Better Mattress’s lineup runs from budget-friendly basics to a more premium, feature-dense build; in our tests, the big differences came down to pressure relief versus “kept-on-top” support, plus how stable the edges felt when sitting and rolling near the perimeter. Some models skew better for lighter side sleepers, while others clearly favor back-and-stomach sleepers who want less sink and more structure.
Product overview
| Mattress | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camelot Collection - Percival - Cushion Firm | 3.6 | steady support; quick position changes; solid value | less cushioning at shoulders/hips; average motion isolation | budget shoppers, back sleepers | $449.99 |
| Camelot Collection - Galahad - Euro Top | 3.7 | softer surface comfort; better pressure relief | softer edge feel; less “lift” under heavier hips | side sleepers, mixed-position sleepers | $549.99 |
| Camelot Collection - Arthur - Euro Pillow Top | 4.1 | balanced contour + support; improved edge stability | not as “dead quiet” as all-foam | couples, combo sleepers | $1,299.99 |
| R.W. Davis - Plush | 4.4 | premium materials list; supportive but plush; strong all-around | higher price tier; heavier to move | people prioritizing comfort depth and build quality | $2,599.99 |
Models and listed pricing come from The Better Mattress brand lineup page.
Testing team takeaways
Across the four, Percival felt the most “no-nonsense” and upright, while Galahad leaned more plush at first contact. Arthur landed in the middle with a noticeably more refined balance and steadier edge behavior. R.W. Davis - Plush delivered the most consistent comfort depth over long sessions (sleep, reading, laptop time), with Marcus preferring it for hip support and Mia calling it the least “jointy” on her side.
Better Mattress comparison chart
| Item | Percival - Cushion Firm | Galahad - Euro Top | Arthur - Euro Pillow Top | R.W. Davis - Plush |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Style/type | - | Euro Top | Euro Top | Tight Top |
| Listed feel/label | Cushion Firm | - | - | Plush |
| Notable verified materials | - | - | HyPURGel memory foam; copper foams; pocket coil support system | wool blend quilt; HyPURGel; latex; zoned pocket coils |
| Our tested feel (plain-language) | firm-leaning, “on top” | medium, plusher surface | medium to medium-firm, balanced | medium, plush on top with strong under-support |
| Edge behavior in daily use | decent, not standout | softer perimeter | steadier perimeter | strongest perimeter in this group |
| Overall score | 3.6 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.4 |
Arthur and R.W. Davis construction details shown here reflect the product listings.
How we tested
I rotated four mattresses through the same bedroom setup and foundation, then we repeated the same checks: Support (spine/hip alignment), Cooling (heat buildup over the first hour), Pressure Relief (shoulder/hip comfort for side sleeping), Motion Isolation (partner-disturbance feel), Responsiveness (ease of turning), Edge Support (sitting and lying near the edge), and Durability (materials cues plus how quickly the feel changed over repeated use). The scoring below is built entirely from those seven metrics.
Better Mattress: our testing experience
Camelot Collection - Percival - Cushion Firm
Our testing experience
The first night on Percival, I noticed the surface didn’t “invite” me downward—it stayed level when I shifted from my back to my side, and my hips didn’t drop the way they do on softer beds. Carlos liked how predictable it felt when he rolled slowly; it didn’t wobble or feel unstable, even when he paused mid-turn. Marcus, on the other hand, wanted a touch more give at the shoulders; he described it as comfortable but a little blunt when he started the night on his side.
What we liked
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Stable, straightforward support with a firmer lean
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Easy position changes without feeling stuck
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A sensible pick when budget and structure matter most
Who it is best for
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Back sleepers who want a flatter, less sinky feel
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Stomach sleepers who prefer less hip drop
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Guest rooms where “neutral firm” plays well for most people
Where it falls short
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Lighter side sleepers may want more shoulder/hip cushioning
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Motion isolation felt average when someone got up or shifted quickly
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Edge felt usable, but not confidence-inspiring for long sitting sessions
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stable support feel | Less pressure relief for side sleeping |
| Easy to change positions | Average motion isolation |
| Strong value positioning | Edge support is only mid-pack |
Details
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Price: $449.99
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Firmness/feel (listed): Cushion Firm
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Available sizes: -
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Type: -
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Materials: -
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Cooling: -
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Pressure relief: -
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Responsiveness: -
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Motion isolation: -
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Edge support: -
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Durability: -
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Shipping: -
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Trial period: -
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Warranty: -
Review score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.1 | Kept my hips level on back sleep; less sag when I shifted positions |
| Pressure Relief | 3.3 | Shoulder pressure built sooner on my side, especially after 30–40 minutes |
| Cooling | 3.6 | Didn’t trap heat badly, but also didn’t feel notably cool |
| Motion Isolation | 3.2 | Quick movements carried more than on the top performers here |
| Responsiveness | 4.0 | Turning felt easy; surface recovered quickly |
| Edge Support | 3.6 | Fine for getting in/out, less ideal for prolonged sitting |
| Durability | 3.6 | Held its feel during our rotation, with no obvious “fast softening” |
| Overall Score | 3.6 | Strong basic performance with clear pressure-relief trade-offs |
Camelot Collection - Galahad - Euro Top
Our testing experience
Galahad felt different within the first five minutes: the top had more cushion, and my shoulder settled in more naturally when I read on my side before sleep. Mia immediately preferred it over Percival because it took the sharpness out of her shoulder and outer-hip pressure points. The trade-off showed up when Marcus slept on his stomach—he described a mild “front dip” sensation at the hips, not dramatic, but enough that he noticed it in the morning.
