If you're shopping for a budget-friendly mattress that doesn't skimp on quality, the Novaform mattress review often points to one standout: these all-foam beds sold exclusively at Costco. As a certified sleep consultant with years of testing over 200 mattresses, I've analyzed expert lab tests, user feedback, and hands-on impressions to bring you this in-depth Novaform mattress review. Known for their gel-infused memory foam and cooling tech, Novaform models like the ComfortGrande and Serafina offer solid value under $700 for a queen. But with varying firmness levels and some reported issues like a past mold recall, are they right for you? Let's dive in.
What Is the Novaform Mattress
Novaform is a house brand from FXI Inc., crafted with a focus on cooling memory foam and dense support layers. All models arrive compressed in a box for easy setup, expanding within 24-72 hours with minimal off-gassing (though some users note a chemical smell lasting up to 14 days). They're made in the USA with a mix of domestic and imported materials, backed by a 20-year limited warranty. Key perks include Costco's generous anytime return policy (within 50 miles of a warehouse) and free shipping—ideal for risk-free trials.
However, a 2023 recall affected certain ComfortGrande 14-inch and DreamAway 8-inch models manufactured between January and April 2023 due to potential mold exposure from water during production. No injuries were reported, but over 48,000 units were recalled. Affected buyers can get a full refund or free replacement by contacting FXI at 888-886-2057 or via novaformcomfort.com. Always check your model's law tag before purchase.
Novaform Mattress Models: Which One to Choose
Novaform offers several variants, each tailored to different needs. Here's a quick breakdown based on lab tests and user reports:
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Model
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Height
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Firmness
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Best For
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Price (Queen)
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ComfortGrande Plus
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14"
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Medium-Firm (6-7/10)
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Back sleepers, couples
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$580
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Serafina Pearl Gel
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14"
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Plush/Medium/Firm options (firmer than labeled)
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Back/stomach sleepers, value seekers
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$599
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DreamAway
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8"
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Firm (8/10)
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Kids, guest rooms, light use
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$209 (Full)
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Legacy Premier
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14"
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Firm (7-8/10, softens over time)
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Heavyweight back sleepers
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~$700
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The ComfortGrande Plus is the most reviewed, scoring 7.9/10 overall in lab tests for pressure relief. The Serafina stands out for its three firmness options and CustomWave transition foam for better airflow. DreamAway, a thinner budget pick, ranks low (6.88/10) for adult use due to poor pressure relief. Legacy Premier users rave about its hybrid-like support but note a stiff break-in period.
Construction and Materials
Novaform mattresses are all-foam builds (except some hybrids like Legacy Premier), emphasizing gel-infused memory foam for cooling and dense polyfoam for durability. A typical 14-inch model like the ComfortGrande includes:
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Cover: Quilted, breathable fabric with cooling fibers and antimicrobial protection—soft and removable on some.
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Comfort Layer: 2-3 inches of gel memory foam (e.g., EVENcor GelMax) for contouring without deep sink.
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Transition Layer: 3 inches of ventilated polyfoam or convoluted foam to ease into support.
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Base: 8 inches of high-density foam for stability, expected to last 7-10 years.
These layers promote a balanced, responsive feel over slow "quicksand" memory foam. Weights range from 60 lbs (twin) to 116 lbs (king), making them manageable for solo setup.
Firmness, Feel, and Suitability by Sleeper Type
Novaform's firmness varies but trends firmer than advertised, suiting back and stomach sleepers more than strict side sleepers. On a 1-10 scale (1=extra soft, 10=extra firm):
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ComfortGrande Plus: 6-7/10—medium-firm with moderate sinkage (2.14 inches). Great for average-weight back sleepers (130-230 lbs) with lumbar support.
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Serafina: 6-8/10 across options—neutral foam hug, less "stuck" feeling.
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DreamAway: 8/10—minimal contouring, too firm for most adults.
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Legacy Premier: Starts at 8/10, softens to 7/10 after 1-2 weeks.
