Nolah Evolution 15 Review: This Mattress is a Dream for Side Sleepers
Updated: Apr. 30, 2024
Yes, I’m writing this Nolah mattress review from bed–it’s that comfortable!
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As a Shopping Editor, it is quite literally my job to connect readers with life-changing products. And while the best vacuum cleaners make chores a breeze and a super-cozy sectional takes movie nights to the next level, few products make or break your day like a mattress.
After all, most adults spend upwards of six hours between the sheets. A good mattress—tailored to your body’s needs—can minimize pain, keep you cool and, of course, encourage deep, restful sleep.
“The most important features in a mattress for side sleepers are a medium to medium-firm firmness level, a contouring or plush comfort layer and adequate support for the hips and shoulders,” says pediatric sleep trainer and founder of Luna Leaps, Chelsey Borson.
In my experience, the Nolah Evolution 15 fits the bill.
What is a Nolah Mattress?
Nolah is an online mattress retailer, specializing in beds that support side sleepers. They’re made in the U.S. and feature foam, latex or a hybrid of both materials. As of press time, the brand offers five core options: Evolution, Signature, Original, Natural and Nurture. Most beds are available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king and split king sizes. The Nurture, which is designed for kids, is only available in twin, twin XL and full sizes.
The brand offers an assortment of firmness levels, as well as options specifically designed for plus-size sleepers. Nolah mattresses also feature breathable fabrics and cooling technology to keep you comfortable.
While the brand has minimal showrooms, each Nolah mattress comes with a 120-night sleep guarantee and a lifetime warranty—so you can rest easy. In my experience, trying a mattress at home for multiple nights is always better than laying on a floor model for five minutes.
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress
Meet Nolah's deluxe hybrid mattress, rated 2023's Best Mattress for Side Sleepers by Sleep Foundation.
Nolah Evolution Mattress Features
The Nolah Evolution 15 is the brand’s best-selling bed. It features nine layers, starting with a strong non-skid fabric layer for durable casing and ending with a plush, organic cotton cover that uses ArcticTex fibers to keep you cool.
Choose from seven sizes, then either plush, luxury firm (my selection) or firm comfort levels. The Evolution is also available in a Comfort+ selection for sleepers over 300 pounds.
The Evolution is compatible with platform beds (no box spring required!) and comes with two fluffy pillows. It arrives on your doorstep in a single box, and a queen size mattress weighs 115 pounds.
How We Tested It
I’ve been testing the Nolah mattress since December 2023. In that time I’ve napped, worked, read and slept through the night on this bed.
I also made sure to test the key components side sleepers need to consider when choosing a mattress. According to Chelsey, those factors include pressure relief, support for proper spinal alignment and motion isolation.
Setup and Delivery
The Nolah Evolution 15 arrived on my door in a single blue box measuring 47 inches tall by 17 inches wide. I wasn’t home for delivery, and there was no signature needed. It took two people to carry into the house, and the handles make lifting a breeze.
Once inside, I was able to set up the mattress by myself. I laid the box on the floor (the dream-theme box is so cute!) and slowly shuffled the plastic-wrapped mattress out. There were no leaks in the vacuum seal and everything was wrapped nice and tight.
For me, the most challenging part was lifting the sealed mattress onto the bed frame. I would recommend a helper for this step.
Next, I (carefully!) used a scissors to cut away at the packaging. After puncturing the vacuum-seal bag, the entire mattress inflated to size in a matter of seconds. All in, set up took about 15 minutes.
After tossing the packaging, I came back to the bedroom expecting an off-gassing odor as the mattress settled. To my happy surprise, there was virtually no scent—and I have a very keen sense of smell. The mattress was set up in my guest bedroom, which doubles as my office, and I was able to work at my desk for the rest of the day with no disruption.
Making the Bed
Nolah recommends letting the mattress expand for 24 hours before sleeping on it. So, the next day, I went in with a mattress protector and bedding to set up shop. You could also add one of our favorite mattress toppers during this step, but after testing, the Nolah is so plush I didn’t find it necessary.
The included Nolah pillows were also vacuum sealed, and I found that they needed some manual fluffing to find their shape.
Making the bed was a breeze. I love that the 15-inch depth is thick enough to provide tons of support but not so thick I need deep-pocket sheets. After a few minutes of work, it was time for the fun part: sleeping!
Motion Isolation
Now, I’ll admit. I’ve always had trouble sleeping. And while I am prone to tossing and turning before bed, my husband is out like a light in mere minutes. I hate waking him up with my restlessness, so motion transfer is an important factor.
The Nolah Evolution does an excellent job absorbing my anxious energy. On those nights when I shuffle around like a fish out of water—or heck, give up and get out bed—my husband isn’t disturbed.
