DLX Essential Mattress Review: Is This Very Firm Two-Sided Mattress Worth It?

The DLX Essential is a firm mattress made in America for people who want strong support without paying luxury-mattress prices.

Its firm, stable surface may suit back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and heavier sleepers who need stronger resistance under the hips and midsection, with less sink than a plush pillow-top or memory foam mattress.

DLX positions the Essential as its entry-level model, making it a lower-priced choice for shoppers who prefer a flatter sleep surface with minimal cushioning and a more traditional mattress feel.

Disclosure: This analysis is based on DLX’s published specifications and policies, owner feedback, and independent research. This article is reader-supported and contains affiliate links. See our disclosure page for more information.

DLX Essential Specs and Construction

Spec	DLX Essential
Type	Two-sided pocket coil mattress
Height	Approximately 10 inches
Firmness	Firm, rated 7 to 8 out of 10 by DLX
Coil system	8-inch pocketed coils, at least 789 in a queen, unzoned
Edge support	Two rows of narrower-diameter perimeter coils
Foam on each side	0.75-inch LoftAdapt foam plus 0.75-inch comfort foam
Foam density	1.8 lbs per cubic foot
Cover	Stretch knit fabric with Airsoft viscose fiber batting
Made in	Jamestown, New York, USA

The Essential is DLX’s entry-level two-sided mattress. Unlike most mattresses sold in a box, it has fabric, fiber batting, and two foam layers on both sides of the coil unit.

Because the mattress is two-sided, the construction mirrors itself around the 8-inch pocket coil unit.

Each sleeping surface has 0.75 inch of comfort foam, 0.75 inch of LoftAdapt foam, Airsoft viscose fiber batting, and stretch knit fabric.

DLX uses at least 789 individually pocketed coils in a queen, although coil counts vary by size. The unit is unzoned, so there are no separate shoulder, lumbar, or hip sections. This should create a more uniform feel from head to foot, but side sleepers won’t get a softer shoulder zone to increase sink in that area.

The perimeter contains two rows of narrower-diameter coils. This is intended to reinforce the sides, although the edge sinkage of the current two-sided model has not been independently measured for this review.

DLX states that its mattresses are fiberglass-free and that it uses CertiPUR-US-certified polyurethane foam. CertiPUR-US certification applies to the foam rather than the entire mattress and covers standards for content, emissions, and durability.

>> See full details of the DLX Essential Mattress

What the 10-Inch Profile Means for Your Bed Frame

At approximately 10 inches tall, the Essential has a lower profile than many pillow-top hybrids. Most standard fitted sheets should accommodate it without requiring deep pockets.

Much of that height comes from the 8-inch coil unit, while the comfort layers remain thin. Your bed frame therefore has a large influence on the final bed height. A tall foundation may still place the sleeping surface higher than expected, despite the mattress’s relatively slim profile.

Who Makes the DLX Essential?

DLX mattresses are made in Jamestown, New York, by the company behind Jamestown Mattress. The factory’s history dates to 1886, when the W. I. Blystone Mattress Company was established.

The Pullan family took over the business in 1981 and renamed it Jamestown Mattress. Members of the family remain involved, and DLX mattresses continue to be made in New York rather than imported as finished products.

How Firm Is the DLX Essential Mattress?

DLX rates the Essential between 7 and 8 out of 10, with 10 representing the firmest possible feel. This places it in the firm range, although the exact feel will depend on body weight, sleeping position, and the foundation underneath it.

The mattress has only 1.5 inches of foam between the sleeper and the coils on either side. Based on that construction, it should feel flatter and less contouring than a hybrid with a 3- or 4-inch comfort system.

For context, DLX labels a 2 as Soft, 4 as Medium, 6 as Medium-Firm, and 8 as Firm on its current Premier Hybrid scale. The Essential’s 7-to-8 rating therefore places it close to DLX’s Firm option. Mattress brands do not all calibrate their firmness scales in the same way.

