The Amerisleep AS2, AS3, and AS5 share the same basic all-foam design, but they do not feel interchangeable. The AS2 keeps the hips highest, the AS3 offers the most useful balance of cushioning and support, and the AS5 lets the shoulders and hips settle much farther into the surface. We rated all three on support, cooling, pressure relief, motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and durability using a 5-point scale. The AS3 is the safest choice for most sleepers, while the AS2 and AS5 make more sense when firm support or deep pressure relief is the priority.
Table of Contents
- The Three Models at a Glance
- Which Amerisleep Mattress Should You Buy?
- How the AS2, AS3, and AS5 Compare
- How We Evaluated These Mattresses
- Amerisleep Mattress: Our Testing Experience
- Where Each Mattress Scored Best
- Which Feel Fits Your Sleep Style?
- Where Each Model Falls Short
- How Amerisleep Compares With Other Foam Mattresses
- Getting the Best Fit and Setup
- FAQs
The Three Models at a Glance
| Mattress | Overall Score (/5) | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amerisleep AS2 | 4.1 | Strong midsection support; quiet surface | Firm at the shoulders; modest bounce | Back sleepers and stomach sleepers who prefer medium-firm foam |
| Amerisleep AS3 | 4.1 | Balanced support and pressure relief | Slow foam recovery; average edges | Combination sleepers and couples |
| Amerisleep AS5 | 4.0 | Deep cushioning; excellent motion control | Soft edges; pronounced sink | Side sleepers with sensitive shoulders or hips |
Which Amerisleep Mattress Should You Buy?
AS2: Buy the AS2 if you spend most of the night on your back or stomach and want foam without a deep cradle. It held the pelvis more level than the other two models and stayed stable under our heaviest tester. Its firmer surface is less forgiving at the shoulder, so dedicated side sleepers should look to the AS3 or AS5.
AS3: The AS3 is the best all-around choice. It cushions the shoulder in side sleeping without giving up the waist support needed on the back, and it keeps partner movement low. Its edges and response are only average, but neither weakness outweighs how well it handles mixed sleep positions.
AS5: Choose the AS5 for the softest feel and the strongest pressure relief. It reduced shoulder and hip hot spots more than the AS2 or AS3 and did the best job of absorbing movement. The tradeoff is clear: heavier back and stomach sleepers sink too far, and the perimeter gives up the most usable space.
How the AS2, AS3, and AS5 Compare
| Spec / Result | AS2 | AS3 | AS5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Medium-firm | Medium | Soft |
| Height | 12 inches | 12 inches | 14 inches |
| Construction | All-foam | All-foam; AS3h hybrid also available | All-foam; AS5h hybrid also available |
| Foam layers | 2" Bio-Pur; 3" HIVE; 7" Bio-Core | 3" Bio-Pur; 2" HIVE; 7" Bio-Core | 3" Bio-Pur; 2" Active Flex; 2" HIVE; 7" Bio-Core |
| Support (/5) | 4.6 | 4.3 | 3.8 |
| Pressure relief (/5) | 3.8 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Cooling (/5) | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Motion isolation (/5) | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
| Responsiveness (/5) | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| Edge support (/5) | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| Durability (/5) | 4.4 | 4.2 | 3.7 |
How We Evaluated These Mattresses
We used the same testing procedure for each all-foam model. After allowing the mattress to expand, we completed full-night sessions in back, side, and stomach positions. A 44-pound load measured surface indentation, while a 200-pound simulated seated load showed how much the edge compressed. For motion isolation, we dropped a 10-pound ball from 8 inches three times and averaged the readings from an acceleration sensor placed 18 inches away. We also recorded the surface-temperature change after 30 minutes, timed foam recovery, and ran a 1,500-cycle roller test before assigning support, cooling, pressure-relief, motion-isolation, responsiveness, edge-support, and durability scores on a 5-point scale.
I weigh 165 pounds and alternate between my side and back, so I focused on shoulder pressure and whether the foam filled the space under my waist. Marcus, at about 230 pounds, checked midsection support and heat buildup. Jenna and Ethan handled the partner-movement and edge-space tests, and Dr. Adrian Walker reviewed our alignment and pressure-map notes for consistent interpretation.
Amerisleep Mattress: Our Testing Experience
The difference showed up most clearly at the hips. The AS2 resisted sink and kept us closer to the surface, the AS3 spread weight more evenly across positions, and the AS5 formed the deepest cradle. The results below apply to the all-foam versions, not the AS3h or AS5h hybrids.
Amerisleep AS2
Our Testing Experience

