The MD Mattress Model 405 Grayhawk Pillow Top is a plush 14-inch innerspring mattress with a Tencel cover, three foam comfort layers, and individually wrapped coils. Its soft pillow top cushions the shoulders and hips without making the entire mattress feel unstable. That balance works especially well for side sleepers and couples, but strict stomach sleepers will likely want a flatter, firmer surface.
Table of Contents
- Model 405 at a Glance
- Is the Model 405 Worth It?
- How We Evaluated the Grayhawk
- Our Testing Experience
- Grayhawk Strengths and Trade-Offs
- Construction and Specifications
- How the Model 405 Scored
- Is the Model 405 Right for You?
- What to Know Before You Buy
- How the Model 405 Compares
- Getting the Best Results
- FAQs
Model 405 at a Glance
| Mattress | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD Mattress Model 405 Grayhawk | 4.3 / 5 | Plush pressure relief, stable edges, supportive wrapped coils | Too soft for some stomach sleepers; average cooling | Side sleepers, couples, back-and-side combination sleepers |
Is the Model 405 Worth It?
The Model 405 is a strong choice for sleepers who want real cushioning without giving up a stable perimeter. The pillow top eased shoulder and hip pressure on our sides, while the wrapped-coil unit and foam border kept the mattress composed when we sat or slept near the edge. Its main trade-off is clear: the same softness that helps side sleepers can allow too much hip sink during stomach sleep.
Who It's For
- Side sleepers who want a soft landing for the shoulders and hips
- Couples who prefer a cushioned surface with dependable edges
- Back-and-side combination sleepers who want more give than a firm bed provides
Who It's Not For
- Strict stomach sleepers who need firm support under the hips
- Very hot sleepers who want an actively cooling cover
- People who prefer a flat, highly responsive sleep surface
How We Evaluated the Grayhawk
We tracked support, cooling, pressure relief, motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and firmness in overnight sleep logs and repeat spot checks. The routine included sitting and lying near the perimeter, changing positions, monitoring partner movement, and checking how the surface recovered after several break-in nights.
Our Testing Experience
The Grayhawk felt plush from the first night, with enough surface give to cushion the body but no sticky, slow-moving memory-foam sensation. Side sleeping was its best position. Shoulder and hip pressure points felt less pronounced after the initial break-in period, and rolling onto the back did not require much effort.
Marcus found the perimeter steady both while sitting and while lying close to the edge. Mia appreciated the deeper shoulder cushioning, though she found the top too soft for anyone who wants a level, springy surface. Those observations produced the clearest score differences: 4.7 out of 5 for pressure relief, 4.4 for edge support, and 4.0 for both cooling and responsiveness.
What we liked
- The pillow top noticeably reduced pressure at the shoulders and hips during side sleep.
- The reinforced perimeter felt more secure than the edges on many soft coil mattresses.
- The comfort layers added softness without hiding the support of the coil unit underneath.
Who it is best for
- Side sleepers who need generous cushioning around the shoulder and hip.
- Couples who want a soft surface without feeling pushed toward the middle.
- Back-and-side combination sleepers who find firm mattresses uncomfortable.
Where it falls short
- The hips can settle too deeply for consistent stomach sleeping.
- The breathable cover and coil unit manage ordinary warmth, but they do not create a cool-to-the-touch feel.
- The thick comfort stack responds more slowly than a firmer, bouncier innerspring.
