I kept hearing that AFW mattresses are “cheap but tricky.” That claim feels half-true. The mattress aisle is full of options, yet real comfort shows up only after full nights—not after a quick showroom flop.
For this review, our team logged nights on five AFW staples: Cloud Mattress 11" Memory Foam, Beautyrest Hybrid Firm, Beautyrest Hybrid Plush, Grayson 7" Memory Foam (Bed Tech), and Better Z’s Origin 9" Innerspring. Marcus runs hot and needs stronger support, Mia is a lighter side sleeper, and Jenna focuses on partner movement, with Ethan joining the couple tests.
Table of contents
Product Overview
| Mattress | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price | Overall Score |
| Cloud Mattress 11" Memory Foam | Strong contouring, thick profile, quiet foam core | Heat buildup for very hot sleepers, edges feel soft | Average-weight side or combo sleepers wanting deep cushioning | $$ mid-range | 4.4 / 5 |
| Beautyrest Hybrid Firm | Robust coil support, firmer feel, better for heavier bodies | Too stiff for many side sleepers, some motion through coils | Back and stomach sleepers, heavier folks needing pushback | $$$ upper mid | 4.5 / 5 |
| Beautyrest Hybrid Plush | Plush top, balanced bounce, strong pressure relief for shoulders | Still pricey, can feel soft for heavy stomach sleepers | Side sleepers, couples who like some bounce | $$$ upper mid | 4.3 / 5 |
| Grayson 7" Memory Foam | Slim profile, all-foam quiet feel, budget friendly | Limited support for big bodies, minimal cushioning depth | Guest rooms, lighter single sleepers, kids or teens | $ budget | 3.8 / 5 |
| Better Z’s Origin 9" Innerspring | Very accessible price, springy feel, easy to move on | Noticeable motion transfer, modest pressure relief | Dorms, short-term setups, people who prefer classic spring feel | $ budget | 3.6 / 5 |
Testing Team Takeaways
Across the lineup, the biggest split was foam hug versus coil pushback. The Cloud 11" stayed quiet and cushioning, while the Beautyrest hybrids felt faster to move on and more stable under heavier weight.
Mia preferred the Hybrid Plush for side sleeping. Marcus leaned toward the Hybrid Firm for back and stomach support. Jenna’s couple notes landed in the middle: the hybrids passed her motion checks better than the budget innerspring, even though no coil bed erased movement entirely.
If you’re shopping mainly on price, the Grayson 7" and Origin 9" make more sense for guest rooms and short-term setups. For a primary bed, the Cloud 11" and the two Beautyrest hybrids felt like the safer choices.
AFW Mattress Comparison Chart
| Mattress | Type | Approx. Firmness (1–10) | Thickness | Core Materials | Cooling Performance | Support | Pressure Relief | Responsiveness | Motion Isolation | Durability (Expected) |
| Cloud Mattress 11" Memory Foam | All-foam | 6 (medium-firm contouring) | ~11" | Multi-layer memory foam over high-density core | Moderate for foam; some heat around hips | Strong for average weights, moderate for heavy | High for shoulders and hips | Low-medium, slower rebound | High, very little partner motion | Solid for price; foam density feels mid-range |
| Beautyrest Hybrid Firm | Hybrid | 7–8 (firm) | ~13–14" | Pocketed coils, firm comfort foams | Decent airflow through coils | Very strong for back and stomach | Moderate for side sleepers | Medium-high, easy to move | Medium; some coil movement | Strong; brand hybrid construction feels sturdy |
| Beautyrest Hybrid Plush | Hybrid | 5–6 (medium-plush) | ~13–14" | Pocketed coils, plus plusher foam top | Better cooling than all-foam | Good for most average bodies | High for side sleepers | Medium-high bounce | Medium-high, better than open coils | Strong; similar coil system longevity |
| Grayson 7" Memory Foam | All-foam | 6 (medium) | 7" | Basic memory foam over support foam | Foam runs warm on heavy bodies | Limited for heavier sleepers, okay for light | Moderate; thin profile limits depth | Low-medium, slower response | High isolation due to all-foam core | Fair; best suited to lighter or occasional use |
| Better Z’s Origin 9" Innerspring | Innerspring | 6–7 (medium-firm traditional) | 9" | Bonnell or similar open coils with padding | Airy feel; sleeps relatively neutral | Moderate; core feels springy, not highly tuned | Modest; padding compresses fast under joints | High; easy to move, classic bounce | Low-medium; motion carries across surface | Fair; budget coil build with expected wear over time |
What We Tested and How We Tested It
We tested these mattresses the way most people use them: repeated nights on different frames, consistent bedding, and time in common sleep positions This mirrors how we test mattresses across our site. Each model got a full-week rotation, plus daytime sessions for reading and short naps.
