Nolah Evolution 15" Detailed Mattress Review & Best Coupon

Daniel Galle and Anna Hjoellund founded Nolah Sleep in 2014 with the goal to bring high tech science to mattress development.  With the introduction of revolutionary sleep materials, Nolah quickly became one of the most sought after online mattresses.  

One key feature of Nolah mattresses  is the introduction of AirFoam.  The founders embarked on three-year-long research and development process that by the end, resulted in a new type of temperature neutral pressure relief foam. It’s a more comfortable foam that sleeps cooler, offer better pressure relief and durability than memory foam.  Since then, Nolah has added 5 new mattresses including a kids mattress.

In 2023, Nola joined the growing Z3 Brands family which includes world class brands such as Brooklyn Bedding, Helix Sleep and Birch.  They have earned a reputation not only for making the leading mattresses in the industry, but for quick delivery, superior customer support and one of the best trial and warranties in the industry.  Nolah joining the team seems like a perfect fit.

Before we dive into the Evolution’s 3 comfort modes, let’s have a look at 7 independent layers that make up the award winning Nolah Evolution 15″.

The Unique Cover

The Evolution begins with an organic cotton cover interwoven with cool-to-the-touch ArticTex fibers.  This cover is ultra breathable, highly wicking and hypoallergenic.    

Generally, our skin temperature is 91 degrees, however our ideal sleeping skin temperature is 88 degrees. The cooling ArticTex fibers activate when they come into contact with a temperature greater than 88 degrees.  Gel within the fibers absorbs heat, so you get that cool-to-the touch feeling.  When the temperature reaches 88 degrees, the gel solidifies to lessen the heat draw.  This helps the Evolution mattress regulate your skin temperature at the optimal level – making it very popular with hot sleepers.

Comfort Layer

Alright, there’s a lot of cooling tech in the comfort layer which sets Nolah apart from the rest of the field, so we’re going to lay it out as detailed as possible.  

2″ HTC Cooling Quilted Euro Topper: The Nolah is often described as “really comfy”.  A primary reason is the 2″ Quilted Euro Topper that greets you as soon as you lay down.  It gives a very comfortable huggy feel.  And, the HTC stands for High Thermal Conductivity, designed to draw heat away from the body.

2″ AirFoamICE: AirFoamICE is Nolah’s proprietery foam.  A massive upgrade over the original AirFoam that put Nolah on the map, this revolutionary material contains even more cooling properties and is infused with graphite for both thermal conductivity and a safe fire barrier.  AirFoamICE provides the cooling effects without losing pressure relief in the comfort layer.

AirBreathe Heat Escape Gusset: A gusset surrounds the AirFoamICE and Quilted Euro Top letting any excess heat quickly escape the mattress further keeping you cooler and drier.

2″ Deep and Supportive High Resilience Foam: Nolah’s High Resilience dynamic transition foam is a key component of both the comfort and support of the Evolution mattress.  Where the AirFoamICE layer brings you in, the transition foam is more responsive and adds support.  The dynamic nature of the foam allows it to spring back so you do not get an overly sinky feeling when lying on the mattress.  In addition, the foam is zoned to provide additional support where it counts, in the lumber and hip region.  The result is exceptional pressure relief that can help reduce joint and muscle pain. Additionally, the cooling gel infused within the transition foam pulls heat away from the body, keeping you cool all night long.  The open cell structure and overall design enables it to have higher water absorption and greater moisture wicking. This engineering allows moisture to be released from the mattress more quickly, also contributing to a cooler, more comfortable sleep.  You’ll have 2 inches of ultra comfortable transition foam on the Evolution.

1″ High Density Transition Foam: Finally, Nolah lays down a 1″ layer of highly durable transition foam.  Stronger and more durable than Latex, this creates a responsive and extra durable layer.

Support System

8″ HDMax Tri-Zone Coil System: Nolah Evolution’s support system employs individually encased 8” HDMax Tri-Zone coils directly underneath the transition layer.  These coils are individually wrapped to mitigate any motion transfer within the mattress.  This combination allows for exceptional reactivity and motion isolation, minimizing sleep disturbance.  Nolah divided the spring support system into 3 zones to enable greater support where it counts (especially the lumbar region).  Additionally, Nolah reinforces the edge with higher caliber perimeter coils to create greater edge support along the sides, head and foot of the bed.  The result?  A solid support system that will last for years  to come and everything you would expect from a luxury mattress.

Bottom Support Layer

Underneath the coil support system, Nolah lays .75 inches of highly resilient plant fiber increasing the overall stability and durability of the mattress.

