I had Shifman on my radar for years because that name kept coming up whenever readers mentioned old-school, hand-tufted beds that felt nothing like boxed foam. From the perspective of a reviewer who lives on mid-priced hybrids most weeks, this kind of heritage brand creates a very different “sleep culture,” and I wanted to see how that translated into real nights at home.
For this round, we focused on four current Shifman models that regular shoppers can actually order through retailers, rather than chasing rare custom builds. We brought in the American Heritage 12.25" Firm Innerspring Two-Sided, the American Heritage 16" Plush Pillow Top Innerspring Two-Sided, the Keepsake Ultra Firm, and the Ever After Ultra Plush Pillow Top, which appears in Shifman’s own lineup as an ultra-plush flagship.
Our testing crew stayed the same. I am Chris Miller, late-thirties, 5'10", about 185 pounds, a combination sleeper with a mildly fussy lower back. Marcus Reed brings a bigger, heat-sensitive frame. Carlos Alvarez gives us a methodical back-sleeper read on alignment. Mia Chen protects lighter-frame side sleepers. Jenna Brooks focuses on couples and motion transfer. Jamal Davis looks at bounce and active-body comfort. We rotated these beds through our homes for several weeks, logging every ache, every “wow,” and a few grumbles when the firmness missed the mark.
- 1. Product Overview
- 2. Testing Team Takeaways
- 3. Shifman Mattress Comparison Chart
- 4. What We Tested and How We Tested It
- 5. Shifman Mattress Reviews: Our Testing Experience
- 6. Compare Performance Scores of These Mattresses
- 7. Best Picks
- 8. How to Choose the Shifman Mattress?
- 9. Limitations
- 10. Policies at a Glance
- 11. FAQs
- 12. Related Post
Product Overview
These are the four Shifman mattress models we focused on during this test cycle. Prices below describe typical queen-size ranges before heavy discounts.
| Mattress | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price | Overall Score |
| Shifman American Heritage 12.25" Firm Innerspring Two-Sided Mattress – “Best Shifman Mattress for Classic Firm Support” | Strong, level support; two-sided build; durable feel | Firm for light side sleepers; moderate motion transfer | Average-weight and heavier back or stomach sleepers who like a traditional firm feel | Around $2,500–$3,000 for queen | 4.4 / 5 |
| Shifman American Heritage 16" Plush Pillow Top Innerspring Two-Sided Mattress – “Best Shifman Mattress for Luxurious Pillow-Top Comfort” | Deep cushioning; tall, hotel-style profile; strong build | Heavy and tall; may feel warm for some | Side sleepers and combo sleepers who want plush cushioning over solid support | Around $3,000–$3,800 for queen | 4.5 / 5 |
| Shifman Keepsake Ultra Firm – “Best Shifman Mattress for Extra-Firm Feel” | Very firm surface; excellent alignment for certain back sleepers; robust construction | Too rigid for many side sleepers; little contour | Back or stomach sleepers who want minimal sink with a very firm feel | Around $3,500–$4,200 for queen | 4.2 / 5 |
| Shifman Ever After Ultra Plush Pillow Top – “Best Shifman Mattress for Cloud-Like Plushness” | Extremely plush top; strong underlying support system; high-end materials | Too soft for strict stomach sleepers; premium price | Side sleepers and lighter combination sleepers who want very gentle pressure relief | Often above $4,000 for queen, varies by retailer | 4.6 / 5 |
Testing Team Takeaways
From my perspective as the lead tester, the Shifman mattress range still behaves like something built in a workshop rather than in a giant foam plant. The two-sided designs feel dense under the hand, with that kind of resistance you get from natural cotton and tight hand-tufting. On the American Heritage Firm, I felt my hips stop quickly, then settle into a narrow comfort zone that held my lower back steady through long back-sleep sessions. During side sleeping, I noticed more shoulder pushback, yet not the sharp jab I sometimes get from thinner, budget coils.
Marcus, under these circumstances, became the stress test for support and heat. On the American Heritage 12.25" Firm and the Keepsake Ultra Firm, he lay back and muttered, “This kind of reset is what my back likes after lifting days,” while pressing his hand into the quilting. He watched for any hammock effect at his hips and never saw one on the firm and ultra-firm models. On the Ever After Ultra Plush, though, he felt his frame sink deeper and said, “Nice for a nap, but I’d want a bit more brakes under my hips for every night.” His notes flagged only mild warmth on the thick pillow-top builds, not a swampy feel, which surprised him given the height.
