Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence Mattress Review

Serta mattresses have long been associated with accessibility and a broad range of options, catering to different sleep preferences and budgets. Their focus is on producing mattresses that balance affordability with basic features like pressure relief, motion isolation, and edge support. However, many of their offerings lack the luxury feel or longevity of more premium brands, leaving room for improvement.

The Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence mattress aims to provide enhanced comfort through zoned support and cooling features. Its coil system and foam layers are designed to adapt to different sleeping positions while offering moderate contouring. Despite its promising specifications, the mattress falls short of delivering the premium experience its price tag suggests.

In this article, we will go through:

• Pros and Cons
• Who we recommend this mattress for
• Unboxing Experience
• Firmness, Feel, and Comfort
• Mattress Layers
• Warranty and Return Policies
• FAQs
• Final Verdict

Note: We are reviewing the firm version of the mattress.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence Overview

Pros

• Zoned Support System: The mattress features an 825-coil density system with three zones aimed at providing extra lumbar and hip support, though its effectiveness varies based on body type.
• Cooling Cover: Includes a cooling cover to help regulate temperature, which performs decently for average sleepers.
• Motion Isolation: The individually wrapped coils limit motion transfer effectively, making it a reasonable option for couples who are light sleepers.
• Multiple Firmness Options: Offers multiple firmness levels to cater to different sleep positions, although the actual feel may not meet expectations.

Cons

• Poor Offgassing Experience: The mattress emits a strong chemical smell upon unboxing, taking days to dissipate, which can be off-putting for sensitive users.
• Inconsistent Comfort: Despite the various firmness options, many users report discomfort or a lack of proper contouring over time.
• Limited Cooling Efficiency: While the cover helps, the mattress lacks advanced cooling technologies, making it less suitable for hot sleepers.
• Durability Concerns: The foam layers and coil system may degrade faster than expected, leading to reduced support and sagging.
• Expensive for Features Offered: The price point feels high compared to competitors offering similar or better features at a lower cost.

Who we Recommend the Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence for

• Couples Looking for Motion Isolation: The individually wrapped coil system minimizes motion transfer, making this mattress a reasonable choice for couples where one partner moves frequently during the night.
• Stomach Sleepers Preferring Firm Surfaces: Stomach sleepers may appreciate the rigid support provided by the Extra Firm option, which helps maintain proper spinal alignment and prevents hips from sinking too deeply.
• Buyers Needing Multiple Firmness Options: Those uncertain about their firmness preference might find value in the four firmness levels, though the comfort and performance of each option still leave room for improvement.
• People Who Don’t Sleep Hot: While the cooling cover provides some relief, hot sleepers or those in warm climates may need additional cooling solutions as the mattress struggles with long-term temperature regulation.

Unboxing the Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence

The Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence mattress arrives compressed and neatly packed in a large box, making delivery and setup relatively straightforward compared to traditional mattresses. The compressed packaging ensures that it can easily fit through standard doorways and hallways, and while the box is manageable for two people, its weight might make it challenging for a single person to handle.

Once removed from the box, the mattress expands quickly to its full size, usually within a few hours, though it is recommended to wait 24–48 hours for it to fully regain its shape and firmness, particularly along the edges.

While the unboxing process itself is convenient, the strong off-gassing odor immediately noticeable upon opening is a significant drawback. This chemical smell, typical of compressed mattresses with synthetic materials, can be overwhelming, especially in smaller spaces. Even with proper ventilation—such as opening windows and using fans—the odor tends to linger for several days, which can be bothersome for those sensitive to smells. While not harmful, the strong off-gassing detracts from the overall unboxing experience.

Firmness, Feel, and Comfort For Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence

Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence Firmness

The Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence mattress offers four firmness options: Extra Firm, Firm, Medium Pillow Top, and Plush.

The Extra Firm option scores around 8.5/10 on the firmness scale, catering to stomach sleepers who prefer a rigid surface.

The Firm version ranks around 7.5/10, providing solid support for back sleepers, while the Medium Pillow Top scores about 6.5/10, balancing assistance and cushioning for combination sleepers.

The Plush model, with a rating of 5.5/10, provides a higher level of softness, potentially appealing to side sleepers, but it does not possess the durability of premium plush mattresses.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence Feel

The feel of the Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence mattress in the Firm version is rigid and sturdy, with little give. The surface delivers a consistent level of support across the entire mattress, creating a flat and stable sleep experience. Back and stomach sleepers may appreciate the firm feel, as it helps maintain proper spinal alignment and prevents excessive sinking.

