Written by Loren Bullock, Lead Product Tester
Nolah collaborated with sleep experts and devoted themselves to learning everything they could about the science of sleep. The result? Nolah’s dream bed, their Signature 12-inch model. The mattress features Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam™, as well as memory foam, organic cotton, and knitted poly-yarn for a unique, pressure-relieving construction.
My Nolah Signature mattress review explores the company’s exclusive foam and how this mattress differs from the Nolah Original model. I tested this bed in person, so in this article, I’ll discuss all about its cooling, edge support, value, and more to help you decide if it’s the right one for you.
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with a mattress purchase
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Watch Our Nolah Signature Video Review
Editor’s Note: We are working on updating our video review. For the most recent findings, please refer to our written review.
Who I Recommend the Nolah Signature For:
- Pressure relief seekers – The Nolah Signature is designed to maximize pressure relief by adding as much as 75 percent more AirFoam™ than its predecessor, the Nolah Original. According to Nolah, the Signature provides 40 percent more full-body pressure relief.
- Side sleepers – The entire team testing this bed felt nice lying on their side. This leads me to believe that most side sleepers should find the deep cradle and enhanced pressure relief. We all experienced nice cushioning with great spine alignment across all weight categories.
- Average-weight sleepers – My colleague, Julia Forbes, who is average-weight, said she experienced solid spine alignment and weight distribution in all sleeping positions while trying out this bed.
Who I Don’t Recommend the Nolah Signature For:
- Those who prefer a firmer mattress – I think the Nolah Signature could prove too soft for those who prefer the feel of a firmer mattress, such as back and stomach sleepers. As a result, these shoppers may gravitate toward a different model, such as the Nolah Evolution.
- Heavyweight sleepers – The Nolah Signature may not provide the best support for heavyweight sleepers since it’s a softer mattress. Corey, who tested out this mattress to give us a plus-size sleeper’s perspective, agreed that most people over 230 pounds might need a firmer, more sturdy mattress to maintain a healthy sleeping posture.
Customer Reviews of the Nolah Signature Mattress
The Nolah Signature gets 4.8 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website. One potential drawback of the Nolah Signature mattress is its limited firmness options, but multiple customers have expressed how comfortable this bed was for them.
Testing the Nolah Signature Mattress
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
I got the chance to test the Nolah Signature mattress, but I also had the help of my teammates, Julia and Corey. They stepped in to test as average-weight and heavyweight people.
Since we all represent different body types and sleep position preferences, we made notes about how this mattress performed for each specifically. Together, we also tested qualities such as motion isolation, edge support, and temperature regulation.
To learn more about our testing methodology, visit our product review process page.
First Impressions: Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 6/10 (Soft)
Please remember that firmness is a subjective characteristic and your shape will dictate how you experience a bed. A heavier person whose weight can more easily push through softer comfort and support layers may experience a bed as softer than a lightweight person. The way you are shaped could also play a role here. Consider your weight, shape, and size when evaluating firmness scores.
One of the most important aspects to consider when buying a mattress is its firmness. In case you’re unsure of what mattress firmness means, it simply refers to how firm or soft the mattress feels when you’re lying on top of it.
The Nolah Signature is classified as a medium-firm mattress. I rated it a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, where 1 is super soft, and 10 is extra firm. A medium firmness is often the best for those seeking a balance of pressure relief and support. The Nolah Signature hugs your body nicely, all while keeping the spine aligned in different positions.
How Does It Feel?
As you sink into the Nolah Signature’s surface, you should immediately notice its soft, cloud-like feel. The cover is a luxurious quilted cotton cover that should feel cool to the touch. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stay too cool for too long, but we’ll touch on this later.
As you settle into the bed, you should then feel a plush layer of cooling AirFoam™ that gently cradles your body. What you might also notice is it can be tricky it is to move on this bed. I found that it really took effort to switch positions, which is something to keep in mind if you’re a combination sleeper.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
According to Nolah, the Signature mattress can hold 300 pounds per side for a total of 600 pounds for the Queen, King, and Cali-King sizes.