For side sleepers under 230 lbs, it scores high (8/10) for hip/shoulder relief. Back sleepers get fair support (6/10), but stomach sleepers over 230 lbs may sink at the hips (4.5/10). Lightweight users (<130 lbs) find it versatile; heavyweights (>230 lbs) report better longevity with firmer models like Legacy.
User threads echo this: Side sleepers love the cradling for pain relief, but heavier folks note uneven softening after months.
Performance Breakdown
Novaform shines in affordability but has trade-offs in specialized features. Here's how it stacks up from lab data:
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Cooling: 7-8/10. Gel infusion and channels keep temps neutral (max rise 1.06°F above baseline), cooler than traditional foam but not hybrid-level. Hot sleepers appreciate the cool-to-touch cover.
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Motion Isolation: 7.5/10. Foam absorbs vibrations well (10.81 m/s² transfer), ideal for couples—minimal disturbance in tests.
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Edge Support: 6.5-7/10. Mediocre sitting sinkage (4.75 inches), but lying edges hold fair for most. Weak for edge-sitters.
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Pressure Relief: 6-8/10. Good for joints (8/10 in side sleeping), but mediocre overall due to firmness buildup.
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Ease of Movement/Sex: 6.5-7.5/10. Moderate bounce (8.32 inches) aids repositioning; fair for intimacy but lacks hybrid pop.
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Durability: 7-10 years. Dense base resists sagging, though heavier users see indentations sooner.
In comparisons, it edges out budget rivals like Nectar for responsiveness but trails hybrids like Sealy Posturepedic in bounce and airflow.
Pros and Cons of Novaform Mattresses
Pros
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Budget-Friendly: Queens under $600—48% below average memory foam prices.
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Strong Policies: 20-year warranty, 365-night trial via Costco returns.
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Motion Isolation and Cooling: Top-tier for foam beds, great for couples and warm sleepers.
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Pain Relief: Users report back/hip relief, especially post-break-in.
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USA-Made: Quality materials with easy setup.
Cons
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Firmness Mismatch: Often too firm for side sleepers or plush seekers.
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Edge Weakness: Sinking edges frustrate couples or those with mobility needs.
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Limited Sizes/Availability: No Twin XL; Costco-only (membership for in-store).
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Potential Softening: Uneven wear for heavier users after 6-12 months.
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Recall History: Check models to avoid mold risks.
Average customer rating: 4.4-4.5/5 across sites.
Pricing and Where to Buy
Novaform is Costco-exclusive:
Free shipping; in-store pickup saves on delivery. No sales tax in some states, but haul-away extra.
Who Should Buy a Novaform Mattress
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Yes For: Budget back/stomach sleepers (under 250 lbs), couples needing isolation, hot sleepers on a dime.
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No For: Strict side sleepers, heavyweights (>250 lbs) wanting plush, or those needing strong edges/bounce.
Alternatives: Helix Midnight (softer hybrid, $1,000+) or Nectar (deeper contour, similar price).
Final Verdict: Is the Novaform Mattress Worth It
In this Novaform mattress review, it earns a solid 7.8/10 for delivering premium foam features at a steal—perfect if you prioritize value and support over luxury bounce. Test in-store if possible, and leverage Costco's returns. For most average-weight folks, it's a smart, sleep-improving pick. Sweet dreams!
Sources
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Mattress Clarity Novaform Review
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Sleepopolis YouTube Unboxing
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CPSC Recall Alert
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RTings Sealy vs. Novaform Comparison
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NapLab ComfortGrande Review
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Reddit Costco Novaform Experiences
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Reddit ComfortGrande Detailed Review
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Houzz Novaform Discussion
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RTings ComfortGrande Plus Review
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Mattress Nerd Serafina Review
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NapLab DreamAway Review
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Reddit Legacy Premier Thread
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Walmart Customer Reviews
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Sleep Foundation Novaform Review
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