Mattress Review
Molecule 1
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $699 – $1099
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Unique cover designed to draw away heat and moisture to keep sleepers cool
- Transition layer features three different support zones
- Made in the U.S. using virtually emissions-free manufacturing processes
Drawbacks
- May not offer enough support for some sleepers
- Weak edge support and heavy contouring could be drawbacks for couples
- Molecule does not offer White Glove delivery service
Sleep Doctor’s Take: Molecule 1 Mattress
The all-foam Molecule 1 mattress struck the perfect balance between softness and support for many side sleepers on our testing team. Breathable, state-of-the-art materials make it a great choice for people who like the feel of foam but tend to sleep hot. We recommend the Molecule 1 for side sleepers seeking both pressure relief and targeted support.
Molecule Mattress: An Introduction
Molecule makes sleep products that are designed to maximize recovery and keep sleepers cool. The company believes that truly restorative sleep means better daytime performance, and that body temperature plays an important role in sleeping well. With input from neurologists and sleep specialists, Molecule develops products aimed at those with an active lifestyle who want to optimize their sleep experience.
The company’s flagship Molecule 1 mattress is an all-foam model that features a moisture- and heat-wicking cover, targeted support zones, and a modest price tag. We’ll take an in-depth look at the Molecule 1, including what it’s made from and how it performs across a range of categories. We’ll also let you know who the mattress is best for, and where you can buy it.
How We Review
Customers prioritize different features when they’re mattress shopping, from contouring to cost. Our testing methodology looks at a variety of performance categories, so we can provide you with an unbiased look at each mattress from every angle.
What’s It Like to Sleep on the Molecule 1 Mattress?
The Molecule 1 is a medium firm (6) mattress with moderate contouring and a cool, breathable cover designed to wick away heat. Made with athletic recovery in mind, the Molecule’s pressure-relieving comfort layer is supported by a transition layer with targeted support zones that provide cushioning near the head and feet and a firmer feel in the middle, where you need it most.
Each of the mattress’ layers is optimized to promote airflow, from the comfort layers to the polyfoam support core. The Molecule 1’s temperature neutrality makes it a good option for most hot sleepers. And while it may be too soft for some people, this mattress blends plenty of contouring with just enough support to make side sleepers comfortable.
Molecule 1 Mattress Pros and Cons
Pros
- Breathable materials in each layer help regulate temperature
- Medium firm (6) firmness level has broad appeal
- Comes with 365-day sleep trial
Cons
- More expensive than some foam mattresses
- Not supportive enough for some sleepers
- Old mattress removal is not available for most customers
Sleeping Positions, Body Weight, and Firmness
We use a 10-point scale to rate mattress firmness levels, with 1 being softest and 10 being extremely firm. Our testers rated the Molecule medium firm (6). Neither too hard nor too soft, medium firm mattresses appeal to more individuals than models at either end of the scale.
A person’s body type and sleeping position both affect how comfortable they find a mattress. We found that the Molecule best suited people under 230 pounds, particularly side and back sleepers.
Molecule 1 Mattress Sleeper Ratings
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Over 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | 3/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Back Sleepers | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Stomach Sleepers | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Side Sleepers
Overly firm mattresses can be uncomfortable for side sleepers, who need plenty of body-hugging contouring to cushion pressure points at the shoulders and hips. Side sleeping on our testing team were enthusiastic about the Molecule 1, rating it anywhere from good to excellent. Testers between 130 and 230 pounds found it especially comfortable.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers tend to accumulate pressure in the lumbar, or lower back, region. A mattress like the Molecule 1 with targeted lumbar support tends to be a good option. While many of the back sleepers on our team found the Molecule offered good support, the mattress didn’t provide enough support for those over 230 pounds.
Stomach Sleepers
Firm, supportive mattresses are crucial to prevent stomach sleepers from accumulating pressure in the lower back and sinking into the bed. Like many all-foam models, the Molecule 1 had too much contouring for our stomach sleepers. Although testers under 130 pounds rated the mattress as good, others found it too soft.
Our Performance Ratings
Our testing team uses a 5-point scale to rate the mattresses we test within each performance category, with 1 being poor and 5 meaning excellent. We examined a variety of the Molecule 1’s features to provide you with an in-depth look at how this mattress performs.