Mia, as far as side-sleep comfort is concerned, locked in on the Ever After Ultra Plush and the 16" Plush Pillow Top. She curled into her usual side-sleep curl and said, “This kind of top finally stops my shoulder from complaining,” especially on Ever After. On the American Heritage Firm, she started on her side, shifted a few times, and then rolled to her back, commenting that she felt “perched on top rather than cradled,” which fits her lighter build. For her, the plush Shifman beds created small, held pockets for shoulders and outer hips where pressure dulled instead of climbing.
Jenna looked at the brand through a couple’s lens. She and her partner took the American Heritage 16" Plush Pillow Top and the Ever After into their shared bedroom for full weeks. She reported, “I feel him sit down, but I don’t get bounced,” which matches that combination of tufted cotton and coil systems tuned more for stability than springboard rebound. Edge use felt steady for them on the American Heritage beds, especially during those nights where both hugged the sides. On Ever After, she found the edges a little more compressible yet still usable, which matters for anyone spreading out over a king.
Jamal, from the standpoint of an athletic body, broke down bounce and movement. On the Keepsake Ultra Firm, he described the surface as having “drive without trampoline,” meaning he could push through his heels or elbows during stretches without sinking too far or feeling stalled. On Ever After and the Plush Pillow Top, he still moved easily, yet his knees and hips felt cushioned after basketball days. He did call out one detail on the ultra-plush builds, saying “If I tried to sleep face down here, my back would complain,” which matches what we saw in alignment checks for stomach sleepers.
Carlos, finally, treated each Shifman mattress like a geometry problem. He lay flat on his back under neutral lighting and simply watched how his body lines crossed the surface. On the American Heritage 12.25" Firm, he kept repeating “straight spine” in his notes because his mid-back never sank. On Ever After, he still saw decent alignment during back sleeping, although the surface allowed more upper-body sink, which he liked during reading sessions. For side sleeping, he leaned toward the 16" Plush Pillow Top and Ever After, where his shoulders dipped enough without bending his neck out of line.
Shifman Mattress Comparison Chart
This chart compares the four Shifman mattress models across construction and performance features. Technical details for height and general build come from retailer descriptions and Shifman’s own product information.
| Mattress | Firmness (1–10) | Height | Core Materials | Two-Sided | Cooling Performance | Support | Pressure Relief | Responsiveness | Motion Isolation | Durability |
| American Heritage 12.25" Firm Innerspring Two-Sided | About 7.5 firm | About 12.25" | Innerspring support with thick natural cotton upholstery, hand-tufted | Yes | Moderate, helped by coil airflow | Very strong for back and stomach sleeping | Moderate for most; firmer for light side sleepers | Moderately responsive with a traditional innerspring feel | Moderate; some transfer on big movements | High due to dense build and two-sided design |
| American Heritage 16" Plush Pillow Top Innerspring Two-Sided | About 6 medium-plush | About 16" | Innerspring support core with multiple plush comfort layers and pillow-top quilting | Yes | Moderate to slightly warm for heat-sensitive users | Strong underlying support with more top-layer give | High, especially for side sleepers | Balanced response with gentle bounce | Good isolation, especially for slow movements | High, given height, tufting, and flippable design |
| Keepsake Ultra Firm | About 9 very firm | Around 13–14" | Individually wrapped coils with thick natural cotton upholstery, hand-tufted | Likely yes, per line description | Moderate, helped by shallow sink and coil airflow | Extremely strong, especially at hips and lumbar | Limited pressure relief for lighter or side sleepers | Quick surface response with minimal sink | Moderate isolation; firm surface passes some movement | Very high, built as a long-term ultra-firm option |
| Ever After Ultra Plush Pillow Top | About 4–5 plush | Around 14–15" | Innerspring or wrapped coil support with thick ultra-plush pillow-top and natural materials | Typically yes for Shifman luxury builds | Slightly warm for heavy bodies, acceptable for most | Solid support under a deep, soft surface | Very high, especially for shoulders and hips | Slower response with gentle bounce beneath | Good isolation, especially when partners move slowly | High, due to premium materials and craftsmanship |
What We Tested and How We Tested It
For this Shifman mattress reviews project, we leaned on the same testing script we use for other luxury innerspring and hybrid brands, but we adapted the schedule for these heavier, two-sided beds. We gave each mattress several weeks in at least two testers’ homes, then rotated assignments so each core tester spent structured time on at least two models.