However, side sleepers or those looking for a softer, more contouring sensation may find the mattress too unforgiving, especially around pressure points like the shoulders and hips. While the coil support system contributes to a firm and reliable base, the mattress lacks the adaptive comfort or plush luxury feel that higher-end products offer. Overall, the Firm version prioritizes durability and support over softness, making it better suited for sleepers who prefer a firmer sleep surface.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence Comfort

Comfort varies based on sleeping position and body type, which is why we tested the mattress on different sleepers and sleeping positions.

The comfort of the Firm version of the Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence mattress is acceptable for those who prioritize solid support. The firmness prevents excessive sinking, helping to keep the spine aligned for back and stomach sleepers. While this version includes the optional QuiltLoft™ Memory Foam upgrade, which adds a layer of contouring for moderate pressure relief, the overall feel remains rigid and supportive rather than plush.

For side sleepers, the Firm version may fall short as it lacks the deep cushioning required to alleviate pressure around the shoulders and hips. Those looking for a softer, more adaptive experience might prefer the Plush or Medium Pillow Top options, which offer enhanced cushioning and comfort for lighter sleepers. However, even with the QuiltLoft™ Memory Foam, the mattress does not rival higher-end models with advanced contouring or zoned support systems, leaving the comfort underwhelming for those with specific pressure-relief needs.

Here's a summary of how the mattress performs across different sleeper types:

Constructions, Materials, and Design

Materials and Design

The mattress combines a mix of foam layers and an 825-coil density system to provide targeted support and pressure relief. Its cooling cover and optional QuiltLoft™ Memory Foam are designed to enhance airflow and comfort. While these materials sound promising, the mattress falls short of feeling truly luxurious or durable, especially when compared to higher-end competitors.

Layers

1. Cooling Cover: Made with a cool-to-the-touch fabric to enhance temperature regulation and keep the surface comfortable.
2. Zoned Comfort: Features a gel foam lumbar support band, providing targeted support for the lower back.
3. Contouring Pressure Relief: Includes the QuiltLoft™ Memory Foam layer, which contours your body for added comfort and reduced pressure points.
4. Consistent Support: Built with an 825-coil density system that ensures durable, cradling support while minimizing motion transfer.

Performance of Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence

Cooling

The cooling performance of this mattress was evaluated using a heat retention test. We lay on the mattress for 20 minutes while monitoring how much heat it retained. During the test, we observed that the mattress had average temperature regulation, with body heat gradually building up in areas of prolonged contact.

While the top foam layer offered some breathability, the lack of advanced cooling technologies like gel-infused foam or phase-change materials was apparent. This made it less effective for hot sleepers or those in warm climates.

Based on these results, we rated the mattress a 3/5 for cooling, as it may suffice for average temperature regulation but underwhelms in environments requiring superior cooling.

Responsiveness

To measure responsiveness, we conducted a test by placing a 20-pound ball on the mattress, waiting for it to settle, and then removing it to time how quickly the mattress returned to its original shape.

The mattress took approximately 1.2 seconds to recover, indicating below-average responsiveness. While the foam layers contour to your body, the slower recovery time may pose challenges for combination sleepers who frequently change positions during the night.

Additionally, the encased coil system contributed to some degree of bounce, but it was minimal compared to more premium hybrid mattresses.

We scored the mattress a 3/5 for responsiveness, as it felt sluggish for active sleepers.

Motion Isolation

To evaluate motion isolation, we used two tests. First, we placed a glass of water on one side of the mattress and dropped a 20-pound ball on the opposite side.

The water in the glass remained stable with only minimal rippling, indicating that the foam layers and encased coils effectively dampened motion transfer.

In the second test, one reviewer rolled around on one side of the bed while the other lay still. The still sleeper reported feeling faint vibrations, suggesting that the motion isolation was satisfactory but not perfect.

Based on these findings, we gave the mattress a 4/5 for motion isolation, making it adequate for couples or light sleepers.

Edge Support

Edge support was tested in two ways. First, we applied firm hand pressure to the mattress edges to measure counterpressure. The foam perimeter compressed noticeably under pressure, showing limited resistance.

In the second test, we sat on the edges of the mattress to assess how much sinkage occurred. The edges sank significantly, and we felt a lack of support when sitting, which might lead to a "roll-off" sensation for edge sleepers. The encased coils provided some stability but were not reinforced enough to maintain edge integrity under consistent use.

For better edge support, we would recommend the Layla Hybrid Mattress.

We rated the mattress a 2.8/5 for edge support, as it performed poorly compared to mattresses with reinforced edges.

Noise

To assess noise levels, we dropped a 20-pound ball onto the mattress and used sensitive microphones to detect any creaks or squeaks. The mattress performed well, producing no discernible noise during the test.

