I tested four luxury-priced Chattam & Wells models—the Buckingham, Windsor, Kensington, and Ashford—focusing on support, cooling, pressure relief, motion isolation, responsiveness, edge stability, and durability. Across the lineup, the feel skews tall, buoyant, and premium; the trade-off is that the plush options can feel too cushy for heavier stomach sleepers, while the firm option can feel too direct for lightweight side sleepers.
Product overview
| Mattress | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Buckingham | 4.5 | Deep pressure relief; strong edge feel; luxe, buoyant surface | Noticeable bounce; can feel too plush for strict stomach sleepers | Side sleepers; combo sleepers who like plush | $7,899.99 |
| The Windsor | 4.4 | Strong lumbar/hip support; stable edges; easy to move on | Firmer feel can press shoulders for lighter side sleepers | Back and stomach sleepers; heavier builds | $6,899.99 |
| The Kensington | 4.3 | Plush surface without feeling unstable; good alignment for back/side | Motion isolation is only mid-pack; softer for heavy stomach sleepers | Side sleepers; mixed-position sleepers who want plush | $5,899.99 |
| The Ashford | 4.2 | Balanced medium feel; quick responsiveness; better “settle-back-in” ease | Not as robust as the taller models; less “cloud” for side sleepers | Combo sleepers; couples who want easier movement | $4,899.99 |
Testing team takeaways
We leaned most on Marcus for heat and edge checks, Mia for shoulder/hip pressure, and Jenna with Ethan for real couple nights. The Buckingham felt the most indulgent for side sleeping, but it carried the most bounce. The Windsor stayed the steadiest under hips and lower back, though Mia noticed more shoulder pushback. The Kensington split the difference with a plush top and steadier alignment than expected. The Ashford felt the most “neutral” and easiest to reposition on, but it didn’t match the top-end density of the taller builds.
Chattam & Wells comparison chart
| Feature | The Buckingham | The Windsor | The Kensington | The Ashford |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Luxury Plush | Luxury Firm | Plush | Medium |
| Height | 18" | 17" | 16" | 15" |
| Coil count (Queen) | 3,459 | 3,153 | 3,153 | 2,073 |
| Available sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split California King, California King | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split California King, California King | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split California King, California King | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split California King, California King |
| Comfort materials (listed) | Royal Silken Damask; cashmere; horsetail hair; Natural Talalay Latex; Joma Wool | Royal Silken Damask; cashmere; horsetail hair; Natural Talalay Latex; Joma Wool | Royal Silken Damask; cashmere; Natural Talalay Latex; Joma Wool | Royal Silken Damask; Natural Talalay Latex; Joma Wool; Serene Foam |
| Notable comfort coil layer(s) | Dual layer comfort coils with NanoCoils noted | Dual layer comfort coils noted | Dual layer comfort coils noted | Dynamic comfort coils noted |
| Support core (listed) | Portrait encased coils | Portrait encased coils | Portrait encased coils | Portrait encased coils |
| My support takeaway | Plush, but surprisingly level through the midsection | The most “held up” under hips and lumbar | Supportive enough for back/side, softer than Windsor | Balanced, less “tank-like” than the tall models |
| My pressure-relief takeaway | Best shoulder/hip relief | Firmest on shoulders | Close to Buckingham for side sleep, slightly firmer | Good, but less plush depth |
| My cooling takeaway | Airy top feel, less heat pooling | Best at avoiding heat buildup | Solid airflow feel, warmer than Windsor | Consistent, mild warmth in long side sessions |
| My motion isolation takeaway | Noticeable bounce, contained but present | Reduced ripple, still a coil feel | Middle of the pack | Best “settle” for Jenna/Ethan nights |
| My edge support takeaway | Strong, confidence-inspiring perimeter | Strongest sit-and-stand edge | Very good, slightly softer than Windsor | Good, not as rigid under full edge load |
How we tested
I rotated these mattresses through normal weeknight use and weekend lounging, then compared notes with Marcus, Mia, and Jenna with Ethan. We scored Support by tracking hip sink and lumbar steadiness, Cooling by heat buildup after long stretches, and Pressure Relief by shoulder/outer-hip comfort. Motion Isolation came from partner movement drills and real overnight interruptions, while Responsiveness came from how easily we could change positions. Edge Support was measured by sitting, tying shoes, and edge-side sleeping, and Durability was judged from material feel, structure, and how consistent the surface stayed over repeated nights.