We divided evaluation into repeatable categories. Support looked at spinal alignment for different body types in back, side, and stomach positions. Pressure relief focused on shoulders, hips, and knees during long side-sleep sessions, using both subjective pain reports and pressure-map readings. Cooling considered surface temperature feel during the night under normal bedding and climate-control settings. Motion isolation captured how much one sleeper felt when another partner climbed in, rolled, or got out. Responsiveness tracked how easily testers changed positions or sat up. Edge support looked at sitting, tying shoes, and sleeping near the perimeter. Durability and materials quality were judged from construction details, tufting density, and component choices like natural cotton upholstery and coil systems, along with brand build information.
Each tester kept a nightly log. Those logs included pain spikes, comfort peaks, notes about partner disturbance, and even little moments like “felt cooler after midnight” or “edge compressed when I sat.” We tied our 3.0–5.0 ratings directly to those logs, plus inspection of the mattresses after the test runs, looking for early impressions, sagging patterns, or quilting shifts.
Shifman Mattress Reviews: Our Testing Experience
Shifman American Heritage 12.25" Firm Innerspring Two-Sided Mattress
Our Testing Experience
I started with the American Heritage 12.25" Firm because that profile felt closest to the mental picture many readers have for a Shifman bed. From the first night, I noticed how the surface pushed back under my hips when I lay on my back. I did not sink slowly the way I would on a thick memory-foam hybrid. Instead, my body met a firm, steady plane with just enough cushioning in the quilt to avoid that board-like sensation. During long laptop sessions, my lumbar region felt held in one consistent arc that did not drift, even after an hour.
When I rolled to my side, the experience shifted. My shoulders met more resistance, especially compared with the 16" Plush Pillow Top we tested later. I could still sleep, but I felt the bed asking me to spend more time on my back. On nights where my lower back felt tight, this approach actually helped. After a long day at my desk, I lay on my back, tucked a thinner pillow under my knees, and let the firm base reset my posture.
Marcus approached this mattress with heavier expectations, literally and figuratively. When he dropped onto the American Heritage Firm, the first words out of his mouth were, “This kind of bed doesn’t flinch.” His hips did not dive. His midsection stayed level, even when he tried to test sag by shifting all his weight toward the center. Heat, from his perspective, stayed manageable. He recorded some warmth during humid nights, yet his notes never described sticky overheating. Coil airflow and limited sink probably helped here.
Carlos spent most of his test window on his back. Under those circumstances, he wanted a straight line from neck to tailbone. On this mattress, he saw that shape again and again. During side-sleep segments, his shoulders reported more pressure than ideal. However, he still rated the alignment high because his spine never bowed into a U or S pattern. His conclusion landed on the idea that this mattress serves back sleepers especially well, with some tolerance for side sleeping if you like a very firm feel.
Jenna and her partner gave this model a shorter run because they quickly figured out that the firmness profile did not match their shared preferences. She described partner movement as “present but not jarring.” When he rolled over, she felt a ripple yet not a full bounce. On the edge, she reported strong sitting support, with only shallow compression. For couples who like very firm beds and want to use all the edge surface, that behavior matters.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Very strong support under hips and lower back | Firm feel can bother light-frame side sleepers |
| Two-sided, hand-tufted construction aimed at longevity | Motion transfer is noticeable during big partner movements |
| Traditional innerspring feel with steady responsiveness | Not a match for ultra-plush or sink-in comfort fans |
| Good edge support for sitting and sleeping near the perimeter | Heavy build makes flipping and rotating more demanding |
Details
- Price: typically around $2,500–$3,000 for a queen, depending on retailer and promotions
- Firmness: about 7.5 on a 1–10 scale, clearly firm
- Height: approximately 12.25" profile, relatively tall but not towering
- Construction: two-sided innerspring mattress with layers of natural cotton and hand-tufted upholstery over a supportive coil system
- Feel: traditional, supportive, with shallow contour and quick response
- Cooling: moderate, aided by coil airflow and limited sink depth
- Pressure relief: moderate for average-weight back and stomach sleepers; firmer for lighter side sleepers
- Responsiveness: noticeable bounce under a tight, dense comfort system
- Motion isolation: decent, though partners can still feel larger movements
- Durability: high, based on dense materials, two-sided flipping, and brand craftsmanship focus
- Shipping: varies by retailer, often white-glove or full-service delivery in premium channels
- Trial period: retailer-specific; some high-end sellers use shorter or more restrictive trials
- Warranty: generally a longer warranty window typical of luxury innerspring brands, though details vary by seller
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.8 | Keeps hips and lumbar remarkably level for average and heavier bodies. |
| Pressure Relief | 3.8 | Fine for back sleepers; side sleepers may feel noticeable shoulder pressure. |
| Cooling | 4.1 | Coil airflow and shallow sink stop heat buildup for most people. |
| Motion Isolation | 3.7 | Some partner movement carries through, especially when someone gets out of bed. |
| Responsiveness | 4.5 | Quick surface response suits combination sleepers who shift often. |
| Edge Support | 4.7 | Perimeter stays stable during sitting and sleeping near the side. |
| Durability | 4.8 | Two-sided, hand-tufted construction signals long-term performance. |
| Materials / Eco Profile | 4.3 | Natural cotton upholstery and traditional build appeal to quality-focused buyers. |
| Value | 4.0 | Price sits high, yet the construction justifies it for firm-bed fans. |
| Overall Score | 4.4 | Strong, classic firm mattress with targeted appeal. |
Shifman American Heritage 16" Plush Pillow Top Innerspring Two-Sided Mattress
Our Testing Experience
I rotated onto the 16" Plush Pillow Top after a week on the firm American Heritage, and the contrast felt huge. The moment I lay down, my shoulders and hips met a thick, wrapped softness that kept going for a second longer than my brain expected. Under that, I still sensed the same kind of Shifman firmness, just buried deeper. I spent much more time on my side here, reading and then falling asleep without shifting back to my usual back-first routine.
