Target has become a legitimate stop for boxed mattresses, not just dorm pads. The question is whether the beds you see online and in-store hold up for everyday adult sleep.
I’m Chris Miller. For this review, our team rotated four popular Target mattresses through real bedrooms (primary, guest room, and a small apartment): Tuft & Needle Original 9.5" Mattress, Casper Element Mattress, Sealy Dreamlife 8" Foam Mattress, and Room Essentials 6" Gel Memory Foam Mattress.
I led the testing, Marcus Reed represented heavier/hot-sleeper feedback, and Jenna Brooks tested partner disturbance with her husband, Ethan Cole. We slept on each bed for multiple weeks and scored support, cooling, motion isolation, edge use, and durability cues.
Table of contents
Product Overview
| Mattress | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price* | Overall Score |
| Tuft & Needle Original 9.5" Mattress | Firm support; cool for foam; easy movement | Too firm for many side sleepers (often a fit for combination sleepers) | Back Sleepers" href="https://dweva.com/blogs/best-mattress-buying-guide/best-mattress-for-back-sleepers" target="_blank">Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, hot sleepers | About $700–$1,300 at Target | 4.6 / 5 |
| Casper Element Mattress | Balanced medium feel; great motion isolation | Average edges; soft for heavy stomach sleepers | Combination Sleepers" href="https://dweva.com/blogs/best-mattress-buying-guide/best-bed-for-combination-sleepers" target="_blank">Combination sleepers and Couples" href="https://dweva.com/blogs/best-mattress-buying-guide/best-mattress-for-couples" target="_blank">couples | About $445–$845 at Target | 4.5 / 5 |
| Sealy Dreamlife 8" Foam Mattress | Simple support; good guest-room value | Less cushion than thicker beds | Guest rooms and teenagers | About $280–$425 at Target | 4.3 / 5 |
| Room Essentials 6" Gel Memory Foam Mattress | Very affordable; compact height | Too thin for many adults | kids-top-picks" target="_blank">Kids, bunks, dorms, short-term use | About $130–$200 at Target | 3.9 / 5 |
*Price ranges change by size, region, and promotions.
Testing Team Takeaways
Tuft & Needle Original and Casper Element felt like true primary-bed options. Sealy Dreamlife and Room Essentials felt more purpose-built: one for guest rooms, one for kids and ultra-budget setups.
Marcus preferred Tuft & Needle for firm hip alignment and cooler sleep for hot sleepers. Jenna preferred Casper Element for partner disturbance. Ethan valued whichever foam let him rotate without getting stuck (Tuft & Needle first, Casper second).
Target Mattress Comparison Chart
| Mattress | Type | Firmness (1–10)* | Thickness | Sizes at Target | Core Materials | Cooling | Support | Pressure Relief | Responsiveness | Motion Isolation | Durability |
| Tuft & Needle Original 9.5" | All-foam | 7 (firm) | 9.5" | Twin–Cal King | Adaptive® foam layers | Strong for foam | Very stable | Moderate | Fast rebound | Moderate | High for class |
| Casper Element Mattress | All-foam | 6 (medium) | ~10" | Twin–Cal King | Two-layer foam stack | Good | Balanced | Good | Moderate | Strong | Solid |
| Sealy Dreamlife 8" Foam | All-foam | 6–7 | 8" | Twin–Cal King | Foam core + comfort layer | Average | Flat support | Modest | Quick | Decent | Good guest use |
| Room Essentials 6" Gel Memory Foam | All-foam | 7–8 | 6" | Twin–Queen | Gel memory foam + base | Okay | Firm base | Limited | Quick | Average | Modest |
*Firmness is our 1–10 testing scale (10 = firmest).
What We Tested and How We Tested It
Each mattress stayed in a real bedroom for at least two weeks. We tracked morning stiffness, heat build-up, ease of movement, and how the bed felt during longer reading and lounging sessions.
Marcus ran support trials under a heavier frame, especially in stomach and side-to-stomach positions. Jenna and Ethan handled couple testing: planned motion-transfer trials, then normal nights.
We evaluated edge support (seated and roll-to-edge), cooling impressions, and responsiveness (how quickly foam rebounds and how “stuck” it feels).
Related reading: How We Test Mattresses and What Mattress to Buy.
Target Mattress: Our Testing Experience
Tuft & Needle Original 9.5" Mattress
Our Testing Experience
This was the firmest “real bed” in the set. On my back, it pushed up under my lumbar area and kept my hips from sinking. It felt more “on top” than “in” the foam.
For me, long side-sleep stretches created some shoulder pressure, but Marcus liked how stable it stayed when he rolled toward his stomach. It also ran coolest for our hottest tester (see tips for hot sleepers).