Chattam & Wells: our testing experience
The Buckingham
Our testing experience
The first night on the Buckingham, I noticed how the surface felt tall and buoyant—like it let me sink just enough, then gently “held” my hips so my lower back didn’t tighten up in the morning. On my side, my shoulder settled in without that sharp pressure point. Marcus liked the perimeter when he sat to put on socks, but he still felt more spring in the surface when he shifted. Jenna and Ethan called it comfortable, yet they both noticed a soft bounce when Ethan rolled over at 2 a.m.
What we liked
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Plush pressure relief that still keeps the midsection from dropping
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Confident edge feel while sitting and edge-sleeping
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A “luxury loft” sensation that stays comfortable for reading in bed
Who it is best for
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Side sleepers who want deep shoulder/hip comfort
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Combination sleepers who drift between back and side
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People who like a buoyant surface instead of a slow-sinking foam feel
Where it falls short
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Strict stomach sleepers who need a flatter, firmer plane
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Couples who want near-zero motion transfer
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Anyone who dislikes noticeable spring-back
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent pressure relief; supportive perimeter; stays comfortable for long lounging | Noticeable bounce; plush feel can be too soft for stomach sleeping; not the quietest for motion |
Details
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Price (Queen retail starting): $7,899.99
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Feel: Luxury Plush
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Height: 18"
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Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split California King, California King
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Queen dimensions: 60" x 80" x 18"
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Coil count (Queen): 3,459
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Listed comfort & support materials: Royal Silken Damask; Joma Wool; cashmere; Natural Talalay Latex; horsetail hair; NanoCoils; Softech encased coils; portrait encased coils
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Warranty: 10-year, non-prorated
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Adjustable base compatibility: yes
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Shipping: -
-
Trial period: -
Review score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.5 | Kept my hips from drifting while still feeling plush |
| Cooling | 4.6 | Stayed airy; less heat pooling than expected for plush |
| Pressure Relief | 4.8 | Best shoulder/hip comfort in the lineup |
| Motion Isolation | 4.2 | Contained, but you still feel the bounce |
| Responsiveness | 4.4 | Easy enough to roll and reset without effort |
| Edge Support | 4.6 | Strong sit-and-sleep edge confidence |
| Durability | 4.7 | Dense, consistent feel night to night |
The Windsor
Our testing experience
With the Windsor, I felt “placed on top” more than “hugged,” and my lower back appreciated that after long desk days—my lumbar stayed level when I woke up on my back. Marcus immediately liked how it resisted that hammocking dip under his hips, especially when he started on his stomach. Mia, though, said her shoulder felt more “pressed” during longer side stretches unless she adjusted her pillow height. Jenna and Ethan both said it was easier to sleep through movement because the surface didn’t amplify small shifts.