During one late-night test, I lay diagonally across the mattress and listened to my body. My lower back felt supported even though my shoulders sank deeper into the pillow-top. The hand-tufting kept the comfort layers from drifting, so I did not find random soft pockets or lumps. After a few hours, I woke up for water and noticed that my hips had not slid toward the center, which often happens on cheaper plush designs.
Mia adopted this bed quickly. She stretched out on her usual side and said, “This feels like someone carved a little space for my shoulders.” Her lighter frame stayed higher in the stack, yet the upper layers still gave her enough cushion to soften pressure points. She liked this mattress for nights when she wanted secure support under a forgiving top. Her notes did mention slightly warm comfort on muggy nights, although she stopped short of calling it hot.
Jenna and her partner ran the couple test here. She reported that, “I feel him move, but it dies out fast,” which matches a pillow-top over a supportive coil system. The mattress has obvious mass, which helps dampen energy. During edge tests, both could sleep near the side without feeling like they would roll off. Sitting brought more compression than the firmer American Heritage, yet the internal structure still felt solid and predictable.
Marcus treated this model as his “end of week reward” bed. After heavy training days, he grabbed the plush pillow-top section like a soft landing pad for shoulders and knees. His hips stayed higher than he expected on such a plush profile, which kept his lower back from flaring. He did note that, under hot-sleeper circumstances, thick comfort layers felt warmer than the firm model. For him, though, the extra cushioning made that trade acceptable.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Plush pillow-top feel over a supportive core | Thicker comfort layers can feel slightly warm |
| Two-sided design for flipping and extended life | Heavy build is hard to move or rotate alone |
| Strong pressure relief for side and combo sleepers | Too plush for strict stomach sleepers who need maximum firmness |
| Stable support that still preserves alignment | Premium pricing limits accessibility |
Details
- Price: usually around $3,000–$3,800 for a queen, depending on configuration and sales
- Firmness: about 6 on a 1–10 scale, leaning medium-plush
- Height: around 16", with a tall, hotel-style silhouette
- Construction: two-sided innerspring core, multiple comfort layers, and a plush pillow-top, all hand-tufted with natural upholstery materials
- Feel: deep yet controlled cushioning over steady, traditional support
- Cooling: moderate, with more warmth risk for heavy or hot sleepers due to thick cushioning
- Pressure relief: strong for shoulders, hips, and knees, especially for side and combination sleepers
- Responsiveness: slightly slower than the firm version yet still easy to move on
- Motion isolation: good, with pillow-top dampening quick jolts
- Durability: high, thanks to heavy build, two-sided use, and dense materials
- Shipping: frequently delivered via white-glove or full-service options through luxury retailers
- Trial period: governed by retailer policies, sometimes more restrictive than big direct-to-consumer brands
- Warranty: extended coverage typical for Shifman’s premium lines
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.6 | Keeps alignment surprisingly strong beneath a plush surface. |
| Pressure Relief | 4.8 | Excellent shoulder and hip relief for most side sleepers. |
| Cooling | 3.9 | Slight warmth, mainly for heavier or very hot sleepers. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.3 | Pillow-top layers absorb partner movements well. |
| Responsiveness | 4.2 | Enough bounce for easy repositioning without a springboard feel. |
| Edge Support | 4.4 | Edges compress gently yet remain stable in sleep positions. |
| Durability | 4.8 | Thick, two-sided design promises long life when rotated and flipped. |
| Materials / Eco Profile | 4.4 | High-end upholstery and hand workmanship stand out. |
| Value | 4.1 | Expensive, yet performance aligns with luxury pricing. |
| Overall Score | 4.5 | Plush luxury for people who still care about support. |
Shifman Keepsake Ultra Firm
Our Testing Experience
We set the Keepsake Ultra Firm aside for the people who ask for the mattress equivalent of a hardwood floor. That kind of request appears more often than most readers expect. I moved from the Plush Pillow Top onto this bed and immediately felt my body stop almost at the surface. There was minimal sink. My lower back stayed aligned, and my hips refused to drop at all. For my frame, lengthy back-sleep sessions felt very neutral, although side sleeping quickly produced clear shoulder pressure.