In couple tests, Jenna felt controlled movement when Ethan climbed in, and Ethan liked the quick response for repositioning.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent lumbar and hip support | Too firm for many side sleepers |
| Cooler feel than most foam | Less deep contouring |
| Easy to rotate and move | No springy coil bounce |
Details
- Type: All-foam mattress
- Profile: 9.5" thick
- Firmness feel: Firm, ~7/10
- Materials: Two Adaptive® foam layers, breathable cover
- Available sizes at Target: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Best for: Back and stomach sleepers who want firm alignment
- Cooling: Strong for an all-foam bed
- Trial / returns at Target: Commonly listed around 90 days for this category
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.8 | Firm, stable alignment |
| Pressure Relief | 4.0 | Shoulders can feel firm |
| Cooling | 4.6 | Best of the four |
| Motion Isolation | 4.3 | Some bounce |
| Responsiveness | 4.8 | Very easy rotation |
| Edge Support | 4.4 | Above-average for foam |
| Durability | 4.7 | Dense, consistent feel |
| Value | 4.3 | Worth it for support |
| Overall Score | 4.6 / 5 | Firm, cool, supportive |
Casper Element Mattress
Our Testing Experience
Casper Element landed right in the middle: softer than Tuft & Needle, but not squishy. I got better shoulder comfort in side sleep and fewer wake-ups when I rolled from side to back.
Marcus liked the cushioning but noted mild hip sink if he stayed on his stomach too long. For him, it worked best for back and side.
For couples, this was the best motion-isolation (more in our guide for couples) performer. Jenna felt very little disturbance when Ethan got up and returned to bed.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable medium feel | Average edge stability |
| Excellent motion isolation | Less supportive for heavy stomach sleep |
| Good shoulder cushioning | No coil bounce |
Details
- Type: All-foam mattress
- Profile: ~10" thick
- Firmness feel: Medium, ~6/10
- Materials: Two foam layers, breathable cover
- Available sizes at Target: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Best for: Combination sleepers and couples
- Cooling: Good for foam
- Trial / returns at Target: Commonly listed around 90 days for this category
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.3 | Balanced for most |
| Pressure Relief | 4.6 | Better shoulder cushion |
| Cooling | 4.2 | Comfortable most nights |
| Motion Isolation | 4.7 | Best couple score |
| Responsiveness | 4.4 | Easy repositioning |
| Edge Support | 3.9 | Compresses at edges |
| Durability | 4.3 | Solid mid-range foam |
| Value | 4.7 | Strong performance per dollar |
| Overall Score | 4.5 / 5 | Best for couples |
Sealy Dreamlife 8" Foam Mattress
Our Testing Experience
Dreamlife felt like a clean, simple foam platform. On my back it kept me supported, but it didn’t deliver the extra cushioning you get from thicker beds.
For side sleep, I felt more pressure at my hip compared with Casper. Marcus also reached the limits of the 8" height faster under a heavier frame.
As a guest-room bed, it stayed consistent and quiet, and it made sense for occasional use.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple, consistent support | Not plush for side sleep |
| Good guest-room value | 8" height limits heavy adults |
| Quiet foam feel | Edges compress with weight |
Details
- Type: All-foam mattress
- Profile: 8" height
- Firmness feel: ~6–7/10
- Materials: Foam support core + comfort layer
- Available sizes at Target: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Best for: Guest rooms and lighter sleepers
- Cooling: Average
- Trial / returns at Target: Commonly listed around 90 days for this category
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.2 | Consistent back support |
| Pressure Relief | 3.8 | Firmer side feel |
| Cooling | 3.9 | Neutral temperature |
| Motion Isolation | 4.4 | Quiet foam |
| Responsiveness | 4.0 | Easy turns |
| Edge Support | 3.8 | Edges compress |
| Durability | 4.1 | Good for guest use |
| Value | 4.4 | Matches price tier |
| Overall Score | 4.3 / 5 | Guest-room pick |
Room Essentials 6" Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Our Testing Experience
This is a true low-profile utility mattress. Setup was easy, and the light weight made it the simplest to move into bunks and tight rooms.
For my adult body, I hit the firm base quickly and felt pressure build in side sleep. Marcus ruled it out fast for full-time adult use. For lighter kids and teens, it was serviceable.
