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Nolah vs. Zenhaven Mattress Comparison
Curious how the Nolah Original, an all-foam mattress, and the Zenhaven, a latex mattress, compare? Here at Mattress Nerd, we put each mattress to the test in our sleep lab and we’re breaking down the results.
Nolah vs. Zenhaven Overview
The Nolah Original is a 10”, all-foam mattress that will appeal to anyone seeking pressure or pain relief. The Zenhaven is a “two-in-one” bed with two different firmness levels, plus breathable, sustainable materials.
| Nolah is best for… | Zenhaven is best for… |
| Side sleepers | Hot sleepers |
| Hot sleepers | All position sleepers |
| Sleepers with back pain | Eco-conscious consumers |
Who Should Choose the Nolah Mattress?
- Side sleepers. All types of side sleepers will be comfortable on the Nolah and benefit from its pressure relief.
- Hot sleepers. The TENCEL cover and AirFoam layers are very breathable.
- Sleepers with back pain. The foam mattress top on the Nolah may be helpful for relieving back pain.
Who Should Choose the Zenhaven Mattress?
- Hot sleepers. You’ll stay cool thanks to the temperature-neutral, perforated latex material.
- All position sleepers. Because the Zenhaven is double-sided, you have two choices of where to sleep, making it easy to find the firmness level that’s right for you.
- Eco-conscious consumers. The Zenhaven is made with organic, sustainable materials.
Nolah vs. Zenhaven: Top Similarities
- Firmness level. These two mattresses are similar when it comes to firmness. The Nolah is a 6/10 and the Zenhaven is either a 5/10 or 7.5/10, depending on which side you use.
- Pain relief. Both the Nolah and Zenhaven offer good pressure relief and pain relief.
- Temperature control. These mattresses also are specifically constructed with materials to keep you cool all night.
Nolah vs. Zenhaven: Top Differences
- Price. There’s a significant difference in price between these two mattresses. The Nolah is the more affordable option of the two.
- Motion transfer. The foam in the Nolah absorbs motion very well. But the Zenhaven doesn’t score so well in this category.
- Trial period. Both mattresses offer a sleep trial period, but the Zenhaven’s is a full 365 nights while the Nolah’s is only 120 nights.
Nolah vs. Zenhaven: Firmness & Feel Differences
The Nolah comes in just one firmness level. It’s considered medium-firm. The Zenhaven has a unique double-sided construction, offering two firmness levels in one mattress.
What’s the Firmness Of the Nolah & Zenhaven Mattresses?
The Nolah Original is considered medium-firm (6/10 on our firmness scale). If you’re a side sleeper, this level of firmness will provide the pressure relief you need. However, stomach sleepers and people who weigh more than 230 lbs often need more support than the Nolah offers.
The Zenhaven has two firmness levels in one mattress. One side, the Luxury Plush, is around 5/10 (medium firmness — good for side or back sleepers). The other side, Gentle Firm, is around 7.5/10 on the firmness scale (best for heavy back sleepers or stomach sleepers).
What Do the Nolah & Zenhaven Mattresses Feel Like?
Since the Nolah Original is an all-foam mattress, it conforms closely to your body. The bed has good pressure relief and feels cushiony, while still providing ample support.
The Zenhaven, especially the Gentle Firm side, feels firmer than all-foam mattresses like the Nolah. The latex material feels buoyant and temperature neutral.
What’s It Like to Sleep On the Nolah & Zenhaven Mattresses?
Side sleepers will appreciate the contouring and support of the Nolah Original. If you’re a stomach sleeper, however, the firmness might not be enough. The Nolah works decently well for back sleepers depending on your weight and its responsiveness means it’s well-suited for combination sleepers.
Most back sleepers will feel comfortable and supported on either side of the Zenhaven. For stomach sleepers, we recommend the Firm side for better spinal alignment. Side sleepers will likely prefer the Luxury Plush side depending on your weight. And for combination sleepers, you’ll find the Zenhaven easy to move around on.
The Nolah vs. Zenhaven Mattresses By Body Type
Nolah Performance By Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Average weight (130 – 230 lbs): | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 3 | 2 | 4 |
Zenhaven Performance By Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Average weight (130 – 230 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 4 | 2 | 4 |
1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)
Average-weight back and side sleepers should be comfortable on the Nolah Original. Combination sleepers will also appreciate the Nolah’s responsiveness. However, average-weight stomach sleepers need a bed that’s more firm.
Average-weight back sleepers will be comfortable on the Zenhaven. The Luxury Plus side of this two-sided mattress (5/10 firmness) is great for average-weight side sleepers, while stomach sleepers should opt for the Gentle Firm side (7.5/10 firmness). The Zenhaven works okay for average-weight combination sleepers, but not as well as the Nolah.
Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)
For heavyweight back and side sleepers, the Nolah Original might not have enough support. Heavyweight stomach sleepers will likely need something that’s firmer. And the Nolah may strike out for heavyweight combination sleepers, too — they might have trouble moving around.
With the Zenhaven, heavyweight back sleepers will likely be decently comfortable on either side. Stomach sleepers and side sleepers may feel too much sinkage and not enough support. The Zenhaven works okay for heavyweight combination sleepers.
Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)
Lightweight back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers should all be very comfortable on the Nolah with its medium firmness. And the Nolah’s responsiveness makes it ideal for lightweight combination sleepers.