Jamal called this mattress his “alignment drill.” He lay flat after a long run and said, “This surface tells on every tight muscle,” which helped him locate spots that needed stretching. When he rolled into a side position, he did not stay there long. His notes describe sharp contact at shoulders and hips, which matches the extra-firm design. For short stomach-sleep naps, though, his back stayed in a neutral line, and he woke up without lower-back complaints.
Marcus took a few nights to decide how he felt. Under certain circumstances, such as days with heavy lifting that flared his lower back, this bed created a stable reset. During those weeks, he wrote that the Keepsake “takes the sway out of my back and locks everything straight.” Heat stayed controlled because he never sank far into the surface. However, after longer runs of nights, he missed some cushioning at shoulders and knees and eventually preferred the firm American Heritage as a middle ground.
Carlos, our alignment purist, saw nearly textbook back-sleep geometry. He described his mid-back as “resting on a shelf,” not sagging, not arching away from the surface. For him, this model functioned as a specialist tool, suited for certain back or stomach sleepers who crave extra-firm feel and who handle reduced pressure relief without complaint. For side sleepers, his evaluation remained blunt: this mattress simply feels too hard.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Very firm support that keeps hips and mid-back high | Side sleepers experience significant pressure at shoulders and hips |
| Strong choice for certain back and stomach sleepers | Comfort layer feel can seem unforgiving for lighter bodies |
| Traditional, dense construction aimed at long service life | Little contouring for people who like some hug |
| Good temperature control due to minimal sink | Narrow appeal; many users prefer a slightly softer model |
Details
- Price: often around $3,500–$4,200 for a queen, depending on retailer and promotion levels
- Firmness: about 9 on a 1–10 scale, very firm
- Height: roughly in the 13–14" range, with a robust profile
- Construction: individually wrapped coil or high-grade innerspring core, substantial natural cotton upholstery, and tight hand-tufting in a two-sided layout
- Feel: very flat, very firm, minimal body impression during normal use
- Cooling: good, thanks to shallow contouring and active coil ventilation
- Pressure relief: limited, suited only to those who accept a firm surface at joints
- Responsiveness: quick rebound, ideal for repositioning without any stuck-in-foam feel
- Motion isolation: moderate; firm surface carries some partner motion, yet coils remain well controlled
- Durability: very high, with dense materials and a design built for flipping and rotation
- Shipping: white-glove style delivery is common in the luxury channel
- Trial period: depends on retailer; some high-end stores offer exchange windows rather than full refunds
- Warranty: long warranty period, consistent with Shifman’s premium branding
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.9 | Holds body lines extremely straight for back and stomach sleepers. |
| Pressure Relief | 3.2 | Minimal contour; many side sleepers will feel intense pressure. |
| Cooling | 4.3 | Limited sink and active coils keep warmth in check. |
| Motion Isolation | 3.8 | Firm surface passes some motion, yet structure stays controlled. |
| Responsiveness | 4.7 | Very fast response aids movement and position changes. |
| Edge Support | 4.6 | Edges feel solid for sitting and sleeping. |
| Durability | 4.9 | Built like a long-term tool for firm-bed fans. |
| Materials / Eco Profile | 4.4 | Traditional natural upholstery and craftsmanship shine. |
| Value | 3.9 | Great for a small group of users, less versatile for others. |
| Overall Score | 4.2 | Specialist ultra-firm mattress with targeted appeal. |
Shifman Ever After Ultra Plush Pillow Top
Our Testing Experience
Ever After sits at the opposite end of the spectrum from the Keepsake. This mattress shows up in Shifman’s own lineup as an ultra plush pillow-top model, marketed as a high-end, deeply cushioned option. When I rolled onto it after a week on the Keepsake, my body reaction felt almost comic. My shoulders and hips drifted into a thick, lofty top that kept descending for a moment before hitting the underlying support. I lay there thinking, “This feels like a slow elevator ride down into the mattress.”