Pressure Relief
Rating: 4/5
Like many all-foam mattresses, the Molecule provides very good pressure relief. Designed with athletes in mind, the comfort layer features a proprietary foam that’s meant to relieve pressure and cradle sore muscles. Our team also liked the mattress’ self-adjusting support zones within the next layer down, which felt softer near testers’ heads and feet and more supportive in the middle. Overall, the Molecule 1 did a great job of relieving pressure and discomfort.
Temperature Neutrality
Rating: 3/5
Temperature neutrality refers to how well a mattress keeps the sleeper from overheating. Although foam mattresses have a reputation for trapping body heat, we found that the Molecule 1 keeps sleepers cooler than many models of its kind.
The mattress incorporates breathable materials in most layers, and testers particularly liked the polyester-lycra blend cover that’s made to draw heat and moisture away from the body. That said, it’s still a foam mattress, so some of the hot sleepers on our testing team still found that it trapped some body heat.
Motion Isolation
Rating: 4/5
Motion isolation can be important for light sleepers and couples who don’t want to wake up every time their bed partner (or pet) moves around. Foam mattresses do a better job at isolation motion than other mattress types, and we found that the Molecule 1 is no different. During partner tests, the mattress absorbed vibrations very well, especially because it’s a bit thicker than other foam mattresses.
Edge Support
Rating: 2/5
Edge support is a term that describes the strength of a mattress’ perimeter. Without a reinforced perimeter, the Molecule does sink at the edges, reducing the amount of usable space on the bed. For that reason, it may not be the best fit for anyone who has trouble getting out of bed.
Durability
Rating: 3/5
Molecule is a fairly new company, so we don’t have a complete picture of how long this mattress might last. Most foam mattresses have a lifespan of about 6 to 8 years. However, this depends on many factors, including how frequently a mattress is used and what kind of base it is paired with.
The Molecule 1 is made from high quality, American made foam, so we expect it to last at least as long as other foam mattresses, if not longer. It also has a thick, durable support core, which helps with longevity.
Ease of Movement
Rating: 2/5
Plush contouring feels good on sore joints, but it can also limit your movement. Some testers, especially those weighing over 230 pounds, thought that the Molecule mattress was a bit too conforming, making it hard to change positions. A firmer hybrid or innerspring model may be a better option for individuals seeking a responsive mattress with a bit of bounce.
Sex
Rating: 2/5
The ideal mattress for sex is temperature neutral, has strong edge support, and lets people change positions with ease. While the Molecule 1 has above-average temperature neutrality for a foam mattress, some couples may find they sink in too deeply. A lack of responsiveness and poor edge support make the Molecule less than ideal for sex.
Off-Gassing
Rating: 3/5
Foam mattresses sometimes give off an odor when you unpack them. Known as off-gassing, this faint chemical smell is a by-product of the foam manufacturing process. While off-gassing is harmless and usually disappears after a few hours, some people find it unpleasant.
Molecule produces its foam using a process called variable pressure foaming. This technology is designed to reduce emissions and prevent off-gassing, and makes the Molecule 1 a good option for people who are sensitive to chemical smells. Our testers found that there was a “new mattress” smell with the Molecule 1, but it was faint and dissipated quickly.
What Is the Molecule Mattress Made Of?
The Molecule 1’s cover is made primarily from breathable polyester. The cover uses technologies that are intended to draw away body heat and moisture, creating a comfortable “microclimate” between you and the mattress.
The bed’s comfort system features 2 inches of memory foam for pressure relief. The proprietary foam blend, called RestoreFlo, is designed to sleep cooler than traditional memory foam with an open cell design and gel infusion.
Underneath, a 3-inch transition layer of contoured, zoned memory foam targets pressure points. Each self-adjusting zone is meant to respond to pressure increases at different parts of the body.
The Molecule’s support comes from a 7-inch support core of sturdy polyfoam that is designed to keep the spine in alignment. Like all materials in the bed, this foam is Certi-PUR US certified.
Molecule 1 Construction Layers
| Cover Materials | 98% Polyester 2% Lycra |
| Comfort Layers | 2″ Gel-Infused Memory Foam 3″ Zoned Convoluted Memory Foam |
| Support Core | 7″ Polyfoam |
How Much Does the Molecule 1 Mattress Cost?