What the Firm Construction Is Likely to Feel Like

The Essential should keep sleepers closer to the top of the mattress instead of allowing a deep cradle. The pocket coils will still compress under weight, but there is less foam available to absorb the body before it reaches the support unit.

That feel may suit someone replacing a soft mattress that allows the pelvis to sink too far. Back and stomach sleepers often need firmer resistance through the hips and abdomen, although firmness alone cannot guarantee comfortable spinal alignment or relieve back pain.

How Body Weight May Affect the Feel

The same mattress can feel firmer or softer depending on how much force compresses its comfort layers.

• Under 130 lbs: The thin foam layers may compress very little, so the surface could feel especially hard around the shoulders and hips.
• 130 to 230 lbs: Back and stomach sleepers are more likely to feel some initial cushioning while still receiving strong resistance from the coil unit.
• Over 230 lbs: The comfort layers should compress more easily, but suitability still depends on sleep position and whether the sleeper prefers a firm surface.

>> Check Current Pricing of the DLX Essential

DLX Essential Performance Assessment

The following assessment is based on the current mattress’s materials and design. These are not hands-on test results, so they should be treated as likely performance rather than measured outcomes.

Back and Stomach Sleeper Support

The Essential appears best suited to back and stomach sleepers who prefer a firm bed. Its shallow comfort system should limit how far the pelvis drops before the coils begin providing resistance.

Stomach sleepers often need this support because excessive hip sink can curve the lower back. Back sleepers who dislike the hammock-like feel of soft foam may also prefer the Essential’s more level surface.

Body shape still affects alignment. A firm mattress can leave too much space beneath the lumbar area for some back sleepers, while others may find that the thin quilting provides enough surface cushioning.

Side Sleepers and Pressure Relief

Side sleepers place concentrated pressure on the shoulders and hips. Since the Essential has only 1.5 inches of foam per side, it is unlikely to offer the same pressure relief as the deeper comfort system in the DLX Premier Hybrid.

This is most relevant for side sleepers under 150 lbs, who may not compress the surface enough to create room for the shoulder and hip. A topper can make a mattress feel softer, but choosing one with the right amount of cushioning from the start is usually more reliable.

Edge Support for Couples

DLX reinforces the perimeter with two rows of narrower-diameter coils. Combined with the overall firm build, this should reduce edge compression compared with an otherwise similar mattress without perimeter reinforcement.

Stronger sides can help couples use more of the mattress width and may make sitting down or standing up easier.

Motion Isolation for Couples

Pocketed coils can limit motion better than a connected innerspring unit because each spring responds more independently. However, the Essential has little foam to absorb movement and is expected to feel responsive.

Couples may therefore notice less transfer than on a traditional interconnected spring mattress, but more than on a thick memory foam mattress. Light sleepers who wake easily when a partner changes position may prefer a model with a deeper foam comfort system.

Does the DLX Essential Sleep Hot?

The Essential’s construction is favorable for airflow. Its coil core leaves open space inside the mattress, and only 1.5 inches of foam separates the sleeper from the springs on either side.

This should feel less insulating than a mattress with several inches of slow-moving memory foam. It does not guarantee a cool night, since room temperature, bedding, mattress protectors, and individual heat sensitivity also affect sleep temperature.

Ease of Movement

The pocket coils and shallow foam layers should respond quickly when the sleeper changes position. There is little material available to create the slow, enveloping sensation associated with memory foam.

That responsiveness may suit combination sleepers who move between their back and stomach. Those who want a close contour around the body are less likely to enjoy it.

What DLX Essential Owners Report

Feedback published on DLX’s website supports the brand’s description of a firm mattress with little sink. Positive reviews on the site mention the stable surface, firm edges, flippable design, and lack of a deep foam cradle.

The negative feedback is equally useful. Some owners found it firmer than expected, and a lighter side sleeper reported discomfort even after adding a topper. Another owner described it as less firm than expected, which shows how subjective mattress firmness remains.