We scored support, pressure relief, cooling, motion isolation, edge support, and responsiveness, firmness using the same drills we use across our reviews, then backed that up with nightly notes from different body types and sleep styles.
AFW Mattress: Our Testing Experience
Cloud Mattress 11" Memory Foam
Our Testing Experience
I started the AFW rotation with the Cloud Mattress 11" Memory Foam , since its name promises that floaty, cushioned feel many shoppers chase. After unboxing and letting the foam expand, I lay on my back and felt a slow sink under my hips, then a gentle curve under my lumbar area. Under those circumstances, my lower back felt supported but not braced like a firm hybrid; it felt more like a dense foam cradle.
In my view, this model suits average-weight side sleepers , light to average combination sleepers , and people who prefer deep contouring over bounce . Under those circumstances, the foam stack gives that slow, enveloping response while still holding a medium-firm feel, not an ultra-plush sinkhole.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong pressure relief for shoulders and hips | Runs warm for hot and heavy sleepers |
| Quiet all-foam build with very low motion transfer | Edge support feels soft for heavier bodies |
| Medium-firm feel that still allows deep contouring | Slow response can frustrate people who change positions often |
| Good value within AFW’s mid-range pricing | Not ideal for strict stomach sleepers over about 220 pounds |
Details
Quick specs: All-foam memory foam mattress; about Approx. 11" total height; feel: Medium-firm feel, around 6 on a 1–10 scale; Multi-layer memory foam comfort system over high-density polyfoam support core; cooling: Standard memory foam performance; some heat retention under sustained contact.
Beautyrest Hybrid Firm
Our Testing Experience
The Beautyrest Hybrid Firm sits in that part of the AFW floor where sales staff often walk heavier or back-sleeping shoppers. From the moment I lay down, I felt the difference in coil pushback compared with the Cloud 11". My hips stopped higher, and my lumbar curve flattened in a way my desk-tired back appreciated during the first few minutes.
From my angle, the Hybrid Firm fits back sleepers , stomach sleepers , and heavier combination sleepers who tolerate a firmer surface. Under those circumstances, side-only sleepers with sharp shoulder sensitivity might prefer the Plush version.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong support for back and stomach sleepers | Too firm for many strict side sleepers |
| Coil system helps larger bodies stay lifted | Some motion travels through the coil network |
| Better airflow than all-foam beds | Price sits in a higher band at AFW |
| Responsive surface aids easy repositioning | Firmer top can feel unwelcoming for lightweight users |
Details
Quick specs: Hybrid mattress with pocketed coils and foam comfort layers; about Roughly 13–14" total height; feel: Firm ; around 7–8 on a 1–10 scale; Zoned or reinforced pocketed coil core, firmer foam comfort layers, transitional foam above coils; cooling: Better airflow due to coil core; surface temperature stayed manageable for Marcus.
Beautyrest Hybrid Plush
Our Testing Experience
Moving from the Hybrid Firm to the Beautyrest Hybrid Plush felt like changing lanes on the same highway. The underlying coil structure still held my body up, yet the top layers allowed noticeably more give under my shoulder. On my side, my arm slid forward, and I felt that foam wrapper under my ribs and into my waist.