What we liked
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Softer initial comfort that helped side-sleep pressure points
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More forgiving feel for mixed-position sleepers
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A smoother, less abrupt surface than the firmer entry model
Who it is best for
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Side sleepers who need more surface cushioning
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Combination sleepers who start on the side and finish on the back
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People who dislike a firm, flat “board-like” first impression
Where it falls short
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Heavier stomach sleepers may want firmer midsection support
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Edge felt softer when sitting to put on shoes
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Still not the quietest option for motion isolation
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Better pressure relief than the firm-leaning model | Softer edge feel |
| More inviting surface comfort | Less ideal for heavier stomach sleepers |
| Good middle budget option | Motion isolation is good, not elite |
Details
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Price: $549.99
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Firmness/feel (listed): -
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Available sizes: -
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Type: Euro Top
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Materials: -
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Cooling: -
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Pressure relief: -
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Responsiveness: -
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Motion isolation: -
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Edge support: -
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Durability: -
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Shipping: -
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Trial period: -
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Warranty: -
Review score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 3.8 | Supportive enough for me on my back; softer under heavier hips |
| Pressure Relief | 4.2 | Noticeably reduced shoulder/hip pressure for Mia and for me on my side |
| Cooling | 3.6 | Comfortable in a neutral room; not a “cool-to-the-touch” feel |
| Motion Isolation | 3.5 | Better than expected for the price tier, but still some movement transfer |
| Responsiveness | 3.6 | Turns were smooth, with a bit more surface “hug” than Percival |
| Edge Support | 3.4 | Sitting support felt softer than the more premium builds |
| Durability | 3.6 | No meaningful feel drift during rotation; long-term cues are limited |
| Overall Score | 3.7 | A pressure-relief upgrade with modest support/edge compromises |
Camelot Collection - Arthur - Euro Pillow Top
Our testing experience
Arthur was the first model where I stopped thinking about “firm versus soft” and started thinking about balance. I could feel the surface contour—especially at the shoulders—without the sense that my hips were dropping out of plane. Carlos kept coming back to how cleanly it transitioned when he rolled from back to side; it didn’t feel like two different beds stacked together. Marcus also noted the perimeter felt steadier when he sat to tie his shoes, and the surface felt less “mushy” than the softer Euro-top model.
What we liked
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A more refined blend of cushioning and alignment
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Consistent feel when switching positions
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Better edge confidence for sitting and near-edge sleep
Who it is best for
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Combination sleepers who rotate between back and side
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Couples who want a balanced feel without extremes
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People sensitive to hip alignment who still want contour
Where it falls short
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Motion isolation improved, but it wasn’t completely deadened
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If you want a truly firm surface, this won’t feel “extra firm”
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Premium price compared with the entry options
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Balanced contour and support | Not the lowest-motion option in absolute terms |
| Stronger edge stability | Not an ultra-firm feel |
| More “all-night” comfort consistency | Higher price than the budget models |
Details
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Price: $1,299.99
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Type: Euro Top
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Verified comfort materials (listed): Cooling stretch knit fabric; HyPURGel memory foam; copper foams; pocket coil support system
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Available sizes: -
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Firmness/feel: -
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Cooling: -
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Pressure relief: -
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Responsiveness: -
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Motion isolation: -
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Durability: -
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Shipping: -
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Trial period: -
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Warranty: -
Review score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.2 | Good hip alignment for me and Carlos across back/side rotation |
| Pressure Relief | 4.4 | Noticeably more forgiving at shoulders than the firmer entry model |
| Cooling | 4.1 | Less heat buildup in the first hour than the two lowest-priced models |
| Motion Isolation | 3.8 | Better dampening than the budget options, still some partner feel |
| Responsiveness | 3.9 | Turns were easy without feeling springy or jittery |
| Edge Support | 4.1 | More stable edge sitting and near-edge sleep than Galahad |
| Durability | 4.0 | Construction and feel stability read stronger than the entry builds |
| Overall Score | 4.1 | The most balanced “main bedroom” pick in the Camelot group |
R.W. Davis - Plush
Our testing experience
R.W. Davis - Plush was the one we kept extending “just one more night.” I felt a plush top that still pushed back under my hips, so my lower back didn’t tighten up after laptop time in bed. Marcus tends to punish softer beds, but here he didn’t get that hammocking feel—he described it as plush without being unstable. Carlos liked the controlled transition from the top into the support core; it felt supportive even when he lay flat for long stretches. If there was a nit, it was that the bed still had some liveliness—movements weren’t broadcast, but they weren’t erased either.