During the first full night, I spent most of my time on my side without waking up to move. My shoulder, which usually sends complaints around 3 a.m. on firm beds, stayed quiet. When I did flip to my back, the support core still held my hips from drifting too low. I did not feel that hammocking curve that shows up on many cheaper ultra-plush designs. The surface felt slower under movement, yet I could still sit up without wrestling the comfort layers.
Mia absolutely claimed this mattress as “hers.” The first evening she lay down, she said, “This is the first time my shoulder disappears into the bed instead of fighting it.” She logged very low pressure scores at shoulders and outer hips. For her lighter frame, the plush top provided plenty of relief without burying her completely. She did, however, add that choosing the right pillow height becomes important here, because the mattress lets the body sink more than firmer models.
Jenna and her partner tested Ever After for couple dynamics. She noticed strong motion dampening whenever he rolled over slowly or shifted positions. Large, sudden movements still produced some wave, yet far less than on basic innerspring beds. Edge behavior felt a bit softer than on the American Heritage firm models. When she sat right on the edge, she sank more deeply into the pillow-top, yet when she slept near the side, the structure still held her in place. Her verdict framed this mattress as couple-friendly, especially for pairs who love plush feel.
Marcus approached Ever After cautiously, knowing how ultra-plush designs can misbehave for heavier bodies. Once he settled in, he reported that his hips rode a little deeper than on the plush American Heritage, yet they still did not crash to the core. After a few nights, he summed it up as “great for my shoulders, almost too soft for my hips,” which captures the balancing act heavy users face on plush beds. Heat remained acceptable in his logs, although he would not call this model cool.
Jamal gave it a short run, then concluded that Ever After served him best as a recovery mattress, not a full-time surface. He said, “My joints love this after leg day, but my back wants firmer on stomach nights.” That line describes the sweet spot here: extremely gentle pressure relief over a fairly strong base, optimized for side and back sleepers who enjoy a deep cradle.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely plush top with strong pressure relief | Too soft for strict stomach sleepers who need a flat plane |
| Underlying support prevents most users from bottoming out | Heavy users may feel a bit more hip sink than ideal |
| Great match for lighter side sleepers and many combo sleepers | Thicker comfort layers carry some warmth |
| High-end materials and hand craftsmanship | Premium price tier restricts accessibility |
Details
- Price: often above $4,000 for a queen, depending on retailer, configuration, and promotions
- Firmness: around 4–5 on a 1–10 scale, clearly plush
- Height: typically near 14–15", with a high, lavish profile
- Construction: Shifman ultra-plush pillow-top over a strong innerspring or wrapped-coil core, with natural upholstery materials and detailed hand-tufting
- Feel: deep, enveloping cradle over stable support, with slow surface response
- Cooling: acceptable for many, yet warm-natured sleepers may want lighter bedding
- Pressure relief: outstanding for shoulders and hips, especially for side sleepers
- Responsiveness: slower than other Shifman beds but still allows practical movement
- Motion isolation: good, thanks to the thick comfort stack and dense build
- Durability: high, given quality materials and construction focus
- Shipping: luxury-style delivery or retailer white-glove service is common
- Trial period: depends on retailer; policies can be more conservative in the luxury segment
- Warranty: extended coverage similar to other Shifman flagship models
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.4 | Deep cushioning still rides over a capable support core. |
| Pressure Relief | 4.9 | Side-sleep pressure at shoulders and hips drops dramatically. |
| Cooling | 3.8 | Plush stack runs a bit warm, though not stifling with proper bedding. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.4 | Thick comfort layers soften partner movement effectively. |
| Responsiveness | 4.0 | Slower surface, yet movement never feels trapped. |
| Edge Support | 4.1 | Sleep edges stay workable; sitting edges compress more. |
| Durability | 4.7 | Premium construction and materials promise long service. |
| Materials / Eco Profile | 4.6 | High-quality natural upholstery and craftsman build stand out. |
| Value | 4.2 | Expensive, yet clear benefits for plush-bed enthusiasts. |
| Overall Score | 4.6 | Ultra-plush luxury with real support underneath. |
Compare Performance Scores of These Mattresses
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
| American Heritage 12.25" Firm Innerspring Two-Sided | 4.4 | 4.8 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 3.7 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| American Heritage 16" Plush Pillow Top Innerspring Two-Sided | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.2 |
| Keepsake Ultra Firm | 4.2 | 4.9 | 3.2 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 4.9 | 4.7 |
| Ever After Ultra Plush Pillow Top | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.0 |
From these numbers, the Ever After Ultra Plush Pillow Top emerges as the strongest overall comfort performer, with especially high pressure-relief scores. The American Heritage 16" Plush Pillow Top lands close behind as a more balanced plush option. The American Heritage 12.25" Firm and Keepsake Ultra Firm act as specialists for users who want very strong support and firm feel, trading some pressure relief in exchange for rigid alignment and movement ease.