These reviews are hosted by DLX and are not a substitute for independent testing. They do, however, reinforce the need to choose the Essential because you already want a firm bed, rather than hoping it will soften into a medium feel.

>> Read the reviews on DLX’s official website

How Long Does the DLX Essential Last? The Two-Sided Advantage

No precise lifespan can be promised without long-term testing. Body weight, foundation support, moisture, care, and how often the mattress is used all affect when it begins to feel softer or develops impressions.

The two-sided design gives the Essential one useful durability feature: both surfaces can be used for sleeping. Alternating between them changes where nightly pressure lands, which may help the foam wear more evenly.

DLX recommends alternating between flipping and rotating the mattress every three months, or around the change of each season. A rotation turns the mattress 180 degrees from head to foot, while a flip exposes the opposite sleeping surface.

DLX Essential vs. DLX Classic vs. Premier Hybrid

The Essential is the lowest-priced and least cushioned route into the DLX range. The other models add comfort options or deeper pressure relief. Here is how they compare:

Model	Construction	Firmness options	Best suited to
DLX Essential	8″ or 10″ two-sided hybrid	Firm, rated 7 to 8	Back and stomach sleepers who want little sink
DLX Classic	12″ two-sided pocket coil mattress	Soft, Medium, Firm	Sleepers who want a flippable mattress with more cushioning
DLX Premier Hybrid	12″ to 14″ customizable hybrid	Soft, Medium, Medium-Firm, Firm	Side sleepers and those who want deeper cushioning
DLX LatexLux Hybrid	12- or 14-inch customizable latex hybrid	Soft, Medium, Firm	Sleepers who want responsive latex cushioning

Choose the DLX Essential if the lowest price and firmest, flattest feel are your priorities.

The DLX Classic retains a two-sided design but adds more cushioning and three firmness choices. It’s the closer alternative for someone who likes the Essential’s flippable construction but doesn’t want such a firm surface.

The DLX Premier Hybrid has a zippered cover and an interchangeable 3-inch comfort layer. It offers more room for the shoulders and hips to settle, making it the stronger option for most side sleepers.

DLX Essential Trial, Warranty, and Delivery

DLX gives you a 120-night sleep trial with the Essential. The trial begins on the delivery date, and the company asks customers to sleep on the mattress for at least 30 nights before requesting a refund.

DLX does not collect opened mattresses. If a comfort solution cannot be found, you must remove the requested mattress tags and provide proof of donation before the refund is processed. The mattress must remain clean and undamaged, and the trial is limited to one refund per household.

The Essential normally ships by FedEx within 7 to 10 days. Standard shipping is free within the contiguous 48 states, while noncontiguous locations are excluded from that free-shipping policy.

The Honest Lifetime Limited Warranty covers qualifying defects, primarily indentations greater than 1.5 inches that are not caused by misuse or improper support. During the first ten years, DLX will repair or replace a defective mattress, although the owner remains responsible for transportation or disposal costs.

The separate Lifetime Comfort Assurance program allows the original owner to buy a replacement of the same type, size, and style for 50% of the current retail price. Promotional prices and discount codes do not apply, and transportation costs remain the owner’s responsibility.

Policies can change, so confirm the current trial and warranty terms on DLX’s website before ordering.

DLX Essential Price and Value

The DLX Essential starts at approximately $599.99 at the time of writing, with prices increasing by size. Promotions change, so the amount shown when you buy may differ.

Its value comes from the current materials rather than an assumed lifespan. The Essential provides 1.8 lb foam on both sides, a pocket coil unit with reinforced edges, and a flippable build at a price that overlaps with many one-sided mattresses.

That combination is most persuasive for someone who already likes a firm mattress. A side sleeper who immediately needs a thick topper may be better served by putting that additional cost toward the Classic or Premier Hybrid.

