Here's what we think of the Nolah Evolution 15, a hybrid mattress that falls in the mid-price range.
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We Slept on the Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress, a Side Sleeper’s Dream Come True
Updated Sep. 07, 2024
When it comes to smart purchases, you’d be hard pressed to find a better buy than a new mattress. But with so many options, finding the best mattress for your needs can be a challenge. Sure, you can go to your local mattress store and plop down on a few of the floor models, but that’s not a good indication of how comfortable it’s going to be once you actually get it home. Some companies even offer trial periods for mattresses. For instance, you can try the Purple Restore, Bear Mattress and Nectar Premier Mattress for a few months to decide whether or not it’s for you. But even that isn’t always the best indicator of how a mattress will hold up long-term. Luckily, we’ve spent years testing and reviewing dozens of mattresses.
Our editors have slept on these mattresses for months, and in some cases, years, in order to paint a clear picture of which models are worth the investment. The Nolah Evolution 15 is one such mattress. Thanks to its luxury firm support, motion isolation and edge support, this boxed mattress proved to be exactly what our restless editor needed for sound, restorative sleep.
What is the Nolah Evolution 15 mattress?
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a hybrid mattress that was designed to support side sleepers. This 15-inch mattress boasts an impressive seven layers: an organic cotton and ArcticTex cover that keeps you cool while you sleep, a 2-inch cooling quilted euro topper, 4 inches of foam, 8 inches of support coils and reinforced edge support coils and a 1-inch stabilizing foam foundation—all wrapped in full-height border fabric. The combination of foam and coils is what makes the Nolah Evolution 15 a true hybrid mattress.
This mattress comes in seven different sizes and three firmness options. It’s even available in a Comfort+ selection for sleepers over 300 pounds. And unlike other boxed mattresses, which aren’t designed to be paired with a box spring, the Nolah Evolution 15 is suitable for any type of bed frame. It ships from the brand’s Arizona factory to your front door in a single box. All you have to do is carry it inside, position it on your bed, unwrap the plastic and give it about 24 hours to expand. Then, add your mattress pad or topper, sheets, comforter and voilà ! Your brand-new bed is ready to go.
Another thing that sets the Nolah Evolution 15 apart from other mattresses is its value. This mattress is a solid mid-priced option, and the brand lets you try it for 120 nights. If you don’t love it, you can send it back for a full refund (you just have to pay the $99 mattress pickup fee). And if you do love it, you’ll rest easier knowing that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. That means if your Nolah mattress is found to be defective, it will be replaced or repaired with the same or a comparable model. Nolah also offers accident protection against spills, drops, scratches and fluids. This 10-year protection plan comes at a nominal cost, making it worthwhile for those who share a bed with children or pets.
VIA MERCHANT
Editor's Pick
Nolah Evolution 15
This hybrid mattress features a cooling cover and plush Euro topper, and three layers of foam atop 8 inches of coils for comfort and support.
How we tested it
Katie Bandurski, senior shopping editor, volunteered to test a luxury firm Nolah Evolution 15 in her guest room, which doubles as her home office. She spent months doing everything from lounging around with a book or her computer to napping and sleeping through the night. The mattress arrived on her doorstep in a single box. With the queen-size mattress weighing in at 115 pounds, Bandurski needed help carrying it into her home. Once inside, she was able to set it up by herself in about 15 minutes. That said, she does recommend having a helper to lift the sealed mattress up onto the bed frame. With the mattress on the bed frame, Bandurski carefully removed the vacuum-sealed plastic and let the mattress inflate. Though it appeared to be fully inflated in a matter of minutes, Bandurski waited the recommended 24 hours before making up the bed.
When it was time to make the bed, Bandurski appreciated the fact that this mattress didn’t require the purchase of deep-pocket sheets. She also found that the top of the mattress was so plush that she didn’t have to add a mattress topper. But before she put on her favorite sheets, Bandurski decided to perform a rather daring test. Since she is a restless sleeper, she wanted to assess the motion transfer on this mattress. She placed a glass of cranberry juice on one side of the bed and proceeded to roll around on the other—just to see if the glass would move. “There were some waves on the surface of the glass, but it didn’t come close to tipping over,” she writes in her detailed review. “While (hopefully) no one is using their bed as a coaster, this test confirms that the Evolution provides a sturdy surface in any situation.”
Once she was confident that she wouldn’t wake her husband up with all of her tossing and turning, it was time for the real test: climbing into bed for the night. “As a side sleeper, I’m already putting a lot of pressure on my shoulders and hips. Without proper support, I’m at risk of misalignment and—aches and pains,” explains Bandurski. Having opted for the luxury firm mattress, which the brand ranks as a six to seven on the firmness scale, Bandurski was delighted to discover that the Nolah Evolution 15 provided amazing support for her head, neck and spine. “The luxury firm support offers the Goldilocks of firmness—not too soft, not too hard. It’s also suitable for my husband, who alternates between sleeping on his side and his back,” she says. “There’s also a substantial weight difference between us and the Nolah does a good job accommodating both of our body types.”
Overall, Bandurski highly recommends the Nolah Evolution 15 for side sleepers looking for a mid-price option. “I never thought I’d find a mattress that compares to my beloved Helix Midnight Elite, but the Nolah comes pretty close—for a fraction of the price,” she raves.
Pros
- Very supportive, especially for side sleepers
- Minimal motion transfer; ideal for sleeping next to someone
- Hybrid build includes cushioned foam layers and supportive coils
- Solid edge support all the way around
- Offered in multiple sizes and firmness levels
- Can be placed on any flat surface
- CertiPUR-US certified foams and fiberglass-free
- Well priced
- 120-night trial period
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heavy to carry and set up by yourself
- $99 mattress pickup fee
Why you should trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we know how important it is to find a quality mattress that’s tailored to your individual needs. We understand that if you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll want a cooling mattress to help reduce night sweats. If you suffer from back pain, you’ll need a supportive mattress to alleviate aches and pains. We have years of experience testing the best sleep products, from high-tech cooling sleep systems like the Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover to the best Amazon bedding. In many instances, our editors also receive the unbiased opinions of their partners, children or other family members who see, touch and try the products they are testing.
Our editors spend months and, in some cases, years sleeping with these products in their own homes. For this review, our editor and her partner spent nine months sleeping on the Nolah Evolution 15 to see how it feels and holds up over time.
VIA MERCHANT
Editor's Pick
Nolah Evolution 15
The Nolah Evolution 15 is available in seven sizes and three firmness levels.
Originally Published: September 03, 2024
