I went into this round of testing with one question: can a budget mattress feel genuinely comfortable without giving up the support you need night after night? Vaya positions its lineup as a simpler, lower-cost alternative to many premium foam beds. With my lower back feeling the impact of long desk hours, I wanted to see whether these straightforward designs could still keep my spine in a good place.
Table of contents
Product overview
| Mattress | Pros | Cons | Ideal for | Price | Overall score |
| Vaya Mattress | Budget-friendly, excellent motion isolation, easy to move | Weak edges, may feel too soft for heavier stomach sleepers | Side sleepers, guest rooms, value shoppers | $ | 4.2 |
| Vaya Hybrid | Airier feel, stronger edges, easier to change positions | More motion transfer than foam, heavier to maneuver | Hot sleepers, combination sleepers, couples | $$ | 4.5 |
Testing team takeaways
After weeks of use, the difference between the two models was consistent. The all-foam Vaya Mattress is the softer, quieter option with better motion isolation. The Vaya Hybrid feels sturdier, sleeps a bit airier, and is easier to move around on.
“I run hot on most all-foam beds. The Vaya Mattress stayed okay, but I still felt warmth building up. On the Hybrid, the coil layer breathed better and the surface felt more supportive under my weight.”
“My shoulders are sensitive, so I judge a bed by how quickly it relieves pressure. The all-foam model let my shoulder sink in without a sharp push-back. The Hybrid was still comfortable, just a touch firmer through the top.”
“For couples, both did well. The foam model muted movement the most. On the Hybrid, I noticed my partner getting into bed, but it didn’t bounce or shake the whole surface.”
“I need a more level surface for my back. The foam model felt a little too plush at my hips. The Hybrid gave me the steadier lift I look for, especially when I slept on my back.”
Vaya Mattress vs. Vaya Hybrid: key specs
| Feature | Vaya Mattress | Vaya Hybrid |
| Type | All-foam | Hybrid (foam + pocketed coils) |
| Height | 12 inches | 14 inches |
| Firmness | Medium (around 5–6/10) | Medium (5/10) |
| Materials | Vaya Comfort Foam, base foam | Vaya foam, pocketed coils, base foam |
| Cooling | Breathable cover, open-cell foam | Airflow through coils |
| Pressure relief | Excellent | Very good |
| Responsiveness | Low to medium | High |
| Motion isolation | Superior | Good |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years |
How we tested
We evaluated both mattresses using the same scoring framework we use for other beds: support, pressure relief, cooling, motion isolation, responsiveness, and edge support. The goal was to translate the specs into something you can actually feel.
For support and sinkage, we used weighted medicine balls at the center and near the edge and compared how quickly each surface compressed and recovered. For cooling, we monitored heat buildup during full nights of sleep. For motion isolation, we placed a glass of water on one side of the bed and watched for ripples while a partner changed positions on the other side. For edge support, we sat and lay near the perimeter for extended periods to see how stable the boundary felt.
Our testing experience
Vaya Mattress
Our testing experience
The Vaya Mattress was the easier of the two to set up. It’s light for its profile, and moving it onto a frame was a one-person job. After unboxing, it expanded quickly and only had a mild “new foam” smell in our room.
The feel is plush but not slow-sinking. Instead of the “quicksand” sensation some memory foams create, this surface rebounds faster, which made it easier to roll over and adjust.
Mia—our side-sleeper and pressure-relief tester—liked how the top layer let her shoulder settle in. “It felt soft on my joints,” she told us, “and I didn’t wake up with that sharp shoulder pressure I get on firmer beds.”
Under higher body weight, the comfort can turn into too much sink. Marcus felt his hips drop lower, and our alignment photos showed more tilt through the midsection. If you’re heavier or you sleep on your stomach, the Hybrid offered more lift in our testing.
Temperature was neutral. The cover and open-cell foam didn’t feel actively cool, but it also didn’t trap heat as aggressively as some denser foams.
