Propel’s two-sided design tackles a common mattress problem: choosing one firmness and hoping it works. The Dual-Sided Hybrid and Dual-Sided All-Foam each offer a softer surface on one side and a firmer feel on the other, but they behave very differently. The Hybrid is cooler, springier, and easier to move across, while the All-Foam is quieter and cushions pressure points more deeply. Both went through the same support, cooling, pressure-relief, motion-isolation, response, edge, and durability checks. One caution matters before you shop: Propel’s old product pages are still accessible, but their dated promotions and absence from Brooklyn Bedding’s current lineup make stock, pricing, and purchase policies hard to verify. This review covers the mattresses in our test room, not their current retail terms.
Table of Contents
- Which Propel Mattress Fits You Best?
- The Short Version
- How the Two Propel Mattresses Differ
- What We Checked
- Propel Mattress: Our Testing Experience
- Performance Scores Side by Side
- Which Propel Should You Choose?
- What to Know Before You Buy
- How Propel Compares With Current Alternatives
- Getting the Best Feel From Either Propel
- FAQs
Which Propel Mattress Fits You Best?
| Mattress | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid | 4.3/5 | Steady support; better airflow; quick movement | More bounce; limited foam hug | Combination sleepers, hot sleepers, and couples who dislike a slow foam sink |
| Propel Dual-Sided All-Foam | 4.1/5 | Strong motion isolation; deep cushioning; quiet surface | Softer edges; slower response; more heat buildup | Side sleepers, movement-sensitive couples, and guest rooms |
The Short Version
The Dual-Sided Hybrid is the stronger all-around choice. Its coil core keeps the hips better supported, releases heat more readily, and makes turning or getting out of bed easier. It is the better fit for combination sleepers, warm sleepers, and anyone who regularly sits near the edge.
The Dual-Sided All-Foam has a narrower but clear advantage: it absorbs partner movement and softens pressure at the shoulders and hips better than the Hybrid. Choose it if you sleep mostly on your side or wake easily when someone else moves. Its weaker edge and slower rebound are the trade-offs.
How the Two Propel Mattresses Differ
The construction explains most of the difference in feel. Coils give the Hybrid more lift and airflow; the All-Foam uses a dense core to keep movement contained.
| Feature | Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid | Propel Dual-Sided All-Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hybrid: foam and encased coils | All-foam |
| Height | 13 inches | 11 inches |
| Firmness | Soft side and firm side | Soft side and firm side |
| Construction | Upcycle cover, CopperFlex foam, Energex foam, and up to 1,032 encased coils | CopperFlex foam, VariFlex foam, and a high-density foam core |
| Cooling | Better airflow and less heat buildup | Cool initially, then warmer with extended contact |
| Support | More lift and quicker pushback under the hips | Closer contouring and a clearer change between sides |
| Pressure relief | Balanced cushioning on the soft side | Deeper shoulder and hip cushioning on the soft side |
| Motion isolation | Good damping, though some bounce travels | Excellent; movement stays close to its source |
| Response | Fast; turning takes little effort | Moderate; slower to regain its shape |
| Edge support | More stable for sitting and standing | Deeper compression near the side |
| Delivery | Compressed in a box | Compressed in a box |
What We Checked
Both mattresses followed the same mattress-testing process on sturdy foundations. We compared support, temperature control, pressure relief, motion isolation, response, and edge support. Full-night back- and side-sleep sessions showed how each surface handled alignment and pressure over time. Temperature readings were taken before lying down, after 30 minutes, and 10 minutes after getting up. We also repeated weighted sink, rebound, and partner-disturbance checks three times and used the averages.
Propel Mattress: Our Testing Experience
Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid
Our Testing Experience

After 48 hours of expansion, our sample measured 13 inches at the center. The firm side felt like a 7.5/10 and kept my hips level during back sleeping without making turns awkward. The soft side landed closer to 5/10. Under a 44-pound test weight, it compressed about 1.4 inches on the firm side and 2.0 inches on the soft side, enough to make the two surfaces feel meaningfully different.
The coil core made position changes quick and controlled. When I sat along the edge to put on shoes, the perimeter gave slightly but never folded under me. In the temperature check, the surface rose 4.8°F after 30 minutes and cooled to within 1.6°F of its starting point 10 minutes after I got up. That was noticeably better than the All-Foam. The trade-off appeared during partner testing: routine movement stayed fairly contained, but a forceful turn still sent a small rebound across the bed.
