The 2026 Best Sleep Ever Awards

If you’re searching for a whole new bedroom setup, look no further. The SleepNumber ComfortNext Ultra Mattress with Adjustable Base is the whole package, featuring a 14-inch-thick mattress with 175 percent more built-in cooling materials than competitors, per the brand, and it’s loaded with top-notch features, from a foot warmer to a zero-gravity adjustment that makes you feel weightless. The app makes it easy to adjust your mattress’s settings—for both sides of the bed, in case you and your partner have differing preferences (and who doesn’t?). The base even has convenient under-bed lights that automatically turn on and off as you walk by. “This is the first mattress I’ve owned where I’ve noticed a real difference waking up in the morning,” our tester shared. “I genuinely feel like I’m climbing into a throne every night.”

When someone tells you a mattress is so comfortable it practically saved their marriage, you take note. This offering from Form is breathable and built for longevity (it’s designed to avoid sagging over time), but more importantly, it’s supportive while limiting motion transfer. So, if your spouse gets up a lot or tosses and turns, you’re less likely to notice it. (Our testers had different sleep schedules and found they were “undisturbed” when using this mattress. Previously, they’d been waking each other up so much that one had retreated to the sofa.) This mattress tends to be on the firmer side, though reviewers appreciated its structure.

Helix also earned rave reviews for its low-motion transfer, especially for new parents who were getting up all through the night. However, it truly stood out for its “unparalleled comfort” with its goldilocks medium-firmness and cooling features—especially when topped with a GlacioTex cooling cover. It eliminated night sweats, allowing for a more restful sleep overall. (It doesn’t hurt that the hybrid mattress also combines individually wrapped coils with memory foam layers, offering solid pressure point relief, making it easier to stay asleep once you’ve crashed.)

Sealy offers no shortage of options to truly make its Elite Collection mattress suit your tastes—spring or hybrid, firmness level, even how much cooling tech to include (lookin' at you, hot sleepers). But what really impressed testers was how luxurious this bed feels. It’s specifically designed to prevent bed aches, offering the kind of support that alleviated one tester’s sciatic pain and another’s chronic hip pain, allowing them to sleep through the night for the first time in years. While it seemed a bit firm at first, that supportive structure turned into sweet relief, earning rave reviews across the board for comfort.

Nervous mom and cranky baby approved? Yes and yes. We’ll cut to the chase: This mattress excels for its comfy, 100 percent GOTS-certified cotton construction, which features a machine-washable layer that doubles as a mattress protector, because spit-up (and blowout diapers) happen. Plus, it’s breathable, with 360-degree airflow, so your little one’s less likely to wake up sweaty, affording you more minutes of precious slumber between feedings.

At three inches thick, this whopper of a topper can make an old mattress feel brand new. Its antimicrobial, cool-touch cover—and, more importantly, the back pain relief it provided—has earned this topper an award for the second year in a row. Its RestoreFLO gel memory foam has an open-cell structure that provides pressure point relief while preserving breathability, and it’s designed with three different support zones to suit your body’s needs.

Another 3-inch-thick wonder, this mattress topper features anti-slip grip dots on the bottom, along with corner straps, so it stays put. But where it really shines is its “soft-yet-bouncy” feel which makes it perfect for softening up a hard bed. It has a more cloudlike, plush feel than traditional memory foam, which can feel dense, and its cool-touch knit surface doesn’t retain heat.

Behold, the pillow all other pillows are measured against. Five years after testing, the Purple Harmony earns rave reviews from multiple testers (including one who won’t travel without it). The GelFlex grid provides a cushy structure that doesn’t deflate, despite years of use, and it also draws heat away from your head as you sleep, so you’re not flipping the pillow halfway through the night. While we initially balked at the price, seeing how it’s held up over the years—and its overall comfort—has convinced our editors it’s worth the investment.

When it comes to pillows, we all have different needs—and you may not know what yours are until you try the pillow firsthand. That’s why we love styles with adjustable firmness and heights, like this one. But what really makes Helix stand out is its GlacioTex heat-conducive material and CertiPUR-US certified memory foam, which provides sweet relief for hot sleepers. It’s also chiropractor-recommended for spinal alignment and works for stomach, back and side sleepers.