Motion isolation was the standout. In our glass-of-water test, the water barely moved, and partners reported fewer ripples across the surface compared with the Hybrid.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong pressure relief for side sleepers | Edge support is weak |
| Excellent motion isolation for couples | May feel too soft for heavier stomach sleepers |
| Lightweight and easy to set up | Limited “luxury” add-ons and features |
| Approachable price point | Cooling is neutral rather than noticeably cool |
Details
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Price: $ (budget-friendly)
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Firmness: Medium, leaning soft
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Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
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Materials: Vaya Comfort Foam (3"), Vaya Base Foam (9")
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Cooling: Open-cell foam design
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Pressure relief: Superior
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Responsiveness: Medium
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Warranty: 10 years
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Shipping: Free delivery (FedEx)
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Trial period: 100 nights
Review score
| Metric | Score | Notes |
| Support | 3.8 | Best for light to average weights; less stable under heavier hips. |
| Pressure relief | 4.8 | Very forgiving for shoulders and hips, especially for side sleeping. |
| Cooling | 4.0 | Stayed fairly neutral in our room, but not “cool to the touch.” |
| Motion isolation | 4.7 | Absorbs movement quickly; excellent for partner sleep. |
| Durability | 3.9 | Simple foam build; long-term feel may soften faster than a hybrid. |
| Overall | 4.2 | Great value for side sleepers and motion-sensitive couples. |
Vaya Hybrid
Our testing experience
The Vaya Hybrid took more effort to move. It’s noticeably heavier than the all-foam model, and we needed a second person to get it centered on the frame. That extra weight comes with extra structure: you feel more lift and more bounce as soon as you sit down.
I slept on the Hybrid for several nights in a row. The surface felt more responsive, and it was easier to shift from my back to my side without “dragging” through the foam.
Carlos preferred this model immediately. “My hips don’t dip the way they did on the foam bed,” he said. Dr. Walker agreed after reviewing our alignment photos: the transition into the pocketed coil unit kept the midsection more level for our back and combination sleepers.
Edge support was also stronger. Jamal Davis sat on the corner to tie his shoes and didn’t get the sliding-off feeling we had on the foam mattress.
Cooling performance improved, too. With the same bedding, testers generally felt less heat buildup over the coil core. The trade-off was motion: the Hybrid still performed well, but partners could feel a little more vibration than on the all-foam bed.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Airier feel and better temperature balance | Heavier and harder to move |
| Stronger edges for sitting and sleeping near the perimeter | Costs more than the all-foam model |
| More bounce for easier movement | You’ll feel slightly more motion transfer |
| Versatile feel for back and combination sleepers | Very light sleepers may prefer the quieter foam surface |
Details
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Price: $$ (mid-range value)
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Firmness: Medium
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Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
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Materials: Vaya foam, pocketed coils, base foam
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Cooling: Airflow through coils
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Pressure relief: Very good
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Responsiveness: High
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Warranty: 10 years
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Shipping: Free delivery (FedEx)
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Trial period: 100 nights
Review score
| Metric | Score | Notes |
| Support | 4.6 | Coils provide a sturdier base and steadier lift for most sleepers. |
| Pressure relief | 4.4 | Still cushioned, but with more push-back than the foam bed. |
| Cooling | 4.5 | Air moves through the coil layer, which helped reduce heat buildup. |
| Motion isolation | 4.1 | Good overall, though not as quiet as the all-foam mattress. |
| Durability | 4.5 | Hybrid builds typically hold structure longer than all-foam beds. |
| Overall | 4.5 | A strong all-around pick for hot sleepers, couples, and mixed positions. |
Side-by-side performance scores
| Mattress | Overall | Support | Pressure relief | Cooling | Motion isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
| Vaya Mattress | 4.2 | 3.8 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 3.9 | 3.5 |
| Vaya Hybrid | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
If you want the most muted, “quiet” feel, the all-foam Vaya Mattress is the better match. If you want more lift, easier movement, and a breezier sleep surface, the Vaya Hybrid is the stronger pick. Neither choice is complicated—it’s mainly about whether you prefer deep cushioning or a bit more structure.
