Colton Mattress builds its beds in Asheville, North Carolina and sells them factory-direct. The lineup we tested includes a tufted luxury hybrid, a plush quilted hybrid, a more traditional two-sided innerspring, and a cooling gel memory foam option. We ran four models through our standard checks—support, cooling, pressure relief, motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and durability—to show who each one fits best and where the trade-offs show up.
Table of Contents
Product overview
| Mattress | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pantheon | 4.5 | Very balanced support and contour; stable edges | Less “spring pop” than a classic innerspring | Combo sleepers who want plush comfort without losing alignment |
| Heirloom | 4.4 | Plush quilted comfort; strong pressure relief | Slightly slower feel when changing positions | Side sleepers who want a softer surface and steady lumbar support |
| Artisan | 4.4 | Excellent edge stability; very easy to turn | Not as forgiving for sensitive shoulders | Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and anyone who values a firmer, more traditional feel |
| Cooling Gel Memory Foam | 4.1 | Top-tier motion isolation; deep pressure relief | Weaker edges; slower rebound | Couples who want the quietest surface and foam-style contouring |
Testing team takeaways
Across the four models, the Pantheon felt the most consistently balanced—plush on top, but steady through the hips and lower back. Mia (5'4", 125 lbs, side sleeper) kept picking the Heirloom for its plusher quilt and easier shoulder comfort, while Marcus (6'1", 230 lbs, runs hot) preferred the Artisan’s firmer perimeter and how easy it was to turn. The Cooling Gel Memory Foam was the quietest for partner movement, but it also took the most effort to reposition on.
Colton Mattress comparison chart
| Comparison item | Pantheon | Heirloom | Artisan | Cooling Gel Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Hybrid (coil + latex comfort) | Hybrid (coil + foam/latex comfort) | Innerspring with cushioned quilting | All-foam memory foam |
| Notable build elements | Organic cotton fabric, pocket coils, latex cushion, lumbar system, tufted design (as described) | Deep quilt, pocketed coils, latex cushioning, cool gel memory foam, lumbar system (as described) | Body response coil system, power edge coils, zoned firmness cushioning, choice of feels (as described) | Gel-infused memory foam, plant-based high-density support foam, “virtually no motion transfer” (as described) |
| Available sizes | Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Feel (our test) | Medium-firm with a plush surface | Medium to medium-firm with a plusher top | Medium-firm to firm (more “traditional”) | Medium with deeper sink-in |
| Cooling (our test) | Good airflow and dry feel | Good, slightly warmer than Pantheon | Good airflow; least “clingy” | Moderate; cooler than typical foam but not as airy as coils |
| Support (our test) | Strong lumbar steadiness | Strong, slightly softer under hips | Strongest “pushback” support | Good if you like foam contour; less lift |
| Pressure relief (our test) | High, with controlled sink | Highest for shoulders/hips | Moderate for sharp pressure points | High, especially for shoulders/hips |
| Motion isolation (our test) | Good for a hybrid | Good to very good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Responsiveness (our test) | Good | Moderate-good | Excellent | Fair |
| Edge support (our test) | Very good | Very good | Excellent | Fair-good |
| Durability outlook (our test + construction logic) | Strong, stable feel over weeks | Strong, slightly softer surface feel | Strong, “built-to-last” vibe | Good, but edge wear is the watch item |
How we tested it
We tested all four models using our standard in-house process on the same foundation and in the same bedroom setup, then logged nightly notes plus structured checks for Support, Cooling, Pressure Relief, Motion Isolation, Responsiveness, Edge Support, and Durability.
To keep comparisons consistent, each mattress got repeated edge-sitting drills (shoe-tying posture), motion-transfer checks during middle-of-the-night exits, slow-roll turning tests, and pressure-spot monitoring for side sleepers. We also watched for any meaningful feel drift after break-in, since the most useful mattress is the one that stays predictable over weeks.
Colton Mattress testing notes by model
Pantheon