Below, I’ll break down how this bed performed for different boy types in each sleep position. Since I’m a petite sleeper, I’ve also included feedback from Julia, who is an average-weight sleeper, and our colleague Corey, who is a plus-size sleeper.
Side Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – I have no complaints as a lightweight sleeper. I felt my spine was nicely supported with enough cushioning for the shoulders, hips, and knees.
- Average-weight Sleepers – Julia experienced equally as much cushioning and comfort lying on her side. She said the spine felt aligned, and the hips and shoulders sank evenly.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Even with a medium firmness, the Nolah Signature is a good mattress for heavy side sleepers, according to Corey. He felt nicely supported, with a straight spine, and even weight distribution.
Explore the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – I must say mattresses rarely hug my entire spine, but the Nolah Signature did just that. And, it felt great. Lightweight back sleepers should relish in the plush, pressure-relieving properties of the Nolah Signature.
- Average-weight Sleepers – Average-weight back sleepers should feel equally supported, according to Julia. She points out great spine alignment and proper weight distribution, which reduces the chance of lower back pain.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Corey pointed out that his shoulders sank more than the hips, which gave off a firmer feel. Although his spine was well-aligned and supported, he found it more challenging to move around on to the Nolah Signature.
Browse beds for back sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – I didn’t notice too much hip sinkage, so my spine remained aligned even in this sleeping position.
- Average-weight Sleepers – Julia noticed her spine was well-supported in this position. Her hips didn’t sink too much, so body alignment shouldn’t be an issue. However, those closer to 230 pounds might prefer a firmer bed.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavyweight stomach sleepers are likely to prefer a firmer mattress. In this case, I recommend taking a look at our list of the best firm mattresses for more options.
Discover the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Pressure Relief & Pain
5/5
If you’re feeling achy and sore after waking up on your old mattress, pressure relief is probably your top priority. The Nolah Signature puts pressure relief at the top of its list through the generous use of AirFoam™. I found that the upper layer of AirFoam™ provides a plush feel that should conform around your curves, while the slightly firmer AirFoam™ layer further below should give you deeper relief along pressure points.
This bed “hugs” your body in every sense of the word.
Learn More: Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Is the Nolah Signature Good for Pain Relief?
Back Pain
The contouring nature of Nolah’s foam should make it a good choice for lightweight to average-weight sleepers who experience back pain. Still, some sleepers – particularly those on the heavier side – may need a firmer mattress that provides better support for spine alignment. You can find our picks for the best mattresses for back pain here.
Hip Pain
Hip pain is often caused by inadequate support or pressure relief around the hips and lower body. I think this mattress should do a great job of relieving hip pain for lightweight and average-weight sleepers.
Shoulder Pain
Side sleepers who wake with shoulder pain should find that this mattress helps eliminate that issue, especially if they are light to average weight. Heavier stomach sleepers might experience the bed as firmer around the shoulders, which could exacerbate any existing shoulder pain.
More for Pain Relief:
Support
5/5
In addition to pressure relief, you also need solid support to remain comfortable, which is where high-density foam comes in. The thick support core in the bottom layer of the Nolah Signature promotes spine support and minimizes the risk of back pain.
The entire team that tested this bed agreed on its support level. The spine is perfectly straight and the body is aligned in multiple sleeping positions. The only exception here would be for plus-size stomach sleepers, who will need more support in this position.
Motion Transfer
3.5/5
Motion isolation is ideal for co-sleepers or those who share their mattress with children and pets. The Nolah Signature has plenty of foam, so it does a good job of isolating motion. It’s not the best motion isolation out there, as you’re likely to feel some movement. However, I don’t think this is too disruptive. In my opinion, its motion isolation is average but good enough for partners with similar sleeping habits.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
3/5
Nolah claims that their AirFoam™ is 100 percent temperature-neutral because it prevents heat retention. Plus, it has a moisture-wicking cotton cover that draws heat away from the body. All in all, it should help you sleep cool, i.e no more waking up with night sweats.