What we liked
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The firm side held the hips level without feeling rigid through the shoulders.
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Fast rebound made it easy to switch positions without pushing against the mattress.
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The perimeter stayed steady enough for sitting, standing, and using more of the bed’s width.
Who it is best for
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Combination sleepers who change position often.
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Hot sleepers who want more airflow than a dense foam core can provide.
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Couples who value easy movement and usable edge space more than maximum motion isolation.
Where it falls short
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Strong partner movements travel farther than they do on the All-Foam.
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Neither side provides the deep, slow embrace that some foam sleepers prefer.

Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two distinct firmness choices | More bounce than all-foam |
| Strong hip support | Little slow-sinking contour |
| Easy repositioning | Firm side may feel too flat |
| Stable perimeter | Availability is unclear |
| Better airflow |

Details
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Type: Hybrid
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Height: 13 inches
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Design: Flippable, with soft and firm sides
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Firm side: 1 inch of CopperFlex foam over 2 inches of high-density foam
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Core: 6 inches of individually encased coils, up to 1,032
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Soft side: 2 inches of Energex foam and 2 inches of CopperFlex foam
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Cover: Upcycle performance fabric on both sides
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Delivery format: Compressed in a box
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.5/5 | Firm side kept the hips level with steady pushback |
| Cooling | 4.3/5 | Coil airflow limited heat buildup |
| Pressure Relief | 4.2/5 | Soft side cushioned pressure without losing balance |
| Motion Isolation | 4.0/5 | Good damping with some shared rebound |
| Responsiveness | 4.4/5 | Surface regained its shape quickly |
| Edge Support | 4.3/5 | Stable for sitting and standing |
| Durability | 4.2/5 | Coil core and transition layers felt sturdy |
| Overall Score | 4.3/5 | Best balance of support, airflow, and easy movement |
Propel Dual-Sided All-Foam
Our Testing Experience

Our All-Foam sample reached its listed 11-inch height after 48 hours. Its soft side felt like a 4.5/10 and gave Mia’s shoulder enough room to settle during longer side-sleep sessions. The firm side was closer to 7/10 and held my midsection more evenly while I slept on my back. A 44-pound weight sank about 2.3 inches into the soft surface and 1.6 inches into the firm one, which matched the deeper contour we felt at the shoulder and hip.
Motion control was the clearest strength. When Ethan rolled over and left the bed, very little movement reached Jenna’s side. The foam also stayed quiet, with none of the small rebound we noticed on the Hybrid. It took about 2.7 seconds to recover 90% of its height after the weight was removed, so turning required more effort. The surface warmed by 7.2°F after 30 minutes, and the edge compressed roughly 3.4 inches under a 150-pound seated load. I had to lean forward before standing, something I did not need to do on the Hybrid.
What we liked
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Partner movement stayed close to its source, even during larger position changes.
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The soft side reduced pressure around the shoulder and hip without feeling unstable.
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The quiet, low-bounce surface suited sleepers who are easily disturbed.
Who it is best for
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Side sleepers who care more about pressure relief than fast movement.
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Couples who wake easily when a partner turns or gets out of bed.
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Guest rooms that benefit from offering two firmness choices.
Where it falls short
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The perimeter compresses deeply during sitting and repeated exits.
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Position changes take more effort, and the foam retains more warmth than the Hybrid.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong motion isolation | Softer perimeter |
| Pressure-relieving soft side | Slower repositioning |
| Two firmness choices | More heat buildup |
| Quiet surface | Less lift under the hips |
| Low-bounce feel | Availability is unclear |
Details
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Type: All-foam
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Height: 11 inches
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Design: Flippable, with soft and firm sides
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Firm side: 1.5 inches of CopperFlex foam
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Core: 5.5 inches of high-density foam
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Soft side: 2 inches of VariFlex foam and 2 inches of CopperFlex foam
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Delivery format: Compressed in a box
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.1/5 | Firm side supported the back; soft side allowed more hip sink |
| Cooling | 3.9/5 | Cool initially but warmer after extended contact |
| Pressure Relief | 4.3/5 | Soft side eased shoulder and hip pressure |
| Motion Isolation | 4.5/5 | Partner movement stayed localized |
| Responsiveness | 4.0/5 | Comfortable but slower to rebound than the Hybrid |
| Edge Support | 3.7/5 | Perimeter compressed noticeably while sitting |
| Durability | 4.0/5 | Core felt solid, though the softer edge lowered confidence |
| Overall Score | 4.1/5 | Best for low-disturbance foam comfort and pressure relief |
Performance Scores Side by Side
| Mattress | Overall | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Propel Dual-Sided All-Foam | 4.1/5 | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
The Hybrid’s 4.3/5 overall score reflects its broader balance: firmer hip support, faster movement, and less heat buildup. The All-Foam led in motion isolation and finished slightly ahead in pressure relief, especially under the shoulder. Its softer perimeter and greater heat retention kept it at 4.1/5 overall.
