Over the past five years, I have tested a wide range of mattresses professionally. However, my first experience with the Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress remains unforgettable. In fact, the Hybrid is our top pick in the best mattress guide. Even when I wasn’t testing other mattresses, I slept on it for a period of two years. Therefore, when Leesa offered to send me their new luxury hybrid mattress, the Legend, I was excited to give it a try.
Design and specifications
The Leesa Legend arrived at my doorstep in a large box. Although no unboxing directions were provided, the process was intuitive. I simply placed the mattress on my foundation, removed the first layer of plastic, and carefully cut through the second layer without causing any damage. The entire setup process took me approximately five minutes.
The Legend is heavier compared to most other mattresses, so having an extra pair of hands during unboxing, setup, and movement is beneficial. However, I appreciated that the mattress remained stable and did not flop around, making it easier to navigate and position within my testing area.
Review of the Leesa Legend Mattress
One of the reasons I admire Leesa as a brand is because they are a B Corp. This means they have been certified by a third-party for their socially and environmentally responsible practices. You can see this commitment reflected in the construction of the Leesa Legend mattress.
The Leesa Legend is a hybrid mattress made with CertiPUR-US-certified foams and pocket springs. The cover is constructed using Merino wool, organic cotton, and fiber sourced from recycled plastic bottles. The layers, from top to bottom, consist of a breathability-enhancing comfort foam layer with targeted pressure relief, pressure-relieving memory foam, a combination of micro-springs and foam to offer zoned support and pressure relief, and a durable base layer made of larger pocket springs for superior support, motion isolation, and longevity.
I had a great experience sleeping on the Leesa Legend mattress. For context, I am 6 feet tall and weigh 220 pounds. While I primarily sleep on my side, I occasionally wake up on my back or stomach. On the medium-firm Legend mattress, I found the most comfort on my side but also spent some time on my back.
Thanks to my involvement in roller derby for the past ten years, my body often experiences aches and pains. However, the impressive pressure point relief of the Leesa Legend mattress allowed me to sleep comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed with minimal discomfort.
As part of my testing process, I measure the surface temperature of each mattress using an infrared thermometer both immediately after waking up and two minutes later. This helps me assess how well the bed maintains coolness and dissipates heat. The Leesa Legend performed exceptionally well in this regard, as the surface temperature was consistently 14.7 degrees cooler two minutes after getting up. Despite my tendency to overheat on other mattresses, I felt cool throughout the nights I slept on the Legend.
The Leesa Legend provides a perfect balance of motion isolation and bounce. I evaluate motion isolation by dropping a bowling ball near a can placed on the bed. If the can falls over, it indicates poor motion isolation, while an upright can signifies excellent motion dampening. In my tests, the can remained upright each time.
However, when I placed a vibrometer on the opposite side of the mattress from where the ball was dropped, I obtained a relatively low reading. While this suggests that the motion isolation is average, it may not be sufficient for individuals who share a bed with someone who frequently moves during the night. Nonetheless, the Legend offers a level of bounce that couples may appreciate during intimate moments.
For more detailed information about my mattress testing process, please refer to our comprehensive best mattress guide.
Cons to consider
I found that the Leesa Legend mattress performed poorly in terms of edge support. The edge of the mattress sank more than average when I sat on it, and lying down at the edge made me feel like I might fall off.
With a weight of 119 pounds, the Legend is heavier than most mattresses and does not feature handles sewn to the sides. This makes it challenging to move around. If you don’t have assistance available during setup, it may be worth considering paying the additional $150 for white-glove delivery. This service also includes the removal of your old mattress and frame.
Due to its medium firmness, the Leesa Legend may not provide sufficient support for stomach sleepers who typically require a firmer mattress to ensure proper spine alignment.
Should you buy it?
With a price tag exceeding $2,000, the Leesa Legend is not an affordable option. However, when considering the quality and the fact that it comes with a 10-year warranty, I believe the price is justified. Comparable options within a similar price range include the Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress and Purple Hybrid Premier 3 Mattress.
The Casper Nova Hybrid is recommended for side sleepers in our mattress guide. It offers the same trial period and warranty as the Legend, excelling in heat dissipation. However, the Legend has a slightly firmer feel, making it a better choice for side sleepers who occasionally transition to their back or stomach. Additionally, couples are likely to appreciate the Legend’s superior motion isolation.
The Purple Hybrid Premier 3 outperformed the Legend in terms of maintaining a cool temperature. However, the Legend exhibited a more significant drop in temperature two minutes after getting up. Both mattresses offer the same level of firmness, warranty, and trial period. The Legend has better motion isolation, making it more desirable for couples. However, the Hybrid Premier 3 comes with free white-glove delivery, which can be a valuable perk if you require assistance during setup.
The bottom line
If you are still undecided about the Leesa Legend mattress, remember that it comes with a 100-night risk-free trial. This means you can return it if it does not meet your expectations. If you are a side sleeper who tends to overheat, it would be challenging to find a better mattress that offers a great balance of bounce and motion isolation.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable for side sleepers
- Outstanding heat dissipation
- Good balance of motion isolation and bounce
- Made with CertiPUR-US-certified foams and recycled water bottles
Cons:
- Poor edge support
- May not provide sufficient support for stomach sleepers
- Heavy
James Brains is Insider Reviews’ Senior Reporter specializing in sleep, HVAC, vacuums, and kitchen appliances. He has extensively tested over 70 mattresses from both startups and established brands, utilizing his background in experimental psychology to develop objective tests and evaluate comfort, support, motion transfer, and other factors. James is also responsible for our comprehensive guide to the best mattresses. He has deep expertise in testing air conditioners, air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, and other home appliances within the HVAC space. James strives to assist consumers in maximizing the value for their money by providing guidance on informed purchasing decisions. He resides in Lansing, Michigan with his wife, two children, a tabby cat, and a lively rat terrier.
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