Its foam layers and encased coil system ensured a silent sleep surface, even during movements. This noise-free experience makes it particularly suited for couples and light sleepers who are easily disturbed by sound.

We rated the mattress a 4/5 for noise, as it delivered a consistently quiet performance.

Sex

When evaluating the mattress for intimate activities, we considered factors like bounce, edge support, noise, and responsiveness. The mattress offered minimal bounce due to its slower response time and foam-heavy construction, which may hinder ease of movement.

The poor edge support also made using the full surface area of the mattress less stable. On the positive side, the silent performance of the mattress was a notable advantage for privacy.

Overall, we scored the mattress a 3/5 for sex performance, as its lack of bounce and weak edge support detracted from its usability in this regard.

Pressure Relief

To evaluate the pressure relief capabilities of the mattress, we used a pressure-mapping tool to identify weight distribution across various sleeping positions. The pressure map displayed the following color patterns:

• Back Sleepers: Predominantly green and blue zones were observed across the lower back and hips, indicating balanced support and minimal pressure buildup. This suggests that back sleepers would experience adequate spinal alignment and comfort. However, heavier individuals might notice yellow and orange areas in the mid-back, indicating some additional pressure.
• Side Sleepers: The map revealed a significant presence of orange and red zones around the shoulders and hips, indicating high-pressure points. This suggests that the mattress lacks the contouring necessary to relieve pressure in these areas. For side sleepers, especially lightweight individuals, this could lead to discomfort and pain after prolonged use.
• Stomach Sleepers: Green and blue zones appeared around the abdomen and hips on the pressure map, indicating even weight distribution and minimal pressure buildup in these regions. The firm surface of the mattress provides adequate support, helping to maintain proper spinal alignment for stomach sleepers. However, heavier individuals may still experience slight sinking over time due to the lack of enhanced zoned support in the midsection.

The firmness of the mattress contributes to its performance, favoring back and stomach sleepers over side sleepers, who are more likely to experience discomfort due to insufficient pressure relief. For heavier sleepers, we would recommend the Leesa Plus Mattress.

Based on these findings, we rated the mattress a 3.2/5 for pressure relief, as it struggles to meet the needs of side sleepers while performing adequately for back and stomach sleepers.

Serta Warranty and Company Policies

Warranty

The mattress comes with a 10-year limited warranty, covering defects in manufacturing and workmanship. However, it does not cover regular wear and tear or improper use. This is a standard policy, providing some assurance for long-term durability but falling short of more comprehensive warranties offered by premium brands.

Trial

The mattress includes a 120-night trial period, allowing customers to test it at home. While this may seem generous, some competing brands offer longer trial periods of up to 120 or 365 nights. Serta recommends sleeping on the mattress for at least 30 days to allow for proper adjustment before initiating a return.

Returns

Returns are covered during the trial period, with free returns provided if the mattress is purchased directly from Serta's official website. Returns outside this policy or through third-party retailers may incur fees or additional terms.

Shipping

Shipping is free within the continental U.S, with most orders delivered within 2-4 weeks. Customers can choose between threshold delivery (to the door) or an optional White Glove Delivery service for an additional fee, which includes in-home setup and removal of the old mattress. Currently, Serta does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.

Pricing

The Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence is sold as a premium mattress, with prices varying based on size and model:

Although this mattress offers sufficient support and motion isolation, its lack of cooling and pressure relief capabilities may not satisfy the requirements of hot sleepers or side sleepers seeking maximum comfort. Additionally, its performance does not fully justify the price, especially when compared to competitors offering more advanced features at a similar cost.

Policies Overview

FAQs about Serta Perfect Sleeper Sleep Excellence

What materials are used in this mattress?

The mattress is constructed with a combination of high-density foam layers, an 825-coil density support system, and a cooling cover. Premium models include QuiltLoft™ Memory Foam for added contouring and gel-infused foam for better temperature regulation.

How often should I rotate this mattress?

To maintain its shape and prolong its lifespan, it is recommended to rotate the mattress head-to-foot every 3-6 months. This practice helps prevent uneven wear, particularly in areas that experience concentrated pressure.

How does this mattress perform for couples?

This mattress offers excellent motion isolation, making it suitable for couples who are light sleepers and sensitive to movement. However, its edge support is less reliable, and cooling performance may not fully meet the needs of partners who sleep hot or require full edge stability.

Is this mattress CertiPUR-US certified?

Yes, the mattress is CertiPUR-US certified. This certification guarantees that the foam is free from harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, and ozone-depleting substances, ensuring a safer sleeping environment.