The Essential by Layla is a budget-friendly all-foam mattress designed for shoppers who want comfortable pressure relief without paying premium prices. Unlike the flagship Layla Memory Foam mattress (which is flippable), the Essential model is meant to be a simpler, straightforward mattress that works well for many sleeper types—especially those who prefer a soft-to-medium foam feel.
In this Essential by Layla review, Elite Sleep Reviews breaks down the mattress firmness, feel, pressure relief, cooling, motion isolation, and who it’s best for so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your sleep style in 2026.
✅ Quick Verdict: Is the Essential by Layla Worth It?
Best for:
✅ Side sleepers who want pressure relief on a budget
✅ Couples who want good motion isolation
✅ Lightweight to average-weight sleepers
✅ Shoppers who want a simple all-foam mattress
How We Test Mattresses
Our reviews are based on firsthand, hands-on testing and real-world sleep experience. We evaluate mattresses using consistent criteria, including pressure relief, spinal alignment, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and durability. We do not use any fancy gimmicks, proprietary scoring systems, or manufacturer-provided ratings. Each mattress is tested the same way so comparisons are fair, transparent, and based on actual performance, helping readers make informed, trustworthy buying decisions. Read our full mattress testing methodology!
Not ideal for:
❌ Heavy sleepers (230+ lbs) needing stronger support
❌ Strict stomach sleepers who need a firm surface
❌ Extremely hot sleepers (hybrids sleep cooler)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Type: All-foam
Firmness: Medium-soft to medium (5–6/10)
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👉 Essential by Layla Official Site
Essential by Layla Key Specs
- Type: All-foam mattress
- Firmness: 5–6/10
- Feel: cushioned foam comfort, moderate contour
- Best for: side sleepers, couples, budget shoppers
- Trial/Warranty: varies by current Layla policy (check brand site)
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Great value for the price
- Comfortable pressure relief for shoulders and hips
- Good motion isolation for couples
- Simple “easy choice” for many sleepers
⚠️ Cons
- Cooling is only average (all-foam tends to trap heat)
- Edge support is average
- Not supportive enough for many heavier sleepers
- Not firm enough for strict stomach sleepers
Essential by Layla Firmness & Feel
The Essential by Layla has a medium-soft to medium foam feel, meaning it’s comfortable and pressure-relieving without feeling like quicksand.
Firmness Score: 5–6/10
This is a sweet spot for:
- side sleepers
- combo sleepers
- couples needing motion isolation
You’ll get a gentle foam hug, but typically less “deep sink” than ultra-soft memory foam beds.
Performance Breakdown (Elite Sleep Reviews)
1) Pressure Relief
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
This is the Essential by Layla’s strongest category. It’s built for comfort and works best for:
✅ side sleepers
✅ sleepers with shoulder/hip pressure points
✅ lighter sleepers who need more cushion
2) Spinal Alignment / Support
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Support is good for the right sleeper profile, especially:
✅ back sleepers under ~230 lbs
✅ side sleepers who like medium feel
⚠️ Heavier sleepers may need a hybrid for stronger support.
3) Cooling & Temperature Regulation
⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
This mattress will feel cooler than some dense memory foam mattresses, but hybrids will still outperform it.
✅ Good for: neutral sleepers
⚠️ Not ideal for: very hot sleepers
4) Motion Isolation (Couples)
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Foam mattresses are usually excellent for motion isolation. If you share the bed, the Essential by Layla should help reduce movement transfer.
✅ Great for couples
5) Responsiveness / Ease of Movement
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
This mattress strikes a good balance — it has some foam contour, but it doesn’t feel overly slow.
✅ Good for combination sleepers
⚠️ If you want a super bouncy feel, a hybrid is better.
6) Edge Support
⭐⭐⭐☆ (3/5)
Edge support is average, which is common for budget all-foam mattresses.
If edge support is a major priority, consider:
- a hybrid mattress
- a premium foam bed with reinforced edges
Who Should Buy the Essential by Layla?
You should consider the Essential by Layla if:
✅ You want an affordable all-foam mattress
✅ You’re primarily a side sleeper
✅ You want better pressure relief on a budget
✅ You sleep with a partner and want motion isolation
✅ You want a simple mattress choice without overthinking it
Who Should Avoid It?
You should likely skip this mattress if:
❌ You weigh 230+ lbs and need extra support
❌ You’re a strict stomach sleeper
❌ You sleep extremely hot every night
❌ You want strong edge support
Essential by Layla vs Other Layla Mattresses
Essential by Layla
- more budget-friendly
- simple foam build
- good everyday comfort
Layla Memory Foam (flagship)
- flippable (2 firmness options)
- more premium build
- better versatility
If you want flexibility, choose the standard Layla.
If you want lowest price, choose the Essential.
✅ Essential by Layla Comparison Table
| Mattress | Best For | Type | Firmness (1-10) | Feel | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Trial | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential by Layla | Budget side sleepers + couples | All-foam | 5-6 | Cushioned foam comfort | Fair-Good | Very Good | Varies | Varies |
| Layla Memory Foam | Two firmness options | All-foam (flippable) | 4 & 7 | Classic foam hug | Fair-Good | Excellent | 120 nights | Lifetime |
| Casper Original | Simple all-foam comfort | All-foam | 5-6 | Balanced foam feel | Fair-Good | Very Good | 100 nights | 10 years |
| Lull Mattress | Budget foam feel | All-foam | 5-6 | Soft foam comfort | Fair | Very Good | 100 nights | 10 years |
FAQs: Essential by Layla
Is the Essential by Layla good for side sleepers?
Yes. The Essential model provides strong pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, making it a good budget-friendly mattress for side sleepers.
Does the Essential by Layla sleep hot?
It can sleep warmer than hybrids since it’s all-foam. Neutral sleepers will usually be fine, but very hot sleepers may prefer a hybrid.
Is Essential by Layla good for back pain?
It can be helpful for back pain if you’re an average-weight back sleeper and need a medium feel. If you need firmer lumbar support, a hybrid may be better.
How We Test Mattresses
Our reviews are based on consistent criteria including pressure relief, spinal alignment, motion isolation, cooling, and durability. We do not use any fancy gimmicks, proprietary scoring systems, or manufacturer-provided ratings.
→ Read our full mattress testing methodology
Final Verdict: Essential by Layla Review (2026)
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly foam mattress that offers comfortable pressure relief and solid motion isolation, the Essential by Layla is a great value pick—especially for side sleepers and couples.
✅ Best for: side sleepers, budget shoppers
⚠️ Not best for: heavy sleepers or strict stomach sleepers
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