Protecting it All

Encasing it all is a full height extra durable border fabric to help increase edge support.  And, four high grade handles to assist in rotation and transfer.  These are not decorative, the actually help you move the the mattress.  Finally, Nolah added a non-slip bottom to prevent any unnecessary movement of the mattress once it’s in place.

Tufting

Tufting is the process where the individual parts of the mattress are either sewn or glued together to prevent slippage.  In the Evolution’s case, Nolah chose top tufting where the top cover is sewn into the foam layers underneath.  The Evolution is not a perfectly flat bed; there are minor tufts on the top.  

Does the Nolah Evolution Sleep Cool?

YES!  We found Evolution to offer a cool, comfortable temperature control.  Being cool at night is all about being dry.  Evolution accomplishes this through the HTC cover, multiple gel layers and finally the breathability offered by the spring base:

1. The cover wicks away moisture and enables you to directly feel the cooling properties.
2. The AirFoamICE memory foam comfort layer pulls heat from the body (and doesn’t return it!)
3. As the mattress is a hybrid, air is able to flow and circulate in-between the coil system

Final result – Evolution will keep you cool and dry throughout the night allowing your body to get the rest it deserves.

How about Edge Support?

The Evolution offers very good edge support.  Nolahadded reinforced perimeter springs to strengthen the corners and edges.   The extra durable border fabric further keeps all the parts, reducing any sagging.  Even though the Evolution has several inches of memory foam comfort layer, you will be able to sleep comfortably all the way to the edge of the mattress without worry of “slipping off”!

Will the Nolah Evolution Stand the Test of Time?

Evolution is a very high quality mattress and  Nolah spends a tremendous amount of time stress testing the materials to get the most out of the springs and foam. The dense transition foam is more durable than regular gel-foams. The result?  A long lasting bed that can support well over 1,000lbs.  

The Evolution comes in 3 comfort styles so you may choose the perfect sleep system for your personal needs. 

No matter which style you choose, just by the traditional look of the Nolah Evolution, you know you’ll be sleeping on a luxurious yet very supportive mattress for many years to come.  As we’ve said before, in the luxury category, it is difficult to find more supportive or comfortable mattress – especially at this price point.  Because of the naturally supportive nature of the Evolution, there is a tight range between the plush and the firm that we’ll detail as we take a closer look at the different styles.

Evolution 15 Plush (5 on the firmness scale)

Exclusive side sleepers that like some sink in their mattress will love the Evolution Plush.  Generally, the more the sink, the warmer the experience.  However, with Evolution’s organic cover and ActiveFoamICE cooling layer and, you will have a cool comfortable sleep all night long.  Even with soft gels, the transition layer is quick responding, meaning it will go back to its original shape quickly as you move about.  But this bed is a hybrid and right away you feel the support of the coils keeping you upright with proper spinal alignment combined with cradling where it counts – in the hip and shoulder regions.  You will definitely feel more “in” the mattress as opposed to “on” it, but without sacrificing the support.  

 The sweet spot for weight is up to 235 lbs (especially for side sleepers).  Above that weight, you’ll start to lose the benefit of the pressure relief from the gel as your body rests more on the springs.  At that size, you might consider the Luxury Firm model as the comfort layer provides additional support and comfort relief.  

 On Sandman’s Firmness Scale, we rate Soft a 5 out of 10.

• Primarily designed for side sleepers.  Side/stomach or side/back sleepers might feel more support on the Luxury Firm.  
• The Evolution is all about cool and pressure relief.  Absolutely no overheating here which will keep you cool and dry all night long. 
• Edge support is very good – soft yet responsive foam is reinforced by stronger springs around the perimeter.  

Evolution Luxury Firm (6 on the firmness scale)

The Evolution Luxury Firm is a true Multi Sleeper designed to support all sleeping styles, side, stomach, back and any combination therein.  As soon as you lay on the luxury firm, you feel the silky texture of the cover and the comfort of the quilted euro top You’ll be more on-top of the mattress as opposed to sinking “in” the mattress.  And, the dynamic nature of the foams will respond quickly as you move filling to their original form.  You won’t have that “stuck-in-the-sand” feeling of many memory foam mattresses.  

Almost immediately you will feel the support of the zoned transition foam on your lumbar and the coil system begins to push back and cradle your body.  You will feel pressure relief, but you do not sacrifice the support that you need to keep spinal alignment.  

The sweet spot for weight is up to 250lbs.  Above that weight, you’ll start to lose the benefit of the pressure relief from the gel as your body rests more on the springs.  At that size, you might consider the Firm model as the comfort layer provides additional support and comfort relief. Finally, no matter your sleeping style, this bed will keep you cool and dry and the price is worth every penny.

