Noa Mattress Review for 2023
Is the original Noa mattress the best mattress?
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In this guide
You’re going to do it. You’re going to say goodbye to showrooms and sales people following you around. You’re going to buy your next mattress online. But where to start? We hear you.
With so many mattresses in a box competing for your attention, we’re here to help you decide which ones are worth your money and precious sleep time. In our Noa mattress review, we dive into everything you need to know to make your decision about this smart hybrid mattress. This includes what it feels like to sleep on, who it suits best and what delivery is like.
- Sturdy handles for easily turning the mattress.
- The multiple layers of comfort, including latex and memory foam.
- The bounce delivered by the pocket springs.
- Heavy, especially compared to Koala’s mattress.
- Poor delivery experience.
- No focus on ethical or sustainable manufacturing.
The Noa mattress: The bottom line
For a mattress in a box, the Noa mattress is very good. That’s because it’s a hybrid which means Noa has somehow figured out how to tightly roll up a mattress that contains pocket springs. Four layers of foam atop pocket springs makes the Noa mattress medium-firm, comfortable, a little bouncy, and plush.
Who’s the Noa mattress best for
The Noa mattress is best for sleepers who need plenty of support - so that’s pretty much all sleepers. Because of the memory foam which gently contours to your body, side sleepers might enjoy the hugging sensation although it may feel a little like you’re sinking. In which case, back sleepers might prefer it. As a hybrid mattress which includes springs, if you like the more traditional feel of a mattress (a little bouncy), the Noa will work for you. With the separate layer of foam specifically designed to reduce partner disturbance, co-sleepers should enjoy the Noa.
The ordering and delivery process
It’s fairly easy to find the Noa mattress on the Noa website, especially using the top menu bar. It’s handy having a ‘compare mattresses’ button underneath the 3 options so you can see, at a glance, which might work best for you.
Noa do that annoying thing of preselecting one of the most expensive buying options (queen), although we’re sure they’ll argue that’s just the most common option (hm). Once you’ve picked your size, you then need to scroll down a lot to add it to your cart. You need to pass stock status, delivery details and additional extras like pillows or a mattress protector. It’s not the smoothest experience.
We love that Noa gives you the option of an express checkout so you don't need to set up an account. There’s just 3 quick steps to complete your order.
What's the Noa mattress made from?
As a hybrid mattress, the Noa is packing 4 layers on top of a layer of pocket springs:
- A breathable and soft natural Tencel top.
- A latex layer that offers cooling, cushioning and comfortable support, especially for your back, shoulders and hips.
- A cooling gel memory foam layer for deep pressure relief while wicking away heat and moisture.
- A layer of adaptive transition foam to minimise partner disturbance.
- Then it’s the layer of steel pocket springs for that traditional mattress bounce.
All the layers are encased within 9cm high density foam to give a supportive edge that you can sit on, not sink into. All foam in the Noa mattress is REACH certified (an European standard), low in VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions, and inspected and tested by SGS to ensure it’s free of nasties.
What the Noa mattress feels like
Noa reckons the mattress is a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, making it medium-firm. Most sleepers seem to agree, although a few rate it more as firm than medium-firm. Thanks to the latex, memory foam and pocket springs, it’s a slightly bouncy mattress that absorbs pressure well and gently contours to your body.
Partner disturbance
A particularly wriggly co-sleeper’s movements have to go through a pillow top, latex layer and a memory foam layer before reaching the transition foam that’s designed to stop their movements being felt by their partner. Plenty of reviews back up Noa’s claims that partner disturbance is minimised. So, if you’ve got a restless sleeper or a shift worker who gets up earlier than you, the Noa should ensure you sleep through it.
Suitability for hot sleepers
The Noa mattress includes a layer of open cell latex that supports air flow around the mattress, to help keep you cool. This is backed by the cooling gel memory foam layer which wicks away heat. All the foam layers are glued together with water-based adhesives which Noa reckon helps reduce heat retention.
Most sleepers seem to agree that the Noa mattress stays at a comfortable temperature all night long, but some find it really hot. Given that heat is so subjective, it’s best to take advantage of the 120-night free trial to see how it works for you and your home.
Off-gassing smell
Most sleepers don’t notice a smell when they unroll and first use the mattress.
Bonus bits
Nothing really, apart from the longer-than-average warranty of 15 years to the standard 10.
How much does the Noa mattress cost?
Prices start from $889 for a single mattress, up to $1,299 for a king.
Trial, warranty and shipping
Noa offers a 120-night free trial, although they do ask that you try it for 30 nights before contacting them for a return. Noa will pick the mattress up for free and once they receive it back, you’ll get a full refund. Because of current delivery problems, some customers complain about how long it takes for the mattress to be picked up and then delivered back to Noa. You don’t receive any of your money back until this happens.
Your Noa mattress is covered by a 15-year warranty that kicks in when you receive the mattress into your home. Note that you need to use a bed frame with your mattress, otherwise your warranty is void.
Delivery is stated to take 1-10 business days and it’s threshold only, which means they’ll bring it to your front door but won’t take it inside for you. They also won’t take away any packaging. Noa don’t deliver to NT, TAS, P.O. boxes, and certain addresses located outside of their serviceable areas. There are a lot of recent complaints about delivery of Noa mattresses, including very long wait times (over 2 months), deliveries cancelled at the last minute, and instructions not being followed.
How long does the Noa mattress last?
The Noa mattress should last about 15 years - that’s how long a warranty it’s got.
How the Noa mattress compares
The Noa mattress vs. The Noa Lite: The Noa mattress has a latex layer that the Lite doesn’t. It’s also designed to be suitable for all sleepers, while the Lite is best for back or stomach sleepers. The Noa starts from $799, the Lite from $749.
The Noa mattress vs. The Noa Luxe: The Noa mattress doesn’t have the Luxe mattress’ micro-coils or 5-zone targeted pressure relief. It’s also 3cm less high (the Noa is 28cm, the Luxe 31cm). The Noa starts from $799 while the Luxe starts from $1,099.