Signature Design by Ashley’s Chime lineup targets budget-to-midrange shoppers with bed-in-a-box builds that lean on straightforward foam and coil constructions. I tested four popular models across support, cooling, pressure relief, motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and durability. The best options feel comfortable and practical for the price; the weaker ones show predictable trade-offs in edge stability and heat retention, especially in softer configurations.
Product Overview
| Mattress | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chime 12" Medium Firm Charcoal Gel & Green Tea Memory Foam | 4.0 | Balanced feel, strong motion isolation, easy setup | Warmth over long sessions, modest edges | Value-focused back/side sleepers | $280.99–$485.99 |
| Chime 12" Hybrid Innerspring Ultra Plush | 4.0 | Deep pressure relief, better edges than all-foam, more bounce | Too soft for some stomach/back sleepers | Side sleepers, lighter-to-average couples | $329.99 (Queen, sale listing) |
| Chime 8" Innerspring Firm | 3.8 | Firm, breathable, responsive, simple and supportive | Thin comfort layers, more motion transfer | Guest rooms, firm-fans, back/stomach sleepers | $239.99 (Queen) |
| Chime Elite 2.0 12" Plush Memory Foam | 4.2 | Plush pressure relief, excellent motion damping, cooler cover feel | Still foam-forward at the edge, slower response than hybrids | Sensitive side sleepers, partner disturbance control | $519.49 (Full) |
Testing Team Takeaways
Across the team, we agreed the Chime line is at its best when you match feel to body type: the firmer innerspring kept hips lifted, while the ultra plush hybrid and Elite 2.0 soothed shoulders and outer hips. Marcus (6'1", ~230 lbs) immediately rewarded stronger edges; Mia (5'4", ~125 lbs) cared most about pressure relief; Jenna and Ethan’s shared nights exposed which beds stayed stable under movement. Dr. Walker emphasized that “soft comfort” only works if hips don’t drift out of alignment.
Signature Design by Ashley Mattress Comparison Chart
| Attribute | Chime 12" Medium Firm Memory Foam | Chime 12" Hybrid Ultra Plush | Chime 8" Innerspring Firm | Chime Elite 2.0 12" Plush Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Memory foam (no coils) | Hybrid (pocket coils) | Innerspring (Bonnell coils) | High-density foam (no coils) |
| Thickness | 12 in | 12 in | 8 in | 12 in |
| Feel (listed) | Medium firm | Ultra plush | Firm | Plush |
| Notable listed layers/features | Thick memory foam + firm support foam; stretch knit cover | 0.75" gel memory foam, 1.5" quilt foam, 1" support foam; pocket coils + reinforced perimeter rows | 2" quilt foam; high-density pad; 13-gauge Bonnell coils | Response memory foam, transition foam, green tea base foam; micro cool cover |
| Cooling (our test) | Moderate; warms during long reading sessions | Better airflow; foam still feels cushy-warm after hours | Best airflow; stays neutral across the night | Cooler initial hand-feel; steady but still foam-based |
| Motion isolation (our test) | Excellent | Good for a hybrid | Noticeable movement | Excellent |
| Edge support (our test) | Fair | Good | Fair to good | Fair |
| Warranty (listed) | 10-year limited | 10-year limited | 10-year non-prorated (listed) | 10-year limited |
How We Tested It
We set each mattress up from its compressed packaging and waited for full expansion before the first overnight runs, then rotated sleepers to cover different weights and positions. I focused on lumbar support and hip alignment, Marcus pushed edges and checked heat buildup, and Mia tracked shoulder and hip pressure during long side-sleep stretches; Jenna and Ethan ran partner-movement nights. We scored every model on Support, Cooling, Pressure Relief, Motion Isolation, Responsiveness, Edge Support, and Durability, then compared those scores against nightly notes and sit/stand edge checks.
Signature Design by Ashley Mattress: Our Testing Experience
Chime 12 Inch Medium Firm
Our Testing Experience
The first night on this one felt “straightforward” in the best way: I got a stable, medium-firm cradle under my lower back without that quicksand drop that can irritate my hips after desk-heavy days. Marcus didn’t love the edge when he sat to tie his shoes, but once he was centered he said the surface stayed even and didn’t hammock. Mia liked that her shoulder could sink just enough, though she kept adjusting until she found the sweet spot where her neck didn’t tilt.