There’s a reason this pillow continually sells out: It’s that cozy. Zippers on either side let you adjust the firmness level to your liking, and the 60 percent shredded foam and 40 percent fiber filling make it cushiony and supportive. Other zippered pillows we tested often felt too dense, particularly for side sleepers, who’d wake up with aching ears. Not so with this plush design (which is backed by a 100-night sleep trial, so you can really test it out).

Squishmallows are so comfy many parents told us their kids actually try to sleep on them. Well, parents, you don’t have to watch your kid carefully balance his head on Archie the Axolotl anymore—the brand has released standard-size pillows with the same squishy consistency and velvety texture as the stuffy. And, as plush as it is, our testers found that it retains its shape after a full year’s use. For $30, that’s a value that’s hard to beat.

Our editors have tested dozens of sheets over the past few years, and we keep coming back to the outrageously silky—yet not slippery—feel of Luxome’s. Made of 100 percent viscose, this bamboo-based bedding has a sateen weave that feels almost buttery against your skin and is temperature-regulating. Plus, it’s durable enough to withstand wash after wash without pilling. (When we checked in with our tester three years later, the sheets were still going strong.)

A newcomer to our awards, Coyuchi impressed us with the crispness of its sheets. The crinkled percale is designed to look effortlessly rumpled, and it comes in a range of stunning yet elevated colorways (including some seriously chic stripes). The company uses a proprietary spinning and weaving process that gives its 100 percent cotton sheets a cool-to-the-touch softness. It’s airy and breathable; a must for hot sleepers.

It’s so fluffy! And yet totally machine washable! This is the plush comforter that will get you to ditch your duvet; it’s soft and breathable, and it doesn’t flatten out in the wash. And, given that its outer shell is made of the same material as Brooklinen’s Washed Classic Sheets, there’s a lived-in softness to it right out of the package. Opt for the bundle to snag a pair of matching shams with it.

Multiple editors swear by this comforter’s cooling properties (which the brand also had tested by a third party). They love how this comforter feels snuggly yet wicks away moisture and that the Evercool design really seems to release trapped heat, helping regulate your body temperature so you can sleep soundly. “It's genuinely the softest blanket I've ever owned and amazing for people who tend to sleep hot,” one editor raved, adding that “it is 100 percent worth every penny (and more).”

Another hot sleeper-approved option, this duvet cover is lightweight enough to provide breathability while instantly elevating a room’s aesthetic. And while 100 percent linen is prone to wrinkling, this cover is garment-washed to give it a soft feel that only gets better over time. The only challenge with ordering it is deciding which quiet luxury neutral to choose from—and whether to spring for a monogrammed detail for a little extra oomph.

Cozy Earth lives up to its name: From loungewear to blankets, they create the kind of ultra-snuggly pieces you want to live in. Its furry Cuddle Blanket is a mid-winter must-have, but we were even more impressed with one of its newer launches—the Cotton Gauze blanket. Lightweight blankets can often skew stiff and starchy, but not so here. It has a decent heft but supreme softness, making it ideal for warmer months (or anyone living in the South). It’s also a great transitional layer instead of a quilt.

We don’t just want to live in Petite Plume’s ultra-soft Pima cotton, we dream about it. It’s luxurious and soft, but what really stands out about the company’s designs is their fit. They’re supremely comfortable and supremely flattering on a range of body types, a rare feat in the PJ world. They also hold up well over time without fading or pilling.

Pima cotton, again? Yes—the fibers tend to be silkier and softer than traditional cotton, and in pajamas, you feel the difference. Journelle’s boxy tee and shorts set combines Pima with modal, a breathable synthetic fabric and a touch of Lycra for stretch. This set is roomy and relaxed, offering solid airflow so you never feel stuffy.

When you want pajamas that make a statement—and provide a dopamine hit any time you don them—look no further. Printfresh offers tastefully eclectic patterns and prints in a range of fabrics and sizes (cotton, eco-satin and wool; petite through tall; XXS through 6X). Whether you’re into florals, wild animals or the finer things in life (ahem, Champagne and caviar?), you’ll be well-represented here. We especially love the “emotional baggage” collab with author Emily Henry.