In my view, the Hybrid Plush works best for average-weight and lighter side sleepers , combination sleepers who want some bounce , and couples who want a friendly compromise between firm and soft . Under heavier stomach sleepers, the plushness may allow more hip sink than ideal.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong pressure relief for side sleepers | Still in a higher AFW price tier |
| Balanced feel that mixes bounce and contour | Heavy stomach sleepers may sink too far at the hips |
| Good motion control for a hybrid design | Very firm-bed fans may find it too cushioned |
| Comfortable for many couples with mixed preferences | Slightly softer edges than the firm version under heavy sitting |
Details
Quick specs: Hybrid mattress with pocketed coils and plusher foam comfort system; about Around 13–14" thick; feel: Medium to medium-plush , roughly 5–6 on a 1–10 scale; Pocketed coils under transitional foam, topped with plusher comfort foams; cooling: Airflow through coils plus some heat absorption in foam layers; neutral for most users.
Grayson 7" Memory Foam
Our Testing Experience
The Grayson 7" Memory Foam from Bed Tech enters the scene as a slim, budget-oriented foam mattress that AFW often pairs with guest-room sets. I set it up on a simple platform frame and felt the thickness difference immediately. When I lay down, my body settled much closer to the base than on the deeper Cloud mattress.
In my notebook, I marked the Grayson as ideal for guest rooms , kids or teens , or light single adults on a tight budget . Under those circumstances, its slim profile and quiet foam core make sense. For heavier bodies or people with sensitive joints, the limited thickness holds it back.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Slim profile fits bunks and trundles | Limited support for heavier sleepers |
| Quiet all-foam build with strong motion control | Modest pressure relief depth for shoulders and hips |
| Budget-friendly pricing for AFW shoppers | Edge sitting compresses quickly |
| Simple setup and easy handling due to low weight | Runs warmer than hybrids for hot sleepers |
Details
Quick specs: All-foam memory foam mattress; about 7" tall; feel: Medium , around 6 on a 1–10 scale; Memory foam comfort layer over a basic polyfoam support core; cooling: Typical low-profile foam feel; warm for big bodies, acceptable for lighter sleepers.
Better Z’s Origin 9" Innerspring
Our Testing Experience
The Better Z’s Origin 9" innerspring set stands out at AFW as a wallet-friendly starter bed. Rolling onto it after nights on hybrids felt like stepping back into a more old-school mattress world. The surface pushed back quickly, with a noticeable bounce and a thinner comfort layer on top.
From the perspective of a value-driven shopper, this AFW-sold mattress fits dorm rooms , short-term apartments , or situations where budget comes first . People who prize deep pressure relief or very quiet nights will want a different pick from this AFW mattress reviews lineup.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Very accessible price through AFW | Noticeable motion transfer across the surface |
| Classic bouncy innerspring feel | Limited pressure relief for strict side sleepers |
| Easy to move on, good for restless bodies | Noise and movement can bother light sleepers |
| Works for short-term or low-stakes setups | Modest edge support and basic comfort foams |
Details
Quick specs: Traditional innerspring mattress; about 9" tall; feel: Medium-firm , around 6–7 on a 1–10 scale; Open coil or Bonnell-style spring unit with basic padding on top; cooling: Airy coil network; surface temperature stayed relatively neutral for us.
Compare Performance Scores of These Mattresses
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
| Cloud Mattress 11" Memory Foam | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 3.5 | 4.8 | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Beautyrest Hybrid Firm | 4.5 | 4.8 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Beautyrest Hybrid Plush | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Grayson 7" Memory Foam | 3.8 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| Better Z’s Origin 9" Innerspring | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 4.5 |
From this angle, the Beautyrest Hybrid Firm leads in pure support and long-term feel, especially for heavier or back-focused sleepers. The Cloud Mattress 11" edges ahead in pressure relief and motion isolation, fitting quieter bedrooms and contour fans. The Hybrid Plush lands near the center, with balanced scores that suit mixed-style couples. Grayson and Origin deliver value-oriented performance with clear trade-offs in either support depth or motion control.
How to Choose the AFW Mattress?