Our testing experience
I started with my usual routine—reading for about half an hour, then rolling between back and side. Pantheon felt plush on contact, but it caught my hips before they dropped too far (which is where my lower-back tightness usually shows up). Carlos (5'11", 175 lbs) kept pointing to the same thing in his alignment checks: the lumbar zone stayed steady even after I’d been on my side for a while. Marcus (6'1", 230 lbs) also noted slower heat buildup; he didn’t get a quick warm-spot feeling when he rolled toward stomach sleeping. Edge sitting stayed composed—no sudden collapse when I leaned forward to tie shoes.
By week two, the main win was predictability. The feel didn’t noticeably soften or change how my hips settled, which made it easy to relax into at night without micromanaging posture.
What we liked
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Balanced contouring with a firm undercurrent that kept my hips level
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Stable edge support for sitting and for sleeping near the perimeter
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Cooling behavior that didn’t spike quickly for Marcus
Who it is best for
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Combo sleepers who move between back and side
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Couples who want strong edges without an all-foam feel
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Anyone prioritizing lumbar steadiness over ultra-soft plushness
Where it falls short
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Lightweight side sleepers may want a softer, faster “shoulder sink”
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If you want a very bouncy, old-school spring feel, it’s more controlled than lively

Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very balanced support/contour feel; strong edges; stable over weeks | Less “spring pop” than a classic innerspring; may be a touch firm for very light side sleepers |

Details
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Price: -
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Firmness (our assessment): Medium-firm with a plush surface
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Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
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Type: Hybrid (pocket coils + latex comfort, as described)
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Notable materials/features (as described): organic cotton fabric, pocket coils, latex cushion, lumbar system, innertufted design
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Trial period / comfort exchange: 30-day comfort guarantee
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Warranty: -
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Adjustable base compatibility: brand states any mattress can be made to work on an adjustable bed
Review score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.7 | Kept my hips from dropping and stayed stable for Carlos’s alignment checks |
| Pressure Relief | 4.5 | Plush surface without losing control under shoulders/hips |
| Cooling | 4.4 | Marcus reported slower heat buildup than on the foam model |
| Motion Isolation | 4.3 | Good for a hybrid; partner movement was noticeable but muted |
| Responsiveness | 4.4 | Easy enough to change positions without feeling “stuck” |
| Edge Support | 4.6 | Reliable for sitting and sleeping near the perimeter |
| Durability | 4.7 | Feel stayed consistent across the test window |
| Overall Score | 4.5 | Most even blend of comfort and alignment across sleeper types |
Heirloom

Our testing experience
Heirloom was the model Mia kept returning to. The quilted surface felt immediately gentler on her shoulders, and she didn’t get the high-shoulder tension she notices when a top layer is too tight. For me, it felt noticeably plusher than the Pantheon in the first few minutes, but it still held me up through the middle. Carlos liked that the transition from soft quilt to the support core felt smooth—no sudden drop. Marcus mostly commented on comfort, noting that his hips felt a little more cushioned when he rolled forward.
If you want a mattress that feels welcoming right away—especially for side-sleep pressure points—the Heirloom delivered, without leaving my lower back feeling loose by morning.
What we liked
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The most immediately comfortable surface for side-sleep pressure points
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Support stayed dependable despite the plush quilt
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Motion control felt better than expected for a coil-based build
Who it is best for
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Side sleepers who want more shoulder/hip relief
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Combo sleepers who still want lumbar steadiness
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Couples who prioritize a quieter, plusher surface
Where it falls short
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Not as quick and springy as the Artisan when changing positions
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Heavier sleepers wanting a very firm feel may prefer Artisan’s pushback

Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Plush quilted comfort; strong pressure relief; supportive transition feel | Slightly slower to respond than Artisan; may feel too plush for strict stomach sleepers |

Details
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Price: -
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Firmness (our assessment): Medium to medium-firm with a plusher surface
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Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
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Type: Hybrid (pocketed coils with foam/latex comfort, as described)
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Notable materials/features (as described): deeply quilted fabric, pocketed coils, latex cushioning, cool gel memory foam, lumbar system
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Trial period / comfort exchange: 30-day comfort guarantee
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Warranty: -
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Adjustable base compatibility: brand states any mattress can be made to work on an adjustable bed
Review score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.5 | Support held up well even with the plusher quilt |
| Pressure Relief | 4.6 | Best of the lineup for Mia’s shoulders and outer hips |
| Cooling | 4.3 | Good overall; slightly warmer feel than the most “open” coil builds |
| Motion Isolation | 4.4 | Quieter than expected for a hybrid, especially for mid-night movement |
| Responsiveness | 4.1 | Comfortable, but not the fastest for quick turning |
| Edge Support | 4.4 | Strong perimeter feel; sitting was stable |
| Durability | 4.5 | Maintained its comfort profile without noticeable drift |
| Overall Score | 4.4 | Plush comfort with dependable alignment, especially for side sleepers |
Artisan