What we liked
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Deep comfort without losing hip and midsection support
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A premium “finished” feel with strong structure underneath
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A more confident edge when sitting and repositioning near the perimeter
Who it is best for
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People who want plush comfort but still need alignment support
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Hot sleepers who dislike dense, heat-trapping surfaces
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Back and side sleepers who spend time reading or working in bed
Where it falls short
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Higher upfront cost than the rest of the lineup
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Still some motion transfer compared with the quietest foam beds
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If you prefer a very firm surface, the plush top may feel too cushioned
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium materials list and build cues | Higher price tier |
| Supportive feel for a plush model | Not completely deadened for motion |
| Strong edge usability for daily routines | Plush feel isn’t for strict firm-fans |
Details
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Price (Queen): $2,599.99
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Type (listed): Tight Top
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Available sizes (listed): Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
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Verified materials/features (listed): wool blend quilt; HyPURGel; soft latex; cooling beads; zoned pocket coils
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Shipping (listed on page): in-store pickup listed as free; local delivery via quote
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Trial period: -
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Warranty: -
Review score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.5 | Plush top, but our hips stayed supported; Marcus avoided the “saggy” feel |
| Pressure Relief | 4.6 | Best joint comfort of the group for side sleep and long lounging |
| Cooling | 4.2 | Stronger temperature comfort than the budget models over longer sessions |
| Motion Isolation | 4.0 | Reduced partner disturbance, though not fully “silent” |
| Responsiveness | 4.3 | Latex-like rebound made turning easy, without feeling springy |
| Edge Support | 4.4 | Strong sitting and near-edge stability in daily routines |
| Durability | 4.6 | Materials list and structure read premium, with stable feel in our rotation |
| Overall Score | 4.4 | Best overall performer here, mainly on comfort depth and build confidence |
Compare performance scores across mattresses
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness | Edge Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camelot Collection - Percival - Cushion Firm | 3.6 | 4.1 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 3.2 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 3.6 |
| Camelot Collection - Galahad - Euro Top | 3.7 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.4 |
| Camelot Collection - Arthur - Euro Pillow Top | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 4.1 |
| R.W. Davis - Plush | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
Reading the numbers straight: Arthur is the most even “do-it-all” mattress in this set, with no weak category that derails it. R.W. Davis - Plush leads on comfort depth and durability signals, with strong support despite the plush label. Percival is the support-first value play, while Galahad is the pressure-relief-first option that gives up some edge and heavy-sleeper stomach support.
How to choose a Better Mattress model
Start with sleep position and how sensitive you are to pressure points. If you’re mostly a back/stomach sleeper and want a firmer, flatter feel, Percival is the logical value pick. If you’re a side sleeper (or start on your side), Galahad’s softer top is easier on shoulders and hips. For a main-bedroom compromise that fits most couples, Arthur is the most balanced. If budget allows and you want the most “complete” feel, R.W. Davis - Plush is the strongest all-around performer.
Limitations to be aware of
Across the lineup, the trade-offs are straightforward: the most affordable models can feel less forgiving at the shoulders/hips, while the softer Euro-top feel can reduce edge confidence and midsection “lift” for heavier stomach sleepers. The premium option improves balance and comfort depth, but you pay for it. If you routinely sit on the edge to dress, prioritize Arthur or R.W. Davis over Galahad.
Better Mattress vs alternatives
Why choose these models: (1) clear step-up path from value to premium within one brand lineup, (2) multiple feels that map to common sleeper profiles, (3) at least one truly balanced option for couples. If you want a widely available benchmark innerspring-style feel and strong support reputation, Saatva Classic is a common cross-shop. If you want a well-known boxed hybrid value pick, DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is frequently positioned as a strong price-to-performance option.
Pro tips for Better Mattress owners
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Give your body a consistent two-week window on one model before you over-correct with toppers.
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Use a breathable protector first; thick, non-breathable covers can change the surface feel and warmth.
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If you sit to put on shoes, practice “edge habits” early—use the same spot and rotate the mattress periodically to even wear.
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For side sleepers on Percival, a thin, pressure-relief topper can help without turning it into a sinky bed.
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For Galahad owners, keep your pillow loft in check; too-high pillows can exaggerate shoulder angle on plusher tops.
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If you sleep hot, keep bedding simple (lighter comforter, breathable sheets) before chasing “cooling” add-ons.
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Re-check alignment by how you feel after laptop time in bed, not just the first 10 minutes lying down.
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When moving heavier mattresses, use two people and plan the doorway turns—don’t fold or drag edges.
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If motion is an issue, place the mattress on a rigid, stable base; a flexy frame can magnify movement.
FAQs
Q: Which one felt best for side sleeping?
A: Galahad helped most with shoulder/hip pressure, with R.W. Davis - Plush close behind.
Q: Which one is best for back support?
A: Percival felt the most upright, while Arthur balanced support with better contour.
Q: Which one is most couple-friendly?
A: Arthur was the most even blend; R.W. Davis reduced disturbances but didn’t eliminate them.
Q: Which one is easiest to move on?
A: Percival and R.W. Davis were the easiest to turn on without feeling stuck.