Compared to other all-foam mattresses, this model is moderately priced. While it’s pricier than some budget foam models, many customers may be willing to pay more for the Molecule’s quality materials and sustainability-minded manufacturing practices.
| Sizes | Price | Dimensions | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $699 | 38″ x 75″ | 12.25″ | 46 lbs. |
| Twin XL | $699 | 38″ x 80″ | 12.25″ | 48 lbs. |
| Full | $799 | 53″ x 75″ | 12.25″ | 60 lbs. |
| Queen | $899 | 60″ x 80″ | 12.25″ | 72 lbs. |
| King | $1,099 | 76″ x 80″ | 12.25″ | 87 lbs. |
| California King | $1,099 | 72″ x 84″ | 12.25″ | 87 lbs. |
Which Molecule Mattress Is Right for You?
Molecule produces three mattresses in addition to its flagship model: Molecule Core, Molecule 2 AirTEC, and Molecule Hybrid. Each model features the company’s patented polyfoams, which are designed to keep sleepers cool. If the Molecule 1 isn’t for you, one of these might be a better option.
Designed with just the essentials, the Molecule Core is the most affordable option. The Molecule 2 AirTEC is pricier than the other two foam mattresses, but features more advanced temperature control technologies.
Customers over 230 pounds may prefer the Molecule Hybrid, which combines a responsive coil system with self-adjusting zoned support in its comfort layers. The mattress also features stronger edge support and a firm polyfoam base. Stomach sleepers of all sizes may also appreciate the additional support.
Molecule Mattresses at a Glance
| Model | Firmness | Mattress Type | Height | Base Price (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molecule Core | N/A | Foam | 10″ | $799 |
| Molecule 1 | Medium Firm (6) | Foam | 12.25″ | $899 |
| Molecule 2 AirTEC | Medium Firm (6) | Foam | 12.25″ | $1,299 |
| Molecule Hybrid | Medium Firm (6) | Hybrid | 13″ | $1,899 |
Discounts and Coupons
Molecule periodically holds sales and runs special offers during holidays. Most discounts are available only through Molecule’s website. In addition, the company sometimes offers free merchandise, such as pillows, for customers who buy a mattress.
Where Can You Buy the Molecule Mattress?
The Molecule 1 mattress is available exclusively online. You can purchase it from the brand’s website, onmolecule.com, or from other online retailers like costco.com. Customers who buy directly from Molecule may be eligible for special discounts or deals that are unavailable on other websites.
| Buying Information and Customer Policies | |
|---|---|
| Availability | The Molecule 1 mattress is only available online, at the company’s website and through certain third party retailers. Customers in all 50 states can order directly from Molecule’s website. |
| Shipping | The company offers free shipping for customers in the contiguous United States. While Molecule ships to Hawaii and Alaska, customers in those states must pay a shipping fee. The mattress is shipped in a cardboard box and arrives sealed in plastic. Customers must cut the plastic package to remove the mattress and allow it to decompress. It may take up to three days for the Molecule 1 to fully expand. |
| Additional Services | Molecule does not offer White Glove delivery service. However, the company does remove old mattresses for customers in California in accordance with state law. |
| Sleep Trial | The mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial. Shoppers must keep the mattress for at least 30 days before returning their purchase for a full refund. Those who return their mattress must donate it to a charity and submit a picture of the donation receipt before receiving their refund. |
| Warranty | Molecule offers a limited lifetime warranty for all of its mattresses. The warranty covers manufacturing defects that are not related to improper use. These include flaws in the cover, the cover zipper, and sagging or indentation. |
Molecule Mattress FAQ
That depends on what you want out of a mattress. The Molecule 1 is more affordable and performs well. The Molecule 2 costs more but incorporates more temperature regulation technologies, making it a good option for hot sleepers.
All Molecule mattresses are assembled in the U.S. using American-made foam.
The Molecule does not need to be paired with a box spring. The mattress is compatible with most types of foundations, including adjustable bed bases, and may even be placed directly on the floor.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Sleep Health
With a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Indiana University Bloomington, Rebecca enjoys making accurate, up-to-date health information accessible to all readers. As a freelance writer and editor, she has covered everything from healthcare and experimental music to education. Rebecca lives in Tennessee, where she spends her free time reading, writing fiction, and making music.
- POSITION: Side sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Cold Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Dolphin
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