• On Sandman’s Firmness Scale, we rate Medium a 6 out of 10.
• This is a Multi-Sleeper, designed for all sleeping styles.   
• Cool, and dry all night long. . 
• Edge support is very good – soft yet responsive foam is reinforced by stronger springs around the perimeter.  

Evolution Firm (7 on the firmness scale)

It’s hard to believe that 7 inches of foam can produce a firm bed, but Nolah made it happen with the Evolution.  And, still keeping with the ultra luxury feel!  The Evolution still offers the contouring of the copper foam, but  Nolah reinforced the foams with greater density before the spring layer.  The firm is made for average sized stomach and back sleepers in mind.  Average sized side sleepers may get away with side sleeping it but you’ll lose the softer luxury feel that’s in the soft and medium versions.  Larger side sleepers will enjoy the support.  You will definitely not sink as much as you sleep “on top” of this mattress.  The bed still packs in all of the same cooling features as the plush and luxury firm so you will sleep cool and dry throughout the night.  If you do end up on your side, you won’t have as much pressure relief.  You will, however, have the same cooling factors and of course support. 

• On Sandman’s Firmness Scale, we rate Firmer a 7.0 out of 10.
• Stomach and back sleepers will get the most benefit out of the Firm version.  Any side sleepers will also benefit but should look more toward the Medium. 
• The firm comfort layer provides very little sink, but even so, the superior cooling technology design will keep you cool and dry all night long. 
• Edge support is very good – the firm AirFoamICE, euro top dense transition layer and springs will enable you to get the full benefit of the mattress all the way out to the edge.

All Evolution  comfort levels have very good motion isolation – it’s everything you would expect from a luxury mattress.  Simply put, you will rarely feel your partner move at night.  Whether they are a toss and turner, an early riser or using the facilities, it’s not the bed that will wake you.  However, there are slight differences among the styles due to their construction.  Plush and Luxury Firm will have the least amount of motion transfer because gel foam by its very nature does not transfer motion.  It absorbs energy.  Any motion might come from the springs below, but the pocket coil system separates the springs further isolating any motion transfer.  The Firm has a higher density comfort foam which is more responsive.  However, to counter the additional motion possibility, Evolution uses the transition gel foam to provide the extra absorption, mitigating motion transfer as much as possible.  If you need total motion isolation, then look more towards the all foam luxury mattresses such as the Nolah Signature.  However, the design and attention to detail of the luxury Evolution gets it very close to no motion.

All Nolah mattresses come in a box. It’s crazy to think that a king size Evolution 15″ model with powerful springs and dense foams can be compressed, but it can.  And, with no sacrifice to quality and durability.  Some people ask if compressing the springs will hurt their integrity.  Nothing could be farther from the  truth.  Springs are actually shipped compressed all over the world (to conserve space).  The springs integrity is damaged if they are pulled excessively or bent out of position.  But, the way Nolah compresses its mattresses, they keep their shape and strength.  The box arrives via Fedex from their Phoenix, AZ factory.  Simply unbox the mattress.  Rest it on the bed frame and remove the plastic wrapping and the bed will decompress before your eyes.  You can begin sleeping on the bed and enjoying a restful night sleep that same day.

Nolah offers a 120 night trial period.  You may either return it for a 100% refund, or exchange it for a different mattress and pay/refund any price difference.  Here’s how the system works:

1. The trial begins when you RECEIVE the mattress (the FedEx delivery day).
2. You can sleep on it for 120 nights.  As there can be a slight break-in period, Nolah asks that you not initiate a return during the first 30 days.  
3. If it’s not the mattress of your dreams, reach out Nolah at [email protected], or chat (on their website), provide your name and order number and let them know if you wish to RETURN or EXCHANGE.  Either way, there are no questions asked!
4. Returns: In most cases, Nolah will request that you have the mattress donated. Many of the charity foundations that are available offer a local pickup service. In the event that you are having trouble getting this coordinated, please let Nolah know and they will offer additional assistance. Once donated, you will receive a full refund.  If you are having trouble, reach out to Nolah and they will be happy to assist.
5. Full 100% refunds (no fees!!) are issued within 3-4 business days of the pick-up. 
6. Exchanges: For an exchange, Nolah will send the new mattress to your home BEFORE the old one is removed so you’ll never be without a bed to sleep on. 

Nolah doesn’t stop there!  After the trial period ends, Nolah offers a Lifetime warranty.

Yes, Nolah offers financing through Affirm.  Pay as low as 0% for 12-24 months with Affirm.  Click here to see if you qualify.

Nolah has 14 showrooms located in the Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ area.   However, if you are in the Chicago or Columbus OH area, please visit to test out the Evolution 15″.  We’ll (we’ll even help get it ordered for you!)