What we liked
- Consistent, even support under the lumbar area when lying flat
- Strong motion damping when someone shifts position nearby
- Easy setup cadence: unbox, unroll, expand, sleep
Who it is best for
- Back sleepers who want a firmer foam feel without the harshness of coils
- Side sleepers who like a “supported hug” rather than a plush sink
- Couples who prioritize motion control over bounce
Where it falls short
- Hot sleepers may notice warmth during long, still periods
- Edge sitters won’t get the locked-in support of a reinforced hybrid
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Medium-firm feel that stays predictable through the night | Heat management is average for all-foam |
| Very good motion isolation for partner movement | Edge support is serviceable, not standout |
| Simple “set it and forget it” comfort for the price tier | Less springy responsiveness than hybrids |
Details
- Price: 485.99 (varies by size/listing)
- Firmness/feel (listed): Medium Firm
- Mattress type: Memory foam; coil type listed as no coils
- Thickness: 12 inches
- Cover: Stretch knit; cover material listed as polyester/viscose
- Construction notes (listed): thick memory foam layer + firm support foam
- Available sizes (listed): Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Adjustable base compatible: -
- Shipping: Ships in a box; allow time to fully expand (listed guidance)
- Trial period: -
- Warranty: 10-year limited (listed)
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.0 | Kept hips level for back/side sleep without a saggy midsection |
| Cooling | 3.6 | Fine overnight, but warms during long, still lounging sessions |
| Pressure Relief | 4.2 | Shoulders/hips sink enough for most average builds |
| Motion Isolation | 4.5 | Partner movement stayed muted and localized |
| Responsiveness | 3.4 | Foam is slower to rebound when changing positions |
| Edge Support | 3.6 | Usable edge for sleeping, less confident for sitting |
| Durability | 3.8 | Support felt consistent in our run, but it’s still a foam-first build |
| Overall Score | 4.0 | Best “balanced” all-foam pick in the group |
Chime 12 Inch Hybrid
Our Testing Experience
This one is unapologetically soft on top. The first few minutes felt like a pillow-top welcome, then the coil system gave me a gentle push-back once I settled. Mia was the happiest here: her shoulder sank without a pinch, and she stopped doing that midnight “micro-roll” she uses when her outer hip gets sore. Jenna and Ethan’s partner nights were the stress test. Ethan kept repeating, “it lets me turn without thinking about it,” which is his tell that the surface isn’t sticky. Marcus liked the perimeter more than the all-foam beds, but he also flagged that if he slept too close to the edge, the plush top could pull him inward.
What we liked
- Deep pressure relief that feels immediate for side sleeping
- More bounce than all-foam, making turns feel easier
- Better edge stability than the foam-only models we tested
Who it is best for
- Side sleepers who want a softer landing and less shoulder pressure
- Couples who want a plush feel without extreme motion ripple
- People who dislike slow-responding foam
Where it falls short
- Stomach sleepers and heavier back sleepers may feel hips drift
- Plush top can feel “too much” if you prefer a flatter, firmer surface
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Plush comfort with coil support underneath | Soft feel can compromise alignment for some sleepers |
| Edge reinforcement outperforms the all-foam options | Not the most stable choice for heavier stomach sleepers |
| Turning feels easier than on slower foams | Plush top can pull you inward if you sleep right at the edge |
Details
- Price: $329.99 (Queen, “Now” price shown in listing)
- Comfort level (listed): Ultra Plush
- Mattress type (listed): Hybrid; coil type listed as pocket coils
- Thickness: 12 inches
- Listed layer callouts: 0.75" gel memory foam, 1.5" quilt foam, 1" support foam; pocket coils with reinforced perimeter rows
- Available sizes (listed): Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Cover material (listed): Polyester/viscose; fabric name stretch knit
- Adjustable base compatible (listed): Yes
- Shipping: Ships in a box; allow time to fully expand after opening
- Trial period: -
- Warranty: 10-year limited (listed)
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 3.8 | Coils help, but plush top can let hips drift for heavier sleepers |
| Cooling | 3.9 | Better airflow than all-foam; still a warm-ish plush surface |
| Pressure Relief | 4.3 | Best shoulder/hip comfort in the group for side sleeping |
| Motion Isolation | 4.0 | Good for a hybrid; movement is present but controlled |
| Responsiveness | 4.0 | Turns feel easy; less “stuck” than foam-only beds |
| Edge Support | 4.2 | Perimeter support feels noticeably stronger in sit tests |
| Durability | 3.8 | Coils help long-term structure; plush top is the wear risk |
| Overall Score | 4.0 | Best choice for plush comfort with more functional edges |
Chime 8 Inch Innerspring
Our Testing Experience
Setup was the simplest here, and the feel was exactly what the spec implies: firm, quick, and no-nonsense. I noticed the thinner profile right away when I sat down—less “cushion settle,” more immediate lift. Marcus appreciated that his hips didn’t sink, and his lower back stayed supported even when he started on his stomach. Mia had the opposite reaction: she could feel pressure building at her shoulder after a longer side stretch, and she asked for a topper by night two. For a guest-room scenario, though, this bed made a strong case: it’s stable, breathable, and easy to move around on.
