Urban Mattress is a Colorado-based retailer with an in-house lineup that covers classic hybrids, organic builds, latex comfort, and memory-foam contouring. In our testing, the line stood out for steady support, clear firmness choices, and good airflow on the latex and wool models. The trade-off was simple: the firmer beds felt leaner at the shoulders for lighter side sleepers, while the memory-foam build slept a bit warmer.
Table of Contents
Product Overview
| Mattress | Overall Score (5-point) | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Highland | 4.2/5.0 | Balanced support, strong edges | Less shoulder give than softer beds | Back sleepers, combo sleepers, heavier bodies |
| The Elm | 4.0/5.0 | Firm support, breathable cover | Thin cushioning for sharp pressure points | Budget shoppers, kids' rooms, guest rooms |
| The Iris | 4.3/5.0 | Cool latex feel, fast response | Not a deep-hug bed | Hot sleepers, combo sleepers, bounce lovers |
| The Shadow Mountain | 4.2/5.0 | Best contouring, strong motion control | Warmer and slower than latex options | Couples, side sleepers, pressure relief |
Final Verdict
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The Highland
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Who It’s For: back sleepers and stomach sleepers who want a classic hybrid feel, plus heavier sleepers who need steady support.
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Who It’s Not For: lighter side sleepers who want more shoulder cushioning, or very hot sleepers.
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The Elm
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Who It’s For: firm-feel fans, simple guest-room setups, and kids' rooms.
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Who It’s Not For: pressure-sensitive side sleepers or couples who want stronger motion damping.
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The Iris
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Who It’s For: hot sleepers, combo sleepers, and shoppers who like bounce.
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Who It’s Not For: people who want a dense memory-foam hug or a lower entry price.
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The Shadow Mountain
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Who It’s For: couples, side sleepers, and anyone prioritizing pressure relief over bounce.
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Who It’s Not For: people who sleep very hot or want a quicker surface.
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Urban Mattress Comparison Chart
| Spec / Performance | The Highland | The Elm | The Iris | The Shadow Mountain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Pocketed-coil hybrid with HR foam | Pocketed-coil hybrid with latex | Pocketed-coil hybrid with Talalay latex | Pocketed-coil hybrid with copper gel memory foam |
| Firmness options | Firm, Plush | Firm, Gentle | Firm, Plush | Dual Core, Firm, Gentle |
| Height | 12" | Not listed | 11" | Not listed |
| Cover / top materials | Stretch-knit cover | Organic cotton + wool | Bamboo cover + wool + Talalay latex | Bamboo cover + cooling wool |
| Comfort layers | HR cold foam | 0.5" latex | Talalay latex + HR cold foam | Copper gel memory foam + HR cold foam |
| Support core | 6" pocketed coils with edge support | 8" pocketed coils | 6" pocketed coils | 8" pocketed coils |
| Cooling (score) | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.1 |
| Pressure relief (score) | 4.1 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 4.5 |
| Motion isolation (score) | 4.0 | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.4 |
| Responsiveness (score) | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 3.8 |
| Sleep trial (store-listed) | 100 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights |
How We Tested It
We tested all four mattresses in the same room with the same sheets and temperature range. Our testing focused on alignment, heat build-up, pressure relief, partner movement, turn speed, edge support, and how stable the materials felt after repeated use.
Urban Mattress: Our Testing Experience
The Highland
Our Testing Experience

The Highland felt familiar right away. In our testing, it had that classic hotel-bed balance: supportive underneath, lightly cushioned on top, and easy to move on. Back and stomach positions felt especially steady, and the edge stayed supportive when we sat down or pushed up to stand. Lighter side sleepers wanted a little more shoulder give.
What we liked
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Steady lumbar support
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Strong edge feel
Who it is best for
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Back and stomach sleepers
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Heavier bodies that compress softer foams
Where it falls short
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Lighter side sleepers may want more plushness
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Cooling and motion control are not top-of-class
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Even, dependable support | Not the plushest shoulder relief |
| Stable perimeter | Cooling trails the coolest models |

