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Review
9.3
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Molecule Mattress Review

Updated November 2024
We receive referral fees from the brands listed below.
Michelle Griczika
Medicine
Written by
Dr. Ifran Saddique
Medicine
Medically reviewed by

Molecule 1 Review Summary

  • This Molecule mattress review will focus on Molecule 1, the brand’s most affordable mattress.

  • This Molecule 12-inch mattress is an all-foam mattress made from four layers.
  • All Molecule mattresses are manufactured in the USA.
  • Molecule 1 comes in only one firmness level: medium-firm. On a scale of 1-10, our mattress review team places it between 6 and 6.5.
  • Molecule 1 Air-engineered mattress is made with hot sleepers in mind. It incorporates temperature regulation and moisture-wicking technologies which dissipate heat.
  • Designed by sleep scientists and athletes specifically for active individuals, the Molecule 1 mattress aims to provide a restorative sleep experience by effectively balancing support and pressure relief.
  • Like other bed-in-a-box brands, the Molecule mattress offers a 100-night sleep trial, allowing you to try the mattress risk-free at home. It also includes free shipping and hassle-free returns and refunds.
  •  Molecule beds come with a non-prorated lifetime warranty to cover your purchase from material and workmanship defects.

Who is the Molecule 1 Ideal for?

The Molecule 1 memory foam mattress is crafted to optimize sleep recovery for active individuals and athletes. However, its thoughtful construction and features make it an excellent choice for many other sleepers. 

Based on Molecule mattress reviews, the following sleepers would particularly benefit from the Molecule 1 foam mattress:

  • Athletes and active individuals

  • Hot sleepers

  • Back pain sufferers 

  • Side sleepers of any weight

  • Back sleepers up to 130 lbs

  • Couples


 

Molecule Mattress Firmness

The Molecule 1 mattress is medium-firm in firmness. According to Molecule mattress reviews, it is often described as ‘softer' than many competitors in the market. 

When you lie down on the mattress, you will gradually sink into the support core, where the polyfoam provides a balanced level of support. The mattress responds slowly to pressure, creating a sensation of sinking in slowly while relieving pressure on the sleeper’s joints.

MOLECULE Mattress: 6 Medium Firm
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Molecule 1 Mattress Construction

The Molecule 1 mattress has a meticulously engineered construction and design that effectively aids recovery while remaining affordable. The four layers of the Molecule 1 mattress include: 

Cover–This incorporates the innovative antimicrobial component MOLECULEshield, which is woven throughout the cover. This advanced technology actively prevents odors and the growth of bacteria, ensuring a more hygienic sleep environment over time.

2nd layer– The RESTOREFLO foam layer is beneath the cover and is specifically designed to provide exceptional pressure relief. It also enhances airflow, promotes breathability, and cools the mattress. 

3rd layer– Here’s where you’ll find the RECOVERYFLOW, a 3D geometric surface that contours to the body. It provides targeted support for key areas like the back, shoulders, and knees. This layer ensures proper alignment and helps alleviate pressure points while promoting a more ergonomic and comfortable sleep position.

The base layer–This layer houses the CONTOURFLO, which consists of 7 inches of firm support memory foam. The base layer is crucial in maintaining spinal alignment, providing essential support for the body while minimizing heat transfer between the sleeper and the mattress. The memory foam's firm support contributes to the mattress's overall durability and stability.

Is Molecule a Good Mattress?

Molecule mattresses are considered unique for a couple of reasons. First, they are endorsed by leading professional athletes, including Michael Phelps and Alex Morgan. Second, their construction is backed by sleep scientists who analyzed the human body and its sleep cycles and specifically designed Molecule 1 to help with restorative sleep. 

So, would you still like to know if the Molecule 1 is a good mattress? Well, in this section of our Molecule 1 mattress review, we will explore different performance aspects of the mattress, including its pressure relief, motion isolation, cooling features, and other key factors that contribute to its overall performance. 

So keep reading to find out how Molecule 1 performs!

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Is Molecule 1 Mattress Good for Back Pain?

According to Molecule 1 mattress reviews, this Molecule bed has excellent pressure relief capabilities, making it suitable for individuals with back pain. The mattress's foam layers contour to the body and provide targeted support while reducing pressure points. 

Its design helps maintain spinal alignment, offers lumbar support, and alleviates discomfort. However, this mattress's “softer” firmness might not provide enough pressure relief for individuals who weigh more than 230 lbs.

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Is the Molecule 1 Mattress a Cooling Mattress?

Despite its all-foam construction, the Molecule 1 was designed to be a cooling mattress. It utilizes technologies such as the RESTOREFLO foam layer and advanced airflow design to enhance breathability and promote better airflow throughout the mattress. These features work together to dissipate heat and create a cooler sleep experience.