Our testing experience
Artisan was the most traditional-feeling bed in the group the moment I sat down: firmer, stable, and straightforward. Marcus appreciated that right away because he’s sensitive to any hammocking. On the Artisan he could start on his side and roll toward his stomach without feeling the middle give. Edge support was the headline—sitting to put on shoes felt solid, and sleeping near the perimeter didn’t change the feel much. Carlos also noted how easy it was to turn on; there was less delayed rebound and more immediate support under the mid-back.
Mia’s feedback was the trade-off: she could sleep on it, but shoulder pressure built faster than on the Heirloom and the foam model. Overall, the Artisan gives up some cushion to gain control—and it stayed consistent night after night.
What we liked
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Best edge stability and the easiest turning in the lineup
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Strong “pushback” support that kept Marcus from feeling sag
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A more traditional feel that stayed predictable night to night
Who it is best for
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Back and stomach sleepers who want firmer, steadier support
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Heavier sleepers who dislike deep sink
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Anyone who sits on the edge often (morning routines, dressing)
Where it falls short
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Sensitive-shoulder side sleepers may need a plusher top (or a different model)
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Motion isolation was only average compared with the all-foam option

Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent edge support; very responsive; strong support for heavier bodies | Pressure relief is less forgiving; motion isolation is not class-leading |

Details
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Price: -
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Firmness (our assessment): Medium-firm to firm (depends on feel choice)
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Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
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Type: Innerspring with cushioned quilting (as described)
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Notable materials/features (as described): body response coil system, power edge coils, zoned firmness cushioning, posture lumbar support, choice of extra firm/plush/pillowtop
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Trial period / comfort exchange: 30-day comfort guarantee
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Warranty: -
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Adjustable base compatibility: brand states any mattress can be made to work on an adjustable bed
Review score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.6 | Strong pushback and stable midline support, especially for Marcus |
| Pressure Relief | 4.1 | Fine for back sleep; less forgiving for Mia’s shoulders |
| Cooling | 4.4 | Airflow and less “cling” during the night helped temperature comfort |
| Motion Isolation | 4.0 | Partner movement was more noticeable than on the plush hybrid and foam |
| Responsiveness | 4.6 | Easiest turning and repositioning across the lineup |
| Edge Support | 4.7 | Best perimeter stability for sitting and edge-near sleep |
| Durability | 4.7 | Traditional, stable feel that stayed consistent across the test window |
| Overall Score | 4.4 | A control-and-support pick that prioritizes stability over plushness |
Cooling Gel Memory Foam

Our testing experience
Cooling Gel Memory Foam was the quietest mattress by a wide margin. During our middle-of-the-night get-up test, the surface barely rippled—exactly the dead-calm feel many couples want from foam. The trade-off showed up when I moved from back to side: it cradled deeply, then took an extra beat of effort to roll again. Mia liked the pressure relief immediately; her shoulder could sink without forcing her neck to twist. Carlos was more cautious about alignment—comfortable on his back, but on his side he paid attention to whether his hips were dropping lower than his shoulders. Marcus’s temperature notes were mixed: cooler than many memory-foam beds, but not as ventilated as the coil models.
Edge sitting was the clear weak point. It wasn’t unusable, but it compressed more than the other three when you sat or drifted near the side.
What we liked
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Best motion isolation and the calmest surface for partner movement
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Excellent pressure relief for shoulders and hips
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Foam contouring that felt “hugging” without sharp pressure points
Who it is best for
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Couples who wake easily from movement
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Side sleepers who want deeper contouring
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Anyone who prefers a foam feel over spring pushback
Where it falls short
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Slower responsiveness makes turning feel more deliberate
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Edge support lags behind the coil-based models

Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent motion isolation; strong pressure relief; quiet surface | Weaker edges; slower rebound when changing positions; less airflow than coils |