Who the DLX Essential Mattress Is Best For

The Essential works best for sleepers who already know they prefer firm support with limited contouring.

It may suit you if you:

• Sleep mainly on your back or stomach and want less sink beneath the hips
• Prefer a firm, responsive surface instead of a deep foam cradle
• Tend to feel warm in mattresses with thick foam comfort systems
• Want reinforced perimeter coils for sitting or sleeping near the edge
• Want a two-sided mattress that can be flipped to distribute wear

A different DLX model may suit you better if you:

• Sleep mainly on your side, particularly if you weigh under 150 lbs
• Prefer a pillow top or deeper contouring around the body
• Are highly sensitive to a partner’s movement
• Want a medium or soft mattress rather than a firm one

Side sleepers place more pressure on the shoulders and hips, so the Essential’s very firm surface can feel too rigid in those areas.

Back and stomach sleepers spread more of their weight across the torso, which allows the mattress’s flatter surface and firm coil support to keep the midsection from sinking as deeply.

Final Verdict on the DLX Essential

The Essential is built for a fairly specific sleeper. Side sleepers under 150 lbs will likely get better pressure relief from the DLX Premier Hybrid, or from the Essential paired with a topper.

For back and stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress, the Essential’s construction is a stronger match. The queen uses at least 789 pocketed coils, with two rows of narrower support coils around the perimeter and 1.8 lb foam on both sides of the same unzoned coil system.

If you want a firm mattress made in the US with little expected sink, an airflow-friendly coil core, and two usable sleep surfaces, the Essential provides those features at the lowest price in the DLX range. Its focused design gives firm-bed sleepers a supportive, flippable option without paying for cushioning they do not want.

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DLX Essential Mattress FAQs

Can the DLX Essential Help With Back Pain?

The Essential may feel more supportive to back and stomach sleepers whose current mattress allows their hips to sink too deeply. Its firm surface and shallow comfort system should keep the pelvis closer to the top of the mattress.

A firm mattress does not relieve every type of back pain, and the hardest mattress is not automatically the best choice. Pain related to arthritis, injury, pressure sensitivity, or another medical condition should be discussed with a doctor or physical therapist.

Does the DLX Essential Come in a Box?

Yes. The Essential is compressed, boxed, and normally shipped by FedEx within 7 to 10 days. DLX recommends letting the uncovered mattress breathe for several hours after unboxing.

The company uses CertiPUR-US-certified polyurethane foam and states that its mattresses do not contain fiberglass.

Does the DLX Essential Work on an Adjustable Base?

Yes. DLX states that its mattresses are compatible with adjustable bases. The Essential can also be placed on a suitable platform, foundation, or supportive bed frame.

DLX does not publish a specific maximum slat spacing for the Essential on its current product page. The base should provide even support, prevent the mattress from bowing between slats, and allow ventilation. Contact DLX before buying if your existing frame has widely spaced slats or unusual support requirements.

Does the DLX Essential Contain Fiberglass?

DLX states that its mattresses are fiberglass-free. It also uses CertiPUR-US-certified polyurethane foam, which is tested against program standards for content, emissions, and durability.

CertiPUR-US certification applies to the foam rather than every component in the finished mattress. Material specifications can change, so check DLX’s current product information if fiberglass avoidance is a deciding factor.

Is the DLX Essential Suitable for Heavier Sleepers?

The Essential may suit heavier back and stomach sleepers who prefer a firm mattress, since its thin comfort layers limit deep sink before the pocket coils provide resistance.

It should not be treated as the best option for every sleeper over 230 lbs. Heavier side sleepers may still need more cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while individual support needs depend on weight distribution, body shape, and bed-frame support.

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Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Mattress comfort, firmness, support, and pain relief vary by body type, sleep position, health conditions, and personal preference. Product specifications, prices, promotions, warranties, shipping terms, trial periods, and return policies were accurate at the time of writing but may change. Always confirm current details with DLX before purchasing.