However, even with all that, I just wouldn’t call it the coolest mattress out there. The starting temperature was 67.5 degrees, but it went up to 75.9 degrees after just five minutes of lying on the bed. Once I got up, it took 7 minutes for the temperature to drop again.
I can see the airfoam dissipating more heat than most all-foam beds, but I’m not sure if this is enough for particularly hot sleepers.
Bounce
2.5/5
I performed our ball bounce surface test along with good old move-around-and-jump on the bed to test how bouncy the Nolah Signature is. The first impression is that the foam is really swallowing up the feeling of movement. There’s very little bounce, which is the reason behind it being so difficult to move on in my opinion. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend this bed to combination sleepers.
Edge Support
4.5/5
The initial edge support test showed good results, as I was nicely supported when lying and sitting at the edge of the Nolah Signature. However, I will say that it feels like it would sag over time if you sit or sleep here very often. This is especially the case with heavyweight sleepers, so be mindful of it if you’re particularly interested in excellent edge support.
Performance for Couples
3/5
Couples should look for a combination of features like bounce, support, motion isolation, and cooling. For this reason, the Nolah Signature might not be my first recommendation to couples. It’s not a bad option, but it’s also not the best.
The Nolah Signature lacks the bounce that many sexually active couples prefer. Instead, the foam would swallow you, making it difficult to switch positions. On top of that, the cooling is not the best, and motion isolation is also rather average.
Looking for other options? Check out our Best Mattresses for Couples.
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Preference-Based Features
Bed-in-a-Box
The Nolah Signature is compressed, rolled into a box, and shipped to your door. The set-up is relatively easy and takes only a few hours for the bed to inflate to the point that it is ready for you to sleep on it.
Charitable Initiatives
Nolah adopts an animal in need with each mattress sale. Buyers may choose their preferred animal from a list provided with their purchase. Nolah also donates and recycles mattresses returned to the company.
Compatible with All Bed Frames
This mattress can be used with box springs, adjustable bases, slatted bases, and platforms. Please note that if you use a box spring or slatted base, it is recommended that the slates be no more than 5 inches apart.
Handcrafted in the USA
All Nolah Signature mattresses are manufactured and shipped from factories in the United States. Find more beds made in the USA here.
Construction: What’s Inside the Nolah Signature?
The Signature’s top features a luxury cotton cover that should feel soft and cool to the touch for at least a while. It’s also moisture-wicking, which is said to enhance the cooling effect even more. At a total height of 12 inches, the Signature contains four layers in total.
- The first comfort layer is 2.5 inches of Cooling Nolah AirFoam™. You should find yourself feeling comfortable on this proprietary foam. It lies right under the cotton cover, contouring to your body and adapting to your shape regardless of the sleeping position you prefer.
- The second comfort layer is made up of 1.5 inches of Deep Supportive High-Resilience Foam. This layer is designed for bounce, but I experienced very little of it.
- The support layer is an inch of AirFoam™. This AirFoam™ layer is firmer than the topmost layer and designed to provide enhanced pressure relief for your most sensitive areas.
- The base is a 7-inch high-density foam core. This layer provides support and structure for the entire mattress construction.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
Your Nolah Signature mattress will arrive in a distinctive blue box. Once you bring the box inside, open the top and slide out the compressed, plastic-covered mattress.
Once you carefully remove the plastic, the mattress should start to inflate. As this happens, you may notice a chemical smell emanating from the mattress. Although unpleasant, the smell is harmless and should dissipate within 24 hours.
Certifications
- CertiPUR-US® Certified – The foams in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified. CertiPUR-US® is a third-party program that ensures the foams meet rigorous health and safety standards. This means they don’t contain harmful substances like ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They should also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
- Eco-Friendly Certifications – The Nolah Signature has a GREENGUARD Gold certification, which reflects the product’s ability to meet some of the world’s most rigorous emissions standards.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
- Shipping – Nolah ships for free within the continental United States. Once shipped, you will receive a notification with your FedEx tracking number.
