Novilla 12-Inch Gel Memory Foam Full Mattress Review: Worth it?
- Great pressure relief
- Reduces partner disturbance
- Quick expansion
- No strong off-gassing
- Good value
- Edge support could be better
- Very warm sleepers might still feel warm
Comfortable medium-firm feel
Excellent motion isolation
CertiPUR-US certified
Effective cooling for most
Check PriceI’ve tested countless mattresses-in-a-box over the years, and the Novilla 12-inch Gel Memory Foam Full Mattress quickly stood out as a strong contender in the budget-friendly category. I slept on this full-size mattress for over 30 nights, evaluating its comfort, cooling properties, and overall performance. It delivers a balanced sleep experience that many will appreciate, especially given its price point.
Unboxing and Setup
Getting the Novilla mattress set up was straightforward, just as expected from a bed-in-a-box. The full-size mattress arrived tightly compressed and rolled in a box, which was heavy but manageable with two people. After unrolling it onto my platform bed frame, I used the provided slicer to carefully open the plastic.
The mattress began to expand almost immediately. While the manufacturer recommends 24-72 hours for full expansion, I found that my 12-inch model reached its stated height within about 18 hours, similar to what some other customers noted. There was a very faint, new-foam smell initially, but it dissipated completely within a few hours, much faster than some other memory foam mattresses I’ve tried.
Comfort and Support
The Novilla offers a medium-firm feel, which I personally find ideal for balanced support and pressure relief. The top layer of gel memory foam quickly conforms to my body, cradling my shoulders and hips when I sleep on my side, and providing excellent lumbar support when I’m on my back. It distributes pressure effectively, which helped alleviate the minor back stiffness I sometimes experience with overly soft mattresses.
This mattress really hits a sweet spot. One reviewer, who compared it to their Sleep Number bed, felt it was like a “65-70 setting” for firmness, indicating a supportive yet comfortable feel. For my 175-pound frame, it offered ample support without feeling like I was sinking in too deeply, making it comfortable for various sleeping positions.
Cooling Performance
Novilla integrates gel-infused memory foam and an egg-crate designed foam layer to enhance airflow, aiming for a cooler sleep. In my experience, for a memory foam mattress, it did a commendable job. I tend to sleep a little warm, and while it wasn’t as actively cooling as a hybrid mattress with springs, it didn’t trap heat excessively. The breathable rayon fabric cover also seemed to contribute to this.
However, a few customers mentioned that very warm sleepers might still find it a bit warm, despite the cooling layers. I’d agree that if you’re consistently overheating on traditional memory foam, this might be an improvement, but it won’t magically turn into a cool-to-the-touch experience.
Motion Isolation
This is where the Novilla really shines, a common strength of all-foam mattresses. When my partner got in or out of bed, or shifted positions during the night, I felt virtually no disturbance. The dense foam layers do an excellent job of absorbing motion, creating a truly isolated sleep surface. This feature was also highlighted by many of the 30,000+ reviewers, with one noting “I don’t feel them moving or turning/tossing.”
Durability and Edge Support
After my testing period, the mattress showed no signs of sagging or indentations. The multiple layers of high-density foam appear to hold up well and contribute to the mattress’s overall stability. The CertiPUR-US certification also gives peace of mind regarding the foam’s quality and safety.
Edge support, however, is a common drawback for many foam mattresses, and the Novilla is no exception. While adequate for sleeping near the edge without feeling like I’d roll off, sitting on the very edge for extended periods does result in noticeable compression. This is a trade-off I generally accept with all-foam models, but it’s something to consider if strong edge support is a high priority for you.
What I Liked Most
- Pressure Relief: The gel memory foam layers contour effectively, easing pressure points in my hips and shoulders.
- Motion Isolation: Truly minimizes partner disturbances, which is a huge plus for light sleepers.
- Value for Money: With a high rating from over 30,000 reviews, it offers exceptional comfort and quality for its price.
- Quick Expansion: Ready to sleep on much faster than the stated 72 hours in my testing.
What Could Be Better
- Edge Support: While acceptable for sleeping, sitting on the edge could be firmer.
- Cooling for Hot Sleepers: While good for a foam mattress, those who run very hot might still seek more active cooling.
Who It’s For
The Novilla 12-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress is an excellent choice for individuals or couples seeking a medium-firm mattress that provides good pressure relief and superior motion isolation. It’s particularly well-suited for side and back sleepers, and anyone looking for a high-value option in the mattress-in-a-box market. If you are a stomach sleeper, you might prefer the 10-inch version for a slightly firmer feel.
Alternatives
If you require robust edge support for mobility or prefer sitting on the edge of your bed frequently, you might consider a hybrid mattress, which typically features a coil base for added perimeter stability. For those who sleep exceptionally hot, a mattress with advanced phase-change materials or a very breathable innerspring design might offer more aggressive cooling, albeit at a higher price.
Conclusion
The Novilla 12-inch Gel Memory Foam Full Mattress delivers on its promises of comfort, support, and motion isolation without breaking the bank. My 30-day trial showed it to be a reliable and comfortable sleep solution. It’s an impressive mattress that punches above its weight class, making it a solid recommendation for most sleepers.