Eco-friendly Tencel is breathable and moisture-wicking, and when used as part of Hanna Andersson’s HannaSoft fabric, it’s supremely soft. So soft, in fact, that you’ll wish these pajamas came in your size (they do). The line features so many playful patterns for babies, toddlers and big kids, and testers say they’re so durable that they make great hand-me-downs to boot.

We were skeptical about splurging on slippers—until we realized just how cushioned and supportive a pair could be. Luxome’s Signature Slipper is designed like traditional sneakers with its outsole, midsole and removable insole (which is washable, BTW). The sheepskin is ultra plush, making them incredibly cozy, but they also have excellent arch support, so you can wear them all day, ache-free. Our reviewer tested them for a full year, wearing them at least four days a week, and noted that the sheepskin and suede is still in excellent condition.

You know that blanket that’s so soft and cocooning you just want to hide from the world in it? This is that blanket, turned into a wrap with such a chic, oversized fit that you’ll want to show it off—at drop-off, while running errands, you name it. It may not be a traditional robe, but we’d argue it’s better.

There are a ton of light-blocking sleep masks out there, but what makes this one top-notch is that it’s like a pillow for your eyes—and features a wide band that helps it stay in place without snagging or tangling your hair. It’s also thermoregulating, because who wants eyelid sweat?

The Oura 5 is Oura’s slimmest ring yet, and you notice the difference as soon as you slip it on. The brand offers a sizing kit you can pick up from Target (and receive a $10 gift card, offsetting its $10 cost) or order directly through the brand, so you can ensure you have the right fit before you invest. That comfort is key, because when it’s properly sized, you’ll hardly notice it’s there (save for the occasional green glimmer from the inner band, revealing it’s tracking your health). The sleep features are genuinely helpful too, pairing a wide range of insights—a breakdown of how much time you spend in each stage of sleep, how quickly you fall asleep, how much you moved in your sleep, and so on—with actionable analysis that can help improve your habits.

Hatch earns a Best Sleep Ever Award for the second time because, in a world of bulky, buzzy alarms, it’s a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing start to your day. It’s helped editors banish their phones from their bedrooms (or at least the nightstand). They rave about how the sunrise alarm—which mimics the sun’s light, gradually glowing brighter as you approach your intended wake-up time—eases them into the day. Plus, it has a bedside light, sleep sounds to help lull you to bed and offers a 30-day trial, so you can determine whether it’s right for you.

Phil Mutz, our VP of News and Entertainment, has tried just about every pair of ear plugs under the sun—including ones six times the price of our winner—but keeps coming back to this pair. Why? They just work, and they’re comfortable while they drown out noise (be it your partner’s snoring or the ever-bustling streets of NYC).

Who couldn’t use a warm temple massage at the end of a long day? This eye mask does exactly that, with three massage modes and three heat levels that you can adjust to your liking. This Headspace edition features nine guided meditations to help you really relax, letting the stresses of the day melt away, even if only for a few minutes before your kid shouts that they just remembered their science project is due tomorrow…and it’s 9 p.m.

There are a lot of nightlights out there, but few are this delightful. Give Blobby a squeeze to turn him on, or cycle through its seven colors to choose one that matches your kid’s current favorite hue (or mood). There are also three light levels, so it won’t get to bright, and its soft silicone exterior is both squeezable (a must in kids’ squishy-obsessed world) and easy to clean (a must for parents).

Snooz takes the crown for best white noise machine for the second year in a row due to its natural, peaceful fan-powered hum. It’s strangely soothing, reviewers say, adding that they also love how easy it is to control remotely, courtesy of its (subscription-free!) app. And, given that it’s roughly the size of your hand, it’s easy to tote while traveling, so you can get a proper night’s sleep even at that paper-thin-walled hotel you booked during the height of spring break.