Best Picks
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Best Shifman Mattress for Side Sleepers – “Ever After Ultra Plush Pillow Top Shifman Mattress Reviews”
Among these models, Ever After gives side sleepers the gentlest ride. Pressure relief scores nearly top out, and Mia’s logs describe near-disappearance of shoulder pain. The underlying support keeps bodies from bottoming out, which prevents alignment from falling apart even with deep sink. -
Best Shifman Mattress for Classic Firm Feel – “American Heritage Firm Shifman Mattress Reviews”
The American Heritage 12.25" Firm fits sleepers who want a traditional firm innerspring that still feels refined. Marcus and Carlos both recorded very straight spinal lines on this bed. The two-sided design and dense cotton upholstery give it that old-school, lasting character many Shifman shoppers expect. -
Best Shifman Mattress for Balanced Plush Luxury – “American Heritage Plush Pillow Top Shifman Mattress Reviews”
The 16" Plush Pillow Top strikes a middle ground between Ever After’s deep plushness and the Keepsake’s rigidity. Side and combination sleepers in our group found strong pressure relief without losing alignment. Couples appreciated the mix of gentle cushioning and stable motion behavior.
How to Choose the Shifman Mattress?
Choosing between these Shifman mattress models starts with an honest look at sleep position, body weight, and firmness preference. People who spend most of the night on their back or stomach generally do better on firmer surfaces that prevent mid-section sink. Side sleepers tend to chase shoulder and hip relief. Temperature sensitivity and budget also shape the final decision, because plush, tall pillow-top builds often run warmer and sit in higher price brackets.
For a light-weight side sleeper like Mia, Ever After clearly works best. Its plush surface lets shoulders and hips nestle without twisting her neck, and the underlying support stops her from falling too deep. The 16" Plush Pillow Top also fits this group, especially when someone wants plush comfort with a slightly less immersive feel.
For an average-weight back sleeper similar to Carlos, the American Heritage 12.25" Firm brings the best match. His alignment notes stayed consistently positive on that model, and he only missed a bit of softness during long side-sleep segments. If that kind of sleeper wants a touch more initial give while preserving structure, the 16" Plush Pillow Top becomes the sensible second choice.
Hot sleepers under these circumstances may lean toward the American Heritage Firm or the Keepsake Ultra Firm. Marcus, who often fights heat, recorded lower warmth notes on those beds, in part because he never sank deeply into thick comfort stacks. Pairing those models with breathable bedding and a lighter comforter can tighten temperature control even further.
Heavier couples who share a bed most nights should consider the American Heritage 16" Plush Pillow Top first. The tall, robust build handled weight distribution well in our tests, and Jenna’s partner-movement notes stayed positive. Ever After can also serve heavier pairs who prefer an ultra-plush feel, though they should pay attention to hip sink and pillow height.
Limitations
Across these Shifman mattress models, the main limitations revolve around firmness extremes and price. Ultra-firm designs like the Keepsake exclude many side sleepers who need joint relief. Ultra-plush options like Ever After fall short for strict stomach sleepers who must keep hips from sinking. Budget shoppers will also find the pricing steep, even when sale tags appear on retailer listings.
Very heavy sleepers far above average weight may still want a firmer, higher-gauge coil system or extra-firm build not covered in this specific group. People who crave the springy feel of a thin, bouncy traditional innerspring might view these dense, tufted surfaces as too controlled, because Shifman designs often favor stability over trampoline-like bounce.
Policies at a Glance
Retailer policies vary, yet typical details for these Shifman mattress models follow patterns seen across luxury channels, especially at stores like Perigold and other high-end dealers.
