepers under 230 lbs aligned. Stomach sleepers and heavier folks need a firmer mattress to prevent bowing at the hips, which could cause lower back pain.
Related: Best Mattresses for Back Pain
If you have shoulder, hip, or general joint pain, the soft side of the Layla is the best choice. The Leesa and firm side of the Layla should alleviate pressure buildup for back and stomach sleepers, but not for side sleepers.
Durability
Leesa and Layla are relatively new to the mattress scene, but we predict that they will both last the average for all-foam beds: seven to 10 years. The Leesa may have a slightly longer lifespan because it contains less memory foam. Memory foam tends to break down faster than firmer, less viscous foams.
Shipping and Returns for Layla & Leesa
Layla:
The Layla mattress ships free anywhere in the lower 48 states. The brand also offers a 120-night sleep trial, so you can test out the mattress for more than three months and return it for a full refund within the trial period. Layla requires a two-week break-in period, so you’ll need to sleep on the mattress for a minimum of 14 days before deciding to send it back.
If you decide to keep the mattress, it’s covered by Layla’s Lifetime warranty, which protects the original owner in the event that seams come apart or permanent body impressions deeper than 1″ develop.
Leesa:
The Leesa ships as a bed-in-a-box for free to the contiguous U.S. and Canada. The company offers shoppers a 100-night sleep trial, which includes a mandatory 30-night break-in period. The break-in period means that, after 30 days have passed, you can return the mattress for a full refund as long as you’re still within the bounds of the trial period.
The Leesa Original is backed by a 10-year warranty, which means that for 10 years after you purchase your new mattress, if it has a defect covered under the warranty, such as visible indentations greater than 1″ deep, the company will replace or repair it. This includes all parts of the mattress determined to have a defect, and there’s no deductible.
More Mattresses to Consider
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Our Final Take
Both Layla and Leesa are great online mattress brands that produce high-quality all-foam beds. The Layla is the best mattress for strict side sleepers who need relief for pressure points at the hips and shoulders. It’s also the best new mattress pick for shoppers who want that classic memory foam feel and enjoy sinking into their mattress.
If you like a firmer, more responsive mattress, go with the Leesa. It’s the better option for people who sleep hot, and for combination sleepers who want to change positions easily atop its bouncier surface.
Either can be a good mattress for back sleepers and stomach sleepers who are lightweight and average-weight, so the right pick for these sleeper types will come down to preference in feel and budget.
Layla vs. Leesa FAQs
Is the Leesa or Layla a better mattress?
The Leesa mattress is better for those who prefer a medium-firm feel with good bounce. Specifically, it's good for back sleepers, lightweight stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers. We also recommend the Leesa over the Layla for hot sleepers. The Layla is better for side sleepers and memory foam lovers.
Is the Leesa or Layla mattress better for hot sleepers?
Foam mattresses generally aren't the best for hot sleepers because they aren't as breathable as a mattress with coils or cooling materials like latex. With that said, the Leesa is better than the Layla for hot sleepers because the foam is less likely to retain body heat.
Is the Layla or the Leesa mattress better for back pain?
We recommend the firm side of the Layla mattress for those with back pain. If you sleep on your stomach, you'll want an even firmer mattress than the Layla or Leesa that keeps your hips lifted, which keeps extra stress off of your lower back.