On the Zenhaven, lightweight back sleepers will be comfortable, but side sleepers will not find enough pressure relief. The Zenhaven works okay for lightweight stomach and combination sleepers, but not as well as the Nolah.
Differences In Mattress Construction
The Nolah Original and the Zenhaven both come in at 10” high.
| Nolah Mattress Materials | Zenhaven Mattress Materials |
| TENCEL Cover | Organic Cotton Cover |
| AirFoam Comfort Layer | Organic Wool Padding |
| Supportive High-Resilience Foam | Latex Comfort Layer |
| High-Density Base Foam | Latex Support Layers |
| Latex Comfort Layer |
Cover
The Nolah’s cover is made of a breathable material called TENCEL. Zenhaven uses a quilted organic cotton fabric on both sides.
Comfort Layers
The Nolah’s comfort layer is composed of AirFoam which provides pressure relief. In the Zenhaven, you can enjoy organic wool cushioning plus Talalay latex with five zones of support.
Support Layers
The Nolah has a transition layer made of supportive, durable foam. The Zenhaven’s core is made of firm Talalay latex.
Nolah vs. Zenhaven Pricing
| Size | Nolah Prices | Zenhaven Prices |
| Twin | $999.00 | $1995.00 |
| Twin XL | $1199.00 | $2195.00 |
| Full | $1349.00 | $2995.00 |
| Queen | $1149.00 | $3295.00 |
| King | $1749.00 | $3945.00 |
| California King | $1749.00 | $3945.00 |
For exclusive discounts, see our Nolah Mattress Coupons.
Nolah vs. Zenhaven Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
Temperature
In this category, the Nolah gets a 3 and the Zenhaven gets a 5. The Nolah’s TENCEL cover and AirFoam layers are both very breathable and should keep the average sleeper cool. But the Zenhaven takes the cake with its temperature-neutral, perforated latex material.
Motion Transfer
In this category, the Nolah gets a 4.5 and the Zenhaven gets a 2.5. The AirFoam in the Nolah does a great job absorbing movement. Unfortunately, though, the Zenhaven is significantly bouncier because it’s made of latex, not foam.
Edge Support
In this category, the Nolah gets a 2 and the Zenhaven gets a 4. Both mattresses have relatively good edge support, with the Zenhaven’s Gentle Firm side ranking above average.
Pressure Relief
In this category, the Nolah gets a 3.5 and the Zenhaven gets a 4. The Nolah has especially good pressure relief for back sleepers. And if you have joint pain, we recommend the Relaxed Firm side of the Zenhaven.
Pain Relief
Both of these mattresses provide decent pain relief. However, the Zenhaven is a better choice for back pain — the Nolah isn’t quite firm enough.
Durability
In this category, the Nolah gets a 3 and the Zenhaven gets a 5. The Nolah Original is an all-foam mattress, so it won’t last quite as long as the Zenhaven, which is made of latex — one of the most durable mattress materials you’ll find.
Shipping, Returns, & Warranties
Nolah
You can get free shipping on Nolah mattress in the 48 contiguous U.S. states, with arrival 5-10 days after your order. Enjoy a lifetime warranty on the Nolah Original and a 120-night sleep trial period.
Zenhaven
Shipping for the Zenhaven is free in the continental U.S. This mattress has a lifetime warranty and a 365-night sleep trial period.
Other Models Available
Nolah Natural Mattress
The Nolah Natural is made with eco-conscious consumers in mind. It combines responsive and naturally cooling Talalay latex with supportive steel coils and organic fabrics.
Product Details
Material
Latex
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$
Our Recommendation
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Stomach Sleepers
This mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers as its firm support promotes spinal alignment.
Hot Sleepers
This bed features extra cooling technology, making it great for hot sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is a good match for anyone struggling with back pain, as it cushions the lumbar region and has enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Nurture Mattress
The Nolah Nurture is a 10″ flippable mattress made of Talalay latex and pocketed coils. The Nurture is designed with kids in mind and has two firmness levels—medium-soft and firm.
Product Details
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$
Our Recommendation
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Stomach Sleepers
This mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers as its firm support promotes spinal alignment.
Hot Sleepers
This bed features extra cooling technology, making it great for hot sleepers.
Kids
This bed is ideal for young sleepers and will help support their growing bodies.
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Final Take
Both the Nolah and the Zenhaven are good choices for people who need extra pressure relief or pain relief. If you’re unsure what firmness level you need, opt for the Zenhaven so you can choose from each of its two sides. But if you like that all-foam feel (especially if you sleep with someone who moves around a lot), the Nolah will likely be better for you.
Nolah & Zenhaven FAQs
How firm is the Zenhaven?
The Zenhaven mattress is double-sided and offers two levels of firmness. The Luxury Plush side is 5/10, or medium-firm. The Gentle Firm side is 7.5/10. By trying out both sides, you can “customize” this bed’s firmness and use whichever one feels better to you.
How much does a Nolah mattress cost?
The Nolah’s pricing is significantly lower than the Zenhaven, making it a great option if you’re looking to save $.
Where are Zenhaven mattresses made?
The Zenhaven mattress is made in the U.S. This mattress is known for being sustainable and eco-friendly, from its materials to where it’s made. The Zenhaven also ships for free in the continental U.S. Its parent brand, Saatva, is based in Austin, Texas.
