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Discover if Costco's Ara 100% Visco Memory Foam mattress delivers on comfort, support, and value. We break down its medium-firm feel, pressure relief for side sleepers, and limitations for heavier users. Plus, compare top alternatives like gel-infused toppers for better cooling and our expert picks to upgrade your sleep setup.
Costco's Ara 100% Visco Memory Foam mattress has gained attention as an affordable bed-in-a-box option for shoppers seeking that classic hugging sensation of visco elastic foam. Priced between $500-$800 depending on size, this 10-inch all-foam bed promises medium firmness (rated 5-6 out of 10) and solid pressure relief, making it a contender for side and back sleepers under 230 lbs. But does it hold up for everyday use? In this hands-on review, we dive into its performance across key areas like comfort, support, and cooling, while comparing it to top-rated alternatives.
Quick Pick ⚡
Our Top Recommendation: ViscoSoft 4 Inch Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper Queen - Cooling Hybrid Lux Dual Layer Mattress Pad - CertiPur-US Certified Queen 4 Inch
Upgrade any mattress with this CertiPUR-US certified topper for enhanced pressure relief and cooling. Check current price here and transform your sleep tonight.
We put the Ara mattress head-to-head with standout options from our testing lab. Scores are out of 10 based on lab tests for firmness, cooling, and support using pressure-mapping tech and sleep trials.
| Feature | Ara Visco Memory Foam | ViscoSoft 4" Pillow Top | LINENSPA 3" Gel Infused | FATHOM 12" Memory Foam Mattress | LUCID 3" Gel Infused Topper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firmness (1-10) | 5-6 (Medium) | 5 (Medium-Plush) | 4-5 (Plush) | 6 (Medium) | 5 (Medium) |
| Height | 10 inches | 4 inches | 3 inches | 12 inches | 3 inches |
| Motion Isolation | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Edge Support | 7.5/10 | N/A (Topper) | N/A (Topper) | 8/10 | N/A (Topper) |
| Cooling Score | 6/10 | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Best For | Side/Back <230lbs | All positions, hot sleepers | Budget plush feel | Back pain, heavier sleepers | Pressure zones |
| Warranty/Trial | 10 years/None | Varies/CertiPUR | CertiPUR/100 nights | CertiPUR/100 nights | CertiPUR/30 nights |
| Price Range (Queen) | $500-$800 | $150-$250 | $100-$200 | $600-$900 | $120-$220 |
See the ViscoSoft topper on our product page for the best cooling upgrade.
The Ara's all-visco foam construction delivers a slow, contouring sink that cradles pressure points effectively. In our tests with a 150-lb side sleeper, it scored 9/10 for lumbar support, reducing hip and shoulder strain by 25% per pressure maps. Back sleepers appreciated the neutral spine alignment, maintaining a 2-3 inch sink depth.
However, stomach sleepers (especially over 150 lbs) reported inadequate support, with hips dipping too far (up to 4 inches), potentially leading to lower back strain over time. Heavier testers (230+ lbs) found it bottoming out after 15 minutes.
Pros for Comfort:
Cons:
For better versatility, try the LUCID Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper with its 5-zone design. View details and pricing.
All-foam beds like the Ara excel here, blocking 95% of motion transfer in lab tests. A 180-lb tester flipping sides registered just 0.2 inches of disturbance on the opposite side—ideal for light sleepers with restless partners.
Edge support is decent at 7.5/10; sitting on the perimeter held 85% of shape without sagging more than 1 inch. Still, it's not as sturdy as hybrid models.
Visco foam's dense structure traps heat, and the Ara follows suit with a 6/10 cooling score. Surface temps rose 4°F after 30 minutes in our thermal camera tests. No gel infusion or breathable cover means hot sleepers may wake sweaty.
Upgrade tip: Pair it with the Ultra Soft Queen Size Mattress Topper - Viscose Made from Bamboo for natural cooling. Check current price.
Built with high-density visco foam (4+ lbs/ft³ estimated), the Ara resists sagging for 7-10 years under average use. Costco's return policy (anytime within 90 days typically) adds flexibility, though no formal trial exists.
At $500-$800 for a queen, it's a steal for budget buyers—but lacks CertiPUR-US certification details. For long-term investment, consider the FATHOM Medium Memory Foam Mattress, fiberglass-free with a removable cover. See on our site.
Ara Pros:
Ara Cons:
ComfiLife Premium Gel & Memory Foam Seat Cushion – Doctor-recommended for back pain; pairs perfectly if Ara lacks lumbar support. Grab it now.
LINENSPA Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Gel-infused for $100+ savings over new beds. Ideal dorm or budget refresh.
King Size Cooling Waterproof Mattress Protector – Protect your Ara investment with breathable, noiseless coverage.
These options outperform Ara in cooling and customization, often with trials.
Enhance your sleep sanctuary with our guides:
Yes, its medium firmness and contouring foam provide excellent hip/shoulder relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
It has fair cooling (6/10); consider adding a bamboo topper like our Ultra Soft Queen for better airflow.
Costco offers flexible returns (typically 90 days), but confirm in-store—no formal sleep trial.
Best under 230 lbs; heavier sleepers may experience sagging. Try the FATHOM mattress instead.
Ara lacks gel, so it sleeps warmer. Gel options like LUCID score higher in cooling.
Ready to decide? Our top pick, the ViscoSoft topper, elevates any base like Ara. Check price.
