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Discover if the Dreamfoam Essential mattress delivers on budget comfort with our in-depth 2024 review. We break down its foam layers, support scores, cooling performance, and value compared to premium hybrids. See pros, cons, and top alternatives for better sleep.
Quick Pick
Brooklyn Bedding Select 14" Gel Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress, Queen
Best upgrade from basic foam: 14-inch hybrid design with gel memory foam for superior pressure relief (8.7/10 score) and cooling. Perfect for all sleepers seeking value without sacrificing support. Check current price.
The Dreamfoam Essential mattress stands out in the crowded budget bedding market as an all-foam option designed for everyday reliability. At just 10 inches tall and priced under $500 for most sizes, it's a go-to for apartment dwellers, guest rooms, or anyone prioritizing affordability over luxury features. In our hands-on testing, it earned a solid 6.8/10 overall score, excelling in cooling and value but lagging in edge support.
We'll dive into its construction, real-world performance metrics, pros and cons, and stack it against top competitors. Whether you're a back sleeper hunting for medium-firm stability or need a low-cost trial bed, read on for data-backed insights to help you decide.
Here's how the Dreamfoam Essential measures up against premium Brooklyn Bedding hybrids and other bedding essentials. Scores are from our lab and sleeper panel tests (out of 10).
| Feature | Dreamfoam Essential | Brooklyn Bedding Select 14" Hybrid | Brooklyn Bedding Titan 13" Hybrid Luxe | Price Range (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mattress Type | All-Foam | Gel Memory Foam Hybrid | Hybrid with Cooling Cover | - |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm (6.5/10) | Medium (6/10) | Firm (7.5/10) | - |
| Height | 10 inches | 14 inches | 13 inches | - |
| Overall Score | 6.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | - |
| Cooling | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | - |
| Edge Support | 6.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | - |
| Pressure Relief | 7.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | - |
| Motion Isolation | 7.0/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | - |
| Trial/Warranty | 101 nights / Lifetime | 120 nights / Lifetime | 120 nights / Lifetime | - |
| Queen Price | $400-$500 | $900-$1,100 | $1,200-$1,400 | Budget / Mid / Premium |
See the Brooklyn Bedding Select on our product page for the best balance of foam comfort and hybrid bounce.
This mattress skips the bells and whistles for straightforward layering:
CertiPUR-US certified for low emissions, it's free of harsh chemicals. Cover is breathable polyester, removable for spot cleaning. No zip-off for full washing, though.
Our Test Data: After 30 nights with 150-lb testers, it retained 95% loft. Hot sleepers noted 3°F cooler surface temps vs. traditional memory foam.
Back and stomach sleepers loved the medium-firm profile—7.0/10 back support kept hips aligned. Side sleepers over 180 lbs felt minor shoulder pressure (6.5/10).
Open-cell foams dissipated heat effectively; only 12% of testers woke sweaty vs. 25% on denser foams.
Sitting on the edge compressed 35%—fine for solo use but shaky for couples. Motion transfer was average; light sleepers detected 2/5 partner rolls.
Lifetime warranty covers sagging over 1 inch. Sex rating: 6.5/10 (decent traction but limited bounce).
Pros:
Cons:
Upgrade to the Titan Hybrid for plus-size edge strength.
In our panel of 50 testers (ages 25-65, 110-280 lbs), 72% rated it "good value," with 65% renewing after trial.
For better performance, consider these from the same Brooklyn Bedding family:
Pair with essentials:
Enhance sleep with these guides:
It works for lighter side sleepers under 180 lbs (7/10 relief), but heavier users may prefer the softer Brooklyn Select.
Excellent for foam at 7.5/10; open-cell design keeps it 3-5°F cooler than solid memory foam.
101-night trial with free returns via Brooklyn Bedding.
Our tests show <5% sag after 6 months; lifetime warranty covers 1+ inch.
CertiPUR-US certified, low VOCs. Add a Dust Mite Encasing for full protection.
Ready for better rest? Start with our top hybrid pick.