Details
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Price range: $1,899–$2,599.
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Firmness options: Firm, Plush.
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Height: 12".
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Cover: stretch-knit fiber.
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Comfort layers: two 1.5" HR cold foam layers.
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Support core: 6" pocketed coils with edge support.
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Sleep trial: 100 nights; free shipping listed.
Review Score
| Metric | Score (5-point) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.5/5 | Strong on back and stomach. |
| Cooling | 4.0/5 | Good, not standout. |
| Pressure Relief | 4.1/5 | Less shoulder give. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.0/5 | Reduced movement. |
| Responsiveness | 4.1/5 | Turns felt easy. |
| Edge Support | 4.3/5 | Stable perimeter. |
| Durability | 4.2/5 | Structure stayed even. |
| Overall | 4.2/5 | Reliable classic hybrid. |
The Elm
Our Testing Experience

The Elm was the simplest bed in the group. Our testing showed a firmer, flatter surface that kept the spine level and shed heat quickly. It felt easy to move on and never had that slow-foam drag. That worked well for back and stomach sleeping, and it also made sense as a no-fuss guest-room or kids-room option. The trade-off was pressure relief.
What we liked
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Firm, even alignment
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Breathable, dry surface
Who it is best for
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Back and stomach sleepers
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Guest rooms and kids' rooms
Where it falls short
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Pressure-sensitive side sleepers
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Anyone chasing a plush top
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Firm, clean support | Thin comfort layer |
| Strong airflow | Not a plush mattress |

Details
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Price range: $699–$1,499.
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Firmness options: Firm, Gentle.
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Cover: organic cotton with organic wool.
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Comfort layer: 0.5" latex.
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Support core: 8" pocketed coils.
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Feel listed: medium-firm.
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Sleep trial: 100 nights; free shipping listed.
Review Score
| Metric | Score (5-point) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.2/5 | Very steady alignment. |
| Cooling | 4.4/5 | Low heat build-up. |
| Pressure Relief | 3.6/5 | Firm top hits shoulders. |
| Motion Isolation | 3.7/5 | Movement still travels some. |
| Responsiveness | 4.3/5 | Fast reset. |
| Edge Support | 3.8/5 | Usable, not locked in. |
| Durability | 4.1/5 | Simple build felt stable. |
| Overall | 4.0/5 | Best for firm, easy sleep. |
The Iris
Our Testing Experience

The Iris felt quickest and coolest of the four. In our tests, the latex top made position changes easy, and the surface stayed drier through the night than the memory-foam model. Support came on fast, so our backs stayed level while still getting some surface comfort. This was the most balanced all-around model in the lineup, but it did not deliver a slow, deep hug.
What we liked
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Cool, buoyant surface feel
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Fast rebound during position changes
Who it is best for
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Hot sleepers
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Combination sleepers
Where it falls short
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Shoppers who want denser contouring
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Very tight budgets

Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cool, buoyant comfort | Not a deep-hug feel |
| Excellent responsiveness | Pricier than entry models |
Details
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Price range: $1,799–$2,599.
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Firmness options: Firm, Plush.
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Height: 11".
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Outer materials: bamboo cover, wool, Talalay latex, and HR cold foam.
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Support core: 6" pocketed coils with gauge differences by firmness.
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Feel listed: varies by firmness selection.
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Sleep trial: 100 nights; free shipping listed.

Review Score
| Metric | Score (5-point) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.4/5 | Support arrived quickly. |
| Cooling | 4.6/5 | Coolest surface here. |
| Pressure Relief | 4.2/5 | Balanced overall. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.0/5 | Good, still springy. |
| Responsiveness | 4.5/5 | Very easy to turn on. |
| Edge Support | 4.1/5 | Stable enough for sitting. |
| Durability | 4.4/5 | Materials felt sturdy. |
| Overall | 4.3/5 | Most even all-around performer. |
The Shadow Mountain
Our Testing Experience