What we liked
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Strong midsection support that keeps hips from sinking
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Easy repositioning without feeling stuck
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Firm, steady edge for morning sit-and-stand routines
Who it is best for
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Back sleepers who prioritize alignment
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Stomach sleepers who need flatter support
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Heavier bodies that overpower softer tops
Where it falls short
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Lightweight side sleepers who need more shoulder give
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People who want a softer, plush-first feel
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Anyone chasing “dead still” motion isolation
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strongest hip/lumbar support; stable surface for turning; excellent edge stability | Can feel too firm at shoulders; less “cushion” than plush models; some coil bounce remains |
Details
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Price (Queen retail starting): $6,899.99
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Feel: Luxury Firm
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Height: 17"
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Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split California King, California King
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Queen dimensions: 60" x 80" x 17"
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Coil count (Queen): 3,153
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Listed comfort & support materials: Royal Silken Damask; Joma Wool; cashmere; Natural Talalay Latex; horsetail hair; Softech encased coils; portrait encased coils
-
Warranty: 10-year, non-prorated
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Adjustable base compatibility: yes
-
Shipping: -
-
Trial period: -
Review score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.7 | The steadiest hip and lumbar control we felt |
| Cooling | 4.5 | Stayed comfortable for Marcus even on warmer nights |
| Pressure Relief | 4.0 | Better on back than on long side sessions |
| Motion Isolation | 4.1 | Reduced ripple, but not motion-deadening |
| Responsiveness | 4.5 | Turning felt quick and uncomplicated |
| Edge Support | 4.6 | Excellent sit edge and edge-side stability |
| Durability | 4.6 | Consistent feel with a robust, supportive build |
The Kensington
Our testing experience
The Kensington landed in a sweet spot for me: plush enough that my shoulder didn’t complain on my side, but not so plush that my hips felt swallowed. I could read with my laptop against a pillow stack and still feel stable through the middle. Mia liked the initial softness and said it stayed comfortable when she switched sides, though she didn’t get the same “deep cradle” she felt on the Buckingham. Marcus said it was supportive, but softer under his hips than the Windsor when he drifted onto his stomach. Jenna and Ethan called it comfortable for shared sleep, but they still noticed a mid-level bounce.
What we liked
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Plush surface that still feels aligned on back and side
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Comfortable for long lounging without sinking too deeply
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Strong perimeter without feeling overly rigid
Who it is best for
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Side sleepers who want plush without losing support
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Combo sleepers who want a balanced, buoyant feel
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People who like a softer top but don’t want slow foam
Where it falls short
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Heavy stomach sleepers who need firm, flat support
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Couples extremely sensitive to motion
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Anyone who wants the most “pillowy” option
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Balanced plush-and-support feel; comfortable for side sleep; very good edges | Motion isolation is mid-pack; softer for heavy stomach sleep; less deep cradle than Buckingham |
Details
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Price (Queen retail starting): $5,899.99
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Feel: Plush
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Height: 16"
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Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split California King, California King
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Queen dimensions: 60" x 80" x 16"
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Coil count (Queen): 3,153
-
Listed comfort & support materials: Royal Silken Damask; Joma Wool; cashmere; Natural Talalay Latex; Softech encased coils; portrait encased coils
-
Warranty: 10-year, non-prorated
-
Adjustable base compatibility: yes
-
Shipping: -
-
Trial period: -
Review score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.3 | Supportive for me; softer than Windsor under heavier hips |
| Cooling | 4.4 | Comfortable airflow feel, minimal heat pooling |
| Pressure Relief | 4.6 | Strong for side sleep, just shy of Buckingham |
| Motion Isolation | 3.9 | Noticeable coil character during partner movement |
| Responsiveness | 4.2 | Easy turns; slightly plusher “settle” than Windsor |
| Edge Support | 4.3 | Very good edge, a touch softer than Windsor |
| Durability | 4.3 | Consistent feel, though less dense than the top model |
The Ashford
Our testing experience
The Ashford felt the most immediately “even” to me—medium, quick to respond, and easy to roll on without thinking about it. On my back, my hips stayed supported, and during short stomach naps I didn’t feel my pelvis dropping the way I sometimes do on plusher beds. Mia said it was comfortable at first, but she wanted more softness at the shoulder after long side stretches. Jenna and Ethan both liked how quickly the surface settled after movement; Ethan specifically said it “lets me turn without thinking about it,” which is the best compliment he gives.