Grayhawk Strengths and Trade-Offs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pillow top cushions the shoulders and hips | May allow too much hip sink for stomach sleepers |
| Foam perimeter steadies the wrapped-coil unit | Offers airflow, but no specialized cooling system |
| Foam and wrapped coils limit most partner disturbance | Responds more slowly than a firm innerspring |
| 14-inch profile feels substantial and well cushioned | Too plush for people who want a flat, firm top |
Construction and Specifications
- Mattress type: Innerspring
- Feel: Plush
- Top style: Pillow top
- Height: 14 inches
- Cover: Tencel with a heather gray knit finish
- Comfort layers: SuperSoft Quilt Foam, Gel Memory Foam, Comfort Foam
- Support core: Individually wrapped coils with a 360-degree foam-encased perimeter and Base Foam
- Coil type: Wrapped coil
- Warranty: 10 years
- Availability: Select regional retailers; sizes and inventory vary by location
How the Model 405 Scored
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.2 / 5 | Wrapped coils provide steady support, but the soft top allows more hip sink than stomach sleepers may want. |
| Cooling | 4.0 / 5 | The Tencel cover and coil cavity promote airflow, though the thick foam stack still holds some warmth. |
| Pressure Relief | 4.7 / 5 | Shoulder and hip cushioning is the standout feature, particularly during side sleep. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.3 / 5 | Wrapped coils and foam prevent most movement from traveling across the surface. |
| Responsiveness | 4.0 / 5 | Position changes remain manageable, but the plush top is not especially quick or springy. |
| Edge Support | 4.4 / 5 | The foam-encased perimeter stays stable while sitting and sleeping near the edge. |
| Durability | 4.2 / 5 | The coil unit, base foam, and reinforced perimeter are appropriate for the category; this is an early construction assessment rather than a long-term wear result. |
| Overall | 4.3 / 5 | A plush pillow top with excellent pressure relief, reliable edges, and average cooling and response. |
Is the Model 405 Right for You?
Choose the Model 405 if you want a plush mattress that cushions pressure points and you sleep mainly on your side or rotate between your back and side. It also suits anyone who likes extra cushioning while reading or watching TV in bed. People who carry more weight around the hips should pay close attention to alignment, especially if they spend part of the night on their stomach.
If you want a firmer, flatter innerspring with several firmness choices, the Saatva Classic is the stronger option. For a medium-feel hybrid designed around side-sleep pressure relief, consider the Helix Midnight.
What to Know Before You Buy
The plush pillow top is both the reason to buy this mattress and its clearest limitation. It cushions side sleepers well, but it does not keep the hips as level during stomach sleep as a firmer surface would. The Tencel cover and coil unit allow airflow, yet the thick foam layers make the mattress merely temperature-neutral rather than actively cool. Shoppers who want quick rebound will also find the Grayhawk more cushioned than lively.
How the Model 405 Compares
Why choose the Model 405
The Model 405 makes sense when plush pressure relief and stable edges matter more than fast response or specialized cooling. Its substantial 14-inch profile feels deeply cushioned, and its regional-retailer pricing generally keeps it below the premium alternatives in this comparison. Availability is less predictable, however, because selection varies by retailer and location.
Alternatives to consider
Saatva Classic: Choose the Luxury Firm or Firm version if you want a flatter surface, more firmness options, and premium delivery service. It is a significant step up in price, so it is best viewed as an upgrade rather than a direct value match.
Helix Midnight: This medium-feel boxed hybrid offers more balanced cushioning and an easier online buying process. It remains friendly to side sleepers but feels less overtly plush than the Grayhawk and typically costs more.
Nectar Classic Hybrid: This is the closest value comparison. Its medium-firm foam-and-coil build emphasizes steadier alignment and partner-friendly motion control, while the Grayhawk delivers a softer pillow-top feel and deeper shoulder cushioning.
Getting the Best Results
- Sleep on it through the initial break-in period before making a final judgment on softness.
- Use a supportive pillow for side sleeping so your neck stays aligned as the shoulder sinks into the top.
- Pair it with breathable sheets and a lighter comforter if you tend to sleep warm.
- Use a lower-loft pillow during stomach sleep to reduce neck extension.
- Rotate the mattress periodically to distribute wear across the pillow top.
- Choose a breathable protector that does not mute the Tencel cover's airflow.
FAQs
Does the plush pillow top feel stuck like memory foam?
No. The surface feels cushioned rather than sticky, and we could roll over without feeling trapped. It simply responds more slowly than a firm, springy innerspring.
Is it supportive enough for back pain concerns?
It can work for people exploring mattresses for back pain if they rest mainly on their back or side and their hips remain level. Anyone who is sensitive to midsection sink should choose a firmer model that holds alignment more consistently.
How does it perform for couples?
It controls movement well for a coil mattress, and the reinforced edges let both sleepers use more of the surface without drifting toward the center.