Best picks
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Best for side sleepers: Vaya Mattress. It delivered the most forgiving pressure relief for shoulders and hips in our tests.
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Best for hot sleepers: Vaya Hybrid. The coil core helped reduce heat buildup compared with the all-foam model.
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Best for back pain: Vaya Hybrid. Carlos reported better alignment and less morning stiffness on the more supportive base.
How to choose between the Vaya Mattress and Vaya Hybrid
If you mostly sleep on your side and want a softer, more muted feel, start with the Vaya Mattress. In our testing, it relieved pressure well and absorbed movement extremely effectively.
If you sleep on your back, switch positions often, or want more lift through your midsection, the Vaya Hybrid was the steadier option. The coil unit gave our testers more push-back and made it easier to move around.
Hot sleepers generally preferred the Hybrid because air can move through the coil core. The all-foam mattress stayed more neutral than many foam beds, but it didn’t feel as airy.
For couples, it comes down to priorities. Choose the all-foam model if you’re sensitive to motion. Choose the Hybrid if you like a little bounce and spend time sitting or sleeping near the edge.
If price is your main constraint, the all-foam Vaya Mattress is the better value, while the Hybrid costs more in exchange for its added structure.
Limitations to know up front
Vaya keeps the lineup simple, and that’s reflected in the options. You’re choosing between two models, not multiple firmness levels.
If you want an extra-firm feel, neither mattress delivers a true “plank” surface. Both aim for a middle-of-the-road comfort level.
Heavier sleepers (around 230+ lbs) may need something with more robust support. Marcus felt the all-foam model compressed more under his hips, and even the Hybrid may be better suited to average weights for long-term use.
Luxury add-ons are limited. There’s no pillow-top layer or specialty cooling cover here—just straightforward foam and, in the Hybrid, a coil core.
On the all-foam mattress specifically, edge support is the weak spot. Sitting or sleeping right at the perimeter felt less secure.
Is a Vaya mattress worth it?
For many shoppers, yes—especially if you want a simple, affordable mattress delivered to your door.
The all-foam Vaya Mattress is the stronger pick when pressure relief and a quiet surface matter most. It worked best for our side sleepers and as a comfortable option for a guest room.
The Vaya Hybrid is the better fit if you want more lift, easier movement, and a cooler, more breathable feel. It’s the one we’d steer back sleepers and combination sleepers toward.
If you’re managing severe, ongoing back pain or you’ve been advised to look for zoning or targeted support, you may be happier with a more specialized design. Vaya’s approach is intentionally simple.
Bottom line: the lineup offers strong value, as long as you pick the model that matches your sleep position and body type.
FAQs
Does the Vaya mattress contain fiberglass?
Vaya says its mattresses use a fire barrier that does not include fiberglass. If you have sensitivities or concerns about fire-barrier materials, confirm the current specs directly with the brand before ordering.
How long does it take for the Vaya mattress to expand?
In our setup tests, the mattress looked close to full size after about 4 to 6 hours. It can take up to 24 hours to fully settle.
Is the Vaya mattress a good fit for heavier sleepers?
In our testing, the all-foam model felt too soft for Marcus, and the Hybrid was the more supportive choice. If you’re well above average weight and want a firmer, more reinforced build, you may want to compare it with mattresses designed specifically for heavier bodies.
Can I flip the Vaya mattress?
These mattresses are designed to be used one-sided. Instead of flipping, rotate the mattress head-to-foot every few months to help even out wear.
Does Vaya offer a trial period?
Yes. Vaya offers a 100-night trial and asks customers to keep the mattress for at least 30 nights before starting a return.
Does the Vaya mattress smell after unboxing?
We noticed a mild “new foam” smell when we opened the packaging. With normal ventilation, it faded within about a day.
Do I need a box spring with a Vaya mattress?
Not usually. Vaya says these mattresses work on solid foundations, platform beds, slatted bases, and adjustable bases. If you use a traditional box spring, place a solid barrier on top so the surface stays flat; using a box spring without a solid layer can affect support and may void the warranty.