The Molecule 1 mattress's cover is also infused with MOLECULEshield, which removes moisture and prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This feature further contributes to a fresh and hygienic sleep surface.

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Molecule 1 Motion Isolation

According to Molecule mattress reviews, this mattress has excellent motion isolation properties. Motion isolation refers to the mattress's ability to minimize motion transfer across the surface. 

The foam layers of the Molecule 1 mattress work together to absorb and isolate motion, preventing it from spreading across the mattress. So, when one person moves or changes positions while sleeping, the disturbance is localized, and the other person is less likely to be disturbed by the motion.

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Molecule 1 Edge Support

Based on reviews of the Molecule 1 mattress, it doesn’t perform as strongly as other foam or hybrid mattresses in terms of stability and edge support. This could be due to the mattress's softer surface, contributing to the sagging and reduced support along the perimeter. Edge support is particularly important to individuals who need a strong edge for sitting or prefer using the entire mattress surface.

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Is the Molecule 1 Bed Good for Sex?

Like other memory foam mattresses, the Molecule 1 has advantages and disadvantages when used for life’s more intimate moments. Firstly, due to its foam construction, the mattress is virtually silent. However, unlike innerspring or hybrid mattresses, the Molecule 1 memory foam mattress lacks the responsiveness that appeals to most couples.

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Molecule Mattress Off-Gassing

Like other foam mattresses, the Molecule 1 mattress has a typical “new mattress” smell when unboxed. However, this smell isn’t harmful and should dissipate within 48-72 hours.

Sleeping Positions

Molecule claims that its mattresses are suitable for all sleepers. The Molecule 1 boasts average edge support, impressive stability, and cooling capabilities. Whether you’re a side, stomach, or back sleeper, you will feel supported and comfortable sleeping on the mattress. 

That’s because the mattress provides the necessary support for both back and side sleepers while offering contour capabilities for side sleepers. It is well-loved for its cooling capabilities, which makes it an ideal choice for sleepers who get hot while sleeping. That said, the Molecule 1 may be too soft for heavyweight sleepers. However, it does work perfectly for those who share a bed with a partner or pets. 

 If you’re a combination sleeper, you might want to get a mattress that accommodates your sleeping needs. Fortunately, this mattress does just that.
 

 

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Side Sleepers
  • Lightweight Side Sleepers: Lighter individuals who sleep on their sides will enjoy the Molecule 1 mattress. Its contouring properties and pressure relief capabilities help alleviate pressure points, while its softer surface cushions the sleepers’ hips and shoulders. 
     
  • Average Weight Side Sleepers: Average-weight side sleepers may also enjoy the Molecule 1 mattress. Its balance of support and cushioning can help with proper spinal alignment and pressure relief.
     
  • Heavyweight Side Sleepers: Heavier individuals who often sleep on their sides should find the Molecule 1 mattress fairly supportive. However, the mattress's softer feel could lead to more sinkage and reduce support for sleepers with heavier body weights.
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Back Sleepers
  • Lightweight Back Sleepers: These kinds of sleepers should enjoy the Molecule 1 mattress, especially if they enjoy a softer sleep surface. The mattress offers excellent support and contouring, which help maintain proper spinal alignment and relieve pressure.
     
  • Average Weight Back Sleepers: Depending on their preferences, average-weight back sleepers may enjoy using Molecule 1. However, its medium-firm feel might feel less supportive overall. 
     
  • Heavyweight Back Sleepers: Due to its “softer” firmness, we wouldn’t recommend this mattress for heavier sleepers. Such sleepers are better off with a firmer mattress to ensure proper spinal alignment and prevent excessive sinkage.
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Stomach Sleepers
  • Lightweight Stomach Sleepers: Lightweight individuals who sleep on their stomachs might find the Molecule 1 mattress supportive enough. However, the medium-firm feel might be slightly too soft for some of them.
     
  • Average Weight Stomach Sleepers: Similarly to back sleepers, the Molecule 1 mattress may be suitable for sleepers who prefer a softer surface. That said, it is important to check if it provides enough support to align the spine properly. 
     
  • Heavyweight Stomach Sleepers: Heavier individuals who sleep on their stomachs will not find the Molecule 1 mattress supportive enough. The mattress's softer feel will lead to excessive sinkage, causing it to misalign with the shoulders.

Molecule Mattress Price and Sizes

The Molecule 1 mattress is considered the best Molecule mattress on the market. As the brand’s flagship and most affordable option, it offers a host of impressive features that deliver a truly restorative sleep experience. 