The AS2 felt firm before it felt contouring. We rated its firmness 6.8 out of 10, and the 44-pound load sank 1.4 inches, the least of the group. On my back, the foam filled the lumbar curve without letting my pelvis tip down. Marcus saw the same result on his stomach, where the center stayed noticeably flatter than it did on the AS3 or AS5.
Partner movement remained faint: vibration returned to baseline in an average of 0.38 seconds after the drop tests. The perimeter was serviceable rather than strong, compressing 3.6 inches under the seated load. After 1,500 roller cycles, the surface retained a 0.08-inch impression, the smallest change among the three. The shoulder pressure was the deciding drawback; after a full side-sleeping session, I wanted more give than the AS2 provided.

What we liked
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Strong midsection support that keeps the pelvis level
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Low motion transfer for a firmer foam mattress
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Best result in our repeated-roll durability test
Who it is best for
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Back sleepers who want a flatter, more supportive surface
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Combination sleepers who spend part of the night on their stomach
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Shoppers who prefer medium-firm foam with little hip sink
Where it falls short
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It presses too firmly against sensitive shoulders in side sleeping
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Its slow foam feel will disappoint shoppers who want springy movement
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The edge is stable enough for lying down but only average for sitting

Details
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Feel: Medium-firm
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Height: 12 inches
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Foam layers: 2" Bio-Pur; 3" HIVE; 7" Bio-Core
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Policies: 100-night trial, with returns after 30 nights; 20-year warranty

Amerisleep AS3
Our Testing Experience

The AS3 was the easiest model to live with across several positions, even though its foam did not rebound as quickly as the AS5's Active Flex layer. We measured a 5.6-out-of-10 firmness and 1.8 inches of indentation under the 44-pound load. That extra give let my shoulder settle without pulling my spine out of line, while the transition layer still supported my waist when I rolled onto my back.
It also posted the best cooling result by a narrow margin: the surface rose 3.8°F after 30 minutes. Motion faded in 0.34 seconds on average, quiet enough that Jenna rarely noticed Ethan turning over. The edge compressed 3.9 inches under the seated load, so it was usable but not a feature we would buy the mattress for. Marcus felt some late-night warmth, yet he stayed better supported than on the AS5 and never had to push himself out of a deep pocket.

What we liked
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Enough shoulder cushion for side sleeping without excessive hip sink
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The most balanced support and pressure-relief profile
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Quiet motion control and the lowest temperature rise in the group
Who it is best for
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Combination sleepers who rotate between their side and back
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Couples who want a medium feel without much partner disturbance
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Sleepers whose needs fall between the firmer AS2 and softer AS5
Where it falls short
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Dedicated stomach sleepers may need the stronger lift of the AS2
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The comfort foam changes shape slowly when you roll over
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Edge sitting feels less secure than lying near the perimeter

Details
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Feel: Medium
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Height: 12 inches
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Foam layers: 3" Bio-Pur; 2" HIVE; 7" Bio-Core
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Policies: 100-night trial, with returns after 30 nights; 20-year warranty

Amerisleep AS5
Our Testing Experience

The AS5 created a deeper cradle immediately. We rated it 3.4 out of 10 for firmness, and the 44-pound load sank 2.5 inches. On the pressure map, the high-pressure area around my shoulder was 34% smaller than on the AS2. That difference was easy to feel during a full night on my side: the surface gave the shoulder room before the support layers slowed the rest of my body.
It was also the quietest model. Motion settled in 0.28 seconds after the drop, and Jenna barely registered movement from the other side. Active Flex helped the upper layers regain shape more readily than expected from such a soft bed, but the deeper sink still required more effort when Marcus rolled from his back. The edge showed the largest weakness, compressing 4.8 inches under the seated load. For side sleepers, the pressure relief can outweigh that loss of stability; for heavier back or stomach sleepers, it does not.