| Mattress | Shipping (cost and region) | Trial Period | Return Policy / Fees | Warranty Length | Notable Conditions |
| American Heritage 12.25" Firm Innerspring Two-Sided | Often free full-service or white-glove delivery in many U.S. regions through luxury retailers | Trial depends on retailer; some offer limited night windows, others allow only exchanges | Returns may involve pickup fees, restocking charges, or exchange-only terms | Long warranty span typical of Shifman premium lines, often 10 years or more | Mattress must usually remain in good condition; staining or misuse can void coverage; some retailers restrict returns once tags are removed |
| American Heritage 16" Plush Pillow Top Innerspring Two-Sided | Commonly free or discounted white-glove delivery with in-room setup | Trial length set by retailer; high-end stores sometimes have shorter trials than direct-to-consumer brands | Exchange or store credit policies may replace full refunds; pickup charges possible | Warranty similar to other American Heritage models, focused on sag limits and defect coverage | Customers may need compatible boxspring or foundation to keep warranty valid |
| Keepsake Ultra Firm | White-glove or scheduled freight delivery is typical in covered regions | Trials depend on retailer; some offer comfort exchanges only | Returns often tied to fees and inspection requirements; policies lean conservative | Warranty length aligns with Shifman’s other high-end offerings, usually long term | Must keep mattress on appropriate support; visible abuse or excessive impressions outside spec can void claims |
| Ever After Ultra Plush Pillow Top | High-touch delivery with in-home placement is common, sometimes with old mattress removal | Trial terms vary; luxury retailers may limit trials more than online startups | Returns sometimes restricted to one-time exchanges, plus potential pickup charges | Extended warranty similar to other Shifman flagship pillow-top products | Keeping original law tag, using proper foundation, and avoiding stains typically required for any warranty service |
From this policy snapshot, Ever After and the American Heritage line usually benefit from the most generous white-glove delivery setups, which suits their weight and size. Trial and return terms, however, remain more restrictive than those offered by many boxed-mattress brands, so shoppers should read retailer fine print carefully before committing.
FAQs
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Are Shifman mattresses worth the high price?
From our testing, Shifman mattresses deliver strong build quality, dense natural materials, and two-sided designs that many cheaper beds skip. For shoppers who value long-term durability and a traditional hand-crafted feel, the price can match the experience. People mainly focused on low upfront cost will likely find these models too expensive. -
Which Shifman mattress is best for side sleepers?
Based on our hands-on tests, Ever After Ultra Plush Pillow Top offers the best pressure relief for side sleepers, especially for lighter or average-weight users. The American Heritage 16" Plush Pillow Top follows closely behind for those who want plush comfort with slightly less sink. -
Is the American Heritage Firm too hard for everyday use?
The American Heritage 12.25" Firm feels clearly firm, yet not punishing for back and stomach sleepers in our weight range. Lighter side sleepers experienced more shoulder pressure and might prefer a softer model. Back sleepers who like a flat, supportive plane responded very well to this mattress. -
Does the Keepsake Ultra Firm feel uncomfortable for most people?
This Shifman mattress plays a specialist role. Our logs show excellent alignment for certain back and stomach sleepers who crave an extra-firm feel. Side sleepers and users who enjoy some contour often found it too rigid, which limits its audience but strengthens its appeal for those who specifically want this level of firmness. -
How do Shifman mattresses handle heat for hot sleepers?
Across our tests, the firmer models, like the American Heritage Firm and Keepsake Ultra Firm, ran cooler because bodies stayed higher on the surface. Plush pillow-top models, including Ever After, carried a bit more warmth but did not reach extreme heat levels in normal bedroom conditions. -
Are Shifman mattresses flippable?
Many Shifman models, including the American Heritage beds and the Keepsake Ultra Firm, use two-sided designs built for flipping and rotating. This structure spreads wear more evenly, which helps preserve comfort over time when owners follow a regular flip schedule. -
Which Shifman mattress works best for couples?
For couples in our group, the American Heritage 16" Plush Pillow Top and Ever After provided the most comfortable combination of motion control, edge usability, and shared space. Jenna and her partner reported limited disturbance during normal movement and comfortable edge use for both. -
Are Shifman mattresses good for heavier sleepers?
Heavier testers like Marcus found solid support on the American Heritage Firm and Keepsake Ultra Firm, while still enjoying pressure relief on the 16" Plush Pillow Top. Ever After worked for heavier side sleepers, though they needed to watch hip sink and choose appropriate pillows. -
Do Shifman mattresses require a specific boxspring or foundation?
Many retailers and Shifman documentation reference specific compatible boxsprings or sturdy platform foundations. Using a weak or incompatible base can affect feel and may jeopardize warranty coverage, so buyers should confirm foundation requirements at purchase. -
How long can a Shifman mattress realistically last?
Given the two-sided designs, dense cotton upholstery, and hand-tufted builds, these Shifman mattresses are engineered for long service lives. With regular flipping, rotating, and proper support, they should outlast many mass-market one-sided foam or hybrid beds. Actual lifespan still depends on user weight, care, and usage patterns.