Besides being more affordable than other mattresses, it also provides exceptional pressure relief, cutting-edge cooling technologies, and a supportive design. This blend of top-notch features and affordability makes Molecule 1 a great value mattress for sleepers. Here are the available sizes:

  • Twin

  • Full

  • King

  • Twin XL

  • Queen

  • California King

Molecule Customer Service

Molecule Mattress Return Policy

Molecule's hassle-free return policy allows you to initiate the return process easily. For instance, if you decide to return the mattress during a sleep trial, you can contact customer support to initiate the process. You will then be assisted in arranging mattress pickup and receiving your refund.

Molecule Bed-in-a-Box Shipping

Molecule provides free shipping within the contiguous United States. It is compressed in a box and directly shipped to your door. Once you've unboxed it and placed it in the room of your choice, Molecule 1 should be usable within 24 hours. However, it may take 48-72 hours for the new mattress to inflate fully and for the smell to subside.

Molecule Mattress Warranty 

Molecule offers a non-prorated lifetime warranty, which covers manufacturing and material defects. If you encounter any defect-related issues with the mattress, Molecule will repair or replace it at no additional cost.

Molecule Sleep Trial

Molecule mattress company offers a 100-night sleep trial for their mattresses. This allows customers to try out the mattress in the comfort of their home for a substantial period. You can return your Molecule bed if you are not completely satisfied within the trial period.

Our Mattress Verdict

The Molecule 1 mattress offers many notable features that make it one of the best mattresses on the market. Its use of advanced foams and cooling technologies provides pressure relief, support, and temperature regulation. The mattress is designed for sleep recovery and has been backed by sleep experts, doctors, and professional athletes. While individual preferences may vary, the Molecule 1 mattress is generally the best option for side sleepers. On the flip side, back sleepers and individuals who prefer a firmer mattress might find this mattress too soft. To recap this Molecule 1 mattress review, this bed-in-a-box-style mattress offers good value for money compared to similar models on the market. You can use it within 24 hours of unboxing it and placing it where you want it. However, in some cases, it might take up to 48-72 hours for the mattress to fully inflate and for the new mattress smell to subside.

Pros
  • Accommodates a variety of sleeping positions
  • Gel and open-cell lowers heat retention
  • Excellent pressure relief
Cons
  • It might be less suitable for heavy individuals

Common Questions (FAQ)

Molecule mattresses are designed with advanced materials and technologies. They offer features such as pressure relief, support, and cooling. They have received positive reviews, so it's safe to say they are good.

Molecule mattresses are made in the USA. Molecule emphasizes quality and craftsmanship, so they manufacture them locally, allowing complete control over the production process.

The Molecule 1 and Molecule 2 mattresses are different models the Molecule brand offers. The Molecule 2 mattress is basically an upgraded and more expensive version of the Molecule 1 mattress. 

Molecule 2 comes with additional features and improvements, including enhanced cooling technologies, updated foam layers, or other design enhancements designed to provide a better sleep experience. The main difference is that Molecule 1 offers similar features at a more affordable price.

 
 
The Molecule 1 mattress doesn’t require a box spring. It is designed to work well on solid surfaces.
 
No, it is not designed to be flipped. The mattress is constructed with specific layers and materials arranged in a particular order to provide optimal comfort and support.
A good-quality mattress should last 7 to 10 years. However, some mattresses, particularly those made with durable materials and advanced designs, may have a longer lifespan. Due to its durable construction, we expect the Molecule 1 mattress to last at least 7 to 10 years.
No. This mattress can be an excellent fit for anyone. But if your lifestyle requires restorative sleep at the end of the day, this is a great mattress to consider.
 
Molecule mattresses are the first mattresses specifically designed for performance enhancement. Patented technologies like Air-Engineered™ and Molecular-Flo™ technology are designed specifically to combat common sleep issues that can be detrimental to sleep recovery. Plus, sleep specialists and elite professional athletes helped design and develop the mattresses.
Save up to $700 + 2 FREE Pillows
Dr. Ifran Saddique
Medicine

Dr. Ifran Saddique

MD

Dr. Saddique completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the Combined Military Hospital Medical and Dental College between 2012 and 2017. His rigorous medical training has provided him with a solid foundation in medical sciences and clinical practice. He has held the position of Medical Doctor at St. Bartholomew Hospital, Barts NHS Trust since May 2023, where he has been actively involved in delivering high-quality healthcare services. Prior to that, he served as the Deputy Medical Superintendent at Children Hospital. Moreover, Dr. Irfan specializes in medical content writing and has provided his knowledge and expertise on many blogs and articles on health and fitness, behavioral health, and medical issues.

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