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Today MOLECULE mattresses are widely known for their Air Engineered™ technology. But in 2018, Tom Brady, the super bowl champion, was announced as the brand ambassador for MOLECULE products. We knew there will be some pleasant surprises in the MOLECULE mattress review.
In 2020, when the company revamped its Molecule 2 AirTec with Microban, we decided to review and compare both mattresses again. So make sure you are not reading any outdated reviews if you are planning to buy a Molecule.
The other star athletes who are endorsing molecule are Alex Morgan, Russel Wilson, and Nastia Liukin. And the latest one to join the team in August 2020 is none other than Michael Phelps.
Do we get influenced in our reviewing process by stars associated with the brand? Not really!
This is an unbiased review with no direct or indirect involvement of MOLECULE in any way. Time to get into the details of both the mattresses by Molecule.
Let us look into if we can find anything that makes this bed noticeable and stand out against other mattresses.
In this article, we will verify features and share the results of the engineering claims by the brand. Let us begin with the key takeaways.
Key Highlights
Pros
Cons
Overview
Molecule offers two variants of mattresses based on firmness viz. Molecule 1 (M1) and Molecule 2 (M2). Molecule 2 is an enhanced and pricier version of Molecule 1. MOLECULE 3 (M3) is in production and is expected to be launched in 2021.
Both mattresses come with the Air Engineered™ technology. Mattresses are engineered so that you get a balanced sleep and recovery. The materials and processes used help in better transfer of heat from the body which helps in restorative sleep.
The mattress is scientifically designed to ease the slow-wave sleep stage of the sleep cycle. This stage of sleep is majorly responsible for body recovery.
It comes with CertiPUR-US® certification and is shipped free of cost anywhere in the US. They do charge for shipping to Alaska and Hawaii. It is a mattress in a box hence compressed and shipped in a box.
The manufacturer uses VPF™ ( variable pressure foaming ) process to construct its foam. It is an environment-friendly and highly controlled atmospheric pressure technique. The VPF™ helps to remove off-gassing.
The company offers a lifetime warranty and a free 100-night trial. During the trial period, the manufacturer expects you to try the mattress for at least 30 nights before it can be returned free of cost.
The MOLECULE does not provide white glove delivery as of now.
Construction and Structure of MOLECULE Mattress
Let us look into the inner structure of both mattresses.
MOLECULE M1
Current Offer
40% Off Sitewide. Use Code: BYE2022).
Molecule M1 is a 3-layer design. It comes with a breathable cover that can be zipped off. The cover is 99% polyester and 1% elastane. The polymer is dynamic enough to adjust to the change in body temperature through the sleep cycle.
The mattress is constructed with three layers of polyurethane foam.
The first layer is a 2” RestoreFLO™ comfort layer. It is infused with gel-based microbeads for effective temperature and moisture management. This is open-cell memory foam for providing ample airflow and comfort in the MOLECULE 1 mattress.
The second layer is the 3” RecoveryFLO™ transition layer. MOLECULE 1 (M1) is a 3-zone dynamic response layer with smaller diamond zones around the head and feet for a softer feel. Larger hexagon zones in the center for additional lumbar support and pressure relief.
ContourFLO™ is the third layer with 7″ in thickness. It provides maximum support essential for spinal alignment and support.
MOLECULE M2
M2 cover is similar to M1 but it additionally comes with Microban AEGIS Microbe Shield® antimicrobial treatment.
MOLECULE 2 is a 4 layer design. The first layer is a 1″ BioCHARGE™ responsible for improving the circulation of air and known to increase oxygen consumption. This layer helps in better recovery and sleep.
The second layer is 2″ AIRTEC™. It is an advanced open-cell foam that is 5 times more effective than traditional memory foam mattresses when it comes to temperature regulation.
Both the mentioned layers provide consistent airflow even they are compressed.
The 3” RecoveryFLO™ is part of both MOLECULE 1 and MOLECULE 2. But there is a structural difference between Molecule 1 and Molecule 2.
MOLECULE 2 (M2) is a 5-zone dynamic response layer. The region around the head and feet has varying hexagon zone density for head and leg region support. The center has larger hexagon zones for lumbar support. This transition layer is effective in providing proper pressure relief.
The fourth layer is a 6″ ContourFLO™ which provides a firm base and acts as the foundation of the mattress. It helps in neutral spine alignment.
Firmness ( feel and experience )
Molecule mattresses can be classified as medium-firm or slightly firm which means they should suit all types of sleepers and are particularly preferred firmness for back and stomach sleepers. We would like to have a special mention of the top layer with ILD 9 (Indentation Load Deflection). The ILD being well below 12 makes it very soft to touch and feel.