Start with sleep position and body weight. Back and stomach sleepers usually need a firmer feel (the usual firm vs soft tradeoff) that keeps hips from sinking. Side sleepers often do better with a softer top layer that cushions the shoulder.
Then pick your ride: foam contour or coil bounce. Foam beds quiet motion and cushion pressure points, yet they can trap more warmth. If you run hot, start with cooling mattresses. Hybrids feel easier to move on and tend to sleep more neutral.
If this is for a guest room, thinner foam and budget innersprings can be enough. For a nightly bed, mattress durability matters too; support and pressure relief matter first, then price becomes the tie-breaker. Mattress sizes can also change the feel on the same model.
Limitations
Availability and exact specs can vary by AFW store and region, and comfort exchanges may involve fees. Our test window captures early feel and performance, not years of wear, so long-term durability still depends on materials and construction. Frame choice matters too (platform bed, box spring, or adjustable base).
Policies at a Glance
| Mattress | Shipping (Cost and Region) | Trial Period | Return Policy / Fees | Warranty Length | Notable Conditions |
| Cloud Mattress 11" Memory Foam | AFW delivery in served regions; fees depend on distance and services | Covered under AFW comfort program, typically several weeks to a few months | Exchanges usually allowed once during comfort window; delivery and restocking fees often apply | Approx. 10-year limited manufacturer warranty | Mattress must be protected with proper foundation and usable condition for warranty claims |
| Beautyrest Hybrid Firm | AFW truck delivery in supported markets; white-glove options sometimes available | Part of AFW mattress comfort period when tagged eligible | Exchange rather than refund in many cases; additional delivery charges possible | 10-year limited warranty from Beautyrest | Stains or misuse can void warranty; body impressions have threshold before coverage |
| Beautyrest Hybrid Plush | Same AFW delivery framework as Firm model | AFW comfort period for qualified purchases | Similar one-time exchange setup; fees vary by region and promotion | 10-year limited warranty from Beautyrest | Requires appropriate base; proof of purchase needed for service |
| Grayson 7" Memory Foam | Often ships compressed; AFW delivery or customer pickup depending on store | Included in AFW comfort program when sold with qualifying tags | Exchanges allowed during eligible period, with transport fees in many markets | Limited warranty, often 5–10 years based on Bed Tech policy | Keep law tag and receipt; visible abuse can block coverage |
| Better Z’s Origin 9" Innerspring | AFW local delivery, sometimes bundled in set deals | Falls under AFW comfort rules for tagged mattresses | Exchanges instead of direct refunds; service and restocking costs may apply | Limited warranty, usually shorter than premium hybrids | Box spring or foundation must meet support standards for warranty validity |
From this matrix, the Beautyrest hybrids and the Cloud Mattress 11" provide the most robust warranty length, matching typical 10-year coverage norms. The comfort-exchange rules at AFW lean toward one-time swaps rather than cash refunds, and delivery or restocking fees frequently enter the picture. Shoppers should read the comfort-program tags closely and keep receipts, foundations, and mattress protectors aligned with policy requirements.
FAQs
Are AFW mattresses good quality?
Quality depends on the model. The Beautyrest hybrids and the Cloud 11" felt closer to a primary-bed build, while the Grayson 7" and Origin 9" fit better as budget or occasional-use options.
Which option is best for back pain?
Many back and stomach sleepers preferred the Beautyrest Hybrid Firm for steadier support. Side sleepers with pressure sensitivity often did better on the Hybrid Plush or the Cloud 11".
Do these mattresses sleep hot?
Dense foam holds more warmth. If you run hot, the hybrid models and the Origin 9" usually feel more breathable than the all-foam beds.
How do they handle motion for couples?
The all-foam Cloud 11" reduced motion the most. The hybrids were moderate, and the budget innerspring transferred the most movement.
What’s the best pick for side sleepers?
The Beautyrest Hybrid Plush gave the most consistent shoulder comfort in our side-sleep tests, with the Cloud 11" close behind for people who like a deeper foam hug.
Are budget picks worth it?
They can be, when the goal is a guest room, dorm, or short-term setup. For a nightly bed, stronger support usually pays off.