Details
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Price: -
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Firmness (our assessment): Medium with deeper sink-in
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Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
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Type: All-foam memory foam (as described)
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Notable materials/features (as described): gel-infused memory foam, natural fabrics, plant-based high-density support foam
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Trial period / comfort exchange: 30-day comfort guarantee
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Warranty: -
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Adjustable base compatibility: brand states any mattress can be made to work on an adjustable bed
Review score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.1 | Supportive enough, but less “lift” than the coil-based models |
| Pressure Relief | 4.5 | Excellent shoulder/hip contouring, especially for side sleep |
| Cooling | 4.0 | Better than many foams, but still not as breathable as coils |
| Motion Isolation | 4.8 | Best in test; partner movement was muted dramatically |
| Responsiveness | 3.7 | Turning required more effort and timing |
| Edge Support | 3.8 | Noticeable compression when sitting and when drifting near the edge |
| Durability | 4.0 | Solid overall, but edge wear is the watch item over time |
| Overall Score | 4.1 | The motion-isolation specialist with foam-style trade-offs |
Compare performance scores of these mattresses
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pantheon | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.4 |
| Heirloom | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.1 |
| Artisan | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.6 |
| Cooling Gel Memory Foam | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 3.7 |
On our scores, the Pantheon was the most balanced overall, with standout support and durability. Heirloom led on pressure relief while still feeling supportive. Artisan clearly won on edge support and responsiveness, making it the easiest to move around on if you toss and turn. Cooling Gel Memory Foam was the motion-isolation specialist, but it lagged behind the coil models in edge strength and quick turning.
How to choose a Colton Mattress
Start with your main sleep position and how sensitive you are to pressure points. If you’re a side sleeper who wants a welcoming surface, lean Heirloom. If you move between back and side and want steadier hip and lumbar control, Pantheon was our safest all-around pick. If you prioritize edge stability, easy turning, and a more traditional feel—especially at higher body weights—Artisan fits best. If you share a bed and wake easily from movement, Cooling Gel Memory Foam is the clearest motion-isolation choice.
Limitations
Colton’s lineup works best if you like a supportive, structured feel; none of these models are ultra-plush in the way some deep memory-foam beds are. The Artisan can feel too firm for sensitive-shoulder side sleepers, and the all-foam model gives up edge confidence and quick turning. If you rely on published specs (exact thickness, full layer breakdown, standardized firmness ratings), plan on confirming those details in-store or at purchase.
Colton Mattress vs. alternatives
Colton makes the most sense if you want factory-direct local manufacturing, several coil-based builds that lean supportive, and a foam option that’s strong on motion control. If you’re weighing it against more widely available mattresses, here are a few clean comparisons:
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Saatva Classic: a widely available luxury innerspring with a long in-home trial and white-glove delivery.
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The WinkBed: a mainstream hybrid with a long trial and multiple firmness choices.
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Sleep On Latex’s latex mattress: a simpler, nationally shipped latex-focused option with a straightforward spec sheet.
Pro tips for Colton Mattress
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Bring your own pillow to the showroom and re-test each mattress with your usual neck angle; it can change how “too firm” versus “supportive” feels.
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If you’re a side sleeper with shoulder sensitivity, spend at least 10 uninterrupted minutes on your side before deciding; quick tryouts miss slow pressure buildup.
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For combo sleepers, test the turn itself: roll from back to side and see whether you have to brace with an elbow (often a sign the bed feels less responsive for you).
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Do an edge routine test: sit where you put on shoes, then scoot back a few inches and see if the perimeter still feels stable.
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If you sleep hot, wear a typical sleep shirt during testing and note whether the surface feels clammy after several minutes, not just at first touch.
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Use the same foundation style you plan to use at home; base rigidity can change perceived firmness and edge stability.
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For couples, recreate the real disruption: one person gets out of bed, then returns, and the other rates how long it takes to stop noticing the movement.
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If you prefer foam, prioritize the Cooling Gel Memory Foam; if you prefer spring lift, focus on Pantheon/Heirloom/Artisan and decide based on plushness and edge feel.
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Confirm comfort-exchange and adjustment options before delivery so you know what happens if firmness feels slightly off.
FAQs
Which Colton model felt best for side sleepers?
Heirloom delivered the most immediate shoulder relief in our tests; Cooling Gel Memory Foam also eased pressure well if you prefer a deeper foam contour.
Do Colton mattresses work with adjustable bases?
Colton indicates its mattresses can be made to work on an adjustable bed, but it’s still worth confirming your exact build when ordering.
Which model is most couple-friendly?
Cooling Gel Memory Foam had the strongest motion isolation. If you want a quieter surface but also want stronger edges, Pantheon and Heirloom were the most balanced hybrid options.