Two adults sharing it felt cramped and edge-compressed, but for a single sleeper in a dorm or short-term setup, it does what it’s built to do.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Very low price | Too thin for many adults |
| Works in bunks/trundles | Limited pressure relief |
| Easy to move | Weak edge stability |
Details
- Type: All-foam mattress with gel memory foam
- Profile: 6" height
- Firmness feel: ~7–8/10
- Materials: Gel memory foam over base foam
- Available sizes at Target: Twin, Full, Queen
- Best for: Kids, bunks, dorms, short-term use
- Cooling: Okay for the price
- Trial / returns at Target: Target-owned brand listings can be longer (often listed around 365 days)
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 3.7 | Best for light users |
| Pressure Relief | 3.4 | Limited for side sleep |
| Cooling | 4.1 | Gel helps slightly |
| Motion Isolation | 4.0 | Fine for kids |
| Responsiveness | 4.2 | Quick feel |
| Edge Support | 3.3 | Compresses fast |
| Durability | 3.6 | Modest longevity |
| Value | 4.5 | Excellent budget value |
| Overall Score | 3.9 / 5 | Youth/short-term |
Compare Performance Scores of These Mattresses
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
| Tuft & Needle Original 9.5" | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| Casper Element Mattress | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Sealy Dreamlife 8" Foam | 4.3 | 4.2 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Room Essentials 6" Gel Memory Foam | 3.9 | 3.7 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 3.6 | 4.2 |
Quick read: Tuft & Needle wins for firm support and cooling. Casper wins for couples and mixed-position comfort. Sealy is a safe guest-room option. Room Essentials is a budget bed for kids and short-term use.
Best Picks
-
Best Overall for Back Sleepers – Tuft & Needle Original 9.5" Mattress
Firm support, cooler foam feel, easy movement. -
Best for Couples and Combination Sleepers – Casper Element Mattress
Most balanced comfort with top motion isolation. -
Best Ultra-Budget Pick for Kids and Bunks – Room Essentials 6" Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Low price and low profile for youth setups.
How to Choose the Target Mattress
Start with sleep position and body weight. In this group, Tuft & Needle fits firmer alignment needs, while Casper Element fits more sleepers across positions.
Lightweight sleepers who sleep on their side usually prefer Casper Element’s softer top. Average-weight back sleepers usually prefer Tuft & Needle’s firmer support. Hot sleepers should start with Tuft & Needle, then Casper.
For heavier people, Tuft & Needle generally held alignment best. For guest rooms, Sealy Dreamlife felt like the simplest “no-drama” option. For kids’ rooms and bunks, Room Essentials matched its price and purpose.
Limitations
None of these beds deliver traditional coil bounce. Very heavy sleepers can outpace the thinner Sealy and Room Essentials models. Shoppers who want plush, cloud-soft comfort will likely need a thicker, softer design than what’s in this set.
Policies at a Glance
| Mattress | Shipping notes | Trial / returns | Warranty | Notes |
| Tuft & Needle Original 9.5" | Boxed delivery; restrictions can apply | Often listed around 90 days | 10-year limited | Confirm for your address |
| Casper Element Mattress | Boxed delivery; eligibility varies | Often listed around 90 days | 10-year limited | Keep proof of purchase |
| Sealy Dreamlife 8" Foam | Boxed delivery; eligibility varies | Often listed around 90 days | 10-year limited | Follow care guidance |
| Room Essentials 6" Gel Memory Foam | Lightweight box | Target-owned brands can list longer windows (often ~365 days) | 10-year limited | Best for youth/short-term |
Return windows can vary by listing, so confirm the posted return period for the exact model and size you’re buying.
Related reading: Mattress Warranty Guide and Mattress Trial Guide.
FAQs
1. Are Target mattresses good for everyday adult use?
Tuft & Needle Original and Casper Element worked best as primary beds; Sealy and Room Essentials fit guest/kids setups.
2. Which Target mattress is best for back pain (see our picks forback sleepers)?
Tuft & Needle Original gave the firmest lumbar support in our test group.
3. Which Target mattress works best for side sleepers?
Casper Element was the most forgiving for my shoulder and side comfort in this set.
4. Are cheap Target mattresses like Room Essentials worth it?
Yes—if you buy them for kids, bunks, dorms, or short-term use rather than full-time adult comfort.
5. Which Target mattress is best for couples?
Casper Element had the best motion-isolation results for partner disturbance.
6. How do Target return policies work for mattresses?
Return windows can vary; many listings show about 90 days, while Target-owned brands can list longer windows.
7. Do Target mattresses sleep hot?
Tuft & Needle ran coolest for our hottest tester; Casper stayed comfortable most nights.
8. Can heavy people use these Target mattresses long-term?
Heavier sleepers did best on Tuft & Needle Original; thinner models reached limits faster.
9. Are Target mattresses easy to move into apartments?
All arrive boxed; Room Essentials was the easiest to carry because it’s so light.
10. How long will these Target mattresses last?
Tuft & Needle and Casper should last longer for nightly adult use; Sealy works well for guest rooms; Room Essentials is best for youth/short-term.