The Shadow Mountain gave the deepest contouring in this group without completely swallowing movement. In our testing, side sleepers got the best shoulder and hip relief here, and couples saw the least partner disturbance. It still had coil support underneath, so back sleeping felt supported rather than mushy. The trade-off was speed and temperature: it slept warmer and responded more slowly than the latex-forward options.
What we liked
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Best pressure relief in the lineup
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Strong motion isolation
Who it is best for
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Side sleepers
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Couples who wake each other easily
Where it falls short
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People who sleep very hot
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Those who want more bounce

Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Deepest contouring here | Sleeps warmer than the latex beds |
| Strong motion isolation | Slower response for quick movers |
Details
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Price range: $1,799–$3,699.
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Firmness options: Dual Core, Firm, Gentle.
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Outer materials: bamboo cover, cooling wool, 1.5" copper gel memory foam, and 1.5" HR cold foam.
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Support core: 8" pocketed coils.
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Feel listed: medium-firm to plush.
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Height: not clearly listed on the product page.
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Sleep trial: 100 nights; free shipping listed.

Review Score
| Metric | Score (5-point) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.4/5 | Support stayed present. |
| Cooling | 4.1/5 | Manageable, not the coolest. |
| Pressure Relief | 4.5/5 | Best for shoulders and hips. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.4/5 | Movement stayed localized. |
| Responsiveness | 3.8/5 | Slower than the latex beds. |
| Edge Support | 4.0/5 | Solid for sitting and sleeping. |
| Durability | 4.3/5 | Dense materials felt sturdy. |
| Overall | 4.2/5 | Best for contouring and motion control. |
Compare Performance Scores of These Mattresses
All scores below use a 5-point scale.
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Highland | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| The Elm | 4.0 | 4.2 | 3.6 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.3 |
| The Iris | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| The Shadow Mountain | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 3.8 |
The Iris was the most even performer in our testing, with standout cooling and responsiveness. The Shadow Mountain led in pressure relief and motion isolation. The Elm was the narrowest fit: strong airflow and quick response, but less cushioning. The Highland stayed the safest middle-ground pick for support and edge stability.
How to Choose the Urban Mattress?
Start with sleep position and temperature. If you rotate positions or sleep hot, The Iris is the easiest match. If you want a classic, steady hybrid feel with strong edges, start with The Highland. If you want a firm, simple bed for a guest room or kids' room, choose The Elm. If pressure relief and motion control matter most, The Shadow Mountain makes the strongest case.
Limitations
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The Highland: less shoulder cushioning than softer beds; cooling and motion control are good, not class-leading.
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The Elm: lean comfort layer; motion isolation and edge strength are only mid-pack.
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The Iris: less dense contouring; price sits above entry-level options.
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The Shadow Mountain: warmer and slower than the latex-forward models; height is not clearly listed.
Urban Mattress Vs. Alternatives
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Why choose these models
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Consistent support across the lineup
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Clear firmness choices
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Strong coil-based foundations
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Better airflow on the latex and wool builds
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Alternatives to consider
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Saatva Classic for a more traditional luxury feel with strong edges.
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Avocado Green Mattress for a more organic, latex-forward build.
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Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt for deeper memory-foam contouring.
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Pro Tips for Urban Mattress
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If you’re a lighter side sleeper, start with the softer option when it’s available.
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If you run hot, prioritize latex, wool, and breathable covers before adding foam toppers.
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Spend at least 10 minutes in your side position to judge shoulder comfort.
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Sit on the edge and slide in and out of bed to expose weak perimeter support.
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For couples, repeat motion checks with both small movements and full get-in/get-out motions.
FAQs
Which Urban Mattress model felt coolest overnight?
The Iris stayed the coolest for our team and built up the least noticeable heat over a full night.
Which one helped side-sleeping shoulder pressure the most?
The Shadow Mountain relieved shoulder and hip pressure best because its top layers contoured the most.
Which model is easiest to move around on?
The Iris was the easiest to turn on thanks to its quick rebound and more buoyant surface feel.
Which one fits a guest room best?
The Elm made the most sense for a simple guest-room setup because it felt firm, breathable, and low-fuss.