The firmness is provided by the remaining two layers. The transition layer and core layer provide the firm experience with some bounce. The bottom layers provide ample support and hold the body after the initial comfort from the first layer.
The difference between the 3-zone and 5-zone middle foam layers and the extra thickness of ContourFLO™ in Molecule 1 makes M1 a little firmer than M2.
Spine Health
Both M1 and M2 provide good support to the spine in all positions. The top soft layer and bottom layer effectively maintain the spine alignment.
Back sleepers and side sleepers will find the mattresses quite comfortable due to the contouring and pressure relief provided by the shoulder and hip region. It handles stress extremely well and provides relief in pressure areas.
It is a mattress for stomach sleepers as they will find comfort and support but heavy stomach sleepers may find it a little softer. Although in our test, we were convinced the pressure area of the hips was well supported. But one of our team members, who is considerably heavier than the rest of us, was not fully convinced.
So heavier people can avail themselves of a risk-free 100-night trial so that they are fully satisfied.
Motion Transfer
Molecule 1 and Molecule 2 are all-foam mattresses hence providing excellent motion isolation. Whether it’s you or your partner, moving in and out of bed, the co-sleeper will sleep peacefully. You can toss and turn on the bed without the fear of disturbing the sleep of your partner.
This is the highlight of the MOLECULE
Edge Support
Edge support is generally not the strong point of memory foam or bed-in-box mattresses. We were happily surprised to see it perform under the acceptable range. There is considerable compression when you sit on the edge. But it holds well and you don’t feel insecure even if you are sitting for a longer time.
Size and Dimensions Table
| SIZE | DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT |
| Twin | 75”L X 39”W X 12.25”H, 55LBS |
| Twin XL | 80”L X 39”W X 12.25”H, 56 LBS |
| Full | 75”L X 54”W X 12.25”H, 73 LBS |
| Queen | 80”L X 60”W X 12.25”H, 87 LBS |
| King | 80”L X 76”W X 12.25”H, 114 LBS |
| Cal King | 84”L X 72”W X 12.25”H, 114 LBS |
Molecule 1 vs Molecule 2
| Molecule 1 | Molecule 2 |
| 3 layer design | 4-layer design with BioCHARGE™ crystal layer |
| RecoveryFLO™ – 3 zone adaptive support layer | RecoveryFLO™ 5 zone adaptive support layer |
| Normal adaptive cooling cover | Cooling cover with Microban® antimicrobial treatment |
| Better airflow than memory foam | AirTEC™ provides better cooling with 5x more airflow. |
| Slightly more firm than Molecule 2 | Medium-Firm |
Common Questions About Molecule Mattress
Is it recommended for stomach sleepers?
The mattress is medium in firmness which is ideal for stomach sleepers but the top layer is soft so very heavy people may face issues. In our review process, we notice an average of heavy people is quite comfortable.
Is a MOLECULE mattress only for athletes?
A Molecule mattress is a normal mattress and can be used by everyone. MOLECULE has few renowned athletes as brand ambassadors hence the confusion. Molecule’s key selling feature is to fully recover your body during sleep. So any person living an active lifestyle ( like athletes do ) needs proper rest and recovery.
Which MOLECULE mattress is more firm M1 or M2?
MOLECULE 1 is slightly more firm in feel due to its 3-zone middle layer and a thicker base layer.
Is it required to flip and rotate the MOLECULE?
No flipping but yes you need to rotate MOLECULE every 6 months.
Molecule Mattress vs Casper Mattress
| MOLECULE | CASPER |
|---|---|
| Expensive | Comparatively cheaper than Molecule |
| 12” but 3 or 4 layers. | 12” but 4 layered. |
| Slightly firm | It is medium to medium-firm |
| No white glove delivery | Free white glove delivery |
Sleep Quality
The proprietary technology, Air Engineered ™, positions the mattress as temperature regulating. It optimizes sleep and recovery. Our experience was in line with brand positioning. You can expect good quality sleep irrespective of your sleeper type.
Final Thoughts
In our feedback from past customers, we got positive reviews mostly. We got in touch with customer care without disclosing our position as reviewers. We found them quick and helpful.
The MOLECULE scored well in firmness, motion transfer, and quality of sleep. The mattresses are competitively priced in their segment. Overall we are happy with MOLECULE.
We are waiting to review the MOLECULE CopperWell Bed in the next few months when it is launched
Highly recommended!