- Trial – Shoppers can get a feel for their Nolah mattress for up to 120 nights. The first 30-night period is the so-called break-in period, while the remaining 90 days are when you can return the mattress if you don’t like it.
- Warranty – The company offers a lifetime warranty, which covers manufacturing defects and faulty materials. The warranty doesn’t cover damage caused by normal wear and tear and misuse.
- Returns – You can return your Nolah mattress after a minimum of 30 days, which is typically how long it takes for your body to adapt to a new bed. Then, if you still don’t like it, you can return it for a full refund, less a $99 transportation fee.
Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 12” | $1,299 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 12” | $1,399 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 12” | $1,649 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 12” | $1,799 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 12” | $2,049 |
| Cali King | 72” x 84” x 12” | $2,049 |
| Split King | 38” x 80” x 12” (x 2) | $2,798 |
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Nolah Signature mattress cost?
The price of the Nolah Signature mattress depends on the size. For a Queen-size mattress, you can expect to pay over $1,500 which is an average price point for a high-quality, bed-in-a-box mattress.
Can you flip the Nolah mattress?
The Nolah Signature shouldn’t be flipped. It should always be on the foundation with the topside turning upwards. However, I would recommend you rotate the mattress 180 degrees every three to six months to ensure even wear.
Read More: Best Flippable Mattresses
Is the Nolah mattress good for side sleepers?
The Nolah Signature mattress should be a great match for most side sleepers, as it provides gentle contouring and targeted pressure relief. The bed is rated a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which classifies it as a medium mattress. The all-foam construction, mainly the support layer with firmer AirFoam™, provides pressure relief for sensitive areas like your hips, shoulders, and knees.
Nolah Signature vs. Other Brands
Nolah Signature vs. Nectar
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Nolah Signature 12″ MattressFirmness
Soft: 4/10Trial Period
120 nights
Product
Nectar MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10Trial Period
365 nightsWho We Recommend the Nolah Signature For
- Lightweight sleepers
- Those with aches and pains
- Folks who get hot during the night
Who We Recommend the Nectar For
- People who prefer a traditional memory foam feel
- Couples
- Back and stomach sleepers
Interested? Read our full Nectar Mattress Review.
Nolah Signature vs. Casper
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Nolah Signature 12″ MattressFirmness
Soft: 4/10Trial Period
120 nights
Product
Casper Original MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6/10Trial Period
100 nightsWho I Recommend the Nolah Signature For
- Pressure relief seekers
- Folks who primarily sleep on their sides
- Lightweight sleepers
Who I Recommend the Casper For
- Stomach sleepers
- People with back pain
- Couples
Read our Casper Mattress Review if you think the Casper is right for you.
Nolah Signature vs. Other Nolah Models
Nolah Signature vs. Nolah Evolution
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Nolah Signature 12″ MattressFirmness
Soft: 4/10Trial Period
120 nights
Product
Nolah Evolution Hybrid MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsTrial Period
120 nightsWho I Recommend the Nolah Signature For
- Side sleepers
- Lightweight sleepers
- Back sleepers
Who I Recommend the Nolah Evolution For
- Those who prefer a hybrid mattress
- Hot sleepers
- Average-weight to heavyweight sleepers
Check out our full Nolah Evolution Mattress Review.
My Verdict
The Nolah Signature is constructed with a concentration on pressure relief, and I will say, it certainly delivers. Lightweight and average-weight sleepers should benefit the most from this bed’s soft feel and proprietary AirFoam™, which should cradle and contour to their curves. Based on the experience of our heavyweight tester, the Nolah Signature could also be good for plus-size side sleepers.
However, my biggest complaint is the lack of any responsiveness that could help you move on the bed, which is why I don’t think it’d be great for sexually active couples, those with limited mobility, and combination sleepers. Overall, the Nolah Signature earned a 4 out of 5.
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Loren Bullock
Lead Product Tester
About Author
Loren is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night.
Combination Sleeper