What we liked
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True medium balance that works across positions
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Quick response for turning and getting comfortable again
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Better “settle-back-down” behavior for couple sleep
Who it is best for
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Combination sleepers who change positions often
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Couples who want a calmer feel after movement
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Back sleepers who don’t want an ultra-firm surface
Where it falls short
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Side sleepers who need deeper shoulder cushioning
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People who want the most robust, high-profile build
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Anyone who wants the plushest surface feel
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Balanced medium feel; responsive for repositioning; good couple-night stability | Less plush depth for side sleepers; not as “substantial” as taller models; edges slightly less rigid under load |
Details
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Price (Queen retail starting): $4,899.99
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Feel: Medium
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Height: 15"
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Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split California King, California King
-
Queen dimensions: 60" x 80" x 15"
-
Coil count (Queen): 2,073
-
Listed comfort & support materials: Royal Silken Damask; Joma Wool; Natural Talalay Latex; Serene Foam; Softech encased coils; portrait encased coils
-
Warranty: 10-year, non-prorated
-
Adjustable base compatibility: yes
-
Shipping: -
-
Trial period: -
Review score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.1 | Solid for back sleep, slightly less “locked in” than Windsor |
| Cooling | 4.3 | Stayed consistent through long nights without hot spots |
| Pressure Relief | 4.2 | Good, but side sleep lacks the plush depth of top models |
| Motion Isolation | 4.0 | Best overall “settle” after movement for our couple nights |
| Responsiveness | 4.2 | Quick turns and easy reset into comfort |
| Edge Support | 4.2 | Good edge stability, not as rigid as Windsor |
| Durability | 4.2 | Held up well in feel, with a less massive build than the tallest models |
Compare performance scores of these mattresses
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Buckingham | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.4 |
| The Windsor | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| The Kensington | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| The Ashford | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.2 |
Numerically, the Buckingham is the most “high-ceiling” option: it leads on pressure relief and durability feel, with only motion isolation holding it back. The Windsor is the most even for alignment-focused sleepers, trading away plush comfort for stronger support. The Kensington is a comfort-forward middle ground with the clearest weakness in motion isolation. The Ashford scores the most consistently for everyday usability—no runaway strengths, but fewer sharp downsides for mixed sleepers.
How to choose a Chattam & Wells mattress
Start with sleep position and body weight. If you’re a lightweight side sleeper, prioritize pressure relief (Buckingham or Kensington). If you’re back- or stomach-forward, or heavier through the hips, prioritize support (Windsor). If you change positions often or hate feeling “stuck,” look for quicker response (Ashford, then Windsor). For hot sleepers, our best night-to-night results came from Windsor and Buckingham, with Kensington close behind.
Limitations
These mattresses run tall and buoyant, which can amplify movement and make them feel less “dead still” than many all-foam beds. The Buckingham and Kensington are not my first pick for heavier stomach sleepers because the plusher top can let the pelvis dip. The Windsor can feel too firm for lightweight side sleepers who need extra shoulder give. The Ashford is the least “substantial” in feel across the lineup if you’re specifically chasing the most plush, high-profile experience.
Chattam & Wells vs alternatives
Reasons to choose this lineup: premium natural-fiber feel up top, consistently strong edge confidence, and a buoyant surface that’s easy to move on. If you want a similar luxury coil-forward experience with broad retail availability, consider Stearns & Foster Reserve (strong support and upscale finish). If your priority is plush pressure relief with a more “quiet” surface, Aireloom’s luxury hybrids are often a better fit for motion-sensitive couples.
Pro tips for Chattam & Wells
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Use deep-pocket sheets that match the mattress height; the taller builds can pull standard fitted sheets loose.
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Give yourself a short break-in window before locking in a pillow choice; small loft changes matter most on the Windsor.
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For side sleeping on firmer feels, slightly increase pillow loft to keep the neck neutral.
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If you sit on the edge daily to dress, rotate your sit position around the perimeter to spread wear.
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Keep the room a touch cooler if you run hot; these beds breathe well, but thick comfort layers still hold some warmth.
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For couples, set expectations: coil buoyancy can mean some bounce even when motion is reasonably controlled.
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If you switch positions a lot, test how quickly you can roll and re-settle; Ashford and Windsor were easiest for us.
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Pair the firmness to your dominant position, not your “secondary” one; a mismatch shows up most at hips and shoulders.
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Check your frame and center support; these are substantial mattresses and feel best on stable support.
FAQs
Q: Which model felt best for side sleeping?
A: The Buckingham first, then the Kensington, based on shoulder and outer-hip comfort.
Q: Which one reduced partner wake-ups the most?
A: The Ashford felt calmest after movement, with Windsor close behind.
Q: Which model is easiest to move on?
A: Windsor and Ashford; both made turning feel quick and uncomplicated.