Which Propel Should You Choose?
Start with how you move and how warm you sleep. The Hybrid makes more sense if you switch positions, use the edge to get in and out of bed, or tend to overheat. The All-Foam is the better match if partner movement wakes you or if your shoulder and hip need deeper cushioning. If you find either model through old stock or a resale listing, verify the seller, condition, return terms, and warranty coverage before paying; the surviving Propel pages are not reliable evidence of current policies.
What to Know Before You Buy
These scores describe the samples and body types in this review, not every sleeper or every piece of aging inventory. The Hybrid still carries some bounce across the surface and will not satisfy someone who wants a deep foam contour. The All-Foam is quieter but warmer, slower to reset, and less stable at the edge. Most importantly, current Propel availability cannot be confirmed reliably. Treat old product pages as construction references, not promises of stock, price, trial coverage, or warranty service.
How Propel Compares With Current Alternatives
The two Propel models stand out because each offers a real change in firmness while keeping the basic feel of its core construction. The Hybrid remains lifted and responsive on both sides; the All-Foam stays quieter and more contouring. If their uncertain availability is a deal-breaker, the following mattresses offer clearer current purchase options.
Layla Hybrid: This is the closest current match to the Propel Hybrid. It is also a 13-inch soft/firm hybrid, but its copper-infused memory foam contours more closely. Two rows of reinforced perimeter coils give it a more deliberate edge-support design. Choose Layla if you want the same basic flippable-hybrid idea with confirmed current availability and a stronger memory-foam feel.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm: Plank is a 10-inch flippable all-foam mattress, but its two choices are firm and extra-firm rather than soft and firm. It is the better option for back and stomach sleepers who want minimal sink. Anyone seeking the All-Foam Propel’s shoulder and hip cushioning should avoid it, even though it ranks among the more accessible extra-firm mattresses.
Saatva Zenhaven: Zenhaven replaces polyurethane and memory foam with responsive natural latex. Its Luxury Plush and Gentle Firm sides feel more buoyant than either Propel, while zoned latex adds targeted lumbar support. It also includes in-room delivery and setup and sits in a much higher price tier. Consider it a premium latex mattress upgrade, not a direct value substitute.
Getting the Best Feel From Either Propel
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Sleep on one side for at least a week before comparing it with the other.
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Side sleepers should begin on the softer side and adjust pillow height before switching surfaces.
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Back and stomach sleepers should try the firmer side first.
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Use a stable, low-flex foundation so both sides perform consistently.
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If you sleep warm, pair the mattress with breathable bedding.
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Couples should compare turning, getting out of bed, and edge use before choosing a model or side.
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Avoid sitting in the same spot along the edge every day.
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Rotate the mattress regularly to distribute wear, even if you keep using the same side.
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Label the soft and firm sides so it is easy to identify each surface after a flip.
FAQs
Should I actually flip these mattresses or just rotate them?
Flip the mattress when you want to change firmness. Rotate it to distribute wear without changing the surface feel. If you stay on one side, rotate the mattress regularly.
Which model is better for couples?
The All-Foam is better for couples who wake easily because it keeps movement more localized. The Hybrid is the stronger compromise if both partners also need easier repositioning and steadier edges.
Which side should a side sleeper start on?
Start on the soft side and allow several nights for your body to adjust. If your shoulder still feels compressed or your midsection sinks enough to bend your spine, revisit the surface and your pillow height.
Is the Hybrid too bouncy?
It is noticeably bouncier than the All-Foam, but it did not feel unstable. Most of the extra movement appeared as quick rebound during turns rather than a trampoline-like effect.