Available in eight muted colors (from white to an on-trend butter yellow), this sleek-lined humidifier looks polished in the bedroom, but don’t underestimate it. Canopy’s creation is also a powerhouse, humidifying up to 500 square feet with a 36-hour run time. The air and water is filtered before evaporating, and its MERV 5 pre-filter and antimicrobial core helps inhibit mold growth within it. One more feature we love? Several parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

You’ve heard all the research: if you’re going to invest in one anti-aging treatment for your skin, it should be a retinol. And this one seriously delivers. The lightweight texture rubs in easily, and testers raved that they saw a noticeable reduction in fine lines within a few weeks’ use. (Just note that you shouldn’t use retinol if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.)

Fashion and Beauty Director at Large Deena Campbell highly recommends this 100 percent mulberry silk bonnet, which helps combat frizz and retain moisture in your hair as you sleep, extending the life of a blow-out and preventing split ends and tangling. The elastic band and multi-tie design helps it stay put—and look chic in the process.

Confession: We thought lip masks were basically just petroleum jelly with better marketing, until we tried Laneige. It restored chapped, cracked lips, offering a buttery smoothness that was unparalleled (thanks, vitamin C, shea butter and murumuru seed butter!). Now, you can customize your mask with just a few clicks on Amazon, choosing two scents to create a swirled blend bespoke to you.

Our achy, irritated eyes found instant relief with Blinkjoy’s optometrist-recommended cleanser, which you can enjoy on the go with these biodegradable wipes. They’ll remove makeup, but they contain a gentle cleanser that helps replenish moisture and feels soothing on contact. At the end of an exhausting day, it’s just the relief we needed—and couldn’t find with traditional makeup removers or under-eye masks. 

When you’re not sleeping—and your partner’s to blame—it can make you start questioning your vows, fast. BreatheRight’s Nasal Strips prompted one editor to share that it saved her marriage, and like our pick for the best couples’ mattress, we had to know more. These affordable little strips are easy to apply and essentially pull the snorers nostrils apart to open up their nasal passageways, so everyone in his or her presence can finally catch some Zzz’s.

We’ve tested all kinds of red light therapy masks (and devices) and iRestore is our latest obsession. The mask uses 360 LED lights, featuring a mix of red, blue and infrared light treatments to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots. Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida makes it a regular part of her evening routine, finding it both comfortable to wear and effective. It’s also become a signal that it’s time to wind down, helping her relax before bed.

Olly Sleep gummies are a tried-and-true editor favorite, not just because they taste good, but because they really seem to help us drift off—and stay asleep. The muscle recovery blend is particularly noteworthy, especially if you regularly exercise or are struggling with sore, achy muscles. Each serving combines 3 mg of melatonin—which can help regulate your sleep cycle—with 250 percent of your daily value of vitamin D. Our testers reported that they provided solid relief and really helped them sleep, without leaving them groggy in the morning. But also, that tart cherry flavor? Delightful.

You may know Clevr for its Meghan Markle-backed line of matcha and SuperLattes, but let us implore you to check out its new Deep Calm Magnesium+ drink. Designed to be served chilled, it’s like a raspberry lemonade, only it’s made with eight ingredients all included to be gentle on your digestion while providing calming effects. Each serving includes 200mg of magnesium (roughly 50 percent of your RDV) and is free of added sugar, artificial flavors and melatonin. (But don’t just take our word for it: In clinical trials, users saw a 34 percent reduction in perceived stress and a 16.5 percent drop in cortisol.)

You can’t put down the latest Reese’s Book Club pick but your partner is ready to turn in. That’s where this reading light comes in, which is roughly the size of a bookmark, with a targeted light that makes it easy to read without blinding everyone in your presence. (It features five brightness settings and three amber colors to choose from too.) Plus, depending on how much reading you do each night, a single charge could last you up to three months.

Editor Marissa Wu initially started rubbing a drop of peppermint oil on her temples as a way to combat headaches at night. She soon found it so soothing that she said it actually helped her sleep more soundly too. While there is limited research here, the scent can help open nasal passages, making it easier to breathe, and—as Wu has found—may provide relief from tension headaches. That alone has us willing to give it a shot.