What we liked
- Firm, steady support that resists saggy “hammocking”
- Best airflow feel of the four in overnight runs
- Responsive surface for easy turning and getting out of bed
Who it is best for
- Back and stomach sleepers who want a firmer coil feel
- Guest rooms, kids/teen rooms, and occasional-use setups
- People who dislike slow foam and want immediate rebound
Where it falls short
- Side sleepers with sensitive shoulders/hips may feel pressure
- Motion transfer is the most noticeable in the group
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Firm support works well for back/stomach sleeping | Limited pressure relief for shoulder-heavy side sleepers |
| Breathable coil feel stays temperature-neutral | Partner movement travels more than on foam models |
| Quick response makes turning effortless | Thinner build can feel “spare” without a topper for some |
Details
- Price: $239.99 (Queen listing)
- Comfort level (listed): Firm
- Mattress type (listed): Innerspring; Bonnell coils
- Thickness: 8 inches
- Listed construction callouts: 2" high-density quilt foam; 13-gauge Bonnell coil unit; high-density pad
- Available sizes (listed): Twin, Full, Queen, King
- Shipping: Ships in a box (listed); allow time to fully expand
- Trial period: -
- Warranty: 10-year limited / non-prorated language appears in retailer listings
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.1 | Firm coils kept hips lifted, especially for back/stomach sleep |
| Cooling | 4.2 | Most breathable feel thanks to the coil-forward build |
| Pressure Relief | 3.3 | Thin comfort layers can press on shoulders/outer hips |
| Motion Isolation | 3.2 | Movement travels more; you feel a partner’s shifts |
| Responsiveness | 4.4 | Fast rebound and easy turning; no sticky foam feel |
| Edge Support | 3.7 | Adequate for sleep; sitting edge is fine, not reinforced |
| Durability | 3.7 | Simple structure feels stable, but comfort layers are minimal |
| Overall Score | 3.8 | Strong firm-budget pick, with side-sleeper caveats |
Chime Elite 2.0 12 Inch
Our Testing Experience
This was the “quiet” mattress of the group—the one that makes partner movement feel like background noise. When I first lay down, the top felt plush without instantly collapsing, and the surface stayed calm when I shifted from back to side. Mia was the clear beneficiary: her shoulder settled in, and she stopped waking up to reposition her arm. Jenna’s motion tests with Ethan were the most convincing: Ethan could roll, pause, and resettle without that ripple effect that makes a light sleeper track every movement. Marcus still wanted more edge confidence when he sat down, but he admitted the foam didn’t bottom out as easily as he expected for a plush feel.