What we liked
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Best shoulder and hip pressure relief of the three models
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Shortest vibration duration in the partner-movement test
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A soft surface that recovers faster than many deeply contouring foams
Who it is best for
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Side sleepers who prefer a soft, body-hugging surface
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People whose shoulders or hips remain sore on medium-firm foam
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Light sleepers who are easily disturbed by a partner's movement
Where it falls short
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Heavier back and stomach sleepers can sink too far at the pelvis
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The soft perimeter reduces secure sitting and sleeping space
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Anyone who dislikes a pronounced foam cradle should choose the AS2 or AS3

Details
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Feel: Soft
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Height: 14 inches
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Foam layers: 3" Bio-Pur; 2" Active Flex; 2" HIVE; 7" Bio-Core
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Policies: 100-night trial, with returns after 30 nights; 20-year warranty

Where Each Mattress Scored Best
| Mattress | Overall (/5) | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness | Edge Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amerisleep AS2 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 3.6 | 3.8 |
| Amerisleep AS3 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 3.5 | 3.7 |
| Amerisleep AS5 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.3 |
The AS2 and AS3 tie at 4.1 overall for different reasons. The AS2 leads in support, edge support, and durability; the AS3 gives up a little stability for stronger pressure relief and slightly better cooling. The AS5 dominates pressure relief and motion isolation, but its soft edge and lower support score pull its overall result to 4.0.
Which Feel Fits Your Sleep Style?
Start with your primary sleep position, body weight, and tolerance for sink. The AS2 is the clear match for back and stomach sleepers who want the pelvis held close to level. The AS3 works best for side-and-back combination sleepers and couples who need a middle ground. Choose the AS5 when shoulder and hip cushioning matters more than firm edge support or an on-top-of-the-bed feel. Sleepers over 230 pounds should be cautious with the AS5 unless they spend most of the night on their side, and anyone who overheats easily should start with the AS2 or AS3.
Where Each Model Falls Short
| Mattress | Main limitations |
|---|---|
| AS2 | Firm shoulder contact; average edge sitting; little bounce |
| AS3 | Slow foam recovery; average edges; some warmth for heavier sleepers |
| AS5 | Too much pelvic sink for some sleepers; weakest edge; lowest durability score |
How Amerisleep Compares With Other Foam Mattresses
What sets these models apart
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Bio-Pur replaces part of the petroleum-based oil with plant-derived oil and recovers faster than many conventional memory foams.
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The HIVE transition layer uses five support zones, giving the shoulders and hips more room while holding the middle more firmly.
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Every current model includes free shipping and returns in the contiguous United States, a 100-night trial with a 30-night minimum before a return, and a 20-year warranty.
Alternatives worth comparing
Saatva Loom & Leaf is the better fit if you want a heavier, denser memory-foam feel, a choice of two firmness levels, and in-room delivery and setup. It costs more than the Amerisleep all-foam models, but the service and longer home trial make it easier to justify for shoppers who do not want to handle a boxed mattress.
Nectar Premier Memory Foam is a 13-inch, medium-firm alternative that generally costs less than the AS3 or AS5 and includes a much longer trial. Its cool-to-the-touch cover and deeper base make it attractive for value-focused shoppers, though it does not offer Amerisleep's same progression from medium-firm to soft.
TEMPUR-Adapt suits sleepers who specifically want the close contour and motion absorption of TEMPUR-Material. It feels denser and less buoyant than Bio-Pur, and its direct-purchase trial is shorter and carries a return fee. Choose it for that distinctive pressure-relieving feel, not for policy value.
Getting the Best Fit and Setup
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Give the mattress at least 30 nights before deciding. That is Amerisleep's minimum adjustment period before a trial return can begin.
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Side sleepers should judge shoulder comfort first. Back and stomach sleepers should watch whether the pelvis settles lower than the rib cage.
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Choose the AS2 or AS3 if you regularly sit or sleep near the edge; the AS5 gives up too much perimeter support for frequent edge use.
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Use a solid platform, a closely spaced slatted foundation, or an adjustable base. Do not place these all-foam models on a traditional box spring.
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Pair the mattress with breathable sheets and a light protector if you sleep hot. Thick, waterproof bedding can reduce the benefit of an airy cover.
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If you are between two models, choose the firmer one. A topper can add surface cushioning, but bedding cannot restore support to a mattress that already lets your hips sink too far.
FAQs
Which Amerisleep model is the most versatile?
The AS3. It supports back sleeping, gives the shoulder enough room in side sleeping, and keeps partner movement low without feeling as firm as the AS2 or as deep as the AS5.
Which model provides the best pressure relief?
The AS5. It produced the smallest shoulder hot spot on our pressure map and earned a 4.8/5 for pressure relief. Choose the AS3 instead if you need more lift through the hips.
Which model works best for couples?
The AS3 is the best compromise for couples because its medium feel suits more positions and it isolates motion well. The AS5 absorbs slightly more movement, but its softer edge and deeper sink make it less versatile.