Just for kicks, I put a glass of cranberry juice on one side of the bed while rolling around on the other—just to see if it would move. There were some waves on the surface of the glass, but it didn’t come close to tipping over. While (hopefully) no one is using their bed as a coaster, this test confirms that the Evolution provides a sturdy surface in any situation.
Edge Support
Since we share a bed, edge support is also top of mind. After all, there’s no worse feeling than waking up and feeling like you’re about to fall overboard! The Nolah Evolution offers a thick rim of piping that gently signifies where the edge of the bed is.
I can rest my entire body weight within an inch of the border and still feel comfortable. As someone who shares a bed with my husband, a bevy of pillows, blankets and weighted stuffed animals, I appreciate knowing I’m supported no matter how much I shift in my sleep.
Pressure Relief
Arguably the most important factor when choosing a mattress, the Nolah Evolution is best in its class at providing support for my head, neck and spine. 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.
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. There’s also a substantial weight difference between us and the Nolah does a good job accommodating both of our body types.
I will say, however, that if you’re a stomach sleeper, the Nolah may not be a good fit. The pressure relief felt on the back or side is likely a little too firm for your comfort
Cleaning and Maintenance
Because the Nolah Evolution has so many layers, it’s designed for use in only one direction. That means there’s no need to flip your mattress. That said, the brand does recommend rotating every three to six months.
As for deeper cleaning, strip the bed and vacuum to remove dust mites and other allergens. You can also spot-treat any stains with dish-soap, just let dry completely before remaking the bed. Read our full guide to disinfecting a mattress for further instructions.
Editor’s Note: Our testing efforts took place during a Wisconsin winter, so the stay-cool technology was not highly relevant. We plan to revisit our review in the upcoming warmer months.
Pros
- Incredible support, especially for side sleepers
- Minimal motion transfer; ideal for sleeping next to someone
- Solid edge support all the way around
- Durable materials
- Minimal off-gassing
- 120-night sleep guarantee
- Lifetime warranty
- CertiPUR-US® certified foams and fiberglass-free
Cons
- On the pricier side, but not the most expensive model we’ve tested
- Difficult to set up by yourself
FAQs
Is Nolah a good mattress?
In our firsthand testing experience, yes! We love the support and luxury feel—especially for side sleepers.
Where is Nolah mattress made?
Per the brand’s website, Nolah mattresses are designed and assembled in Arizona.
Is the Nolah mattress firm?
The Evolution 15-inch is available in three comfort levels: Plush, Luxury Firm and Firm. I tested the Luxury Firm and can confirm it is the Goldilocks of “not too soft, not too firm.”
What Other Reviewers Had to Say
I’m not the only one enjoying sound, soothing sleep. The Nolah Evolution boasts a near perfect 4.9-star customer rating.
Verified buyer, Rainbow Thompson, shares, “I bought the recommended Luxury Firm. No more back pain. It cradles while at the same time is supportively firm. A perfect marriage. Like cream in coffee, it is refreshing. Often I go ‘ahhhhhhh’ when I get in. Hubby weighs around 280 & I’m 190. He is 6 foot and I’m 5’10 and it is just right for us both. He had been waking up with back pain every day. But that’s no longer.”
“This is our 2nd purchase of a Nolah mattress, and we’re just as impressed with this one as we were the first,” shares 5-star reviewer, Elizabeth Watson. “Expecting to replace a guest bed mattress within a year, and we’ll definitely buy again from Nolah. Well worth the cost. Absolutely great sleep from the 1st night.”
Verified buyer, Dannette Steck, appreciates the quality, saying: “We’ve had the Nolah Evolution 15 King Luxury Firm for over 6 months now. So far, we are very happy and sleeping comfortably. No visible signs of body dips nor do we feel any when we’re on the mattress. Time will tell how it holds up, but so far, this has become our favorite mattress.”
Final Verdict
There are thousands of mattresses to choose from, so narrowing down your options is quite the task! Luckily, we’ve tested dozens of mattresses from some of the most popular mail-order brands, including Purple, Saatva, Nectar, Sealy and Zinus. We love the Nolah Evolution has a mid-price option for side sleepers, especially those with back and neck pain. 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.
Psst! Do you know the signs it’s time to replace your mattress? There are a shocking number of downsides to sleeping on an old mattress.
Where to Buy a Nolah Mattress
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress
The Nolah Evolution offers responsive pressure relief and targeted support where side sleepers need it most. And with active cooling technology, this mattress is a sleep-transforming luxury.
“When picking out a mattress online, read customer reviews, check for trial periods and return policies, and look for mattresses with certifications like CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX to ensure quality and safety,” says Chelsey. The Nolah Evolution checks all those boxes—and more—so you can buy with confidence.
Shop directly from the brand or on Wayfair. Sweet dreams await!
Sources:
Chelsey Borson,
Originally Published: February 06, 2024