What we liked
- Best motion isolation in the lineup during partner nights
- Plush pressure relief that reduces shoulder and hip stress
- Cooler initial surface feel compared with standard knit covers
Who it is best for
- Side sleepers with sensitive shoulders or outer hips
- Couples where one partner moves frequently at night
- People who want plush comfort but still need a steady base feel
Where it falls short
- Edge sitting is not as supportive as the reinforced hybrid
- Those who want bounce may find it too foam-forward
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent motion isolation for partner disturbance control | Edge support is only moderate for frequent edge sitting |
| Plush feel is friendly to shoulders and outer hips | Less bounce than coil-based hybrids |
| Cover and foam blend feels cooler at first contact | Plush feel can be too soft for strict stomach sleepers |
Details
- Price: $519.49 (Full listing shown)
- Comfort level (listed): Plush
- Mattress type (listed): High-density foam; coil type listed as no coils
- Thickness: 12 inches
- Listed layer callouts: high-density response memory foam, transition foam, green tea base foam
- Cover: micro cool technology cover; cover material listed as polyester/viscose
- Available sizes (listed): Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Adjustable base compatible (listed): Yes
- Shipping: Ships via compressed packaging (sold/shipped by partner listing)
- Trial period: -
- Warranty: 10-year limited (listed)
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.0 | Supportive base feel, but plush comfort can soften alignment at edges |
| Cooling | 4.0 | Cooler cover feel; still foam, but heat buildup stayed manageable |
| Pressure Relief | 4.6 | Best overall for shoulders/outer hips in side-sleep tests |
| Motion Isolation | 4.7 | Partner movement stayed exceptionally muted |
| Responsiveness | 3.8 | Improved over “slow foam,” but not as lively as a hybrid |
| Edge Support | 3.8 | Sleepable edge, but sitting support trails the hybrid |
| Durability | 4.0 | High-density build felt consistent through our rotation period |
| Overall Score | 4.2 | Best choice for plush comfort plus strong partner isolation |
Compare Performance Scores of These Mattresses
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness | Edge Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chime 12" Medium Firm Memory Foam | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.4 | 3.6 |
| Chime 12" Hybrid Ultra Plush | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Chime 8" Innerspring Firm | 3.8 | 4.1 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 3.2 | 3.7 | 4.4 | 3.7 |
| Chime Elite 2.0 12" Plush Memory Foam | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 3.8 |
Numbers make the story pretty clear: the most “even” performers are the Chime Medium Firm Memory Foam and the Chime Hybrid Ultra Plush, each avoiding major weaknesses while trading off in different places (foam runs warmer; plush hybrid runs softer). The Chime Elite 2.0 has the cleanest advantage in motion isolation and pressure relief, while the Chime 8" Innerspring wins on cooling and responsiveness but gives back ground in pressure relief and partner disturbance.
How to Choose a Signature Design by Ashley Mattress
Start with sleep position and body weight, then decide whether you want foam quietness or coil bounce. If you’re an average-weight back/side sleeper who wants a balanced feel, the Chime Medium Firm Memory Foam is the safest bet. If you’re a lightweight side sleeper or want a plush surface, pick the Chime Hybrid Ultra Plush or the Chime Elite 2.0 (Elite if partner movement bothers you). If you want firm, breathable, and simple for a guest room, the Chime 8" Innerspring is the practical call.
Limitations
The brand’s value proposition comes with predictable compromises: foam models trade cooler sleep and edge stability for motion control, while the firm innerspring trades pressure relief for a supportive, minimal build. The Chime Hybrid Ultra Plush can be too soft for heavier back/stomach sleepers who need hips held up. The Chime 8" Innerspring is a poor match for sensitive side sleepers unless you add cushioning. If you sit on the edge daily, the hybrid is the most confidence-inspiring of the four.
Signature Design by Ashley Mattress vs. Alternatives
Why choose these: accessible pricing, simple constructions that behave as expected, and easy “bed-in-a-box” setup across the lineup.
If you want a similarly budget-friendly all-foam option with a well-known green-tea-infused theme, Zinus’s Original Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is a common alternative, especially for side sleepers seeking pressure relief.
If you want an entry-level hybrid feel from another brand, the Linenspa 8" Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress offers springs plus memory foam for a more responsive, mixed-position style.
Pro Tips for Signature Design by Ashley Mattress
- Give the mattress a full expansion window before judging firmness; foam and quilting can stabilize over the first couple of nights.
- Use a breathable protector (not a thick quilted pad) if you sleep warm and want to preserve surface feel.
- For the Chime 8" Innerspring, add a thin topper if you’re a side sleeper who feels shoulder pressure.
- Rotate the mattress periodically to help wear stay even, especially on plush models.
- If edge sitting is part of your daily routine, prioritize the hybrid over the all-foam options.
- For couples, match expectations: foam will feel quieter; hybrids will feel more lively.
- Use a supportive foundation with consistent slat spacing; uneven support can exaggerate sag and reduce comfort.
- If you’re between sizes or bed frames, confirm mattress dimensions and stair/door clearance before delivery.
- Don’t “over-pillow” plush mattresses; too much pillow loft can throw off neck alignment when the shoulder sinks.
FAQs
Does the ultra plush hybrid feel supportive enough?
It can, but it’s best for side sleepers; heavier back/stomach sleepers may feel hips dip over time.
Which model is best for couples?
The Chime Elite 2.0 performed best for motion isolation in our partner-movement nights.
Is the firm innerspring comfortable without a topper?
For back/stomach sleepers, yes; for pressure-sensitive side sleepers, a topper often makes it more livable.